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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 17

I don’t know if this was by design or by chance (because of the broadcast delay), but this episode had some quieter moments, which have been a rare thing in this series — it’s usually so jam-packed with The Drama. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, though, because for once we had a little breathing room in some scenes, and it was a refreshing change.

Now if we didn’t also have a few mind-bogglingly embarrassing scenes mixed in among those nicely spaced-out ones…

SONG OF THE DAY

The Name – “처음 사랑했을 때처럼” (Like when we were first in love) [ Download ]

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EPISODE 17 RECAP

Revisiting happier times, Ji-hoo watches home videos showing him at age five, playing around with his then-doting grandfather. Ex-President Yoon similarly loses himself in memories of the day Ji-hoo’s parents died.

(Just kiss and make up, you two!)

Jun-pyo faces off with his mother, who wants him to officially accept his engagement with Jae-kyung. She tells him that Shinhwa’s deal with JK Group is a huge deal — is he so thoughtless that he could give up everything his father and grandfather worked so hard for, over a silly thing like love?

Jun-hee storms in and instructs Jun-pyo to leave. Steely, she asks her mother, “Wasn’t it enough to do it to me? You need a hotel, so you sell your daughter. You need investments, and sell your son. What are you going to do if you need something else? You have no children left.”

Madam Kang insists it’s all for her children’s sake, at which Jun-hee scoffs. She’s never felt that anything her mother did was for their benefit. Mom asks her where her current happiness comes from if not her, and Jun-hee laughs bitterly: “Happiness? Do you know what happiness is?”

Jun-hee warns Mom to leave Jun-pyo alone — she won’t sit back this time.

Jan-di is busy at work, filling in for her parents on the janitorial night shift, when Ji-hoo steps into the lobby and sees her. After a moment, Ji-hoo pushes up his sleeves and grabs some supplies to join in. Jan-di is a little abashed but grateful for the help, and together, they clean the windows and the floors.

Afterward, Ji-hoo waits for Jan-di outside the restrooms, but grows concerned when she doesn’t emerge. He tries calling, but though he can hear the ringtone sounding, nobody picks up. Cautiously, he looks inside, and finds Jan-di collapsed on the ground.

Ji-hoo rushes Jan-di home and calls a doctor, who says Jan-di will be fine with some rest; she’s just overworked.

Seeing some blood on Jan-di’s finger, Ji-hoo is reminded of the time Jan-di had wrapped his bleeding finger for him. Ji-hoo takes her hand and presses a kiss to it…

…at just the moment that Jun-pyo drops by. Jun-pyo watches for a moment, then turns and silently leaves. In his car, her thinks back to the confrontation at the Macau airport, when Ji-hoo declared that he won’t step aside this time. There’s an interesting moment, I think, when he laughs and cries at the same time, then erupts into frustration.

Thus when they cross paths at school, he ignores her. (She’s nursing a bloody nose, indicative of overworking — although who else immediately thought of That Other Drama Cliché, the cancer storyline? I doubt that’s the intent, but still, there was a little too much emphasis on Jan-di’s blood to escape that thought.) Jun-pyo walks right by her, and Jan-di, feeling hurt, doesn’t see him turn back to watch her. He kicks the wall in anger.

It must be this frustration, coupled with his mother’s constant browbeating, that forces him into his next decision, which we hear from Jae-kyung that night.

Jae-kyung calls Jan-di out and meets her at the playground, grabbing Jan-di in a hug and fighting tears as she starts to speak. At first, Jan-di worries that something has happened to Jun-pyo, but it turns out that Jae-kyung’s tears are of happiness — Jun-pyo finally came around and suggested they start dating officially.

Jae-kyung was so thrilled she just had to share, and gushes, “Isn’t it so romantic to fall in love with your fiancée?” (I think that’s a little backward, but we get the point.) She also thanks Jan-di: “I’m so happy I have a friend to tell.” Jan-di looks like she would dearly love to not be that friend, but musters up a weak “Congratulations.”

The new couple makes their first official appearance at some kind of Shinhwa event (a cell phone launch party?). F4 is subdued around Jae-kyung, and Jun-pyo himself isn’t too enthusiastic to be here with her; he’s mostly quiet as his friends halfheartedly greet Jae-kyung and trade looks.

Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung greet the proud parents, and Madam Kang expresses her approval of Jae-kyung. Even when her parents suggest that she calm down and act befitting her position, Madam Kang encourages her to continue being her bright, lively self — I’m guessing that she really doesn’t care about the girl’s personality given her lofty connections.

Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung leave the party early to go on their first official date, during which Jun-pyo looks mostly unhappy and disconnected while Jae-kyung tries to engage his attention. I think on some level, Jae-kyung must be aware of Jun-pyo’s feelings, because she’s not completely dumb — she does notice his distraction when they’re at the movies (they’re watching Speed Scandal, by the way).

But she ignores this and keeps the date moving along, whether it’s by shoving popcorn into Jun-pyo’s mouth, dragging him around a teddy bear museum, or goading him into riding the cable car with her. (When he tells her to go alone, she teases him about being afraid of heights, prompting him to come along out of annoyance.)

In the cable car, Jun-pyo spies the message he’d scrawled on the wall the night he got stuck there with Jan-di, and I’m exceedingly disappointed that it wasn’t Jae-kyung who saw the message rather than him. Instead, Jae-kyung enjoys a moment of closeness when the cable car jerks — she misreads the way he automatically puts his arm around her to steady her as a sign of affection.

(At least, I think she’s misreading it, because I don’t think Jun-pyo is actually interested in her. It’s not that he couldn’t be attracted to her — maybe he would have been, if not for Jan-di — but that his feelings for Jan-di tend to be so overwhelming that I just don’t think he’s got room to think about anyone else.)

Ji-hoo comes upon Jan-di studying in their stairwell, and she jokes that at this rate, it would be a miracle for her to make it to medical school. But, she reasons, even if she doesn’t, she could always continue helping out at his grandfather’s clinic.

