Sungkyunkwan Scandal: Episode 16

246 October 27, 2010January 24, 2016

by red pill

Dear red pill‘s erratically beating heart,

Be still. Else you’ll overexert yourself and fail me. And I need you to be strong for the remaining stretch, to be a pillar through the love, angst, sadness and happiness forthcoming. Besides, “heart failure due to excessive excitement over cute love scenes” as the cause of death is just plain embarrassing.

Love, red pill

SONG OF THE DAY

Rumble Fish – 청혼 (Proposal) [download]

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LESSON 16 RECAP

While Sun-joon is having the (twin) shock of his life, Jae-shin’s enjoying a little quality time with Byung-choon and Go-bong. Since they want to have fun in the water, he tosses them right in and keeps them paddling. Yeah, that’s what happens when you try to mess with Jae-shin’s girl.

Yoon-hee regains consciousness to find that her bosom feels a little – well, exposed. And Sun-joon’s beside himself with shock. Enter a merry drunken party, and there’s no time to make Yoon-hee presentable so they hide (hello, episode 1!). Fortunately, the drunkards keep walking.

Once in the clear, Yoon-hee tries to leave the scene, but Sun-joon is adamant about keeping her with him (“I won’t let you go.” Squeee.)

Meanwhile, Jae-shin finds Yoon-hee missing again and runs around, desperate to find her. He ends up back at the camp, but no one’s seen her. He’s ready to comb the mountains, but Yong-ha informs him of the comforting(?) news that she’s alright and with Sun-joon.

Surprisingly, Jae-shin doesn’t go berserk like he did with the island set-up. He blows off Yong-ha’s suggestion that they go to her and walks away, and his anxious expression breaks my heart.

Sun-joon and Yoon-hee find themselves trapped in his room when Soon-dol slides a spoon through the door handles and makes the flimsiest lock I’ve ever seen. His excuse? He needs Yoon-hee’s help to persuade Sun-joon to return to SKK. The guy’s been showing extreme signs of being lovesick, and Soon-dol’s beside himself with worry.

Here’s a cookie for you, Soon-dol.

Back to where the SKK students are staying the night. Yong-ha pushes Jae-shin’s buttons, claiming that he should’ve just gone to Yoon-hee since clearly his heart and mind are with her. Jae-shin kindly adds an addendum to his catchphrase: “If jumping to conclusions becomes a habit, your arm could end up broken.”

For once, Yong-ha gives him sound advice: He likes her, right? Then stop acting so cool and tiring himself out. Pretending he doesn’t want her, that he’s not jealous or he’s too strong to be shaken by his emotions – it’s all a waste of energy. Use that energy instead to make her his. As of now, Jae-shin’s still got the upper hand on Sun-joon (or so Yong-ha thinks, but now the playing grounds are pretty even since the cat’s out of the bag).

To be the silent bodyguard or the knight in shining armor. Decisions, decisions.

With only one set of blankets, Sun-joon insists that Yoon-hee sleep while he stays up catching up on his reading. She claims she’ll read, too, and finds among the stack of books the little red book (courtesy of Yeo-rim). A little tug-of-war ensues, with Sun-joon successfully overpowering her and pinning her to the floor. Now’s your chance! Do something!

But our upright Sun-joon backs off like the gentleman that he is. Oh darn.

This time they both try to sleep and Sun-joon’s willing to brave the night without any covers. But Yoon-hee tucks the blanket over him, reminding him what happened the last time he got wet and was cold. Besides, she can sleep with just the bedding – and she rolls herself into a Yoon-hee kimbap. That breaks the tension and they both smile genuinely.

Sun-joon: Since when did you hide that pretty face behind the façade of being a boy? You don’t have to answer –
Yoon-hee: I told you about my sick brother. To pay for his medication, I transcribed some medical books, and the physician found me more work with the bookshop owner Hwang. That was approximately two years after my father passed, so I was about twelve.
Sun-joon: So you borrowed ‘Kim Yoon-shik’ from your brother.
Yoon-hee: It ended up that way.
Sun-joon: Then your real name…?
Yoon-hee: Kim Yoon-hee. Kim Yoon-hee is my name.
Sun-joon: Kim… Yoon-hee.

Back at the capital, In-soo interrogates Hyo-eun about the events that transpired during what should have been an engagement. He knows Sun-joon too well to buy her cock-and-bull story.

She plans to wait. As long as she doesn’t break it off first, she believes Sun-joon will eventually come around; he’s too good of a person to make her the dumpee.

As any brother should be, In-soo’s angered.

Morning comes, and our main couple begins the day bickering. Sun-joon (understandably) wants Yoon-hee to leave SKK, and Yoon-hee (understandably) doesn’t want to. He tells her it’s impossible, and she counters that he’s the one who showed her how to make the impossible possible. She didn’t get to choose her gender, just like one can’t choose one’s family; so gender’s not a good enough reason to stop her. Besides, she’s no longer afraid of the national law or the king’s commands.

Sun-joon argues that she could end up in real danger, but she doesn’t want to worry about things that haven’t happened yet. Besides, there’s no bright future at stake here if she gets caught. She wants to live in the moment and be happy right now; these times will never come again for her.

When she returns to the lodgings, the other guys rib her about staying out all night. Jae-shin walks in, and she apologizes for disappearing the previous day. He treats her a bit coldly and tells her to stop doing as she wants and worrying people.

On their way back to SKK, our boys (and girl) run into Cho-sun, who has been waiting for Yoon-hee to return. As Jae-shin walks past Cho-sun, something makes him stop short in his tracks. He smells the same perfume he did during his scuffle with the fake Red Messenger and learns from Yong-ha that this is a special scent worn only by Cho-sun.

At Moran-gak, Yoon-hee learns that Cho-sun plans to stop being a gisaeng – if Yoon-hee would have her. She doesn’t dare dream to be Yoon-hee’s first wife; she’d settle for being able to stay nearby as her mistress. All because Yoon-hee was the first ever to treat her as a woman with feelings and not as an object.

