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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 12

EVER so much better. Does one writer get the odd-numbered episodes, and another the even ones? Because this isn’t the first time I’ve noticed Tuesday episodes are much better than Monday ones. (Only one person is credited for scriptwriting this series, so this is a rhetorical question.)

Don’t get me wrong, it was still flawed and cheesy, but I don’t mind cheesiness. Over-the-top cornfluffery is part and parcel of this drama at this point. It just has to make sense in the context of the story. Episode 11, in its context, did not make much sense — and we shouldn’t have to fanwank a story to make it comprehensible.

I think I’m just going to excise Episode 11 from my memory, to the extent I can without plot difficulties.

SONG OF THE DAY

Youme – “참” (Very) [ Download ]

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EPISODE 12 RECAP

Jae-ha admits his villainy and claims credit for everything. He points out the irony of a guy losing his girl at his own mother’s order. It’s too bad Jan-di turned him down, because Jae-ha was planning on splitting the money (from Madam Kang) with her. But, “The moment you rejected my proposal, the goal in my game became one thing: Gu Jun-pyo.”

Jan-di asks why he’s bent on revenge — what exactly did Jun-pyo do to him? Jae-ha answers that technically it was his brother who was wronged — he was F4’s rooftop victim. He’s nearly crippled now, “but he smiles whenever he talks about you.”

It seems his feelings for her were genuine, however: “Yeah, I wanted revenge, but as we became friends, I thought that if you came to me, the revenge didn’t matter.”

Jun-pyo bursts in, his foremost concern for Jan-di’s safety, and asks Jae-ha to let her go. At Jae-ha’s instruction, the guys beat the heck out of Jun-pyo. Sobbing, Jan-di screams for them to stop.

Jae-ha offers to send Jan-di away — if Jun-pyo begs for mercy on his knees. Since begging won’t help Jun-pyo (ostensibly they’ll continue beating him after letting her go), Jan-di yells at him not to do it.

More thrashing. Now Jae-ha instructs him to vow, on camera, that he’ll give up Jan-di. Jun-pyo spits blood (and whoa, fake-blood overload there), saying, “I can’t do that.” Incredulously, Jae-ha asks, “Do you want to die?” Jun-pyo responds, “I don’t want to die, but if you’re going to kill me, what can I do.”

For what it’s worth, since he’s being paid off by Mama Kang, I doubt Jae-ha means to kill him — just maim him a little. Or a lot. Grabbing a chair, Jae-ha demands that Jun-pyo give up Jan-di.

As he swings the chair downward, Jan-di jumps forward to protect Jun-pyo, crumpling to the ground when the chair breaks across her back.

And then, F4 to the rescue! (Arg, no, this is not ALMOST PAAAARADIIIIIIIIIIIIISE. Perhaps the production heard our complaints, because at least we get the instrumental version of the song. But still.)

On the upside, we get to see the F4 boys kicking some ass. Woo-bin takes out several thugs, while Yi-jung is so smooth he delivers a few swift kicks with his hands in his pockets. Even the gentle Ji-hoo gets a bit of action, but in keeping with his sensitive image, he subdues Jae-ha by twisting his arm rather than throwing a punch.

Jun-pyo, badly injured, clutches an unconscious Jan-di.

When she awakens, she’s in a hospital bed, while Jun-pyo sits in a wheelchair at her bedside. He says she nearly scared him to death, which is a sentiment she returns: “Why did you just take the hits? You said you could take on more than ten guys like that with no problem. Liar.”

Jun-pyo: “Idiot. Stupid. Double-digit-IQ dummy. How could I do that when you were captured? I’d rather get all my ribs broken than let them damage one of your fingers. But still, why did you rush in when I was letting them beat the hell out of me? What if something happened?”

Jan-di repeats his words back to him (double-digit IQ, dummy), and they proceed to bicker, which is how we know that all is well.

When Jan-di returns home, her mother and brother are sobbing and their home is in shambles. At first I thought this was Madam Kang’s doing, but turns out Dad got dragged off by loan sharks. (I assume the family took out private loans to stay afloat, although we know there were gambling issues in the past too.) The debt collectors threatened to sell Dad’s organs if they don’t come up with the money right away.

Without other options, Jan-di’s mother swallows her pride and begs for help from Madam Kang. True to her warning, Madam Kang does not issue second chances easily, and coolly says that everything has its systematic order: “Wrongs must be apologized for, debts repaid, then help given. I am a businesswoman, so I cannot abide calculations and procedures that are not conducted properly.”

Mom prostrates herself on the floor; Madam Kang looks pleased behind her paper but shows no emotion to Mom, who takes out a parcel. It’s a bowl of salt, which she pours over her own head, pleading for forgiveness.

Even Madam Kang looks surprised at that. Satisfied now, she extends a hand to Mom. Knowing how frightening she can be, any sign of kindness coming from her is especially ominous.

With Madam Kang’s money, Jan-di’s father is freed. With somber faces, Jan-di’s family explains to her how they got the money — and everyone knows what that means for Jan-di’s relationship with Jun-pyo. Mom argues to keep the money but Dad insists upon returning it, saying that he’ll handle their debt one way or another.

Feeling guilty, Dad asks, “You really like Jun-pyo, don’t you?” She answers, “You’re more important, Dad.”

Dad: “I’m sorry, for being a burden to my daughter’s love.”
Jan-di: “Who said anything about love?”
Dad: “It is. That’s love, Jan-di. That makes him as dear a person to you as your dad.”
Jan-di: “If I’m not sure of that myself, how can you know?”
Dad: “I’ve been Dad to my pretty daughter for 19 years, how could I not know?”

I really like this scene, when Jan-di returns the money — the emotions are played just right, not too extreme or melodramatic. Jan-di’s tone is respectful, and Madam Kang’s is likewise measured and civil. She suggests that in Jan-di’s situation, it would be wise not to stand on her pride foolishly. But Jan-di turns to go, and Madam Kang seems almost a bit desperate when she offers more money.

