Boys Before Flowers: Episode 11

226 February 9, 2009January 24, 2016

by javabeans

I was really annoyed with Episode 11 for the first half. I mean, REALLY dissatisfied. What happened to character continuity, yo?

At least the second half made it better. Not ALL better, but it helped erase the irritation wrought by the first part.

(The viewers didn’t seem to mind, though — yet again, ratings hit a new high with a 31.5%. Also, I have noticed the music is improved in this episode.)

SONG OF THE DAY

Byul – “니가 떠난다” (You’re Leaving) [ Download ]

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EPISODE 11 RECAP

Thinking to do something nice for Jan-di, Jun-pyo supplies the pool with scented salts, soap, and froofy spa items. Does he think she’s going to be settling in for a foaming bubble bath in a chlorinated pool? I suppose when you harbor a pathological fear of swimming, you end up hazy on the concept.

Yi-jung notices that he doesn’t seem happy. Jun-pyo answers, “I’m annoyed that this is all I can do for her.”

At the tawdry Enjoy Productions, Jan-di is persuaded to pose for what she is told is an academy (hagwon) brochure, despite the obvious warning signs. If the skeezy lighting and set decoration weren’t warning enough, aren’t the stuffed animals in fetishwear a telltale clue? I’m convinced that Episode 11 Jan-di is part cute tough girl, part idiot. Actually, minus the tough.

The shoot starts off tame enough — she’s dressed in a school uniform but asked to wear bunny ears — and then the two pervy ajusshis ask her to change into her next costume. Thankfully the writer remembers that Jan-di at least has half a brain, because she puts her foot down at the playboy bunny outfit.

The creepy men insist she continue and advance slowly, jazz hands waggling like they’re about to tickle her to death. Jan-di apparently forgets she is master of the high-flying spinning back kick, because all she does is shrink back and cower (what, did she lose part of her courage along with part of her brain?), waiting for someone to save her.

Thankfully, someone does. This is a guy she had bumped into on her way inside the building, who for whatever reason has sensed her trouble. He grabs Jan-di and ushers her outside.

He walks her home but declines to identify himself, saying that they’ll be meeting soon anyway, at which time he’ll introduce himself properly. He leaves saying, “Good night, Geum Jan-di sshi.”

Ga-eul and Jan-di puzzle over how her “black knight” knows her. Then Ga-eul and their boss drool over a hot new model on TV, the mysterious “Haje” (pronounced “ha jay”). Gee, I wonder who that could be.

At school, Jan-di’s grumbling stomach and the wafting smell of food lead her to an empty storeroom, where ramen is cooking. She calls out a greeting (and gets no response), then sneaks a taste because she’s starving. Uh, I’m pretty sure it’s a bad idea to eat anything out of an unknown pot in an unknown room, but like I said, it’s like Jan-di’s half-brain-dead for this episode. She eats.

The ramen owner/cooker walks in, catching her mid-bite — and she recognizes him as the black knight. This is Lee Jae-ha, looking mighty different from the cool, collected guy who’d helped her. He addresses Jan-di as “sunbae” (he’s a first-year, so probably 16 or 17) and confesses he’s her fan, seeing how she stood up to F4 like a “commoners’ hero.”

Jae-ha explains that he intentionally adopted a nerdy appearance at school, wanting to go unnoticed, since he doesn’t care for any of the people here anyway. Jan-di laughs because she can identify with that, and Jae-ha eagerly agrees that they’re from the same world. Since she was looking for work, he mentions a decent-paying gig doing errands at a photo shoot, which she accepts.

Jae-ha acts the part of the unassuming outsider when he bumps into Jun-pyo and apologizes profusely — but we see a flash of something darker when he glares at Jun-pyo’s back.

Jun-pyo comments how he’s barely seen Jan-di recently, and intends to whisk her off to Hokkaido for a short weekend jaunt. Thinking of her new job, Jan-di fumbles for an excuse, seizing on Ga-eul’s birthday — it’s their long-standing tradition for her to spend the night.

(I can see why she’d be uncomfortable telling Jun-pyo the truth — she may just not want him to worry after declining his financial help. But if this is her intention, the drama shows it poorly — because by lying, it makes it seem this is about Jae-ha more than the job, which makes me very, very cranky with Jan-di.)

Disappointed, Jun-pyo grumbles, “Am I more important, or Ga-eul?” Immediately, she answers, “Ga-eul,” then forces a laugh and promises to call.

On his way to his studio, Yi-jung spots Ga-eul at the door and keeps himself out of view as she walks away, watching her leave with a troubled expression. On the doorstep, he finds a bag she’d left, and the contents bring a smile to his face.

Yi-jung heads to a cake shop to buy a red heart-shaped cake, then catches up to Ga-eul on the street corner. She must be the slooooowest walker ever. Presenting her with the cake and flowers, he wishes her a happy birthday (to which she responds, “Huh?”).

Okay, this modeling job irritated me because it makes Jan-di seem like an idiot. First, she arrives with the nerdy Jae-ha, surprised that everyone knows him so well. Her job is to organize the jumbled clothing, and she looks at Jae-ha in shock when he walks out dolled up as Haje, looking hot and broody in his studded black leather and guyliner.

Although Jan-di had seen through the nerd glasses to recognize her dark knight, apparently she could not connect the dots to link her dark knight to Haje. (Ha-jae = Jae-ha, get it?)

After Haje’s shoot ends, the photographer asks who Jan-di is (Haje replies, “My girlfriend”; Jan-di contradicts him). The photographer comments on how good they look together and asks if Jan-di’s interested in modeling. Haje still needs a partner for an upcoming shoot, and they like how Jan-di looks with him.

When she hears how much the job pays, Jan-di agrees.

