Heirs: Episode 5
by javabeans
Tan is back for good and now everyone gets to react to it. This also means the sprawling cast of characters is finally gathered in one place, upping the ante—and the tension, oh, the tension—as we hold our breaths waiting to see how his reappearance shakes up the existing social order. Will he find his spot at the top ready and waiting for him to step into it, or will he have a bit of pushback from the changes wrought in his absence? If dramas have taught me anything, it’s to never bet on the easy way.
SONG OF THE DAY
Park Sae-byul – “한 여름 밤의 별” (One summer night’s star) [ Download ]
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
EPISODE 5 RECAP
Tan sees Eun-sang’s message online and hurries down to the kitchen, where he confirms that she’s in fact here, in his house. She checks her phone for updates while drinking water, wondering at all the fuss, unaware that he’s watching from just outside amidst a burgeoning personal crisis. She shrugs, puts her phone away, and heads back to her room.
Tan trudges back to his room, burdened with this news—now it makes sense why Eun-sang hates Jeguk Group. As if he didn’t already have his immense wealth standing in his way, now he’s got to contend with being the direct reason for her family’s hardships. Of all the girls in the world, you had to fall for this one.
School vacation is over, and Eun-sang heads out the next morning dressed in school uniform. Tan watches her leaving the house from his window, then heads downstairs to peer inside the tiny room she shares with her mother, looking dismayed.
He asks his mother where hyung is, sighing that he thought he’d get to see him more now that he’s back. Madam Han tsk-tsks at his affection for someone who hates him, but Tan replies that still, he likes his brother.
Even so, it’s a shock to be told that Won actually moved out of the house because of him, as he finds out from his stepmother Madam Jung.
Won meets with Hyun-joo, the tutor whom we met previously who’d ignored Won’s call. His demeanor suggests they’re in a dating relationship, but her behavior is a bit distant even though she calls him oppa. Won gives her a wishbone as a gift from his trip to the States, to use for a wish, then presents her with the real gift—a necklace with a wishbone pendant that he says will be a good luck charm.
Hyun-joo isn’t inclined to accept, saying that she grew up always supported by his family—but now she’s fine on her own with a job and home and savings account. Won gets frustrated at the difficulty in just giving her a gift, and she relents and accepts. But he guesses that she intends to never wear it, and gets up to fasten it around her neck. Her expression is anything but happy, and she looks on the verge of tears. I do wonder if it’s something in the Kim brothers’ blood that attracts them to women who see their wealth as a burden.
Won is greeted at his hotel with the message that he has a guest waiting in his room, and bristles to hear that it’s his brother. Won is ready to rip into the hotel employee for admitting just anybody into his room, but he’s told that Chairman Dad gave the okay himself.
Tan sits and waits in his hyung’s suite. And waits. And waits. And waits. Aw, is Won just going to stay away until he leaves?
Tan finally calls it a day and goes home late that night. He eats a late dinner that his mother sets before him, and they have a cute back-and-forth as he asks if she prepared it herself, to which she says, “I ordered it all prepared for you!” She promises to order lots more good food for him in the future, like it’s only the thought that counts.
Tan casually asks about the housekeeper’s daughter, and how long they’ve lived here. Madam Han thinks to call Eun-sang over with a wine request (calling her the wrong name, Eun-sung, the whole time). Hilariously, Tan looks alarmed at the prospect and for a moment contemplates crouching under the dining table (lol), but opts instead to bolt. By the time Eun-sang arrives, his chair is empty.
Eun-sang heads outside to the cellar, using her cell phone as a flashlight on the dark path. Suddenly all the outdoor lights flick on—aw, Tan, you romantic.
Moving on to Jeguk’s Manager Yoon, who sits at a bar with a drink, thinking on his complicated romantic history with Rachel’s mother. Won joins him, which is a little surprising given that they don’t exactly have a friendly relationship. Maybe broodiness loves company.
Won points out that Manager Yoon may work for Tan if little bro takes over the company. There’s the unspoken assumption that such a scenario would require Won to be out of the picture, but Manager Yoon asks pointedly, “Why, will you give him the company to run?” I like him; Manager Yoon is no pushover, though he manages it without being a hardass either. Won wonders if he’s being dumb or just drunk, though, to ignore the subtext in his comment.
