Boys Before Flowers: Episode 10
by javabeans
And the ratings break the 30% mark!
TNS and AGB are the two media research companies that collect ratings, and typically their numbers are reasonably close. (I tend to go by TNS as more accurate, but that’s just me.) This time, the difference is rather noticeable: TNS records a 30.5%, while AGB has 26.7%. In any case, Boys Before Flowers is still hangin’ out in first place.
Episode 10 wasn’t perhaps as giddifying as 9, but I quite enjoyed it. Some pretty nice conversations.
SONG OF THE DAY
Outsider – “Perfect Love.” Maybe this song would be better if it didn’t sound like they were rapping about a “purr-pect rub.” I am trying to ignore that so I can enjoy it anyway. (I appreciate how well the rap incorporates a saying I particularly like, that “There’s no such thing in this world as a perfect man and perfect woman, just a perfect love made by an imperfect man and imperfect woman.”) [ Download ]
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EPISODE 10 RECAP
Yi-jung finishes his saxophone performance to much applause, because I suppose the musical display was supposed to be riveting, or something. (I’m going with “something.”)
Su-pyo notices the pretty girl standing nearby and starts to hit on her, not recognizing Ga-eul at first. When he does, he says with an impressed look that she should’ve done herself up before (read: she’s no longer boring now that she’s hot). He proposes they leave together.
Now knowing him for the douchebag he is, Ga-eul doesn’t appreciate his attention, and is thankfully interrupted by Yi-jung’s arrival. He asks if the guy is bothering her and whether she knows him. Ga-eul takes her cue from Yi-jung’s small head shake, which indicates the role she is to play, and answers, “No, I don’t know him.”
Yi-jung offers his hand, announcing to everyone, “This young lady is the one who stole my heart… Miss Ga-eul, don’t trouble yourself anymore and come to me now.”
You know, delivering crap dialogue well is a skill. I was embarrassed for Kim Bum, but he somehow manages to say such cheesiness with a straight face.
Ga-eul takes his hand and they leave the club. Outside, Yi-jung puts his scarf around her neck, saying, “This may be an act, but we may as well act it out fully.”
Act or no, Ga-eul is touched by Yi-jung’s help. Thus on the day before Valentine’s Day, she busies herself gathering materials to make chocolate (to give to a guy). At Jan-di’s interested questioning, Ga-eul answers that she’ll give hers to someone to whom she feels thankful. Ga-eul asks whether Jan-di plans to make any chocolate for Jun-pyo, and hands her some of her supplies, urging her to. Jan-di considers, then swipes more of Ga-eul’s stash for her use.
(There’s a little detour that’s not explained yet, but I suppose it will figure in future episodes. Basically, an old man enters, grumpily orders jajangmyun — which isn’t on the menu — and insists until the ajusshi makes him a bowl anyway. The man says it sucks, pays with one fish, and leaves saying he’ll want fish stew next time. The girls taste their boss’s jajangmyun, which is surprisingly good. I’m guessing the old man is their boss’s father or teacher or somebody.)
Remembering Ga-eul’s explanation for giving her chocolate to someone she’s thankful to, Jan-di thinks of who she’s thankful to, and STUPID GIRL WHY ARE YOU THINKING OF JI-HOO?
But phew, Jan-di busies herself making her Valentine’s Day offering — and omona, they’re curly-haired Jun-pyo chocolates! Adorable. I like how a bunch of them have disgruntled expressions on their faces.
Jan-di calls Jun-pyo out (to a Shinhwa building) to give him the candies, trying to play off her nervousness when he opens the box. In the moment of speechlessness while he takes in the curly-haired faces, Jan-di mumbles, “I was going to give it to someone else, but these are the ones that got messed up…”
But you can tell he’s touched, and even refuses to let her eat one.
Then, the Valentine’s Day event begins, showing us why Jan-di picked this particular spot to meet Jun-pyo.
It’s a couples event with a cell phone as a prize; the challenge requires one half of the couple to lift the other for as long as possible. Jun-pyo approaches this task unenthusiastically, but Jan-di is eager to win. He grumbles that they can just buy phones, to which she says she’d prefer to win one with her own skill. (He retorts that this is using his skill.)
After AnyPop and JandiCall, they must really, really not want to give AnyCall any free exposure. (Btw, I am assuming her cell was a gift from Jun-pyo and therefore find it endearing that he labeled her phone “JandiCall.”)
But as this is sponsored by Shinhwa Group, Madam CEO happens to pass by, and recognizes one participant.
Wow, she does the death glare really, really well. That woman could curdle milk with one stare.
Spotting the angry Madam Kang, Jan-di shrinks back, letting go and falling from Jun-pyo’s back. Jun-pyo is forcibly ushered out of the building by his mother’s employees and sent home.
Meanwhile, Ga-eul waits outside Yi-jung’s studio with her chocolates. Her girlish anticipation fizzles when he arrives with two older ladies on his arm. Seeing the bag she carries, one of the girls guesses they’re Valentine’s chocolates. They’re all very nice to her, but it’s almost worse that way; she tries, unsuccessfully, to turn down the invitation to step inside for some tea.
Ga-eul feels worse to see the huge mound of Valentine’s gifts on his table. It particularly stings when Yi-jung tells her casually, “Leave yours there, too.”
Upset, she excuses herself and leaves quickly. Yi-jung follows her out.
