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Boys Before Flowers: Episode 21

Three good episodes in a row! What is going on here?

Okay, okay. Perhaps if I were to take a coldly analytical look at this, I might concede that all three episodes in question (and then some) were mightily flawed and riddled with enough logic holes to make you think a Plot-Eating Moth had invaded the production’s Closet of Storylines. And maybe I’ve gotten tired of making excuses for (or criticizing the lifeblood out of) this drama and just wanna sit back and relax and admire the too-lovely-to-be-real bone structures of Lee Min-ho and Kim Hyun-joong. (My drama-analysis mode never fully turns off, but that dial can be turned down.)

But what it boils down to is this: If cold logic rules yer brain over pure entertainment and/or emotional reaction, what are you doing watching this drama anyway, right?

SONG OF THE DAY

Jisun – “어떡하죠” (What Do I Do?) from the Boys Before Flowers OST 2. [ Download ]

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EPISODE 21 RECAP

Jae-kyung walks in on the Jun-di embrace, her reaction speechless surprise. Jan-di fumbles to explain, but can’t find the appropriate words…

But that’s a moot issue, because OH CRAP now it’s Mama Kang who walks in. (Given her destructive potential, you’d think they’d have her business schedule more closely monitored, wouldn’t you?)

Talk about buzzkill. Jun-pyo can only close his eyes in chagrin as Madam Kang (who had entered the room cheerfully addressing Jae-kyung) takes in the sight of Jan-di in the maid uniform. (I guess we should just be glad Mummy didn’t see Jan-di lying on top of Jun-pyo?) Sputtering in rage, she demands to know who dared bring her into this house.

Granny Housekeeper calls out, “I did.” Lady Kang demands that she be kicked out immediately. However, while I wouldn’t say Madam Kang is intimidated by Granny, she does find her difficult to browbeat into submission, stemming from the fact that Granny’s position in this household pre-dates even her.

Granny is a crusty old broad, and says firmly that hiring and firing maids falls under her purview, not Madam Kang’s. It’s not time to let Jan-di go yet.

When Mother protests, Granny reminds her that she served the Gu CEOs even before Madam Kang married into the family, and asserts that her loyalty is to the Gu household. She will preserve its honor.

Jan-di follows Granny out and thanks her for stepping in. However, Granny tells her that she didn’t hire her because Jun-hee had asked her to — no, her motivation was related to Jun-pyo. After Granny left the household, she’d worried about Jun-pyo, knowing how he has a soft heart underneath his cold exterior. However, seeing him now, she’s noticed a change, and attributes the positive upswing to Jan-di’s influence. Granny owes this family, and feels it’s her last duty to serve him.

Also, her ability to size up people has served her well in the past, so she has to trust that instinct now. (Meaning that her gut is telling her that Jan-di is the key to Jun-pyo’s future happiness.)

Jae-kyung comes to talk with Jan-di, with a (surprisingly?) understanding attitude, even a little wistful. Maybe that’s why Jan-di feels even worse for not having told Jae-kyung about her history with Jun-pyo, but Monkey Girl doesn’t blame her. Instead, she’s able to see from Jan-di’s perspective why she couldn’t speak up.

However, she asks, “Wasn’t I your friend even before I became Jun-pyo’s fiancée?” As a friend, she wishes Jan-di could have told her; Jan-di apologizes, feeling guilty. Despite their friendship, however, Jae-kyung wants to make one thing clear: “I won’t give up on Jun-pyo. From now on, I’m going to try harder. I’m going to do my best so that I have no regrets. I just wanted to tell you that.”

Madam Kang encourages Jae-kyung along, promising to fire Jan-di. Jae-kyung tells her not to, although she does have a different favor to ask.

At pottery class, Ga-eul talks to Eun-jae after class to ask how her relationship with Yi-jung had ended. We don’t get an answer, but we do see that Yi-jung is waiting outside for Eun-jae, happy to see her until he overhears her phone conversation. From her words, it sounds like a call to a boyfriend.

After a moment, he decides to follow her, and arrives outside a café… where she walks in and enthusiastically greets…. Yi-jung’s brother! Omo omo! (I actually gasped; I wasn’t expecting this.)

This is a huge betrayal, and Yi-jung’s face crumples as he watches his brother’s cozy interactions with Eun-jae. Yi-jung calls him, and watches as his brother steps outside to take the call (though he doesn’t see Yi-jung sitting in his bright orange sports car right in front).

His brother sounds glad to hear from him, and suggests that Yi-jung call more often and drop by sometime. There’s somebody he wants to show him — someone he ought to be very glad to see. Yi-jung tries to keep the tears out of his voice as he asks, “You’re happy, aren’t you?” His brother answers that yes, he’s so happy that he almost feels guilty for it.

Two things: (1) Yi-jung obviously loves his brother, despite their rift. His questions make it seem he’d be willing — albeit with a lot of pain — to relinquish Eun-jae if that meant his brother would be happy.

(2) This revelation was set up to make it seem like a big brotherly romantic rivalry, but there’s a possibility Big Bro isn’t actually dating Eun-jae. True, it’s mighty suspicious given how affectionate they are together, but I don’t know that Yi-jung’s brother would be so eager to announce that he’s found Eun-jae if he was dating her now. We’ll have to wait and see.

More surprises at Gu Manor. Jae-kyung pops in again (well, that’s not a surprise, since she always does that), but this time with luggage. Maybe feeling Jan-di’s presence to be a threat, Madam Kang is pleased to announce that Jae-kyung is moving in too. The parents have agreed to move up the wedding since they’re both adults, the union is going to happen sooner or later, and an earlier wedding is better for business. Jae-kyung’s parents have even already ordered the wedding invitations.

Jun-pyo refuses to cooperate, but his protests are ignored. Furthermore, he and Jae-kyung are set to shoot a CF for the new Shinhwa cell phone, since the media had picked up on their relationship at the launch party and public response was overwhelmingly positive.

