Hey everyone!

I just wanted to say thank you for all your commentary here and JB+GF for offering us this space to say our thoughts. Its like group therapy really. :)

And yes, we may not all see eye to eye but its great that we are taking it a step further instead of just saying, "OMFG, KHJ is soooooo hot!" or "I h8 hr she's so annoying".

So now, let's just agree to disagree ne? Sit back and enjoy the show. At the end of the day, it's just a drama and whatever we take out of it, is purely our own and no one else's.

*** spoiler from ep 13 preview ***

On a shallow note:
THAT KISS!

I stopped breathing for a moment. I think smelling salts are too mild. We might need an oxygen tank.

Or just speed dial 911. Ha.

I haven't looked at many comments, so I might just be repeating things, but these are my thoughts:

I liked this episode, because I thought it was when Hani realized that her life was kinda pathetic. She saw what Joonggu was doing, and what Hera thought, and she was impressed, so I think she wants to find a career path that doesn't revolve around Seungjo. I know she said that she wanted to be a nurse if he was a doctor, a stewardess if he was a pilot, etc, but to me, she sounded kind of embarassed when she was saying it, like she was disappointed in herself. So I think (and HOPE HOPE HOPE!) that she'll find something she loves, which'll make Seungjo realize her true worth, in the remaining 4 episodes.

The thing that confuses me about the drama is how Ha-ni started to love Seung-jo. Did I miss an episode or something? Because I can't recall a time when the series backtracked to a day when Seung-jo helped a lady cross a street or something and that made Ha-ni like him. Why does she like him? Is it just because he's smart and handsome? Seriously?

And yeah, this episode was like a WTF ARE YOU KIDDING ME? moment. I had passed the feeling of not understanding her motivation towards him and then this happens.

I could've sworn episode 11 ended with a cliffhanger.
Did they go over what happened in episode 12?
I was a bit confused...

Thanks for the recap!! I actually really appreciate this story a lot no matter how many people bash its characterization of women. We forget that while most of us constantly strive to get further because of our own personal driving forces that other people just want to have simple dreams and live simple lives. I feel like it's mean to tell a 21st century girl no, you cannot be a housewife even if you want to. And I completely disagree that Ha-ni is a weak character.

In her statement that she would become his aid to whatever he became, we're forgetting that for her, it would take a lot of skill to get there. She keeps striving to reach the highest point she can to always be there for Seung jo, and that's her character growth, and the fire for her dreams.

In some weird way, through each other they're finding themselves. It's more beautiful than people give it credit.

More Rave---
Maybe at first the relationship between these two was a one-side affair. But at this stance, although SJ is still in his somewhat semi-robot stupor, he is apparently as hooked on Ha Ni as she is on him. On several occasions, Ha Ni was building her resolution to readily forget and decisively give up SJ for his cold hurtful reception. But her resolve always gets pushed back because of SJ actions like those stolen kisses and flirting moments. Bottom line, SJ refuses to let Ha Ni go. Although it seems he does not acknowledge her, those kisses and snap retorts obviously shows he’s keenly aware of her. That’s the attraction and addiction pull of this drama – that’s why I love it!!

You know you have to admire Seung Jo. I know his words and actions could be mean sometimes.... but when you think about it, he is a really good and loving person towards her because there are a lot of guys out there that would take horrible advantages of a girl that's as devoted as Oh Hani.

That alone make her devotion more justified.

In addition, there really isn't anything wrong with matching your life with the one you love either. Her choice in life isn't Seung Jo per say but her choice in life is to focus on those she loves most. This just happens to be him but I'm sure it includes others like her father, her friends, Seung Jo's mother, etc. That is her character - selfless love.

The most important thing is she knows what she is doing. She knows who she is and she is just more frank about it. Not many people are that honest with themselves and courageous enough to risk it all.

Her dream is equivalent to deciding to be a housewife and devote herself to her family. I'm sure that if she ends up with Dukie, her final career would suited to him being a chef. That isn't bad if you are happy doing it... happy with making others happy. It's even better that she is talented enough to surround herself with those who, in their own ways, appreciate that part of her. When you think about it, most partner career/choices tends to be compatible with the other. Those relationships lends itself to more stability. You can't fault her for this.

As for Seung Jo, him matching with Oh Hani is just not as frank and revealing. In my opinion his matching is more on the emotional level. Self-sacrificing and caring, he starting to think more about others... which is her forte. Also, didn't she practically told him to be a doctor. If I remember the episode correct, it almost came out a 'Yes, because I told you to be a doctor, you should be'.