Reading the situation correctly, he says, gently but firmly, “Acting is just acting. It creates trouble if you misunderstand.” He takes the chocolates from her: “Until you meet the one you’re fated to be with, I’ll keep these. Thanks.” After he leaves, Ga-eul wipes away her tears.
Gloomily, Jan-di walks home carrying her bag of chocolates. She’s hunched in the middle of the sidewalk when Ji-hoo drives up on his motorcycle and announces, “Did you call for a driver?”
No, he’s not psychic — Jun-pyo called him as he was dragged home and asked Ji-hoo to pick Jan-di up. When Ji-hoo drops her off at home, he senses her troubled mood and asks her to call him if something happens, “although I hope you won’t have to.”
Madam Kang looks through a stack of photos showing Jun-pyo with Jan-di, and is apprised of Jan-di’s family situation. She’s displeased that Mr. Jung hadn’t reported this earlier. Perhaps covering up his sympathy for Jun-pyo, Mr. Jung answers that he’d assumed Jun-pyo was just picking on the girl.
Jun-pyo bursts in to face his mother and says, sternly, “Don’t mess with that girl.”
Madam Kang affects a blasé attitude (though she loses her temper at the end) as she says that a busy person in her position can’t be bothered with something so worthless.
Jun-pyo says, “Then we’re fine,” and leaves. Madam Kang instructs Mr. Jang, “Make preparations immediately.”
Jun-pyo drops by Ji-hoo’s house (and spots the chocolates on Ji-hoo’s table, which Jan-di left behind after he’d given her a ride home). Ji-hoo takes one and purposely bites into it, provoking Jun-pyo to grab at the other half and exclaim, “Don’t eat that!”
I like Ji-hoo best when he’s eating Jun-pyo’s things. It’s a pretty specific role to play, but he’s much funnier as the droll sidekick than a main character.
In any case, Jun-pyo has dropped by to talk things over with Ji-hoo. He worries, “Why am I so uneasy? It feels like something’s going to happen to her. What I’m most afraid of is that in the moment she comes into danger, I might not know it.”
Ji-hoo says reassuringly, “Don’t worry. You know Jan-di’s not weak. Don’t be afraid, either. You’ve always got us behind you.”
‘Bout freaking time we saw some genuine bonding scenes between these two. Better late than never?
Madam Kang drops in unexpectedly on the Geum family. In a tone of polite (though cold) civility, she sounds fairly reasonable, and Jan-di’s parents agree wholeheartedly, as she describes herself as a concerned mother who must make her son’s success a priority. Her tone is so mannered that it takes them a moment to register her words when she asks, “Do you know what’s most important in growing grass?”
Blankly, they wonder what she’s driving at, and she continues: “Cutting out the weeds. The most important thing is pulling the weeds, which do more harm than good, out by the roots.”
Mom asks, “Are you saying our Jan-di is a weed?” Madam Kang replies, “I’m glad it seems you understood.”
Although weeds are usually killed, Madam Kang proposes something else — and sets out a briefcase of money: 300 million won (approximately $220,000). She can provide more if they want, as this is all in the service of her son. Mr. Jung lays out a contract, which states that “I declare that I will give up all association with Gu Jun-pyo.”
The family is speechless. An insulted Mom grabs a bowl of salt and dumps it all over Madam Kang’s head. She demands, “Get out immediately!” Madam Kang warns, “You’ve made a huge mistake.”
The family applauds Mom for sticking to her principles, valuing their pride and honor over money. But Mom dashes those gallant images by insisting that no, money is the most important thing in the world — screw pride!
She explains that if Jan-di eventually marries Jun-pyo, all of Shinhwa Group becomes hers too — ergo 300 million won is way too small a number with which to be bought off. Glad to know Mom’s got a high selling point.
At school, Jan-di emerges from another stress-relieving swim, half-expecting to see Ji-hoo waiting for her. She wanders until she comes to an auditorium, where Ji-hoo practices at the piano. He invites her to play along before taking her home.
She smiles at him warmly when he drops her off, prompting him to wonder, “Why are you looking at me like that?” Jan-di responds, “It’s curious. Whenever my heart sounds the emergency alarm, you always appear.” (You mean, whenever your heart seeks him out and then rings its alarm in his general vicinity, right? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think she’s falling for Ji-hoo, but I do think turning to Ji-hoo instead of Jun-pyo is a hairy issue.)
Things take a turn for the worse when Jan-di’s parents receive word that their dry-cleaning business is being evicted. Their landlord’s son — who’s been unemployed for seven years — has been given a job by Shinhwa Group. Clearly Madam Kang is exercising some of her economic muscle. Furthermore, all the realtors have been warned not to rent to them.
Forced out of business, the Geum family rallies, taking to peddling food in the street to passing cars. Each family member sets out with gusto to sell coffee and snacks (Mom a little less so, shrinking back in embarrassment).
Madam Kang is aware of this latest development, and because she is sadistically eeeeevil, she orders her car to drive by. She’s dragged Jun-pyo along with her to make her point clear, then orders Mr. Jung to buy some rice snacks from the vendors.
Unhappily though dutifully, Mr. Jung complies, and Jan-di bounds over to offer the snacks. She takes a moment to recognize who’s inside the car — at which point her smile fades, replaced by an uncomfortable laugh.
Jun-pyo’s eyes widen in shock and he starts to get out of the car, but his mother grabs his hand tightly to hold him back. Jan-di watches the car pull away, trying to tamp down her hurt.
Mom maintains her grip on Jun-pyo’s hand, overriding Jun-pyo’s order for the driver to stop the car.