Belatedly remembering that the estranged grandfather is a touchy subject, Jan-di cuts herself off, then suggests that Ji-hoo make up with him. Ji-hoo answers curtly that they’d never fought — he was abandoned. Jan-di hesitantly mentions that his grandfather feels awful and misses him, but that just elicits a scornful laugh.

Their attention is diverted by two people walking down the hallway just inside — it’s Jae-kyung, nagging and hanging on to Jun-pyo’s arm. Jun-pyo’s growing increasingly irritated at Jae-kyng’s constant clinging, which she defends by saying is because she feels uncertain about their relationship. However, she offers to stop tagging along all the time if he’ll make her feel more secure — then she’ll stay put and wait for him patiently.

Jun-pyo asks what it’ll take for her to do that, and she answers, “Give me a kiss.” Her request makes Jun-pyo think back to all the (romantic, sweet) kisses he’d shared with Jan-di… and then he makes up his mind. He grabs Jae-kyung quickly and kisses her — but in contrast to his kisses with Jan-di, his eyes remain open, cold, unfeeling.

Ji-hoo grabs Jan-di to keep her from seeing (it’s a thoughtful, but mostly useless, gesture) and holds her against him until Jun-pyo breaks the kiss.

It has meant nothing to Jun-pyo and he walks off, thinking he’s earned his freedom. But Jae-kyung, happy now, persists in following him, causing him to grumble, “What now?”

Jae-kyung has a list of things she’s always wanted to do with a boyfriend (99 things, in fact) and suggests they tackle one thing per day. By the time they reach their 100-day mark, they’ll be done with her list and be a “real couple” by then. (Jun-pyo, meanwhile, is exasperated at the prospect of still being with her in 100 days.)

I almost put this screencap up top, because it’s my favorite shot from today, and I think it demonstrates the feel of this episode well — quiet, with space to breathe.

Ji-hoo can see how hurt Jan-di is by the kiss, and continues to follow her as she walks around in a daze (even running into a glass door). As with the mop scene before, Ji-hoo gives Jan-di her space and doesn’t push, but stays in the background until she’s ready to talk. When she finally does, she asks him to take her somewhere.

This ends up being the river.

As they look over the water, Ji-hoo says that Jan-di must have been an otter in a past life — she’s hard-working, cute, and needs water to survive. Jan-di thinks that as long as they’re inventing stories, she could be the Little Mermaid instead, but Ji-hoo vetoes this: It’s too sad to think of her as someone who suffers because of failed love.

Mustering some cheer, Jan-di offers to buy Ji-hoo dinner, so they leave the river and head to a restaurant…

… where they run into Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung. I suppose this run-in makes sense, since this is the restaurant the girls had taken Jae-kyung on their day out.

Oblivious to the tension (whether feigned or real is up for debate), Jae-kyung is happy to see Jan-di and greets them excitedly.

 

Meanwhile, Ga-eul attends her first day in pottery class, which is taught by a woman named Eun-jae.

I take back what I said about Ga-eul being smart. I’m not saying she’s dumb for taking up pottery because of Yi-jung, and I can understand her actions, but I’m disappointed nonetheless. It’s one thing to harbor a crush for someone you know isn’t good for you (you can’t help your feelings, right?), but another thing to actively cultivate that interest. This is a drama so we know Yi-jung is a decent guy and probably the Perfect Soulmate for Ga-eul… but she doesn’t know that. He hasn’t proven himself to be a good match, and in the absence of that kind of conviction, I’d thought she’d be smarter. Oh well. She’s young and he’s hot.

After class, Eun-jae asks about Ga-eul’s interest in pottery; she answers that someone she knows is a potter. Wanting to share an interest with a friend is a sentiment Eun-jae understands; she explains that that’s how she started, back when she was a child.

Ga-eul asks if Eun-jae’s boyfriend is a potter, and gets the reply that the person in question is a potter, but not her boyfriend. I’m sure we’ve all guessed this much, but Ga-eul starts to get an inkling that Eun-jae refers to Yi-jung when Eun-jae indicates a ceramic mug — she repeats Yi-jung’s words from an earlier episode about how these clay creations are stronger than they appear.

Yi-jung catches his father making out with a younger woman at his studio, and faces him in disgust. Yi-jung asks why his father lives like this, and gets back the response that life is boring. Yi-jung snipes, “Have you ever lived properly even for a moment?”

Dad replies, “There was only one woman who made me want to live right. If you let that woman go, they’re all the same. They’re all just meaningless repetitions.” (Way to be romantic and misogynistic at the same time, dude.)

Yi-jung feels that that’s unfair to his mother, but his father sighs, “That’s why I wish this life would pass quickly. But things don’t work out that way.”

We can see how having a father like this has shaped Yi-jung’s playboy tendencies, but Yi-jung resents hearing that he resembles his father. His father knows Yi-jung hates it (he smiles, “Isn’t that cruel?”), but it’s true.

He leaves him with these pearls of wisdom: “The real thing comes once. That’s another cruel truth.”

Awkward silence prevails at dinner. Jae-kyung notices Jan-di eyeing a notice on the wall, and it piques her interest — it’s a ladies’ challenge. Anyone who finishes a “jumbo ramen” within 20 minutes wins 50 coupons for free ramen. Jae-kyung can tell that Jan-di wants those coupons, so she offers to win them for her. In exchange, she wants a wish from each of them if she succeeds.

Ji-hoo is first to agree, and Jae-kyung dives in.

Everyone watches in a mix of disgust and amazement as Jae-kyung eats, and eats, and eats… and polishes off the gigantic bowl. (More than the stomach space, I fear for her cholesterol and sodium levels.)

She wins the coupons, hands them over to Jan-di as a gift, and claims her wishes: She wants the four of them to go on a trip together. They can stay at one of her family’s resorts. Jun-pyo resists (“I hate double dates”), but Jae-kyung points out that he’d already promised.