What I like most is within out formalizing anything, their relationship reached a level of true trust and sharing of thoughts. It is not making it official that drives us to hate Seung Jo so much and make her seem more desperate/annoying. If they were in a more official relationship, I bet we would look at the situation a little differently. But it is nice that love can just fall into line so naturally...if it is meant to be..... my favorite aspect of the show.

The girl's devotion is the only reason why I hate hate hate this manga with a passion. Xiang Qin (the Taiwanese one) and Ha-ni's character are STUPIDLY exactly the same--they just live for that smartcutelonely boy.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH, WHO GAVE HER SUCH A DIMWITTED CHARACTER?!??!

BTW, girlfriday, reading your reactions hilarious. I was with ya the whole way, man. Whole way.

THANKS FOR THE RECAP!

Seung Jo is smart, rich,handsome, a good cook and cares for Oh Hani and his family in his own robotic way..Who would not be devoted? If you think about it,we should feel sorry for Seung Jo because he can have any girl he wants but he chooses Oh hani who cant cook, not so smart, not extremely pretty but the only thing she can do is to love him wholeheartedly. If I didnt know this story, she could actually be a schemer and not as un-smart as she appears to be. She doesnt go for just anybody, she goes for the main prize-thats not unconditional love since he is near perfect. Smart move on Oh hani's part dont you think?

Thanks GF for the recap. I've been waiting for it since Friday. I love reading the recaps and the comments. And there is plenty of comments appeared here with different opinions. I normally just sit back and enjoy reading but I just want to put my 2 cents on this one.

For me,(just my opinion) I actually love this episode. I specifically loved the bench part where SJ and HN talked and Hani confessed that her dream is just evolved around SJ. Though many think that she's very dependent and has no spine/backbone for such a dream/goal in life, I am quite impressed with her for honestly telling SJ even though she was quite embarrassed to realize it. She actually knows it and yet she chooses it. I think SJ actually love it. It's what he needed. I see it when he patted HN's back and saying those words. He was encouraging her to actually do what she dreams, in reverse psychology type way. He wanted her to pursue Nurse as well. He wanted her to follow him around. Because consciously and unconsciously, Hani has a very strong influence on him.

Hani's purpose in life is to be SJ's catalyst. We may see it negatively considering our generation of independent, career oriented, strong women. But back then and even to our generations, many still prefer to give up their careers to live their lives evolving around their husbands, children, parents/family. We all have purpose in life. And purpose for some is to be an influence to someone.

This is not weakness. This is not spineless/boneless decision. If that make that person happy to make their beloved happy, so be it. Who are we to criticize their decicions and dreams?

I actually envy Hani for being bold to her dream. She put her life to SJ. She trust and love SJ that much. I am scared to do that. I love my husband and my children and I want to serve them to make them happy, yet I am scared to give up my work/career. I am afraid to lose my 'identity'/ 'individuality'. I wanted to do it, but I am afraid that if I choose to live my life for my family, I might be insecured. I am the one who is spineless to think more of myself than to think what might make my family happy more.

This manga/drama is more than cuteness and love relationship between SJ and HN. There are decisions, family relationship, friendship, real life scenarios which we may faced. The Hani/Koyoko character might be annoying but it is relatable to some. She may be degrading herself in her ways but her perseverance and patience and other strong qualities are commendable.

Just my 2 cents.

Oh my god, the different interpretations of this episode, from all over the idealogical spectrum, make me so happy to be a woman and a kdrama watcher. I'm pretty sure I've read no snarking, but lots of intelligent opinions. Soooo happy!!

This (and the rockin' editors) is why this site is so awesome.

Oh man.
I was waiting for the recap of this episode, when I saw it (last week) I jumped out of my seat. Yes, Ha ni needs to find herself ASAP and stop being such a lackey.

...

But then I remembered my friend Alejandra. We have been friends since highschool and I never liked any of her boyfriends. Mostly because I always saw how they pulled her back, she never got to even start university because of the first one and now the second one lives in another province and wants her to move, leave everyone and everything behind, to stay at home with the kids.

YES!

