Boys Before Flowers: Episode 15
by javabeans
Monday episodes no longer even faze me. Yeah, the first half sucked, and while the second half was better, I’ve accepted that Mondays are just here to advance enough story to get us to the (hopefully) better Tuesdays. If I tried to make too much sense of it, I’d just wind up nursing a big(ger) fat(ter) headache.
SONG OF THE DAY
Panic – “기다리다” (Wait). This is the song Kim Hyun-joong sings in an early scene; Panic is the former group of songwriter-rocker Lee Juck. [ Download ] [ Alternate link ]
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EPISODE 15 RECAP
While sightseeing, Jan-di and Ji-hoo stop for snacks. Unfortunately, Ji-hoo can’t find his wallet, so Jan-di offers to pay, and when she accepts a pastry from the merchant, she leaves her wallet behind on the counter in plain sight. Folks, Idiot Jan-di is back! (Drinking-game followers, take a drink.)
As for Ji-hoo’s wallet, well, Ming took it. Because stranding someone without money in a foreign country is what all good friends do. Ming sneaks a photo of himself with Ji-hoo into Ji-hoo’s wallet, to be discovered later.
Jan-di discovers the loss of her wallet a bit later when she tries to buy a paper fortune at a shrine. Ji-hoo tells her to wait, and dashes off to save the day. But instead of searching for her wallet, which may contain important things other than cash, he… plays streetside minstrel? (Logic fail = take another drink.)
Ji-hoo borrows a guitar from a street performer, then starts to sing “기다리다” (Wait) (posted above). After a few bars of Kim Hyun-joong’s performance (it appears he’s singing live), we fade in with a new, acoustic version of SS501’s “Because I’m Dumb” — and I am SO annoyed that they intruded upon a perfectly good performance. You have an idol singer in your cast, finally give him the chance to show his skills, and then cover it up with a recorded track?
Mr. PD, maybe you’re proud to have gotten a new song to insert into the limited rotation, but as always, WORST TIMING EVER. (Drinkers: Cheers! I’m not sure which rule this violates, except my level of irritation tells me there are at least a half-dozen at work here.)
Money pours in from the sizable crowd and people applaud. Jan-di, who has wandered by, looks on in admiration. Ji-hoo smiles: “This should be enough, don’t you think?”
On the way back to Ming’s house (but what about the wallet?), Jan-di has trouble walking properly again (drink up) and her ankle rolls over as her heel snaps. She tries to stumble along in the broken heel, then decides to take the shoes off. Ji-hoo kneels in front of her and offers to carry her.
As she climbs on his back, Jan-di thanks Ji-hoo, at the same moment that he thanks her, too — this is the first time he’s ever earned money on his own: “There are a lot of things I’m doing for the first time because of you. So thanks.”
They enter the gate, not noticing the big black car lurking right in front. Maybe they’ve gotten so used to their dates being followed that they’re inured to the sight by now?
Inside the car, Mr. Jung asks Jun-pyo whether he should start driving; Jun-pyo answers, “Stay a little longer,” which turns into three hours. It’s only when the lights inside finally go dark that Jun-pyo allows Mr. Jung to head back.
This next morning scene severely tried my patience, and was only mitigated (marginally) by how gleefully Ming snickers at Jan-di. Still groggy, Jan-di stumbles into the bathroom and sits down on the toilet. Ji-hoo walks in — the door was unlocked — and covers his surprise, then walks out. When the reality of the situation sinks in, Jan-di shrieks, then locks herself in the bedroom to sob in humiliation.
I get that it’s embarrassing… but shouldn’t she have more grit than that? An initial freakout is understandable, but wallowing in bed all morning makes her into a silly, dramatic brat and I want to shoot her. (Character inconsistency — take a sip?) Gu Hye-sun’s acting does the scene no favors, either.
Seeing that Jan-di won’t come out, Ji-hoo leaves her alone while he steps out. When she comes down to breakfast, she finds a note that reads, “Memory erased.”
Ji-hoo browses the shopping center for some shoes, and buys the pair that Jan-di had eyed. (If there was more than one pair, why the hell were Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung fighting over the shoes? Ahh, my head hurts. Also: chug!)
Then, they’re at the airport. Jan-di sees that Ji-hoo has booked first-class tickets and, fearing the expense, offers to downgrade to economy. With a deadpan expression, Ji-hoo replies that his legs are too long to suffer economy, putting an end to that argument.
Jun-pyo sits through a business meeting when Mr. Jung brings him a document with a note stuck to it reading, “6 pm departure to Seoul.” Jun-pyo signs the note and hands the papers back to Mr. Jung, pretending this was mere business procedure. This is actually one of the few moments I really liked in this episode — the little detail to show how Jun-pyo is covering his actions to escape Madam Kang’s eagle eye.
With two hours left before Jan-di’s flight, next he’s stuck in a meeting with the heads of JK Group, although he’s so preoccupied with the passing time that he’s completely checked out of the conversation. Mr. Jung interrupts with an “urgent” overseas business call, which gives Jun-pyo an excuse to rise early.
He arrives at the airport just in time to see Ji-hoo kneeling before Jan-di to replace her broken heels with the new shoes he bought her, telling her, “I wanted to buy you something with the first money I earned on my own.”
(If Jan-di could barely walk in those shoes the other night, why is she still wearing them? Does she only travel with one pair of heels? DRINK.)
Jun-pyo sees this and seethes. At Ji-hoo’s question, “Why are you here?,” Jun-pyo retorts, “What about you, what are you doing?”
Ji-hoo: “Do you think you have the right to ask that?”