Madam Kang: “Fine, let’s make a deal.”
Jan-di: “Please don’t insult me or my family anymore.”
Madam Kang: “Then do you really mean to date my Jun-pyo?!”
Jan-di: “I think that’s between the two of us.”

Madam Kang struggles to maintain her composure, then offers, “Fine, let’s be honest with each other. I admit that we have caused problems for you and your family. So please accept that you are not suitable for Jun-pyo.”

Jan-di nods: “Yes, Gu Jun-pyo and I are very different. I admit that.” Thinking Jan-di is agreeing, Madam Kang smiles, but it fades as Jan-di continues, “But do you know this? The two of us are in the same place, looking at the same thing. I made him a promise that you would never be my excuse for breaking up with him.”

Madam Kang says that this is an unprecedented opportunity to collect a high price on a “worthless” commoner family’s pride. Now Jan-di’s insulted: “I hadn’t known pride had a price. Then how much is your pride worth?” Madam Kang: “Unbelievable.”

Jan-di: “I hope you will change your thinking that commoners’ pride can be bought with money. People’s hearts can’t be bought, either. You don’t know that, do you? But Gu Jun-pyo knows that now.”

Jan-di is so distracted on her way out that she doesn’t even notice Ji-hoo, walking right past him. Sensing yet another Jan-di emergency, he cheers her up by making pancakes (using her recipe), which is his cure for the blues.

You know what else is a cure for the blues?

Skiing, apparently.

All of a sudden, our main cast is enjoying the snow at a winter resort, where Jun-pyo teaches Jan-di how to ski (she’s by far the worst). It’s kind of cute how she’s going so slowly that he walks alongside.

Later that night, the guys notice Jun-pyo fiddling with a necklace, contemplating it intently. Woo-bin jokes that Jun-pyo’s bound to screw up when he tries giving Jan-di the gift, and although Jun-pyo tells the guys to knock it off, he seems worried about that very thing.

Therefore, Ji-hoo takes it upon himself to set things in motion, to help Jun-pyo get over his nervousness by forcing them together. Ji-hoo first sends Jan-di on an errand — getting coffee — then calls Jun-pyo out.

The tactic works, and gets the ball rolling. Jun-pyo manages to figure out the rest on his own — he drapes his jacket around Jan-di, deliberately putting her hand into the pocket so she finds the necklace, which she draws out curiously.

Idiot Jan-di is back for a moment, because she thinks it’s HIS, and teases that it’s way too feminine for him. (Jun-pyo’s facial reaction is hilarious.) He tells her it’s hers.

He says, “There’s only one like it in the world, so if you lose it, you’re really dead this time.” Jun-pyo had designed and ordered it himself, and explains its meaning: He’s the star, and she’s the moon inside, because Jun-pyo the Star won’t ever leave Jan-di the Moon. Somehow that sounds rather possessive in English, but it’s pretty sweet in Korean.

Taking advantage of the romantic moment, Jun-pyo leans in to kiss her, but cough/sneezes at the last moment. Jan-di returns the jacket and puts it over him; Jun-pyo reaches a happy compromise (symbolism!) by sharing.

Jan-di worries to Ga-eul, because hearing that Jun-pyo made the necklace specially for her adds to the pressure to keep it safe. Ga-eul thinks that’s a happy problem: “If someone told me, ‘I made this for you’ and gave me a one-of-a-kind keepsake, even if it’s just a piece of glass, I’d be so happy.” (Yi-jung, are you listening?)

Speaking of whom, Ga-eul spots Yi-jung heading out with Woo-bin and has a sudden desire to ski, dragging Jan-di onto the slopes.

The Jin-Sun-Mi Trio, who happen to be at the same resort, overhear the necklace conversation. As always, they are overcome with envy, particularly Ginger (whose real name isn’t actually Ginger — I think it’s Jin-ju; it seems they use the English names as their shtick).

Keen to stir up trouble, Ginger orders her underlings to swipe the necklace, which they do by knocking Jan-di down, then helping her up clumsily. With Jan-di distracted, they swipe the pendant.

Having skied further down the slope, Ga-eul looks up at Jan-di in concern, so when a careless snowboarder barrels down the slope almost drunkenly, Jan-di notices first. She shouts a warning.

Nearby, Yi-jung hears Jan-di’s yell and spies Ga-eul about to be hit by the snowboarder. It’s a good thing he just happens to be unstrapped to his snowboard at the moment, as we all do in the middle of a ski run, so he can run at her and push her out of harm’s way.

Worriedly, Yi-jung asks, “Miss Ga-eul, are you okay? Wake up! Can you hear me?”

Ga-eul slowly opens her eyes, obviously not hurt but taking her time to appreciate this. LOL. It’s adorable how she can’t hide how much she’s enjoying this situation.

Hey, it’s hard having a crush on a guy like Yi-jung; let the girl savor the moment, right?

There’s trouble brewing at home, referenced indirectly in a phone call from Madam Kang to her husband. Something’s wrong with Shinhwa Group, and Madam Kang insists she’ll manage the problem, only to have the line suddenly go dead.

Worried, she tells Mr. Jung that things don’t look good, and instructs him to locate Jun-pyo. They’ll have to leave the country immediately.

Back at the resort, Ga-eul notices Jan-di’s missing her necklace, which sends Jan-di on a panicked hunt all over her room. The Mean Girls find Jun-pyo, slyly saying that they’re pretty sure she lost his special necklace. Or maybe she threw it away.

Jun-pyo comes upon Jan-di mid-search, and asks why she isn’t wearing the necklace. She hems and haws at first, then comes clean and begs for forgiveness: “I’m sorry. I was definitely wearing it, but I don’t know when I lost it.”

He asks, “It wasn’t because you wanted to lose it?” — because this is becoming a pattern, and he’s growing frustrated. “You do this every time. Whenever I try to get closer, you trample my heart like it’s nothing. Do I still mean so little to you?”