But of course Yoon-hee can’t consent; she says she’s too lacking to accept such a beautiful, strong-willed woman. And her refusal is so gentle and well-said that Cho-sun has no choice but to accept it (and probably falls even harder for her). Yoon-hee apologizes sincerely, even taking on the formal tone.

Outside, Jae-shin is waiting for her with a warning to keep her distance from Cho-sun. He plays it off as wanting her to protect her reputation (can’t be seen as a skirt-chaser who’s constantly visiting the gisaengs). She thinks he’s still mad at her and reassures him that she can take care of herself; she’s Dae-mool after all. Which allows Jae-shin to throw out a sentimental line: “I’m worried because you’re you.”

Back on the SKK campus, there’s an announcement for hwang-gam-je: an examination in which the prizes are the offerings made to the king, which include rare fruit, such as tangerines from Tamra (Jeju) Island. First place gets a basketful of Tamra tangerines, and pretty soon, the scrumptious citrus has everyone in a drooling frenzy.

King Jeong-jo has come himself to donate the prize tangerines, and he runs into Minister Lee and Minister Ha. In a pretty telling moment, the king and the headmaster tell a clueless Minister Lee that Sun-joon has decided to return to SKK. Of course Minister Lee pretends it was his idea, but I don’t think anyone buys it.

Do I see cracks in the father-son relationship?

In the library, Yoon-hee runs into a guy who looks like Sun-joon – and lo and behold, it IS Sun-joon. Since he got her into SKK, he’s come to get her out safely before anyone finds out her secret. He says he has an obligation to protect her, but she wants his help, not his protection.

And so they strike a deal: If she proves herself worthy by placing first at the hwang-gam-je (which is pretty darn complicated – basically requiring straight memorization of whole passages and books as well as a comprehensive understanding of said texts), he’ll allow her to stay. But if he places first, she has to leave.

Yong-ha isn’t very surprised to see Sun-joon (“So Dae-mool was the perfect medicine.”), but Jae-shin gives Sun-joon a rather interesting welcome.

“Oy, Noron. Didn’t I tell you not to confuse people? I said not to go back and forth, from this to that. It’s distracting.”

That night come bedtime, Sun-joon does some quick thinking and immediately claims the middle spot.

Jae-shin: Oy, Noron. That’s my spot.
Sun-joon: There’s no my spot, your spot. You’re the one who said that your spot is where you lie.

At which Jae-shin KICKS Sun-joon’s pillow. What follows is some major butt-action as Jae-shin tries to push Sun-joon back and Sun-joon holds his own. They get into a “What is wrong with YOU” exchange before they’re interrupted by Yoon-hee’s appearance.

(I’m surprised I’m writing coherent sentences at this point. THIS. IS. SO. CUTE.)

When both try to claim Yoon-hee’s spot (Jae-shin gently tapping the spot near the door and Sun-joon whacking the spot near the wall), she declares that she’ll decide where she’ll sleep.

Sun-joon sends her some adorably not-so-subtle hints.

Yong-ha comes bursting in, claiming that he heard a gumiho (Woong-ah!) and he’s sleeping between Sun-joon and Jae-shin tonight. Both boys protest, but Yoon-hee has already decided to go sleep in Yong-ha’s room. Yoon-hee sleeps peacefully while Sun-joon sleeps scrunched to one side and Jae-shin is attacked by Yong-ha’s wandering leg.

(I commented on Cassie’s episode 13 recap that I don’t think Yong-ha is a real coward. I just may have to take that back.)

All over SKK, the students are motivated to study for the exam by the mere sight of the tangerines. In the teacher’s office, the professor’s discuss who they think will place first, and the top two candidates seem to be Lee Sun-joon and Kim Yoon-shik.

Well, Sun-joon, if you keep staring at Yoon-hee’s lips like that, you can forget about placing first. And playing footsie on top of that? To calm his hormones, he resorts to building a mini tower of books as a wall between them, raising it higher and higher until all he can see is her eyes.

Yoon-hee tries to be nonchalant as she mentions that he’ll probably get married now that he’s back. But he reassures her that he didn’t get engaged that day and he’ll never live a lie again.

In order to win Sun-joon’s heart, Hyo-eun has come to ask Yong-ha for help. She’s willing to do anything and everything. Yong-ha throws out a few suggestions (stop being so easy, read higher quality books than the tabloids, stop mistreating those you consider below you), but then he’s quick to tell her to face reality: she’s not the heroine of this fairytale. Better to give up now; that’ll give her peace.

She thinks he’s being cruel, but he’s the one person who’s straight with her.

In the marketplace, Jae-shin stalks Cho-sun, but she catches on. She leads him on a little chase through the alleyways until she successfully shakes him off. Then she lets fly an arrow with a red leaflet attached. It’s another one of those “The Red Messenger will be here on this day” messages meant to trap him.

Before he can give chase, guards show up to take Jae-shin to his father. Minister of Justice Moon knew all along about his son’s extracurricular activities, and he tells Jae-shin to stop. It’s too dangerous with the two evil ministers on a warpath to catch the real Red, setting traps with the fake.

Jae-shin says he’ll stop if his father passes on a message to the king: “My son died at the hands of the Norons while transporting the geumdeungjisa.”

With Jae-shin spending the night at home, the awkward couple Yoon-hee and Sun-joon find themselves alone in the room. Still as gentlemanly as ever, Sun-joon makes a divider with the leftover blanket, warning Yoon-hee not to cross over. Boy, you’re going about this all wrong. Sigh.

She’s pretty confident about hwang-gam-je tomorrow, sure that she’ll beat him and earn her place at SKK.

Sun-joon takes this chance to ask about what she was about to say at the stream before she fell in. She feigns sleep and he gives up questioning her. For now.

Hwang-gam-je. Test one, you’re given a Confucian saying and you’re expected to explain the meaning. Test two is a written test with short-answers. Test three is back to being oral. Answer the question right and you get a tangerine. Of course Sun-joon and Yoon-hee earn the most tangerines (and anyone else notice that Jae-shin only has one?).