Jun-pyo: “Yoon Ji-hoo!”
Ji-hoo:”I stepped back as a friend — I gave up because she was my friend’s girlfriend. I gave you a chance up till the end. I’m not going to hold back anymore.”
Jun-pyo punches Ji-hoo.
As always, Jan-di waits for someone to get punched before bursting out, “Stop!” She asks Jun-pyo, “Why did you come? Do you have something to say?”
Jun-pyo can’t respond (anything he says won’t make sense unless he backtracks on his Big Decision), and can only stare in frustration. Jan-di ignores the tears falling from her eyes and says firmly, “All right. I’m going.”
She and Ji-hoo walk off together, and Jun-pyo sinks to the ground.
Mr. Jung rushes in carrying Jun-pyo’s own gift (the shoes), and finds Jun-pyo on the ground. He helps Jun-pyo up, and the two walk off together. It’s fatherly, but also kind of weird. I blame the editing.
They leave the shoes behind on the chair… where Jae-kyung just HAPPENS to come by. WUT THE HELL. (Empty the rest of the bottle.)
Curious, Jae-kyung opens the box, recognizing the very shoes she’d wanted for herself.
On one hand, it’s like Jun-pyo is giving Jae-kyung a present indirectly, but on the other hand, that doesn’t have to be a bad thing — don’t Jun-pyo and Ji-hoo know you’re not supposed to give a girlfriend shoes? It’s bad luck! (The adage goes, if you give a lover shoes, they’ll run away from you. Maybe we should be glad Jan-di never got Jun-pyo’s shoes.)
And now, we’re out of Macau. Thankfully, this is the point where the episode starts to get better.
Back at home, Jan-di’s listlessness causes her to make constant mistakes. She’s so distracted that Ga-eul offers to take over when Master sends Jan-di on a delivery, but he insists that Jan-di go.
The delivery takes her to Cranky Grandpa’s busy clinic, which is crowded with (seemingly middle-to-lower-class) patients. Grandpa gruffly directs her to help out, so she goes around fetching drinks and babysitting. After everyone leaves, she gives Gramps the food, then hesitantly asks how he knows Master and what exactly he does for a living. He IS a real doctor, right?
Just then, a really bad actress stumbles in clutching her pregnant belly and crying in pain.
Jan-di assists Doctor-President-Fisherman-Grandpa as the woman gives birth. The experience introduces a new possibility to her life, and Jan-di returns to school filled with newfound direction and optimism.
Ji-hoo, fresh from a new haircut, drops by to see Jan-di, immediately clocking her good mood. She recounts helping with the pregnant woman, explaining that the experience made her feel something she had never felt before — “It’s the first time I didn’t think of Jun-pyo, or swimming” — and now she’s determined to be a doctor.
A bit sheepishly, Jan-di figures that people will sneer that a dummy like her wants to be a doctor.
Ji-hoo: “Do you know how hard it is to find something that you’d want to do despite being called crazy for it? What does it matter what people think? When have you cared about things like that? If you want to, just do it.”
Jan-di’s mood plummets when sees Jun-pyo on television talking to reporters about Shinhwa Group. Jun-hee happens to look out her car window and she passes, and spots Jan-di on the sidewalk. She greets her with a friendly smile and takes her back to her house for a chat.
Jun-hee has a general idea of what happened between Jan-di and Jun-pyo, and asks about Macau. Jan-di puts on a bright face, saying that she’s glad she went, so she could make a clean break with Jun-pyo.
Jun-hee’s disappointed: “I hoped you could stay with Jun-pyo. It’s too bad.”
Jan-di’s false bravado collapses when she walks past the doors to Jun-pyo’s bedroom, which are ajar. Stepping inside, she looks around and remembers the times she’d spent with Jun-pyo here.
The telescope brings to mind the star-moon necklace, given to her with Jun-pyo’s promise to never let her go. This sets off her tears.
Jun-hee passes by and comforts her, telling her to let it all out. Jan-di sobs that she’d lied earlier: “I’m not okay. I went to see Jun-pyo because I missed him, but I can’t believe he changed so completely.”
Jun-hee thanks Jan-di for being honest — at least knowing that Jan-di still cares means there’s hope. Jun-hee advises, “Jun-pyo will come back, so don’t give up on him. Trust me, and give him one more chance. Can you do that?”
Jan-di confides that she was hurt most not because of Jun-pyo’s cold treatment of her — but rather, because “I never got to tell him I was thankful to him, or that I like him, and I can’t tell him that now.”
Jun-hee’s not the only one who believes Jun-pyo isn’t over Jan-di; Yi-jung seeks out Ga-eul to give her an invitation to Jun-pyo’s birthday party, asking her to bring Jan-di along. He wants to confirm a hunch.
Ga-eul isn’t keen on the idea, because if something goes wrong, Jan-di will be the one hurt. Yi-jung reasons, “If Jun-pyo dumping Jan-di is all an act, that’s good.” On the other hand, even if it’s not an act, Jan-di needs to face it — it’s better she forget him cleanly rather than letting him linger in her thoughts.
Yi-jung presents Ga-eul with a stack of gifts: “If you’re going out to battle, you need weapons.”
In addition to Ga-eul, Mr. Jung also comes by to ask Jan-di to attend the party. He bears an invitation, not from Jun-pyo but from Madam Kang herself.
At the party, Jan-di explains to Ji-hoo that she only came because she didn’t want to run away, but now she wonders if she shouldn’t have come after all. The guys urge her to stay a while
It must be noted that Ji-hoo’s not the only F4 guy with a new hairstyle: Woo-bin and Yi-jung have also changed their looks and now sport upswept styles. But while Ji-hoo’s takes a little getting used to, at least the change works for Woo-bin and Yi-jung.