Then who should stroll into the bar but Rachel and Young-do’s newly engaged parents, and Won greets them pleasantly while Manager Yoon stiffens. Won already speaks to Rachel’s mother as though she’s an in-law, because of Tan and Rachel’s engagement. Oy, this family tree.
Young-do’s father suggests a friendly drink together. I’m not sure if he dislikes Manager Yoon for being a secretary or if there are other reasons at play, but there’s definitely a hard undercurrent to his tone. Frankly I have little patience for the moony faces Rachel’s mother and Manager Yoon make at each other, but it isn’t long before the business talk turns the air chilly.
As the presidents of their respective companies, Won and Young-do’s father discuss their thoughts on expansion into global markets. Manager Yoon takes the conservative view, and Young-do’s father sneers that such concerns are the province of “guys who work below us.” God, he’s an ass.
Manager Yoon excuses himself to make a call, and then Rachel’s mother excuses herself from the business talk. After their departure, Young-do’s father sniffs that the other guy doesn’t know his place.
Rachel’s mother finds Manager Yoon to apologize for her fiancé’s lack of manners, and he apologizes as well. “For what?” she asks. And then he basically attacks her with a kiss. Okay. I just wish I cared about the parents at all.
Eun-sang zones out during class, and the English lesson using Hollywood as a topic makes her think of being there with Tan. As she walks out with a friend, she stops short at the crowd of excited girls squealing over and expensive car and a hot guy waiting by it. Ha. You have to admit, Tan does know how to make an entrance.
He indicates Eun-sang, which naturally piques everyone’s curiosity. They ooh and ahh as he explains coming her to see her to ask a question, though he clarifies that it’s not about her—he wants Chan-young’s phone number. She wonders why. “Why do you think?” Tan quips. “I’m interested because he’s pretty. He won’t leave my mind and it’s driving me crazy.”
Eun-sang tells him Chan-young is taken and heads off, and just like that Tan loses all footing in this exchange because he’s left huffing, “Stop while I ask nicely. Stop right there!” She keeps walking, to his chagrin.
Eun-sang gets a call from Chan-young while she’s at her cafe job, and he wonders how she has time to message online and upload photos while she’s working. Haha. Eun-sang’s eyes widen and she checks her page to find an aegyo photo of Tan with the caption, “Kim Tan is really good-looking.” LOL.
She finds him sitting around the corner and orders him to log out. He refuses, then keeps her from stomping off by playing the customer card in front of her boss. “I would like Yoon Chan-young’s phone number,” he orders. “On ice.”
Figuring it’s the quickest way to get rid of him, she gives him the number, and Tan calls right away… to request her number. Ha. To his credit, Chan-young refuses, like a good bestie would. Tan just grabs the phone out of her hand and calls himself, promising to log out of her account now that he has her number. Then he heads off, and it’s her turn to call out ineffectually for him to stop right there.
He calls right away, and she wonders how long he means to visit, so she can buy him dinner before he leaves. He smiles and points out that she’s the one who suggested it.
Tan confides to Manager Yoon about his failed attempt to meet hyung. He apologizes for putting Manager Yoon in the middle, and they acknowledge that this whole situation is neither brother’s fault. “It’s the chairman’s fault,” Manager Yoon deadpans, which makes Tan laugh out loud. ‘s true.
It’s interesting that Chairman Dad seems to be a passive figure in the family feud, especially given that he’s actually keeping close tabs on both sons. His secretary presents him with a stack of photos, which show each brother with various women—Rachel, Eun-sang, tutor Hyun-joo. He takes particular interest in the Eun-sang photos.
That night, Mom finds a questionnaire Eun-sang has been working on for school, which outlines her aspirations for college, major, and career. In every category she has written “none,” and under the general future category she has written simply that she wants a salaried job. It’s a little crushing for Mom to see.
Tan goes for a morning walk just as Myung-soo drives by on his way to school. Myung-soo greets him enthusiastically and confirms that he’s back for good, then has to hurry on. Tan turns to his front gate just as Eun-sang heads out, and hastily ducks around the corner like a suspicious person. Smooooth.
Eun-sang gets paranoid and drags Tan down the street by the wrist, not wanting to risk running into the family’s Second Son (“Oh, the family’s really good-looking Second Son?” Tan notes). Tan has absolutely zero objection to the wrist-pull, and when she lets go, he offers his arm again for another round. Heh. He plays dumb about not knowing she lived here, saying that he lives in the neighborhood.