Unthinkable to me but that's just because it's me.
As the years passed, I finally realized that's exacly what my friend wants. She wants to stay at home while the other person goes out to work in order to eat.
She would probably be more than happy to raise the child and clean the house, go out from time to time with friends.
Now I understand there is still women like my friend or Ha-ni whose world just goes around whent they have a man to chase or be with. It's OK. It's who they are, I don't judging but I do wonder if they ever really think about all the things they could do on their own besides being a wife or a mother.

now it has totally abandoned the original anime and ran after that stupid taiwanese version. at this point, i want to give up on the entire drama and just read the recaps from dramabeans cuz that seems to be more bearable. GOD!!! i'm hating this show now.

however, in objective defense, hani's character is consistent with the taiwanese and japanese character. her SOLE PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO LOVE HER MAN. totally old school japanese character for WIFE. =____=;;

i fold. i give up on pk; SKK scandal pwns this one (sans old men plotting scenes). and kim hee chul is the king of twitterverse forevermore! *sigh*

sorry...>,,<

this episode was all over the place. I'm confused because the last episodes had a guy swooning for Hani and it only lasted for half an episode and he was gone. Now she's back to chasing after Seung Jo.

And the fact of the typical pretty girl with connections trying to get the guy she wants is really annoying plus the fact that Hani doesn't have a life at all cause she's revolving her life around Seung Jo.

I was hoping the other guy would last at least a couple of episodes and take her away from Seung Jo for awhile. I'm glad that she did finally see Duckie in a new light because he's really got something special going for him. Even though she said she still doesn't like him as a guy.

Wow lots of serious debates going on. In my opinion PK is just an old fashion love story which I can relate to. Maybe secretly wished that was a BSJ look-alike that I could stalk 

Manga was written 20 years ago & was said to be based loosely on the author’s story, so add another 10 perhaps 15 years? So think of PK in the era of our parents’ teenage years, that kind of plot probably possible in those times.

I do know some viewers are glued to TV for thick even more unrealistic plots that involve scheming relatives, lies, murder, money, adultery etc. For me this doesn’t work!!

Aha! Found the spoiler of the much anticipated KISS!!!

http://www.allkpop.com/2010/10/spoiler-kim-hyun-joong-and-jung-so-min-share-a-moment

All dramas are sexist but this story takes the cake.

I totally agree with you, girlfriday. One of the reasons I dislike this show is because of Hani. Oh, she's sweet and genuine and persistent. But that's it. She just wanders through life fixated on Seung Jo. If Seung Jo wasn't the lead character, if he wasn't quite as noble inside (as we know he is), if he was any less of a "prince" character ... Hani's life would have no meaning.

One of the things I liked about Geum Jan Di from BBF was that she had her own principles, her own dreams, her own goals. Perhaps she wasn't the genius or the model or the rich heir/ess. But she had a dream she wanted to pursue, and her own life to live.

It's great that Hani is so devoted to one man (as opposed to being fickle in love), but she has no sense of self, no independence. I was on her side when she proved that she was capable of taking on Seung Jo's bet to rise to the top 50 in the class and use the special study room. But since then, Hani hasn't challenged herself or thought of proving anything to herself.

And regarding Hera ... Dude, if I was Baek Seung Jo, if I had ANY tiny feelings whatsoever for that girl, they would be gone. If anything, I think that Seung Jo has pride. To allow his father's company to be saved by pretending to start a relationship with the investor's granddaughter ... Yeah. Whatever intelligence you had Hera just flew out the window.

I just wonder what she would do if the dude decides to become a priest .... disguise herself to be a man and stalk him through one confessional at a time?

All these debates are interesting and all about being a woman and such, but personally I think the most important achievement of PK is having javabeans turn into an HJ fangirl..hurhur

p.s please don't ban me , javabeans!

I LOVE this recap! Its so nice to see someone getting mad at our female lead for once. A bunch of other reviews I see think that all of this stalking (and yes, it is legitimate stalking) is "cute" and "adorable". While sometimes it is, most of the time I just want Ha In to grow a backbone and fight back a little more. I get insanely mad that she has such little self respect and self confidence. The show doesn't have much more to go, so I hope she will get some balls fast and find herself, or Playful Kiss is just going to leave a bad taste in my mouth, like that piece of store bought birthday cake you knew you shouldn't eat, but oh it looked so good in the moment, and leaves you feeling unsatisfied and fat. Ok, this won't do the fat part, but unsatisfied? Yeah. Anyways, thanks for the awesome recap!