Party time, in name if not in spirit. Jun-pyo sits stoically while his mother presides, beaming in pride. Madam Kang welcomes everyone to the party, and brings Jun-pyo onstage for the presentation of the cake.
It’s at this point, when he blows out the candles, that he finally looks over and sees Jan-di sitting at the F4 table. They lock eyes for a prolonged beat, and then he turns away.
Ji-hoo clocks her hurt reaction, and asks if she’s okay. She isn’t, and uneasily starts to excuse herself, saying that it was a mistake to come. Before she can leave, the whole table looks up in surprise at Madam Kang’s approach. In a suspiciously cheerful tone, she thanks Jan-di for coming, then requests a piano performance of her: “In the spirit of things, could I ask you for a favor in congratulating Jun-pyo on his birthday?” I do not follow this logic — drink for me — and neither do Woo-bin nor Yi-jung, who wonder worriedly whether Jan-di can play the piano.
Ji-hoo steps in to take her home, but Jan-di stands and faces Madam Kang: “Yes, I will. You invited me, so I should at least sing for my supper.” (She literally says, “earn my dinner.”)
At Madam Kang’s introduction of Jan-di, Jun-pyo looks at her in surprise. Jan-di starts to play. She’s not good, but she’s not bad either.
In Episode 13, I posted two versions of “사랑밖에 난 몰라” (“I Only Know Love”), which Jan-di played on the piano with Ji-hoo. Here’s a third version by Horan (of Clazziquai) and Dave Koz. [ Download ]
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(In case you didn’t know, Gu Hye-sun is actually a strong singer — she almost debuted as a singer instead of actress. In this scene, she sings in a wavering voice because, for one, Jan-di isn’t supposed to be a great singer, and two, emotion threatens to choke her up at several key points in the lyrics.)
Here’s what she sings (the ellipses mark her long breaks):
The moment you come to my side,
I love that look in your eye.
Yesterday I cried, but because of you today,
I’ll be happy tomorrow.It’s not your face…… or style
but your soft love that I needed
to forget the past.
Without you, I can’t do anything anymore……
I only know love.
After she finishes, Jan-di gets an enthusiastic response — and a standing ovation from Woo-bin — and again locks eyes with Jun-pyo. Oh yeah, and Ji-hoo throws long (blank) stares in Jan-di’s direction. (Drinky!)
On the other hand, Madam Kang is perhaps disappointed Jan-di didn’t outright suck, and says in her bitchy-pleasant manner that she’d asked too much of the student. She apologizes on behalf of Jan-di, who ruined the mood and should have known her limits.
And now, she makes the Big Announcement of the evening — the introduction of Jun-pyo’s fiancée. Everyone is completely shocked (including the couple themselves), while Jae-kyung is literally carried into the room, kicking and shouting.
Not only is the announcement a shock, so is Jae-kyung and Jun-pyo’s realization that they’ve met before.
Jan-di’s group convenes outside in the hall, which is where Madam Kang finds them to gloat. She addresses Jan-di triumphantly: “Do you understand now? The wife to the next head of Shinhwa Group has to be at least at that level.”
Jun-pyo joins them, demanding first to know what his mother is doing, then asking Jan-di why she bothered to come. Hurt and angry, Jan-di retorts that she has nothing to say to him.
And then, Jae-kyung joins the group — what, is nobody left inside? — to ask Jun-pyo’s mother if she’s truly serious about the engagement. Madam Kang replies that the parents have already discussed the matter; both sides are pleased with the match.
Jun-pyo cuts in to address Jan-di: “I have something to say to you, so don’t argue and follow.” He grabs her by the wrist and drags her away, grumbling all the while about how she should have suspected his witchy mother was up to something when she invited him… not realizing that he grabbed the wrong wrist.
Meanwhile, Jan-di (and the others) watch in puzzlement as Jun-pyo grabs Jae-kyung’s wrist by accident and pulls her away. Madam Kang may be our villain here, but I just love the wonderfully bitchy shrug she tosses at Jan-di, as if to say, See? You’re toast.
Witch-Mom tells her, “You must have realized by now that you should give up your empty hopes and fantasies.”
For what it’s worth, it actually is kinda funny when Jun-pyo yanks Jae-kyung along, muttering the whole time that he’s dragging the wrong girl behind him, addressing her as though she’s Jan-di.
Finally, Jae-kyung shouts at him, and he realizes his mistake. And then promptly blames it on her for letting herself be dragged along.
Jun-pyo tells Jae-kyung to stop following him and starts to walk off. Incredulous, Jae-kyung chases after him and jumps on his back, insisting he apologize to her. (He calls her a crazy monkey, lol.)
She bites his ear — unorthodox but effective, just like her — then falls to the ground. This is probably supposed to Mean Something because Jae-kyung teases him for blushing, suggesting that he’s attracted to her.
She asks for money to take a taxi home. He doesn’t have any, so she demands to use his cell phone, and gropes around his pockets to find it.
As Jun-pyo tries to shove her aside, her team of bodyguards swoops in to her “rescue.” Not realizing that they’re her people (or not caring), Jun-pyo reacts as he always does by fighting. They restrain him quickly, much to Jae-kyung’s amusement.
Ji-hoo takes Jan-di home in solemn quiet. Ji-hoo asks if she was very shocked, and she answers (not at all convincingly) that she doesn’t care if Jun-pyo gets engaged.
