Playful Kiss: Episode 16 (Final)

294 October 21, 2010January 24, 2016

by girlfriday

Show, I didn’t expect you to take the snail’s pace thing quite so literally. But here we are in the finale, and well, loose ends get tied, double-knotted, and bow-tied for good measure. It’s an entire episode of getting everyone’s ducks in a row, with not even a hint of conflict to drive us home. But then, if we’re comparing it to Episode 15’s idea of conflict, I should just thank my lucky stars that no Lee Da-hae Lite harlot showed up in this one. [I was thinking Song Ji-hyo, myself. -jb]

The end is nigh. Will Robot Boy get his heart? Will Ha-ni become a nurse? Will we end on a kiss to end all kisses? [Will javabeans fall asleep waiting for something to happen, already? -jb]

FINAL EPISODE RECAP

The newlyweds ride their couple bikes to school (how cute and totally ridiculous is that?) where they run into He-ra. She notes that Seung-jo isn’t wearing his proof-of-takenness wedding ring, and he nonchalantly says he’ll put it on when the marriage is certified.

At that, He-ra beams, taking the opportunity to goad Ha-ni about the fact that she technically still has a chance with Seung-jo, since legally, they’re nothing. She rushes up to Seung-jo, linking her arm with his, and throws Ha-ni a neener-neener look for good measure. Haha. She makes me laugh (because this isn’t mean-spirited), but it would probably annoy me less if it weren’t for those infuriating good-for-nothing honeymooners who kept doing the same thing all last episode.

Seung-jo fills He-ra in on his plan to use the marriage certificate as motivation for Ha-ni to get into the nursing program, and she marvels at Ha-ni’s single-minded pursuit of all things Baek Seung-jo. Yeah, you and me both, babe. [You two marvel, while I gnash teeth. -jb]

Seung-jo says that it’s a given that a planet will orbit a star…making me and He-ra gag. She seems surprised to discover that he’s quite the narcissistic macho guy. I know. You were blinded by all the Sartre. But college boys do that sort of thing. That’s why guys learned all the major philosophers at my school. You think you’ve seen the upper limits of nerdiness until you see a boy using Nietzsche to land a girl in bed.

Duckie continues to get his noodles stalked by the new girl. She seems quite smitten with him (who wouldn’t?) but Duckie wants nothing to do with her. He says that he’s got someone in his heart already and dismisses her soundly. Open your eyes, dear Duckie! Living breathing girl, totally into you, and not in love with Baek Seung-jo!

Looks like Juri’s got a budding love interest as well, in a guy who comes by regularly to get his hair trimmed just a teensy bit each time. Dude, you should probably ask her out before you end up with an army crew cut. Min-ah laments being left out of the dating loop. It’s okay. You’ll be gettin’ busy with In-soo in your own sitcom soon enough.

Ha-ni sighs that her marriage certificate will never see the light of day at this rate, because a spot has to open up in the nursing program for her to even take the test, let alone pass it. Mom decides to take matters into her own hands, and just go register the marriage themselves, without Seung-jo. Sheesh. I know everybody loves Mom, but her level of controlling is downright scary. She makes most Korean moms seem like docile kittens in comparison. And that’s saying a LOT. [It’s funny that she’s endearing because she’s always on Ha-ni’s side… but objectively speaking, yes. Scary. -jb]

Ha-ni has to do some maneuvering to get Seung-jo’s ID card out from under his pillow, and when she and Mom head down to the registrar, it turns out that Seung-jo already had it done. At home, he cops to using it as motivation for Ha-ni to get into the nursing program, and adds that messing with Ha-ni is his greatest joy in life. Hahaha. Points for that, Robot Boy. Ha-ni swears she’ll work her hardest. [I hate that she’s so worried about “disappointing” Seung-jo, when he’s the one who dicked around to use their marriage status as manipulation. Really, Seung-jo? You have a right to “disappointment” here? -jb]

Duckie’s girl-to-be Chris comes to see Ha-ni at school, and tells her that Joon-gu is her dreamboat. Ha-ni wonders if maybe she’s mistaken because his food is so good (HA) but finds that she’s really smitten. [I adore that Chris’ appellation of choice is an affectionate “Mr. Bong.” It’s like they’re a cute married couple already. -jb] When asked about the girl he likes, Ha-ni quickly says that there’s no such person, and agrees to help her win Duckie’s heart. Aw.

Duckie is busy making strides of his own, opening up a lunchbox branch of Dad’s noodle shop. Ha-ni brings Chris to the grand opening, who publicly asks Duckie to ask her to stay in Korea, but Duckie, idiot that he is, blurts out that there’s no one for him but Ha-ni. Uh, AWK-ward.

It’s enough to send Chris crying, and me wishing the floor would open up and swallow Duckie whole. It also raises Seung-jo’s jealousy meter, which is awesome, especially in light of his assy blindness in that arena during their honeymoon.

Duckie finds himself looking for Chris when she stops stalking him, and curious about her. Ha-ni calls him out on it, but he insists that it’s like he said—Ha-ni is everything to him. He reiterates his I-am-your-home sentiment, making me die a little inside. She heartbreakingly tells him that she’s married now—Seung-jo is her home. Wow, so simple, and yet soul-crushing for Duckie.

Ha-ni thanks him for always being there for her and listening to her all these years, and she asks him to listen to her one last time. She tells him to stop insisting that he knows himself and knows his heart, and to just sit for a while and really ask himself what his feelings might be, where the wind might take him. It’s a really sweet moment, not just for these two characters, but for the kinds of questions that 20-year olds really ought to ask.

Kyung-soo gets drafted, and he shyly asks He-ra to write him letters if she’s ever bored. She is her trademark curt and haughty self, refusing to throw the guy a bone. He finally asks her not to cry alone anymore, and she calls after him, saying that maybe if she’s really bored, she’ll go visit him in the army.

He gets a warmer response from Ha-ni, who is sad to see him go. Kyung-soo thanks her for teaching him a lot in the ways of love, especially changing his mindset that it’s okay to make mistakes and be rejected, and that it’s worth risking those things to love. Cute. He leaves Ha-ni with a farewell present—he’s going to take his roommate with him to the army, opening up a spot in the nursing program. Now it’s just up to her to pass the entrance exam.

Looks like Juri’s silent sweetheart is headed to the army as well. Heh, I was joking about the crew cut, but it turns out he really needs one. He shows up for one last haircut, finally breaking through to her. She backhugs him, saying that she’ll wait. I’m just going to assume that those aren’t the first words you’ve exchanged besides “Trim a little off the top.”

Ha-ni asks Seung-jo to help her study like the old days, leading to CPR practice and much cuteness. He smiles adorably as he drops her off for the test, proud that she’s come so far.

She aces the written part, amazed that Seung-jo pretty much knew exactly what would be on the exam. But the oral exam is a giant mess, compounded by the fact that the main interviewer is the same cranky lady from her university entrance interview. She calls Ha-ni a dummy-killer (yeesh, you need a vacation, lady) and Ha-ni announces to her family that she must’ve been reaching for the stars, and that she’ll find some other major.

Seung-jo sighs that he really wanted to take Ha-ni on a date [per their deal to go on a date if she passes], but a promise is a promise. He suggests that maybe going out for dinner doesn’t count. Ha-ni perks up immediately. It’s so funny how she’s still amazed that her husband likes her. Haha.

On her way to meet him for their date on Christmas Eve, she witnesses a motorcycle accident, and gets to use her CPR skills on a non-dummy. She fights past her fears and saves the woman’s life.

Duckie races to the airport, finally realizing that he probably shouldn’t spend his youth pining away for a married woman. Chris is there waiting for him, having gotten off the plane already to keep her heart from breaking. Duckie gets a kiss on the cheek for coming to stop her (although he insists he’s simply there to send her off), and thus begins a new and much healthier love for good ol’ Duckie.

Dad has a quiet drink alone, sweetly caressing the bronzed hands and feet of his wife and daughter. I don’t know what it is, but these Dad moments totally get to me. This is where this drama’s strengths lie, and I really wish it had capitalized on more of this tone. [It helps that Kang Nam-gil is SO good at the poignant fatherly love angle. Seriously — see Who Are You? for exactly this kind of heart-tugging relationship, except with way more momentum and emotional impact. -jb]

Ha-ni waits in the emergency room to make sure the patient is okay, and the doctor praises Ha-ni for saving the woman’s life. She breathes a sigh of relief and rushes off to meet Seung-jo, thinking he must’ve left hours ago.

But she finds him there, waiting and worried. It’s not the most dramatic moment, but it’s a nice beat, showing that she doesn’t have to worry that he’ll run off at the first sign of trouble. He really is her home now, and he’ll be waiting for her.

He sneaks them into a closed parking lot after hours, upping his cool factor in Ha-ni’s eyes. Seung-jo: “Do you think there’s only one or two cool things about me you didn’t know? You’re in trouble now.” Haha. He announces that she’s under his spell. Yeah, where’ve you been for the last four years, buddy?

Ha-ni says that she was originally planning to become a nurse because of Seung-jo, but she felt something different today, in saving a life. She feels a purpose and a calling, and plans to start from the beginning, applying to college all over again so that she can get into the nursing program.

I like that they went this route, which is far more realistic than Ha-ni threading a needle and making it in on her first try. Moreover I like that she feels a sense of purpose now, separate from and greater than her desire to follow in hubby’s shadow. [It’s also particularly sweet that Seung-jo gives her a little credit, too, calling her his sunbae in the professional realm, since she’s already saved a life — and killed one mannequin, lol — while he has yet to meet a patient. -jb]

Seung-jo tells her that every day is like Christmas when he’s with her (aw) and then they kiss, with Seung-jo teasing her for being so forward.