It’s no surprise that Sun-joon and Yoon-hee end up the final two vying for first place.

(For this part of the recap, please excuse my lack of knowledge of Confucian texts.)

The final question, written by the king himself, is to explain the correct attitude the government officials must have when dealing with the people. Here’s the hard part: they must recall a particular passage from Great Learning of the Book of Rites (Liji) and must amalgamate the given basic characters to form a word.

This test requires them to have read the book, recall it perfectly and input their own thinking. Yoon-hee has trouble recalling the particulars of the text while Sun-joon shows some but less hesitation.

Sun-joon’s answer is shin-min (“new” + “people”), taken from the idea that the people’s virtue must be renewed constantly. Government officials must educate the people and renew their lives.

Yoon-hee’s answer is chin-min (“close/friendly” + “people”), taken from the idea that a wise man likes the words the people like and hates the words the people hate. Therefore, government officials must have friendly relations with the people.

Both answers are pretty darn good.

Bok-dong plays messenger and keeps Jae-shin and Yong-ha updated (is this all part of Yong-ha’s intelligence network?). Upon hearing the two answers, Jae-shin immediately knows who won (which proves my sneaking suspicion that Jae-shin is actually the smartest guy in the entire school).

In-soo lumbers over to goad Jae-shin (camera, why are you focusing on Jae-shin’s bracelet?). Oh, In-soo, give it up already.

The answer is revealed and Sun-joon is the winner, and the headmaster is thrilled. Yoon-hee not so much. Yoon-hee rushes to the library to check the answer, and of course Sun-joon shows up to remind her that she has to start packing.

Yoon-hee does what cute girls do best and turns on the charm (successfully flustering Sun-joon).

Sun-joon: I still don’t accept that a woman can stay at SKK. And I’ve never given the time of day to a person who dismisses national laws. However – it can’t be helped. I’d be interested in meeting a government official who wants to be friends with the people rather than rule them. So I’ll have to let that person stay at SKK. On top of that, who knows what havoc this bold and liberal woman will wreak if left in the world, particularly when she has no care for laws or the king’s commands?

Yes, that was Sun-joon speak for “You can stay.” She’s relieved and suddenly he’s back to asking about what she was going to say at the stream. She hems and haws, and he persists.

Yoon-hee: Do I have to put it into words?
Sun-joon: How am I supposed to know if you don’t?
Yoon-hee: You really don’t know?
Sun-joon: I’m dying of frustration here –

K.I.S.S.

(Someone come scrape this goo previously known as red pill off the seat of her chair. Please.)

Yoon-hee runs out, surprised at herself for her bold action and thrilled at the same time. In the library, Sun-joon snaps out of his daze to go chasing after her.

Both are approached by dark shadows. Dun dun dun.

Fearless Jae-shin stands atop a pagoda, having come to meet the challenge of the fake Red though it’s so clearly a trap. He fights them brilliantly (like always) and manages to not get hurt this time. He jumps a wall and loses the chasing guards, only to have the omniscient Gu Yong-ha show up and invite him to stay at his house to avoid getting caught.

Only… Jae-shin’s bracelet is missing (argh!).

The bracelet is picked up by none other than In-soo (we saw this coming a mile away!), who immediately recalls that Jae-shin was wearing it earlier in the day. He puts two and two together and orders him to be arrested (I realize his father is the minister of war, but why does this schoolboy have so much power over the guards? It’s a little ridiculous.).

Yong-ha tries to dissuade Jae-shin from going, but the bracelet is the only thing he has left of his brother’s belongings. He goes running back but when he turns the corner, he’s blocked by the mysterious shadows. Yong-ha encounters the same.

The Jal-geum Quartet’s blindfolds are removed, and they’re in some secret hideout. Someone comes walking down the stairs – it’s the king himself. The king is soon joined by Professor Jung.

King Jeong-jo: I’m here to give you a secret mission. Fulfill my order and create a new Joseon.

COMMENTS

red pill’s personal thoughts on Sun-joon’s relatively angst-less acceptance of Yoon-hee’s secret:

First, this isn’t Coffee Prince. Yes, I know everyone and their grandmother feels this urge to compare this revelation to the woeful angst of Choi Han-gyul when he discovered Eun-chan’s secret, but other than the fact that both love cross-dressers, I find the two men different in every way. And I’m not just talking about their personalities here. Circumstance, society, social standing, consequences, etc., everything. Hence, comparing the two is unfair and illogical.

My theory is that Sun-joon is so accepting because this is 18th century Joseon. Let me explain. In a society open to homosexuality (at least more so than 300 years ago) such as ours, dealing with one’s sexuality is a deeply personal, internalized problem. Meaning, if there are dire consequences to follow, those consequences are my burden to bear, not anyone else’s. No one will be blackballed from society because I am gay (family may be an exception, but that’s a moot point here since what’s at stake here is a romantic love). Therefore, when the truth comes out, it’s more about MY pain, the betrayal I feel, the I-can’t-believe-you-made-me-go-through-hell. But in 18th century Joseon, I’m not just placing myself in danger by revealing my sexuality, I’m also forcing the person I love to experience ridicule, loss in prestige and being blackballed. Which explains why Sun-joon leaves in the first place: to protect Yoon-hee from being affected by his love. Meaning he’s already come to terms with his sexuality and at the point that he discovers the truth, it’s more about HER.

So when he discovers the truth, after the initial shock of seeing body parts he never expected, I imagine he felt a flood of relief first and foremost. His love will NOT hurt the person he loves. Betrayal, shock, hurt, and whatever else he might feel, is undermined by that relief. And so many doors spring open at once: he no longer has to ostracize himself from society, he doesn’t have to worry that his love will affect her negatively, he’s not gay, etc. Why should he be anything but glad that she’s really a she?

I admit that a little more angst would’ve been more realistic, but I’m fine with the reaction he did give. Especially if it leads to adorable footsie and kissy scenes. Yeah, I realize I just undermined my own logical argument by going all fangirly. Whatever.

And at the risk of being bricked, I always thought Han-gyul’s angst was a little over the top.