I can see his point, but Jan-di’s got one too, since this really wasn’t her fault. She says, “Don’t misunderstand. That’s really not how it is.” But he tells her that her behavior is getting really tiresome, and leaves.

I was a little worried that his words sounded so serious, but he’s just venting; he seems much less upset outside. (He gives a snowman (snowgirl?) a Jan-di-like hat and flicks snowballs at it in irritation.)

Hearing footsteps, he thinks it’s Jan-di and starts to go off on how the necklace was one of a kind — but they’re his mother’s employees, here to collect him. Jun-pyo refuses to go, beating them off when they try to force him to leave. Ultimately, though, he is subdued into going.

Jan-di goes around the ski lodge asking everyone if they’ve seen her necklace, and runs into the Jin-Sun-Mi girls. They give her a “tip” — someone posted a notice about finding the necklace — and direct her to the location.

Using that information, Jan-di heads off, leaving just before the latest blizzard warning comes in. Okay, wandering outside is pretty stupid of her, but for once I can’t be too irritated with Jan-di because I would probably want to do the same thing. The thing that DOES irritate me, though, is that apparently the cold has also robbed her of the ability to walk upright, because she falls over every few feet for no discernible reason.

Ga-eul finds Jan-di’s note and alerts F3. Although they worry for her safety, they’re unable to go out looking for her because the paths have been blocked.

With the weather worsening, one of the Mean Girls starts feeling bad. They didn’t intend Jan-di physical harm, but Ginger maintains the hard line and says Jan-di had it coming.

Ji-hoo overhears this, and guesses they’ve done something to Jan-di. Eyes bulging (sorry, not his best look), he demands to know what they did.

F3 call Jun-pyo to let him know the situation. As he’s currently being driven away by his mother’s men, he has to lie to get them to pull over (for a bathroom break), at which point he gives them the slip by disguising himself in someone else’s clothing.

He hitchhikes back to the resort, then takes a snowmobile to the slopes, pleading with Jan-di mentally to hang in there — as he promised (with the star-moon analogy), he won’t ever be able to ditch her. I wonder if Lee Min-ho is getting tired of delivering bad dialogue. It’s to his credit that he commits to it fully.

When the snowmobile breaks down, Jun-pyo continues on foot until he finds Jan-di collapsed in the snow. She must be emitting her mysterious power to call heroes to her side whenever she’s in trouble. She needs a beacon like the Bat Signal. A Jan-Distress Call, if you will.

Barely conscious, Jan-di recognizes Jun-pyo and mumbles weakly, “I came to find your heart. I didn’t lose it on purpose.” (Okay, that line was kind of sweet.)

Jun-pyo carries her on his back, urging her to stay awake. Coming upon an empty cabin, he tries to warm her up quickly, stripping off her soaked outer clothing. Holding her to him, he tells her, “Don’t worry, it’s fine. It’ll be fine. I’ll protect you.”

Wow, they were just itching to get Lee Min-ho topless again, weren’t they?

Some time later, Jun-pyo has built a fire and given his dry clothing to Jan-di to keep her warm, shivering while he remains cold. When she pushes the jacket toward him, he rejects it. She urges him to take it, so once again they (symbolically) share the covering.

Jan-di: “I’m sorry.”
Jun-pyo: “If you’re sorry, that’s good enough. Don’t forget I saved your life this time.”

She asks (half-joking, half-meaningfully), “How should I repay you?” A bit surprisingly, he answers, “A lunchbox,” by which he means the ones she eats every day: “Actually, the first time I saw it, I wanted to try it.” Jan-di promises to make it for him: “Let’s pack lunches and go on a picnic, the two of us.”

(The Law of Kdramas says: If a kiss in a semi-romantic moment is messed up earlier in an episode, it must be made up for in a more romantic moment later.)

In the morning, Jan-di and Jun-pyo make it back to the lodge, relieving their worried friends. Ji-hoo hands over the star-moon necklace, which may be symbolic of his letting go of Jan-di (I think?).

It’s nice that Jan-di and Jun-pyo have already resolved their issue with the necklace, so its return doesn’t magically “solve” their relationship problem. Instead, Jan-di and Jun-pyo trade small smiles, which Ji-hoo notices with a little sadness.

So when they return home, Jan-di packs the lunchboxes for their promised picnic, and omg it’s JUN-PYO RICE!!

I had thought the Jun-pyo-face chocolates in Episode 10 were the adorablest things ever, but the Jun-pyo dosirak totally wins the Jun-pyo-face-shaped-foodstuffs category.

Jan-di waits for a while, although she does so uncomplainingly, remembering how Jun-pyo waited in the snow for four hours. She isn’t aware of the latest news that Daddy Gu has suddenly collapsed while on a trip to China.

Jun-pyo, who’s about to leave with his mother to his father’s bedside, asks Ji-hoo to pick up Jan-di. Ji-hoo urges Jan-di to hurry, because they only have half an hour before the plane leaves.

Unfortunately, they’re too late. Some distance from the airport, Ji-hoo pulls over and Jan-di watches the Shinhwa plane take off.

Jan-di cries (saddened at not having the chance to say certain things to him, like how much she likes him), while Ji-hoo comforts her.

From the plane, Jun-pyo sends her a text message, which reads:

“I’ll come back soon.
Stay there, and wait for me.
I love you, Geum Jan-di.”

 
COMMENTS

This is a tiny point, but one thing I was disappointed about was the fact that we won’t get to see Jun-pyo’s reaction to the Jun-pyo Rice Face Lunchbox.

I really appreciate how Madam Kang is being portrayed, particularly in this episode. Lee Hye-young is acting the hell out of the character, and she gives her a complexity I wasn’t expecting. I thought the Japanese Kaede was fantastic, but Madam Kang manages to be scarier, yet also more vulnerable at moments. That’s unexpected. Case in point: the conversation when Jan-di returned the money, which both actresses acted with nuance.