Does anyone else get creepy Manchurian Candidate vibes from Mama Kang here? I wasn’t expecting a Freudian/Oedipal element to present itself in this drama, but [smallvoice] I kind of like it [/smallvoice]. (Or is it reverse Oedipal, since it’s mother-to-son, instead of the other way around?) It makes her seem even creepier and more vindictive.
But Jun-pyo shakes off his mother’s hand and yells at the driver to stop. Leaving his mother glowering, Jun-pyo storms out of the car and walks straight for Jan-di, thinking, “Geum Jan-di, stay right there. Please just stay.”
Jan-di stands frozen in surprise, in the middle of the road, watching his approach.
(The scene is backlit horribly and the faces are almost impossible to make out (hehe, make out), so I’m using promo shots instead…)
I really like this next scene, so I’m just going to translate all of it.
Jun-pyo: “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Jan-di: “So you could you push money at me again and say, ‘How much do you need?'”
Jun-pyo: “If your dry-cleaning business is in trouble, you can set up another one. Why embarrass—“
He catches himself, but Jan-di knows what he meant.
Jan-di: “Yeah. I — no — my family probably is embarrassing. But I’m not sorry for any of it.”
Jun-pyo: “What I mean…”
Jan-di: “Us dating and my family circumstances are different things. Plus, you can’t do everything for me your way just because you’re my boyfriend.”
Jun-pyo: “Then what should I do? Should I just watch as your whole family sells snacks on the street?”
Jan-di: “Yeah. Just watch.”
Jun-pyo: “What?”
Jan-di: “Don’t do anything and just watch, if you want to be my boyfriend.”
Jun-pyo: “Oi, Dry Cleaner.”
Jan-di: “It’s been a long time since you’ve called me that. But you know, I’m not a dry cleaner’s daughter anymore.”
Jan-di says the last bit with a bit of a smile, but Jun-pyo addresses her solemnly.
Jun-pyo: “Geum Jan-di. I’m not saying this to scare you, and there’s no reason for you to be afraid. Just know this. My witch of a mother is someone who’s capable of doing anything, at any time.”
Jan-di: “It seemed like it.”
Jun-pyo: “Promise me.”
Jan-di: “Promise what?”
Jun-pyo: “If something happens, you’ll tell me right away.”
Jan-di (nodding): “Okay.”
Jun-pyo: “One more thing. No matter what happens, you won’t run away from me.”
At that, Jan-di responds in a joking tone:
Jan-di: “Now that, I can’t promise.”
Jun-pyo: “What?”
Jan-di: “You know, I’ve wanted to run away a few times, but it was because of you, not your mother.”
Jun-pyo: “Hey!”
Jan-di: “I’ll promise. Whatever happens, your mother won’t be a reason for that.”
Jun-pyo: “It’s a good thing you’re Geum Jan-di.”
Jan-di: “Why?”
Jun-pyo: “I’m really glad that the commoner gangster Geum Jan-di is my girlfriend.”
Now his mood lightens: “That promise really puts my mind at ease.”
Jan-di offers Jun-pyo a can of coffee, which he takes. He grabs her hand and they walk off together. Later, at home, Jun-pyo takes out the coffee and stares at it, lost in thought.
(And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee.)
Jan-di hustles in search of another part-time job, which is the only reason she entertains an idea suggested by a sleazy-looking restaurant customer who asks how old she is. He’s disappointed to hear that she’s only in high school (therefore a minor), because he has a business that often hires (university-age) students, and he really likes her look.
After some hesitation, Jan-di asks how much he pays, and accepts his card.
More trouble awaits the Geum family when a group of thugs arrives at the curb where Jan-di’s parents have set up their makeshift snack stand.
They ask threateningly, “Who said you could operate here?” and proceed to overturn the stand and destroy all their goods.
Like I said, I much prefer Ji-hoo as the dryly amusing sidekick, which is a role he again fills, this time with Yi-jung. He asks to borrow Yi-jung’s phone, then slyly dials a number. When a female voice answers, Ji-hoo hands the phone to a bemused Yi-jung.
Recognizing Ga-eul’s voice, Yi-jung shoots Ji-hoo a dirty look but is forced to answer calmly.
Afterward, Ji-hoo drops by the gas station where Jan-di has taken up another part-time job. She has a cheerful attitude, saying she’s fine and not overworking herself. When her nose starts bleeding, he points out that her body betrays her lie, and dabs at her nose with his handkerchief, saying, “It’s upsetting” (which suggests he’s the one troubled by her situation). He covers that by adding, “If I were Jun-pyo, I would be upset.”
She asks him not to tell Jun-pyo about this, because “I want to take care of my part, so I feel things are fair.” Ji-hoo sighs, “I envy Jun-pyo,” then leaves.
Jan-di feels even more burdened when she learns that her brother, who is teased by schoolmates, has been skipping lunch at school to save money. Jan-di asks why he didn’t tell her, but he feels bad for all the work she’s been doing — she delivers newspapers and milk in the morning, works at the restaurant in the afternoon, and the gas station at night.
That prompts her to take out the business card from the sleazy customer for a business called Enjoy Productions. Finding the company’s “office,” Jan-di takes a look around the questionable setting.
Jan-di steps inside hesitantly, calling out, “Is anybody here?” And then the door slams shut behind her.
COMMENTS
I’ve been waiting for this series to drop its cutesy, overacting antics and go for some real drama — I know, so not the manga spirit!, but that’s what I feel Korean dramas do best. It’s also a way this series can make its mark in an already sprawling universe.