After his disturbing confrontation with his father, Yi-jung drowns his sorrows in some hard liquor and loses himself in a childhood memory, when he’d been crying under the table and fearing for his mother’s life. (I’m not sure if she was ill, or perhaps, in keeping with the theme, she had attempted suicide as a result of his father’s infidelity.)

A girl joins Yi-jung under the table — Eun-jae — and comforts him, saying she always knows where to find him. He puts his head in her lap and makes her promise not to leave until he falls asleep.

Feeling lost and alone, Yi-jung now looks at the empty space next to him and imagines that Eun-jae is there, asking brokenly, “Eun-jae, won’t you find me again?”

Still pretending she’s here, Yi-jung lays down as though to put his head in her lap, but in reality just lying down on the empty bench.

Jae-kyung gets her wishes, because the foursome check into her family hotel (I’m so confused — it’s unclear where this is, exactly). Up in their suite, Jae-kyung shows Jan-di a new purchase, thrilling at the couple rings she’s bought for herself and Jun-pyo.

Jan-di is taken aback to see that the rings have been engraved with a “J ♥ J” before realizing it stands for Jae-kyung and Jun-pyo.

Her reaction to the J/J engraving is explained later as she sits by the pool looking at her star-moon necklace, turning it over to reveal the same inscription. But she loses her grasp and drops the necklace into the water. Dismayed, Jan-di decides to retrieve it, and searches until she finds the necklace sitting on the bottom of the pool.

As she swims toward the end of the pool, her faulty shoulder, which has been bothering her all episode, flares up. In pain, she flails around wildly, unable to stay afloat. (AGAIN? I don’t know why a bum shoulder means she can’t use her legs to STAND UP. Excuse me while I pause to go laugh my head off.)

No, really, it’s horrible. I tried really hard to tell myself that the pool was deep, but it was still a hard scene to buy.

And then, things get even cheesier when out of nowhere, Jun-pyo comes swimming out to save Jan-di, pulling her to safety.

Worriedly, he calls out to her and jostles her awake. Jan-di’s first reaction is puzzlement, because Jun-pyo can’t swim. He answers that he learned how, since “I figured I’d rather drown than watch some other guy save you.” Because, as we know, it’s too much to hope for that she ever moves beyond the need for rescue.

Jun-pyo takes Jan-di in his arms and starts to carry her away, which is when the other two come running. Ji-hoo steps in to say he’ll take over from here and help Jan-di back to her room. Reluctantly, Jun-pyo puts Jan-di down and relinquishes her to Ji-hoo’s care, staring intently after her as she walks away. Even Jae-kyung can’t escape noticing his reaction this time. After everyone leaves, she finds Jan-di’s dropped necklace on the ground and reads the inscription curiously.

Yi-jung loiters outside a café and glares through the window at one of the baristas inside. His rage is explained by a flashback, which tells us that this is Yi-jung’s older brother.

The two had had a falling out the day his brother gave up pottery and left home. Apparently they had both studied under their father’s tutelage, but Yi-jung had always been the one with the natural talent, and he’s the one who will take over the family legacy.

Yi-jung had felt betrayed at his brother’s abandonment — he’d escaped but left Yi-jung to shoulder the burden alone. (Yi-jung had never asked to study pottery, although his father had pointed out that he hadn’t protested, either.)

(Oy, the shoutiness and the eye-bugging! Kim Bum, I love you, but you are not in East of Eden anymore.)

Meanwhile, at the undisclosed resort location, Jun-pyo broods alone in the pool, thinking of how he’d had to step back and let Ji-hoo take care of Jan-di. Jae-kyung arrives wearing an uncharacteristically serious and solemn expression, silently removes her robe to reveal a bikini underneath, and joins him in the pool. When he asks what she’s doing, she grabs Jun-pyo suddenly in a back-hug.

At the same time, Jan-di has gotten some medical attention (she’s fine, she just forgot that she shouldn’t swim anymore) and assures Ji-hoo she’s okay. She excuses herself to retrieve something she’d lost, and heads back to find the necklace.

And this is how she comes to see the other couple, embracing in the pool.

 
COMMENTS

(Did they get a new music director? The Second Moon guy, perhaps?)

Is anyone else feeling tired out by the drama? I don’t mean tired OF the drama, but tired out BY it. I dunno, for mindless entertainment, sometimes it really makes you work at following along.

I didn’t mind the pacing issues (much) because I knew production had to work around Gu Hye-sun’s accident and filming delays. That meant I was generally okay with the episode, except for a few of those truly odd parts that couldn’t be overlooked.

Jae-kyung. I think I have a handle on her character, but as I mentioned, it’s not clear just how much she guesses about Jan-di and Jun-pyo, and how much she’s genuinely ignorant about. I guess it’s up to us to decide for ourselves how manipulative she’s being, but that covers a pretty wide range and I’d rather know for sure if she’s being oblivious, completely manipulative, or halfway in between (I suspect the latter).

Also, what was the point of the ramen scene? I was puzzled as to why Jan-di was so freakin’ passive in this scene — she’s just going to let someone engage in an eating challenge to hand over an awesome prize? When Jae-kyung said she could tell Jan-di wanted those coupons, I wondered, then why doesn’t Jan-di actually WIN them herself? I thought perhaps she’d join the challenge, or maybe they’d both do it, but instead, she just sat back and said nothing, then accepted the prize.

Interestingly, Yi-jung’s father’s view on love is in line with Ga-eul’s philosophy on soulmates, which suggests that Ga-eul is the match for Yi-jung. On the other hand, if Yi-jung has already had a love and lost her, does that mean he’s used up his quota for this lifetime?

 
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@139 - Agreed with you.

I too am getting really bored with this. I've never like JH/JD as a couple and yes, without JD/JP interaction, there is not much sparks. BBF lost it in terms of characterization esp with JD and JP. But heh, this is a K DRAMA.. anything goes, rightly or wrongly, correctly or incorrectly... so, the best way is to just enjoy the show. No need to dissect and over analysis so many things.

Let's just enjoy the rest of the 7 episodes knowing JD/JP will be together :)

Have fun!