At Ji-hoo’s place, Jun-pyo stews over being pushed aside for Ga-eul, and how Jan-di’s always busy with activities except meeting him. Ji-hoo lets Jun-pyo rant, but his observant eye is drawn to Haje’s CF on television, and seems to recognize him.

Jun-pyo falls asleep in Ji-hoo’s bed, and Ji-hoo tucks him in. It’s cute, and I expect Jun-hoo (Ji-pyo?) fanvids any moment now.

After the photo shoot, Jae-ha and Jan-di chat over ramen in the early dawn hours. He mentions that his older brother would have liked Jan-di too, so she comments that they must be close. Turns out that his brother — his only family — is ill and currently receiving medical care.

Jae-ha gives her the gist of his family history while accompanying her on her morning deliveries (and we get some cute/appropriate music for once). His father was a rich lawyer who fooled around with a poor girl, and he and his brother resulted from the affair. Jan-di feels pity for him, but his glass is half-full — at least he didn’t grow up into a materialistic snob.

They’re chatting pleasantly when Ji-hoo pulls up on his motorcycle. Jae-ha starts to introduce himself politely, but Ji-hoo ignores this and fixes a disapproving (?) look on Jan-di. He tells her, “Jun-pyo came by last night. He was unhappy at being passed over for Ga-eul.”

Jan-di starts to explain, but Ji-hoo continues, “I’ll pretend I didn’t see you today.” He zooms off, leaving Jan-di feeling guilty — but Jae-ha smiles to himself behind her back.

The guys wonder at the change in Jun-pyo, who’s no longer ranting and raving. Jun-pyo reveals his new strategy — he’ll play hard to get and make her uneasy. (The others all think he’s bound for failure.)

Woo-bin notices Yi-jung wearing his… whaddayacallem… arm socks? Disembodied sleeves? Yi-jung doesn’t explain that they’re a gift from Ga-eul, answering, “They’re a little tacky, but they’re pretty warm.”

The school is abuzz when the magazine comes out featuring Jan-di and Haje’s photo on the cover (notice the mag is named Group 7. Ha.). The Jin-Sun-Mi trio are sick with envy over Jan-di’s inexplicable pull with Jun-pyo, Ji-hoo, and now their beloved Haje: “After you stole F4 away, Haje was the one person who gave us hope in our pain!”

Haje/Jae-ha interrupts: “I don’t really care about giving you guys hope.” He’s here in his Haje persona, and steps inside to take Jan-di by the hand, and lead her outside.

Students burst into F4’s private classroom to show Jun-pyo the magazine. Seeing Jan-di on the cover, dressed only in a man’s shirt and looking cozy with Haje, his eyes widen in shock. Jun-pyo throws the magazine and storms out.

He comes upon Jan-di with Jae-ha, and confronts her angrily, asking if she’d avoided him so she could be with “trash” like Jae-ha.

He sneers, “Geum Jan-di, you sure have grown up. Now that you’ve appeared in a magazine, do you think of yourself as some kind of successful model? Tell me — is the reason you couldn’t go with me to Hokkaido because you were doing stuff like this with him?”

Unable to deny it, Jan-di remains silent. Jun-pyo continues sarcastically: “Why don’t you insist that he’s Ga-eul? Or was it his birthday that day?”

Jan-di: “I’m sorry for lying. I was wrong. I’ll explain everything.” But Jae-ha laughs then, infuriating Jun-pyo.

Jun-pyo: “Did you just laugh?”
Jae-ha: “It’s a little funny. Do you have so little confidence with the girl you like? And before getting jealous, shouldn’t you first find out what situation your girl is in?”

It’s not like there’s a good thing to say to Jun-pyo at this moment, but that’s REALLY the wrong thing. Jun-pyo beats up Jae-ha, who doesn’t put up much of a fight.

Jun-pyo demands, “What do you know, to talk like that?!” Jae-ha tells him, “Jan-di sunbae is wasted on the likes of you.”

That only pisses Jun-pyo off more, and he continues punching Jae-ha until Jan-di bursts out, “Stop!” Nice of you to step in so quickly there, Jan-di. Maybe if you’d reacted a few minutes earlier instead of just standing there dumbly, you could have actually done some good.

Jun-pyo stops hitting Jae-ha, gets up, and approaches her as she explains, “He helped me outside of school. And he was a friend at school, the only person I connected with.” Even I winced at that. (Also: Jun-pyo aside, what about Mr. Soulmate, Ji-hoo?)

Jun-pyo asks: “The only one?” Grabbing her by the jacket, he barely keeps his temper in check, demanding, “What is that bastard to you?”

Fighting tears, Jan-di says, “I’m tired. I want to stop now.” He shouts her name in disbelief, as she continues, “I want to go back to before I knew F4 and Gu Jun-pyo.”

Jun-pyo lets go of her, and stalks off without another word. F3 follows him silently, with Ji-hoo pausing to give her a look.

And I say: WUT THE…? I suppose now she’s lost part of her heart to go with her missing brain and courage. Now all she needs is some tricked-out ruby shoes to get back home.

I do not understand Jan-di in this moment, at all. NOT ONE BIT. If the first half of the episode had been devoted to their relationship obstacles and Jan-di’s struggles (like in Episode 10), her defeated statement of wanting to quit might make a teensy bit of sense. But she has just hurt Jun-pyo — having LIED to him, making him look like a fool in front of the school, caught holding another guy’s hand — and THIS is when she’s too tired of their relationship to continue?

DOES. NOT. COMPUTE.

Well, she asked for it: Jan-di is delivered a second red card. Jae-ha comes up to her clutching his own red card, and assures her, “Don’t worry, now I’ll protect you.”

The cruel pranks resume, such as her desk being removed from class. Locating it outside, Jan-di pushes the desk back toward the building, when Jae-ha darts out and cries, “It’s dangerous!”

Jae-ha pushes her back just as a heavy potted plant crashes down from the second floor, toppling the desk.

