Full House Take 2: Episode 12

by gummimochi

If the previous episode was all about the hair, this episode is about the bromance and people who stand up for themselves. I’ve never been so proud of some of our characters who give their frank two cents to the Man and face the battlefield head-on. Even as some dramatic pieces start to wedge itself into the Cute, it isn’t enough to offset the golden moments of this series.

SONG OF THE DAY

TAP – “Baby Cry” Full House Take 2 OST [ Download ]

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EPISODE 12, PART 1

The boys take the argument outside and Kang-hwi launches into how Tae-ik could stay at Man-ok’s without his knowledge. Tae-ik throws those words back at him – Kang-hwi’s the one who hid in his basement first, remember?

But the bigger question on his mind is why Kang-hwi decided to go back to Lee Joon. He wonders if Kang-hwi isn’t right in the head (is anyone here?) and then Kang-hwi interjects that he can help if Tae-ik needs a roof over his head. Yunno, just as long as he moves out of Man-ok’s gym.

That’s something Tae-ik isn’t willing to do and he answers, “And what if I can’t?” Kang-hwi raises his voice at this and then it dawns on him that Tae-ik must have feelings for Man-ok.

He asks if Tae-ik’s feelings are genuine and Tae-ik retorts back with some calculated hesitance, “And if I am… do you plan to steal her from me again?” Ooh, that’s right – you think Kang-hwi stole your girl before.

Tae-ik drops the subject, leaving Kang-hwi confused and baffled in his wake.

Flashback to the past when Kang-hwi caught Tae-ik receive a lovey-dovey text from Se-ryung during dance practice. He’d coaxed the truth out of Tae-ik who bashfully admitted that indeed, he and Se-ryung were an item, adding that it must be kept secret from the company.

It’s interesting that Kang-hi hesitates before giving his congratulations, like he knows something about Se-ryung. Sure enough, he confronts her some time later with skepticism about her intentions. He knows her to be ‘that girl’ who toys with guys’ hearts.

I’m sure it comes as no surprise that Past Se-ryung is just as irritatingly annoying as Present Se-ryung and her smile fades at this statement. He warns her that he won’t stand for it if Se-ryung breaks Tae-ik’s heart. Aw.

Se-ryung scoffs at this and a moment later, Tae-ik steps outside and sees them. Recalling Lee Joon’s words that ditching Tae-ik is the only way to live her own life, she grabs Kang-hwi in a kiss.

Kang-hwi breaks out of the kiss just moments after Tae-ik turns away, calling her a nutjob. Wiping her lip, she says to herself, “I didn’t do anything wrong. Tae-ik, you’re the one who’s at fault.” REALLY?! As if I needed more reason to be annoyed with you.

Back in the present, Kang-hwi calls out, “If I liked Se-ryung, I’d be Dog Kang-hwi instead of Won Kang-hwi!”

When Man-ok learns that Kang-hwi’s left, she runs after him since she needs to talk to him. She dismisses Tae-ik when he stops her, “We need to talk.” He throws an adorable jealous fit at this, “Am I more important than Kang-hwi or not?” Hee.

She finds his behavior strange to which he reminds her that she confessed her feelings to him last night. Naturally, Man-ok has no recollection of such an event and shakes her head. “I may have had some to drink last night…” Tae-ik: “Some?!”

All she can remember is that they innocently fell asleep after having a lot to drink the previous night. Tae-ik lets out a long, dejected sigh and motions at her to get going.

There’s no need because Kang-hwi enters the gym again, asking to be fed. Tae-ik is astonished at his audacity and soon the two are bickering again before Grandpa’s entrance puts a stop to it.

Grandpa raises an eyebrow at the new visitor but is mollified when Kang-hwi introduces himself as a mutual friend of Man-ok and Tae-ik. He particularly likes Kang-hwi’s warm and smiling demeanor, unlike someone else’s moodiness.