Jae-kyung texts Jan-di to drop by her room, where she is excitedly trying on Madam Kang’s own wedding dress. In Jae-kyung’s defense, at least she has been completely up-front with Jan-di about her intentions, and has treated her with affection and understanding. On the other hand, it’s in rather poor taste to flaunt her happiness.

Jae-kyung asks for Jan-di’s opinion on the dress and shows her the jewelry Mama Kang had given her. To make this even more uncomfortable, she has a favor to ask — she wants Jan-di to be a bridesmaid. (WHAT? If showing off the dress was inconsiderate, this is straight-up MEAN.)

Now, this fishing bit is a scene I liked for its thematic purpose (if not for the acting). We start at home, when Dr. Grandpa comes out of his room and watches Ji-hoo packing his fishing gear. Eager for something to talk about, he offers advice about the equipment, then retrieves his own fishing rod and gives it to Ji-hoo, all with a childlike kind of hopeful anticipation.

Ji-hoo remains unresponsive, but asks at the last moment, “Do you want to come? I’m leaving in ten minutes.” Grandpa’s face breaks out into an excited smile, and as much as I don’t care about this story, this is so cute. And touching.

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A lot of people have asked about this song; it’s finally out on the second OST: “낯선 해” (Strange sun). And yes, it was also used in latter episodes of Goong S. [ Download ]

Grandpa Yoon reminisces about Ji-hoo’s mother’s cooking, then gives Ji-hoo a box, telling him that today is his parents’ wedding anniversary. Ji-hoo opens it to find a ring — his mother’s. Ji-hoo starts to break down as Dr. Yoon continues, “I’m sorry. I stole that mother from you, because of my karma.” (I assume this mention of karma is a general “I blame myself” sentiment that Dr. Grandpa harbors.)

F4 headquarters. Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung’s recently shot CF (during which Jun-pyo had remained cold, to Jae-kyung’s unease) is out, and Jun-pyo is pissed about it.

The other guys ask what he’s going to do, but he doesn’t know what he can do. Ji-hoo tells him, “You’re the only one who can find that answer.” Probably not as helpful as Jun-pyo would like. In frustration, he rips up the wedding invitation and storms out.

Jan-di has also seen the commercial on television, and it sinks her spirits further. Ga-eul reminds her (as if she could forget!) that Jun-pyo is facing marriage — this is for real. Since this is stating the obvious, I see this as Ga-eul pushing Jan-di to put up a last fight for Jun-pyo, before he ends up married and truly out of hope’s range.

Jan-di glumly indicates the fancy CF, saying, “That’s their future, and that’s where Gu Jun-pyo belongs.”

She also gets a call from her mother, and assures her that she’s doing fine. Upset at news that Mom is feeling under the weather, Jan-di urges the family to take better care of themselves.

She also gets a call from Dr. Grandpa, who calls her out — only to find Ji-hoo waiting instead. Both are surprised to see each other, and realize that Gramps is up to some matchmaking of his own.

Laughing it off, they walk through the park together, coming upon a crowd that has gathered for some kind of event. Jan-di learns from a bystander that a “couple wedding photography contest” is being held, where all couples are invited to dress up in wedding clothes and take pictures. Winner (by fan vote) gets a prize — and at the mention of that, Jan-di perks up. As we know, Jan-di likes free prizes, and particularly homes in on second prize: health food, which makes her think of her sick family.

I like that Ji-hoo notices Jan-di’s interest, but he knows better than to wait for her to suggest it. Instead, he announces that he’s bored and this looks like fun, and drags her along to participate.

While they shoot photos, a crowd of admiring bystanders recognizes Ji-hoo, and they quickly become the favorite couple. At first, their poses are stiff and un-couple-like, so the photographer (and the crowd) urges them to be more affectionate. Ji-hoo starts to lean in, hesitating as though he wants to kiss Jan-di — but she beats him to the punch, getting into the spirit of the moment by pecking him on the cheek first.

They’re so popular that they easily win first prize, which is a trip to Jeju island. Of course, Jan-di actually wanted second prize, and Ji-hoo clocks her disappointment, and trades with the runners-up. (Touched at his gesture, Jan-di grabs him in an appreciative hug.)

At home, Ji-hoo looks over the photos and takes out the ring, contemplating them together.

And then, everyone’s off to Jeju Island for Jun-pyo and Jae-kyung’s wedding.

(How did they all ship their cars over, and just for the weekend? I know they’re all rich, but that just seems silly.)

Also, poor lonely Woo-bin, who must drive all alone! At least he looks hot?

Upon their arrival, F3 joins Jun-pyo on the terrace, where he’s brooding. Ji-hoo informs Jun-pyo that Jan-di came along.

Jun-pyo isn’t happy about that: “Do you think that makes any kind of sense? Both that the Monkey asked her to be a bridesmaid, or that she accepted?”

Ji-hoo turns to Jun-pyo and asks, levelly, “Who do you think is having it toughest right now?”

This is a lovely scene, even if the contents are a little frustrating (plot-wise). But I appreciate that the talk is open and frank, and both ladies address the issue head-on, instead of circling around the point, as so often happens in these conversations.

Jae-kyung thanks Jan-di for coming, as though she’d been unsure if she would. She says, “I know that Jun-pyo and you really liked each other. Even now, you may still care for each other. I’m sorry for pretending not to know. I’m not usually like that, but I was a little cowardly with you.”

Jan-di feels some responsibility too, and says, “No, it was because I couldn’t say so honestly.”

Jae-kyung: “It wasn’t that you didn’t tell me, but that you couldn’t. Even if you’d told me, nothing would have changed. I wouldn’t have been able to give Jun-pyo up.”