Grimly, he tells her this is Jun-pyo’s doing. He points to the landing above, just outside F4’s private classroom. In disbelief, Jan-di shakes her head, saying, “No, he wouldn’t do that.”

After she leaves, Ji-hoo inspects the broken pot.

Finding Jan-di on her paper route, Ji-hoo explains that he’s known Jun-pyo for fifteen years: “I don’t think anyone can know someone completely. But I believe I know what kind of person he is. Do you think Jun-pyo’s behind it?”

Jan-di answers, “I want to believe in him.” Ji-hoo: “Whether you believe him or not is up to you. But did you send him away because of that guy?” Ji-hoo tells her that he didn’t pursue her because of Jun-pyo: “Don’t make me regret it.”

A notice on the chalkboard indicates that class has been moved to the science lab. The lab turns out to be empty, but Jan-di waits around, not noticing when a canister of gas rolls inside, slowly filling the room with its fumes.

When Jan-di does notice the smoke/vapor, she scrambles for the door, which is locked. All the windows have been nailed shut as well, so she pounds on the windows and screams for somebody to save her. BREAK THE DAMN GLASS, idiot. But it wouldn’t be a Jan-di crisis if she didn’t wait for a hero to save her instead of actually using her brains to save herself, right? This kind of stupidity needs its own name: Jan-distress (as in, damsel in)? Jan-disaster?

Jan-di coughs and collapses on the ground as Jae-ha runs up in the nick of time, smashes the window, and saves her. As he carries her off, he reminds her, “I told you I’d protect you.”

He takes her home, where he lingers over her as he puts her to bed, about to steal a kiss when he’s interrupted by his phone.

Jae-ha assures his caller — Mama Kang — that Jan-di’s sleeping in his bed, and reminds her to get his payment ready. He stares intently at a few photos of someone we can assume is his older brother.

At this news, Mama Kang smirks: “The kid is pretty good.” She pops open a bottle of champagne and lifts her glass to toast the progress of her Master Plan of Manipulation and Evilry.

The F3 guys have been unable to get a hold of Jun-pyo, and worry that he and Jan-di may really be over for good.

In the meantime, Jun-pyo has gone off alone somewhere and rejects all his calls. We eventually see where he has chosen to brood — he walks around the class trip location from Episode 3, when Jan-di had saved Jun-pyo from drowning and given him CPR.

Ga-eul bursts into the F4 lounge in tears, asking the guys for their help in finding Jan-di. She’s been unable to get in contact with her and something seems fishy — her family received a call that Jan-di was out with F4, which she obviously isn’t.

Woo-bin and Yi-jung hope that she’s with Jun-pyo, but Ji-hoo has other suspicions. He orders someone to contact Jun-pyo because Jan-di’s in danger.

Jan-di wakes up disoriented and groggy, shocked to find out she’s been unconscious for the past two days. Jae-ha assures her that he called her parents so they wouldn’t worry, saying she’d gone on a trip with friends.

Jan-di thanks him for his help and starts to leave, but Jae-ha asks if she still trusts Jun-pyo, warning that Jun-pyo is the kind of guy who would destroy her if he can’t have her for himself.

Jan-di tells him to watch his words: “There are things about Gu Jun-pyo that you don’t know, that I do.” Jae-ha counters, “No, there are things I know that you don’t… Way before you knew him, I’ve known what kind of person he was. He doesn’t see anyone outside of F4 as people. He’s someone who doesn’t consider other people’s happiness or lives.”

With certainty, Jan-di contradicts him: “No, he was like that before, but he isn’t now.”

Jae-ha grabs Jan-di to him, pleading with her to break up with Jun-pyo: “You weren’t right for each other from the start. Come to me. We understand each other. You and I are like minds in the same world.” Jan-di shoves him off.

Jan-di: “You’re someone I was grateful for, who became a supportive friend, but you’re not for me.”
Jae-ha: “You can’t still have faith in that jerk, can you? Even when you’ve gone through this?”
Jan-di: “I do, I believe in him. Because Gu Jun-pyo believed in me.”

Jae-ha tries to grab Jan-di for a kiss as she struggles against him. Breaking free, she slaps him.

Jae-ha tells her, “You’ll regret this. Please come to your senses!” Jan-di assures him that she’s seeing clearer than ever: “Thanks to you, I realize what I’ve done wrong. And what Gu Jun-pyo means to me.”

She leaves with the parting words: “There’s no such thing as Jae-ha’s world, or Jun-pyo’s world. It’s enough to look at the same thing from the same place.”

Jae-ha grabs Jan-di from behind and applies a (presumably drug-soaked) cloth over her nose and mouth, saying, “I warned you that you’d regret it.”

Jun-pyo returns home, unaware of everything that’s transpired in his absence. He’s immediately alarmed when his butler tells him F4 have been very worried because of Jan-di.

Jun-pyo is handed an envelope containing an anonymous letter bearing the ominous message: “If you want to save Geum Jan-di, come alone.” With it is a picture of Jan-di, bound and gagged, and a lock of her hair.

With Jan-di in danger, Jun-pyo pretends nothing’s wrong and insists on going to bed undisturbed. Once he’s alone, though, he dons black clothing and grimly prepares to meet the kidnapper.

Hearing Jun-pyo’s returned, the guys rush to his house, but find his door locked. The butler, agreeing with Woo-bin’s misgivings, defies Jun-pyo’s orders and unlocks the door, telling them of the odd letter that was delivered earlier.

The room is empty, curtains billowing in the open window.

Somewhere in a dark warehouse, Jan-di wakes up from her drugged sleep, tied to a chair. (Did anyone else immediately think to the RIDICULOUS Witch Amusement Episode 14 kidnapping? Which, btw, is an episode I already referenced when comparing the lights scene in Episode 9.)