Tae-ik all but guffaws at how accepting he is of Kang-hwi, but hey – Grandpa did find you in a tent with his granddaughter. Then, Kang-hwi’s stomach grumbles with hunger again.

Man-ok fixes some food and before Kang-hwi can dig in, Tae-ik shuffles up next to him, asking to be fed too. Man-ok’s like, But you just ate before. And there isn’t any more.

Soon they’re fighting over the last bowl of rice and Kang-hwi’s all, Don’t you dare! It’s mine! and Tae-ik’s all, Yours?! It’s mine! Omg, I forgot how much I missed watching these two bicker like four-year-olds.

Man-ok puts an end to the schoolyard squabble and divides the food so they both can eat. Then she scolds them to stop fighting lest they both go hungry. The boys obediently nod and start eating in silence.

Once her back is turned, however, Kang-hwi whispers, “When did Man-ok become so scary?” Tae-ik: “She yells a lot because it’s her house.” Kang-hwi speaks from personal experience that it isn’t easy freeloading in someone else’s house. Tae-ik should consider himself lucky because, “The owner of the house I lived in was a total jerk.” HA.

Go-dong gets an earful from a shouty Lee Joon when he finds Kang-hwi missing. Se-ryung sits down next to him and asks if Kang-hwi’s has an eye condition.

Lee Joon grows rigid at the question and listens as she drops the hints she’s picked up: Kang-hwi’s been more clumsy and Lee Joon has been uncharacteristically concerned for him.

She calls him out for avoiding the issue but Lee Joon redirects the conversation. He’s paid her a handsome contract fee and abided by her wishes thus far. Now it’s time to reap the profits of his “international star” and adds another round of Do as you’re told! with a shot of Mind your own business!

Se-ryung stutters that she’ll have a care if she wants to before stalking off.

Tae-ik is about to turn in for the night and jumps back in surprise to see that his tent is already occupied by Kang-hwi. He shouts that Kang-hwi has to leave and Man-ok steps in before another childish spat erupts.

Kang-hwi pouts, asking Man-ok if he can stay the night and then curls up that’s he’s too sleepy and full. He relents once Tae-ik drags him by the leg and pipes that he’ll just sleep in Man-ok’s room instead. Tae-ik snaps that Kang-hwi can just sleep with him then.

Man-ok asks if the two will be comfortable enough and Tae-ik points a thumb at himself, Don’t worry – I’ll take care if it. You go sleep! She turns to leave without another word and Tae-ik pouts.

Kang-hwi checks if Tae-ik’s asleep and mentions that the notion that he stole Se-ryung is a huge misunderstanding. Tae-ik rolls over so that his back faces Kang-hwi. You’re not really asleep, are you? In the morning, he finds Kang-hwi already gone.

Man-ok spots him just as she returns from her morning jog and the two sit down to chat. She informs Kang-hwi that she’s aware that Lee Joon has asked Kang-hwi to work for him again.

She honestly tells him that she hates Lee Joon and finds him untrustworthy – so why did Kang-hwi agree to work for him again? Kang-hwi brushes it off, saying that he was meant for the stage and that Lee Joon’s the only one who would probably take him back.

Man-ok astutely reminds him that it’s Lee Joon who got Kang-hwi into this entire mess in the first place and they can’t believe a word from that venomous mouth.

Kang-hwi assures her that he needs Lee Joon and would like for Man-ok to be by his side. He tells her to think about it.

Se-ryung can’t resist a dig at Kang-hwi for staying out all night. She tells him that he might as well tattoo his feelings for Man-ok on his forehead for the world to see.

Kang-hwi instructs her to shut her trap but she tells him that Lee Joon already knows, thanks to the handphone Man-ok lent him. Speaking of whom, Lee Joon puts Kang-hwi on 24 hour surveillance or else it’s Go-dong’s job.

Elsewhere, Bum-soo gets some good news from his informant that an investor has reached out to him about Tae-ik. Bum-soo should just proceed as planned and he’ll make sure that the funds get to them.