As the end credits roll, we see: Duckie and Chris together, Min-ah making it big-time with her web-toon in book form, Juri’s boyfriend returning from the army, He-ra visiting Kyung-soo, parents on vacation, and Eun-jo with a new crush (birth of Seung-jo 2.0, gah). [I know! The setup is obviously an echo of Ha-ni and Seung-jo, but I like to think that younger bro learned a little something from watching his hyung. Plus Eun-jo always had a little more EQ than Seung-jo anyway. -jb]

We come back to Seung-jo and Ha-ni in the car, where Seung-jo finally declares out loud: “I love you.”

GIRLFRIDAY’S COMMENTS

It’s pretty funny if you think about it, how marriage came before the “I love you,” but I suppose it’s something that he said it of his own accord, without any prodding. Not all the growth that I wanted to see from Robot Boy (just thinking about the wedding prep and honeymoon raises my blood pressure), but it’s not like I expected him to mature overnight.

Ha-ni showed some forward movement, even in her tiny snail way, and even though the emergency rescue was so obviously shoehorned in, at least she admits to having chosen nursing for Seung-jo, and now feels a new sense of purpose in pursuing it for the right reasons.

What I wanted to see more of was a change or a growth in their relationship post-wedding, which we only really got in glimpses. Would it have killed you, Show, to put in a real-life conflict, no matter how small, that indicates a significant change?

Overall this series never went past tepid for me, because the conflicts never dug deep enough to really grip me. I enjoyed the setup and the characters, and particularly loved Jung So-min’s portrayal of perpetual underdog Oh Ha-ni. Kim Hyun-joong’s Baek Seung-jo was a little touch-and-go for me, though objectively he has shown improvement in his acting chops. I’d be lying if I said he was good, but he’s…better. What I did enjoy more than anything was their cuteness as a couple, because they brought out adorably surprising things in each other.

I know the drama’s tone was always meant to be light and follow a slice-of-life format, but I wish it had dug just a little deeper emotionally, in its storylines. Ha-ni’s relationship with her dad, for example, wasn’t overly dramatic or overly hammy, but played just right in terms of depth. Whenever the drama showed those types of connections, it made me want to see more, and I would’ve gladly traded many of the superfluous moments of side business for some more emotional beats between characters.

In the end, I do like the drama for what it is—playful and light, but then it also keeps me from loving it, because it never ventured out of that safe zone. Show should’ve taken a note from Ha-ni: it’s worth the risk, even if you fall flat on your face.

JAVABEANS’ COMMENTS

What a weird drama. I don’t quite know what to say at the end of it. Barring the genuinely horrendous first episode, I had a lot of fun watching these characters bumble their way through courtship and young-adulthood in a low-key, histrionics-free way. But on the other hand, despite a tone that suggests slice-of-life realism, the drama isn’t very realistic at all, so you have something that’s not quite compelling on the drama front, but also not quite compelling on a reality front, either.

I can’t deny that there was something very watchable and cute about the slow (slow, slow) relationship build-up, but ultimately this drama sorta feels like a big ol’ empty shell to me. There’s just so little beneath the surface, and what there WAS in the way of true heart was often overshadowed by silliness (witness Episode 15’s Honeymoon Hell). It was promising until the last few weeks, when it became apparent that things were just happening because they were happening, not because they were driven by actual narrative purpose. Even slice-of-life stories are propelled by conflict, escalation, and resolution — the cornerstones of all stories since the beginning of time — but in so many episodes, I just felt like Playful Kiss was pushing chess pieces around the board without any strategy. No attacking, no advancing, just pawns being moved around.

I understand that this show is based on a previously existing story, and I understand that there’s a burden by the makers to stay true to the spirit of the original. Even though I have mentioned several times my reason for not wanting to compare this to prior versions, I understand why fans continue to do so — you can’t have a remake and expect the fans to ignore what is being remade. That said, quite frankly I don’t really care about the previous versions; I’m watching THIS drama. I want this drama to make sense, and have narrative substance, and tell a fully fleshed-out story, and show growth and progression, and be entertaining. If, in the course of “being true to the original,” this drama sacrificed its opportunity to tell a good story, well, then I think that’s a failing of the show. What good is it to be a purist if it just weakens the end product?

I’m being a little harsher on this drama than I had intended to be, considering I got many hours of smiles and cuteness out of this show. I don’t regret watching it, and at times I felt warm and giddy for the characters, particularly Ha-ni, who made me think back to my own adolescence with fond nostalgia, a little bit of horror, and a lot of relief to be beyond that now. However, I don’t think entertainment and critical thinking are mutually exclusive, and if I have to shut off one for the sake of the other, then what’s the point? I’d rather have both.

So, what’s the bottom line? This was a cute show. I liked it. Sometimes quite a lot, but most of the time with a sense of detachment. I think I would have evaluated it much higher if we’d ended on a stronger note, though, because the last few episodes really dragged it down. There was easier-to-watch, better-paced material in the middle stretch, but the last couple killed the last of my patience.

294

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101 Happy girl

October 22, 2010 at 10:57 AM

To me: Seungjo and Hani
Best scene 1 - The bed room scenes (loving)
2 - The CPR practice and the little brother (LOL)
3 - The kiss in the rain ( Romantic )
4 - The car scenes in episode 16 (passionate)
5 - The wedding ( funny, hilarious )
6 - The kiss at the villa ( heartwarming)
7 - When SJ hug Hani ( beautiful )
8 - When SJ hold Hani hand ( WoW!)
9 - SJ and Hani run & chase each other ( cute)
10- SJ carry Hani on the back (adorable, sweet)

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102 sher

October 22, 2010 at 11:08 AM

boys before flowers.... playful kiss.... what's next?
i still prefer the japanese and taiwan version of "boys before flowers" and even the manga.... and as for playful kiss - i wish they made it longer.... i prefer still the taiwanese version and the anime and the manga....
overall conclusion.... its ok for me ...its just me sayin that korean version of these dramas did not exceed my expectations. the actors and actresses are all "beautiful and hot".... but the content.... is something else..not really made a great impact! ... its just me.... i still love coffee prince and lovin sscandal.... :)

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samgetang

October 23, 2010 at 12:46 PM

love coffee prince and sungkyunkwan scandal, too ;-)

would it have hurt if PK risked making the lead characters go through a more gripping conflict and make them overcome/victorious in the end by some creative/non-stereotypical way?

i don't know...those two adorable characters look like they can handle more than what was dished out to them.

hmmmm.... :-)

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103 leila

October 22, 2010 at 11:11 AM

totally dissapointed with drama, to be honest I am glad it's over, I kept me watching but I had no pleasure watching it, liked the taiwanese version better,
a pity cause I really expected alot from this version, it has all the ingredients to be something sooo good, but it was just not mixed right ;)

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104 gracie

October 22, 2010 at 12:02 PM

i was so sad when this drama ended! i seriously had tears in my eyes. i felt every emotion that hani felt, and i loved the adorable romantic moments between bsj and hani. i'm so glad there's youtube episodes to complete the series.

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105 Flower Pot

October 22, 2010 at 12:25 PM

Excuse me a moment please as i wipe the huge, silly grin that had been plastered on my face ever since i started playing Episode 16 of Playful Kiss on my computer...

*clears throat, straightens up, puts on a serious face and fails miserably*

NOSIREE!

NO GO!

I think that grin is staying there for quite some time and it's all your fault Baek Seung Jo and Oh Ha Ni!

(Well, Baek Seung Jo mostly and my rabid imaginings that i was Oh Ha Ni for the most parts!)

Seriously!

Mr. Android Grumpypants might be really, really hard to get but boy! he sure does make all that hard work chasing him more than worth it!

(And before you naysayers start once again with your whining and complain about how i could like him when he is every inch the jerk and the total meanie...

Well, suffice it to say that i have a high tolerance for jerks just as long as they are that Hot and sweet and passionate when they are not PMS-ing...

So.... sue me!)

GAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

And just when i thought that i've ran out of things to rave about regarding the EPICNESS that is Baek Seung Jo...

He had once again managed to defy my expectations as he turned my knees into jelly and made butterflies flit in my stomach like crazy...

SOMEBODY KILL ME NOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!

I think i spazzed like crazy when he pulled that move on Ha Ni and wrestled her in bed just when they were in the middle of "studying" and "practicing" while playing nursey-nursey...

(Did i not get the memo?

Is "practice study" another word for S-E-X?

I know that that CPR scene would lead to some sexy time sooner or later and I was not mistaken!

BOOYAH! Somebody's sure gonna get lucky!

*sigh* If only i had a tutor like Seung Jo, I think I would have stayed in school until i was about say... 50...

And all because i'm hankering at the possibility of some hanky panky...LOL)

But on another note, is Seung Jo really that dense to still ask Ha Ni if she's "feeling it" given the fact that they were that close to each other that they could have played tonsil hockey?

SEUNG JO YA.... HAVE YOU LOOKED IN THE MIRROR LATELY?

I think that if that were me, I WOULD BE THE ONE NEEDING THE CPR instead, and you would have been the one reviving me because i would have long been dead just by having you that close to me...

(And believe me honey, if you end up married to me?

I would definitely be fiddling with more things than your wallet the moment that you lie down in bed next to me!)

Honestly, how could Seung Jo be all kinds of electrifying despite the fact that he's such a major cornball and that his one liners are just plain cheese?

IT MUST BE THE SEUNG JO MAGIC...

and yes... i've seen it... he doesn't have to remind me and tell me about it because believe me, I FEEL IT!

(I'm sure Ha Ni does too...ALL THE FREAKIN TIME!)

So, Seung Jo Ya!