Jae-ha owns up to everything, boasting of his perfectly executed plan — the photo shoot, the red card, the science lab. He assures her, “I had a reason — actually, two.”

She wonders at his motives, so Jae-ha tells her, “Look at me. Don’t I remind you of someone?”

COMMENTS

Even if you weren’t familiar with the storyline, I had a feeling from Episode 1 that this actor — Jung Eui-chul — would be coming back. He’d given a strong enough performance that it seemed unlikely he was cast in such a tiny role unless there was more planned for him.

(Born in 1985 and 186cm tall, Jung debuted as a model, after which he appeared in the TV shows Hello My Teacher and Rainbow Romance, as well as movies Doremifasolatido, Beastie Boys, and Romantic Island.)

Regarding Jae-ha’s role: I like fast-moving storylines. When you know the general outcome of the drama, there’s not a lot of reason to draaaaag out conflicts. But in this case, I wish they’d drawn out the Jae-ha storyline a little — not for the exaggerated melodrama, but because I think it could have been a good chance to extract some development out of our characters. By which I mean, he could have been a great foil to Jun-pyo in a way not even Ji-hoo could accomplish.

For instance: Jun-pyo tends to order Jan-di around, even when he has her best interests at heart. With Jae-ha, the dynamic is different, partly because Jan-di is older and partly because Jae-ha (before going evil-genius on us) seems to respect her and defer to her. It would have been nice to see that contrast played up more. I suppose Ji-hoo was supposed to do that, but Jung is a good actor, so perhaps that’s why I feel this could have presented a more compelling triangle.

As for Jan-di’s absurd and nonsensical actions? I AM SO ANNOYED. I’m glad she came around in the second half of the episode — about halfway through, things took a marked upswing — but the first half had me totally confused. How could she break up with Jun-pyo so easily, after all they’d gone through to stay together? What about all the sweetness and light of Episodes 9 and 10, and the lovely promise she made that she wouldn’t be scared off, and the kiss that (literally) stopped traffic?

Ms. Writer Lady: THIS STORY DOES NOT WORK WITHOUT JAN-DI. Please bring back the Jan-di who made sense!

226

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51 thedk

February 9, 2009 at 9:20 PM

I have no idea why JunPyo was so mad when he saw that magazine. One he knows that she is in a bad situation and is doing any job she can to earn lots of money to make ends meet. Then Jan-di is really really REALLY dumb in this! Did the writer procrastinate and came out with this episode? The next episode is not looking great either, at this point I'm annoyed at the both of them. ugh.

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52 maria

February 9, 2009 at 9:21 PM

okay, done reading..
urgh, character consistency, anyone? this ha-jae person does put in a pretty good performance being subtle in his deference, manipulation and evil-ry. i WOULD wish they dragged out his part of the series but HOT POTATOES, apparently that part is also simultaneously the part where jan-DUH appears.

i was seriously going, "OH NO SHE DI-INT" for ALL of the 1st half. gaaaarr!

@Liz, may i join this drinking game too? :P

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53 ambs

February 9, 2009 at 9:24 PM

i needed somewhere to vent. by the way i love your recaps. i was always a little irritated by jandi's character, the way she's so indecisive and me against the world. when it got to the part where she watches GJP beat up haje i was like WTF JANDI did someone staple your feet to the floor and paralyze your brain? she watches her friend get beat up for a while.. i completely agree with you that they went back in time on GJP&jandi's relationship. it feels like this is them chipping away all progress! the only thing keeping me watching right now its yi jung and ga eul, the only couple with chemistry<3, seeing jandi has chemistry with everyone man alive BUT GJP.

and p.s. i think hyun joong's acting got better, which i expected because if you watched him on WGM, you know he tries hard to improve (with his wifeyyy) at everything he does :) although i have to say maybe he wasn't born to be an actor haha. work hard sunbae!

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54 Javabeans

February 9, 2009 at 9:24 PM

I would TOTALLY join in on the drinking game, only i would be way too drunk to write the recaps.

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55 Akiddo

February 9, 2009 at 9:26 PM

I will usually re-watch a BOF episode...this is not one of them. :(

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56 bbf fan!

February 9, 2009 at 9:27 PM

I agree that Jan-Di acted like a total idiot during the first half. You'd think with all the flying kicks, she could actually use the one she planted on Jun-Pyo but alas, she was not the same tough and aggressive Jan-Di apparently. Thank god she came to her senses and realized what Jun-Pyo meant to her, or so she says.

I loved how you wrote about their jazz hands "waggling like they’re about to tickle her to death". LOL so i wasn't the only one who thought it looked funny. Your choice of words never ceases to humor me. :D

As for the breaking up part, I never really believed that Jan-Di liked Jun-Pyo as much as he liked her. Heck, I never even really thought she liked him much, but just went with the flow. Even after her so-called tough personality, isn't she supposed to go through all barriers and face all problems for love or something? Guess not. I'm really getting annoyed with the portrayal of Jan-Di. All in all, this episode was aggravating for me, and like you, javabeans, I made no sense out of her choices.

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57 Jennifer

February 9, 2009 at 9:27 PM

“I suppose now she’s lost part of her heart to go with her missing brain and courage. Now all she needs is some tricked-out ruby shoes to get back home.”

^
HILARIOUS xDD At first i didn't get it but then I was like "WIZARD OF OZ!"

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58 tetsi

February 9, 2009 at 9:28 PM

the only things i like in this ep were Kim Bum and his wonderful array of clothes...

and oh, of course Ga Eul/Kim Bum interactions. I don't even think I need a storyline as long as they are together.. teehee.. even though I have to admit I went back to watch ep 10 just to make sure I didn't miss a part where Ga Eul noticed Ee jung having a cold hand or something.... (I didn't, it wasn't there, and so beg the question why did she give him that arm sacks? arm socks? quasi-mittens?)