We don’t need a carbon copy of all the other versions, because then what would be the point? The Japanese Hanadan was an excellent live-action interpretation of an exaggerated, sometimes silly manga storyline. What I wanted to see was how this version could adapt the story we all know but make it its own.
I’m not saying it’s there yet, but I think we’re taking a bit of a turn. I hope they don’t go overboard with the dramatics, but I prefer that to slapstick overload. Gu Hye-sun is actually a pretty good dramatic actor, but for some reason they’ve been forcing her to act jokesy, which doesn’t use her to her best advantage. Jan-di, for instance, is growing on me more now that she’s not so exaggerated.
Also, I appreciate what they did with Ga-eul and Yi-jung, even if the budding relationship took a step back (or at least a step sideways), because I think this sets us up nicely for the future. After all, Ga-eul strikes me as a smart cookie, and she learns from her mistakes. The first time she was dazzled by Yi-jung’s appeal, she quickly revised her opinion when he seemed to look down on Jan-di. It wasn’t until he went out of his way to help her that she started to look at him differently and entertain a bit of a crush. Now that she’s seen him for who he really is — not a bad guy, just not the sweet image she’d built up in her head — she’s going to be wary of him in the future. Which means, if (when?) Yi-jung finds himself wanting to win her over for real, boy is he going to have to work for it. Right?
RELATED POSTS
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 9
- News bites: January 28, 2009 (Boys Before Flowers edition)
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 8
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 7
- A closer look at Boys Before Flowers scripts
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 6
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 5
- Behind the scenes with Kim Bum in New Caledonia
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 4
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 3
- Cast members featured on Boys Before Flowers OST
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 2
- Boys Before Flowers: Episode 1
Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho
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51 Christine Cheng
February 3, 2009 at 8:43 PM
i like jh w. glasses and hair tied up :] gives him a cleaner and less...kinda gay look. (not that im implying anything haha just that i cant think of a decent way to phrase taht)
cliffhanger.... D: noooo
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52 BOFfan
February 3, 2009 at 8:44 PM
HI Javabeans,
I think that old man at the Porridge restaurant is Ji Hoo's grandfather. I recognize the face as the one in the family picture, b/c I have seen him before in another K drama. I guess there will be some story line there. The PD did a great job in casting Jun Pyo's mom, as she has the perfect evil glare. Would not want to be her enemy. And Ji Hoo is continuing to grow on me now that his acting seems to be more natural and not so rigid.
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53 vieny
February 3, 2009 at 8:47 PM
i love the evil mom......:D
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54 hanamichi-san
February 3, 2009 at 8:48 PM
me want some jun pyo cookies! i agree with ji hoo and the bae young jun look. it really worked for him. no offense to ji hoo fans but he's my least fave among the F4's. sometimes his face even annoys me to death. but with episode 10, i found myself giggling with hiS "intellectual" look. soooo cute!
i guess this is like the part where we all have to wake up now. it kinda sucked for me, since i was ernestly enjoying the fantasy world. i hope yi jung and ga-eul end up together, (since i've only seen the taiwanese version) if i remember correctly shi-men and sanchai's bff(forgot the name) didn't even had the chance to properly date... hmmm
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55 EmpressPnai
February 3, 2009 at 8:49 PM
I just finished reading the rest of your recap and nearly died of laughter after reading this part....
"And now, I totally have this image in my mind of some desk drawer or cabinet in Jun-pyo’s room which houses a rotting apple, a half-eaten piece of chocolate, and a can of coffee."
Thanks Javabeans for your wonderful recaps and insights to korean dramas.
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56 sonam
February 3, 2009 at 8:50 PM
LOL....the image of rotting half eaten apple, can of coffee and half eaten cookie!
I agree I found the hand holding (I mean the mom scene) very intriguing....... Hmmmmmm...
The Kiss was such a disappointment. I was hoping they wouldn't do tricks like that. Also it was very like HYD ....the lighting. I really want to box the director's ears. Why couldn't he have kept it simple? The promo shots were just right. Also the slo-mo shots of LMH before the kiss was so cheesy. LMH is so cool .......but the director made him look cheesy.
I liked Jandi in this episode. She is really better at serious scenes. This was the first scene where we have seen her talk normally to JP. But I am still not feeling the chemistry. Maybe the director shouldn't cut away to another scene immediately after the kiss. It feels like the kisses never happened.
Eagerly waiting for the fiancee to show up. I will probably start bonding with Jandi then. I am so glad they have toned down on her multi color coordinated outfits. I found her very appealing in her sweatpants and hoodies....her scene with Rui.
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57 linda
February 3, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Normally i don't like the "FIRST!" posts, but i admit i'm giggling to read people here wondering if they're first and being, like, twentieth.
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58
February 3, 2009 at 8:52 PM
I really hope what you speculate on the Yi Jung / Ga Eul relationship is going to happen. If she's going to turn into some desperate crying maniac like so many dramas have showcased in the past, I don't think I can continue watching this.
I'm definitely liking Jan di's more dramatic character. The overly exaggerated acting really isn't suitable. One thing's been bugging me a lot in the past 10 episodes - Jan di barely ever looks at Jun Pyo... I'm missing a lot of eye contact action. And why is she constantly with Ji-hoo??? Doesn't she feels it's a bit weird? Doesn't Ji-hoo feels it's a bit weird?? What is going on? Is this a story about a romance between Jandi and Jun pyo or Jandi and Ji-hoo??