For what it’s worth, Jae-kyung honestly seems to feel bad. I think her balance between friendship and selfishness still tilts exceedingly in favor of selfish, but at least she IS aware. (Cold comfort, I know.) She takes Jan-di’s hand and says, growing more tearful:

Jae-kyung: “I really like you. If I had to choose the two people I valued most in the world, it would be you and Gu Jun-pyo. So I’m truly sorry. I’ll make it up to you for hurting you. Forgive me.”

More F4 sports! It’s soccer this time, which starts out fun and playful, but soon gets overshadowed by Jun-pyo’s aggression. He gets a little too into the body-checking, pushing his friends aside, until in the end he’s the only one still on the field.

The others call him in, saying he’ll wear himself out — but Yi-jung says perceptively that that might be what he’s aiming for.

Ga-eul thinks back to her conversation with Eun-jae, which we now get to see in its entirety. Eun-jae had told her that she did confess her feelings to Yi-jung — it was on Valentine’s Day, and she’d mustered all her courage to put everything on the line.

In the end, though, it wasn’t enough to get through to him, and afterward, Eun-jae had felt her feelings “empty out.” She’d thought to herself, “This is where it ends.” However, because she’d decided to face him honestly and live without regrets, it didn’t actually hurt. So Eun-jae had encouraged Ga-eul to go for it, so that she doesn’t live regretting it.

Yi-jung finds her in the field, at first approaching her with his usual light manner. Ga-eul can’t get her head around the idea of arranged marriage at such a young age, but the concept isn’t that shocking for Yi-jung — in F4’s position of privilege, it’s a concept they’re familiar with.

Ga-eul wonders if his future holds the same fate, and he responds that whatever happens, it’s all the same to him. (This recalls his father’s line about how once you’ve lost That One Woman in your life, all the others are pretty much the same.)

This does not go over well with Ga-eul, who bursts out, “How can you be so irresponsible with your life? That’s why nobody can stay by your side.” At this, Yi-jung’s expression darkens; he thinks she’s playing with his weakness. She shocks him by asking why he never went to meet Eun-jae on that Valentine’s Day three years ago.

(They’re really taking advantage of the Jeju Island scenery, aren’t they?)

After walking outside with Jan-di, Ji-hoo ushers her indoors, and broaches the topic of the wedding tomorrow. By the way, I’m really, really digging how the characters are talking so honestly and frankly in this episode — I only wish they’d done this sooner.

Ji-hoo says that she’s running out of time — today may be the last day to get Jun-pyo back.

Ji-hoo: “After meeting you, there’s only been one thing I wish for — for you to be happy, and not cry anymore. I’m afraid that after tomorrow, you won’t be able to smile again.”

Jan-di responds, “Don’t worry. I will be able to smile,” but the lie is immediately apparent since she starts to tear up. Ji-hoo pulls a handkerchief out to wipe at her tears — but she rejects it. (I’d thought for a split second that he was taking out the ring, and maybe that was the intention. Perhaps he’d been considering giving it to her, but the way she reflexively pushes him away is a blatant reminder that she still loves Jun-pyo.)

Speaking of whom, later that night, Jun-pyo reluctantly sits through a family dinner, remaining silent as everyone chatters about the upcoming wedding.

Jan-di, taking the elevator down to the lobby, spots him sitting with Jae-kyung, and very briefly meets eyes with Jun-pyo. Thus he’s in a mopey mood when Jun-hee arrives that night, asking the somewhat cryptic question, “How much are you prepared to go through?”

Jun-pyo asks, “How much will it take?” Jun-hee answers, “Everything. Family, Shinhwa Group, and maybe even your name as Gu Jun-pyo.”

Jun-hee understands his dilemma and says, “I couldn’t do it. I wondered, what would I become if I abandoned everything? I didn’t have the courage to live as a nobody, as just one man’s woman… I suffered for that one moment of cowardice. I thought I could forget, but I couldn’t.”

I doubt Jun-pyo has ever talked this openly with his sister about this, and he wonders if this means she still feels sorry to the boyfriend she’d left.

Jun-hee answers, “No, not to him. I feel sorry to the twenty-year-old Gu Jun-hee, who I’d thought would always be forthright and pure.”

But she’s not here to tell him what to do; she’s here to offer moral support: “Whatever you decide, I’ll understand. And no matter what you do or where you are, the fact won’t change that you’re the little brother I love.”

I love this scene, because it shows that there’s actually one person in the world who knows exactly what Jun-pyo’s going through. Until now, we’ve seen their similarities in their circumstances, but now we can actually see that they share emotional parallels as well.

Jun-pyo meets Ji-hoo by the outdoor pool and tells him solemnly: “Ji-hoo. You’re a brother to me. You were in the past, and you will be in the future. I’ve thought from time to time how you could live on fine without me, but what would I do without you?”

Ji-hoo wonders what he’s getting at — he’s not asking for help in escaping the wedding, is he? Jun-pyo turns to Ji-hoo and instructs him: “Hit me once.”

At Ji-hoo’s surprise, Jun-pyo continues, “I’m not joking. I have to get hit by you.”

Ji-hoo starts to protest, but stops; after a moment, he punches Jun-pyo in the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Maybe this is an exercise in masochism, or maybe Jun-pyo feels he deserves punishment for his next words (because no matter what he decides, he’ll be hurting somebody). He says, “I can’t let go of Jan-di.”

Jae-kyung talks with Jan-di, trying to pick the right wedding dress to wear for the ceremony, again displaying either a lack of tact or a sugarcoated mean streak.

(Honestly, I’m inclined to go with supreme lack of tact, because on one hand, I don’t think she’s being purposely cruel — even though I do admit that on the other hand, it’s uncool of her to enlist Jan-di’s cooperation since she’s acknowledged that she knows how Jan-di and Jun-pyo feel about each other. But on the other hand — yes, I have three hands in this argument — her reasoning in the following scene does actually make sense. But we’ll get to that shortly.)

Jun-pyo texts Jae-kyung a message: “I have something to say.” From Jae-kyung’s expression, she already senses that this may not be happy news.