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i'm actually kind of sad there wasn't more of Woo-bin in this episode. and if the PDs and directors decided to give Yi-jung & Ji-hoo a back story, i hope they give a decent one to Woo-bin. but then they might run out of time b/c the main story is taking forever to resolve (which i guess is the point!)

i agree with an earlier commenter, i wonder if Jae-kyung will mistake that necklace to be hers. but i don't think she's that dumb -- let's hope not! and hopefully by the next 2 episodes, this jae-kyung - jun-pyo "thing" will be all sorted out and we'll have the main couple back!

i agree with you javabeans. the restaurant scene where she eats the ramen was totally useless and awkward. they only used that scene to have Jae-kyung have her wish fulfilled, which they could've done some other (better) way.

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#136 JAM - That's the Chanel Ultra ring in black. I'm sure you'll be seeing this ring on many Korean guys soon enough, to add to their newly acquired permed locks. ;)

Just a bit more to say about JK's supposed cluelessness - From her speech and behavior this ep and the ep 18 previews out there, it would appear that she was genuinely clueless about JP-JD, up till the pool rescue and discovery of necklace. This ep, she was about to share fondly with Mdm Kang at the breakfast table about her new friend who is poor but very well brought-up and strong when JP dragged her away, knowing who that is. She also lovingly told JD to eat more during the bbq dinner at the resort. I think she only crossed over from friend to foe next ep after she realised who she was up against and of course, the rejection was the last straw on the camel's back. I'm thankful she was not made to undress like what Shigeru had to do.

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Anybody has the instrument piece that was played when Jan Di dived into the pool to find her necklace?

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"(AGAIN? I don’t know why a bum shoulder means she can’t use her legs to STAND UP. Excuse me while I pause to go laugh my head off.)"

javabeans, this line made me burst out laughing in my office so loudly that my boss came out of her room to glare at me..... i keep imagining that you stopped in the middle of typing your review just to laugh......

2. why does yiJung's dad speaks sooooo slooowwwwlyyyy...... was he supposed to be drunk? but he's not slurring. was the actor supposed to be famous? because i don't like his acting, makes the character's sorrow and 'i don't give a damn' attitude seems contrived

3. why are JP and JH cooking? i don't see the point

4. WOO BIN-ah........! where are you...?

4. i love the new background songs... kinda relief not to hear 'almost paradise'... but after i finished watching the whole epi, can't help but miss the cheesines that is "Almoost paaaradiiiise...' ;)

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I haven't watched the episode, but this definitely helps me get an overview of what to expect.

Yes, I agree. They took it kind of light this time.... the previous episodes have been really heavy, this is a breather. ^^

The drama between Jun Pyo and Jan Di misunderstanding each other to the point that they're already hurting each other is so characteristic of a K/JDrama. Ehehe. I wonder when they'll make up. Coz I can only imagine how heavy the drama will be again if Jae Kyung finds out the truth (if she hasn't found out about it yet).

Yi Jung's story pretty much takes on the same wavelength as Ji Hoo's. A childhood friend that helps him get through hard times in life and to whom he falls in love...... she leaves and he finds out later on that she's not the one for him, etc... Hopefully there'd be a twist, ne? ^^ Ga Eul -- Yi Jung FTW!

Anyhoots, thanks for the recaps Javabeans! ^^

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“I figured I’d rather drown than watch some other guy save you.” ---> and this line is just kind of stupid but sweet at the same time. LOL. ^^

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ok, when i was watching this episode, I really dont know why i have to ask, but is it like a korean/rich guy thing to watch the family past movies and family memories in a theater or on a projection slide? I think Jun Pyo did this too and i think this is Ji-hoo's 2nd time to do this? I dont know.. because I've never had the luxury to do something like that.

Besides the fact, that the episode was moving a bit slow.. and I agree with you javabeans that the ramen scene was like a "HUH?" for me, since I didn't see the point, but i remember reading in an article yesterday that since Gu Hye sun (sorry for misspell) had to get lip surgery and they didnt get a chance to finish the 2nd half of Ep17 since she got into that accident, they finished filming the scenes by making sure that she didn't have much speaking lines so I'm thinking they put that scene so she could nod, or stare in amazement and such, because I noticed that toward the end of the episode, she sat by the pool to reminisce, or say one word lines so it wasn't so difficult for her

And I also agree that Kim Bum's acting reminding me a lil bit of East of Eden.. and I'm still such a strong Ji-Hoo fan. I'm totally jealous of how sweet he is to Jan-Di and how he'd do anything to be her knight.. i mean i literally was like OMG when he kissed her finger!!

Thanks again for recaps!

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was the ramyun scene really shot after her accident? i'm confused about the timing of all these episodes and when they are shot in reality. there is a long 8+ minute "preview" of episode 18 (but not really a preview, it's really the actual episode 18 on someone's TV screen which they then filmed with their own camcorder) on youtube. Jandi's character is in a lot of this "preview" and I was wondering how they were able to shoot that when she's at the hospital (or was) till a couple of days ago. And if so much of episode 18 is already available since yesterday, why wasn't 17 aired on Monday?

Are these episodes really shot and then aired the very next day??? I can't actually believe that. Why do they cut it so close? They started filming the first episode in the beginning of November but it didn't air till after the new year--2 months later. Why is it so day-to-day all of a sudden? I feel like there should at least be a 2-wk cushion. And I know that there are filming delays and such but still... just seems unrealistic.

Perhaps the scenes aren't actually filmed in sequential order as they appear in the drama... so they had to "go back" and film the ramyun scene even if parts of future episodes were already done...

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another drunk-worthy episode for me! wish it fell on a weekend so that could actually be true. but anyway, each week im led to consider my inadequacies which a) prevents me from fainting/hurting myself/bleeding/passing out/etc every five minutes, and b) attract a legion of knights to save my life each time. but then, its prob because they've all gone to save Jan Di!