Overall, I just feel like editing is a bit awkward in the drama. The pacing / development just seems detached? chopped up? I don't know. But... in the end. I know I'll be watching this next week!
THANKS!!!
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59 anna
February 3, 2009 at 8:53 PM
That last line is so Korean drama.
But I really do hope not ..that's kind of out of character for Yi-Jung. I hope they just leave it as is. I'm one of the few that don't care much for their romance. I like how it is in other versions. Keep it clean; no cheese please. Those Yi-jung's lines just kill me, not in a good way.
Why are they keep trying to push/hint at a Jandi/Jihoo relationship? He's always there to "rescue" her and that part where she thinks about him is just distracting.
Sorry, but I don't feel JP/JD's love as of right now. Maybe his, but not hers. Their chemistry is all right. It feels like she's more comfortable around JH than she is with JP.. who she's supposed to be in love with. O_O
I'm glad the drama is moving along. I'm not sure how long I can take those exaggerations and overactings.
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60 Jennifer
February 3, 2009 at 8:55 PM
I also felt the same way in regards to the scene between JP and his mother. I really hope they go there as it would add so much more complexity to their relationship. It would also explain why she felt so threatened by JD from the first moment she saw her, without knowing anything about her.
By the way, the actress playing the mother is amazing. Intimidating and dark. Thumbs up on the casting.
Good episode. But I was so disappointed with the kiss scene...how could they not show it?! Hell, even if it was a shot from far away...just give us something.
You know, Taiwanese idol dramas tend to only do cutsey scenes and it all feels so ridiculous to me. For some reason, the cutsey scenes in BBF makes me feel so giddy and brings me back to when I was a young idealistic teen. I like that feeling :)
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61 cranky
February 3, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I think Jihoo is acted better now is probably because it has more of Hyunjoong's own personality. HJ can act more like himself when Jihoo is written like this... ergo... HJ can't act(?)...
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62 sonam
February 3, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Oh I forgot one important thing I wanted to mention......I loved the cookies! But Rui eating the cookie is handled much better in Meteor Garden. That was like one of the best scenes in MG. Both Jerry and Vic were so natural and had great timing.
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63 cranky
February 3, 2009 at 9:00 PM
I think Jihoo is acted better now is probably because it has more of Hyunjoong's own personality. HJ can act more like himself when Jihoo is written like this... ergo... HJ can't act(?)...
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64 eray
February 3, 2009 at 9:00 PM
]Does anyone else get creepy Manchurian Candidate vibes from Mama Kang here? I wasn’t expecting a Freudian/Oedipal element to present itself in this drama, but [smallvoice] I kind of like it [/smallvoice]. (Or is it reverse Oedipal, since it’s mother-to-son, instead of the other way around?) It makes her seem even creepier and more vindictive. ]
I am right there with you. It was definately a bit of a situation. But when he forced his hand from hers and left..the look on her face made me literally say out loud."HAHA! Your kids hate you cause you're evil!"
Yi-jung likes Ga-eul! I don't care what anyone says! or what he says! He is such an ass but he likes her. I love how they are portraying her in this version. I want their happy ending!
DAMN! that song! (paradise) it ruined the moment for me!!! it ruins ALL of the moments for me.
So you completely rock for your site, your recaps are so on my favorite things list! Keep them coming! and Thanks bunches!
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65
February 3, 2009 at 9:06 PM
i do hope they explore the Yi Jung/Ga Eul angle a bit more here....yes! it would be really really exciting to see Yi Jung go after Ga Eul....
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66 Amy
February 3, 2009 at 9:07 PM
I always thought the blatant use of AnyCall phones -- seriously, all of F4 have the same exact phones and now Jandi has one too -- was because they DID get the product placement deal with AnyCall, but because they can't reveal brand names on screens (which is why the brand names on clothing/stores are blurred out in other kdramas) they just blurred it out in their own, er, creative way. But I could be way off base.
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67 lynn
February 3, 2009 at 9:07 PM
there's no woobin in this ep, i love him in the last ep when he was the messenger between junpyo and jandi.
and i don't recall seeing "jandicall" on jandi's phone, can anyone tell me when that was? (and to think i watch each ep for like 5 times, how can i miss that)
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68 eevee
February 3, 2009 at 9:10 PM
but [smallvoice] I kind of like it [/smallvoice].HAHAHAHAHAHA this part made me ROFL.
im glad u got ur funky back!! i missed ur humor in the previous episodes!!
and one more thing, i think its jihoo and jandi are supposed to be soulmates so that should explain why jandi thinks about him many times. its not really her fault. it doesnt mean she doesnt love junpyo. plus now its all jihoo's doing. he's silently by her side helping her because he knows he will step aside and let junpyo and jandi be together.
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69 Lena
February 3, 2009 at 9:14 PM
I'm one of the few who does not care for the Ga Eul-Yi Jeong relationship. I liked how it was in the manga, Soujiro is a playboy, he's moved by Yuki's determination but in the end, he's still the same playboy. I'd be disappointed with the drama if they change him completely and make him chase after her.. because that'd be so cliche (typical "girl changes playboy" storyline). However, with the way they changed the Ga Eul character and the background story about Yi Jeong's family (gives a reason to why he acts the way he does) .. I can't see this drama ending in any other way besides having the two get together. =T
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70 Kat
February 3, 2009 at 9:15 PM
I agree with you regarding Yijung-Gaeul. She's intelligent and definitely learns from her mistakes. And hopefully, if their story line would really turn out like "I'm-sorry-I-was-stupid-for-not-recognizing-that-I-love-you", Yijung would would really need to work hard for it and when that time comes I hope Gaeul wouldn't give in so easily. I would really like to see Kim Bum's charm working on the maximum. Hahaha.
