My Fair Lady: Episode 2

98 August 20, 2009January 24, 2016

by javabeans

I liked this episode better than Episode 1, not least because of Jung Il-woo! Well, he’s one reason, but I also thought the story was tighter and, as I was hoping, Yoon Eun-hye got to move away from the awkward rich-bitch acting and showed some more emotion. She’s best showing a little vulnerability (in my opinion), so those scenes work better for her.

The ratings dipped slightly and the Wednesday-Thursday prime-time shows are in a tight race (with Swallow the Sun; in third place is Hon).

SONG OF THE DAY

FT Island – “못난이” (Fool) [ Download ]

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EPISODE 2 RECAP

Now that Dong-chan has been installed as Hae-na’s personal attendant, he promises his moneylenders that he will pay them back soon, trying to buy some time. They’re not impressed, because even if he has a job at the Kang household, it’s not like he’s rolling in money.

Thinking fast, Dong-chan reminds them of his reputation as a ladykiller, and paints a fantasy scenario where he makes Hae-na fall in love with him, after which he’ll pretend to leave her in a noble sacrifice because he’s too poor for her. She’ll be so eager to keep him that she’ll offer him money. Victory!

Dong-chan vows to win her over and get the money. He has one month.

Rather than expose the unsavory details of his predicament, Dong-chan assures Eui-joo and her mother that the debt has been taken care of. He lies that he set Hae-na straight and she apologized in contrition; her grandfather was so impressed that he lent him money for the debt and gave him a job.

It’s a pretty outlandish explanation, but maybe the ladies aren’t so bright. Or how about we call them trusting.

Mr. Jang, the head butler and trusted servant to Grandpa Kang, isn’t keen on the idea of Dong-chan working for them, but Grandpa figures they just have to trust him to bring Hae-na in line. Mr. Jang gives Dong-chan a tour of the premises and formally introduces him to this trio — their bios list their names as Lee Byung-heon, Jung Woo-sung, and Jang Dong-gun.

All the while, Hae-na stews at her grandfather’s decision to hire Dong-chan. Grandpa Kang holds firm and reminds her that the power to fire is his, not hers. She does not handle this development well, and tries to think of her next move.

She may be unable to fire Dong-chan, but that doesn’t mean she can’t pick a fight with him. She summons him to meet her, and when he arrives, she ambushes him with a kumdo (kendo) sword. She demands to know his ulterior motive for taking the position. She doesn’t buy for a minute that he’s just doing it for the sake of the job.

To her surprise, Dong-chan is pretty good with a kumdo sword and holds his own against her. After a brief sparring bout, he even knocks her sword from her hands. He proposes they start over and addresses her formally, bowing in greeting. (Still pissed off, Hae-na grabs her dropped kumdo sword and hits him over the head with it.)

And now… it’s ~~Iljimae!~~ ~~Jung Il-woo!~~ Lee Tae-yoon.

The short version of the story is: Tae-yoon grew up as part of a rich family, but has distanced himself from his privileged upbringing and now works in a modest office as a human rights lawyer, taking on powerless and downtrodden clients. He works alongside his friend and colleague Su-ho and is currently handling a case that puts him at odds with the Kang San Group.

Kang San is looking to acquire a sprawling golf course, a matter the chairman entrusts to Hae-na’s uncle, Kang Chul-gu, who’s a director at the corporation. From Uncle Kang’s nervous reaction, we can see he’s not having an easy time of it, even though he assures the chairman he will take care of it.

The problem is, Lee Tae-yoon is interfering in the deal, and has successfully done the same to other large-scale projects. So Uncle Kang visits Tae-yoon’s law office and kicks up a fuss, demanding to know who put them up to it. He threatens to sic his own legal team on them if they cause the golf course project to be canceled.

Tae-yoon isn’t intimidated. He lets the older man know that he’s aware that they’ve covered up a lot of environmental assessment reports. Furthermore, he knows there have been a lot of cultural assets excavated in the area. If Kang San backs off, he won’t pursue the matter — but if they persist, well, things are bound to become difficult.

Uncle Kang storms out, but Tae-yoon recognizes that they haven’t won. He suspects the matter can only be worked out by talking to the chairman himself.

Hae-na regroups to devise a new plan to get rid of Dong-chan, gathering the servants to her side. Basically, she tells everyone that he was in charge of the food for their dinner party tonight, but doesn’t let him know this. When Dong-chan hears, they’re in crisis mode and he storms in to confront Hae-na.

Innocently, Hae-na tells him that he’d promised to take care of the food. She reminds him that he’d commented this morning (in passing) that he’d like to show Grandpa some great cuisine, and she acts as though that was a binding deal.

Understanding what her game is, Dong-chan tells her to bring it on, and buckles down to solve the problem. Unfortunately, the kitchen staff were all told their services were not needed, and they leave for the night.