Yes, I love that Mama Kang is evil, and scary, and possibly a little too obsessed with her son. But I also love that she’s being acted as a human, not a live-action Cruella de Vil (pointy collars notwithstanding).

You know, I’m a fan of the Ga-eul and Yi-jung pairing, but I agree with sentiments that this relationship is being built on shaky ground. I’m not sure their development is occurring completely logically, although I don’t blame this on writers throwing them together based on fan response. I’m pretty sure they were going to make this match from the beginning (although they were probably waiting to see how viewers reacted). It helps that they’re a side couple, so fans are more willing to accept bumps in continuity. (Arm socks? Where did THAT come from? I know they were a present from Ga-eul — but more importantly, WHY?)

Still, despite the shortcomings I find myself rooting for them — I think part of why the Ga-eul and Yi-jung pairing is compelling is because it hasn’t been done before. (Yes, some complain that this isn’t “canon,” but if it DID follow canon I’m sure we’d get complaints on the other end saying that this is yet another disappointing non-romance. If fans were disappointed that the two never got together in the other two dramas, why disappoint a third time for the same reason?)

Since they may be diverging from the previous storyline, we don’t know how this is going to end. Maybe they won’t end up together, but because this feels like new ground, it keeps people interested. At least it does for me.

SPOILERY(?) SPECULATION

Stop here if you don’t want to read speculation for future episodes.

As you may know, Episode 13 is going to jump ahead in time. Apparently F4 will be attending university, but as they are already in their last year of high school, I’m not sure if they’re jumping one year, or several. But if Jun-pyo’s father ends up dying, this sets him up nicely to take on the mantle of Shinhwa Group leadership. I’m sure he won’t take over completely — his mother is more than capable — but I can see how this presents a different kind of conflict. As much as I enjoyed the Japanese Hanadan, I never really bought Doumyouji as running the company, but I can see Jun-pyo take this position believably. It probably has to do with how Jun-pyo has been shown to be serious and smart on occasion.

 
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Whoa...I totally agree with you. It sure looked like they got different writer for Mon & Tue xD. And aaah...Ga-Eul & Yi-Jung should have better storyline...I was hoping for a more realistic one with those two, though of course Jandi-Junpyo love is should still be the main drama. Alas...we'll have to see how much things will change in their university life...or not :D

Edit: Wow..it was only the 7th reply when i was writing this...and now i'm 50+? good job javabeans! xD

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On the drinking game note from yesterday, I think I'm going to start one with how many times LHM takes his shirt off. I totally laughed when they got him to take his shirt off again. Fanservice, much?

But I think you're right about the SoEul couple. Their relationship isn't very well developed, but they're just so cute together that it's hard not to root for them. Heck, I'm pretty much watching this (or most of it) for them. I never got closure from the other versions, and I really hope I find it with this one. I don't mind the changes in the story if they're not overly absurd.

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yeah..how did she return the money that was already used for releasing the father. i thought that part was weird.

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I loved the episode today, but something that has been bothering me for a long time, and don't understand, is why do they romantic scenes seem to be so fake and cold, they kiss like elementary school first-timers, I just don't get it, is it due to Korean society being too conservative or what? the only decent, worth watching kiss I've seen is from Goong, and some ok one in Coffee Prince and World's Within.

PLEASE someone explain this to me :)

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I love reading your recap! I do share your disdain for the song "Paradise" but the reason it keeps being used is that it is the F4 theme song. I guess these four beauties are like paradise? Or perhaps their friendship is like paradise? I noticed that whenever their friendship is exemplified or tested, the song comes on (hockey game, rescue JP/JD scene). So just wanted to let you know that the producers weren't just randomly playing the song in any scene, although I do wish they had looked up the definition of the term paradise before including it in the song lyric.

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okay, done reading..

GAH!! it's official, i am officially waiting for TUESDAYS coz the monday eps just plain bum. me. out. :P

LOL at #18! it's not sad that you keep refreshing.. i totally do it too!! (totally avoiding the possibility that we just BOTH be sad. hahahah!)

some highlights of the epi for me were
1) like i said, woo bin looking HAWT beating up those guy, and sarahbeans' crack about yi jung being so smooth, he launches a few kicks with his hands in his pockets LOL SFM!!!

2) the jun pyo rice box *melt*

3) ji hoo's little moment of resignation when he hands the necklace back to jan-di and to see that it means little because WHO the necklace represents is right there with her already *can relate* :( :( :( lol

4)madam kang and jan di's talk. i LOVE jand-di when she's not all jan-DUH and remembers that she has strengths and merits and principles and shit.

5) jun pyo saying i love you :' ) TOTALLY made my day.

as for the speculations on the future epis... anything is okay with me AS LONG AS THERE'S NO DAMN AMNESIA!!! GAAA! ...and change the damn song pick-er!!!

aaand i'm out :) cheers, everyone, itg's always fun watching BBF with ya'll! (i guess we're all a little *obssessed* like that :P )

and LIV and javabeans: I AM IN IN IN AT TAKING BETS ON WHAT SPORT WILL COME NEXT: haha!

>>>>>> 5 jun pyo-shaped chocolates say that it will be........... (wait what have they done so far? volleyball, swimming, riding, car racing, golf, skiing...) baseball, next? :)<<<<<<<<

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"This is a tiny point, but one thing I was disappointed about was the fact that we won’t get to see Jun-pyo’s reaction to the Jun-pyo Rice Face Lunchbox."
He probably just won't eat it again, believing its too precious.
And doesn't Jun-pyo's 'fiance' appear on Episode 13? With that and Jun-pyo's sudden departure, I get the idea the Jan-di will, in the following episodes, fight even harder for the repltionship this time. I think she'll really try to get Junpyo back, because Jun-pyo, so far, has been doing most (not all) of the work. I think she'll be even more open of her feelings.