But she’s the queen of feigning ignorance, and when she meets Jun-pyo at the wedding chapel, she takes a light tone. Jokingly, she recites her vows, answering with her “I do” at the end, then asks him for his vow to take this woman to be his bride, etc.

Jun-pyo, stoic and grim, tells her, “I can’t.”

This isn’t how she wants this conversation to go, so she tries to laugh it off, saying that she was just joking around.

Jun-pyo: “It’s not a joke, Monkey. No, I mean Ha Jae-kyung. You can’t marry me.”
Jae-kyung: “Jun.”
Jun-pyo: “I’m sorry.”
Jae-kyung: “Is it enough to say sorry? Then why are there laws and police in this world?”
Jun-pyo: “There’s already someone I love*. She’s the first in my life, and for the rest of my life she’ll be the only one. You still want to marry me?”

Jae-kyung nods.

(* The word he uses is not sarang [사랑] but “like” [좋아]. However, in this context it really indicates love, not simply liking.)

Jun-pyo wonders if she’s crazy, and she replies:

Jae-kyung: “I know that woman is Geum Jan-di, but I want to keep going with you. It’s funny, but I like that you’re so devoted, and I like even more that you know what real love is. I can bear knowing that the person is Jan-di. She won’t be easily forgotten, but if I wait — if I keep waiting, I’ll have the next chance. You’ll love me like that too.”

He tries to reason with her, but she says, “That’s enough for me. It’s worth it for me to invest in that.”

And then Jun-pyo kneels, to beg her: “Forgive me.”

Jae-kyung says in a harder tone: “No. Listen to me. Tomorrow we will stand here and become spouses. Whatever the past, we’re going to promise to love each other until we die. So there’s no reason for you to beg for my forgiveness, or for me to forgive you.”

She walks off, fighting her own tears.

And then it’s wedding day.

The pews fill with guests, Jae-kyung nervously sits in the prep room in her dress, and F3 wait for Jun-pyo to emerge.

When he finally does, he’s wearing his tux and a dire expression. He asks Woo-bin for a favor: “Break my arm.”

HA! The guys gape in surprise, but he means it, and Woo-bin seems to get that he’s serious about the arm. Jun-pyo presses him, “There’s no time. With your abilities, you can do this in one blow.”

I find Yi-jung’s facepalm expression particularly hysterical as Jun-pyo sets his arm on the table and Woo-bin takes it, readying to deliver a blow…

I was actually hoping we’d get to see Jun-pyo chicken out, but instead, Jan-di appears in the doorway, upset at this display. She looks disappointed and irritated at Jun-pyo for sinking to such an avoidant tactic, and charges, “That’s all you could think of? If this is the only way you could stop this, then I’d rather you just went ahead with it.”

It’s not necessarily his intent that bothers her, but the methods. Jan-di faces him accusingly: “You’re a coward. You aren’t being forthright with anybody. You’re not facing things, you’re running away. If you run away like this now, it’ll happen again someday.”

So Jun-pyo approaches her, grabs her by the shoulders, and tells her intently, “Then tell me not to do it. Tell me not to go.”

 
COMMENTS

Okay, this was:
(1) a FANTASTIC ending to go out on, and
(2) I HATE THIS ENDING!! (as a viewer)
(3) But also, I LOVE this ending! (as an appreciator of dramatic structure).

Okay, let’s talk Jae-kyung. Madam Kang’s enthusiastic reception of Monkey Girl makes me wonder whether she likes Jae-kyung genuinely or is mostly afraid of losing a merger. I think it can’t all be business-related; there must be elements of the former in there — perhaps she likes her because she’s so eager to play along, and thus seems like she’d be easier to manipulate.

I don’t hate Jae-kyung as many people seem to, but I did find her logic twisty and puzzling in this episode. For instance, the whole bridesmaid issue. If we give Jae-kyung the benefit of the doubt, I can understand (kinda) that as a friend she’d want her big day to be supported by her supposed best friend, and if they were truly good friends, the other party would be able to rise above her feelings out of love for the friend. In theory. However, the one glaring flaw in that logic is that Jan-di has never invited Jae-kyung to be her friend — she probably does like her, but she never agreed to this level of companionship so she shouldn’t be held to those standards.

Also, Jae-kyung may (selfishly) expect Jan-di to able to compartmentalize her heartbreak in service of friendship — but people can’t compartmentalize emotions like that, and we don’t play our roles out of our neat little boxes, and I think Jae-kyung is missing this, probably because she does actually compartmentalize as a sort of survival tactic. It’s how she’s able to remain so chipper in the face of a rather lonely and bleak childhood and adolescence.

As for Jan-di… I know she’s swept up by Jae-kyung’s strong gravitational pull and not really acting out of her own volition, so she has a hard time protesting. But really, what would it take for Jan-di to go Jerry Springer on her ass, just for a little while??

And finally, I have to say that I freaking LOVE that Jun-pyo actually kneels down in front of Jae-kyung. Omo! That’s something we could never have expected of him a mere few episodes ago, but it also shows how much he wants out of this relationship. And before we complain that he can still back out without Jae-kyung’s consent, I think that’s beside the point — the point is that this new-and-improved Jun-pyo wants, and needs, Jae-kyung’s consent. He has to do the right thing by both women, rather than taking what he wants and letting the other person suffer alone. It’s the price he pays for tapping into his humanity — he’s subject to its pains just as much its benefits.

 
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Javabeans I really love your recaps, thanks for doing it for every episode, and on the same day too!(= ...thanks for taking time to write for us crazy fans! I especially enjoy the comments section you do after every recap and I was wondering if you could write about yijung and gaeul and their story, how you think their relationship will end, etc. I'd be extremely grateful...hahaitd make my day keke (O:

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jae kyung is really digging herself into an endless pit of self denial.
i love this episode its didn't feel overly sprinkled with cheese.