Ji-hoo defends Jun-pyo by guessing that he probably didn’t know about the engagement. Despite their rift, it seems Ji-hoo has faith that Jun-pyo would have told them if it were true. But Jan-di doesn’t believe it — she saw Jae-kyung in Macau, which means they probably did know each other.
Referring to the airport scene when Ji-hoo had hinted that he would have pursued Jan-di, Ji-hoo now says, “About what I said to Jun-pyo in Macau…” Jan-di reassures him, “I know. You only said that because you were angry at him.”
That’s not what he means at all, and he takes a long pause to think, then responds, “You’re right.” He leaves her with wise words: “Sometimes what you see isn’t real. You need faith to see some things.”
After she gets out of the car, he sighs to himself, “Yoon Ji-hoo, what the heck are you doing?”
At home, Ji-hoo looks at the bag Jan-di left behind in his car (bottoms up!), and dials Jun-pyo on his phone. Just at that moment, his phone starts to ring, and he peers outside to see Jun-pyo standing there, phone to his ear.
COMMENTS
The first part of this episode had me seriously scratching my head. So many irrelevant moments, weird plot jumps (they HAVE to lose both wallets to get Ji-hoo to perform?), that even the small shining moments — Jun-pyo’s contained pain, for instance — were suffocated by the rest. For instance, Lee Min-ho’s quiet portrayal while watching from his car was a GREAT beat and conveyed with nice nuance… only, sadly, I couldn’t care that much because of all the other chaff that surrounded it. His breakdown at the airport was also acted well — but then I cringed through his exchange with Mr. Jung, which should have been a lovely moment but instead made me uncomfortable. Mr. Jeon PD, you should take the words of advice of your own characters and let the good stuff in your drama thrive — by CUTTING OUT THE WEEDS.
Normally, I would argue that ratings and quality are linked only tenuously together; you can’t say they don’t reflect on each other at all, but it’s too simple to say that they’re directly correlative.
But in this case, I’m tempted to say that the high ratings have actually adversely affected the quality of the drama, if only because it can be seen as positive reinforcement of bad behavior. As in, the drama director can point to high ratings and defend his work saying he’s doing something right, when I think perhaps the drama is a success mostly in spite of his instincts which threaten to derail it on every level.
I mean, honestly. He’s going to drive us all to drink.
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Tags: Boys Before Flowers, Gu Hye-sun, Kim Bum, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Joon, Lee Min-ho, Lee Min-jung
Interview with Kim Yoo-jung
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101 queen_of_the_game
February 24, 2009 at 12:13 AM
for those who are asking how ji hoo was able to afford the shoes...are you forgetting that ji hoo is actually *freakin* rich..so lets just use our imagination that he actually added some more of his inherited money (from grandpa doctor - then ex president then back to doctor...or the other way around) to buy that expensive shoes...its not like he`s poor or something you know...i dont think its even important to elaborate that...lets just enjoy it and quit comparing i guess coz urll just end up mad about it....whatever happens this is the best version for me... i love all the characters may they be good or bad...or bad in acting heheheh
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102 ladychick
February 24, 2009 at 12:36 AM
bad editing, bad script and bad directing.
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103 crazylazybum
February 24, 2009 at 12:36 AM
totally agree with your recap
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104 JP
February 24, 2009 at 12:41 AM
Aside from some irrelevant scenes or characters, I think it's ok for me to just skip the annoying scenes and just went to where JP is. Since I don't drink.... hahaha ^^
I would say that the Piano scene was so unexpected... I mean I too thought that JD would somehow made a stunt etc (to teach MK a lesson; only that MK in here didn't do something to humiliate her). But in here JD seems so gentle and it's really differs from typical MG or HYD... I guess this different twist maybe work for some people... I guess I am too... coz as JD sings, somehow as if she is talking to JP... and I find it a bit reassuring... for both... coz we knew both of them will end up together... so it's sweet actually... having somebody that you love sings you a song on your birthday... or singing for somebody that you love on his birthday... It's good to be in love isn't it?
But what I'm looking forward tonight is the so called date that YJ and GE going to have... that is my fav scene from MG... hopefully they can deliver it as good as it is or rather better... coz JP and JD are so good together fighting!! I really missed them yelling to each other!
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105 Alvina
February 24, 2009 at 12:46 AM
at this point, I'm done with the "I'm just watching this for the hot guys" excuse and I actually want to see some character consistency.
Just when I thought this was going somewhere, the drama is actually going no where and is only diving more deeply into the land of fantasical plot holes and odd dialogue.
I hope it gets better soon though. It was somewhere around the half way mark that I stopped watching HYD; I don't want to do the same with this.
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106 elmo
February 24, 2009 at 12:48 AM
omg! yes
someone else realized that she's wearing louboutins
SHE IS ISNT SHE
yeah louboutins dont snap
AHHH I WANT LOUBOUTINS
sorry for spamming
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107 aceyyy
February 24, 2009 at 12:58 AM
Hahaha I'm usually very very very tolerant of illogicality in dramas but this really takes the cake. To add more to your count: SRSLY Ji-hoo can make enough money in a couple of hours as a street musician to buy those too-expensive shoes for Jandi??
The only way i can explain this away to myself, including that bit where they were down to the last pair, is that lalalla these are similar but different, much much cheaper shoes, as fake as Jandi's red-soled shoes (pretty sure they aren't Louboutins, cos that would've fried my brain, but $10 shoes imitating the signature red sole aren't uncommon, according to FeetManSeoul ehehe)
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108 Abby920
February 24, 2009 at 1:06 AM
CHEERS!!! Sarah! let's drink to this episode. Are you drunk yet? :) I think I am. Jan Di Duh strikes again.