She starts to give a defensive explanation for why she lives in this neighborhood, but Tan says he’s not interested in that. Instead he leaaaans in close to ask when she’s gonna buy him dinner. Eun-sang points out that he said he’d call but didn’t, which just about makes his day: “Ohhhhh, you were waiting for my call, huh?”
Myung-soo takes the news of Tan’s return straight to Bo-na, who has a very badly masked freak-out over the news. Aw, she’s so simple. She thinks it’ll jeopardize her relationship with Chan-young if he knew she’d once dated Tan, and yet I’m pretty sure it’s a secret to nobody. She lies that she totally didn’t hear what Myung-soo said because she was thinking of a song, and Chan-young makes amused jabs: “Is it G.O.D’s ‘Lie’? Big Bang’s ‘Lie’? T-ara’s ‘Lie’?”
Bo-na beelines for Rachel to demand a confirmation, only this is totally news to Rachel as well. Rachel masks her surprise much better, and plays the “Why should I tell you?” card rather than admit she didn’t know. That just gets Bo-na more fired up and she vows to exact her revenge if this gets her dumped.
Rachel calls Tan right away, then fumes when the phone is shut off.
News travels fast, because Rachel comes to her locker to find Dear Stepbrother-to-Be waiting for her to ask if Tan’s really back. She snaps at him, asking if he’s afraid he’ll get his spot stolen away as big man on campus.
Just then Tan returns her call, and she puffs up in satisfaction to answer. But all he says is a curt “I’m back in Korea. If that’s why you called, then I’ll hang up now.” Holding on to a dead line, Rachel pretends to agree to a date later, which Young-do sees right through.
At the Kim mansion, Chairman Dad engages Mom in conversation (er, one-sidedly I suppose) and asks how long she’s been working here. Madam Han enters the room late, assumes she’s going to get tattled on, and rushes forth to insist Mom is wrong. Ha. This woman pretty much embodies the idea of shooting yourself in the foot. Thankfully Mom intervenes before Madam Han incriminates herself too thoroughly.
Chairman Dad heaps praise on Mom for sticking with a difficult mistress, and offers to send Eun-sang to one of their schools as a gesture of appreciation. Mom is overwhelmed with gratitude, since this opens the doors to a future Eun-sang might never have otherwise.
Mom is quick on her feet and gets all the transfer documents in line to pull Eun-sang from her current school. Eun-sang doesn’t see it as the heavenly boon her mother does and protests: Going to a school as ritzy as Jeguk High School is out of their means—they can’t even afford the uniforms.
Eun-sang gets called to see the chairman, and tells him that while she’s thankful, she doesn’t fit in at Jeguk. Chairman Dad actually gives some wise advice about not deciding ahead of time that your “place” is low, limiting yourself while others go out seeking higher and greater things. He mentions Jeguk scholarships that send students abroad—ooh, is he being an evil genius in sending her away under false pretenses? I really wonder about him.
Young-do reluctantly complies with another family dinner summons, where Rachel’s mother keeps up a stream of conversation while they wait for Young-do’s dad. She gives Young-do a fancy dog collar as a gift and asks how long he’s raised his dog. Young-do answers that it was after Mom left the house and Dad started dating around—he bought that dog with all the allowance money those girlfriends gave him. The dog was so smart that whenever he told it to bite one of those women, it would, “So how could I not love it?”
The inappropriate story gets both ladies fuming, so when Dad joins them, Mom does them all a favor by excusing Young-do from dinner. Rachel hops on the excuse train and leaves too, insisting on a ride on his bike.
Rachel’s headed to get fitted for a new school uniform… which is where Eun-sang is, reeling from sticker shock over the thousand-dollar uniforms. She walks out just as Rachel arrives, and the glare-off is immediate. Rachel takes offense at Eun-sang for not avoiding her and for knowing that Tan is back, and snaps that she warned her off in America.
Eun-sang stands her ground to say she has no reason to avoid Rachel, then snaps the nametag from Rachel’s uniform. On the plane Rachel had snatched her documents to learn her personal info, so she’s returning the favor. If she wants it back, give her a call, she says.
Young-do watches with vast amusement and prevents Rachel from stomping off after Eun-sang, noting that she lost this round. Telling her to find her own way home, he zooms off.