Seriously, though, isn't every plot twist essentially revolving around her hurting/fainting in some way or another?

still lovin' the ridiculousness though! :-)

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AHA WHY DONT YOU GUYS MAKE YOUR OWN VERSION OF BOF?
IM ALSO GETTING TIRED OF DISSASTIFIED PEOPLE.. CRITICS HERE AND THERE... DO YOU THINK YOU CAN MAKE A BETTER DRAMA? USUALLY PEOPLE WHO CRITICS DRAMA ARE THE ONE WHO COULDNT MAKE ONE..
BELIEVE IT OR NOT.. HAH!

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# 73 Muffin -"I'm really, and I mean really enjoying this series...I enjoy what's right with it, and I equally enjoy complaining about what's wrong with it" -I totally agree with you!
and with # 139 bjarm, too, especially with the last sentence/question-my answer is, NONE-there is no such thing as a perfect korean drama (or any drama from any country for that matter)-there will always be good and bad scenes, logical and illogical moments, there will always be something to complain, or something to rave about, etc...I don't care-I enjoy this show-honestly, it makes me feel young again.

#132 yoYOmahbro-I did notice too that Junpyo's curls are not so curlstatic lately-maybe the hairstylist is also overworked (just like the cast members) just from trying to maintain those curls each and every scene that JP is on.

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I definitely agree, it was nice to have some drama between the two leads, but now it is getting old. The majority of the energy of the show I feel comes from Junpyo and Jandi's relationship. Since it has been missing lately, the show feels kind of dull. They need to come back together or otherwise I might start falling asleep during it. And finally his fiance seems to get a hint! I just hope they don't drag that on, turning her into an evil and back-stabbing friend, because she seemed genuinely nice before.

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There was no Kim Joon in this episode. There should be a small storyline for him! We should get people to rally together so they can make a storyline for him. Everyone else has a good story so why not Kim Joon!

Ji Hoo is really growing on me and he seems to be a better fit for Jan Di now. JP need to step up his A game!

Thanks for the recaps java!

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I believe LMH said (back in late january) that GJP's hair would get straighter/less curly after episode 14, in line with a more mature, sophisticated/older look for the character.

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Well if 50 Billion other people can comment so can I.

I think that the hug at the end is JK getting what's going on between Jun Pyo and JanDi and she is going to step off. Her serious face seems to tell it all for me. Plus she has seen the wistful glances that they were shooting at each other the whole trip. I think it clicks for her.

I kinda hope that she gets together with Jihoon. I know it's impossible. Since she realized that JP is in love with JanDi she could form sad cupid part 2 with JiHoon, and in the midst of their casual scheming. They could forge a love scorned friendship/ understanding, which eventually turns into lurve. With Jihoon's quiet thoughtfulness to balance out her crazy outlandishness I think they could be awesome, and then they could have a happy double date vacation. On which they meet up with his Barbie ex and JiHoon has to confront all his feelings for his still BFF JanDi, Sad Cupid part 2 JK, and long lost lover Barbie. And after careful consideration he chooses JK, which makes Barbie and JanDi a little sad but OK. Besides "JKhoon" would totally be a crazy PDA couple, holding hands and kissing like crazy.

Does it say anything about my sanity and/or the quality of the episode that I thought this extraneous plotline up while watching the show?

BTW thanks for the recap Javabeans, even though I watch it subbed I still like to read your and the 50 million other comments on the episode. I actually read through quite a few of the comments on the board.

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it's my first time posting here and to be honest i've just found this site....

thanks for a good review form d writer....keep up the good work.....

i've observe that many here seems to think that JP will fall for JK if he didn't met JD first but i kinda disagree....because i think that JK seems to clingy to JP, which if i were him, i'll feel suffocated....whereas, JD didn't even like JP in the first place....infact, she didn't even realise that JP likes her....

i'm kinda torn between JP/JD and JH/JD....it's like i just want it to be may the best man win....but i supposed we have to stick to the original storyline....

i'm soooo rooting for YJ/GE.....such a cute couple....Yi Jung, start smiling again soon, will ya....miss ur smile so much....

i don't like to over analise because i'm watching all the drama for the entertainment factor....and for me, it's supposed to be irrational because it's not real life anyway....so, i'm just gonna continue watching until the end...hopefully, this sad episodes will end soon....

aja aja fighting......

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#165-thanks for the tidbit regarding Curlytop Junpyo. I wish Jandi's hairstyle was somewhat changed, too.

I am finding myself slowly rooting for the Jihoo-Jandi couple. Doc Grandpa seems more open minded about people's status than Mama Kang ever will be-so he will be more accepting of Jandi-but what am I thinking? Junpyo, I agree with # 164 cecee-YOU BETTER STEP UP YOUR A GAME!

And i need to see more of my Woobin...he is such a cutie!

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I hated the guy that played Yijung's dad, I thought he was a TERRIBLE actor. Ugh.

JD was very lethargic in this episode which I thought was really appropriate. The scene where she bumps into the glass door was well done. She is just not thinking straight these days - can't get it together with all the thoughts of JP in her head.

The guy cooking scene/feeding each other montage was weird and unnecessary.

That's all I got today.

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LOL -- the guy who played YiJung's dad was DEF a horrible actor. I was confused because it was so bad--I couldn't decipher if it was horrible acting skills, or if it was just the type of person he was trying to portray on screen (totally lost, dazed and confused). Think it was just bad acting skills.

I'm dead set on JP/JD but JH's character is so lovable and warm that you don't want him to be "the nice guy finishing last". hopefully his long lost love from Korea will return and just swoop him away. LOL.

I agree with the other analysis... I thought it was ridiculous beyond any ounce of belief when JD started to drown in the pool and JP came to save her. it was SO random! So random that I swear I thought it was her imagining JP in place of JH and that the next scene would show JH holding her instead. How can JP be so unbelievably upset with her one minute, then have the perfect timing to save her drowning butt in the water the next? Wish they could have segued their interaction just a little better.

Still love Ggotnamja though!