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59 all4movies

February 9, 2009 at 9:28 PM

Javabeans, I love how you ranted and raved about this.

Yep, it was a pretty disappointing episode. The writers made Jan Di do and say the weirdest things (though she did look very hot and sexy with just the white shirt on, was the photo concept supposed to be the korean version of Twilight?).

I have to side with Jun Pyo on this one. How can anyone put up with such a dimwitted and idiiotic girlfriend? I hate how they turned the brave and courageous Jan Di into a simpering, brainless idiot. It's like her brain is permanently parked because all she can think about is making money. Yikes.

Where did the tough and spirited Jan Di go?

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60 Aye

February 9, 2009 at 9:30 PM

Ugh, this episode was so sloppy. Your recap is better than the actual episode.

I'm guessing when Jan-di said "I'm tired. I want to stop now," she's referring to the hardship she's going through as a result of Madam Kang's evil tactics. But I wish they'd show more of why it was so tough that she ended up saying that. I don't think delivering newspaper in the morning counts as hardship. Plus, her other jobs are typical for any teenager. I'm sure those types of jobs are tiresome but it all bothered her enough to want to break up with someone she cares a lot about? I don't think they're THAT hard.

You're right about needing more character development for Jae-ha. Everything felt so rushed. Jan-di and him had been getting to know each other for only about a day or two and she referred to him as the "only" friend by like the third day. Too fast.

I also agree that Jae-ha makes a good competition against Gu Jun-pyo. I would have at one point or another sway towards Jae-ha for sure.

To me, Jan-di was more annoying than idiotic in this episode. Fortunately, she made up for it in the scene right before she was drugged.

Thanks for the recap.

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61 miumiu099

February 9, 2009 at 9:31 PM

sooooo agree. i am annoyed too for the first half. especially with the whole "model" thingy. omigosh. who's that dumb? jandi's facial expression is like someone who got lost in the wood. omigosh.

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62 maria

February 9, 2009 at 9:31 PM

lol at javabeans! would've been a fun drinking session too, i reckon! :D not even for a little soju and yakult on the rocks?

anyone else tried that? soooo good! :p

AAAAAND just to bring it back to the drama, PS: <3333 at yi jung loving the silly arm socks. :P plus upon further thought, precisely because i did also think jun pyo likes jan di way more than she liked him, maybe this was a good thing to happen too, just so she finally comes face to face with the realization that she feels way more than she lets herself believe

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63 Jennifer

February 9, 2009 at 9:32 PM

@tetsi: I love the interactions of the Soeulmates too. I think she probably gave them to him as a "thank you"... Or probably because he gave her the scarf when she was cold in ep.10

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64 sopi

February 9, 2009 at 9:36 PM

Agree this wasn't one of the best episodes.
It didn't portrayed Jandi's situation in the right way.

Even though she promised to continue on the relationship with JP
she suffers from the economic situation of her family
and by now she is pretty exhausted, both mentally&physically
by all the hard work.
I think the reason that she didn't share her troubles seriously with
JP or even JH is... what else can this guys do without money
which she doesn't want.

Haje on the other hand gave her just the help she needed,
like offering well-paid jobs or helping her delivering newspapers and milk.

The writers shoud have put more emotional scenes
on Jandi's hard situation so that her outburst to JP is
understandable as a sign of the frustation she feels about it...
and portraying Haje more as a male version of Gaeul, sweet/amiable/and very very common in his everyday life.
(Maybe that would have made Jandi's frustation about JP's beating
more believable.)
I think some scenes(like the one with cooked instant noodles) were to show
the 'commoner' bond between Jandi and Haje, but the fact that he
was actually a famous model living in a fancy apartment
didn't match with it.

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65 Liv

February 9, 2009 at 9:39 PM

Ok, one more comment and then I shall let this episode go to that place in my mind where all Things That Irritate Me go.

- The second photographer at Enjoy (not the one who lured her in) was hilarious. He was so over the top and ridiculous with his cooing and eyebrow waggling and general Creepiness. I'm sure he wont be back but I wish he would be. He might just win my favorite character nomination.

@ docmitasha/maria/Javabeans - I truly feel a drinking game would solve many problems. Not only would it be a way to pass the time while we are having yet another (often arbitrary) Jan di make-over/modeling/"lets remind you that our heroine is in fact pretty and is just dressed down cuz she's poor" scene but it would also temper the mood so you wouldnt get frustrated by any of the numerous things that otherwise drive me (us?) crazy. I'll stock up for tomorrow.... :P

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66 wandergirl

February 9, 2009 at 9:39 PM

Hey they were just filming some scenes from this ep a few days ago!
Could that have contributed to the sudden disjointed characterization of Jan-di? How odd. I am glad she somehow redeemed herself later on.

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67 I♥

February 9, 2009 at 9:40 PM

A question--Did F4 issue those red cards? At the end, UBer-Gorgeous-But-Evil-Model-Boy said that he set everything up. Well, okay--he set up the job and the flower pot and gas canister deals, but to do that, he would have to issue the red cards himself, right? Or did Jun-pyo order that?

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68 amanda

February 9, 2009 at 9:41 PM

Every episode they break up and make up. Monday something happens and then Tuesday's episode resolves it. It wasn't one of the better episodes. Jan-di needs some brain cell donations asap. Now she doesn't even fight back she just waits for someone else to show up, albeit it wasn't jp this time.

The music was definitely better! I wasn't bleeding at the ears from "Paradise.." over and over and over again. On the same note as the drinking game a good way to get drunk doing it would be to drink every time paradise was played in ep 1-10.
You'd be dead from alcohol poisoning.

-Soeulmates, good as always!-

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69 addicted

February 9, 2009 at 9:44 PM

@67,

I am pretty sure Jun-Pyo did not plant the red card in Jan-Di's locker. I believe in Jun-Pyo...(even if Jan-Di didn't)!! LOL plus he was away and he wasn't in school or something.