Young-do catches up to her near her neighborhood and cuts off her path to ask a few questions: What’s her relationship to Tan? To Rachel? Why’d she get her personal info stolen? Eun-sang bristles and declines to answer, but he says they’re on the same team and that he’s never seen anyone—excepting himself—who could piss off Rachel so quickly, and that, he declares, is a rare talent.
She cuts him off and asks him to get out of her way since she has Things To Do. Young-do says that she wasn’t leaving out of choice and not necessity, pointing out the wide open street around them that she could use to escape. Ha. Such a smartass.
Eun-sang tells Chan-young about her transfer possibility, and by now she’s come around to the idea that maybe she should go. After all, Jeguk is a name that’ll open doors for her, and she admits to occasionally envying Chan-young for being able to attend. But his response is decidedly wary, and although he welcomes her to his school, it’s a muted reaction.
Tan finds a box of his old things in the wine cellar, smiling at the note scrawled inside a book from Bo-na back when they were dating. Then the door opens and he scrambles for a hiding place as Eun-sang walks in, thankfully too preoccupied with her phone to notice him. He ducks behind the main wall and crouches there as Eun-sang calls Chan-young to inform him that she paid him back for the plane ticket. With that her last loose end connecting her to America has been tied; the midsummer night’s dream is over.
Tan calls her on her walk back to the house and tells her to look up to the second floor. Puzzled, she looks around at the windows until the sight of her dreamcatcher stops her in her tracks. Then he tells her to turn around… and there he is.
They stare for long, loaded moments. Finally he walks toward her, not breaking the stare, and waits for her to arrive at the correct conclusion. She asks whether he’s really the second son, and whether he knew she lived here when they ran into each other at the gate. And whether he knew she lived in the maid’s room. To each question he sounds an affirmative.
She whirls around and starts walking away, eyes filling with tears. Tan calls after her, “Did I… miss you?” How like you to ask her how you feel, which is somehow more touching than just telling her.
Madam Han brings Tan his new school uniform and tells him he’ll be matriculating tomorrow. She urges him to excel at his studies—can’t have him being outperformed by the maid’s daughter. Tan looks up in surprise to hear that Eun-sang is transferring as well, though I’m not sure if it’s pleasant surprise or an uneasy one.
The next morning, Eun-sang tries not to stare on her way in at the parade of fancy chauffeured cars and students mentioning huge sums of money like it’s nothing. She’s not wearing a uniform, which, eek. I know she can’t afford it, but this doesn’t seem like the kind of place where you’d want to draw even more attention to yourself for that. (Oh god, and then there’s more English? Didn’t we get that out of our system in America?)
Bo-na is the first to come up to Eun-sang, incredulous to hear she’s a new student here. At least she’s not mean about it, which is more than we can say for Rachel, who’s as hostile as ever, while cheery Myung-soo welcomes her and offers a handshake.
But the curiosity over the new girl is soon eclipsed by the grand excitement as the whole student body rushes outside to confirm the news: Tan just arrived.
A crowd gathers around him in front of the school, and Tan gets right to addressing the points that everyone else is bound to gossip about—Rachel is his fiancée, Bo-na his ex, Chan-young his ex’s new boyfriend.
Watching from afar is vomiting sunbae Hyo-shin, who notes with entertainment that Lucifer has just arrived in “this school of Satans.” That’s one way to put it.
Then Young-do makes his way into the circle, and tension mounts at this confrontation of alpha dogs. Tan speaks first.
Tan: “Missed you, friend.”
Young-do: “Welcome.”
Tan: “Relax. I won’t do anything right away.”
Young-do: “Let’s stick to greetings. The kids’ll scare.”
And then… Eun-sang wanders along obliviously, totally not seeing the circle until she’s right in the middle of it. She’s busy texting—at least we’ve established that she gets tunnel vision when she’s on her phone—asking where Chan-young is, then belatedly notices her surroundings.
Awk. Ward.
COMMENTS
Finally, we arrive at the central conflict! I do appreciate that the story took a little time to bring us to this point in that it actually means something when Tan and Young-do have their face-to-face confrontation, and we’re ready to feel the same sense of unease that ripples through the student body. Because we got to know the characters, we see this showdown not only from one angle (say, Tan’s) but from several, and that adds a bit of punch to the moment.