The next time around, please don't ask Ha Ni anymore how she can jump you because just looking at you is as good a foreplay as any...

And to think that you were ALONE?

In a compact car?

After you just told her that everyday spent with her is like Christmas?

Why... the situation is practically begging for it!

After all, there is absolutely no Baek Seung Jo fangirl in her right mind who can resist the urge to throw themselves at you because i bet, we'd all risk the possibility of getting a sentence of 10 years to life just for the sake of getting into your pants and we all know that
Ha Ni is your biggest fangirl among many...

(well, next to me i guess... but she can take you anytime and let me have Hyun Joong...

To go please...

Thank you very much!

Now, where the hell can i buy those red matching flannel pajamas for Hyun Joong and myself?) :rotflmao:

But on a more serious note, i know that its saccharine sweet how the show partnered up everyone towards the end and though i normally hate such easy endings as these, there's something really different about Playful Kiss that i find extremely endearing that i could easily look over that and still appreciate it...

I know that Playful Kiss is far from being perfect and like i said, it might not be a top favorite drama on my list of all time but it was definitely MY favorite while it was airing...

It was probably the fact that i watched the show knowing already what to expect, that's why it didn't disappoint me...

I did not look for extremely complicated plotlines nor situations of dramatic proportions because it was the mundaneness and monotony of Seung Jo and Ha Ni's everyday life that made it awesome and relatable to me...

I like the idea that their growth and relationship is a work in progress...

That it doesn't become perfect all of a sudden just because they love each other but that rather they are discovering more things together and maturing together as they continue on their married life and as they face the world as husband and wife...

Seung Jo being jealous and becoming more open of his feelings? Ha Ni finally having a goal for herself that she is willing to work hard for despite the obstacles?

That is growth right there...

And i don't need to see them completing that process in the ending because i'm secure in the fact that though there might be tough challenges ahead of them in the future, they will pull through it and be each others strength TOGETHER...

The growing?

It's a never ending cycle...

But isn't that what real life is all about and i like that Ha Ni and Seung Jo had their happy ending but it was still not an ending...

Moving on, one of the most poignant moments for me in this episode surprisingly was not one involving Seung Jo and Ha Ni in one scene together but rather when Ha Ni and Joon Gu were in the swings in that playground together...

I almost choked up because that scene was so rife with deep meaning that i was almost overwhelmed by it's understated simplicity despite the emotional turmoil lying underneath such a stark scene...

To me, it was a rite of passage for Joon Gu to finally move on away from his first love and to continue on with his life...

And for Ha Ni?

It was a declaration of how Seung Jo and her are now binded as one and how nothing can ever change that fact...

In closing, i want to say that i'd surely miss a lot of things about this drama...

Mama Baek's winning Omma ways, Kyung Soo sunbae's dorkiness, Eun Jo's ajusshi attitude, Ha Ni's friends that i'd like to be mine, Joon Gu's Busan Accent and undying devotion, Papa Oh's touching moments that made me cry, Hae Ra's shorts but most of all, I'd miss Ha Ni and Seung Jo...

They were such an unlikely pair and yet, they reminded me of how there is no right or wrong love but only the right or wrong person for you...

So thank you playful Kiss... it was a bumpy ride but one that i have enjoyed immensely...

CRAP.

Now, I can't imagine Thursdays without you but i have to...

All i can say is... let the withdrawal process begin...

My name is Donna and i am a Playful Kiss addict...

donnapie.wordpress.com

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Lurkee

October 22, 2010 at 2:29 PM

Ditto Flowerpot. Now that PK has ended I feel empty. I can't remember how my life was like before... what did I used to do Wednesday and Thursday nights???!... sigh... I will try to remember in the next few days, but first I must acknowledge, I too am a certified Playful Kiss addict.

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ha ni

October 22, 2010 at 6:42 PM

same here!.. i dunno what kdrama should i watch since PK ended.. i kept on repeating my fave episodes though! i just cant get enough :))

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djrsb

October 22, 2010 at 4:41 PM

I, too, am a PK addict.

Thank you, FlowerPot, for your lovely comments throughout this drama.

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GreenTea

October 22, 2010 at 8:07 PM

LOL!!!! Always laugh at your comments on PK, FlowerPot! Yes, we'll need a support group now to overcome PK addiction...

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Ladymoonstone143

October 22, 2010 at 8:08 PM

I really love your comments...and yes, that CPR scene was repeated by moi so many times that I lost count....lol I still feel giddy thinking about it...

I am Lady and I am a PK addict too...:))

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jeankaycee

October 23, 2010 at 1:56 AM

are we on roll call for PK addicts?
please count me in!
coz as of the moment im having PK withdrawal!

just to fight my depression of thinking that next week there will be no PK episodes, i already start to re-watch the drama from the beginning.
and it still never fail to make me smile!

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CHshe

October 23, 2010 at 3:50 AM

High five Donna!
We're on the same page.
I do too be in school in my 50's if I have a personal tutor like BSJ... LMAO

I like your line.
Hi I am CHshe and I am a PK addict.
PEACE~

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samgetang

October 23, 2010 at 12:56 PM

flowerpot aka donna...you'll live :-) had fun reading your lively and imaginative comments...thanks!

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106 ross

October 22, 2010 at 12:27 PM

many thanks GF and JB for all the recaps for PK ...

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107 Diana Hansen

October 22, 2010 at 1:19 PM

i loved it! every minute of it! i need light and easy sometimes. my life is a drama and has been very hard so sometimes just being able to laugh and squeal at the cuteness is so satisfying for me! lol! but i am biased. i love khj and jsm and all the actors for that matter! i think they all did a great job. i saw the other versions also. i love each of them in their own way. i didn't want to watch epi 16 cause that means it is over! i wish for a second round too. joe was really awesome in his version but i think khj played his part very well also. gosh, now is time for withdrawal. hope to see them again soon!

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108 Fasiris Fay

October 22, 2010 at 1:45 PM

hmmmmmm
I don't know what to say either...maybe because I knew exactly what was going to happen (because I'd seen the previous versions) and there was nothing new or fresh.

Yes the characters were cute and the chemistry between the leads was endearing, but halfway through I just turned my brain off and hoped that there would be some cute moments to get me through.

Like JB, I did enjoy it and I also liked watched it, but at the end, looking at it overall....meh.

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109 evelia

October 22, 2010 at 3:27 PM

Thanks for the recaps. I enjoy reading the recaps!

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110 danni

October 22, 2010 at 3:32 PM

I enjoyed PK a lot more than I expected too, especially since I already knew the story and had tried and failed to watch its predecessors several times. Yes, the beginning was bad and the ending was a little out there (but I blame that on the fact that the drama had an episode cut and the writers probably wanted to keep the small ratings they had by staying true to the manga) but the middle definitely improved. I guess it worked because I really wasn't expecting too much and it overcame those low (and I mean, very low) expectations. I have to appreciate that all the characters were made likable, I don't know if it was because of how the actors portrayed them (Jung So-min will forever be the best Kotoko/Ha-ni ever, in spite of the fact that I wanted to smack her sometimes) or if it was because of the way they were written, but I couldn't really hate on any of the characters (not even Hae-ra or Seung-jo) and for me, that's a good thing.

Secondly, I'm really glad that jb and gf decided to recap this drama. I don't stalk drama discussion areas like soompi (though I'm sure I will one day) so reading the comments about this PK on dramabeans have definitely proved interesting and enlightened me to what attracts people to this story (because God knows I was never going to figure it out). So PK was not the best drama, but it definitely had its share of good moments.

Thanks for recapping jb and gf!

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111 Lena

October 22, 2010 at 4:12 PM

I'm sad this show is over.. I kept waiting for it to get good... but alas....

Honestly (and sadly b/c I like him quite a bit) I think the biggest problem with this show was Kim Hyun Joong, I like him all right but he just doesn't have the experience or the versatility his role required, not to mention he was STIFF as a broomstick every time the main couple had to get close and his moves were just mechanical and planned, I mean you could see it from miles away and that just ruins the mood, especially since he's supposed to be the smooth guy.
That "I love you" at the end... it was disgraceful, it was said like... well it's in the script so I gotta get it out... *Sigh* next time perhaps.

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112 just call me ~ ms ray

October 22, 2010 at 4:25 PM

Thanks so much Javabeans and Girlfriday for the awesome recaps. I always looking forward for Ur recaps which were brilliant. U both are good writers and critique.
I'm not Korean but Malay suddenly seem to enjoy many of the Korean dramas features here. I don't go to movies (cos it like wasting time) but seen I came across Ur blog I am hooked. Internet is awesome. Korean dramas especially the historical , treasure Asian values well. Good. Cos moral are lacking these days.

I have no knowledge of any of the previous versions, but I enjoyed the drama toward the ending of four episodes. yes it was a cute show sometime.

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113 TeaCup

October 22, 2010 at 5:04 PM

KHJ's acting skill development is in progress. PK is only his second drama following BFF. His acting performance is remarkably better this time. I think he did fine in portraying SJ's role as a robot boy. Of course, improvement in any skill like acting entails exposure and experience. He's just starting to delve into it. Give him time....

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114 girlatsea

October 22, 2010 at 5:24 PM

I didn't really read any of the comments as I just finished the drama and wanted to get this out before I forgot, so I apologize if I repeated anything said before me.

This the very first drama series that I watched while it was airing (and SKKS). I'm not going to sit here and saay that I loved it because a lot of my excitement stemmed from Viikii watchers/commentators. I found, while watching the drama without the comments I would get bored easily. I really liked this drama but I never went to the extent of watching raws like I am doing with SKKS (since ep 5), especially towards the end. I really, really liked it though. It was beautifully done. I just LOVED all the characters. Yes it was choppy at times but I like to think that it probably because of the episode cut. It was honest and heartfelt. And I just really enjoyed it.