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70 balletbabe

February 9, 2009 at 9:48 PM

1) "his brother — his only family — is ill and currently receiving medical care. "
I'm confused how can his brother be his only family? In the first episode did the brother tell Jan Di to send the dry cleaning bill to his parents?!?!

2) @ Liv "I was confused/amused in the scene when Jan di was staring at the flyer of the model advertising the (I think) premium car sale and had a Jun pyo vision. I know the beautiful long-haired model and Jun pyo were not meant to be related, but because she conjured up the image of Jun pyo while staring at the model, it sort of came off seeming like they were. And I chuckled."
I thought Jan Di was thinking of JP because his family's company name ShinHwa, was written on top of the model's head!

I was really upset and disappointed with this episode as well * in front on my computer screaming at Jan Di the whole episode, my mom thinks I'm insane*

F.Y.I. I thought Jae-ha's character was really good & full of HOTNESS!!! ^_^

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71 Brenda

February 9, 2009 at 9:49 PM

Yuki was the first thing that came to mind when I saw Ga Eul at Yi Jung's door, aside from of course being the same character, but she had no reason to be there, especially after the way he treated her in the episode before, I had hoped they will make Ga Eul different, and make Yi Jung have genuine feelings for her, unlike the jap version, I guess the cake in a heart shape was a sweet thing coming from YJ, and specially the fact that GJP called him to let him know as if GJP knew YJ had a special interest in her.

What annoys me the most in the drama is the lack of commitment from JD to JP, they really need to show if she really loves him, one ep she doesnt and the other she seems to get a long with him, but she appears to be with him out of boredom or because she feels pushed into it by family, friends, JH, IMO on the episode she made the chocolates was more out of obligation than love, I dont know how korians date, but going without calling or seeing a boyfriends is not part of normal practice where I live, even if you dont see them you at least text or call at least once a day, how can she relate and talk more to an stranger than her own boyfriend, who she hesitates as well to call boyfriend.

i loved the scene of JH and Jp, they seem like real friends for first time for me, and the Jahe guy very cute as well, he could have been a great F4. As in every episode I loved GJP :)

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72 kk

February 9, 2009 at 9:49 PM

Can someone explain to what the different suffixes mean after someone's name, I can't help but notice that Yi Jung calls Gaeul-ee, or something along those lines, I can't work out whether he's being polite or affectionate.

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73 bluelime

February 9, 2009 at 9:50 PM

jan-di did not make sense to me in this episode at all, except the very last segment when she defended jun-pyo. jan-di really annoyed me in this episode. after all that she went through with jun-pyo, doesn't it make more sense if she tells jun-pyo the truth instead of lying to him?! if the writer thinks that by making jan-di lie to jun-pyo will create dramatic tension, then she must be desperate--for ratings maybe? all i have to say to the writer is: please keep in mind character continuity!!

it's really too bad that yi-jung (kim bum) and ga-eul (kim so eun) are getting minimal screen time. i'm watching BOF only for them.

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74 addicted

February 9, 2009 at 9:54 PM

Could anyone explain the "Group 7" joke to me? Is it a reference to the original Hana Yori Dango? Thank you!

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75 Jane

February 9, 2009 at 9:54 PM

Could anyone explain the "Group 7" joke to me? Is it a reference to the original Hana Yori Dango? Thank you!

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76 v

February 9, 2009 at 9:55 PM

Thanks for the recap Javabeans! :)

Once again I completely agree with your frustration with Jandi especially during the first half of the episode. I was trying so hard NOT to throw crap at my beloved Macbook due to her stupidity. I must say this was definitely NOT the episode I had anticipated for...and honestly, the only redeeming part was just simply the end when Jandi FINALLY realizes JunPyo's character and her own feelings for him.

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77 rtan

February 9, 2009 at 9:55 PM

sorry, may I ask what's the signifance of the magazine being named Group 7?

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78 stargazer377

February 9, 2009 at 9:56 PM

yayy! thanks for the recaps javabeans!
i just finished watching the episode (like so many others before me have already done) and i just have to agree with what you and everyone else is writing.

i LOVED the acting all around in this episode, even if Jandi did lose her brain in the first half. yayy! i'm so happy (again) that Hyung Joon's acting is improving! and the new guy, Jung Eui-chul is great!

i can't wait for tomorrow and i really hope they resolve Jandi's apprehension b/c right now she acts on a whim and there's no substance in her emotions towards Junpyo, which is sad b/c they have great moments together. hopefully this drama won't be a tiring cycle of "i'm tired...oh wait i love you...oh i'm tired of the hardship... but wait, i realized i love you more...but damn i'm tired..." =/

*and i just got a comment from the website that said we're posting comments too quickly on your page!!!

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79 v

February 9, 2009 at 9:57 PM

Re: Jane #75

Group 7 is a joke because the production company of BOF is Group Eight.

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80 Daiquiri

February 9, 2009 at 9:58 PM

I had mixed emotions with this episode. There were strong moments and then moments where I had had to rewind or ponder at the screen (momentarily), like did I really just see that happen. I don't blame the acting more so than the choppy script-writing. I think it didn't help they were rushing to get the scenes done and ready for editing.

I agree with dunlop's theory on why Jan-Di had given up at that point. I think she wanted to escape reality for awhile, from the mounting pressures at home and with her relationship, so that's why she behaved that way and was able to trust Jae-Ha so easily. Jan-Di was no longer the resilient weed and was wilting.

The ramen scene was just so absurd to me. They could have found a better way for her to run into Jae-Ha (Haje) again. The whole time I thought lame, lame, lame...