Thanks dramabeans =)

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i really think they should make their drowning scenes more realistic... does anyone think eun jae looks like so hee from wonder girls? their faces all look dumpling-ish... haha:)

thanks for ur recap, javabeans!

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"Also, what was the point of the ramen scene? I was puzzled as to why Jan-di was so freakin’ passive in this scene"

I gues the director tried to find a way to acomplish jae kyung wishes to have a double date(haha..well, maybe)

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Javabeans, as usual I love your recap. But even much more, I think your comments and remarks are superb, which always tell me much more than the drama itself..reading your blog is a must after I watch the episode.

Thank you so much!

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I am tired by the drama. i just want jaekyung to hurry up and find out that j<3j is not her and junpyo.

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Jun-Hee Unnie! she needs to come back in full force, please!

dying, when Junpyo goes to Ji-Hoo's house and jandi is there....I was like holding to myself thinking a) the shit is going to hit the fan b) he is going to go crazy on his own...B!

I did like this episode but at the same time I think it was just pieced together quite strange which think might be because of hye sun's accident and stuff...actually liking the new stuff...

OMG..love the awkwardness of F3 when Junpyo comes around jaekyung! hahahha, they're so awesome and loyal to jandi.

can't wait till ep 18, hopefully this ridiculous angst will end soon

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"Interestingly, Yi-jung’s father’s view on love is in line with Ga-eul’s philosophy on soulmates, which suggests that Ga-eul is the match for Yi-jung. On the other hand, if Yi-jung has already had a love and lost her, does that mean he’s used up his quota for this lifetime?"

ahh. it looks like we'll be getting another disappointment on the YJ/GE storyline. *sigh* :(

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Javabeans excellent job like always....the recap is always fun to read, even though it was only 1 episode this week.....I can't wait for monday so all this mess with the fiance wraps up cause I'm getting frustrated......
The episode it self had a real slow paced considering past episodes, I guess GHS accident had to do with it....but come on PD is time to heat up this drama and start to put yours writers to really work ....as mention above I can't stand the frustration of seen GJP and GJD all sad and can't even talk........I do agree with some of the comments here Jandi needs to wake up and be herself again and GJP also...I mean what happen to his fighting spirit (both of them) JH is nice but I can tell from this episode is that he is pushing GJP buttons...so that finally he can admit than he can't leave without JanDi......"Monkey Girl" is nice and I do like her character but she is way to clinging doesn't she have a clue that JUN as she calls him is not interested ....hello the date was so bad.....lol...the kissing was way to akward....but....based on ep. 18 preview (you tube) she finally realizes that the intial are GJP and GJD and also remembers when she first met GJD in Macau and GJD said she was there to see her boyfriend.....bingo...the girl is clear however...before she finally gives up and redeems herself she tells GJD that she and GJP slept together....and the end she will apologize to GJD by returning her the necklance......(that my guess so please don't junp to conclusion people) mama Kang also kind realize during the party and GJP is not happy u can tell by her expression.....well let see what happens next monday........NICE NEW MUSIC WOW........PD please we need GJP AND GJD BACK TOGETHER!!!!!!!! without them this story have no point at all.................

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i found plenty of interesting comments::

@ javabeans,
"There’s an interesting moment, I think, when he laughs and cries at the same time, then erupts into frustration."

I, too, found that scene interesting. I was all saddened by the moment, then i suddenly see him smile, then get frustrated, then cries.. What an interesting mixture of emotions. It's like he's gonna go psycho or something..

@40 Aye
Did anyone else laugh out loud when they showed Jun-pyo learning how to swim? Way to ruin a nice scene PD Jun Ki-sang.

yes, the moment was ruined. xD
I was very surprised that Junpyo suddenly knew how to swim. It was supposed to be a really touching moment but i guess the PD wanted to add some comedy to this depressing episode--but at the wrong time. That scene was also cut too short. And how many more times will Jandi DIE for that necklace that has lost its meaning? All of her near-death experiences and issues are all because of that Junpyo(although i'm still rooting for this couple).

@58 Akiddo
"Jae kyeong seems pretty clueless about JD and JP. Perhaps she is so into being in love and trying to get JP’s attention. A smarter woman would have found out about his past relationships. She has all the money and resources to do so. Can’t believe a clueless girl like her can be an heiress to a conglomerate."

She's not the perfect girl that people think she is since she lacks brains. It's about time she feels the tension between Jandi and Junpyo. I also can't believe that she'd be the heiress to a large company when she can't figure ot these little things herself.

@61 maria
"i agree with a previous comment. it is sooo about time that they stopped cLockblocking junpyo’s devotion, not to mention rage, and stopped giving him all this emo-ness.THE JUN PYO I KNOW WOULD’VE MANNED THE HELL UP ALREADY, DAMMIT!!!"

true, these past episodes have been showing alot of Junpyo suffering pain and frustration. But what can we do? It's a drama after all. And i don't think there's a need for him to MAN UP much until he finds a way to save the company without having to marry JaeKyung. I personally think that his character is strong because he's been continuously enduring and bearing the pain whenever Jandi is floating about. He is willing to suffer this much for the sake of 700,000 people.

@62 annieee
"i also have to complain about the new songs. at least the old ones fit in some of the time. the new titles are all cheery and upbeat, which does not match with the angst we’re getting in the 2nd half of the drama."

i agree. its around the time when we dig deep into the characters' emotions & it is not the time to listen to light-hearted cheerful songs. It just doesn't match! Especially SS501's new ending song--it sounds too cheerful to played in the end of a dramatic episode.

@77 Marg
Jandi’s necklace “J J” could ALSO stand for Jandi/Jihoo in JK’s eyes right? Why would she look so surprised then..? Maybe they all forgot about it..

I was thinking that, too. There's Js all over the place--putting so much meaning/symbolism to these accessories. Especially the fact they're both in JaeKyung's hands, she now has control over the ones 'J' represents.