246

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51 g

October 27, 2010 at 11:44 PM

i want to be Jaeshin's girl :D

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52 momosan

October 27, 2010 at 11:47 PM

Can I just say that this isn't my favorite episode? The girl OPW'd her way out of a bet? Spare me.

It seems pretty clear that Jae Shin already knew he was playing second fiddle quite a while back, and decided to step back and yet still protect Yoon He.

OTOH, Jae Shin and Yong Ha - adorable. The gumiho! MWAHAHAH! I think he did it on purpose, frankly I think there is little Yong Ha does that isn't on purpose, and it was cute as heck.

And how pretty was that scene with the little boy reporting in to Yong Ha? So pretty.

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53 Ning

October 28, 2010 at 12:04 AM

"Jae-shin kindly adds an addendum to his catchphrase: “If jumping to conclusions becomes a habit, your arm could end up broken.”"

LOL! Love their banters.

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54 Auntiemame

October 28, 2010 at 12:17 AM

No matter what age one is, the child in each of us still comes through at the right moment.

And, for JS and SJ, the right moment was to have a 'butt war'!

I laughed so hard because it was something that I had completely forgotten that we did as kids.

Thank you so much for the recap.

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55 notoriousnoona

October 28, 2010 at 12:21 AM

Thank you for this recap! Stinking adorable episode! I, like many, had a few ??? over SJ's non-reaction to the truth, but I'm more glad than anything. And grateful. I'm more happy that there was little to no issue because this leaves more time for things I actually want to know about... Geum Deung Ji Sa *cough* for instance....
SJ was wonderful and lived up to his confession in the previous episode. Once he realized his feelings, that's really all he needed to do. Finding out she was a girl was really just a cherry.
Also I haven't done much comparing it to CP(personally) however, after rewatching it recently, one can also say that HG being upset was justified given EC's pushiness. She was very unfair in her dealings with him, being that they were both supposed to be hetero boys. YHee on the other hand was only living life, being herself. She always took them as buddies, later only confused over his actions in the last couple eps and therefore needed to clarify things with SJ.
I honestly believe that the reactions of both men are reflections of the initial relationship they each had with their cross dressing love interests.

And look, I just want to make a confession to all my SS lovers...(This is something I NEVER thought would happen, or at least I'd never admit to...)
For the very first time, I am in love with... wait for it... the second lead! Its the first time. First time! Seriously, I never love the stalker, protector, never gonna man up and get the girl, second fiddle, but Moon Jae Shin doesn't fit that mold to me! He's broody, moody and needy... AH! What can I say? I EAT IT UP! I was ok until ep 15 when he pulled up a chair and listened to YHee. I don't know but that scene just pierced me. I'll never be the same :)

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October 31, 2010 at 12:41 PM

i love moon jae shin too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i know that he sort of realized yoonhee likes sunjoon a while back, but it'll still break my heart if he doesn't get her. but it'll really kill me if she never gets a clue as to everything he did for her. drama, please let jaeshin have his confession to yoonhee moment, or, even better, since jaeshin is the silently protecting type, that yongha spells it all out for her at a moment when they are threatened with certain death or something, and have her feel the conflict. i mean, jaeshin has known she's a woman all this time, yet has respected her and guarded her in all possible was. heck! he's even not getting in te way of her and the guy she likes. it's too unfair that he does all this, and she never recognizes it.

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56 Lady Seoul

October 28, 2010 at 12:47 AM

In love w/ this episode.
I say by far the BEST EP!
Excited for more. <3

Advertising of Mary Stayed Out makes me realize how close we are to SSK finish. ='[

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57 Kaitlyn

October 28, 2010 at 12:48 AM

OMG i was fangirling over ep 16! i watched it 3 times hehe. this shows you how much i like this ep. and it shows you how think my brain was (or how smitten i really was cos i had to get through all that love and fangirling to realise) i had to watch it 3 times to realise that the fall into the water scene wasn't really convincing :(

seriously slipped and fall sideways? and even if you can't swim how can you possibly be drowning or be unconscious in water that's only to waist height?!?!?!

and when some is unconscious, the logical thing to do is undress him/her? *LOL* ok i understand if there's no CPR back in 18th century. but seriously.

i know i'm b***hing. i like the show but the result of my addiction isn't turning out so well. makes me more aware of the flaws in the show.

but the fangirl me loves it :D

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Kaitlyn

October 28, 2010 at 12:49 AM

i meant "how thick my brain was".

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58 didi

October 28, 2010 at 12:54 AM

love love skks so so so much..every single characters n casts steal my heart...and i find my new found love...MICKY YOOCHUN......my goodness...it was love at first sight ...

already feeling empty and sad when i think of next monday n tuesday -the last 2 episodes....all i can say..for the first time in my kdrama life.....this is the only drama i enjoy every single episodes and love every single characters in it...good job...best drama of the decade!!!!!!!!!!

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sam

October 28, 2010 at 2:35 AM

agree with you on YooChun. I so far watched 3 singers turn actors, Robotboy KJH in Personal kiss,Jung Yunho in Heading to the Ground and really I cannot help but SIGH!But YooChun improved in almost every episode!
His character as Sun Joon is not that easy to potrait and he did a good job consider this is his debut!

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59 124y

October 28, 2010 at 1:01 AM

anyone find YS's expression was super cute when SJ piled up a tower of books between them? she was like..very confused... *first pile of books* ''hmm?..'' *2nd pile of books* ''huh?..'' *3rd pile of books* ''ehh??..'' *4th pile of books* ''huh? why??..'' her face expression was so damn ccuuuuuuuuuuuttttttteeeeeee!!!!! XDD

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60 nikky_p_28

October 28, 2010 at 1:22 AM

First Thanks Red_pill for the wonderful recap. As for the comparison of CP and SKKS. I totaly agree with you. The only similarities of these drama that the both cross dress start and end there, the reason behind is poles apart and considering everything, I do agree that it is in the characterization of either lead actors that makes the reaction applicable to each drama. It would have been so totally out of character for LSJ if he got angry. No matter how this drama ends next week. This is arguably the best drama I've seen this 2010 - sageuk at that, well mixed but still Joseon era. So many discoveries for me and many first. Loved the fact too that I've meet so many interestingly nice people and got to to discussion board at soompi, not to mention spazzzzzzz with a lot of people. This is one heck of a crack!!!!