Kim Bum already makes everyone swoon just by looking good, what more if he's trying his damnedest to charm the heart of the girl he likes? Although theirs is a side story, I'm more excited with it. Junpyo-Jandi would always be there but we already know what would happen to them right? As for Yijung and Gaeul and their story, I hope this is something the PDs would finish and give a happy ending too.
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71 Toya
February 3, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Javabeans.... I had my head propped up on my desk when I got to the “This young lady is the one who stole my heart…” part. Hilariously enough, my head made contact with the desk after reading the rest. LOL! That was so cheesy.
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72 Ranting.....
February 3, 2009 at 9:16 PM
Favorite scenes today for me were when Jihoo, again, bite the forbiden cookie trying to tease the heck out of JP..hahaha. Then he kinda tricked yijung to talk to Ga Eul. Both time he had that naughty look on his face lol. He's all in other people's bizwax. But that's how I like it. I think hat after epi. 10, Jihoo will appear even more as Jandi's protector. Can't wait!! Jihoo in glasses....cute!!! WOw, another high mark on the rating:)
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73 jenny
February 3, 2009 at 9:18 PM
yeah i definitely hope that ga eul will get together with yi jung in the end.. beucase i mean. ughh kim bum is just so cute he must get a girl!! HAHAH but idk.. about the whole freudal thing... i'm not realli feeling it.. now that u mention it i guess i can see it and its hella creepy but. i dont think they meant it to be that way lol
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74 Jane
February 3, 2009 at 9:19 PM
I really, really liked the Freudian-ness that was introduced in that car scene -- definitely one of my favorite scenes! I really liked Ji-Hoo in this episode, too.
Hey, did anyone feel kinda gypped after watching the kiss scene in this episode between Jun-Pyo and Jan-Di? LOL, I just got so amped-up after seeing all those promo pictures that I was disappointed when I actually saw the scene in the drama and you couldn't even see their faces.
Loved the interaction between Yi-Jung and Ga-Eul.
(Love this drama! :] )
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75 ice chocolate
February 3, 2009 at 9:20 PM
The kissing scene .. no wonder they have to advertise it before airing, it's too good to be true right? But at least, they let us know that Jun Pyo and Jan Di are kissing. I don't know, is it forbidden to k-drama for showing how to kiss? I only find the good kissing scene in Princess hours.
Jan Di's mom is so good. When she yells at Jun Pyo's mom, I thought she is so sincere (even I know, similar to Meteor Garden, she wants more), but the way she gets angry , is more convincing than San Chai's Mom.
And about Ji Hoo, I think it's a kind of symbolic that Ji Hoo want a little piece of Jan Di by always takes (or bites) Jun Pyo's gift. First, apple and now chocolate. But Jun Pyo always takes it back. Because Jan Di is his.
Thanks again for your recaps..
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76 Akiddo
February 3, 2009 at 9:22 PM
Thanks so much for your recap!
I loved episode 9 but the drama in episode 10 kind of brought the audience to the next phase. Mdm Kang is super solid. Her eyes - the way they bore into you - awesome acting!!
LOL on your half eaten apple line - my exact sentiments!
Totally agree that Goo Hye Sun does dramatic much better than comedy. The nuances in her expression and growing affection for GJP is apparent in episode 9 and 10. But the kiss...aish! I was waiting for a dramatic, passionate smooch - all i could see was the sun! Aish!!
Also liked the scenes between JiHoo and JanDi. The contrast between light and dark is very clear in this episode. JiHoo is like her guardian angel - always there to rescue, listen and support. The scene where he said he is heartbroken to see her suffering (that's the translation on viikii.net) at the petrol station - i really felt for him. And JanDi is so relaxed with him when playing the piano. Even his home is like a temple of peace compared to the dark Goo house of horror. Korean dramas usually have 2 main male leads for the female lead to choose. Also reference back to the fortune teller (in her New Caledonian dream) - one is soulmate, one is husband. Guess we will have the final answer in due time.
At this point in time - i am split 50-50 between the 2 men. Ji Hoo is so much more concerned and caring than his "predecessors". I think Hyun Joong's acting is pretty good for a first timer! But Jun Pyo is so so so passionate. JanDi will probably go with her heart. :D
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77 deeta
February 3, 2009 at 9:22 PM
One complain is, just how many times can Jihoo runs into Jandi?
I think we see Jandi with Jihoo more than Jandi and Junpyo this episode. I love Jihoo, but this encounters he keeps having with Jandi is good once or twice, but not over and over again. Is it a) a ploy to keep Hyunjoong's airtime or b)a foreshadowing for something else altogether in the future? I prefer evil Jihoo and the Jihoo who loves messing with his friends too. Heh..
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78 Renee
February 3, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Loved this week's episodes. Yay, cute dates & kissing (and impending DRAMA)! LMAO about the desk filled with rotting Jan Di mementos--you know he totally does.
I've always liked Jan Di, and grew to like Ji Hoo after episode 6, so it's nice that the drama's making their good points more apparent. For example, I'm glad Ji Hoo's so inexpressive--everyone always criticizes KHJ for that, but I feel that's one of the things he's doing right with his interpretation. It's truer to the source material, and makes Ji Hoo Jun Pyo's foil (Jun Pyo can't hide his emotions at all, while if Ji Hoo were more dead pan, he'd be dead).