I like this episode waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy better than episode 11. I will not be watching that episode ever again.
Thanks (hic) for the (hic) recap (hic) Shaaarlaaahhh (hic) .... I'm going to (hic) sleep this (hic) off now (hic) :)
Cheers to you Javabeans!!!
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109 Amy
February 24, 2009 at 1:13 AM
I was so freaking embarrassed during Gu Hye Sun's bathroom freak-out scene. It made me want to crawl in a hole D:
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110 Julie
February 24, 2009 at 1:14 AM
I'm most definitely SAY its JanDi and Jun Pyo all the WAY! I totally dont like the fiancee...i think she is sooo annoying! I also hope nothing happens between them either!
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111 laksfjslk
February 24, 2009 at 1:15 AM
why make comparison between tues and mon's episode~? If you just have to sit back and watch the drama, then you would've enjoyed much more~ Though this episode is somewhat illogical in some scene, i thought it was pretty good... well, maybe simply because i'm less cynical than you are. It's an idol drama and i don't think there is any actual depth to the drama, as you already see but it is really enjoyable and lighthearted~
I watch BBF as a stress-reliever, just something to get me feel giddy and happy again... ^^ maybe you don't feel that way, but blahh, everybody is different.
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112 cathy
February 24, 2009 at 1:17 AM
I fell alseep watching this episode, so boring.
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113 gailt
February 24, 2009 at 1:32 AM
i'm sad at the number of chances there were for our drinking game. :(
doesn't the fiancee look like yoon eun hye at the party?
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114 yay
February 24, 2009 at 1:35 AM
Lee Minho definitely carries this show. He just has built so much depth into his character. *gasp* And he's such yummy goodness.
-I'm hoping to see more of Woobin.
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115 mummycow
February 24, 2009 at 1:37 AM
@84 - Agreed with you! I cringed at the bathroom and Ming thingy! So random and illogical! Complete waste of air time!
Mr PD also should not have focused the camera on Jihoo when Jandi was singing - it was between her and JP. JH's presence spoilt the atmosphere completely.
Javabeans - thanks for recaps. Yes, I have found reading yr recaps more interesting than the actual show :)
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116 GaRa
February 24, 2009 at 2:10 AM
The suckiness of this show coupled with the high ratings actually make me worry about the korean public - a few years back Princess Hours was the Teen Drama that rocked korea and a few years foward it's BOF - I have not been comparing BOF to other versions of HDY as much as I have been comparing it to what I expect of the Korean Entertainment Industry. I am so dissapointed. What happened to creating dramas with quality? depth? character? consistency? It's not like HDY cannot be made with all of the above as most of the previous versions have proved - it seems like this drama is determined to piss us all off. There seems to be a sinister plan to make us all dumb or something.
From what I expected of the korean version I am severely dissapointed - the industry that brought me beauties like Gung is now turning out mediocre, mass-produced crap, ridden with plot-holes, inconsistencies and bad-acting. The funny thing is that a Korean show named LMH and GHS as characters that 'look most like the Manga-character'. If that was how they were cast than LMH is a miracle in more ways than one because that is just plain stupid.
The sad thing is that everyone is all up in the euphoria of it whereas other versions were so substantially better that it just makes me mad that no-one is going to say anything about GHS terrible, horrid portrayal of Makhino and the script-writers inability to.. well, write.
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117 Antigone
February 24, 2009 at 2:12 AM
111 laksfjslk -> I absolutely agree with you.
I think some people tend to think too deeply.
I just wanna say this - " Why so serious?" (by Joker)
hehe.
When I watch this drama, I throw my logos away and just enjoy with my instint because this fiction is too light to consider seriously. It has no probability or but just style and visuality.
In this episode,
I loved JanDi's piano scene. I repeat it again and again. I've thought that song is a little old fashioned but, It sounded really beautiful yesterday.
-sorry for my poor English
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118 ...
February 24, 2009 at 2:29 AM
thnx for recapping! cant wait for tonight's episode!!!
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119 Peeps!``
February 24, 2009 at 2:36 AM
I was thinking. What would one episode made by a completely different crew look like? As in what if we changed the Director? (I want to see how the director directing 'The Return Of Iljimae' would do this. BBF is a little different from TROI. In BBF, the story has to be touching yet at the same time has to have that little element of fan-girly escapism (It was adapted from a manga afterall.). Well, I don't know...) What if we changed the costume designers? The music director? I don't know. What if, instead of parodies, netizens can make a whole new episode in their style? (I.e.: They edit the scenes AND the music.) If that happens, I want to watch it.
I don't think we can change any of the actors or actressess. (If BBF suddenly did that, I think there would be a riot.) So... thequality of the acting cannot be changed. However, for everything else thst can be changed, I hope it would be.
Just for one episode?
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120 Ginny
February 24, 2009 at 2:36 AM
Woobin benefited the most from the hairstyle changes. It brought out his best features.
And I love it how, even in little moments like cheering for Jandi after the performance, his presence as an integral part of the F4 is felt. Whether or not he gets a major story arc (which I hope he still does) for this series... the F4 wouldn't be complete without Song Woo Bin.
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121 Seri
February 24, 2009 at 2:52 AM
Your review was so funny!
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122 anna
February 24, 2009 at 2:52 AM
Wow, you're going to be an alcoholic when this drama is over! Haha Thank the lord I'm not recapping this drama because I don't really notice those details like you do.
I'm amazed at the crowds when Jihoo sang. It's not to say he's not a good singer, just that ..I didn't expect that many; it wasn't anything special.