Thankfully Bum-soo is sharp enough to smell something fishy in the water especially since the informant isn’t willing to set up a meeting between Bum-soo and their investor himself. He pulls out the, “Hyung, can’t you trust me?” guilt card and Bum-soo reluctantly agrees.

Next stop is to enlist a songwriter and Bum-soo warns Tae-ik to watch his temper. Tae-ik takes offense, “Am I some kind of kid?” Sure, you can be sometimes.

They sit down with Sang-dae aka “The Wolf” (Bum-soo: “Once he bites, he never lets go.”), a lesser-known but talented songwriter. Bum-soo asks if Sang-dae’s willing to give Tae-ik some voice lessons and Tae-ik scoffs when Sang-dae asks him to sing. Has he never heard of Take One?

Sang-dae doesn’t miss a beat and retorts that all of Take One’s songs are autotuned so how can he accurately glean the level of vocal talent from them? He wants to hear Tae-ik’s unedited voice.

But Tae-ik wants to hear his potential teacher’s singing ability first. I mean, what’s the use if the teacher isn’t good himself, right? Challenge accepted… and he’s good.

Now it’s Tae-ik’s turn and when he doesn’t sing right away, Sang-dae wonders with sarcasm if it’s because Tae-ik isn’t confident enough and starts another song. Then Tae-ik bites back – why is Sang-dae playing a half key lower than the original?

Sang-dae laughs with derisive awe – so Tae-ik isn’t completely tone-deaf. He explains that he was just playing at a level Tae-ik can reach. He asks in a mocking tone, “But will you be able to reach the notes if I play them straight?”

He turns to Bum-soo and says that working with rookies are easier since at least they’re willing to learn. But he can’t stand a top star diva who got to where he is because of his looks versus his talent.

Tae-ik rises from his chair, having heard enough. Glaring at him, Tae-ik bears down:

“Do you suffer from an inferiority complex? Because I’m a star? You’re looking at me saying, ‘Even though I’m talented, I’m not one. But why are you a singer when you’re autotuned?’ Do you think someone can automatically become a star because they’re good-looking?

In this business, no matter how talented you are, there are those who can’t cut it! You have to show an image that people like and hide the one they hate. You laugh when you want to and don’t. In order to protect my place, I’ve done my best.”

Sang-dae rises to his feet too and Man-ok and Bum-soo stop an ensuing fight. Tae-ik storms off with Man-ok on his tail. Before Bum-soo turns to leave, he tells Sang-dae that Tae-ik will most definitely make a comeback.

He drops Man-ok and Tae-ik at the gym and assures Man-ok that Tae-ik is tougher than he appears. She climbs up the stairs, huffing and puffing about how horrible Sang-dae is. She’s sure that he said all of those terrible things because he was jealous of Tae-ik.

She does wonder, however, how Tae-ik knew that the music was a half-key lower. Does he by chance, possess perfect pitch? Tae-ik doesn’t answer and puts out his hand.

Man-ok contemplates for a moment before sliding her hand in his, much to his surprise.

EPISODE 12, PART 2

Tae-ik widens his eyes in surprise when Man-ok squeezes his hand with hers. He clarifies that he’s asking for the scooter, not her hand, but smiles anyway.

He drives to Full House and thinks back to how he vowed to Lee Joon that he would recover everything that was lost to him. He asks himself, “Can you do it? Can you get it all back?

Meanwhile, Go-dong follows Kang-hwi around like a dutiful puppy, even to Kang-hwi’s expensive spa treatments. Kang-hwi finds his presence and relentless chatter irritating, moreso when he learns that he’s on constant watch.

Go-dong pleads that his job’s on the line so Kang-hwi promises that he won’t run away on one condition. Cut to: Go-dong lingering outside Lee Joon’s office, sent to track down that cell phone.

We cut back to the conversation and Go-dong is near tears now – there’s no way he can enter Lee Joon’s office undetected. He manages to find the cellphone by rifling through the drawers and pops up… face to face with Lee Joon. Whoops.