Jung So-min's portrayal of Oh Ha-ni was so genuine. I am without a doubt watching out whatever she does next. I think KHJ has improved immensely from BOF and I can't really imagine anyone else being able to pull of the robot boy Baek Seung-jo. I am sure his acting will only get better. The ratings may not have been great but I feel as if there was cult following and this cute drama will forever remain one of the internet's top dramas. It may not be exciting as SKKS but it's it never failed to put on a smile on my face, it's definitely a pick-me-up. :)

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girlatsea

October 22, 2010 at 5:26 PM

Not in my top 5 but I could definitely watch it again.

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115 shin mi rae

October 22, 2010 at 5:47 PM

i guess their problem is cramming what was two seasons in the taiwan version to 16 episodes. gosh, the taiwanese 1st season was for 20 episodes. also, i think they originally planned for 20 episodes then have to cut down to 16.

i also agreed with JB. the whole story of PK was really weird, girl power be damned. The female lead live and breath for the male lead... it is almost excruciating to watch. having said this, i have to give the koreans some plus points for trying to give Ha-ni some back bone. (i know, we rarely see it but believe me jb, that OHN has more back bone the Xiang Xin).. im also glad OHN finally see the light in that last moments.

mommy baek, as much as i love you, you are scary and creepy. i can totally understand why baek seung jo wants to stay away from your controlling grips.

like all of you, i love this drama because its so light to watch..... it reminds me of what i was... no attempt for depth or gut wrenching crying time which is exactly what i need... Jung So Min, I love you.... for 16 episodes, i totally forgot you are once Minae in that other show that JB wants to forget.

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GreenTea

October 22, 2010 at 8:11 PM

shin mi rae, i just watched city hall, now your name makes sense ... LOVE city hall !!!

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116 WuSamDee

October 22, 2010 at 6:13 PM

I like PK....its so light and easy to watch. Amusing and bit annoying but, its fun in its own way.

Its kinda hit me.....it kinda personifies about arrange or fix marriage by the parents. Something like.... Mom knows what is best for the kids. She is sooo cool and very endearing (its hard to hate her) in her effort for Ha Ni and BSJ to be together. I wish there is a mom like that! I hope, I can be like that! heh! :) lol

Cheers to javabeans and girlfriday!

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117 ILovePK

October 22, 2010 at 6:42 PM

Kudos to both of you, JB and GF! Your recaps on this drama were really great! It's so much fun reading them as well as reading all the comments about each episode recap as they're hilarious. I keep coming back to this site (other sites as well) to check for updates especially about PK (the drama itself and its BTS).

My mom (who's 55 yrs old and a k-drama addict) and I really love this drama despite of all its flaws (well, nobody or should I say nothing is really perfect in this world). We find it simple, entertaining, and realistic. In our opinion, the drama was well-casted.

Kudos also to the entire PK team (including all the very clever subbers) for all their efforts!

Admired Kim Hyun Joong (who's sleep-deprived) not just for his looks but also for trying his best to act better in this drama and for always having a good heart not just to his fans but also to those who are underprivileged.

P.S. My mom and I are not really into buying the drama's goodies but we're looking forward for the Youtube special edition. PK Fighting!

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118 Miche

October 22, 2010 at 6:56 PM

The drama was alright.....i had higher expectations.....but i have to admit....i REALLY REALLY enjoyed the last episode...i think it's the episode i liked the best out of entire drama

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119 Jan

October 22, 2010 at 7:03 PM

Thanks ever again for the great and speedy recaps...JB and GF...

Just wanted to say one thing... isn't that Eun Jo really wonderful? He barges into the conjugal bedroom and reminds the couple that he's going through adolescence and that they should tone it down. Plus that nasty, nasty smirk when he just brushes off the cute girl with the letter is Seung Jo but ten times worse. I'll be looking out for him in future dramas. I commented on Boys over Flowers being on parallel with this drama in that the previous versions were hard acts to follow but hey, here's another parallel: the little brothers are fantastically played by their respective actors. AJA dongsaengs!

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120 SunsetSeashells

October 22, 2010 at 7:11 PM

Thanks JB and GF! For spoiling us with ur witty recaps and critical analyses (?) even when u were losing patience (at times) with this show!

I really really like PK just as it is. I see how a lot of people keep saying that it could've been so much better and such but I think it did a good job as a remake and then put its own sweet flavor to it. Granted there were flaws but at the end of the day, this show has made me smile and squeal and laugh and cry and love the whole PK/ISWAK franchise all the more and that's all that matters to me.

I am soo keeping my eye on Jung So Min! I feel like she's Oh Han Ni to the bones that I can't even imagine how she really is like. Kim hyun joong, I probably won't cringe when I see your name attached to an acting project anymore, you were satisfactory in PK! The rest of the cast was awesome and spot on, everyone of them! *now on my fav list! for rainy days

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121 Mimi Huynh

October 22, 2010 at 7:31 PM

Awww playful kiss ended???
Nooo even tho it was a happy ending
i was still expecting more besides a ''saranghae and *kiss*''
:( but anyways I LOVED IT AND I <3 UR RECAPS!!
KEEP UP DUH GOOD WORK

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122 Lily

October 22, 2010 at 7:49 PM

Thank you sooooo much for recapping this series, I love reading your comments and what-not<333
I agree, it was a weird drama.
I honestly, wasn't hoping much for the ending, since the last few episodes seemed like they were trying to fit the book's ending into the drama and not going with a real solid plot.
And I was rather disappointed. But then again, I can't say I didn't like the drama, I laughed, I squealed, it was entertaining to watch^^.
But, for some reason, it felt...like a just watchable drama, one to enjoy but not really delve into. I didn't really feel anything heart-tugging from this drama, but then again, I don't think that was the point of this drama anyways haha.

On the other hand, I'm actually quite glad I watched this drama, it made me smile a lot from it's cute-ness. Overall, and light and fun drama.

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123 Nikki

October 22, 2010 at 7:58 PM

Ok, so PK wasn't even close to perfect, but I was a bit obsessed with it...It was just so cute and warm! It pulled on my heart strings and made me smile every episode, even when I was getting tired of Han Ni's unwavering devotion to Seung Jo. Still, I really, really savoured every sweet moment they shared no matter how small. Some shows, like PK, just hits the right spot.
I will fondly remember you Playful Kiss!-Until Nov.4 YAY!

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124 Kgrl

October 22, 2010 at 8:13 PM

I'm going to be critical here...but the reason so many are comparing it to previous versions is b/c it lacks the uniqueness or fresh perspective on an old story. If the drama brought new ideas, twists, chemistry, portrayals that worked cohesively to give viewers something new - there wouldn't be as many comparisons to old remakes because we'll be too busy gushing over the new wonders of a familiar story.

I don't know how many remakes of novels/stories I've seen, but often times these remakes lose themselves in the very framework they set out to renovate. And the ones that can step out the box to recreate an old idea becomes the classic. The TW version did that - completely created their own dynamic aura that worked beyond a superficial idol drama - and the chemistry/portrayals ran deep.

To be honest, I really tried to use a fresh pair of eyes when skimming this drama (I'm fond of KHJ the person, if not the actor - and this is a beloved story). There are some nice attributes here and there, but it really missed the mark on the more substantive emotional transitioning of the characters. Even if there was no J/TW version, I would have received this drama just as lukewarm. There are simply too many great trendy dramas nowadays, with many young, idol-ish, talented stars to grab our attention. And though I feel like my acceptance level over the years has increased (all that fluffy rom-com ^-^), I simply can not lie and say this was a good drama.

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ockoala

October 22, 2010 at 9:59 PM

Wonderful critical observation and analysis, Kgrl (where've you been, miss hearing your thoughts).

I think PK is a good drama actually, just good, no more and no less. Good as a subjective barometer, I've seen so many worse in terms of quality and execution.

However, it never reached it potential, and that was a shame. Perhaps the story was just never translatable to the K-genre? I really don't know.

HanaDan worked as BOF not because BOF was good, but bc the K-drama added its own flavor, and in the end it was an addiction if flawed product.

PK seems to not have produced the addiction, but only highlighted the flaws.

In the end, this is a drama that a viewer likes because the story and production somehow moved them beyond an objective qualitative standard. And without a stronger K-drama flavor and the elevation of the source material, its no wonder it didn't connection with a broader audience.

I loved PK more than it objectively calls for, at which point it's just a personal attachment. :-D

BtB, thank you JB & GF - another wonderful recapped series!

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125 grintibiter

October 22, 2010 at 9:57 PM

^_____________________________^ Happy ending<3
I watched this show because of Oh Ha Ni baka baka adorkableness and despite losing patience but still watching the rushed, forced and unbelievably irritating scenes, I ended up loving most of all the crew Papa Oh, Minah, Juri, Mama & Papa Baek, CuteClever Eun Jo *huggles him*, Joon "Elvis" Goo :P and his pasionate cooking, and the lovely noodle shop, and Tennis Sunbae, even Hae Ra.. hehe.. and more and more.... hehehe

Thanks for the recaps Ladies ! Oh Ha Ni Fighting!

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126 honeybee

October 22, 2010 at 10:35 PM

thanks again for the witty recaps of JB and GF!

In all honesty, I began watching PK because I was curious to see how bad it was since it got nightmarish ratings and reviews in Korea. But to my pleasant surprise, it's actually a delightful TV series and it speaks to my heart in many different ways! I just hope that more viewers will put all the malicious reviews and rumors aside. I also think that it is not necessarily productive to engage in endless comparisons between manga, TW, JP and KR versions of this story. I mean, the story is based on a manga series and manga is all about fantasy and imagination. At the same time, manga and TV are completely different platforms of expression and the search for "authenticity" and "truthfulness" between the adaptations between the two is itself an impossible task.