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61 Sam

October 28, 2010 at 1:40 AM

THANK YOU FOR THIS AWESOME RECAP!
Reading this whole thing gave me so much suspense all over again!

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62 3sha

October 28, 2010 at 1:50 AM

*bows* kamsahamnida red_pill unnie :) *bows*
Btw, really loved the fanfic you posted in your blog about how JS and YH met. I even forgot for a second that it was a fanfic!
(for those interested :http://redpillthe.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/sungkyunkwan-scandal-beginnings-a/)
Anyways, I wonder if girlfriday will greedily (again :P) recap the next episode. hehe.. LOL!
Also curious on what is JB's take on this drama...

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red

October 28, 2010 at 4:24 AM

totally agree so well written...the descriptions, my love for all things moon jae shin related and dialogue moved me to tears at the end part ...

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3sha

October 28, 2010 at 6:26 AM

Really hope red pill could continue writing such beautiful and moving fanfics, Perhaps giving our beloved MJS a happy ever after that he totaly deserves. :D

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63 bgr

October 28, 2010 at 2:12 AM

What a blast! this episode really had everyone squeeling! wooo hoooo!

I think Kim Gab-Soo (LSJ dad) is awesome! He acted as the compassionate father in Cinderella's Sister and now as the scheming minister. I remember him in When it's at Night too.

He is supposedly involved in 5 projects/dramas this year!

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64 joeydragonlady

October 28, 2010 at 3:11 AM

This series understandably will be compared to all the crossed dressing shows I ever seen...
Coffee Prince, Hana Kimi Japan, Hana Kimi Taiwan, Painter in the Wind and a personal Favorite You're Beautiful. I often wonder why Choi Han-gyul blew a gasket when he found out that Eun-Chan was female?

I mean I thought relief would be first and foremost in his mind coz hey, he's NOT GAY. She's a chick, it's all good. Maybe I am being too simplistic when I say Relief would be a better reaction and I like Sun Joon reacted that way.

I keep think about Shin Woo who acted like the Knight/bodyguard to Go Min Nyu and the way JaeShin has protected Yoo Hee. It's pretty close and although JaeShin has yet to tell Yoo Hee he likes (the way Shin Woo din to Min Nyu), her. I do feel for the 2nd leads.

Jae Shin has to marry me instead unless Yong Ha follows through and they end up together...I can live with that too.

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65 sqee

October 28, 2010 at 3:32 AM

When YHee went to SJ's place, she changed into SJ's robe/clothes, right? right???

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sam

October 28, 2010 at 6:46 AM

haha it should be but then SJ clothes would be too big on her!

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66 LeeLey

October 28, 2010 at 4:08 AM

my heart stopped for Jae Shin.. I dont think I ever felt this way about the 2nd lead guy. We all know Daemul will end up with Garang but when they actually kissed, I was bummed out!! Yoo Ah In - totally in love with you!!

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67 Dara

October 28, 2010 at 4:20 AM

I agree with you, SJ's action is good enough. No matter what, it comes to only one reason HE-IS-TOO-HAPPY!

Let's face it, he prepared to live in exile because of his love for her, and now he can love her freely, what more can a guy want? It's like impossible dream come true.

Then he realizes how dangerous her situation is.
He is not a sophisticated guy just an upright man. He's being honest with his feeling and doesn't go beat around the bush. That's all.

And for CP, sorry, the lead's actions upon learning she is a girl was over the top for me.

Love your recap, thanks red_pill.

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Dara

October 28, 2010 at 4:27 AM

Btw, I'm SJ/JS shipper. Just wait until this drama ends. You'll know what I mean. The Noron and Soron united as one.

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68 red

October 28, 2010 at 4:21 AM

thumbs up for ur intepretation of angstless sun joon.....i had a similar train of thought but not as well articulated

i have a complaint...hopefully this is elaborated or explained in the next episode..but when the kings men come to get the jalgeum quartet....they get moon jae shin when he is dressed as hong byuk seo.....how did they know this...did the king already guess by this point or this is this then the point of revelation??....its about time its revealed to the king

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Dara

October 28, 2010 at 4:29 AM

It's in the next ep.

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69 Sumee

October 28, 2010 at 4:30 AM

OH red_pill your comments had me rolling rolling & laughing like mad..thanks for letting me forget my pain for MJS !

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70 ninji

October 28, 2010 at 5:03 AM

I wonder if there would've been any differences in the angst part if Sun-joon would've found out in another way (than finding boobs - seriously those boobs, can't get that image out of my head, they weren't really good hidden either). I mean if he would've heard it from someone else talking (professor Jung) or if Yoon-hee would've told him, he probably would've reacted differently too.
I just think one part of Coffee Prince's Han-gyuls angst was probably the way he found out, if Eun chan would've told him he wouldn't have reacted as strong as he did.

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red pill

October 28, 2010 at 8:25 AM

I literally laughed out loud when I read your first line.

I think I agree. Sun-joon may have been more angsty if he had overheard, say, Jae-shin and Yong-ha talking.

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71 jeane654

October 28, 2010 at 5:08 AM

Thank you for the recap!

did anyone else notice that when sunjun ran after yoon hee outside their house..their clothes were yin yang...yoon hees was brown underneath and yellow on the outer part while sun joons was yellow underneath and brown on the outer part....

anyways..Runs off to read!

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72 autumnscribbles

October 28, 2010 at 5:14 AM

homg, that was probably the cutest drama kiss i've seen in a while!! I gotta say it was the first time i've acutally felt any strong romantic chemistry between the two. (i know, it took me 16 eps, there's gotta be something wrong with me here.)