As he surveys the empty kitchen, Dong-chan is interrupted by a tiny, imperious voice demanding some juice. (Juice! Is there nothing cuter?) It’s Su-min, here for the dinner party with his family. LOL — it’s like the little boy meeting the big little boy. Su-min puts on airs and insists upon being called “young master,” but Dong-chan just treats him like a cute little kid and doesn’t humor him. (Adorably, this actually seems to work, because the boy isn’t used to people NOT bowing and scraping.)

Dong-chan asks Su-min for tips on what kind of food the family likes, but they’re all fancy French dishes beyond his ability. He does get an idea, and starts preparing ingredients.

The lower-level staff worries that they’ll get fired for going along with Hae-na’s plan, so they’re fine letting Dong-chan take the fall. On the other hand, the head butler and housekeeper — Mr. Jang and Ms. Jung — eye Hae-na’s antics with disapproval.

Hae-na comes to the party anticipating Dong-chan’s demise, digging his grave a little deeper by telling her grandfather that Dong-chan insisted on taking over the dinner plans. Thus it’s with more than a little consternation that she leads the group to the table to find that everything is perfectly in order.

Dong-chan unveils the menu: pigs roasting on a spit and a plate of… ordinary Korean fried rice? (Bokkum bap.) He puts that silver tongue to good use and spins a story of how this is a favorite dish of the lauded Michelin food guide Alain Ducasse, and uses lots of fancy terms like bourguinon. This dish, with its delicate flavors and aromas, is Andalusian paella!

Hae-na sneers that she’s never heard of it, and he glibly replies, “It is a pity that such a person as you has never tried this before.” Turning to Su-ah, he says leadingly, “I’m sure you’ve had this before, miss?” Not about to admit she hasn’t — and eager to one-up Hae-na for once — Su-ah says yes. Her family jumps in to rave about how this recaptures their vacations in Andalusia.

Grandpa Kang isn’t blind, although he goes along with it. The next morning, he asks why Hae-na did it. She answers that this was because he wouldn’t let her fire Dong-chan. He says with concern that even if she doesn’t take a job at the company, she should at least go out, date someone, maybe get married. She flatly says no — she’ll just live out the rest of her life here, with him.

Tae-yoon and Su-ho attempt to find Chairman Kang at one of his usual haunts at the equestrian club, but are unsuccessful. As they leave the grounds, one of the grooms recognizes Tae-yoon and greets him enthusiastically. It’s been years since he’s been here — the rest of Tae-yoon’s family drops by regularly — and he’s missed seeing him around.

Clearly this is no longer part of Tae-yoon’s life, but he must have enjoyed horseback riding in the past. He takes the groom up on the offer to take the horse out for a quick ride.

Hae-na also heads to the equestrian center, dragging along a tense Dong-chan, who wonders what horrors she has planned for him today.

Outside, Hae-na looks up at an approaching rider, and reacts with shock. It’s like she recognizes Tae-yoon, but the name she says is different: “Jun-su oppa?”

She runs after him on foot, but such is her distraction that she doesn’t notice that a team of racers have just rounded the bend and are headed for her. Dong-chan sees that she’s about to get trampled, and grabs her out of the way, sending both to the ground.

Even after that near miss, Hae-na remains fixed on getting to Tae-yoon, who has escaped from view. Then she spots him walking to his car and driving off. Not willing to let him slip away, Hae-na grabs a horse, swings up on its back and races after the car. Dong-chan gets in their car and follows her down the road.

Su-ho and Tae-yoon notice that they’re being chased by a rider, and stop the car in puzzlement. They get out to face her, neither recognizing her, and wonder if Hae-na was following them. As soon as she sees Tae-yoon, she deflates. Dong-chan pulls up in the car and apologizes for the inconvenience, and she answers dully that she mistook Tae-yoon for someone else.

Not understanding what just happened, Dong-chan is surprised to see tears on Hae-na’s face. She sits alone for a while, lost in sad memories, feeling foolish. Given that Tae-yoon doesn’t look like Jun-su — no secret birth twists here! (we hope) — this suggests that she was so anxious to meet Jun-su again that she was quick to jump to that conclusion.

Dong-chan tends to the scrapes she sustained from falling down.

After a while, Hae-na is in a better mood and tells him to pretend this didn’t happen. Dong-chan vows his loyalty, but in a cute, over-the-top way that makes her smile. This conversation marks their first civil (almost pleasant) encounter and as they walk off, he asks what she had initially planned to torment him with today. She answers lightly, “Dismemberment.”

Later that night, Dong-chan gets more insight into Hae-na’s heartbreak, which he learns was from her sole romantic relationship, despite all the gossip about her prolific love life.