Thanks again, Javabeans. I can't wait for next week.

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Thank you for your recaps! I always look forward to it after watching the episode.

My favorite scene today would have to be when Jun-pyo was throwing things at a Jan-Di snowgirl. I thought it was SO CUTE how he was calling her names. I like it that the writing showed first his loss of patience with Jan-Di, then later how hard it was for him to stay mad at her. (I'm complimenting the writing, for once.)

I agree with you about the inconsistency of the relationship between Ga-Eul and Yi-Jung. Both are my favorite characters in this drama, so it's no surprise that I'm secretly rooting for them. However, I would have liked it if they showed Ga-Eul avoiding or neglecting Yi-Jung a little (since he did make her cry with his good-ol' playboy ways). Why is she giving him presents and acting giddy around him when she is supposed to be sad about what he said to her in Episode 10?

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My guess is that this is rated for age 15, and most Korean shows are friendly for all ages and families to watch. Therefore no deep kissing..

My Man's Woman about the lady's husband cheating with her bestfriend... sooo goood drama... yeah, more deep kissing at scenes.

Also in like La Dolve Vita, where Park Shiyeon and the guy kiss... o.O

But if you noticed, its because the drama is more towards the older public.

I mean, on Starking one of those guests (the judges/a comedian) was dancing too provacatively and suddenly there was a red alarm ringing saying she was going too far XD

But it was because Starking was a [family] show.

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I noticed that in the Japanese version, the snow storm mountain scene was at the end of the series where Makino (JanDi) was looking for her friend GaEul and Japanese JunPyo saved her.The necklace looks nicer here and JunPyos explanation of the necklace symbolism is quite romantic. I am glad that they are not following the Japanese nor Chinese script completely even if they mixes up situations.Thanks again Javabeans for the recap!!!!! Can't wait for next week's episode and the appearance of JunPyo's fiancee.

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@B (58), remember when Yi-jung gave her flowers and cake for her 'birthday' from ep 11? That must've cheered Ga-eul up, hence her excitement. Besides, she has a major crush (liking? love?) on him, and he just saved her from the skiiers (or boarders).

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Thank you.. i'm also disappointed Jun Pyo didn't see his face lunchbox. Todays ep was sweet & sad. I want to cry to Jun Pyo's last message to JD.

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Does anyone think Jae-ha looks like Jandi? Same eyes and mouth.
The blood on LMH's face looked so fake and the way it was dripping down was even funnier.
Jandi looks good in white shirts. Did I sense a little chemistry with Junpyo when she was wearing his shirt? I wish the director would give us more quiet moments between Jandi and JunPyo.
The scene where Domyouji lets himself get beaten up by the bad guys is a break thru moment for Makino ....she realizes how much he cares for her. But it was handled quite abruptly....the next scene is in the hospital and they are back to bickering. This couple seemed to be uncomfortable being romantic and expressing their feelings without resorting to scolding/teasing. It almost feels like they have fear of intimacy. .
Jandi friend looked especially pretty in this episode. I loved her naughty blissed out smile after her fall. BUT I hope there's no pandering to the audience and making them a couple. He is supposed to be a player...it wouldn't make any sense. What I would like to see is him breaking her heart....then she gets over it and they become very good friends. And then right in front of his eyes a Prince Charming ( Jang Geon seok in a special appearance) comes along and sweeps her off her feet and he is left eternally regretting. He never forgets her and spends the rest of his life pining for her.

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Ha ha... I'm down for that bet about the sport. Probably soccer will be next ;P This episode is much better than the yesterday WTF episode. I'm starting counting down for next week.

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In Episode 11, they sacrificed the characters in order to do that plot story. JD HAD to require saving in order to bring in the new guy as her savior and create a relationship between the two...and trust.
It was absolutely terrible.

This episode was really great and I LOVE JP's mom as well. Great actress and great character.

"As for Jan-di…..did she really think she would be able to find her necklace in that mountain during a snowstorm? Seriously, she must have a below 100 IQ sometimes. Hello…. big ol’ mountain….inches of snow falling. Was she going to sift through all that? Pabo"

If I recall correctly, she wasn't looking for it in the snow. The three stooges told her that some security guard on top of the mountain had found it. Something like that.

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ok, episode 12 was great. i loved Jan-Di's creative foodworks. you sure can cook when you're in love heh?

I can now wallow in my happiness until next week.

thanks for filling in all the nuances that I missed.

oh, btw, the fingerless gloves was given by Ga Eeul. It kind of looked a scarf when Yi-jung took it out of the bag.

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thanks for the post ...

i feel like the writers or the editors don't explain certain things well ...
like they expect us to already know what happened because most of the viewers read the manga or watched the japanese version ...

either that or they were really tight on budget ... or they're short on time filming everything ... .... :/

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I have been waiting for this recap THE - WHOLE - DAY! THANK YOU!
I'm so glad Jan di is less annoying this episode. Very very thankful! I will also erase episode 11 from my memory.

I wish Ga Eul and Yi Jung's relationship was developed more. Things are just here and there, and broken into pieces. I want to see how and why Yi Jung's beginning to like Ga Eul, and I want Ga Eul to step back and be less giddy/happy whenever Yi Jung's around. I don't know... I like my girls prideful. Hahaha...

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I thought it was weird how that song came up though the producers probably thought it would make a good song since it was at the part when they were saved?
I think the song should have been different still.

Haha i love their fighting styles especially yi jungs haha no hands needed. :]

I thought it was cute how he tried to keep her warm with his jacket and the half naked minho was a plus! (gosh seeing him topless never gets tiring XD)

I wish there was more SoEul parts! I thought they matched before they even met each other! It would be really great to see that romance since the other dramas didn't have their romance in it. Also Kim Bum and So Eun really match each other compared to the other dramas. They seem to have a lot of chemistry. :D

I agree, i was hoping that maybe before the plane took off, Jandi could have at least been able to give her Jun Pyo styled lunch box to him! It would have been cute to see his reaction to it on the plane! XD

They really need more Kim Bum parts that way i can drool over him some more :p

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@sonam: Whoa there. Can u apply for the writer post? U'd make the drama rating soar to 50 within several eps. :D

or make it go the other way heheh. But there's a high possibility the writers will pair Yijung-Gaeul since thats what majority of the audience wanted isn't it?