Your theory on SunJoon's reaction is spot on. Like you said, considering the circumstances of the era and the nature of his character, it's more understandable to see SJ being overwhelmed by relief rather than going all emo on the relevation. and i am just glad that they didn't add anymore angst to the story. keep the sunshine, rainbows and unicorns coming, show.

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73 Rachel H

October 28, 2010 at 5:18 AM

Great recap!

Also, although there is a girl in boy's clothes in this drama, I think you're right that the comparisons to Coffee Prince should end there.

You hit the nail on the head with the different era's and the different way's of thinking.

Great Recap, perfectly timed Squee!'s and looking forward to the next one. Keep up the good work!

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74 mamaj

October 28, 2010 at 5:59 AM

Yoonhee ROCKS! Her kiss on her tippy-toes was to die for! How many girls would have the sheer balls to do that!

And does anyone else think that Chosun would have rocked SSK as much as Yoonhee if she is ever given a chance to attend there (although it would have been kind of ridiculous to even try of hide her femininity!). She seems to be a closet nerd as well. But I think her role here is to be the tragic sinner who repents in the end and dies to save her beloved bec. of:
1) her love for Yoonhee (I wonder if she will ever find out that YH is a girl?).
2) her sincere wish to make something out of her miserable life,
3) her hatred for all things Minister Ha,
4) her admiration and sympathy for the J4.

There are no words to describe the effect that JS has had on the beauty of this show. He has brought bad boy-angst-hero in wolf's clothing-quiet love to a whole new level.

Add to that the adorable Yeorim! He's the Puck (I read that from someone else) that wreaks havoc on everyone's equilibrium but always manages to bring out the heart of the matter. Without him, there will be so much less charm and depth to the show.

Kudos to the casting director! Love SKKS!

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75 ncneo

October 28, 2010 at 6:10 AM

First of all, thanks to red_pill for the recaps..

I just wanna put in my thought of the reaction of SJ finding out Yhee's secret. I'm not into the kdrama mostly because of the angst. SKKS is one that I totally enjoyed or even watching the Raw.

I'm totally glad SJ don't throw a "fit" when he found out. I guess relieved could be it. But it's more like a piece of puzzle finally solved. Why Yhee do what she did and SJ asked when, the final piece falls into place.

I wonder if the King knew Yhee secret's too.....

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76 E-Kun

October 28, 2010 at 6:20 AM

I liked the fact that Sun Joon was not all 2 dolla crack ho when he found out Yoon Hee was a gyrl. Why wouldn't you feel anything but relief from the fact that the person you love actually has a vagina!

I also like the fact that he listened to her reasoning for being the way that she is... disguised as a man. He didn't make up excuses, he didn't become all self- righteous like he would in the past, he listened and accepted her reasoning knowing that this was the best she could do in a bad situation.

Also, in Coffee Prince Eun Chan was at fault... She had plenty of opportunities to tell Han Gyul that she was actually a gyrl. Yoon Hee was just trying to do what she had to do to make it through SKK and not get caught or worse (ahem) Die! She was never purposefully deceiving Sun Joon. Eun Chan did, therefore, Han Gyul had every right to feel betrayed and wanting to pop everyone in the jaw.
(Back to SKKS)

And every time I SEE Yong Ha with the kids.... I melt! I hate and love it at the same time. I do not know what it is, but men interacting with kids is sexy...

Moon Jae Shin is HOT! That just needed to be said because it is a fact.

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sm1leitsamy

October 28, 2010 at 7:05 AM

hahahahahaha, i love everything you said and how you said it .... "Moon Jae Shin is HOT!" so true!!!

i absolutely ADORE the butt scene... soooo cute!!!!

yay for recap 16. thank you!!! GAAHHHH, I CAN'T FRIGGIN WAIT FOR 17 AND 18... with english subs.

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77 Jomo

October 28, 2010 at 6:52 AM

Thank you for the thoughtful description.

Yeorim's motivation/goal?

Yeorim is my favorite character in this drama, and, yes, he is "Glue" Ha most of the time.
So why, in this episode did he play both YHee sides?
1..He fixes it so SJ runs into YHee to cure SJ's lovesickness.
2..He tells JS to hold on his love (Yhee) and never let go.

Hmmmmm
Is he telling JS this so there will never be any regrets when he finally loses? Does YHa really think JS has a chance?
Did he simply deal the cards to the boys with the idea "May the best hand win?"

You would think he wants JS to win the girl, or, based on their history together, he prefers JS to be happy over SJ.

And his advice to Hyo-eun was very very classy. The seemingly harsh kindness he shows her through out the drama highlights his true self. If Hyo-eun would listen, she could maybe even be the girl for HIM.

[Which sucks for me, as I live in a different world, time, dimension, reality...]

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78 conan

October 28, 2010 at 7:30 AM

In the main screenshot, Yoonhee looks almost as if she's floating! That happens in Disney movies though, not Korean drama. But... Now we get to see the Sunjoon-Yoonhee romance! Hoorah!

My favorite scene is when Sunjoon and Jaeshin was fighting for a spot next to Yoonhee. That is HILARIOUS! I had to repeat that scene like five times, and each five times I cracked up. I love this drama for still maintaining seriousness while still adding humor here and there. Never a boring moment, ever!

I have to agree with Sunjoon accepting right away. Maybe because his character isn't really one that shows much emotions. Though I do briefly remember that he wants Yoonhee to quit Sungkyunkwan. I guess he just wants to marry her ASAP, lol.

The suspense at the end and teen drama turned mystery case thing was, I thought, a bit random. I don't know what I should feel. Relieved? Shocked? I thought it was a bit funny though, how the king suddenly entered like that. I just had to lol. But now we know they're going up on the hill of climax again and it's probably the last they'll have to go through, considering the show will be done in 2 more episodes anyways. Like always, this drama is unexpected. I'm not sure anymore (or was I ever) about how the ending will become. Yoonhee and Sunjoon will probably get together but beyond that, I have no idea. Bring on the popcorn, people, and let the drama roll!