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kl recap!!

i'd ride with woo-bin any day =P

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The part when Jyn Poo kneeled, I was like WOW! I can't believe Jae Kyung still wants to go on with the wedding. Where is your pride girl??? He's BEGGING you to let him go! And Jandi, she's not even putting up ANY type of fight for Jyn Poo. It's ridiculous. As I was watching this episode, I thought Jyn Poo should just forget about both girls.

And poor Woo Bin, all alone looking hot in his car with no girl by his side. His character really got jipped.

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I agree! I absolutely LOVELOVE the ending!
As lame as it was as a viewer, it truly was an amazing way to end it.

I feel this is the most selfish portrayal of the character "Shigeru" out of all three adaptations. It's what I've been thinking since the first episode she was in.. However, it also make this portrayal the most complex and I find it interesting to see how they've developed her.

Anyways.. Excited for the next episode (:
Love the recaps javabeans.

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ARRG, CLIFFHANGER!!! Except... she TOTALLY looked like she was going to say no! The thing is, when it's just Jun Pyo and Jan Di in their own little world, like in ep20, they're fine and they spark. But when all these other circumstances come into play, they BOTH aggravate me. Jun Pyo because, even though I can understand how torn he is and how Madam Kang and now Jae Kyung have trapped him, he can't make up his freaking mind. I can't let her go, can't not go... And then it seems like what he needs to give him the courage is Jan Di, but when she gives him that look, like when she walked in at the end, it all fizzles away and she pisses me off because she's consistently cowardly in the face of Madam Kang and Jae Kyung - when Madam Kang walked in, she should've been all it's your own damn fault for breaking my freaking house! But no, hiding all the time... She REALLY is not much better than him, to be giving him those looks. Yeesh.

It's tiring because they haven't had time together, to take strength from each other... and with the goddamn amnesia AND Umi arcs coming and only 4 eps left... URRRRRRRRGGGG. How'd they go from zipping through things in the first 'season', to this?

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I agree with your analysis of Jae Kyung character actions. No matter how illogical or twisted and tactless she is, it's part of the spoiled, lonely, miserable rich kid syndrome. Maybe her psychological personality disorder being a rich kid characterized by the need for admiration, lack of empathy and her manipulative way of exploiting interpersonal relations makes her the way she is. She was raised without close friends, parents were never around, no siblings and she lived in a big house with a lot of servants. Almost the same like Jun Pyo, although Jun Pyo had friends and had a big sister. This is what probably attracted her to Jun Pyo, he seemed to live like a normal human person despite being rich and the one thing he had was Jan Di. Jun Pyo loves Jan Di and vice versa, Jae Kyung wanted that validation as well. She will not stop until she gets her wish.

In the old days, Jun Pyo appeared arrogant, angst ridden, self-absorbed, sadistic and always relied in simple brute force/power (notice his very curly locks in the beginning) but turned around when he met Jan Di (his hair began to relax and straighten out). I think the people around him like his Mom's assistant, the valet, the riding teacher, the head of household understood him real well. They knew that beneath that cold exterior lies a heart of gold and someone can ignite that soft heart and turn him around. That person happens to be Jan Di.

Jae Kyung wanted that and so she followed the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. She'll do anything no matter what. But in the end, she'll realize that what Jun Pyo and Jan Di has is pure unselfish love, one willing to sacrifice for the other...so she can't compete with that.

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I dont know why Jandi does not has pride at all.
I dont think she should take the maid job. she knew how his mom feels about her.
she knew that she will get in trouble when she bump to his mom'
destroy her family business and now she has no place to live.
stay in her ex boy friend home. sad....................

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I want Jan Di to pick Ji Hoo!!!!!!!!! Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, really, is she BLIND????????????????? Ji Hoo should take his own advice and tell JD what he really feels before it's too late. Ugh! Sooooooo frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JK and JP - I hope JK really has the cajones (spelling) that she portrays as having thus far and makes JP marry her. (so my poor Ji Hoo can be with Jan Di ! ;P)

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I'm shocked both sets of parents agreed to a small, quiet, hastily-arranged wedding ceremony given the high-profile merger of their companies/children. (yeah yeah, BBF and logic don't mix^^)

Minor quibble (one of many, but that's par for the course for BBF): I just wish they'd gotten better-dressed extras for the wedding guests, people who looked like they'd belong at such an ultra-private hoity toity event. Some random kid in a striped T-shirt is actually sitting 2 rows behind Mama Kang, LOL! And the rest don't seem like rich folks, more like employees in business attire. (It's like the BBF staff isn't even trying anymore.)

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@211 yoonah-

LOL!!! My thoughts exactly. Your comment cracked me up.

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I really really enjoy these updates. I follow every week to compare my own thoughts and see what I possibly lost in translation.

I have to admit- I am for Ji-Hoo all the way.
Near the beginning of the series Ji-Hoo really excited me and I rooted for him and Jan-Di, but at one point I was finally moved to a 50-50 shot between Ji-Hoo and Jun-Pyo, around episode 9. Right now, I am back to Ji-Hoo 100%.

Its not that I don't like Jun-Pyo, on the contrary, I love his character and I believe that Lee Min-ho does a fabulous job portraying all the real-life emotions Jun-Pyo is feeling. I also love how Jun-Pyo NEEDS Jan-Di. He doesn't just like her, he really needs her as a human being. What I don't like is how angsty his and Jan-Di's relationship is. There is always something going wrong and they always miss-communicate about it which just makes it worse and then they go around in circles for episodes on end, and that makes the viewer increasingly frustrated.

I think Ji-Hoo and Jan-Di just have it better, and both their characters fit together really well. Its not just that they work well together, its that they deserve each other. Ji-Hoo needs Jan-Di just as much as Jun-Pyo, but Ji-Hoo puts in an honest effort to understanding JanDi and what she wants as well. I absolutely loved this episode because of the scenes with the wedding game. This is another example of how well off the two have it for each other. Ji-Hoo is always recognizing Jan-Di's true feelings and helps her achieve her goals. Jan-Di on the other hand, helps Ji-Hoo become a less introverted person and brings out the best in his already near perfect character (not to mention near perfect looking too!).