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javabeans your recap is soooooooo funny..thanks..:D

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@1 rainey LOL....... Great first comment!

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Thanks for your recaps. I enjoy them so much.

Yes, I'm disappointed that I didn't get to see GJP's reaction to the lunch box. I was so expecting it.

Last thing, I'm so annoyed with Jan Di. Why couldn't she call GJP when he was leaving? Or return his text to say 'I love you' back? She's always leaving him hanging.

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I'm pretty sure that Ga Eul and Yi Jeong will end up together. Wasn't there a news article out before about how this version will be different from the rest? well, the Gaeul-Yijeong relationship is the only thing they can change the ending of.

I've always found the Makino character annoying lol especially in the manga where it basically (spoiler) takes her about 70% of the manga to admit to her feelings about Domyouji (or however you spell it). I think the Japanese version made Makino much more likeable than she really is lol

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how many times must we see Gaeul tell F4 that Jandi is in trouble...
I LOVE JIHOO!!!
poor baby...I hope that he find happiness

HOPEFULLY GAEUL AND YIJUNG WILL GET TOGETHER SOON!!!!
:]

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Wow, this drama is very close to the manga (I think). I've read it, but such a long while ago. It was the only manga I fangirled. Although I do admit that the manga is cheesy but it worked as a manga; in drama form it's sort of cheesy but exemplified. However, I like it, it can't be helped. I'm a biased fangirl!

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I actually prefer the necklaces in MG and HYD. BBF one is too bling bling for me.

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I'm quite disappointed in this episode. Especially the part where JP got beaten up. Its one of my favorite scene from MG and HYD and I've actually looking forward to that scene. but here there was something lacking here. I can't feel it much.

They should cut some filler scenes and use those time to make better explanation and make the flow of the story better.

Now we are getting to the second half of the story.

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"Ji-hoo hands over the star-moon necklace, which may be symbolic of his letting go of Jan-di (I think?). "

i was thinking the exact same thing when i watched this scene.

thanks javabeans for your wonderful insights!

@ 63 sonam: "What I would like to see is him breaking her heart….then she gets over it and they become very good friends. And then right in front of his eyes a Prince Charming ( Jang Geon seok in a special appearance) comes along and sweeps her off her feet and he is left eternally regretting. He never forgets her and spends the rest of his life pining for her."

LOL that's def. a GREAT idea!! one i'd really watch! haha

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Completely agree.... @ aceyyy
"usually lead-character interactions in dramas I enjoy make me go doki doki, but possibly as an inevitable consequence of rampant schizophrenia, I find it really hard to do that. Jandi never seems quiiite as into it as Junpyo, who sometimes seems obsessed or out of it. I just.. I dunno"

I was just thinking the same thing I finished ep 12. Jandi's love for junpyo is still not convincing to me- it jsut feels like he is way more into her than she is into him. It's mostly reacting out of gratitude or a look of "don't know how to turn him down because he's trying so hard" from her. I understand that she is supposedly more flustered around him and can't convey her feelings properly, but still, it can be portrayed in a better way than what has been done so far. - Her connection with ji ho still seems stronger than with jun pyo at this time.

Jandi's " I still haven't told him I like him" in the end felt forced because of this - because there was no moment in the past 12 eps that gave me the feeling of "I realised I really like him" from Jandi. It's really disappointing

Hopefully distance makes the heart grow fonder for our dear Jandi and she will be able to spread her heartfelt feelings on screen when JP comes back in the second part.

Thanks for the recap. I am sad too that we did not see get to see JP's reaction to his rice face. It was priceless.
And Madame Kang really well acted - powerful performance. I look forward to the grown up JP, I can totally see him running the company as well.

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Fantastic screen caps as always Javabeans.

I have some serious beef with these two episodes. Once again I apologize for using your comment section as a ranting ground for my crazed rants. But it is almost as fun reading these comments as it is watching the show and reading your recaps.

You've mentioned the sudden changes of affection already but it is giving me some serious whiplash here. And I'm not even going to go to the bad editing that can't be overlooked or the fact that Ji-hoo answers his cellphone wearing his helmet and placing the cellphone ON TOP of the said helmet. *!!!!*

What I wanted to say was WHY THE HECK WAS KIM BUM FONDLING HIS BEST FRIEND'S HEAD AT THE SKI RESORT? I swear this series is all about the fan service from stripping the boys down to some guy on guy action. (Think also to Ji-hoo leaning over Jun-pyo in bed.)

Last observation before I turn in, this show seems to run on a cycle. Cycle beings with Jan-di pissing off Jun-pyo royally and doesn’t explain herself in time because she stops mid-sentence so that he can rant at her. Jan-di gets in more trouble by herself as usual because she lacks brain cells. Ga-eul cries help to the F3. Kim Bum looks at Woo Bin and Woo Bin looks at Ji-hoo and the gang jumps into action. Ji-hoo puts out "the fire in her heart" and reconciliation happens... and it starts all over again.

I feel like I'm hearing some of the script over and over again. I think I'm dying from calories overload from all the cheesy and supposedly sweet lines.

Anyhow, keep those witty commentaries and fabulous recaps coming!

Cheers,
STM

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I wasn't sure that I really had much to say about this episode after viewing it but I was wrong. Altogether the episode was a masterpiece compared to last night. I also love the way the writers have chosen to take certain aspects of events and place them in different areas of the story, that for dramatic purposes work better.