I totally agree with you GF. I wanted to shake some sense into her during her "dream/goals" scene but since I couldn't do that I just forwarded through it. It's disappointing, but I'm not surprise given the Taiwanese version. It's just so annoying. Why can't there ever be a plot line where the girl is smart, ambitious, but can still cute and sweet like Ha-Ni? I can't tolerate people who put their whole life on hold for someone who may or may not love them. Even then, if the person loves her, he wouldn't ask her to wait. But I guess I have to give Ha-Ni props for her devotion.

so I was trying to read all of the amazing comments on this recap but there are so many! and i have a headache, so staring at a computer screen isn't the best idea. Here's my two cents:

I don't think Hani is planning on being "dependent" on Seung-jo. Sure she's not "independent" in the sense that she's forging her own way in life without making decisions based on what other people are doing, but she isn't like she's going to marry him and sit around having his babies because that's what he would want her to do, and because if she did, he'd feed, clothe and house her. she does want to be good at something - just as long as it's something that helps Seung-jo. I don't think that's stupid - rather, it's selfless, and somewhat admirable, because she's not thinking solely about herself, but wants to live a life that's of use to someone other than herself. we may think that there are other, better ways to do it, but you know - let her live her life. Also, being with Seung-jo becomes her motivation to do things in life. The pot and lid metaphor has to go both ways - Seung-jo motivated her to get into college and do better in school; that's got to count for something, right? She hasn't completely lost out in this relationship. She still needs to grow up a little and see that she needs more motivation to do things than simply being someone else - it has to make her happy too. The fact that she's ashamed of it means that she's willing to change, and that she wants to change. So generally, I think we're being too hard on her. I know people who do stupid things for love - multiple times over - and one thing i've learned is that it takes time for people to learn lessons about themselves when all they can think of is the other person and what effect that person has on their emotions. Patience is necessary. As well as a few harsh words and maybe a good shake or two.

In terms of individuality, I don't think she's losing herself in her orbit of Seung-jo. In terms of what the story has given us, Ha-ni doesn't really have any specific interests of her own, but knows how to have fun regardless of what she's doing. Again, this is a way in which being with Seung-jo is good, because he directs her efforts. I personally am at a point where I don't know what the frack I'm doing with my life, and honestly, having someone I loved to motivate me to pick something and do something would be nice. Ha-ni knows she's floating at sea with no specific destination, and that bothers her. SO she grabs onto the one thing that she's certain of to steer her someplace - Seung-jo, even though she knows it's not enough. With this knowledge, I think that her suggesting medicine to Seung-jo works to her advantage, because it leads her, in a haphazard sort of way, to the career that's best suited for her - nursing. As some other commenter said, not everyone has a beeline path that they're sure of early on. Some people have to make mistakes and take hold of whatever lead they can find before they come across something that they can do for themselves. life is never what we plan anyway. people give up things for the sake of others, and that shouldn't be viewed as stupid. my mum decided not to get a PhD so that she could marry my dad, but never thought that she was giving up anything for someone else's sake - it was her decision so she could do something that would make her happy. she became a teacher as opposed to a university professor, so she could marry my dad, and have me and my four siblings. why is that so reprehensible - feminism, post-feminism or not? All Ha-ni knows right now is that being with Seung-jo makes her happy, so her efforts are directed towards that goal. is that so wrong? isn't that better than if she was aimlessly wandering through life with nothing to live for? it could be soooo much worse, people - so much worse.

In terms of healthy relationships: Seung-jo is mean, but he's also grown past a lot of things. he no longer embarrasses her publicly, or pushes her away. he's not dating another girl, yet stringing her around like some plaything. he's just yet to come around to his feelings, and realizing the need to respect hers a lot more than he does. The relationship may seem abusive, but honestly it's only in one aspect: the fact that Ha-ni stays with someone who hasn't (yet) shown that he feels the same way, and doesn't (yet) treat her with the same devotion and care. But we know he's capable of it, and eventually will change for the better. He already is. If he was really bad, we would know it, and Ha-ni would be in a much more dire situation than she is right now. Her actions would be bad for her IF she was in an abusive relationship, but she isn't. I've seen abusive relationships, and I feel like comparing Seung-jo and Ha-ni's relationships to those is just wrong. it's strong language that should be used in more appropriate situations.

either way, thanks for the recap, GF! I think we all want to see a little more growth from Ha-ni, so hopefully this week's episodes give it to us. These things always come in fits and starts anyway - only the best written dramas have the OTP characters grow side by side - usually it's a one by one thing, where one of the two's growth is the focus of an episode. again - patience is necessary.

first time to post here...Frankly speaking, the reason why I watch PK is because of KHJ (I do love KHJ's true personality when I saw him in WGM). I don't have high expectation about this drama and also of KHJ's acting; all I want is just to see him on screen and I'm just curious on how will he deliver in this drama and I was not impressed in KHJ's acting in BOF. I'm not also into love stories and cutie/fluffy dramas but what surprised me is that I'm enjoying this drama. It makes me reminisce my past love experience/escapades .(I'm 35 y/o btw and happily married)