I always like to think back to the episode where the psychic tells Jan-Di that she has her soul mate, and the man she will marry, but they are two different men. Ji-Hoo is obviously the soul mate, and she will most likely end up marrying Jun-Pyo. If the series does not end this way, I would be very (pleasantly) surprised.

Either way, I know I will follow this amazing kdrama all the way to the end.
Keep up the good work, everyone!
sunnysummersuns

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jandi has really made him into a human! i don't think he would've done what he did if it wasn't for jd. before jd, he did whatever he wanted. now, he's toned down & doesn't act out like he used to.

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I think the reason why Junpyo begged Jaekyung for forgiveness is really him asking her to call it off. B/c that's the only way that he could get out of the wedding. At least, that's the only way that I can see his Mother letting go of the merger.....

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In addition to my post above *186*:
7. FISHING scene *JH and Granpa*- The ambiance was sooo alike with the scene from Kdra LOVERS.

208 "Jae Kyung wanted that and so she followed the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

When I read yer comment I suddenly remembered a line from Grey's Anatomy. Since JK and JD arent enemies enemies, imma borrow what Dr. Burk told McDreamy " Keep your friends close and your COMPETITION closer". =]

This episode is full of awkward moments which i love and hate with passion! the angst, the assertiveness, the frankness--they all spell TENSION! there are time's id like to slap Her Royal EvuHLness for making JD's life so miserable, love to pull JK's hair *because i love how black and shiny it is and that is the very style i want for myself but can't pull it off huhu haha*, coz she's downright insensitive and she's the epitome of a masochist-sadist-obsessed-lover, she cares less if she go apeshitt'n on her so called BFF *dang the guts*; the moment JD said yes to be JK's bridesmaid i was like "HU--WHAT?" then "BLANK" *scratching my head*. On the other hand, I wanted to embrace JH at long last he has forgiven grandpa! OH JP how i'd like to invite you to drink soju with me and piggyback-ride you when you get wasted hahaha--you knelt down for nothing *or maybe not*

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just wondering something the goong song used in the scene was a piano version different from the one on the ost.. does anyone know if theyll release that version? i seem to like it better.

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the thing that bugs me a LOT about the way this story has been adapted this time is precisely because it is a Korean production. i'm not Korean and i don't profess to be an expert on Korean culture, but i've lived in Korea for the past year and i've watched a LOT of dramas during my time here and i've noticed in a LOT of their dramas, the PDs have a tendency to drag things out and make characters as indecisive and as inexpressive as possible in order to up the drama volume. by giving in to this tactic, the PDs end up possibly creating characters that are extremely inconsistent. this is especially noticeable in BBF because the two main characters: Joonpyo and Jandi were the exact opposite of that at the start. i've seen all other versions of this story, including the manga and i've never found myself actually *disliking* the Makino and Domyouji characters. because despite all the confusion and the obstacles they encounter, the one thing they were always sure of was the fact that they loved each other. but for some reason in this version, Joonpyo is portrayed as a passive aggressive coward who's hurt Jandi one too many times, Jandi is a weak little damsel who is afraid to speak up for herself. on top of that, they've dragged out the Jaekyung-is-an-evil-psycho slant for the past how many episodes?? i'm sorry but joshee is totally right, we're not supposed to hate JK/Shigeru. but again the PDs have KDramafied this, as so many of these programs are obsessed with having a manipulative, desperate, almost crazy "other woman" who can't seem to EVER let go of our male hero. if this was any other Kdrama, i would have just accepted it because the whole hmming and hawing is pretty much a mainstay in a lot of Kdramas in order to build the tension, thus making the conclusion so much more satisfying when they FINALLY do something good and courageous about their feelings. but this story is a Japanese manga and i find a lot of the updated details really take away from the perfect execution of its Japanese counterpart. please, i don't want a Goong pt. 2. i don't want repetitive "Now I love him, now I don't" shit. it's soooooooooo frustrating while being boring at the same time.

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I wonder why they've gone back to Yi Jung's highschool hair? Just something I've noticed.

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omg I can't wait
i wish JP and Jandi with be together
I also with Gaeul and Yi Jung are together

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I got to agree this was an awesome episode! I'm so confused by the Jae-kyung character... you want hate her but just can't get yourself too... Her character really makes you feel like pulling your hair out... I get so frustrated because she's so on the fence. I want her fall off already so I can either hate her or love her. I don't know why Kdrama's make the opposition, in this case Jae-kyung, look so loony. I get the point "Ya not going to get Jun pyo! he doesn't like you! Give up! ya not going to win as much you try to!".... don't drag it on more than it needs to be. I fell off my chair laughing at the beginning of the ep. when madam kang walked in... I thought the both of them was about to crap their pants lol.... but I got to say what a way to start an ep. it really made eager to see what happens next. As for the Gaeul and Yi Jung plot what going on with them??? I'd wish they spend more time on their story I'm getting bored already with jandi and jun pyo...*yawn*

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just thinkin bout it ...
does anybody feel that this may have all been set up to test JanDi and her love for JunPyo (ie the whole 'tell me not to do it' kinda thing)? and for her to publicly declare her love or something?

yea... i know unlikely- im thinkin hanadan final movie kinda plot line....sorry, i dont mean to compare... ^_^

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hmm i have an idea, may sound ridiculous but given that its a drama, anything can happen right???