So I’m not against taking some time to bring us to the point, especially when it’s drawn in an entertaining way. And if we take out the amazingly awful English-language acting of the LA scenes, I like the time spent away from home turf as well, because it adds to the dreaminess of that isolated encounter, that connection formed in a (semi-)vacuum where our leads were on more level playing field than they are here. (Because once in Seoul, we’re back to that maid-and-boss, chaebol-and-Candy setup that has become so familiar.) That said, I wouldn’t have been averse to getting here just a wee bit sooner.
I’m pretty sure we all saw the story heading this way, so on one hand it’s still not doing anything all that fresh. I find myself anticipating the moments before they land, wishing they’d come a beat or two sooner, which would help tighten up the sense of dramatic tension. Right now I’d say the tension comes in the acting—which is largely solid—but less in the plot. With school back in session and all our characters finally gathered into the same scene, maybe we’ll really get rolling.
I did like that Tan chose to reveal his identity to Eun-sang himself, even though I enjoyed the brief spell where he was running around trying to stay out of her sight. And I wondered whether she was going to have to deal with a big shocking reveal down the line, maybe at school. But it was a thoughtful way to reveal himself, I thought, gentle and without pressure. It’s so obvious to us that he’s a sweet guy that it makes me all the more curious about his reputation among his peers, which hints at a much meaner, tougher version.
I’m not sure I love this Candy-goes-to-prep-school turn in that it feels so reminiscent of Boys Before Flowers, even though in terms of execution the dramas are worlds apart. And Heirs has its characters acting and reacting with emotions that seem native to the human race, whereas I’m not sure you could say the same for the caricatures of Boys. But it IS a distinctive setup, and with the lead actor being in both it’s hard to ignore the feeling. Right now I feel like I can anticipate exactly what kind of reception Eun-sang will receive at the school, and who will step in to help and who will antagonize. And while all that is rich in conflict, I do want something to surprise me.
I’m going to hope that Heirs continues what it’s done thus far in giving its characters motivations that seem realistic and true to life, rather than punched up for the rom-com hijinks-y version. (Case in point: I was expecting Tan to geek out happily over the cohabitation reveal because that’s what the rom-com hero would normally do—as Gu Jun-pyo did—and thus preferred the more muted, conflicted reaction the show gave him. The outright romantic comedy would play up the broad comedy more, but we’re really dealing more with youth melo. I think this is a good thing for this drama.)
Despite all that, though, the show continues to breeze by as an engaging watch that has me invested rather strongly in the main couple and has lined up a nice cast of characters to enjoy. (Some others could drop off the screen, as far as I’m concerned, and not cause a ripple. Myung-soo, for one, who irritates the crap out of me despite being a generally happy dude.) The writer certainly has a gift for sparkling, funny dialogue and some of those bantering sessions are a delight to watch even when they’re really just there as verbal decoration. But hey, some dramas have pretty cameras, some have evocative OSTs, and some are enhanced by sharp, witty dialogue. Why not make full use of all your strengths, yes?
I find Won’s relationship with Hyun-joo one of the more interesting points (and can we drop the parental angst-romance, please?), particularly in how it seems to echo so closely what little bro Tan is going through now. No doubt most women of their acquaintance would be thrilled to be connected to the Jeguk family, but that’s exactly the opposite of the kind of women they’re drawn to, which makes me hope this will be a point of bonding for the brothers down the line. SOMEthing has to bring them together, doesn’t it?
RELATED POSTS
Tags: featured, Heirs, Kim Ji-won, Kim Woo-bin, Lee Min-ho, Park Shin-hye
Interview with Kim Yoo-jung
Hello Dramabeans series
![[2022 Year in Review] The Bean Count](https://www.dramabeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/beancount_2022.png)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
51 Anna
October 23, 2013 at 10:16 PM
Boys over flowers all over again. Cha Eun Sang even went to the posh school on a scholarship. So predictable.
Just because, LMH is the lead role - she didn't have to do BOF all over again.
Probably we all know the unfolding of plots from episode to episode. Its like cake - the other one used gas powered oven, the other one used electricity powered-oven. but, its still the same cake with almost same recipe and ingredients.