My take on HN's dreams: If you are familiar with Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Stages of Dev't, HN and SJ are on intimacy vs isolation stage wherein at this stage we are more preoccupied on having the need to have someone to share everything in this world; someone to love and be with them for the rest of our lives. It is just normal for HN to have a dream like that because in the first place she still doesn't know what she wants to do when she goes to college. All that she knows is that she is happy if she is with SJ. Although I cringed on that scene, I understand her if she is thinking like that and I cannot judge her if she will do anything just to be with SJ because that makes her happy and contented. HN is not intellectual also as SJ and she doesn't know anything she excels in. All that she knows is that she is hardworking if she wants to do something and if it is anything related to SJ. I want to give her a chance and get to her senses that she needs to love herself first before loving SJ.

We may not admit it, but those of you somewhat experience to make or have a goal/dream that you interrelate with someone you love. This may be childish/childlike but there will come a point in our lives that we do something stupid like this.

Also, I admire HN's character of being brave and bold in showing her feelings. The usual human's tendency is making defense mechanisms to project a behavior different from what we truly feel so as not be humiliated. We usually guard our feelings and we take reasons first than our emotions. I'm more of a SJ character in person and I really admire people who show their feelings rather than keep it to themselves.

And I may add, being an avid follower of Dexter and Fringe series, this drama became an antidote for the heavy scenes and it keeps me entertained even the story is hollow and typical...

I think it's because I've read so many shoujo manga that I kinda understand where a story like Itazura na Kiss comes from and why it's so popular. I guess it's just a cultural-generational thing. Some can accept what Hani's doing, some can't. Me.. I think it's cool as long as it stays within the realm of fiction.

Anyway, to totally reject this kind of relationship is like saying.. only 1 type of relationship is acceptable.. if it's 'normal' ..that is. But what is normal? Normal to a couple may not be normal to another couple. For example.. and S&M-type couple (like what Hani and Seung Jo is, according to me) will never be satisfied if they're paired with others. No matter how much we think that they deserve better partners.. they'll still stay together. I think as long as the boy and the girl loves each other, everything will be okay in the end. As long as they don't hurt themselves or other people.

Regarding Hani following Seung Jo around.. I've read many manga about couples like that, and despite the protests and admonitions by the one being followed.. after sometime he usually will crave it, that kind of attention. I think Hani has never done anything without Seung Jo's unspoken consent.. and every time she wants to withdraw, he pulls her back in so she can continue to orbit him. E.V.E.R.Y.T.I.M.E.

It's frustrating.. esp the scene where she follows him to his dad's office to work there. But it's also a fascinating study. Seung Jo's a smart guy and if he had not wanted Hani to cling to him so much or that she should leave him alone, he would have said it clearly. That was what Hani's friend asked him to do in ep 11 (or was it 10?), but what did he do? He engineered that meeting with Hera and his tuition student. If you ask me who's to blame for this seesaw relationship, I'd definitely say it's Baek Seung Jo. And instead of being peeved about it, I think it's rather interesting.. :P

For me, the drama is about the "Growing Up of Baek Seung Jo", instead of Hani. He's the main focus of the story disguised as a secondary character. Which is probably why the story is told from Hani's perspective, instead of his.

*To be honest, her lack of oomph on that front kind of killed my love for her in this episode. I’m hoping that it’s part of her arc, and that she’ll be growing. *

Anyway.. thanks for the recap! I love reading your comments about this episode. Lemme answer your unwritten question.. in the anime, Kotoko's world pretty much still revolves around Naoki even after they have a child together.. but Naoki's world also revolves around his wife and child. And I think it's sweet.

I got an immense amount of enjoyment out of reading all the comments on this thread. So many interesting AND well articulated opinions!

Just a thought: Has anyone seen the movie Say Anything? It was made in 1989, so around the same time this manga was written, and features a loveable guy following around/being in love with a "perfect" girl who also happens to not be in touch with her emotions. The guy, Lloyd, played by John Cusack (whom I love to an unhealthy degree) has no direction, and at the end of the movie when he is talking to Diane's father, he says, "What I really want to do with my life - what I want to do for a living - is I want to be with your daughter. I'm good at it." He goes with her to England, with no other plan than to live with her and support her. Throughout the film, people keep asking him what he's going to do, and he has no real answer, until he decides to follow Diane. Call it unhealthy, call it dependent, but that is STILL one of my favorite romantic movies. I bring it up because some people mentioned that they feel this situation would be different if it was a boy chasing a girl, and I even saw people saying they feel this story is unique to manga.