Also, headdesk when Woo-bin said that they should have investigated more. Duh, they're so slow.
I'm going to say this, even if I'm in the minority, I LOVE JAE-KYUNG! She's like a more bearable version of Jandi. She doesn't make stupid faces or exaggerated her lines. She's spunky, yet not so annoying. I'm not rooting for her and JP, I'm just really liking her. Hehe
I'm pretty sure Ji-hoo only has 3 or so expressions. He stares blankly, he smiles, and he gets angry. That's pretty much all he does most of the time.
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123 serendipity
February 24, 2009 at 3:08 AM
Yurg. Bad acting. Bad cocktail dresses. Bad music. But... must watch more must watch more. Bad editing. No logic. Argh. Can't suspend belief any more. But... can't stop watching can't stop watching. Bad music. Bad hair. Terrible lines. Must watch. Eek, has someone put something in my water? Oh so bad. But must watch. Why? Don't understand... Embedded subliminal messages ("you WILL watch this")? Argh. Head hurts.
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124 lily
February 24, 2009 at 3:25 AM
@ 12 "I admit the series isn’t perfect but there is something about it that makes all of us come back for more."
That's why I say BOF is to HYD what Golimar is to MJ's Thriller.
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125 lily
February 24, 2009 at 3:34 AM
"Don’t you feel like another thing they ruined in this episode is Madam Kang’s character? They made her act very childish in the scene after the birthday party; when they were all standing in a circle outside the ballroom. A tough, aloof, and stern president/mother, standing in a circle with a bunch of teenagers and rubbing it in their faces like that? So out of character. She was boasting to everyone about how her plans came together perfectly and why she invited Jan-di to the party. There really wasn’t any need for her to explain all that to prove she did it. It’s so unnecessary. Why go and turn her into Cruella when her character should be more like Mrs. Danvers from the novel, Rebecca? Ugh."
OUPS!!! I am happy someone notice that. I mean Kang looks scaring but it's all about it. Kaede would kick her ass any weeks.
Same with Jun Pyo. His character is really undomyoji. Like mama Kang they have made him a sissy korean romantic Hero who uses use very much his sexuallity since episode 1. He cries every second, he is playful and he does strip (episode 6), even in some episode he goes shirtless to attracts fangirls. And sadly people goes like he is the best Domyoji when he is so WEAK!!
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126 BOF
February 24, 2009 at 3:40 AM
I just want to yell I love JiHoo!!!! (I mean aside from the robotic acting...) It is amazing what a good hairdo could do....
plus, isn't JanDi supposed to be in love with JiHoo somewhat?
Isn't JiHoo supposed to love that other woman?
I am so drunk the only thing I could think of right now is that shiny diamond stud on JiHoo's left ear.....
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127 lily
February 24, 2009 at 3:48 AM
@ 64 "If this drama wasnt BOF I would have to say it sucks big time. What a shame, with such a promising storyline."
LMAO at last someone else start to understand. And I Have been saying that since the begining...
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128 marz
February 24, 2009 at 3:56 AM
loved the new hairs. jihoo's was sooo yamapi. i cant help but stare.
i cant helped but be miffed at the song cut too. and why is it only when they loose wallets does jh sing. ha id bet that draw in ratings letting him sing.
and can i say KHJ's chinese is pretty decent so is his english.
i dont know if i feel so for jd or for jp more. lmh acting was total spot on most of the eppie. and his looks are great. well i cant for a better one later.
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129 lily
February 24, 2009 at 4:02 AM
94 ann "lee min ho is not the greatest. he may be the greatest in this drama but this in no way shows how good he is but mainly how bad everyone are."
You rocks. I mean Jun Pyo the "so called best domyoji" is the WEAKEST AND A VERY BAD DOMYOJI I HAVE EVER SEEN!! Not intimidating at all and he cries every days (with the unecessary shower scene), that if Domyoji of the other versions was in kversion he even would not be a (non existent) F4 member.
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130 Z
February 24, 2009 at 4:09 AM
I thought this was one of the better Monday Episodes in a while. The inconsistencies were more funny than they were nerve wracking. Maybe I'm just immune to them by now. I kind of liked the Jun Pyo breakdown at the airport with Mr. Jung there to pick him up. Speaking of Mr. Jung... don't you feel he should have given Jandi a little warning that something was up. He's got to know his boss well enough to know that she was planning something. He was way to cheerful giving her the invitation as is everyone was chummy all along.
I LOVE the new look on F4. Never have been a fan of Man Bangs so the haircuts are welcome all around. They could have taken a few more inches off of Ji-Joo's but at least he doesn't look like and extra from Sailor Moon anymore. Kim Bum looks awesome and Woobin's improvement is astronomical (I giggled like a schoolgirl every time he came on screen... and my 10 year reunion is in 4 months so that's kind of a big deal).
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131 bjharm
February 24, 2009 at 4:19 AM
I really think you will enjoy it more if you stop obsessing on Jan-di moments and go with the flow a bit more. leaving things behind seems part of her as is foolishly trusting people, just accept it ..lol
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132 mino
February 24, 2009 at 4:25 AM
WAAAT A HELL...
STUPID JUN PYOOO
I LOVE KIM BOM(YI JON)
GOOD LUCK FOR GAUEL AND YI JON KK
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133 japanese drama
February 24, 2009 at 4:46 AM
Thank for recap...
i owez read your recap...
it very nice...
but ...one i noticed..in all your recap..you always complaining about Hyun Joong..
emm...it fine...(X sometimes annoying,maybe?)SORRY!
i wonder which is your recap....not complain about him....
maybe a recap for episode 100..hehehe
keep up a good work...BBF got many fans...JAVABEANS too!!!