Required fields are marked *
annie
October 23, 2013 at 10:57 PM
Except that the BOF cake used artificial colours and flavours, was uncooked in the middle and didn't rise properly. Whereas Heirs-cake uses quality ingredients and is so far well-cooked and properly risen. To use your analogy. :)
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
October 24, 2013 at 3:28 AM
However, Heirs Cake also used a few stale ingredients, spoiling what could have been a perfect cake.
Required fields are marked *
Mar
October 23, 2013 at 11:15 PM
Well, you might not want to watch k drama, because they tend to do the same tropes again and again. Especially class/socioeconomic disparity between the romantic leads. Actually, you might just want to avoid teen dramas and shows with any romance, no matter what country.
We all get annoyed with tired tropes, but books and film are a way for there to be open dialogue about social issues in the culture without direct confrontation between people in real life conversation. Just as people do not want to talk about what is wrong with the world while mingling at a social event, but they might strike up a casual conversation about The Hunger Games.
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 4:00 AM
Yeah, but if you find a cake that's really awesome, made very well and is delicious -do you only have it once? Haven't you ever baked the same thing twice? LOL
Required fields are marked *
DDee
October 24, 2013 at 4:17 AM
This cake pure sugar and spice, cheese and corn, in the precise combo I enjoy. It may not sound appetising but this is the kind of stuff I eat up with a forklift. I may regret it later, but the moment itself is oh so pleasurable. ;)
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 4:36 AM
Love this post! Sounds gross in theory but it works exactly on a theoretical, analogy level.
Required fields are marked *
52 tura
October 23, 2013 at 10:17 PM
Love this episode. I love when KT asks for CY's no from ES all for the sake of asking for her no. And posting a pix of himself with dat caption is so cute and true
Required fields are marked *
53 PlumWine
October 23, 2013 at 10:50 PM
Thanks Javabeans for the recap. I enjoyed this episode and different character interactions.
I think Lee Min Ho is doing a great job as Tan. The teasing of Bo Na by her boyfriend is just too cute. I think they should stay together. Rachel and Eun Sang need to build their own lives like the girl Won likes is trying to so they won't be pulled around by the guys. I hope they eventually become frenemies. Kim Woo Bin is killing me with his smart ass stories and facial expressions. I really loved the bike scene. Looking forward to him next week. The moms were great as always, except Rachel's mom is one messed up lady. Chairman Dad - just what is it you are up to?
Thanks for everyone's comments. I will visit again after I sleep. I have Hyun Bin as a banner (?) so I won't be closing it anytime soon. ;)
Required fields are marked *
54 earthna
October 23, 2013 at 10:52 PM
It's still okay so far. I'm starting to lean towards liking Young Do because of his witty statements and how well he delivers. It's just that I feel like there are so many unnecessary characters and scenes. Having many characters is okay if they're actually important and compelling but seriously, some of them I don't even care. The main couple is enough for me right now.
I hope that Chan Young doesn't develop any feelings for Eun Sang coz they're the best as friends and I totally ship Chan Young and Bo Na.
Anyways, for some crazy reasons, I feel like I can watch this solely for Lee Minho (which is weird since I tend to be really picky with what I watch and I'm not really a fan of him). Kim Tan just drags me in...
Thanks for the recaps javabeans!
Required fields are marked *
55 paramount
October 23, 2013 at 10:55 PM
the comparisons to BOF are expected, but in my opinion they're not fair. take the basic plot - poor girl with (mean?) rich guys - & you also have a million other dramas. to me, the complexities of the characters are much different. kim eun sook already acknowledged the similarities with BOF so i think they will at least attempt to take heirs in new directions.
Required fields are marked *
Jenna
October 23, 2013 at 11:28 PM
Comparison to BOF is not fair if the premise is based on the basic plot you mentioned - poor girl vs mean rich guy. But add the school (for the riches) settings and Lee Min Ho as the lead, then it's only fair to compare the two.
Required fields are marked *
paramount
October 25, 2013 at 12:34 AM
i see your point; i was mainly referring to how people are literally taking specific scenes & comparing them side by side. i don't think that's fair. as in, "when this person said this line it was like this line in BOF" or "when this character did this it was like this moment in BOF" ... cause then the comparisons will never end. if you're SEARCHING for it i think you can find meaning in anything.