Go-dong tries to stand his ground when Lee Joon casually tells him to get out without the cellphone. But then he gets backed into the wall as Lee Joon reminds him that the person who writes his paychecks is him, not Kang-hwi. Lee Joon digs that this is why Go-dong’s still a lowly manager after all this time.

Ah, I shouldn’t be surprised that Lee Joon has given out empty promises to nearly all of his staff as Go-dong stammers that he’d been promised a debut if he toughed it out for a few years.

Lee Joon shouts back that there are a ton of young, good-looking wannabes chasing after the same dream of being a singer. Plus, there are plenty of others who would die at the chance for his job.

Annddd we get another round of Do as you’re told! Seriously, we could make a drinking game out of this.

Go-dong acknowledges that he’s right – he may be a manager but returning Kang-hwi’s phone is the right thing to do. Good for you, Go-dong!

He steps away and Lee Joon threatens that if Go-dong leaves, he’ll be fired on the spot. He’ll be blacklisted from the industry for sure. Go-dong is shaken up for a moment but he leaves anyway. Wooot!

Go-dong drowns his sorrow over drinks with Bum-soo, his confidence now lost in beer. He’s homeless, jobless, and cries that he has nothing to live for. Bum-soo tells him to snap out of it because it was about time Go-dong left Lee Joon anyway.

He takes Go-dong back to outside his place and we think that he’s cleaning the place up, but what seems like five minutes later – he’s packed his things too. Wait, does this mean everyone is going to live in the gym?

It does and Go-dong happily cries into Tae-ik’s surprised arms. They all sit down and Man-ok assures them that they can stay since Grandpa never turns anyone away.

Bum-soo hands Man-ok the security deposit from his now vacated space; she can use it to pay back her debt to Lee Joon. The mention sparks Tae-ik’s anger, and is especially enraged at the stipulation that Man-ok would have to work for Lee Joon again if she can’t pay him back.

Turns out the engagement proved useless since a verbal agreement isn’t considered official. He’s ready to go give Lee Joon a piece of his mind with Man-ok in tow right then and there.

The others calm him down and Bum-soo assures him that things will be smooth sailing once the investment pulls through. I’m thinking that it won’t happen that way.

Tae-ik instructs Man-ok to take it since her debt to Lee Joon was because of him. In exchange, he vows to make a hundredfold more than that amount. Looking to Bum-soo he says, “That’ll be enough, right… hyung?” Awww, I love me a good band of underdogs.

Staying at Man-ok’s meaning staying within Grandpa’s good favor and while they go through morning drills, Tae-ik surprises everyone with his hapkido skills. He smugly reveals that his father was a black belt in the sport (who learned under Grandpa, mind you) and all it takes it is a few moves to send him back to Earth, literally.

Kang-hwi’s upset to hear that his handler’s been fired and demands that Lee Joon bring Man-ok on board or he won’t work. Lee Joon slaps on a smile when he asks Man-ok when she’ll start work only to hear her say that she won’t.

She hands over the money to settle her debt but Lee Joon’s got bad news – she’ll also need to pay the fees for breaking off their contract early. Man-ok warns that she won’t stand by if Lee Joon continues to change the rules of the game.

Lee Joon just nods along with a mocking expression as she continues to lay out her threats, clearly not scared in the least. He’s amused but the bottom of the line is that it’s his word against hers, so who’s going to win?

He threatens that he’ll sue to and is surprised when Man-ok doesn’t blink an eye. She’s got nothing to lose but he does. With that, she gets up to leave.

Then Lee Joon pulls out his last card: Kang-hwi. But Man-ok tells him that she won’t stick around to hear what it is, because she won’t believe him anyway.

Tae-ik calls and is relieved to hear that the matter with Lee Joon is settled now. Then he returns to his diva mode (but asks nicely) that her house is absent of organic, well, everything. Man-ok tamps down her annoyance and says she’ll pick some up on her way home.