To I♥: I know you're comparing it to the Japanese drama but you have to remember that the Korean version is an adaptation of the manga itself. If I recall in the manga Makino had many faltering wishy washy moments. It wasn't that uncommon where I found her character to be annoying and wondered what happened that inner strength she usually has. I think the director and the script-writer were trying to showcase the weaker side of Jan-Di (in this episode), but it failed to translate horribly. Remember no one has a perfect composure every time, after all it is human nature. In this case, I'm just disappointed how poorly it was done. I have to respectfully disagree with you and say that I don't find Jan-Di to be a spineless character overall. There were many times in the past episodes where you saw why she was the "weed".

On another note, I didn't get the Ga-Eul/Yi-Jung scene either. Or what that gift was supposed to symbolize, other than somewhat keeping Yi-Jung's hands warm? I wish they either expanded more on the scenes between those two or saved it for later. It just felt again so out of place.

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81 Aya

February 9, 2009 at 9:59 PM

This must be the worst episode of the drama, and I really hope there will be no episode worse than this.
I actually gave up watching the drama in its entirety; I just read Javabeans' recaps and then I just watch the Yi Jung-Ga Eul scenes, the only reason I'm still watching this drama. Even on those parts, there are things that don't make sense. Like in the previous episode, Yi Jung notices Ga Eul walking sadly on the sidewalk while he is inside the car but the car and Ga Eul are facing the same direction. Their connection must be soo amazing that Yi Jung can tell it's Ga Eul just by her back huh? And in this episode, Yi Jung was able to buy cakes and he was still able to catch Ga Eul? She must either be the slowest walker in the planet or maybe she paused for a while to remininsce, I don't know. Oh, well, I'm still watching the drama for them but I hope things made more sense you know?
I think the drama's problem is that they think in mini-stories and they manipulate the characters and situations so that the mini-stories will make sense. Instead of okay, this is the big story, and the character development should be like this, and there are important events in the story and let's make everything make sense together.
It's more frustrating when you think that the drama's premise, the character development, and the important events are already well established -- and all the production staff should focus on is execution. This makes things much worse because it's like, 60-70% of the task is already done for them and they still manage to f*ck up the remaining 30-40%.

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82

February 9, 2009 at 10:01 PM

yes, this episode was unremarkable except for the whole "where the heck has Jandi gone"? I don't tend to notice character inconsistencies but in this episode, it was glaring.

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83 Kdramalovers

February 9, 2009 at 10:04 PM

Well, what can I say? As a shipper for the Jundi/Joondi couple and a major fan of the manga, I was quite disappointed at the fast paced drama. I think the writer FORGOT the essence of this drama....which is that Jandi is a STRONG MINDED GIRL/GIRL WITH THE WEED POWER! I know in the manga she went through all this blah blah blah...if the PD intend for this drama to play out fast as the lighting then Jandi's character need to mature and be in character. I agree with you Ms. Writer Lady: THIS STORY DOES NOT WORK WITHOUT JAN-DI. Please bring back the Jan-di who made sense! I really hope the writer bring back the essence of Jandi's weed power. GHS did a great job with such a weak. script....(I blame it on their tight schedule and probably last minute script writing). By far, my favorite episode was 9 and 10, there was just enough of cuteness, sadness and all around romance.

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84 Ichiru

February 9, 2009 at 10:06 PM

Thanks for the recap!

When I watched this episode I was like "that's it?" for some reason, I find this episode useless--or to be more specific Jandi became useless?! I totally didn't see the Jandi we used to know here! it was like she's woken up like a whole new different character? they should definitely bring her back!
They probably wrote this episode in a rush that they'd forgoten how Jandi's character really is...or they want to show us that this is how you'll look and act like if you're really nowhere to run and just grab whoever offers you relief and ends up blacking out of your right mind and not seeing that there are still people around who cares!

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85 jaephin

February 9, 2009 at 10:09 PM

Javabeans, you've totally published whatever I've felt after watching this episode. It's exactly how I felt about JanDi. This episode was as if disengaged from the previous 10 episodes or it seems that there should be at least an insert in between to explain the flow of the drama. Am I the only one thinking this drama lacks scenes of bridging between JunPyo and JanDi. It seems like they did not converse or talk to each other much in the drama. ( In real life, you will at least send a msg to one another.)

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86 cranky

February 9, 2009 at 10:09 PM

geez... the speed at which this series jump from cliche to cliche makes my head spin.

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87 vieny

February 9, 2009 at 10:15 PM

so far i did't saw any cemistry between jandi-junpyo.why? i dont know...yes, lee min ho doin' fine. and hye sun, sh'es good in serious acting..but the character development bothering me..talk about san chai and makino who realizes their feelin after saw some kind of the good heart of tao ming se/domyoji.after that we can see her struggle to be in his side uses her weed power as her character..so, what jandi did doesnt make sense to me...poor script writer..they ruin out the esence of the story..

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88 bbf fan

February 9, 2009 at 10:17 PM

or i was until today....wat a crappy episode.
i admit i like the tangent and the liberty the korean director decided to take w/ this version but don't you think it's getting way off track?
and waht happened to jandi....her character pisses me off more and more by the episodes....and i feel so bad for jun pyo.....and ji hoo is just strange....but again WTF HAPPENED TO JANDI???????????????????

i havent' watched it yet but i don't want to....well i did fast forward to all the cute ga eul yi jeong moments.....they totally outshine jandi and jun pyo....thank you director for at least one remotely interesting story line
i really hope yi jeong is going to pursue ga eul for real now.......

ruby shoes to find her way home javabeans???? lol hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!

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89 Lara

February 9, 2009 at 10:18 PM

Jan-di should be the main character and the essence of the story but she's the one character that doesn't really make sense.
Jan-di, or should I say Makino, is a tough person; tough in a way that she is confident she can handle anything. Makino is used to people relying on her, from her ineffective parents, to Yuki who always needs a saving, and basically because she's someone with a really strong character, she never backs down even when things get difficult or when she's being bullied.
The only reason Makino was willing to back down and give up her relationship with Domyoji is because of the negative effects of what the mom is doing to a lot of people -- Yuki's parents, the secretary, etc.