Lloyd Dobbler and Oh Ha Ni are not particularly good at anything except being amazingly kind, selfless, and brave human beings, and honestly... I think that's enough.

Its three in the morning here in DC, so pardon me if my thoughts seem a little disjointed. I would comment further, but real life beckons.

wow!!!! i never thought that a simple character driven love story of playful kiss would make us viewers and commenters to shell out this variety of opinions.

its so fun to read the comments coz is so vast you cant help your self to give your cent or two regarding the story, the characters and the situation.

PK must have really touch us in one way or another, its either good or bad for us to have these kinds of emotions and opinions.

Umph, so He-ra is Christine Robbins? Bleargh! I wanna vomit.

wow!!!! This is just awesome. It's really fun reading different views and opinion for just a simple cute drama like Playful kiss.
As a modern, independent woman myself, I totally agree with GF about OHN not having a back bone & so dependent on the person she love & will probably love for the rest of her life. While reading others' opinion, I come to realize that life is not just how to be independent, have a career of your own. Of course, it feels good to have your own identity. I have a husband but we are living separately ( not because we are separated or divorce but because he works in another country & I work in another country). My point is I wanted to have my own life as a career woman, so I want to live independently away from my family, but seeing my life now living alone, it's not worth giving up what I realized is the most important thing in life is being with the person you love the most.

I honestly envy OHN's passion- simple-minded she can be but she's honest, bold and willing to give everything she has for the sake of her love ones. Her dream is not less valuable coz no matter what it is, it's a dream. Going to nursing school is a challenge as well, but she's willing to proceed with that challenge as long as she's with BSJ. HE is her inspiration, we do all have our inspiration, don't we?

I’m actually more of a SJ character in person and I really admire people who show their feelings rather than keep it to themselves.

Thank you GF & JB for recapping PK, though the drama is not probably your cup of tea, but you are willing to do it for us non-Korean fangirls! Thank you!

Thanks girlfriday...

I guess what really makes this drama interesting is the way that people view it may it be positive or negative...

Annnnnnnnnnd let the angst begin…
and by angst, I mean the real kind…

The one which breaks your heart and rips it into pieces before putting it in a grinder and then turning it into hamburger…

or in the case of succeeding episodes, Ha Ni’s…

Speaking of whom, anyone else here who thinks that she’d really make a great asset to the CIA?

*me raises hands*

Though Ha Ni might be slow in the uptake, i believe that she has some major experience that she can really highlight and showcase to get the job as proven by her character throughout these past 12 episodes…

Number 1: She’s good at recon work…

She might be as obvious as Hitlers moustache when somethings bugging her, but at least she’s not afraid to open her mouth and say something that gets her the details coming from people that she wants it from the most ..

(Although on second thought, chances are her line of questioning would also be so obvious that it would be to her opponents advantage… )

Number 2: Stalking is her expertise…

There’s no need for expensive GPS or high tech equipment for navigation, just put Seung Jo in the middle of a location where she’s supposed to trail her subject and for sure no matter if it’s almost next to impossible to even imagine that she can follow him there, Ha Ni would sniff him out and find him at all cost… at all time…

( I totally get it now… maybe Ji hoo sunbae lent her his emergency bell that worked for Geum Jandi now that he’s playing Seung Jo… )

And last but most important of all, she has such devout and blind loyalty to one man that she can endure ANYTHING and live her life entirely, all for the name of her love for Seung Jo…

(I suppose this will come in handy when she gets captured and they use a loved one just so she’d spill her deepest darkest secrets…

Terrorist: Who sent you here?

* holds Seung Jo hostage and threatens Ha Ni to spill while pointing at him with electric rods that shoot sparks*

Ha Ni: ANDWEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

*runs towards terrorist, grabs electric rods and electrocutes herself by the neck instead as Seung Jo looks on once again dumbfoundedly*

hmmm… thinking about it, i guess torture could also be out of the question because there’s no need for it since Ha Ni needs no prodding to let slip vital secrets out…

DARN IT! I guess i stand corrected and Ha Ni better not quit her day job right now…)

But seriously, though sometimes it gets pretty old and a little bit frustrating to see Seung Jo holding back when we all know now how he feels towards Ha Ni, I, for one appreciate the fact that that situation helps a lot in making those little moments that they share together more precious and spazz inducing…

Perhaps it is the fact that Seung Jo lets his guard down very, very rarely that’s why i get a deeper appreciation for the things he do when he just throws caution to the wind and lets himself go…As if a simple gesture from him or an unexpected smile can make all the pining and waiting that Ha Ni does and did for him justifiable and oh so worth it…

(That embarassed Yes that he gave out when the manager asked him if it was his girlfriend who made his lunchbox?