Perhaps Jae Kyung is "setting" JD and JP up, like arranging the wedding for them. Cos she knows that mama kang will sure disapprove, and maybe in her heart, she knows JP will never be happy if he is married to her. So maybe she really loves JP that much to let JD be his wife. So she asked JD to be her bridesmaid (so as to get her into the appropriate gear for a wedding), and then BAM! on the wedding day, she will announce its JD and JP's wedding. (although i think mama kang still got the power to stop it). I think Jae Kyung isn't such a bad character. In the jap version, i thought she is actually good natured and kind hearted deep down. So i don't actually think she is THAT mean, perhaps just an act.

I know this is far fetched, but its just a theory right? :D Oh man, i cant wait for the next episode!!!! There must be some twist somewhere!

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@ 40 okay no one is forcing you to watch...so what ur point to comment here????

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@ 123 please click the direct link below. there you can see the ending of episode 21

enjoy!!!!

http://www.mysoju.com/boys-before-flowers/

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this is nerve-wrecking..
only 4 more episodes to go.. gosh!
thanks for the recaps!

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@ 109 "The truth is that even if things were different, they wouldn’t be together. She may have liked him, but it would never work, for the old JP would have kicked her in the face long ago"
I don't think so ! I really think if JP & Jae Kyung met before he would fall for her Why ?
1) Jun Pyo as never really been violent
2) Jae Kyung has a strong character even stronger than Jan di

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sigh...i'm now rewatching the first few episodes and i realized that i so dearly miss the old jun pyo and jandi. they are what made me a BOF junkie. they also looked so much fresher then - now they just look so jaded. things just started going downhill from macau. :(
kinda disappointed that almost half the episodes of these series i would rather forget - did nothing to develop the Jundi relationship or to convince us that they should be together. and also that it's gonna end soon and as of now, it seems there wouldn't be much substance to the Jundi relationship to hold on to.

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I can't help but love Ji Hoo's character than Jun Pyo at this time. In the beginning, I really like JP and JD but after the Macao episodes my feelings for JP went downhill and transferred to Ji Hoo. JH is such a great guy and so deserving of Jan Di. Wish that he and Jan Di end up together so grandpa will be really happy.I was never too sympathetic to Rui and Lee (Japanese and Taiwanese versions) but the PD's made Ji Hoo more likeable in this Korean version that I have noticed so many converts to Ji Di love team even in other blogs.Hope they soften the blow to JH heart if JD choses JP by bringing back his first love at the end.

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Eh... Isn't Woo Bin a womanizer? How could a womanizer be driving his car ALONE? Wouldn't he at least drag his current girlfriend over? Anyone agrees here?

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About my much much earlier comment (no, not the number 230 [woah O.O] one), I kinda was expecting some retort... Hah ha ha ha... Maybe some people agree with me??? No, nevermind..

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jun hee seems to be the only one offering junpyo unconditional love at this time. and i can't get a handle on jae kyung's character - on the one hand she's clearly aware of junpyoXjandi. yet she purposely sets herself up for disappointment time and again...given all the previous signals, did she really think junpyo would reply YES when she was having her little game at the altar? i can't believe she perseveres over and over despite junpyo's continual rejection of her.

and the director seems to be showing us the parodies of two weddings in this episode. firstly we have jandi and jihoo taking a series of wedding photos together in the whole garb, not to mention the fact that jihoo conveniently gets a potential proposal ring from his granddad (who is really cute!).
secondly we get a really surreal parody of the actual wedding day for junpyo and jaekyung, with the two of them standing there at the altar and jaekyung reciting the vows by herself. and then junpyo kneeling down in front of her, not to propose, but to beg her forgiveness. i'm guessing the director's trying to satisfy fans who are rooting for these couples (who aren't supposed to get together in the end), while at the same time showing the rest of us that these pairings are nothing like the real thing; they won't work out.
(?)
i'm crazily wondering if jaekyung will have a sudden change of heart and it'll be her who refuses to take the vows on wedding day. otherwise, i really don't see how hard it is for junpyo to elope with jandi and get married somewhere. but i guess jandi wouldn't accept that ? also, javabeans, i read spoilers some time back, and eunjae really is the girlfriend of yijung's brother. and thanks for clarifying - i actually thought from my subbed source that granny housekeeper REALLY was the grandmother and i was wondering why she was standing like a maid at dinner.

p.s. jihoo ah...if jandi doesn't want your ring (or hanky)...I'LL gladly take it : D

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#232 wpajax...hey there...am so sure you would be fighting to get that hanky and ring because i want it too....hahahahaha....my gosh am so glad my husband doesn't know about my secret infatuation. he actually saw a part of the drama and commented if these guys were gay because they are so "pretty". really even though the director and writers made a mess of the characters...we watch this for the eye candies. the korean version has the best looking F4 and they do dress better.

by the way, i said "Yes, they are gay" to avoid suspicion. ahahahahahaha...will just make it up to him tonight......more crazy talk..hahahahahahah

dramabeans....i may have ranted earlier on(#148) but i did enjoy this episode. thanks again...

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thank u so so much for the song What Do I Do. i've been searching everywhere.
what a great discussion going on here. i can't wait to finish the story.
many say the japanese version is better?

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:O
just had to say..
JiHoo can drive now?
LOL

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“The truth is that even if things were different, they wouldn’t be together. She may have liked him, but it would never work, for the old JP would have kicked her in the face long ago. (#198 Nea)

Agrees 100%! Well maybe he wouldn't literally kicked her in the face (LOL), but most likely he would just shove the porridge in her face when she tries to feed him (LOL!)

"Things would have never gone this far and furthermore, she probably would have hated him because he is her carbon copy. Its because of JD’s influence that she even wants to be with him.”
Yeah. If you guys remember, JP decided to try and date her because he thought he could give JD up. The JP who has never met JD wouldn't have given JK a chance AT ALL

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@ 230 since WHEN Woo Bin is a womanizer. This Kid can hit on women ? I am not convinced...

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This is completely unrelated to the story, but I was wondering how to get the songs downloaded from this site to work on itunes. When I first download them, everything seems fine and they play on the computer with itunes, but after about an hour they all start to say the original file source could not be found. Does anyone know how to solve this problem?