@80 WysteriaMagnus
MY FAVORITE COMMENT OF THE DAY ^^
that puts my mind at rest concerning SoEul couple <3

@124 butterfly
YES, we might sound like freaks for saying that Jandi is tough, but your comment was enough to prove that it's true. and to add to your list about Jandi::

1. She was brave enough to go to Macau to find her boyfriend even though she sensed that it was the end.
2. She took the break-up as if it was something that she already knew she had to endure. She was ready for it, and she accepted it.
3. She was able to muster up the strength to go sight-seeing with Jihoo the next day and to cover her face with smiles.
4. She courageously played the piano on Junpyos birthday. A depressed, dying soul wouldn't have the guts to go on stage like that in front of the elite audience.
5. She turns away from Junpyo instead of being a drag by begging him to come back to her. That would have been a sign of weakness if she'd dare do that.

and for those scenes where they show her near-death experiences..well, i gotta say that these were the flaws. But it would also be quite unrealistic if Jandi had to survive all these on her own. Everyone needs a helping hand. The F4 is just too much, but this story is still derived from the manga so yea..
________________________

anyway, i really loved the converstaion between Jandi & Jihoo by the river.
It was interesting how Jandi wanted to be like the little mermaid and watch her prince from afar because she's not one of them(the rich/elite). Then Jihoo objects because in the original story of the little mermaid, the girl dies because she failed to fight for the love she has been pining for.

now i think i'm over analyzing..

Thank you so much for the recaps JAVABEANS =]
& i also enjoy everyone's comments, so lets hang in there!

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Yes, I am burning out on this drama. I started burning out around episode 6 actually, after minji left. Since then I've been watching casually in hopes that it would eventually do the Hana Yori Dango story justice, but at episode 17, it hasn't and it doesn't look like it will. At this point, I wouldn't mind not seeing the rest of the episodes since I'm not new to Hanadan and I know how the plot unfolds already.

But I think the viewing experience is different for people like me, who have seen a Hanadan before, verses those who are seeing it for the first time. For me, this version didn't need to be made, as it only retreads plot points on a superficial level, and the expansion of side characters like Ji Hoo and Yi Joung is more broad than deep. But for first time viewers and viewers in Korea, I can see how this localized version could be entertaining still.

The restaurant scene is a great one in the manga. When the two couple's run into each other, it's like the epicenter of all the strife going on between the four main characters. JP and JD have to endure actually seeing each other's dates with other ppl, while JK and JH see what they want to see and try to pass the double date off as anything but dysfunctional. Unfortunately, like a lot of other scenes from the manga, it wasn't executed well in this drama and it seemed like everyone was just sorta sitting around watching JK eat a lot of ramen. lol

Thanks for the lovely recap Javabeans!

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thanks for the recap!

well, i was tired of this drama A LONG time ago! i stopped watching after episode 8 (and even then, i was fast-forwarding through them!) b/c i just read your recaps...hoping the drama will get better but am always disappointed. i said this from the beginning...i'm not among the 30% who love this drama...quite the opposite. i've seen all the versions and was so excited for this one....and it COULD'VE been so great but...it fails...for me.

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AH ? Why am I not suprised by the disappointment ?
Except for me BOF is a FAILURE version of HYD since episode 2 with the out characterisation and bad acting, the unnecessary shower scene, the fake made up Jan di scene, the lame Rugby thing (I can see it was here to somewhat show a "violent" Jun Pyo)...

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my favorite scene from this episode was when JP, JK, JH & JD were eating & JP finishes his wine ignoring JK's wanting to clink glasses so JH does, & JH cutting the food & trading the plates for JD, & JP is jealous & pours himself some more wine.

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i love your recap and comments....i thought i was the only one feeling the same way you do....its nice to know that we alll have similar thought at certain points in the episode....

the ramen scene, I was totally thinking the same thing...why THE hell isnt she ever saying anything???...(i know some ppl on here said she couldnt be a part of the competition becasue she (the actoress) had just come from the hospital or something) but ur VOICE is still there...what happen to the girl who did a flip kick on one of the most feared boys on campus??

seriously she should just get up and say (this is an exxagertation but its nice to imagine): eff you b*tch, i dont want to go on some stupid dumb double date....i have work, i have to get into medical school....i dont got time for this stupid drama. and who made you my date coach...I AM NOT DATING ji HOO, cant YOU see???
but if she said that, then whats the point of this drama, rt?
but seriously she needs to grow some balls. lol

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Your right, the music has gotten better. Perhaps posting some of them would be nice? Please????

I love your recaps. Hail dramabeans!!

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The ramen scene isn't pointless. It's the excuse used to have the 4 of them take a trip together to Jae Kyung's resort.

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actually, koo hye sun really couldn't say anything. she has 3 to 4 stitches in her mouth, so pronunciation b/c of the swelling plus stitches is really hard for her. she's currently taking therapy classes to work on the pronunciation, hence the minimal lines. and her stitches don't come out until the 5th! poor girl!

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I enjoyed this episode - perhaps because I was in a rush & I watched most of it mindlessly. However, I thought about it, and despite the "dragginess" of the JK plot I've seen some changes.

Gaeul & Yi Jung - this has been bothering me since the episode ended. I think that viewers (in general) pay more attention to them because we do not know what will happen to them, opposed to JD & JP. I never really liked Sojiro's "first love" in any adaptation, maybe because they hinted that she betrayed him for his older brother (or some misunderstanding like that). This conflict in YJ's past was an obstacle to Yuki and Sojiro's relationship in the Jversion, I hope that this is not the case in BBF.

I do disagree with YJ using up his quota - your first love doesn't really mean that he/she is your soulmate. He viewed EJ as a mother figure and a friend, I think its more of an emotional attachment formed out of need opposed to a romantic love. I just use this idea to console myself whenever I realize that there is a chance that their relationship (G&Y) might turn tragic. After all, just because your first love isn't necessarily your soulmate doesn't mean that the opposite is true...