Yes, it is a much flawed TV drama and in many instances, the editing, directing and narrative are just total disasters. However, frankly, the looseness of the story-telling in a paradoxical way really makes me enjoy the drama. In a way, in early recaps, I forgot whether it's GB or JB who talked about the realism of the drama. Realism in the drama is not in the plot itself, but more in the "pace" of the drama. Therefore, in a weird but rather pleasant way, the TV series exudes a retro feeling of nostalgia, a nostalgia for youth, an appreciation for mundane happenings of life. And of course, as expected, it fails spectacularly because its quasi-realistic rhythm among all other plot-driven and melodramatic Korean dramas.

But nevertheless, the flaw becomes the virtue of the drama. I feel like PK itself feels like a rite of passage, for the characters (if not the actors) in the story and for the audience. Even boredom in this drama is not that unbearable because the tone of the texture of the drama is set apart from other Korean dramas. And for me, PK has one redeeming aspect that is rarely mentioned. Shojo (teenager girls in Japanese) manga is not only about girls' crush. There is always a positive side to Shojo manga that it's about the anxiety and longing for growing up. In this aspect, I actually love the portrayal of high school period in PK. And many dialogues and conversations sounds so much like those in Japanese dramas.

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honeybee

October 22, 2010 at 11:04 PM

Jeez...I am getting too wordy here. But I think what really surprise me is the superb casting in PK!! Of course, our heroine just transcends beyond everything else in her natural clumsiness. JSM is totally immersed in the character and she becomes OHN at the end! And I used to hate KHJ. His "acting" in BOF is totally atrocious. However, in all fairness, he is really likable in PK and he improves a lot! At certain shots, certain gestures and facial expressions give me a glimpse of his acting potential.

Most importantly, the chemistry between KHJ and JSM is surprisingly natural and good! I wouldn't say they are the best CP ever. Ironically, the kind of "stiffness" of KHJ and "freshness" of JSM realistically reflect the characters within the drama! Just imagine, if you have veteran actors performing the main leads, it wouldn't be very convincing.
I especially love the little lovey-dovey gestures between the two. And what makes me squeal with delight is the hugging on the bed when HN tries to practice CPR with SJ. A thousand different kisses cannot compare to this snugly embrace. It makes my heart flutter--it's even better that SJ keeps his eyes closed while HN looks at him with adoration.

Oh too bad. Finally they get comfortable with each other and the drama has to come to an end. But thanks for persevering until the end despite low rating and other negative reports. For that, I will give PK more applause!

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127 crazedlu

October 22, 2010 at 11:10 PM

MEEEEEHHHHHH!

gah-lly. i mean, i have more insightful things to say about this drama, but it wouldn't be worth my time.

yeah, i usually hold back from comparing, but i couldn't help but compare it to the previous versions BECAUSE that bit of realism we all wanted from this one, existed in a version previous, even with strange antics attached.

leading dude character did not cut it. joe chen and writers did something with the lead dude's character in the taiwanese version that carried me through the story/drama that the writers and khj failed to do here.

well.. now it's over.

gumiho ftw!! =D!

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128 saetbyul

October 22, 2010 at 11:13 PM

i agree with jb. the first few episodes were horrendous, but as the show and the storyline progressed, i found myself enjoying the cute characters and light storyline. true, it wasn't dramatic at all, because we all knew what was going to happen - girl likes boy, boy doesn't like girl, boy realizes he likes girl, girl and boy fall in love. but in that way, it was kind of refreshing, because we had no work to do. i felt myself being able to sit back and just focus on the little things and laugh :)

to jb and gf: thanks for recapping the series. you guys are mad hilarious.

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129 Leonardswench

October 22, 2010 at 11:22 PM

This might be considered a rant.

Playful Kiss was ... cute, fun, but I have to say, I'm a little (lot) disappointed that the drama took too many shortcuts with the story-line, never intended to go deeper into the source material, and was probably accurately reflected by the abysmal ratings. Cute as the leads are, and they are SUPER cute, it was just dissatisfying to me for their story-line to be so shallow.

That said, I find myself, still, defending the drama and the source material and all its incarnations. It is a good story, it is relevant today (not out-dated, as has been suggested repeatedly), and it is more than slice-of-life.

So here's my rant: there is a PLOT in Itazura Na Kiss/It started With A Kiss/Playful Kiss/Mischievous Kiss. Whether you consider plot to be Freytag's 5-part exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution, or Aristotle's simpler "the change in fortune of a character", or Foster-Harris' "an emotional problem caused by two conflicting emotions being felt by the same person (the main character), and the working-out of that conflict", the reality is that there is a plot.

Kotoko loves Naoki.
Naoki is unaware (literally) that Kotoko exists.
Kotoko declares her love for Naoki.
Naoki rejects Kotoko's love.
Kotoko is left homeless and moves in with Naoki.
Naoki dislikes the intrusion in his domestic situation of a stupid girl from school who foolishly feels like she loves him.
Kotoko is helped by Naoki to raise her grades.
Naoki remains emotionally cold to Kotoko, with many disagreements/misunderstandings between them.
Naoki unexpectedly kisses Kotoko and challenges her to forget him now.
Kotoko resolves time and again to give up her foolish love for Naoki.
But through the finish of high school, going to college, selecting their careers, outside romantic interests for both parties, and rubbing against each other over 4 years time, Naoki must finally come clean and be honest with himself: he loves Kotoko.
Kotoko and Naoki marry and produce lambie pie.

How is that not a plot?

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130 kikay14

October 22, 2010 at 11:44 PM

Just my two cents:

Playful kiss is:

mediocre
not my cup of tea
not well written
had bad editing

But despite that, I can't help myself liking it! I am as cold as SJ but it gave me some AWAKENINGS (realizations) about my self. The most that struck me here is the grandma's advice to HN to live a fun life and make others happy. Just learn how to live with fun and everything else will be easy. I'm stuck into career and financial growth and I was not able to spend some time with family and friends for laughs. This so-so show enlightens me about LIFE itself.

Just watched this out of curiosity because my coworkers are so addicted to it...and thanks for that curiosity and it touched my heart in a way.

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Leonardswench

October 22, 2010 at 11:56 PM

And that is the magic of any drama, book, movie ... when it alters our lives! That's awesome, kikay14, thanks for sharing!

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131 bumpkin

October 23, 2010 at 12:14 AM

“Seung-jo says that it’s a given that a planet will orbit a star…making me and He-ra gag. She seems surprised to discover that he’s quite the narcissistic macho guy. I know. You were blinded by all the Sartre. But college boys do that sort of thing. That’s why guys learned all the major philosophers at my school. You think you’ve seen the upper limits of nerdiness until you see a boy using Nietzsche to land a girl in bed.”

-----GF, you nearly killed me with this. I spent a few good minutes laughing, unable to breathe. Tsk Hae Ra, you see, HN did know this side of him. And he made sure she (HN) knew about it. I guess this is also why SJ ended up with HN?

I have said it before and I’ll say it again. I am envious of BSJ’s happiness. He just looks so darn happy it makes you be kind of envious of it. LOL.

I have thought about it before, if SJ ended up with HR, it think it would work in the sense that it is ‘comfortable’ but missing the attraction and fun (NO PASSION). Imagine SJ & HR in bed discussing their days events: SJ:“I got an A in my test today.” HR: “I got an A in my test too” SJ: “I’m going to the library to study tomorrow.” HR: “Yes, I have to study too”

LOL just kidding. But I hope you know what I mean. :)

I’ve always thought of this show as light & fluffy with all the cute inbetween. It could have been better but I will just ignore the bad stuff and just rewind the good ones. I’m excited for the youtube episodes. JB & GF, will you be recapping those too?

Thanks JB & GF for recapping PK though you really didn’t love (like super LIKE) the drama.

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justkat

October 23, 2010 at 9:53 AM

lol...I loved the bedroom scenes between SJ and HN.

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132 hen-sg

October 23, 2010 at 12:40 AM

Finally it's ended. It's quite short actually.

I watched japanese and taiwanese version before, and ISWAK/TKA made me a crazy over zhi shu. Even until now, I still love to repeat watching ISWAK/TKA.

The korean version, Hmmmmm, not bad. I love Kim Hyun Joong, starting from him played in We Got Married, til BFF, followed by TKA. Playful Kiss is a interesting drama to watch, it's light heartening and Oh Ha ni is a very sweet girl.

I hate comparing. I do enjoy every moment in PK. Swear....but I dunno why, i dun feel attached with PK. It's a nice drama to watch. But I dun feel emotionally touched.

I'm sorry to all PK fans, n esp I know most people prefer korean version than taiwanese version.

But for me, Zhi shu and Xiang Qin has a deep impression on me, all times. Naoki's character kinda stuck together with Zhishu to me. I love BSJ still, swear. But he still the second for me, after Zhi Shu. But both of them leave a special place in my heart.

World Peace. Please forgive me, if my comments upset all the big PK fans here.

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133 IbeenJGS

October 23, 2010 at 1:29 AM

OMG . Love the ending <3

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134 orangevivi

October 23, 2010 at 2:43 AM

Ignore the ratings~
this drama is simple but beautiful~
The crew and actors did a good job!!~

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135 Cuteded,,,,,,

October 23, 2010 at 3:04 AM

Yipppeeee!!!!!!