EPIC!

I swear i flailed around like a fish caught on a hook while being drawn out of water!)

I love the fact how Seung Jo cannot admit to his real feelings for Ha Ni and how Ha Ni seems to think that he really means that, and yet, looking at them, every second that they share together seem to scream of them already being in a PSEUDO kind of commitment…

The kind that don’t need words but just a tacit understanding about how they feel towards one another along with the silent acceptance of each others feelings…

I also get misty eyed over the thought that Seung Jo can only open up his deepest, darkest thoughts to Ha Ni and how Ha Ni encourages him and gives him comfort during times when he needs it the most…

I guess there lies the magic of this story…

About how when we love we may have nothing in common with the person that fate has destined for us and yet something just clicks together that in the process, we end up filling parts of ourselves that is lacking through the strengths of the other person…

As i watch Seung Jo struggle with his inner demons as he gets caught between his responsibility towards his family and his own dreams and ambitions, i seriously just want to hug him and draw him close to me…

(What? you’re on to me? That i would grab at straws just to get a reason to touch him?

Dang it! And i thought i was doing a very good job at hiding it!

Anyways, anyone else notice how Seung Jo unbuttoning the top button of his shirt seem to signify and symbolize how stifling it is to be working in an office environment for him and yet, i guess, Ha Ni’s tenacity is rubbing off on him because he’s trudging through it without complaints and making the most out of it… How much more PERFECT can he be?)

Now that the stakes are set higher and it seems like Ha Ni is in for serious competition in the person of Miss I- have- no-pants- so- i- would- always- wear- shorts, I am anticipating with great relish the angst that will come as this turns the odds against Ha Ni’s favor and the struggle that Seung Jo would face knowing that there’s a chance that he’d have to not only give up his dreams but even give up on her…

Right now, at this very moment, i am calling on ALL THE DRAMA GODs with all my might to give the PD strength and the scriptwriter inspiration, so that we can see the rain scene remade in all its Korean glory and i am keeping my fingers crossed that we get to see the “spilled Hot noodle” scene too because honestly, that’s the only time i finally understood how much Xiang Qin’s seemingly foolish love is not that foolish at all and how Zhi Shu’s pain over giving up on her is hurting him as much, if not more, than the way that Xiang Qin was hurting over the thought of giving up on him too…

Now that that’s over, excuse me as i revise my resume because i have to go and look for this gaming company where i would enslave myself for free just so i can work alongside a certain curly haired Hunky dory genius who rocks suits just as much as he does his casual wear and tennis outfits that i am practically mesmerized just watching him…

@Leonard's Wench: I liked reading your comments. :) You're right, we all come from different backgrounds and we all have our own conception of love...

Totally off subject, aren't you also a member of the forum/board, C19? :) I'm telling you this because your pen name is also the pen name of a member of this board..

Wew...

For a story that is so simple can touches so many souls.
I'm liking this.
Its healthy to learn with one another.
Helps us to understand the world better.

We may reach 400 comment soon.. lol

Ok i like all the three version of It started with a kiss... Basically, it fulfilled the inner dream of girls to meet such a perfect prince charming... let's not debate over the issue of hani dreams.. Enjoy the whole process of this drama.. it is afterall, a lighthearted, predictable story.. I am just going to watch it with an open heart.

Thank you for the recap and comments. :)

Ep 13 spoiler

here's the link for the rain scene (warning MAJOR SPOILER)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfvhsF_6_i4

Ep 14 teaser

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zilw3-76Od4&playnext=1&videos=IKbWl0yajes&feature=mfu_in_order

the uploader will probably delete the vids soon

Hye Ra's eyes and face doesn't look natural, she must have plastic surgery done which is very common in Korea. It's especially so in the scene SJ went to meet her at the arranged date, it's so obvious.

And I can't stand her especially in epi 13, in epi 14 she's gonna taste what's it like being Hani when she dated SJ. Crying huh? Serve her right!

This is my first time posting. I just discovered your website maybe 2 weeks ago.

I like Ha Ni.. I do not like everything she does but I do wonder in our modern times with 50 percent divorce rate. Maybe her following his dream which still gives her a skill is not such a bad idea.
Clearly now days we are missing some piece of the puzzle to love. Maybe if we all went full force on what we are passionate about life would be much happier, much more secure world, even if that passion is purely love.
Or maybe I am just delusional, I certainly have no idea what love is. I am a divorced 29 year old with 3 children and still trying to figure out what I want to be when i grow up.