Here at last, though, we finally see Ji Hoo's blankness as a) intentional, and b) enjoyable. His surface placidity makes his pranks unexpected & funny. (Also--does anyone else think the apple/apology was a dig/homage to the Japanese drama? Especially when Ji Hoo took a big manly bite out of it?)
And Jan Di's become prettier, tougher, and sweeter to Jun Pyo, so that's good.
One thing I'm curious about: even as Jan Di's promising to tell Jun Pyo if something happens, she hasn't told him that his mother tried to buy her off, and then forced her family's dry cleaners out of business when that didn't work. I don't know if Jan Di's promising to tell him things that happen from that point on, or if she's just lying to make him feel better. It'll be interesting to see if and when he finds out the extent of his mother's interference.
As for the sleazy photographer guy, it's one of Kim Sam-Soon's bad dates! I remember she said he looked like an owl (or maybe I said that). He still does.
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79 femmefataleartemis
February 3, 2009 at 9:25 PM
Seriously your recaps are sooooo freaking addicting to read..I look forward to them every weekend!!! =) Thanks for the caps and the summary
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80 elmo
February 3, 2009 at 9:28 PM
omggg i hope something good happens between ga eul and kim bum (i still dont know his character's name lol) all the other series just kind of suggested it and nothing happened, i dont know why but that's the most exciting part for me yay
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81
February 3, 2009 at 9:29 PM
I hope there will be a twist for the Gaeul & Yi Jung couple. They definitely should get together because there's no reason why they don't (forget about the family difference crap. If Jandi and Jun Pyo can be together in the end, so do they)
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82 chasen8888
February 3, 2009 at 9:30 PM
The situation with YiJung & Ga Eul is interesting, I think he wants to be her destined one (soulmate also indicates friendship , he wants more) but he's afraid to because of his father. In the manga and the Japanese HYD, they used a girlfriend to explain Soujiro's playboy tendencies. But I don't think the Korean drama is going to go with that version, I believe that the father's role and influence on what YiJung's impression of relationships on a whole will be the key. His father is an ass and YiJung has to grow up with someone like that who is a negative influence, not to mention the mother who had to suffer for it and seeing how it affected her. He does not want GaEul hurt b/c for 2 reasons (1) he has seen what happens to nice girls who enter relationships with daddy dearest (2) he fears becoming like pops. So he's cautious. Looking forward to how their relationship progress. Its a nice side story.
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83 dolly
February 3, 2009 at 9:32 PM
LOL, I think your summarys of BBF is funny and GREAT!!! I love it!!!
hahaha I predicted Ga-eul and Yi-jung relationship like that too!!! (he is going to do some hard chasing after he realizes)
Gosh I am addicted to this drama.
Thanks!!!! I always look forward to your summarys even if I watched the drama already.
Ga-eul and Yi-jung hwaiting!!!!!
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84 Javabeans
February 3, 2009 at 9:34 PM
#67, JandiCall:
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85 Hibiscus
February 3, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Why was there no Woo-bin in the episode at all? Tssk...tsk..tsk....He really gets no love from the writers at all and I'm not surprised why people barely notice him at all seeing as to how little line he has in every episode. Even Ga-eul gets more lines than him. I just hope we get to see more of Woo-bin in the remaining 14 episodes.
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86 Toya
February 3, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Am I the only one that feels that, personality wise, they kind of went with the Anime approach? I find myself remembering the Anime a lot as I watch the show.
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87 popcorn
February 3, 2009 at 9:41 PM
School! I can't even watch any episodes yet well...from episode 7.
I think I know the reason to Ji-Hoo's unbelievalbly hard-to-read expression. He is trying too hard to have that "blank" face. Afterall, the reason why I like Rui is because he doesn't really do much but stir up things. In the end, I feel bad for him because he is like a comfort chair for Makino whenever she is sad. I think such character is too good to be true so I like him the more I watch him.
Maybe this will happen to Ji-Hoo? :D
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88 Kels
February 3, 2009 at 9:46 PM
Do any of you think that that "poorly filmed" kiss with Jandi and JunPyo vaguely reminds us of that "sunset kiss" between Domyoji and Makino? lol.
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89 nomad
February 3, 2009 at 9:49 PM
okay, now i'm starting to feel at ease seeing that this drama is taking a form of it's own apart from other versions. i agree with GHY's acting, she was hard to swallow in previous episodes but now she is starting to grow on me...i'm so glad her character has finally toned down.
thanks for your recaps javabeans, entertaining as always! :)
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90 sonam
February 3, 2009 at 9:57 PM
I hated the scene where they play the game. JP looked like he was carrying a child on his back. They didn't look like a couple at all. But the scene after the kiss where they were walking kind of made up for it.
I am so annoyed with this director. He doesn't take care of the little details and always takes the easy way out. The success of BBF has got nothing to do with him.
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91 TRIPPLE
February 3, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Kudos to you...
Since I found your blog about a month ago, I haven't miss it even for a day. I alway look forward to read new things from your point of view.
Thank again, cause I don't understand the language (except for the common words that been used in dramas). So from reading your recap, I can understand while watching the drama even without english subs.
BTW, have you stop recapping Star's Lover? I thought it is only for 16 episodes, but after watching the 16th, it seems the story hasn't come to an end. Please review.