Though JP had some corny lines I loved what he said to her when he caught her looking for the necklace. It reveals thoughts that he tries to ignore/suppress. It was loverly:) (And he's always eager to forgive her, which lays ground work for some of those cheesy lines.)
And can I say that I was surprisingly touched by the jacket sharing moment on the balcony. (Be still my heart!!)

JH was also something special, in that there was one moment, when he returns the necklace, that struck me. I'm not completely sure what the emotion was empathy, regret, searching, longing but it was an emotional moment for him. I can't wait to see what we were to infer from that, for I am positive it will reveal itself in time.

YJ and GE, what can I say but I hope so. If not, I think that audiences will be disappointed but won't feel jilted like in other adaptations. I definitely have higher hopes or should I say expectations but I won't bet on a thing. And there truly is nothing cuter than her smile in this ep. I love that though his presence on the slope led her out there, she didn't create a damsel moment. It just happened and thank the Lord she was able to benefit from it!

Pres. Kang is, I agree, wonderful. I am excited to see more of her. There truly is a vulnerability there that like Jandi, she shows only to people that she doesn't really care about. But also while she was on the phone with her husband we are able to see something of a strong woman that cares for her husband and his opinion. To me she was venting, not scolding, nor did the relationship seem terse and strained (at least not from her side). She was pleasant in a way, but concerned. I like how this built the foundation for the ending, that though most knew was coming, but it made perfect sense.

My only substantial complaint had to be the end of Haje. He makes a comment about he and Jandi being friends and I have to say, "Urmm since when?" He saved her from the tickle monsters, they hung out a couple hours, shared some noodles and he nibbled on her neck for some pics but friends? Not so much. I wish that there had truly been a development with him. His comments in the warehouse(?) would have made more sense and had more meaning, to the audience and Jandi (Imo).

I don't think I've said this since last week but thank you so much for the recaps and your intelligent, un/biased opinions. I truly enjoy your site more than any other right now. It's here that I believe well thought out opinions actually are appreciated. Thank you again Javabeans!

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@77 agree. and I like the 'we're both from saturn. we share the same destiny/you're my destiny' metaphor more than 'you are the moon inside my star'

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I cant go anywhere without seeing BOF @_____@

I tried reading a new manga... and the cover -.-

http://www.onemanga.com/SPY/1/00/

I was thinking:

"Doesnt that guy look familiar..... "

I really need to get away from all this BOF overload, but I cant... I love it too death @_________@

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sigh. somewhere in between the PD has lost the transition side to the story.
and mind you im also GaJeong shipper all the way. i can still hope. sigh they are feeding us crumbs i tell ya. hoping we love it too. sigh.. i wish. i really wish. and honestly, i wish pd's would like make some sense of things? between those two.
and the fluidity between scenes is a must i tell ya, or otherwise are people gonna be seeing things which have such randomness?

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Does anybody else notice how fake Ji Hoo's face is starting to look?
Has he had work done? Cuz in the pics on "A Day Behind The Scenes..." Ji Hoo looks kinda like Joan Rivers....I guess his skin's so stretched that the wrinkles can't settle right. Tonight...well Javabeans was right, Ji Hoo's bugged out eyes scared me back a couple paces.
Anyone??

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im starting to get really curious who that grandpa was in episode ten. I know he is the same guy that was in the picture with little jihoo in episode one, but i doubt if he comes out in the future he will come out as jihoos grandpa. (in my opinion I think he is playing a double role, but two completely different characters) It was stated in past episode that jihoo has no remaining family after his parents died in the car accident when he was young. Im sure if his grandpa was still alive he would have taken little jihoo under his wing. If that old man was jihoo's grandpa, I dont understand how his role will be played out. I mean what can he do that will benefit the main characters, junpyo and jandi's relationship. ...

now... this is just my opinion.. is there a chance that maybe this mysterious elder who randomly comes to the porraige place is junpyo's grandpa?? or some elder who is secretly richer than even junpyo's family?? this is random but the thought just came to me randomly while watching ep. 12 where junpyos mom is on the phone with junpyo's dad and says.. "do you know how hard your father worked to keep this company up" ... and judging from all the k dramas Ive watched in the past, all the elderly are in favor of the poor nice girl that rich grandson likes (for example, rooftop cat with jung dabin and kim rae won) .. if bof follows the pattern for k- dramas, this is deffinitely a possible... and my wishful thinking.. well, cant wait to see how the grandpas role plays out. =)

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On the writer: Maybe s/he takes the wrong medication on days s/he has to write the odd episodes?

Thanks for recapping by the way, I really love it!

I was a big fan of the Taiwanese version years ago, I was a little skeptical of this one at first because I felt that the story was over done, what with the Taiwanese version, the Japanese live action AND anime (complete with a movie). But I was pleasantly surprised at this version, it's a lot more different and I feel that each actor does a good job with what they're given. I absolutely love, love Min-ho he's such an amazing expression actor (I don't think that's a category, but....) I feel that everything he is given on the script he takes and just runs with it. He's definitely not someone who is afraid of the possibility of looking like an idiot, which is great for a newcomer (I feel that most newcomers aren't willing to get their feet wet).

I feel that Hyun-joon has also gotten better, from the beginning until now. I definitely like him better with the guitar than the violin, he doesn't seem as pretentious. He is definitely better as the comedic sidekick than the brooding rival. I also enjoy the developing siblingship that Ji-hoo and Jan-di has. He is going to be the one of the stable things she'll have while Jun-pyo is away, which is good.

The developing relationship between Ga-eul and Yi-Jung is something I'm very excited about. They are very cute together. Although the one thing I wish for is that she wouldn't be as willing to "throw" herself at him. I don't want to use the term "throw" because that's insinuating that she's somewhat slutty, and she's isn't in the least bit. I guess I just want Yi-jung to grovel for her to take him. He totally threw a curve ball at her before Valentine's day!

The one thing I'm hoping for is that Jun-Pyo doesn't lose his memory. That was the hardest thing for me to sit through while watching the second season of Meteor Garden.... And the Ga-eul/Yi-jung relationship, I am keeping my fingers crossed! Sorry, didn't mean to write a novel, but once I got going I just kept going!