Honestly, now that Jan-di is willing to give up (after the recent development in the relationship department with Jun-pyo) now when I'm sure that the mom is just getting started, it doesn't seem that Jan-di is one tough person after all. And because she is not making sense and she's not the tough lead she should be, although the framework is there, this is not really a Hana yori Dango production essentially.

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90 bbf fan

February 9, 2009 at 10:19 PM

lol 73 bluelime...i'm only watching this for the yi jeong and ga eul scenes too
wat a disappointment that they didn't have a bigger part......

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91 Dele

February 9, 2009 at 10:19 PM

Jan-di pisses me off in the same way Makino pissed me of in HYD. I mean seriously she is sooooo fickle and gives up on JP/DT every other minute.

I hope they make her work for it in the future episodes.

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92 Suzy

February 9, 2009 at 10:20 PM

OMG, I just read a spoiler for episode 12 and it looks like there's more Jandi stupidity! Whoever said "Jan-DUH" was funny! I can't believe it's one am and I am still trying to make sense of this episode.

You guys are talking about the 1st half being wth? but I found the whole episode wth? When Jandi says she believes Jun Pyo because he believed her, that made no sense to me either. Was she thinking of when Jun Pyo believed her a few episodes back? He certainly didn't seem full of understanding and faith when he was beating the crap out of the model dude. BAHA, I need to go to bed. I am going to try the drinking game tomorrow so at least if it sucks I'll be able to fall right into a deep forgetful sleep afterward.

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93 cullenhale

February 9, 2009 at 10:26 PM

okay, the first half of this episode was quite irritating-honestly, JanDi could be a better character...the second half was definitely better, I can't wait tomorrow....I enjoy angst beyong Junpyo and JanDi but I need them to be strong for when the fiancee comes in, cause that's going to be a uphill battle...

Finally, JanDi shows some commitment to junpyo at the end with her conversation with Jae Ha...I wish she was a little more up front about it before...I actually like the part when she starts crying while she was folding the newspapers...she begins to recognize her irrationality and rash decision to just step away from jun pyo. I love how mad junpyo can be at JanDi, he will always have an immediate reaction to her always, like when he comes back to Butler Lee tells him what is going on, he innocently and excitedly asks "JanDi?" I love his obvious affection towards her..well, based upon the preview for tomorrow's episode, JanDi seems to finally be coming around!

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94 RSzeto

February 9, 2009 at 10:30 PM

Yea.. I DID not like the Jan-di character vearing.... I also didn't like how she jumped ship to Jae-ha. So quickly believing and trusting in him and actually telling a lie to Jun pyo. Anyways.. thus far in my eyes, Jan-di hasn't satisfied me with any show of devotion to Jun-pyo until the later part of epi 11 but her show of devotion is still poorly portrayed. Hopefully the writer will give her a chance in tonight's epi. BUT one thing the PD succeeded was driving up the suspense!!! It almost killed me ...the cliffanger!! Now it's a matter of waiting for arashi.vox to eng sub tonight's epi for viewing probably 8 hrs after the broadcast!

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95 flooooo

February 9, 2009 at 10:32 PM

I d like to see JD kicked the ass of those two guys 'photographers) in the beginning but seems that the writer wanted to follow the story of the manga too much..
In fact the fatal error of the scriptwriter is trying to follow exactly the manga that it become ridiculous. I notice that if they free the scenario of the manga it become more interesting.

you can t blame JD stupidity because in the manga she is stupid and really she is an magnet to all te trouble and all the guy...

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96 JeweL

February 9, 2009 at 10:37 PM

AWWWW I think people are too harsh on Jandi. She's only a teenager, and her whole life (and family) is falling apart because she's started dating Joonpyo. She's hungry, extremely stressed out, sleep-deprived (as well as swim-deprived) so when she sees Joonpyo beating up her friend she just wanted to call it quits. My heart went out to the scene where she was crying over a pile of newspapers and drinking milk. Jandi's a tough cookie - she's going through the hardest time of her life but in spite of all that she still wants to believe in Joonpyo.

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97 WTF

February 9, 2009 at 10:39 PM

if jan-di is based on the manga and the character makino is stupid, not pretty, and all the "not" to what most people think are good qualities, then wy is she a magnet for all the guys?

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98 minime

February 9, 2009 at 10:41 PM

Is it just me , but does this drama have a sense of nebulousness around it? Usually Kdramas , have an intense/emotional/powerful effect, but this is so...........blah

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99 gracelee

February 9, 2009 at 10:42 PM

Editing was messed up. We see an exhausted Jandi doing her part time jobs AFTER the scene where she tells GYP that she was tired and wanted out. GYP was pretty insensitive too in that he wanted to fly her out just to eat crabs when she could barely make enough to help feed her family. Overall a chopped up episode. Even Lee- Minho seemed to be struggling with his lines.

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100 Auntiemame

February 9, 2009 at 10:43 PM

For this episode, It seems like they gave a day off to most of the cast ... and the writer ... and the director ... and the continuity person, etc.

This episode felt like they took parts that were edited out and spliced it together to create an episode.

If the writer and director were trying to convey that JD broke up with JP because she was so tired and worn-down by her family's financial situation, they were not successful.

This was a really sloppy episode.

A funny thought: As JP was beating up Jae Ha, my first thought was, "Not the face, not the face"!!! (After all, he is a model.) hee, hee.

A marketing idea for the show: Sell boxes of the cookies that JD made for JP. Name the assortment, "The Twelve Faces of Jun Pyo".
(A la "The Three Faces of Eve", "The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao".) lol

As always, thank you to Dramabean for another hilarious review. Agree with everything you wrote.

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