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still loving JH...... agree with 171.
JH is heading towards a heartbreak... he really loves JD (compared to Rui in HYD).
i hope he will have his own happy ending at the end of the series... or if not, a spin-off...? in which JH can be a much happier and random guy.....
heh heh heh.... ssorry, i'm just spazzing....

on another note, i read on wiki that said rating for ep 20 and 21 is in the +30% zone and they are still 2nd. who got 1st? i thought surely that now EoE is over surely BOF will breakthrough the 40% or at least get the no 1 spot. which drama got 1st?
anyone? javabeans?

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@salt (#239), Boys Before Flowers is first in its Monday-Tuesday timeslot. Wife's Temptation is first in the overall weekly timeslot, which ranks shows regardless of broadcast time. I believe BBF is encroaching on Wife's lead, although Wife is a daily drama and those tend to draw larger numbers more easily (they air at an earlier time as well).

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Just a random comment, sort of what at least a couple of people have mentioned in every summary like this- The "Soulmate" vs "Husband" deal. I doubt this show is that thoughtful, but soulmate does not always necessarily have to be romantic. You can have soulmates where you connect on a much deeper level than most of your relationships, but that doesn't mean it also has to be romantic. But then again, while I agree this show is like crack and quite addicting, it is also not that intelligent.

Thus... I am still rooting for Junpyo and Jandi and less angsty moments, more ass-kicking moments! I want Jandi do drop kick somebody again and Junpyo to give his disgusted looks to those who object.

Does anybody really think they will do two different arcs in the last 4 episodes? I'll admit, I have not read the manga or watched the other versions, this was the first I had heard of this series being quite new to Asian media. However, AMNESIA AND ANOTHER GIRL in FOUR EPISODES?!?! WTF?

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thanks for the song!! i really like it - can someone remember a scene where it's played?

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@242 kay

if you're talking about the song of the day, it was played a couple of times last episode(20). While Jandi was wandering homeless in the streets and during Jaekyung & Junpyo's CF shoot. =] ---> hope that helps!

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an aside comment....

Note to self.......if i want to end up with the person i like, do not under any circumstances agree/suggest we dress up in wedding gear for photo's! just finished watching "Glass Slippers"...same thing! what's the go.....

BUT.....Thanks Javabeans for another great re-cap. Awesome episode! Can't wait for next week!....aaaawwwww almost over.....

; )

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xoxox

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Thanks for the recaps.

I miss Prince Song! I wish he had someone ride
with him in Jeju. Seriously, do they have a tanker ship
their car to the island? Can't they all ride the same
car or something?
I feel for Jandi, she is trying to be brave and calm
about the whole wedding thing. I wonder why she
even agreed to be brides maid to her ex's wedding?
Maybe the writers just want a reason for her to be there?
JK needs to have a little common sense. Why does she
want the girl the guy she's marrying be her bride's maid?
If I were her I'd make it a point to keep them away from
each other. I swear to God, The more Jun-pyo sees Jandi
the more he forgets about Shinwah group.

I love that Jun-pyo got down on his knees. In the Japanese
version Domyoji did this in front of Rui so he's give up
on Makino, in a way it stayed true to the manga.

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@ 230 Peeps!``

LOL. woo-manizer.

tsk. tsk.

xD

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both the walkie talkie part and the fall-over-and-hug (sorry, i can't find a shorter way to describe that scene! ><) are from the taiwanese version! but they're cuter here! :P

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I am all for Ji hoo and Jan di - I can even put reasons too. Jo hoo is her fire fighter, its high time that Jandi should realize that who causes that *fire*...obviously JP. Jandi loves JP just because he loves her but see Ji hoo not only loves her, he actually takes care of her in real sense. :D

BTW, does anyone remember a monk or someone at temple telling Jihoo that JD will make her family, cherish her.? I hope by that drama makers didn't mean by ONLY grandpa :P

nd grandpa didn't forget to carry that ring when Jihoo told him to be ready in just 10 minutes..hehe. He knew what he had to talk about.

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Hey, no one cries "gracefully" in real life!
So why are there so many complaints about Ji Hoo's crying?

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@ 131
I totally agree with you ...
1st, about Jun Pyo ... He is not a coward ... He shows more responsibility than cowardice .. yeah he want to solve the problem by causing the minimum of damage and not hurting the other people around him that's why he put his pride aside and knelt for Jae Kyung... it shows here a mature Jun Pyo ...
In the wedding day Jun Pyo was really really in a bad situation coz he tried his best (in his way) to stop the wedding and he didn't succeed ... maybe at that time he needed someone to push him and stand with so he can regain confidence in himself that's why he told Jan Di “Then tell me not to do it. Tell me not to go.” ... after all the ONLY reason why he is doing all this is for HER, No!

2nd, about Jae Kyung ... she is very selfish and a brat daughter of rich ... she was very harsh when she asked Jan Di to be her bridesmaid (knowing that Jan Di and Jun Pyo are lovers) ... even if she never had friends before ... even a person who don't know anything about relationship, don't do such a thing ... it's a very awful act ... I can't stand her behavior ...

3d, about Ji Hoo ... I loved the scene with his grandfather ... it was very heartwarming to see those two get along after several years of rupture ... I also feel sorry for him coz he is very nice to Jan Di, but he will not have a place for him in her heart ...

4th, about Yi Jung ... we can see that he began to care about Ga Eul ... coz when he went to the school where she learn poetry, it was actually to see Ga Eul ... But he ended meeting his first love ... at first I wasn't happy that he met her .. but after that, I realized that this is when Yi Jung will let her go (when he found out that she is dating his brother and that his brother is happy) ... so maybe there will be a place for Ga Eul in his heart ...

about the car comment ... maybe they will use them for some other important scene ... coz I don't think that they had to bring the cars all the way to jeju island only to show the cast driving ...

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