Jae Kyung - many view her as extremely oblivious, but I think she's in denial. There are several scenes that disprove the theory that she is manipulative - she offered to gulp down ramen for Jandi and offered Jandi more food during their dinner. I believe that she truly sees Jandi as a friend, but her obsession with Junpyo clouds her judgement. Deep inside she knows that something did happen between JD and JP, but there's no solid proof (aside from Gaeul's glances, and JD & JP's tense interactions) that they had a relationship. Sure enough, it was only in this episode that a valid piece of evidence was presented, and according to a preview I saw, it was enough to push her out of her denial.

Evil Mom - someone mentioned that (sorry, I forgot who said it) the mom might not be entirely evil, because she accepted JK despite her resemblance to Jandi because she had connections, meaning that if Jandi had connections, there's a possibility that she could have been accepted too. I must say however, that the mom telling JK not to change is because she realized that she is a threat to Jandi, and there's a possibility that JP would fall for her because of their similarities. The mom is trying to present JK as a better alternative (hence the connections) to Jandi. She understands the depth of JP's feeling for JD.

Acting - The acting improved this episode - I found that less is more. The lack of dialogue was a breather, it made the viewer actually think about the scene rather than just sit and passively listen to dialogue. It also created an atmosphere of reflection and meditation, somehting that the characters needed to do. (I mean, I did get tired of Jandi's constant yelling). The simplicity of the scenes had a more subtle, powerful effect.

Music - much better music, although it doesn't always match the scene. It did make watching the series more bearable, no random PARADiii~~~SE in the background to kill the mood. [to be honest, i don't really cringe anymore when I hear that song, I LAUGH]

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it just bugs me that they don't really consider the actors' health. They get a few hours of shut eye, get into car accidents and still force them to work in the freezing cold. seems inhumane, but it comes with the job (and fame) i guess.

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I really liked the whole "space" thing too. the angst was starting to get to me. i'm still really dissatfied with their acting skills though. the only one who seems to be doing a decent job of things is min ho. And the writing... cringe. Maybe it's because I watched a few episodes of the japanese hana yori dango recently... Who knows....

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I am in love with Jaekyung. All the other girls are scared of skinship, but jaekyung is confident and knows what she wants. I loved the scene where she took off her robe. What makes this scene weird though is the look on her face. Maybe she thought Junpyo bought jaekyung the J & J necklace so she takes off her robe and submits herself to him? Or perhaps Jaekyung takes off her robe in an act of desperation to get Junpyos attention? Pretty crazy...

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Oh god--I just watched the Ep18 preview, and without giving out any spoilers, it just seems like the PDs are just obsessed with dragging this stupid plotline out for as long as they can. It is manipulative and annoying. WE ARE ON EPISODE 18--why the hell is JK still around?

And can someone give Jan Di some REAL dialogue? And stop making her look depressed all the time. And please, it's time for JH too leave the scene. Doormats are not attractive.

I really like the JK character--she is spunky and alive and the kind of character Jan Di should have been and never was.

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i think if madame kang accepted jaekyung despite the fact she's so similar to jandi simply because she has bucket-loads of cash, that makes her even MORE evil and materialist and shallow. i'm not sure how this makes her seem less evil.....

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lol
jan di pisses me off no matter what she does
she's probably not a good swimmer to begin with and er..
her legs were damaged at the same time as her shoulder, the pain/damage magically transposed itself on her leg

AND im sure the doctor meant that she can't swim competitively, i bet she can still swim

so much..ridiculouseness.. =_=

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STOP RAGGING ON THE DRAMA!!!!! IF YOU DONT LIKE IT FINE DONT WATCH IT BUT GEEZ!!!!

I PERSONALLY LOVE IT. I HAVE YET TO GET TIRED OF IT. I ANXIOUSLY WAIT FOR IT TO BE ON. BUT HONESTLY I WOULD LOVE FOR JI-HOO AND JAE KYUNG TO END UP TOGETHER. THEY WOULD BE A VERY SEXY COUPLE. JIHOO IS FIIIIIIIINE!!!

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actually I stopped watching this drama since episode 6 and started to read your recaps :D <3 you!!!

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Both JD and JP are given alternatives - so it is up to them to take their chances.

Somehow i have this feeling that they are REALLY trying to pair JD with JH in this version - which is great!! This pair has so many lovely moments together. I thought the scene with the janitor's bike was super cute!

JK and JP are meant for each other - with the approval of his mom. Wish he would just let go and spare me the angst. If u want her THAT badly - go get her. If not - move aside so that JD can move on!

JD - i think your "tears quota" for one man is almost up. Please open up your eyes and really take a look at Jihoo!!!!!

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Love your comments as usual! :) There were some funny mistakes in this ep. #1 - Before JP kicked the wall near the lockers out of frustration, there were 2 male students in the shot. When the camera panned out after JP's kick, the 2 ghostly students vanished.
#2 The redundant drowning scene where JD was flailing around in 3 ft of water. She grabbed the wrong shoulder to indicate her incompetence to try to float/swim, thus sounding the alarm to rescue her AGAIN.

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must they have a scene where jandi is drowning though? i mean, this is the most annoying "rescue jandi" plot to use....it's not that hard to get urself out of the pool! my goodness! but i mean, she always loses something or gets in trouble in every single episode. gosh. i don't feel sympathy for her, but just pity.
junpyo was okayy....this episode was a little too draggy i thought.
hoppefully, it'll be better next ep!

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Woah I spotted two or three Goong S references! The teddy bear museum, I think one of the teddy bears that Jae Kyung took a picture with looked like the Queen mother (From either goong series) and then there was the obvious insert song while Ji Hoo kissed Jan Di's hand - that was COMPLETELY from goong s and also happens to be a song I've been wanting to get my hands on for years.

Man I hope it's included in the soundtrack!

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I don't feel this episode is a success. There was no meaningful story in it. Lots of scenes are not logical, especially Jandi got drowning again??? I have to say it was boring, after I waited for over a week.

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yes, i agree with everyone about the new music... FINALLY they have different songs!!!

omg the last scene with jae kyung hugging jun pyo... i was like, "NOOOOO! don't you dare touch him!!!"

i feel so bad for jan di.

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