Tae-yoon’s older brother shows up at the office and scolds his brother for living “like this” and moving out of their home. The tone is tense, and we can tell this is a conversation they’ve had many times before. Tae-yoon doesn’t want to get into it again and asks his brother to leave, but first, his brother has a family request to ask of him.

The next morning, Dong-chan is taken to task by Mr. Jang for the accident at the equestrian center and asked for the details. Dong-chan pauses, then takes the blame; the accident occurred after he’d angered Hae-na. Immediately, Mr. Jang fires him. Dong-chan pleads for a second chance, but Mr. Jang says that they cannot give second chances to people who would put Hae-na in danger.

Only, Hae-na steps in and chides Mr. Jang — who is he to fire an employee without her consent? Mr. Jang is genuinely puzzled, having thought Hae-na hated Dong-chan. Hae-na hastens to tell Dong-chan not to get the wrong idea — she’s got plans to torment him further. He’s not fooled, muttering to himself, “She could just say thanks. That girl and her pride…”

Meanwhile, Eui-joo has successfully scored a job working in her field of choice — clothing and shoe design — with Su-ah, who has a line under the Kang San Group umbrella. Su-ah’s a capricious boss, wanting her subordinates to tell her what they think of her and her designs, fishing for compliments but then scolding them when their compliments are all the same. (“You’re pretty, you’re refined, your designs are perfect.”)

Eui-joo learns quickly how to please Su-ah, giving a philosophical answer about the shoe’s design, describing its artistic properties and using terms like avant-garde, nihilism, and feminism. (Of course, she has no idea what she’s saying, but Su-ah loves it.)

Chairman Kang has received another proposal for a mat-seon (arranged date) between Hae-na and the second son of another large corporation, Yoo Sang Group. He worries that Hae-na will act out again like the last time, so he calls her to the dinner meeting without explaining the reason, and also calls Su-ah and her father.

When the date arrives, we realize that Tae-yoon is the Yoo Sang son, which means the life he’s rejected is that of a chaebol. Su-ah’s a little jealous of Hae-na’s good luck, but her father is uncomfortable, recognizing him as the lawyer he’d threatened. In contrast, Tae-yoon has come prepared. He asks Uncle Kang pointedly whether he’s bothered to tell the chairman what he’d said earlier.

Uncle Kang and Su-ah leave the dinner in a huff while Tae-yoon speaks alone with the chairman, who assures him that he will look more carefully into the matter of the golf course. The chairman suspects that Tae-yoon came to talk about the case, not to meet his date, and Tae-yoon sheepishly admits it. He apologizes, saying that he couldn’t think of another way to meet him.

On Su-ah’s way out, she tells Hae-na what awaits her inside, which annoys Hae-na. Dong-chan (perhaps thinking of his own plan to woo Hae-na) urges Hae-na to turn back, since it’s better than going to the dinner and causing a ruckus. He offers to take the blame for letting her run away.

Hae-na accepts the offer — but she has an amendment to his plan. After all, if he admits that he lost her, he’ll look like an idiot. Whereas, if he says that she HIT him and ran, well, that’s more believable.

Nervously, Dong-chan protests, saying, “Oh, but you don’t have to go through so much trouble for me.” Hae-na answers sweetly, “No, you were thinking on my behalf, so naturally I should do this much for you.” With a smile of anticipation, she winds up, aiming for Dong-chan’s face…

…only to be stopped, wrist caught mid-swing by Tae-yoon.

A little jealously (I like to think), Dong-chan demands, “Who are you? Let go of her!” and grabs her hand away from Tae-yoon’s grip.

Tae-yoon asks who Dong-chan is to Hae-na, and Dong-chan answers, “I’m her attendant. What about you?” Tae-yoon says, “Me? I’m the man who’s here for a date with her.”

COMMENTS

This drama has got some seriously pretty scenes. So far, we’ve seen a good mix of indoor luxury and outdoor scenery, and I appreciate all the fantastic views. A drama doesn’t have to look pretty to be entertaining, but it sure doesn’t hurt.

You know, there are a lot of clichés at work here and sometimes the story gets rather obvious, but the plot still seems to have a fresh quality to it. As an example of something I didn’t love, the “Andalusian paella” story isn’t terribly clever; Dong-chan’s smooth talking shouldn’t always work when the stories are so flimsy (like how he convinces Eui-joo of his reasons for taking the job). But I just go with it, and they’re amusing despite the obviousness.

On the other hand, I do like the character setups for our main characters. Specifically, the guys. (I’ll get to Hae-na in a moment.)

I admit to extreme Jung Il-woo prejudice — I mean, come on! He’s adorable. But I don’t think it’s just my bias that made me perk up once he showed up; now that he’s entered the scene, I want to see him shake things up. It’s way too early for this, but I think I would be thrilled if he finds his own happy ending with Eui-joo. Yeah, that’s a neat, pat ending, but I don’t care. It’s Jung Il-woo. Boy deserves some loooove.