One more thing. I feel soooo bad for Jaeshin. He's soooo jealous! Kudos to Yoo Ah-in who made him (Jaeshin) look super jealous without being overreacting and such a pain in the butt. In dramaland, these things happen A LOT. More than you ever wanted. So, let's give Mr. Yoo a big round of applause. Heck, let's give all of them an applause, shall we?

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79 dragontattoo

October 28, 2010 at 8:19 AM

I totally agree with you on Han Kyul's over-excessive angst. I was SO relieved that SunJoon didn't do a HanKyul. that would totally put me off. HanKyul's reaction was so damn annoying that I gave up on Coffee Prince. didn't have much patience to put up with him. THANK YOU Sunjoon! Love you!

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80 totaladdict

October 28, 2010 at 8:23 AM

Show, I so appreciate all of the adorable moments in this episode, but I gotta tell ya-- the big reveal felt like a big letdown to me. It's not because I'm comparing it to the one in CP, but rather because after slaying me with scenes like the one where LSJ so tenderly apologized to KYS-the-gisaeng, and the all-I-want-on-my-deserted-island-is-you scene, I was expecting the reveal to be an emotional doozy. IMO, the emotions and romantic tension have been crescendoing to the point where something more cathartic was called for. After all, LSJ has been been so tormented by his feelings for KYS that he nearly punched MJS (in front of everyone!), canceled his engagement, dropped out of SKKS, and has hardly slept or eaten for days. He's one worked-up dude! You mean to tell me that after finding out that KYS is actually a woman, he acts momentarily startled, then like it's basically no big deal?! I don't think so! This is one of the biggest friggin' deals of his life and I wanted to witness the emotional impact on him, even if it was just enormous relief. I wasn't necessarily looking for angst or anger. Actually, I was hoping for an epic trip down Memory Lane as LSJ flashes back on KYS with his newfound knowledge and has a series of OMG! moments: (No wonder she never got undressed in our room! Wow, a girl beat all those guys in the archery competition! She was in even graver danger than I thought when she dressed as a gisaeng to rescue me! Wait, that wasn't a man that I almost kissed on the island, I'm not gay after all?, etc.) Just so ya know, Show....when the foreplay is so good, I kinda expect more out of the climax. Just sayin'.... but don't worry, Show-- I still totally adore you.

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81 pohonphee

October 28, 2010 at 9:04 AM

Thanks for the recap... :)

And yes, Han-gyul reaction when he found out he is she is over the top. I like Sun-joon reaction more (hee, I know the circumstances are completely different, but I can't help comparing :P )

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82 Yuki

October 28, 2010 at 9:13 AM

I had this strange hunch that Yong Ha might've come running into their room crying "GUMIHO~~" to help Yoon Hee out.
Then again, from his conversation with Jae Shin earlier, it seems that he doesn't know that Sun Joon knows that Yoon Hee's a girl yet since he thinks that Jae Shin has the upper hand because he knows that Yoon Hee is a girl (man, that was a mouth full).
But you know, he is "THE GU YONG HAAA" who seems to have everything under his radar, so *sigh* I don't know.
Anyhow, this was one of my favourite episodes! It had my mom, my sister and I squeeing the whole time XD
Thanks for the recap! <3

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83 pumpkinattack

October 28, 2010 at 9:23 AM

Well, Han-gyul's anger was fueled by jealousy over his Hyung's relationship with Go Eun Chan. He wasn't so much angry that she was, in fact, a girl but felt betrayed that no one told him the truth (neither his beloved hyung nor his boy/girlfriend -- The closest people to him). Besides, he's so sexy, he can get away with anything. That big baby.

I think you've assessed his reaction well. She has darn good reasons for hiding her gender, and it is indeed a relief that loving her is A-okay.

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pumpkinattack

October 28, 2010 at 9:29 AM

Now that I think about it, you'd have to compare it like this:

Sun Joon and Jae Shin are best friends.

Jae Shin knows that Yoon Shik is a girl, and she knows that he knows. She asks him to keep that a secret. In this way, they end of having a secret relationship from Sun Joon.

When Sun Joon and Yoon Shik fall in love, it's like she's already cheated on him in his "I'm too sexy for my shirt" jealous eyes.

Okay, I really got into this one. I need to go fan myself.

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84 therainhouse

October 28, 2010 at 9:27 AM

You guys seriously are so sexually excited ...

I don't know what's more fun, watching Sun Joon watching Yoon Hee, watching Jae Shin watch Yoon Hee, or watching you guys watch Sungkyunkwan Scandal.

Don't thank me for the compliment, it's my pleasure.

I think you all are are fantasizing about the cast members.

Seriously, it's so fun reading all these comments about who's hotter than who, or who's sexier, or who's more of a knight in shining armour?

There are some really gorgeous boys here and their characters are so very different and they all bring up different sensations or emotions in us.

They should totally do a date-auction and then I would bid on Yeo Rim and Jae Shin. No, Yeo Rim, I would bid on Yeo Rim. I think I'm scared of Guh Ro. He's hard to get close to. Yeo Rim's fun and flirty personality is easier and cuter. Flirting's fun. Oh, Song Joong Ki is 25 in real life, ohkay, it's cool.

How many of you would take Park Min Young out on a date?

Though, seriously, if I were to do a girl-dressed-as-guy drama, I wouldn't have it set in the Joseon dynasty. Sucks to remove the top hat when you want to kiss.
Sucks when you're trying to hug each other because the rim of the hat grazes your cheekbone.

Those who have watched Ep 18 know what I'm talking about.

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Lisa Purba

October 28, 2010 at 10:33 AM

Removing the top hat thingy is already on Ep 17 :D

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therainhouse

October 28, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Oh, right... I'm confused but the video I downloaded of Ep 17 had the kiss cut out. Ep 18 had the top hat removing scene at the very start, so, I remembered it.