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134 Kristine
February 24, 2009 at 4:51 AM
I usually look forward to your posts, and recaps but today, as i woke up and was one of the readers that read your blog, I found it quite....pessimistic. It's like you already look forward to a bad Monday witih BOF because of editing, or scenes that don't make any sense. I mean, I get it, how can Jan-Di and Ji-Hoo not see the car? I mean seriously. But at the same time, Jan-Di character fluctuates from idiotic, naive, dunce to strong, smart, and brave.
If you want to drink, by so, do it. Would I stop reading your recaps? Probably just the Monday's one. Do I think you do an incredible job? Of course, that's why I read them, and I attend your blog. But if you walk into *for example* your job, with already a pessimistic view, and a bad attitude, all day long you'll be like that. So try walking in next Monday, and recap the story and yes, there are times that there could be bad editing. There are times, that Jan-Di is naive and do illogical things. But isn't that part of Jan-Di's character and the script that was giving to her? A little disappointed today, because you're so much better then this. Heads up.
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135 Athene
February 24, 2009 at 4:58 AM
RAVE #1:
I just watched the un-subbed raws and read Javabean's synopsis. That's good enough for me.
For this episode, I don't think it's weird at all that Jun Pyo would lean on Secretary Jung for support. I mean, ever since Jung told little Jun pyo how Ji Hoo's father built him a toy robot, which Jun pyo accidentally broke, I changed my opinion of Mr. Jung entirely. I thought he was one of Mama Kang's evil minions (prolly b/c he was in Buwhal/Resurrection or Time Between Dog and Wolf or something in an evil role). But from that scene onwards - the robot scene, that is - I always thought of Jung like a surrogate father for Jun Pyo. So whoever else said that earlier, I totally agree with you; I think, while Jung is an admirable candidate for a father, he is still not family. He cannot scold Jun Pyo for his misbehavior. He can only stand by his side - though he does occasionally cross the line between employer/employee b/c he cares for Jun Pyo and his well-being. It's a bit different servittude from what we see from Butler Lee.
Anyways, that's my take on the whole airport scene and any other scene between Jun Pyo and Jung. And, btw, boy - can Lee Min Ho really let out an wounded cry! Like a hurt animal. The sound he made actually tugged on my heartstrings. Aww... I was jealous of Mr. Jung there for a few secs - I wanted to hug Jun Pyo and comfort him. Aww!!
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RAVE #2:
The only other part I liked about this episode was, of course, the piano scene. I agree; Gu Hye Sun can do drama and she does it really well. The piano scene, if I were watching it subbed (I chose not to watch it online), would've really choked me up as well. Gu Hye Sun's voice is ... very pretty! She should totally cut an album. And I loved how Gu Jun Pyo looked as he was thinking, "She singing about our love. My love for her. She *does* care for me!" Again, Min Ho outdoes himself w/ acting without any lines because we can read his face reallly well. And it shows Jun Pyo is not only impressed with Jan Di's (albeit somewhat mediocre) singing/playing talent, he also shows that he is as much in love with her as he was six months ago when he told her to wait for him. That's what I interpreted from his stare after she concludes the song. *sigh* :)
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RANT#1
Despite this lame episode (actually, it is the most lame of all eps so far), I still heart this drama. Ok, here's why it sucked: I think w/ the exception of a few things, this drama relies heavily upon the manga and Japanese storylines. Like the bathroom scene, Jun Pyo grabbing his fiance and his fiance quarrels with him, etc. etc. I mean, I know this drama is based on the manga, but I liked the episodes that made us think that this drama is *loosely* based on the manga and that things will unfold differently. Well... what with today's episode, I don't think it's going to be any different from previous versions or the manga. Please let tomorrow's episode be better (and not basd on too much on the manga or prev. versions!)
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136 rcc
February 24, 2009 at 5:00 AM
if i was jandi, i would be more embarassed by that stupid thing she had on her head than by being caught on the potty. the latter is natural and everyone does it. the former? not so much.
the thing that kills me about the illogical moments are that they aren't even necessary. i feel like the pd thinks of romantic or dramatic scenes and then makes shit up inbetween. doesnt matter how to get there as long as he gets to do them.
pd: jihoo should sing and play the guitar to buy jandi something. there should be lots of lights.
other drama peeps: oh yah, good one. but when would that happen?
pd: right after his gay lover invites them to stay in macau for longer.
odp: oh ok. but jihoo has a lot of money, he doesnt need to sing for his supper.
pd: DAMN. you're right.... wait a sec. I GOT IT. we could have poverty striken jandi waste a bunch of money on useless charms and egg tarts and lose her wallet and then jihoo can just forget his wallet and then they can make $2000 in 3 minutes.
odp: people will love that.
cmon now. jihoo could have easily done that without the ridiculous losing things constantly scenario and for crying out loud dont show us that the shoes cost something exorbitant. how many times do you need me to suspend reality in 1 hour?
loves:
junhee
junpyo in the car
any scene with yisung and gaeul
cranky president grandpa
new hair woo bin
jp and jk fighting (dont hate, they're kinda cute together bc they're both kinda bratty)
jd's piano recital
does not love:
that ugly shrug jandi was wearing
fiancee's high pitched voice - she did not sound like that in macau!
jp's face when he's crying in the airport - usually like him but he overdid this scene
jihoo's haircut that makes his head look gigantic
love the recaps as always!