I like that Dong-chan, as our hero, is a total mischief-maker. Or rather, he’s a mischief-finder. It’s not rare to have a protagonist be a few shades darker than our usual law-abiding and aboveboard fixtures — say, for instance, Jang Hyuk’s gambling wastrel in Tazza, or Jang Hyuk’s womanizing wastrel in Robbers, or Song Seung-heon in East of Eden, etc. But it’s less common than that old trope, “cold uptight man meets bubbly free-spirited girl and thaws his frozen heart with true love.” I’m a bit tired of that and glad to be away from it.

(It may be too early for full-on attraction, but we see the first hints break through the characters’ exteriors.)

Meanwhile, I think the Gu Jun-pyo comparison is natural, since there are some very obvious similarities between Jun-pyo and Hae-na. Still, there’s also a key difference when looking at the reasons for their bad behavior. Jun-pyo’s a case of arrested emotional development, having been brought up with a lack of family affection and an abundance of alone time. He internalized the belief that people can be bought and that loyalty based on feelings is impossible. He wasn’t saying that he could buy people (only) to be a jerk, but because he actually believed it.

On the other hand, Hae-na’s issue is hinted to be a result of a disappointed love when she was 18. Meaning, her current bad behavior is her way of acting out, externalizing her pain rather than turning it inward. It also makes her more of a brat. It’s like she breaks rules of civility just for the hell of it, acting out because she’s angry at the world.

I’m not saying either character is better than the other; they’re both rich, spoiled, and damaged people with major personality flaws. Just pointing out a difference, because it seems like everything is compared to Gu Jun-pyo these days.

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51 yellow_ribbon

August 21, 2009 at 2:08 AM

Well what do you guys expect? Of course Yoon Sang Hyun is gonna look as if he excels over everyone right now, because for now, the PD is developing his character more compared to YEH's and Jung Il Woo's character. The viewers get to know his character more cause the PD is still focused on him...just wait until he concentrates on YEH's and Jung Il Woo's character, then you will see that they are all equal.

I dont get why people are discrediting YEH's acting just because Yoon Sang Hyun is getting a little more airtime for the moment. To say that he is stealing the show and giving him all the credit is just too ridiculous. His over the top acting is rather annoying.

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52 cocoa

August 21, 2009 at 2:17 AM

I love Yoon Sang Hyun and he really makes the drama for me, so I'm shocked to hear that there have been less than positive comments about his acting in this drama!

The scriptwriter seems to have a huge interest in Princess Caroline's daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi (so pretty <3). Mentions in both episodes, haha.

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53 Lily

August 21, 2009 at 3:04 AM

sorry but YEH is not so good at acting. She cries good, yes, but otherwise she is too awkward. she can't pull off the main points of her character. What is a pity and is lacking to the drama.

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54 shu

August 21, 2009 at 3:50 AM

new jung ii woo fan!!!

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55 loner

August 21, 2009 at 4:39 AM

It's seems that there are too many issues have been involved in this drama, and that's not just YEH or YSH acting skill we're talking about here. First of all, this drama is a comeback drama for YEH, and her return has been awaited for so long by her devoted fans, so yeah naturally they will piss off if someone else (in this case her costar YSH) stealing the show (just like some of you, including JB, have been pointed out). Whereas, YSH fans also feel the same since their idol has been a target of bashing. And these all happened after only 2 episodes of MFL...Wow, what an achievement (sarcasm). Secondly, some people express their worriness that this drama will end up like EOE (too many top star and bad storyline). Personally, I don't know what is it with this drama or YEH that can make a controversy like this, but this is not a competition to find whose acting is the best or who's gain more air time, since I still believe on the PD and the script writers to delivered their best. And I believe they still have something in store for us, so keep the faith.
So I suggest, please do not judge to soon (it's only just two epi) and just enjoying this drama since I believe it'll be getting better and better (including YEH acting skill) :)

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56 rei

August 21, 2009 at 4:43 AM

hi there, where can i watch this drama with english subs?
thanks a bunch! ;p

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57 DeCaf

August 21, 2009 at 4:48 AM

@56 Rei, you can watch it at Viikiii :) enjoy!

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58 Soobi

August 21, 2009 at 5:38 AM

@ 47 Ichi:

I don't think Yoon Sang Hyun is in A Moment To Remember and in The Good, The Bad, The Weird... or am I wrong?

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59 nella

August 21, 2009 at 5:58 AM

@47 Ichi:

That's Jung Woo Sung, totally different person..