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therainhouse

October 28, 2010 at 11:45 AM

Oh, wait, let me clarify. I got a little confused there. There was a scene in Ep 17 where Sun Joon was trying to kiss Yoon Hee but then their hats made it so awkward. That's what I was referring to. But, I really liked and appreciate the top hat removing scene where Sun Joon untied the knots and removed their hats. There was so much meaning to that scene. And that kiss was a lot better. Because their first kiss was initiated by Yoon Hee in answer to his prodding, this kiss had them moving toward each other. Sun Joon's actually an active participant in this kiss and I like that. Yoon Hee is actually also not as agressive as she was with their first kiss, she let Sun Joon initiate the kiss.

Their first kiss between the bookshelves.

Yoon Hee: This is my answer to your question.

Their second kiss

Yoon Hee: I'm giving myself to you.
Sun Joon: I give myself to you.

I mean, this dialogue never occurred but that's what it felt like, it felt like an exchange of vows, this kiss solidified what Sun Joon said about wanting Yoon Hee by his side. When I watched that scene, I felt like I was witnessing a kiss between two newlyweds. It felt so intimate, I almost thought I was intruding on something.
It was gentle, and it was equal. Their bodies were closed in on the space between them at an equal pace which is also important in this drama because they're of different social stations. And this has been a major issue in their relationship even before Sun Joon knew he had feelings for her, even as they met the first time.

Whoever invented it the top hat must have wanted guys to have difficulty kissing. Which is why he took the measure of making hats that keep men at a certain physical distance from each other.

And the hugging scene when Yoon Hee ran out and Sun Joon ran after her and he hugged her. And Park Min Young's face was tilted to the side. And Yoochun's body was also at a slanting angle. I mean, if they had to do at least 2 to 3 takes of this scene, imagine how sore their muscles must be.

Which is why I wouldn't have a cross-dressing drama set in the Joseon dynasty.

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Ladymoonstone143

October 28, 2010 at 8:13 PM

I definitely would bid on Jaesin. If this is just a fantasy date-auction, I would gather all the riches of the world to make sure I will have Jaesin on a date...lol. His scary persona is just all for a show, everyone knows that he got lots of soft spot...ahhhh..off to dream of Jaesin...

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85 myweithisway

October 28, 2010 at 9:34 AM

I've never felt so breathless over an episode.

Thanks for the recap!

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86 ccricket

October 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM

I'm relieved that the level of SJ's angst is just at that. It would kill me had it been otherwise.

I love Coffee Prince and SKKS. I think that the latter's story is more compelling, but the two are not directly comparable.

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87 Vanshika

October 28, 2010 at 11:55 AM

I had the craziest idea while watching this episode!!

What if Cho sun gets paired with Jae shin and as somebody had suggested earlier Young ha gets paired with Hyo eun!!!

That ways everybody gets a happy ending...

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88 LadyIgraine

October 28, 2010 at 12:28 PM

i love this episode especially the bed scene. i love how soon joon wants to keep yoonshik/yoonhee next to him but jaeshin wants to put her by the door next to him. and all of a sudden, a scare-dy yongha barges in to sleep in the middle :) making yoonshik/yoonhee giggle!

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didi

October 28, 2010 at 6:52 PM

Love all the bed scenes in skks.....so original and entertaining!!!!!!

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Emma

October 28, 2010 at 9:08 PM

The funnist thing was how being in LOVE with KYS mess up their character...JS used to be the more aggressive , turning to a soft pad while LSJ, the more control one banging the spot beside him....LOL... Ep 16 - cute, ep 17 -even cuter :P

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89 Thin Cut

October 28, 2010 at 1:22 PM

Gosh, first, I love the drama, second, the recaps are really good, like eloquently transcribing different emotions into words, and third, the viewers comments and reactions are even GREATER - I love reading the comments one by one...All in all, this is my endorphin (happy hormones) triggering device...something to look forward in every drama...Thanks everyone...

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90 Fasiris Fay

October 28, 2010 at 2:26 PM

I do think Han Kyul's angst was a bit over the top, but I did feel for the guy. I just thought it went on too long.

As for Sun-joon, we had loads of angst. Before. And yes, I would have appreciated a teensiest bit more (maybe more shock), but boy was I glad the secret was out!

And omg, I nearly DIED during the butt war! so so cute and funny. And um, Yoon-Hee? If you don't want Geol Oh, I can take him :D
(first time ever that I actually love the second lead more than the first; yes SJ and YH belong together, but how awesome is MJS? <3)

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91 kdramaqueen

October 28, 2010 at 3:37 PM

Thanks for the great recap! It's like every new episode is the best, swooniest one...

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92 anon

October 28, 2010 at 3:56 PM

What a cute episode!

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93 glacierkn

October 28, 2010 at 4:03 PM

Seon Joon you rock for not going crazy and freaking me out like Han Gyul did:)

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94 ...

October 28, 2010 at 4:12 PM

omg... just watched 17, and i almost died from the amount of squeeing i did! can't wait to read ur recap on it!!!! :D

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95 Newbie

October 28, 2010 at 4:26 PM

I must have missed something - but since when did GYH know that YH is a girl? All the while I thot that it was only a speculation - when was that confirmed?

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swui

October 28, 2010 at 5:47 PM

he just always knew....esp after the island fiasco. As yeorim always says, He's Gu Yong Ha.....

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Newbie

October 30, 2010 at 12:19 AM

Thanks for the answer! Will have to re-watch with a different mindset.... ;)

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96 jandoe

October 28, 2010 at 4:48 PM

"First, this isn’t Coffee Prince. Yes, I know everyone and their grandmother feels this urge to compare this revelation to the woeful angst of Choi Han-gyul when he discovered Eun-chan’s secret,"

red pill, i agree with you 100% about this!

awesome recap by the way, thanks! :D

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97 gratefulone

October 28, 2010 at 5:47 PM

Thanks a mill., red_pill! Your intro was especially cute.... it's so fun when your fangirl side comes out. And your "While Sun-joon is having the (twin) shock of his life".... is hilarious!

I'm really excited that the king has finally given the J4 a mission-- they are so extra adorable and awesome when they are together and the way they complement each other so well helps to not only build camaraderie, but also to bring out the best in each one. Here's to sexy synergy that makes us squeal with delight!