Loving all the discussion. Thanks so much.

wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

in just few hours i can watch episode 13!!!!!
im so dying to go home and have a date with my laptop to watch PK!!!

ep 13 was........(runs around crazily) :):):):):):):) <3

heyyy waitaminute... but didn't hani get into parang uni first? and that was full well knowing that seungjo would probably be going to a much better one. it seems that robo-boy was the one doing some stalker action back there so that they would end up in the same place.

i have to agree that living your life in total orbit around one person is a pretty bad idea. i wouldn't ever want to be in that position. but i'm just saying that seungjo is pretty much equally wrapped up with hani, like she is with him. i mean he is pretty possessive, no? he just doesn't express... very much.

Whoa. For a moment there I wanted to scroll back up to check if this was the PK thread. For a cute drama there is some serious disscussion going on. I love it!

Hmm....I think I have to re watch the episode or something bt I got the impression that HN admits that there was a flaw to her dreams, because they were too BSJ dependent. Hmm... I must have gotten that wrong.

After watching epsidode 12 I thought, oh please let them change the storyline a bit. We can't really do anything about the main plot, it's the story written years and years ago.

But you know what I was thinking of?

HN's strength is making people happy, letting them see how life can be as beautiful as it should be. Maybe she can pursue a career along the lines of 'councilors' or 'support groups' for sick people. Something like helping families cope with sicknesses, etc. Don't hospitals have them? If there is anything that HN can do, it's to make people happy and feel good.

In that way, hani can still work for a hospital without endangering people... switching meds, etc. XD

Thanks GF for the recap. I know you and JB don't really like this drama. But thanks for recapping it.

am i strange for finding hani's goal strangely admirable? Haven't we all read stories about successful musicians, academics etc. who devoted their life to one goal at the cost of everything else?

i personally think it takes more guts to put all your eggs in one basket like hani has done than focussing on several things at once. Yes, it's not 'safe' and its not 'normal', people have several goals in their lives in order to feel happy and fulfilled, but we also need extraordinarily 'abnormal' people in society in order to push it forward e.g. set new heights. now im not saying hani's a pioneer, just that we shouldn't treat her as a normal person, but as a person we could have been if we chose to devote ourselves to one cause, be it science, love or whatever.....i lost myself there

basically im saying that haven't we all admired someone like einstein, miyazaki (love him, u probably dont know him) who gave so much, yet pitying them for neglecting some parts of their lives for it?

another interpretation is that hani is stupid. not in an insulting way but that she has limits. meaning she can't focus on too many things and can only concentrate on one and grab that goal with all she has, because its the way she is. sure we can rant and rave about feminism and abusive relationships, but thats because those are our values and beliefs and we can't expect all women to be tribly talented since if we all are so successful then there;s no improvement.

last suggestion (promise!) is that hani chose to love bj because she finds it worthy and meaningful. as an outsider we see it as strange and even unrelatable sometimes when she goes to the extreme, but bj is a compelling man to her, representing perhaps everything she doesn't have in life, dont people deal with people like this by either being their supporter for life or an eternal rival? since being a rival is out of her league and she's simply incapable of it (although if they went down that path it would make a great drama for different reasons) she simply chose the other option and we are following that choice she made

pure love DEFIES logic. it's incomprehensible. this episode definitely made an impact on my beliefs not as a woman, but as a person. I think I'll be a better person after finishing PK :)

GF thanks for the recap. long wait but worth it.

i can relate to hani's unrequited love to that of my life as a crazy mamafan of kim hyun joong. my life now includes stalking him for the past years since i discovered him in BOF/WGM.

to be honest, we may have done a "oh hani" stint in our lives. for starters, i know of friends taking up their university courses because their crush is there. or perhaps join the club or sports because he is there as well. but we grew out of it.

i think hani went to the extreme end due to the fact that their lives were smacked together in one plane. her world in under seung jo's wing so she just follows instinctively. not easy to grow out of it.

I watched Episode 13 already but the epic 'kissing in the rain' scene is not as romantic as I had expected it to be. KHJ did not show much expression when he was questioning JSM! A bit of a disappointment. Think they follow the manga too much cos in it the guy also was quite expression-less when he kissed the girl. BUT it was worth the wait cos it was FINALLY a real kiss!!! I look forward to the last 3 episodes where finally we can see them act like a couple!