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60 durham

August 21, 2009 at 6:01 AM

Saw this post in soompi by kapeadik, what she said in her post, pretty much hit the nail:

I've read criticisms of her regarding her stiff acting, and weird facial expressions but you guys, the real members of royalty (best examples of which are the members of the British monarchy) are exactly like that! That is why a lot of people loved Princess Diana because she was the first royal who actually had or showed some personality that we commoners could relate to.

Isn't YEH portraying a princess-like role who cares only about herself and her own opinions?! She is expected to have the stiff upper lip, the smirks and the frequently raised eyebrows. Please do not mistake real (that is, birth-right) affluence and power with those publicity-hungry celebrities we often see in the tabloids who are the epitome of exaggeration.

Last: Although YEH's role reek of Gu Jun Pyo's character and circumstance, I really hope she continues to exercise the self-control I've seen in her in the first 2 episodes. And please not overact her role like what those kids from BOF did. I believe that MFL is seeking an audience across all age groups and classes and not just focusing on the young and the giggly bunch. Can you imagine your middle aged-parents tuning in to the F4 and shrieking alongside with you every time they come out on screen? I sure hope not because that would definitely freak me out! ohmy.gif

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61 nerita

August 21, 2009 at 6:46 AM

Hi Dramabeans,

JB: "(I mean, if you’re defending Yoon Eun-hye’s acting but slamming Yoon Sang-hyun’s… I just don’t know what drama you’re watching. Even though she was much better today.)"

Dramabeans as an avid reader of your blog, and a fan of Yoon Eun Hye, I am very offended by that comment/assumption.

Yoon Eun Hye fans are also showing disappointment with her acting and we are not immature nor shallow enough to slam another actor in the hopes of raising our idol's image.

Your assumption will only create unwanted tension between the fans of the actress and actor which does not help in any way.

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62 Penn

August 21, 2009 at 7:07 AM

Thank you again for the recap. The little boy, Su-min, is so adorable. I just want to smother him with kisses.

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63 epyc

August 21, 2009 at 7:18 AM

@ 47 Ichi

The actor in A Moment to Remember and TGTB&TW is not Yoon Sang-hyun, but
Jung Woo Sung who has not done any drama for many years.

I haven't watched My Fair Lady yet but am planning to do so for my fondness of YEH, as soon as I get out of my City Hall withdrawal which takes much longer than expected :(

However, I will be also watching it for Yoon Sang-hyun. Had seen most of his previous dramas: Marrying a Millionaire, Exhibition of Fireworks, Singles Life, and Three Dads and One Mom. He is a good looking guy but quite wooden in his acting......... that is, until Queen of Housewives. Maybe he's got enough acting experience and maybe comedy turns out to be just his thing. It is a breakout performance that makes his character so charismatic and watchable. I think YSH and his plotline with Kim Nam Joo are the best things of that drama. By looking at the screencaps in these two re-caps, I can certainly feel his channelling the same vibe into My Fair Lady.

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64 s hee

August 21, 2009 at 7:27 AM

it seems like i can't get over the fact that Yoon sang's age always comes up since the inception of the news on this drama casting. i was thinking about painter in the wind where park shin yang is much older than moon geum and they're teamed up in this drama, did anybody make a big issue out of that too? i just wondered as i wasn't following that drama at that time. What i'm getting at is park shin yang is much older than yoon sang hyun who is 36 and park is already what 40 or 41? i'm a big fan of park shin yang also and i can't remember having any problems watching him paired with moon geum in painter of the wind! so javabeans and #10 - i agree with you both, the age issue is so negative, let's look at his acting ability cause we're all going to be old one day! i love yoon sang hyun period!

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65 tarayqen

August 21, 2009 at 7:56 AM

i was kinda skeptical at first about this show...... the plot that was previously released about 3 sisters, a butler, a gold digger did not have that much impact... but after watching episode 1 and 2.... i am officially loving this show... and yah it did remind me of BOF as in this is the female version of BOF minus all your regular pose' in the background (i'm not counting the 3 adorkable butler's since they are not considered as lead roles)... it's really entertaining...something that i would want to watch, enoy and not think that much.... finally a korean drama i would definitely watch out for every week....

ps
the only disappointing thing was poong ah's cameo is sooooooooo short.... gosh just love him in tripple...so fricking cute.......

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66 tuswit

August 21, 2009 at 9:42 AM

youtube has removed the vid of MFL -- apparently KBS removed it! i tried to watch the epis (2) and continue but viikii won't load either altho there's no indication that it has been removed! oh my what a frustrating Friday! have a good Friday everyone & you too Javabeans. I always appreciate your recapt esp for this one as Yoon sang is my favorite actor since QofH.

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67 White Panther

August 21, 2009 at 10:38 AM

KBS should at least chosed an experienced 2nd lead actor in his late twenties, then we can watch a more charismatic tussle for the lady which would have a much better impact for the drama TCOML.
Right now it is like a male teacher and a male student acting.