I knew there was a reason that van made me nervous when Man-ok dropped Tae-ik’s name in the conversation. The van door opens, and Se-ryung gapes at this tidbit.

She drives to Man-ok’s gym straightaway and is horrified to see Tae-ik in the midst of a losing battle against a vacuum. She marches up to him and in a oddly dramatic tone, tells him that she’ll do everything he wants just as long as he moves out.

Se-ryung grabs his wrist and he wrenches it out of her grip. Has she forgotten – they’re nothing to each other anymore. Se-ryung demands to know why he won’t budge. When he doesn’t answer, she wonders if it’s because of Man-ok.

Tae-ik confirms it and her world comes crashing down. She enters in denial mode; it’s impossible that Tae-ik would throw away Full House over a girl. She calls him a liar.

Tae-ik makes himself crystal clear, “Right now, it’s more important for me to protect that person by my side than Full House.” He’s moved on, so Se-ryung should too. But that isn’t something Se-ryung is prepared to do and slightly crazed, she mutters that she won’t let Tae-ik go.

She runs into Man-ok outside and rips into her – How could she house a Hallyu star and force him to do chores? Oh, the horror. Are you haunted by dust bunnies in your nightmares?

She accuses Man-ok of acting like the nicest person in the world who has no knowledge of the people she inadvertently hurts along the way. “Do you think you’re some kind of Candy character? Why do you go about stirring the hearts of one guy to another?” Honey, have you looked in a mirror lately?

Man-ok turns the words back on her – then Se-ryung must enjoy hurting others. Se-ryung raises her voice calling Man-ok, “you” but Man-ok puts her in her place. Damn, she’s on a roll today.

Man-ok steps away and then Se-ryung asks if she doesn’t care what happens to Kang-hwi. Oh heyy, didn’t we have this same conversation five minutes ago? Se-ryung digs that Man-ok and Tae-ik have been too busy playing house to care.

Se-ryung drops the bomb: Kang-hwi’s losing his vision. She repeats herself in case we didn’t hear it the first time and Man-ok turns her head.

Tae-ik hears a noise outside. When he goes to investigate, he sees Man-ok drive off in her scooter and a spilled bag of groceries at his feet.

Man-ok rushes over to Full House with tears welling up in her eyes, thinking of all the times Kang-hwi tried to hide his condition. She finds Kang-hwi hobbling through the dark and flickers on the light.

That sparks Kang-hwi’s temper and he yells angrily, “Jin Se-ryung, turn off the lights!” Nooo!!

Man-ok stares back, silent, and she finally ekes out, “Kang-hwi… you can’t see me?”

Panic washes over his face.

COMMENTS

Well, that certainly is a sour note to end our week. We certainly knew that Kang-hwi wouldn’t be able to hide his condition for much longer but this ending scene was particularly painful to watch. You could see the fearful expression on Man-ok’s face and panic spread in Kang-hwi’s eyes as the truth settles in. What could have been an excessively dramatic moment was really wonderfully played out by Hwang Jung-eum and Park Ki-woong. As we go forward, I’m afraid that Man-ok will put her feelings for Tae-ik aside for Kang-hwi’s sake and run around the circle of Misunderstanding.

In regards to Lee Joon, it astounds me that his tried and true, Do as you’re told! bit has worked its magic for so many of our characters thus far. He knows what strings to pull and what words to coax his puppets into doing his bidding. It’s disheartening to see that our characters have accepted his verbal agreements at face value and later learn the bitter lesson that Lee Joon isn’t one to be trusted. Get it all in writing, people!

So I love that Man-ok and Go-dong took a firm stance against him, even though they know that getting out of his clutches is easier said than done.

This episode was a return of the bromance and now that we’ve replayed the past through Kang-hwi’s eyes, we see that he was trying to protect his teammate. I certainly missed the bromance so I hope that it’s here to stay.

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