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about the arm socks....as you call them. lol. Well alot of artists wear them in order to keep their art from smudging as they draw. Also, if you look to fashion these days, they are everywhere...maybe not in the form of knits but yeah. People in my high school wear them alot etc. so they are not completley random.

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Thanks Javabeans for the recap.

my favorite is: Ga-eul: “If someone told me, ‘I made this for you’ and gave me a one-of-a-kind keepsake, even if it’s just a piece of glass, I’d be so happy.” (Yi-jung, are you listening?)

I'm so rooting for these two, love them...love them...love them. Yi-Jung's concern and Ga-eul sweet, naughty, adorable smile. My heart skipped a bit again for them :). I have such a big smile on my face now :)

oooooohhhh that Jun Pyo rice, it was so cute. It would have been nice if they had the picnic together before Jun Pyo left, it would be nice to see his reaction to that. Maybe next time they will give the fans something better.

I'm enjoying Mama Kang, she's more a realistic villain that have the emotions of a regular person, a wife, a mother, a businesswoman.

I'm really enjoying BBF, good or bad episode - i'm addicted to it :)

I've been coming here to read almost all the comments after javebeans' recap - you guys make me laugh! I forget the stress I've been through the day at work. Just reading all the comments makes me feel much better, thank you all for making me smile before I go to bed :) I sleep better.

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I personally find that the part whereby joo pyo braved the snow to look for jan di really melted my heart(so sweet). I also find that after their first kissing scene, it seems that every episode also have their kissing scene as well.LOL...Can't wait for episode 13 but a pity that end of episode 12 does not have the preview for episode 13...

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Ok. Your whole recap is hilarious and insightful, but the two parts that had me literally laughing out loud:

"And then, F4 to the rescue! (Arg, no, this is not ALMOST PAAAARADIIIIIIIIIIIIISE...)"

"She must be emitting her mysterious power to call heroes to her side whenever she’s in trouble. She needs a beacon like the Bat Signal. A Jan-Distress Call, if you will."

Thank you for your awesome recap, as always!

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wow another monday and tuesday has gone by.. i'll go through the BBF withdrawal symptoms again for the rest of the week. I do love BBF despite its obvious flaws and weak transitions (I am biased as I am a big fan of the franchise.*)

as we go to the "next chapter" of the series, i hope the drama keeps getting better, and for the producers and writer to find a way to keep the story the same but deliver it fresh and new just like we know how the best Kdramas were made!**

for the ratings to go up even much higher is not bad either! >>fingers crossed<<

*I am biased since I love everything HYD: manga, anime, Taiwan and Japan version, movie.

**But I am EVEN MORE biased since I totally love Kdramas, so you cannot blame me for rooting this version to be the best one!

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My lucky #24!
Well i have to agree that Tuesday Episodes is always better!
I was tearing and tearing and I want a great episode.... Yahhhh I got it! Relationship getting better. Mama Kang is "DA" Lady! Yijung and Gaeul gave keeps me questioning what, when, why!

(The Law of Kdramas says: If a kiss in a semi-romantic moment is messed up earlier in an episode, it must be made up for in a more romantic moment later.)
I like the way you put it! Can we have a kiss like the one in Goong.... Maybe later. Hehehe

Japanese version was OK! I hope the K version is creatively reprise!

I'm a Loyal fan of your recaps & please don't fail me OK!

XOXOXO ('',)

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REHAB STARTS TODAY!!! NO JUN-DI FOR THE 5 DAYS!

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may I add .. thank you sooooo much JAVABEANS!!!!! I have been enjoying your recaps!! your side comments are really fun and comical sometimes, other readers had already pointed it out.

Keep it up!! Fighting!

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Thanks for the recaps!

This episode is much better. It didn't seem so baseless and not a lot of Jandi brainless moments. so yipeee!

- "Yi-jung is so smooth he delivers a few swift kicks with his hands in his pockets."
I went back to this little moment TWICE. lol. Oh Kim Bum. Why must you be so effortlessly cool and charismatic. How do you do it? At his age, he's probably just getting started. I see a bright future ahead. ^^

- I love how this version came up with their own meaningful symbol/emblem of Jandi & Junpyo relationship = star/moon necklace. The balcony scene was sweet and sincere. Jandi was really pretty in her usual plain self.

- I found Jandi quite adorable when she was trying to ski. Junpyo - Jandi ski moments were very cute too. Oh Lee Minho. I'm starting to think LMH is well on his way to becoming the best Tsukasa/Junpyo so far.

I've said this before, Inoue Mao's stellar portrayal of Makino in HYD was a big part of why HYD was such a success. In this version, it's Lee Minho's impressive portrayal of Gu Junpyo that's drawing much of my attention (as well as everyone else's, I'm sure). He represents the different layers of Junpyo so well.

I suppose, Shigeru will be appearing soon. I can't wait! ^^

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I can't believe it's half over already...How sad!

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OMG!!!!!!!! LMH topless again???!!! I almost died! What could be better than this?!?

Sorry but I needed to get that out of the way before I begin my comments.

Anyways, I agree with javabeans that this episode was light years better than episode 11. Bad editing & music as usual BUT at least better jun pyo-jandi moments which is primarily what i watch out for anyway -- 1) the kidnapping scene, 2) necklace scene and of corzz,, 3) Awwwwww, the KISS in the cabin (and possible make out session after. Double awwwww. They did spend the night together, right?)

The side story of Ga Eul and Yi-jung is also getting more and more interesting. What can I say, the commoners are really getting the uber hot rich boys. Brava to Jandi and Ga Eul! You make us proud! Haha!

Brava as well to Madame Kang for her excellent acting. I just absolutely adoooooore her now! She's the best!

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LOL - Almost paradiiiiiiiiiise (when F4 enters)

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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