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68 Pippa

August 21, 2009 at 1:28 PM

Jun Il Woo is sooo cute!! hsi smile is AHdorable!

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69

August 21, 2009 at 1:47 PM

God people age is only a number!!!!!
To be very honest I was excited about this show for Yoon Sang-hyun!!!!! I started watchin queen of housewives a few weeks ago and OMG he just totally stole the show and my heart and his voice is so powerful and manly!!!!
Episode one was some of a disappointement but ep2 made up for it!!!
Please keep recappin this show

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70 Marg

August 21, 2009 at 1:55 PM

I'm not really a fan of Yoon Eun-hye; I never really understood the hype surrounding her...not saying that I dislike her, I just don't adore her. I didn't think her role in Goong was anything impressive, and honestly that drama bored me to tears (I tried watching 3 times, and all 3 times I fast forwarded through much of the episodes and eventually stopped a little over halfway through the drama). I do have to say, though, that I thought she did a really good job in the Coffee Prince, and I was interested to see how she would further mature & evolve as an actress because she does have talent and some potential for more serious roles. I fear that this drama just isn't the right fit for her (and perhaps like someone mentioned, she took too much time in between acting projects and hasn't had enough experience to further develop her acting), but we'll see what happens as the drama progresses and the story unfolds further.

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71 ockoala

August 21, 2009 at 2:32 PM

Did anyone watch this episode catch that when Hae-na is thinking about her ex-BF Jun-se and looking at that musicbocxpicture, it's a picture of YEH with Kim Jeong-hoon (or am I mistaken?). KJH does kinda resemble the soft-cutieness of JIW, if true, it would be such a total shoutout to those who wanted Chaekyung to end up with Prince Yul in Goong. Or maybe my eyesight has deceived me.

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72 Nom_Kitteh

August 21, 2009 at 5:33 PM

I just rewatched the episode and there is some really shoddy work from the PD. Horrible pacing and ridiculous amount of screen time given to YSH aside, there were so many continuity problems!

Most glaring was the one when YEH's character is running towards what she believes is her ex, she is wearing six inch heels, but then she is wearing riding boots when getting on the horse, and then she is back to the heels once off the horse.

Also, they shot YEH on the mechanical horse at an angle that clearly showed how fake the horse is.

Then there are the scenes where YSH is feverishly cleaning lettuce for the dinner, and the dinner is instead fried rice. Would it have killed the PD to show YSH washing rice or something?

I don't usually notice stations as much, but after KBS's butchering of BBF, I wonder if KBS productions are just plain unprofessional. Maybe they don't have fancy funding like MBC?

I cannot remember who mentioned this earlier, but I agree that the leads have a brother-sister vibe, and wouldn't it be great if YEH has feelings for DC but then ends up with Jung Il Woo's character?

Oh well, it's still the kind of story I want to watch. Hopefully the production will stop half-assing it.

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73 yumi-chan

August 21, 2009 at 5:34 PM

I'm going to take these famous three words from a little group of four girls who are wise and awesome, "I DON'T CA A A A A ARREEEEE" what everyone has to say, I'm just glad to see Yoon Eun Hye on screen. I'm actually getting laughs from this drama, something I need after watching 30 minutes of Hon (almost pooped myself again).

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74 queenofdgame

August 21, 2009 at 10:04 PM

i just want everybody to know that i love this drama so it doesn't really matter if they are young or old....or whatever else it is you find wroing w/it....for me i take this as a "drama" as simple as that...and so far a very entertaining one...i think im even beginning to like YSH and this is the first time i've watch him in a drama....but the most important thing is i think im INLOVEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeee w/ IL WOO waaaaaaaaaaa..thanks JB

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75 tuesdhei

August 21, 2009 at 10:10 PM

kinda late for this but i agree with everything you said about the characters and the comparison being made between hae na and gu jun pyo...

i love this drama not just per episode... it really is too early for it to be judged. let's see halfway at least right...

thanks javabeans for the wonderful insight and for the never ending patience in doing the recaps for all of us...

till next episode c",)

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76 linz

August 21, 2009 at 10:48 PM

okay i was definitely feelin this episode ALOT more than the last! actually i enjoyed it alot and i wasn't really expecting to after that first ep lol. YEH improved loads (i still think she can be better...and hopefully she won't disappoint) and i am warming up to YSH way more. and OMG jung-il-woo!!!! every scene he was in...i couldnt help but smile like a dork haha. he is soooo adorable! love him =)

i am hoping this drama continues to improve....i like it so far. thanks for the recap javabeans!

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77 yumei

August 22, 2009 at 3:20 AM

I cannot believe that jung il-woo is so cute.....I never watch Return of illjimae before so i didn't know who is JIW....Its sad that he will not end up with YEH....