Thanksss...
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92 Resa
February 3, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I'm finding myself looking forward to your recaps and reviews as much as I look forward to new eps.
I like my meta insightful and spiced with a little snark - and you never fail to deliver! Thanks!!! Am looking forward to next week.
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93 gailt
February 3, 2009 at 10:02 PM
me too. i'm liking how they are treating the yijung-gaeul storyline, and i'm looking forward to when (hopefully) yijung will have to work harder to win gaeul.
junpyo's mom's death glare is really something. i wonder how JP and JD will win her over.
i don't know why but it cracked me up how the couple who won (sorta by forfeit) the cellphone promo had the lady carrying the man.
thanks for the recaps.
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94 stranger
February 3, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Thanks for the recap. You're the best.
I have to say that in the Japanese Hanadan the main female character, Makino, was the one who drove the drama along and really took center-stage while the male character (Domioji) was more cartoonish. I feel like the Korean one has flipped that and made the main male character, Jun-pyo, as its greatest appeal while .Jandi is more cartoonish. I don't mind, but I do agree that I wish the drama was slightly more realistic and utilized Goo Hye Sun's superb drama skills.
I'm really looking forward to the second half of the drama because I think it'll depart from the Japanese storyline are truly take on an identity of its own. I hope the writer weaves in current issues (societal, economic, political) into the second half that will illuminate Korean culture and society while making the drama more realistic and provocative. (The 2nd season of Hanadan was brilliant because of this. It really showed Japanese societal problems, like the economic recession at the time, and how these problems create pressures and tensions among the characters. It was realistic and audiences could definitely relate to it in their own lives.) Perhaps the script writer will weave in the present global economic meltdown, or not. I just don't want to see this drama end up being a lame melodrama of a love tug-of-war (aka Bad love).
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95 ice chocolate
February 3, 2009 at 10:07 PM
If the old man is Ji Hoo's Grandpa, doesn't mean that he is a former President? If I'm not mistaken, Ji Hoo's family comes from presidential clan.
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96 queen bee
February 3, 2009 at 10:08 PM
OMG freaky...Ji-hoo with the glasses and ponytail reminds me of Bae Young Joon haha.
I can't wait for Yi Jung and Ga Eul's story to develop further!!! Thanks for the recap, Javabeans!
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97 Mai
February 3, 2009 at 10:09 PM
Ah... Finally, an episode dramatic enough to qualify as a Korean drama! =) Haha, but I did enjoy this episode, though... Goo Jun Pyo is really proving to everyone that he knows what he wants and he'll do what he needs to do to get what he wants and I love Geum Jandi for being the stronger person that she is and I know Jun Pyo loves it too. He needs someone who can handle his SCARY mama. Haha, but I loved Ji Hoo in this episode, he was so cute especially with Yi Jung and Ga Eul, goshers it was just too cute. [Hyun Joong's expression. LOL]
I feel bad for Ga Eul, I mean girl really gives her all when she wants to.. But it seems to always be wasted on such guys. Although, I think Yi Jung just doesn't realize his attraction towards Ga Eul yet and I agree with you, girl learns from her mistakes and if he tries to pursue her later, she'll make it alot harder because of his insensitivity, I would say.... Because when she waited like probably hours for him, he almost carelessly tells her to put hers with the rest of the chocolates, I'm sorry but that was just rude to me. Even if you're just friends, at least be a little more appreciative and not make the girl feel like she's just one of those other girls that doesn't even exist in your life. GOSH, sorry for my ranting but I felt like Yi Jung was being insensitive towards Ga Eul and it just makes me pity her. =/
BUT this episode was sweet in a whole different way? If that made any sense but can't wait for the next episode! =D
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98 iluvdramas
February 3, 2009 at 10:16 PM
i've already seen the episode with english subtitle but i still read your recaps.
i'm hoping they continue to build the story on Yi Jung and Ga Eul. I've seen the other 2 versions and this is something i hoping to happen in the korean version, a happier ending for the heroine's best friend.
cant wait for the next episode ^_^
thanks alot for the recaps!
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99 gracelee
February 3, 2009 at 10:18 PM
I thought the only reason Ji-Hoo used Yi-jung's phone was to get info as to the whereabouts of Jandi thru her friend?
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100 Shrimp
February 3, 2009 at 10:21 PM
yay! I can finally breathe...twas just last night that i've written somethin' about my "MadamKangaphobia" and episode 10 absoeffinlutely scared the sh*t out of me hahaha!
3 things:
1. yes i also found it a bit disturbing, the car scene where madam kang held his son's hand like a pathetic/obsessed/suicidal girlfriend who doesnt wanna let go of her man. yes the scene was a bit disturbing *for me*. It actually reminded me of this drama "Majo no Jouken"
2. whereda heck is Woo bin? ionno but, im kinna missin' this sun shiny dude!
3. "Basically, an old man enters, grumpily orders jajangmyun"--i'm thinking, since some of the scenes in this drama, ive also seen in Meteor Garden , then im guessing, the old man is also looking for his lost love and Jandhi will help him find the girl who used to eat "jajangmyun" with him in that resto...perhaps "used-to-be-chinese-resto-now-porrdge-house*.
Thanks for the recap. Btw Is valentine's day in Korea also celebrated during the 14th of February? coz i think Koreans have 2 Valentine's day or whatev it's called *correct me if im wrong*;like this certain month the girl's the one who gives choclates to her man then the following month it'd be the guys turn...?
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