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136

October 23, 2010 at 4:07 AM

more than once have i commented that the show's low ratings were pretty much to be expected. the actors all did good jobs with their characters, but the plot lacked intelligence and there was little to no character development. i have followed most of the recaps and watched all of the episodes since it premiered. initially it was to see what all they hype was about, then because i was hoping it would get deeper and in the end i finished it because it was too late to drop it. but i am very glad i saw it to the end. all in all, it was harmless enjoyment, and sure, it had its moments that made me go "awww" or "i can totally relate", despite the sometimes rushed action and unnecessary drama. the ending, however, pleased me. it is one of the better endings to a drama that i have seen, and i was surprised by how neatly the show tied things up, ending everything happy and in a sweet way. at the end, you can tell that everyone is simply going to go up from there, and it fits with the happy story and the identity of this unrealistic fluffy drama. i am very satisfied with this ending, and i am glad i saw the whole show.

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137 sarah

October 23, 2010 at 4:30 AM

Ep 16 kinda dissapointed me..., but afterall, I can say that I love this drama.... ep 13-15 are the most favorite ep for me... thanks JB and GF for recap this drama... maybe not easy for you both to recap this drama coz you didn't really like the lead male role as well as me too in beginning, but then I love ha ni and bsj, suprise for me but I anticipate for khj's next project, I kinda like him now...

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138 readlead

October 23, 2010 at 4:31 AM

Well, PK maybe not a great drama in my list but I love it! SO MUCH!!!

After HYD (bbf versi japan), only in PK I found the most adorable and cutest couple ever!, it was why I love PK mostly!

I'm fan of khj, because that I watched PK, but I won't say khj's acting very good but he has improved a lot, I satisfied with that, and I think he was fit really well as BSJ that I love it! , but then I fell in love with PK since the first time I watched it because Oh Ha Ni. She was really cute and adorable! Jsm acted as ohn greatly, cute and natural. I love jsm so much now.

Thanks JB and GF for recaps this drama. And thanks to everyone too has commented since recap of first epi, I enjoy PK so much! Only watced taiwan version and it even only first season but I couldn't finished to watch it coz I could'nt stand with character of ohn in there, sorry for iswak fans... I satisfied with only watched korean version, and pk will be one of dramas that I love so much...

oh, can't wait for special ep in youtube, mmm... JB/GF, will you recap it? Please....

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139 baliana

October 23, 2010 at 4:32 AM

When I watched a drama/film, I would keep watch it if I liked it but wouldn't if I don't like it...
Then pk aired, I found out your website, I was really interest with your recaps, somehow I feel it smart... then I realize something, because always read your recaps, my feeling when I watch was affected by your recaps... and many times I felt worse even I like pk...

I wanted to stop read your recaps but then, after watched I can't help myself to go to your blog and read all comments...
because yours recap, I feel smarter and worse at same time... like I love and hate you at same time... but I can't leave you cos there was not only I felt worse but sometime I felt happy, like the life, there is happy and sad. Make me be grown up better... thanks for recaps PK, I love this drama that have many lacks, but have many love too...
mylife, PK, and you (JB and GF), I love and feel thankfully so much...

now I used to watched drama first then read your recaps then rewatched again and then read comment in soompi... made mylife better and happier...

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samgetang

October 23, 2010 at 12:33 PM

baliana, same here! the recaps help us to sharpen our minds as we explore how others perceive the show, the why's and the how's. and from there we become wiser and more intelligent in making our own life choices as we see ourselves mirrored in the characters of the stories we watch. when we do not think and feel through those stories and just accept them as they are we lose the chance of learning. so thank you dramabeans and all those who contribute through their comments here. it makes it all worthwhile!

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140 neih

October 23, 2010 at 7:23 AM

I totally agree. Right after watching the last episode, I thought to myself..."Well, that was a cute drama."

I really liked all the characters, even the caring mother that runs borderline scary when it comes to controlling.

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141 TeaCup

October 23, 2010 at 8:48 AM

Loving these in-depth insights and reviews from you guys. I thought the PK saga has ended but these influx of feedbacks keeps my post PK addiction sustained.

JB and GF, reading your recaps and SJ & EJ diaries gave me another dimension to appreciate PK. All together made this drama memorable for me.

In retrospect, why do I LOVE PK?
I think, it gave me glimpses, took me back to my lighthearted youth when my world was then simple and uncomplicated. I was able to see myself in HN; she mirrored my emotional struggles with my first love. Come to think of it I had those daydreams too. Then after that stage, stepping into the "what do I want to do with my life?". I wrestled thought that as well --- it was like another world strange to me becoming an adult, sadly leaving that girl behind. PK touched these crossroads profoundly and effectively delivered progressions in life that many of us experienced.

So wherever we're at at this life === HAVE FUN!!

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samgetang

October 23, 2010 at 12:26 PM

teacup, nice take on PK! yep, a glimpse of our past that we would want to fondly remember and yet be able to say that we have already progressed from...all the crazy and ridiculous things we do when we are young, haha! hope we we're really able to move on from there, hehe...
had fun watching PK -- but always, always wishing for a little bit more sense and sensibility to take us to the next level :-)
thanks for the lovely comments...

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TeaCup

October 23, 2010 at 1:16 PM

Samgetang, appreciate you sharing the same sentiments for PK. My tab of regret was not being able to express my feelings like HN (but not to the point of crazy pursuit!). Indeed, she has that stubborn perseverance to attain her goal, it just happened to be SJ...hehehe... That was gutsy and liberating!

I'm highly anticipating YouTube's special series! Ohhhh, PK addiction continues!!!!

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142 playkissplay

October 23, 2010 at 10:12 AM

Thanks for the recaps. They added to the Playful Kiss experience.

Since I have truly important deadline sensitive work to do, I’ve decided to avoid it all by thinking about Playful Kiss.

Oh Ha Ni’s intelligence: Oh Ha Ni not being smart is one of the premises that Playful Kiss is built around. As such it is played as a fact. The characters on the series and fans on the blogs state and re-state that observation time and again. Despite watching the series through, I’ve failed to see evidence that she isn’t intelligent.

Her emotional intelligence is above average, which is why she is able to develop and maintain such healthy emotional relationships with her father and friends. It was OHN’s act of kindness that made Bong Joon Gu pursue her for so long. She is a sensitive and generous person who is willing to put herself out for others, just ask Wang Kyung Soo. So in one arena she is very bright.

She is self-aware. She is fully aware that her feelings are not reciprocated by Baek Seung Jo. She never deluded herself into believing that he felt for her as she felt for him. And even when she behaved ridiculously, she knew she was being ridiculous. So while she might have impulse control issues, she was not deluded.

Intellectually she is probably average, and when compared to BSJ, of course she seems intellectually disadvantaged. But who wouldn’t, when compared to BSJ, except Yoon He Ra. But is was clear that her intelligence was at least average, if not above, because when she applied herself, she did well.

What OHN excelled at was perseverance when motivated, hence Noah’s Snail. And in many ways OHN and BSJ’s Mom was the smartest ones of all. They set themselves goals that seemed impossible and earned them.

I know that what disappointed so many people on the blog was that her goal was centered around BSJ. Yes, in this day and age, that is a weird and dangerous stories to be telling young girls.

But no one has really contrast OHN with BSJ when considering their goals.

OHN has a goal—it might be a questionable goal, but it is a goal.

BSJ had no goal at all until OHN entered the picture [Unless you call resisting his mother a goal]. As a couple they are the girl who did nothing well and had no goals or her future and the boy you did everything well AND HAD NO GOALS AT ALL. In retrospect, I wonder if BSJ wasn’t suffering from a low grade depression before OHN shook him out of his funk.

Think about it, all his accomplishment before OHN was a matter of his natural gift in response to tasks assigned by his social and academic situation. Although it is never stated, all his goals that he pursue in the series is in response to OHN. She makes him reconsider his perception of the world. She inspires him to examine his assumptions about the world critically. She inspires him to pursue medicine. His goals are as much in response to her as hers is to him. The difference is that OHN is a more confident emotional person than BSJ and therefore has no issue stating and showing that BSJ is the center of her universe. And while OHN might not be the center of BSJ universe, she is his North Star, or some such thing.

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samgetang

October 23, 2010 at 10:49 AM

playkissplay....i dont know about OHN's EQ level...how do you define EQ or emotional intelligence? does stalking someone who appear to reject you and making yr own life decisions revolve around that one person constitute high EQ? she was endearing...yes. cute...yes. lovable...yes.
approachable...yes. but high EQ? in contrast, BSJ may appear to have no goals, yet, but he knew how to handle her and not let her misguided and untimely affections be counter-productive...just my take on this angle you raised. thanks for yr insightful comments!

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playkissplay

October 23, 2010 at 12:14 PM

Yeah, you have a point I might be over stating the case with 'high.'

Overall I think she is more emotionally healthy and aware than she is.

Also, interestingly, she doesn't have self-esteem issues, neither high nor low.

Her behavior around her feelings for BSJ are neither rational nor healthy. But I give her points for not being delusional and being somewhat selfaware. Also, I'm writing off her stalking as impulse control issues. [you could call that a cop out.]