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78 Mai

August 22, 2009 at 4:53 AM

Gosh, my poor YSH! :( Being bashed on here somewhat and Viikii just for his age and because of people's lack of knowledge... Will you guys still like those 20-use to be actors when they become older? Hmm? Doesn't matter if he's older he's still good. :D Ep. 1 was a bit of a bore and it got more interesting in Ep. 2. Can't wait for 3. I don't even remember how I stumbled upon your page but I'm glad that I had. I've watched nearly 100+ dramas now and I've been running out of stuff to watch. I've been loving Kdramas especially lately and took up your suggesting for Story of A Man in your Drama Ratings. I absolutely loved it. It didn't get all lovey-dovey, mushy, and didn't need it to captivate me! :) So, I had something to watch while waiting for CP3 to finish subbing and for Lady Castle to air.

For those who haven't figured out yet, Lady Castle has been subbed on Viikii , ep. 1 and 2.

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79 Just A Fan

August 22, 2009 at 5:29 AM

Thanks for the recap JB.

I am one of those who think that Episode 1 is so flat. Direction was not good, YEH's acting was not impressive as well. As a whole it was a sort of boring.I'm referring Episode 1 only. I am not here to bash any actor nor the drama and if you're curious YES I am a huge FAN of YEH.

It is only natural that people scrutinize YEH's acting this early on because it is her comeback drama series and the fact that everyone enjoyed and was impressed with her portrayal of Eun Chan in Coffee Prince. Naturally there is a huge interest and expectations from her.

Somebody here compared her acting to what real royalty does. Indeed royals have the tendency to act that way but still YEH lacked something on that first episode. I am a fan of hers but I acknowledge that something was lacking in her performance on that episode. I was hoping for a Cate Blanchett type of cold calculating character performance. Maybe YEH still needs to learn more and maybe I was expecting too much from her since she was able to portray Eun Chan very well.

I also have to agree to those who feel that her co-star, the guy playing Dong Chan is really stealing the show. I am glad that he was her co-star. He sort of saved Episode 1.

Episode 2 is another story. I am happy that YEH's portrayal of Hye Na has improved a lot. The direction was still mediocre although there were a few scenes that were just a feast to the eyes. I guess I miss PD Lee's great way of storytelling.

I am still a fan of YEH and I will still watch the series til the final episode.

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80 Jill4675

August 22, 2009 at 8:48 AM

@72 Nom_Kitteh "Most glaring was the one when YEH’s character is running towards what she believes is her ex, she is wearing six inch heels, but then she is wearing riding boots when getting on the horse, and then she is back to the heels once off the horse. " "Also, they shot YEH on the mechanical horse at an angle that clearly showed how fake the horse is. "

The pointless boot craziness (she could have just been wearing riding boots throughout!) was more of a "the audience is stupid and probably they won't notice" situation, rather than an actual "mistake." We were also supposed to believe she rode up in those heels! Let's not even talk about the clothing. No one goes riding in such silly clothes. It's not even possible. Neither JIW nor YEH can ride a horse properly. I guess that's why they used the fake horse for her closeup scenes. That is beyond lame. JIW didn't get a fake horse and instead was just made to look awkward. I felt sorry for him bouncing around in such an unbalanced manner. It's a wonder he didn't fall off. And I'm still wondering why poor YEH was filmed with that hideous rash all over her neck and chest. They couldn't cover that with makeup or a scarf? YEH and JIW deserve something a WHOLE LOT BETTER...and so does the audience. <_<

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81 sittie2009

August 22, 2009 at 7:58 PM

ep3.to long to wait my god i bin addicted to this drama love all the cast...

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82 javee bangit

August 22, 2009 at 10:41 PM

Oh My! finally the long wait is over!! yahooo! I've been waiting for this drama! anyone here knows where i can see it? thank you!!

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83 eyah

August 23, 2009 at 5:19 AM

oh my...i've been waiting for this..thanks javabeans...
you're the best ^_^

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84 heejung

August 23, 2009 at 7:23 AM

about JIW's horse riding skills - he wasn't just 'bouncing around,' he was actually posting[the going up and down thing he was doing], which is what the rider is supposed to do when the horse is trotting [which it was]. But i guess it did look pretty awkward, lol. Posting is not fun. :P

that said, i love this drama! yay! dong chan and hyena are cutie pies, dongchan especially! and i find it funny that this drama is tons more "stylish" than style. maybe all the money went into clothes and etc., and not the production? :D

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85 gphoenix

August 23, 2009 at 1:52 PM

You guys can trash Yoon Eun Hye, Yoon Sang Hoon and Jung Il Woo all you want, but don't anyone trash Hwang Suk Hyun. The little cousin is so cute and and funny. I love this little kid. He was so funny in "Speed Scandal". I hope he has a major role in this series.