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137 Yin
February 24, 2009 at 5:08 AM
DAMMIT WHY DID THE DRINKING GAME STOP AFTER JUN-HEE GOT HERE.
>.<
I was having a good time laughing at BOF.
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138 Imee
February 24, 2009 at 5:14 AM
Despite all the inconsistencies, I still love this drama. What I noticed is how the portrayals of the main characters differs in all 3 versions. So far, Inoue Mao is the best over all but Goo Hye Sun moved me to tears in the dramatic scenes ( I did not feel that way with Makino nor SanChai). . Lee Min Ho gives the best performance with Jerry Yan of Meteor Garden not far behind .I also noticed the physical resemblance between LMH and JY and also their acting when both are angry. Japanese Rui is the best followed by Vic Zhou of MG. Although I see an improvement with Kim Hyun Joong as Ji Hoo now.I prefer Kim Boom and Kim Jung over the the F2 guys in both MG and HYG(not only in their acting but physical appearnce) plus Ga Eul is a lot prettier than in the other 2 versions.I also noticed that true to Korean tradition of being respectful to elders, Jan Di did not made a scene with JP's mom on his birthday unlike in the Meteor Garden version. Hopefully, the PD's of BBF would make the story line more consistent and believable but anyway this is just a fantasy and BBF is our fantasy!!!!
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139 sarah
February 24, 2009 at 5:41 AM
umm...i kinda disagree w/ dramabreans this time.. no offense huh?
i think this episode rocks! If there are inconsistencies, I didn't notice it because I love the flow of the story. Maybe I'm just not as intuitive, I just simply sit back and enjoy the story! And oh! The part between the manager and Jun pyo...it was great! A heart-wrenching scene indeed.
I woulnd't mind watching this ep again, except for the sad parts =(
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140 carrey_chan
February 24, 2009 at 5:42 AM
that pair of heels that broke are not christian louboutin right? that would be so wrong on a poor jan di
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141 heejung
February 24, 2009 at 5:42 AM
i agree with #19. how the heck can you make enough money after ONE song to buy shoes expensive enough to be in a hotel boutique, no matter how good you are?!? logic FAIL.
and jaekyung's voice is damned annoying. i don't like her! >< but the actress was awesome in who are you... sigh...
jihoo's new hair is cute. but it looks so korean boy-band.
i loved the piano bit... but i thought she couldn't play at all... even if she could play a little, memorizing a whole piece like that is kinda advanced, isn't it...? but the execution was lovely. (and i think i found a new noraebang song. :D)
sigh at BOF logic.
on the other hand....
it looks like jaekyung is gonna be paired with none other than... PRINCE SONG!! LOL.
NEXT EPISODE LOOKS AWESOME.
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142 sarah
February 24, 2009 at 5:43 AM
Lee Min Ho deserves an acting award in this scene... love that airport scene!!!
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143 heejung
February 24, 2009 at 5:49 AM
argh.. sorry for double posting...
but i would like to say i totally agree with #135 carrey_chan, lol. her outfits already look expensive; no need to compound that with loubies. and they would never break like that!
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144 docmitasha
February 24, 2009 at 5:52 AM
Since we now know for sure that this is a great show for an amazing-get-downright-drunk drinking game, I think we should get around to deciding the more important stuff, like what kind of alcohol is most suitable?
;)
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145 BBFan
February 24, 2009 at 6:09 AM
LMH is hot. For some reason, his strong jawline makes me weak. I'm no spring chicken so I'll probably be robbing the cradle. Oh well. Hey, if I track him down, then lay off girls cuz he's MINE!!!
By the way, I really want Woo Bin to have someone. Poor boy is so lonely.
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146 Joanna
February 24, 2009 at 6:14 AM
When Jun-pyo blew out his candles and looked at Jan-di, I kind of thought he was trying to tell her that he made a wish about her or them being together.... maybe :P It was an intense stare for that kind of soft thought, but intense is the way Jun-pyo does it. Maybe i'm overthinking it, but I like to find random meanings in stuff like that :)
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147 elisa
February 24, 2009 at 6:26 AM
having spent like half an hour reading all the comments....don't you wish we are all in one room with javabeans while watching any episode? rant and rave together...cry together...look at each other with a "HUH" expression on our faces for all the impossible and non-logical parts of this drama....cyberdrinking is not fun when you are alone but of course much much healthier. it is a comfort to know that i am not the only one thinking of the ludicrous script writing and directing on episodes. but despite all the flaws...so love the overload of eyecandies (saving grace really). i know koreans want their actors skinny but wow....the weight loss is too much...they don't look healthy at all anymore.
more power javabeans...beam me over to your place and watch the next episode together....thanks
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148 elisa
February 24, 2009 at 6:34 AM
PS still hoping we don't get too cyberdrunk tonight....pass out dreamless. i still prefer a little tipsy...sigh..."hyun joong, of course i will marry you. if you promise to get back to your old snow prince size" dream. lee min ho, handsome as ever but i know boyfriends who abuse tend to abusive husbands too...oops...getting dangerously tangent, way off the topic. thanks again javabeans.
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149 MINOUCHA
February 24, 2009 at 6:38 AM
I STILL love this drama..but it's sometimes boring and make me feel bad..
we need some good times between jan pyo and jan di..
i love jan pyo fiance thre r soooo funny together..
;-)
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150 cecee
February 24, 2009 at 6:53 AM
You know, if you read the manga, you would know that they are following it pretty well. Most of these occurances did happen. Understandable that is is stupid at times but you should just enjoy it for what it is instead of picking on it.
BTW, great recaps dramabeans. I always enjoy all your recaps!
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