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143 samgetang

October 23, 2010 at 10:31 AM

i watched this drama bcos i was curious why ISWAK (TW version) was such a huge hit but did not like much the look of ISWAK. preferred PK which looks more polished and appealing to the eyes (the lead characters are such eye-candies!)

i almost gave up on this halfway through bcos of oh ha ni's character and how the relationship between her and BSJ is not at all moving towards anything remotely mature (i know it is not the drama's fault since it is just being faithful to the novel or the original script). it just reflects on the senselessness of many of us (bcos a lot of ppl love this drama). it was good that oh ha ni was persevering and relentless...but i was wishing she could have a life outside of BSJ. but since that is not the story then i surmised that this is one storyline that you will either love or hate.

love and hate for all the same things: love oh ha ni's persistence and yet hate her very persistence for the wrong things. but who says it is senseless if in her world it is the most sensible thing to go after the most impt person in her life? more impt than her own life?

i came away from watching all 16 episodes feeling stimulated but not inspired or least of all ennobled. so much for eye candies: most of the time they just give you toothache or, worse, diabetes! ;-)

thanks, girlfriday and javabeans. if korean drama goes on churning eye candies like this they would be no different than all the other dramas out there and would lose their advantage. ive not watched much kdramas but in yr opinion which dramas wud u recommend that are light hearted and yet sensible and inspiring? are there stories like that out there? does it always have to be heavy dramas to prove to be sensible, inspiring (like baker king, kim tak goo, jewel in the palace, jumong, shining inheritance, queen seon dok)??? sungkyunkwan scandal might be one, i think...

thanks for recommending....

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Min

October 26, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Try SKKS, is inspiring , meaningful.. and sweet and cute in one.Plus good acting.

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144 brigitte

October 23, 2010 at 10:58 AM

Many thanks for your recaps GF & JB! You guys are awesome. I've been following PK discussions from the very beginning & it has been a wonderful ride, the comments and different views were all interesting & insightful.

In the end, I just loved PK no matter what. Believe me, I can see flaws here & there, but it just really relaxing drama in my hectic daily life. So light & simple but yet enjoyable and cute. I especially love the main couple OHN & BSJ, they are just adorable. Honestly, I have had a skeptical view about KHJ's acting ability & he's not actually my first choice as Irie-kun but I admit he's quite ok in this drama. What surprise me is JUNG SO MIN, she's a born star, I really admire her acting ability, haven't seen her first drama Bad Guy, but I just love this girl and I'll be looking forward for her next project.

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145 PKisLOVE

October 23, 2010 at 4:57 PM

Love it!!! Love it!!! Jung So Min is so adorable.. hope to see her soon in another drama and also my handsome Baek Seong Jo este... Kim Hyun Joong. Thanks for the recap.

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146 Rizzy

October 23, 2010 at 6:08 PM

Love the Korean drama version of this manga. Although I must admit that the two last episodes were a bit rushed, I would still attest that I enjoyed every minute of the whole show, even the slow parts. :) Hope there will be a Part 2 showing theri post wedding moments as what the Taiwanese version did.

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147 v

October 23, 2010 at 6:11 PM

I have just realized that with PK ending, I stopped with the updates… and didn’t post any info…
Well, sabby25@soompi@viikii translated BSJ diary 15 for those interested.
If you have a soompi or viikii account, go thank her…
and Enjoy!

ALL CREDITS to sabby25

BSJ Dairy 15 part 1

Those that can read Chinese, the link is: http://tieba.baidu.com/f?kz=918609811

15 is really really long @.@, with my rusty Chinese i only manage to translate 1 page out of 8 =( i will try to continue~

It is absurd.
Getting married at the age of 21?
Mom, I beg of you stop interfering my life.
Because of mom, I hid my feelings for Ha Ni until now.
I do not have the capabilities to stop Miss Hwang Geum Hee(SJ’s mom) enthusiasm towards Ha Ni.

Besides, I’m the one who brought up the marriage first, I have nothing to say.
I should have said let’s just get acquainted first. Why did I mention about marriage, which now resulted in this situation? Dread having caught by mom.
On the other hand, my mom may be right.

University-level of study definitely lead a busy life, there will not be any free time. Maybe after getting married it might be able to provide a stable environment to study.
But the wedding preparation is more complicated than what I imagined. Rings, wedding gowns, wedding photos…taking wedding photos really is annoying.
Recalling memories of my mom’s torture…mmm! Can’t even put up a fake smile because it is not funny at all. Look here, look over there. Require doing according to what others ask is totally not me, Baek Seung Jo’s style. All my life, this is the moment I want to run away from the most. There is so much to learn after entering medical school, yet these two women is really hard on me.

The route to adulthood is really full of complications and perilous.
Can’t it be simpler? I truly cannot understand the reason for women to create such complex formal event into something so grand.
“Even if it is marriage I will never cooperate with you!” Seung Jo yah, what’s wrong?
You said you love me and wanted to get married.
Love is when two people come to find similarities; Love is when we coordinate with one another.
You are still an egoist.
Stop Here! Stop now! Said such things! This is what you hope for; this is what you can only provide!

I still cannot expect anything much of you. If there are expectations, there will only be disappointment in the end, the so-called love…still cannot be expected, the so-called love…I always long for…
Baek Seung Jo, the egoist,
I hate you!

BSJ Diary 15 part 2

My Ha Ni who always accommodated me no matter how stubborn I am, yet I said to her
“Now I’m full of regrets, but it is not too late to reconsider!”

Ha Ni’s unhappy face made me worried. Sure enough, it is difficult for people like me to convey something nicely. I knew that whenever I said such things to Ha Ni, it will make her upset. I just dislike this kind of formal events which takes up a lot of time; I’m only annoyed at my mom for interfering my life.

Ha Ni who has no plans was force to participate; she must be more alarmed than me. Yet I still vent my anger on Ha Ni. Just have to convey my true feelings to Ha Ni and everything will be fine.

Because she have already seen the side of me who knows how to be angry, annoyed and also knows how to live life smiling.

Does love require practice?

A method to speak to allow others to feel shy, a method to convey my true feelings quickly.
When it comes to love any geniuses will become stupid and unfamiliar.

Just when I wanted to do some things to comfort Ha Ni, I thought of Ha Ni’s mom and grandma.
It must have been painful for both of you to let go of young Ha Ni. Saw father-in-law sitting alone in the dark restaurant, reading up some books for Ha Ni, with heavy heart that is similar to looking at a rock in the deep well.

For a man like father-in-law to send away his motherless and only daughter, he must be feeling dismay and lonely. How deserted it must be without his wife by his side.

Surrounded by the blue blue sky, even the coldness has faded into the greens. At this territory where there is nothing to give, nothing to demand and everything is peaceful, serene, desolate and silent.

Here where all the pain and grief are left, I send my respect to mom and grandma. First time meeting you, mom, grandma, son-in-law have come to greet you, meet up to your expectations? Mother-in-law, I will always care for her, even in sickness, pain and hardships I will always care for her by her side. Mom, thank you for giving birth to Ha Ni and letting her come to my side looking so beautiful.

Thank you for inheriting your passion to her.

No matter how hard you push, step by step, slowly, you have come closer to me.
This is all because of Ha Ni’s determination of never giving up all the way, finally allowing me to realize that she is a woman worth so much loving. We’ll live happily ever after, working hard every day for the rest of our lives.

Grandma, Thank you for telling Ha Ni such beautiful words. Have fun in life and other will have fun too.

When I was lost, these words became an important key. Hope for your blessings and thank you once more for letting Ha Ni under my care.

BSJ Diary 15 part 3

Mom, grandma, I’m getting married. See? This is someone I love. This handsome, good in everything, is the number one groom. Although there are times that made me sad, but he also made me feel so much happiness.

Seung Jo ah~ Thank you. Thank you for comforting the long forgotten inner pain in my heart. I might forget, mom’s face, grandma’s face. I’m always worried that if I were to forget mom and grandma’s face, they will also forget mine, so every night I have to hold on to their picture to sleep. Thank you for your comfort.

I’m glad that you, Baek Seung Jo, is the guy standing beside me, I’m very happy that you understood my pain.

You like it?

Just because we are able to go Jeju Island for our honeymoon trip, you scream happily and hop around me.

So cute, I can’t help but to smile, alright then just keep smiling like that by my side.
Teasing you is really fun, slightly tease you a little, you start to turn sour, but after awhile you will be laughing like this.

Seeing you smile like that really let me feel alive, feels so good.

“Hyung, just thought you should marry a girl like Oh Ha Ni, you’ll be happy, Congratulations!”

Yes, Eun Jo ah~

I’ve seen your eyes kid, like you said, Oh Ha Ni is like a fool, but this fool can always do things I cannot do.

She knows how to read people’s heart, she can easily get closer to people, she can even risk jumping into the water without fear even though she cannot swim. That’s why I like Oh Ha Ni, her 10% is enough to fill up my emptiness.

BSJ Dairy 15 part 4 of 8

“Dad, Thank you!” “Don’t cry, if you cry, tomorrow everyone will tease saying the bride is not pretty oh!”

Through Dad’s reluctant smile, I can see the tears in his eyes. Dad’s carries a reluctant smile on his mouth , I think at this moment he was trying to suppress his yearning for mom.

Stop crying, Oh Ha Ni.
In front of dad who loss his loved one and now having to send his only daughter away, the tears of the daughter who will be walking towards the one she loved isn’t it too sumptuous?

Tears are the source of sadness. So whenever I laugh again, my heart would be filled up with interweave of melancholy and pleasure.

“Dang, dang, dang, dang! (wedding march)”
I will live happily, don’t worry.
“Dang, dang, dang, dang! (wedding march)”
Please stop blaming yourself for thinking that you are not able to give me more.
Because dad, you mean everything in the world to me, full of love, that cannot be exchanged.

I, the groom, Baek Seung Jo, vow to bride Oh Ha Ni.

I, the bride, Oh Ha Ni, vow to groom Baek Seung Jo. Will love and respect forever whatever it takes, I promise I will respect the elders, and be a good wife.

Most importantly, I will love only you forever, carry lots of joy everyday and continue our journey day by day together; carry lots of thankfulness everyday and continue our journey day by day together.

BSJ Diary 15 part 5 of 8

Oh Ha Ni, can even drop the wedding ring, this fool.