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86 goldlilys

August 23, 2009 at 11:40 PM

Haven't watched the drama yet since I'm waiting for subs. But from reading your comments (not the recap parts), it seems quite good. True, YEH did an excellent job in Coffee Prince so people would definitely compare. I know I would because I didn't like her first 2 dramas (Goong and Vineyard Man) , but hopefully when I do watch this, she has improved her acting or not. Hmm.

I've never actually seen Jung Il Woo act before nor do I know much about him so I'm not the fangirl type yet (if he's anything like Lee Min Ho and his cute side then YAY).

As for Yoon Sang Hoon, I've seen him from Exhibition of Fireworks as the ex-boyfriend who dumped the main girl because he wanted to get rich and Marrying a Millionaire as the guy who has no feelings and only cares about viewer ratings of the show. Hmm, most of his characters have been the manipulative, bad guy types. Can he really do comedic roles?

Also why must the "Poong-ho" actor be in only one episode. Such a waste.

Oh and I recognize the little boy from Speed Scandal. So cute and funny.

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87 BIHAN

August 24, 2009 at 2:53 PM

WOW WOW WOW....IN THIS DRAMA ALMOST YOON EUN HYE WARDROBE ARE FROM LOUIS VUITTON SW09....LOVE ALLTHE STAYLS..LOVE THIS DRAMA HOPE THERE IS ENG SUB....

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88 jn

August 24, 2009 at 10:02 PM

@you can watch it on vikkii and mysoju with eng sub.
I love the drama, I don't care about the netizen comments, can't change my view of watching. How do you judge on the 1st episode? I am 50yrs old lady love korea dramas with subs and I like YEH dramas. She such a sweetheart and her dramas always bring joy, sad and laught to me.... Watch her eyes and
beautiful expresion on epi 2...who said she needs to improve....???Fighting YEH.. Oh, thanks javabean for recap...and love you site. .

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89 bj68

August 26, 2009 at 12:05 AM

I'm a huge YEH fan, but definitely her acting has been wobbly and awkward for this series, yet I'm still enjoying the show and I know that I'm going to continue watching it regardless. However, I do think her acting improved for episode 2, and honestly, from here it can only get better.

I'm really looking forward to the YEH, YSH and JIW triangle. I don't know if I agree with Javabeans about Eui-Joo ending up with Jung Il Woo's character. The same thing happened in Vineyard Man and it deeply upset me...haha ok, no not really, but I thought it was corny and just silly because I don't like the whole..."If he doesn't want me, then I'll settle for you" thing. haha

Also, YEH has a tendency of wearing a wedding dress in every drama she does...so I have a premonition that she'll be running out on a wedding with JIW's character for YSH. ;)

BTW, For me the banner at the top of the page is the men from Who Are You and YKS's smile is making me giddy. I love him (even though he kinda ruined Triple for me)! lol

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90 SJLove

August 26, 2009 at 3:29 AM

I think YSH's acting is really good. But i'm not really fond of his and YEH's pairing because firstly, its very cliche and secondly because i'm very JIW biased :D.
I think he and YEH look really nice together even though they have shared less than 2 minutes on screen together. I just want JIW to get the love he deserves. I don't think there is a problem with the age difference between YSH and YEH but, ugh i don't know, i don't really feel any chemistry between them and it seems like an overused plot in countless dramas.

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91 jacq

August 26, 2009 at 9:27 PM

Oh I crakced up when the little boy uttered: "Oh Sad". LOL He's so adorable & funny! Love him!! :)

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92 Rong

August 27, 2009 at 9:20 AM

I've just watched eps 2 and i laughed out loud at all the YSH moments. in fact, he's older than JIW and isn't as handsome as the latter is but he totally steals the screen! either the director is a wonder, to capture those scenes, or he's just so charismatic and talented at acting it all out. I intend to believe the latter. i've not watched Queen of housewives yet but i think he may worth the watch for me. ^_^ i'm definitely looking forward to the process of him taming kang hae na. let us all enjoy the process ya?

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93 Andromytta

August 29, 2009 at 5:12 PM

I love this show. I am a HUGE YEH fan, and I think she is doing well. In fact, I think the whole cast is blessed with a great acting gift. I especially like the little boy...he's adorable!

But, once again, I have to ask: What is the eye candy appeal of the two lead actors? I just don't get it! *lol* Seriously, looks wise, they do nothing for me. But those three assitant butlers...now THEY are something to look at!

@71 ockoala: I thought the guy in the music box picture was KJH too!!!!

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94 L00L

August 31, 2009 at 5:56 AM

The sole reason I’m going to watch this drama is because of Jung Il Woo. He captivates me in “The Return of Iljimae”. He is so good as Iljimae. It rouses my interest on all his other projects. He is definitely the one to watch, both the looks and talent.