“Don’t bully me, Baek Seung Jo. Actually the second KISS is not the kiss in the rain, but was at the pension right? Amateur, childish!” Ha Ni’s put up a bright smile, and triumphantly said.

Hey! Baek Eun Jo! How could you disclose the secret!

Ouch! Oh Ha Ni what are you doing! In front of all the adults, you are sure daring!

Although it turn out this way I still felt very happy, this is the first time you initiated to kiss me.

Even though there was a burst of laughter from the audiences, faces hotly blushed, however slowly I felt the warmth in my heart. Like a sudden burst of a huge sachet, the pleasant smell diffuse into the air and through the heart.

“Nonetheless, I’ll try my best. Even though I lacking in this and that in many ways but I’ll put in effort to be a worthy wife!” Oh Ha Ni ah~ you don’t have to try, I like the way you are.

Sometimes you still make me panic, there are times where you are absurd too, but regardless of these you are still the one I love.

I will fill all your shortcomings; you too will fill in mine. You can be a piece of my small circle. Come into my arms, my missing piece.

Hey~! Foolish Oh Ha Ni. Drank a big glass of wine and fall asleep by yourself. Wedding first night, is something worth looking forward. How to spend this honeymoon night, listen to some music? Also light up the candles? So, I’m the only one planning all these….

In the morning you said you’ve got an headache/hangover, not only I have nothing to say, in the end we cannot even do anything, Stupid.

BSJ Diary 15 part 6 of 8

What’s wrong with you?

Another girl is clinging onto your husband’s hand, how can you be so indifferent?

If you love me, I think you should be more aggressive.

I kept on looking behind for you; I really hate this woman who keeps sticking next to me. The reason I let her be is because I felt sorry for her husband and afraid that the atmosphere would turn bad.

But what are you doing? Unexpectedly, you were talking happily with another man….

Oh Ha Ni, what are you doing now? Why? I just do what I had to do, solely taking care of a sick patient, if you cannot accept this, then we cannot live together, understood? If you are always like that, how are we going to continue in the future? Man or woman, is there a need to differentiate a sick patient? This is an unnecessary jealousy…

You think I don’t have pride? Why do you have to make me embarrass? Shouted loudly at me in front of that woman. Sometimes I don’t know where to go, you don’t love me as much, walking next to your side at the same pace line it’s so lonely. It was better during the time when I had unacquainted love for you, no expectations, I was happy just by looking at your back.

Seung Jo ah~There are times that I despise myself, I’m afraid if I expect too much from you, I will hate you in the end, I’m really scared.

You’ve been here. Looking for you who ran out crying, I’ve forgotten all about the quarrel and anger I just had. Me who know nothing about love, have I lost you? Now where have you gone crying alone? With the chaotic pace of footsteps, I found you. Oh, don’t even have a peaceful day, playful Oh Ha Ni. Idiot, don’t you understand my feelings?

BSJ Diary 15 part 7 of 8

Ha Ni ah~! I’m sorry~!

During the wedding I promised myself not to make you cry anymore.

Whenever I see tears in your eyes it pains me as if my heart has been thrown into a charcoal of fire.

So please smile, this is the only reason for me to truly smile. You’re most beautiful when you smile, only when you smile, it somehow makes me feel happier.

If you smile, I’m willing to carry you around the globe.
If you laugh, I will gladly be a fool in front of you.

Finally, just the two of us. Why am I so nervous?
Hearing your breathing, makes me dizzy.

Why is my heart beating so fast, seems like pulsing throughout my whole body, my whole heart burn like a torch, the endless hot air kept colliding. You always kept my heartbeat, like an emission of spring water, like a balloon filled with air, enriching my heart.

Little idiot, sometimes very cute, there are times when you’re beautiful too.

Why do I like you so much?

You who are sometimes cute and sometimes beautiful, but why do I keep missing you?

What did you do to me?

Why do I have a feeling that I’m being poisoned by you?
So profound, so urgent.

Vision as if filled with bright stars, just have to reach out and everything will turn out well, I think this is possible because I love you.

The wind that brush pass the pillows looks like its smiling, just then I realize you wear trembling, I think this is also because you love me.

If you don’t exist in this world, how am I going to live on?

Final-BSJ Diary 15 part 8 of 8!

Finally i finish! Gosh~This diary is difficult to translate@.@ so many words and idioms>.<
I cannot say it's super 100% accurate but i tried to look into each sentence~ so…enjoy!

I’ve been waiting for this moment for too long, me who have been tormented run towards you fervently.

I opened up your shy confine lips.
Treat you like my reward and envelop into my arms, and penetrate you.
At the moment deep into you I felt so warm, like I’ve lived here for years, completely warm, nothing unfamiliar, everything going smoothly, our love flowing dizzily between us, under this full moon in the night.

Able to feel each other’s blood boiling without any exchange of words.

What? Ask me to wait?
Last two nights, I can’t even breathe properly for a moment, just looking at your sleeping face, it was already difficult enough to suppress my boiling hot blood, stupid, I can’t wait any longer.

Let’s grow together, us, study hard.

My Noah’s snail, my Oh Ha Ni.
Become a towering tree; till the formation of a dense shade; till it bears numerous fruits.

I actually hate using the marriage registration as a form of reward. But teasing you is so fun, I can’t stop myself. I

f I were to easily surrender to you and mom, isn’t it throwing the name genius Baek Seung Jo away? The invincible Baek Seung Jo won’t be so easy for you to subdue, if not it will hurt my self-esteem~! Haha!~

Just imagine being controlled by you and mom for the rest of my life is excruciating, I will not give in.

Sometimes love requires this kind of adjustments, Good luck!
My eternal fun, Oh Ha Ni!

***End of Diary 15***

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TeaCup

October 23, 2010 at 9:12 PM

v, you continously spoil us with these updates! Thanks much! Love these diaries, they somewhat supplement the production visual shortcomings, one in particular, that infamous "wall block" cutting into the hottest playful kiss in the drama. Ha..mama mia what a poor judgment!

I take great pleasure reading SJ's diaries. The robot boy is human after all. Discovering these emotions, his awakening to love Ha Ni are

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TeaCup

October 23, 2010 at 9:18 PM

I don't know what happened, I accidentally pressed the wrong key!!

Anyhow to continue...

Discovering these emotions, his awakening to love Ha Ni is extremely sweet - again that cuddly and warm melt like ice cream feeling gets me.

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v

October 24, 2010 at 9:30 AM

hey.. glad you like them...
honestly, i almost did not post this up because one, i didn't think many people would read it and 2. i gave much more updates (like there's new ep 15 diaries pretty pics versions) on ockoala's wordpress since i tend to chill there more.. and I'm too lazy to go back and forth).
I posted anyways since I thought I should finish what I started.. kk. so glad it wasn't in vain.
anyways, i'll do a short update here:
also, go check out the official channel, there's new subbed vids...
and also, there's a new NG clip which came out, and also a bunch of vids and bts pics.

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TeaCup

October 24, 2010 at 11:56 AM

Very much so! Now that you mentioned it, I'll definitely check out ockoala's wordpress. I'm new into this venue, thanks for your tips.

Talking about SJ's diaries, it's a must read! You'd be missing the essence of PT if you skip it. Drama + Diaries = 4D PT.

rainyrain

October 24, 2010 at 11:59 AM

v I just wonder if I have to be subscribed to be able to watch the videos and see the pix and all , if yes then I have to have an account on youtbe and subscribe

148 kitkat

October 23, 2010 at 7:29 PM

GF and JB: I'm really beginning to enjoy your recaps in general. I appreciate your thoughtful insight and analysis.

This was an interesting drama and a roller coaster ride, of sort, between feeling warm and fuzzy and being frustrated in its potential. It could have been so much better. I liked the fact that it was low keyed and subtle. However, because of this, there was a need for greater character development and less superficial contrived cuteness. Here, the drama did not succeed. For a moment it was going in the right direction (in the mid-episodes) but lost its way towards the end. (The beginning was just off...) I enjoyed these mid-episodes of quite "ah-ha" moments alot. The storyline had purpose, I thought...

Fundamentally, I have issues with female characters whose life revolve around men and nothing else. (Independence please!) With this, its amazing that I found Hani enduring (with acceptable degree of annoyance) Not really sure why but I enjoyed this drama. I think its because of the leads (and the other characters too) Seung Jo's kid brother was so adorable. The characters were, even with their limitations, very likeable. [I just find Hyun joong appealing and charismatic. There is something here...]

[Going off on a tangent:
(a)I don't understand what all the hype is about the male lead in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. Someone please explain...I don't find him charismatic.
(b) LOVE Sungkyungkwan Scandal and particularly the second male leads (Yoo Ah in and Soong Joong Ki ). They add SO much to the drama. They are good actors and are able to pull you in leaving you wanting more!

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149 Misa

October 23, 2010 at 10:41 PM

i'm sooooooooooo sad......... i know alot of people had their problems with this drama but i LOVED it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! soooo sad its over.........

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150 Newbie

October 24, 2010 at 12:34 AM

The first episode was painful to watch, some episodes are slow to the point of boring, certain scenes are cheesy, and there are obvious problems with editing, lighting, camera angles.

Having said all that, I'm really, really attached to PK and I'm really, really glad that there are 7 more episodes on youtube. I initially watched PK because of KHJ but I became drawn to Hani for her sweet and unassuming personality. When BSJ started thawing, I became drawn to him too. This episode where BSJ showed so much affection for OHN is like the final nail to my attachment to the drama. I just can't let it go. I find myself going back to my favourite parts of the series and re-reading the recaps here.

*sigh* I feel like I've lost something that I never knew that I've grown so attached to.