Required fields are marked *
56 Perrie
October 23, 2013 at 10:57 PM
So, I stopped watching after ep 2 (I've given up on Kim Eun Sook, secret garden will forever be the only work of hers I acknowledge) and i occasionally come in here to read the recap
I do not regret dopping this show. I knew it as soon as I saw that little dialog with Tan and young do which sounds like something a 10 year old would write on fanfiction.net
Anyway, I'm glad the rest of you are enjoying it though! Enjoy it for me!:)
Required fields are marked *
57 Komal
October 23, 2013 at 10:58 PM
hey can i kknow the song that plays when kim tam and young do face off eachother in the end ^_^
Required fields are marked *
58 Shree
October 23, 2013 at 10:59 PM
I think Dad!Kim put ES in the school because he wants to send her off abroad. I bet we'll have a melodramatic scene where it's a choice between KT and fulfilling her dream of studying abroad.
Anywho.
I'm loving this show so far. Much more than I liked BOF. LMH has grown as an actor here or maybe it's the character of Kim Tan that I like, either way I find myself caring for the character which is good thing because I never cared about Goo Jun Pyo. I think that is what sets apart Heirs and BOF.
I'm totally fangirling over ES and KT 's chemistry. Smouldering stares and small gestures = me swooning. Less is always more. The look of pleasant surprise on her face when she sees Tan at her school And how she tries to brush it off. The way she held his hands and pulled him away. The way he is hesitant and yet sincere about his feelings for her. Cue swooning. The way he tells her he's the second son =perfection. Nothing ostentatious, not OTT.. just perfect. (The opposite of BOF, thank heavens for that!)
But another chemistry I'm digging is between KT and Young Do. Gaa can we have bromance down the road? Pleaseeee? I bet their encounters are going to be explosive. I get a feeling Young Do doesn't want to hate KT. Is there something more than KT just being an illegitimate child? I think there is. It almost seems like a personal grudge. Maybe YD felt betrayed his best friend abandoned him? (As you can see I'm totallllyyyyy fangirling over them :'D )
Bo Na. I . Love. Her. She is so adorable. Her and Cha Young are cute as a button. She plays the air-head personality to the T.
As for Rachel... Well. I actually feel sorry for her. And dig her and Young Do. They have chemistry alright.<3 Young Do leave ES to KT and make out with Rachel. :'D
I'm glad ES has Cha Young looking out for her in school. I like Cha Young in general. He seems unassuming and grounded. He humors all of Bo Na's silly antics and looks out for ES. Great friend and a great Boy friend ! I liked the bit where Bo Na says she was singing a song in her head and didn't hear about KT and he asks if the song is called "Lie" :'D :'D
As for Won and KT's relationship. I wish Won would be less of a d*. But I reckon there's more to the story. KT's hero worship of Won adds to the list of reasons why I like him. I think Kim Tan will try to take the Empire group from Won just to get his attention. Because all he wants is for his brother to notice him and the only way to do that will be to do exactly what his brother hates.
Who was it in the end? Is he the student body president guy? I'm so confused with so many characters :'D
So Kim Tan is Lucifer. Loved that foreshadowing!
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 3:37 AM
@Shree, I absolutely agree with "less is more" as being the key to the success of this pairing. The little glances and brief touches (the wrist grabbing, heh - "You can keep pulling me!") really sells the intimacy between the two. And you're right, this is so much more emotionally successful, if that's the right term, than BOF.
Yay to the HoYay! for the KT-YD bromance. That scene where they met each other for the first time outside the school, with the smoldering glances and dramatic music in the background just cracked me up. I think they were going for "nemeses clash," but somehow to me the scene just read, "old lovers who parted under bad circumstances reunite." LOL.
Required fields are marked *
substratum
October 24, 2013 at 9:54 AM
Yeah, the guy at the end was the student body president, the guy who we saw puking early on after his parents' dinner and apparently knows some dirt on Young Do, who ~secretly joined a radio broadcast club (?), and who's pining for his suneung tutor.
I'm keeping a catalog of Kang Ha Neul's scenes, if you couldn't tell. ;)
Required fields are marked *
Petmink
October 24, 2013 at 4:16 PM
There are so few scenes with him though. I loved him in Monstar. I hope we find out more about Hyo Shin soon.
Required fields are marked *
NathanJ
October 24, 2013 at 11:21 AM
I'm not positive Kim Tan is Lucifer. Watch that little part again. Hyo-Shin makes his comment-then, the next shot shows Young Do walking up to the group. Back again to Hyo Shin with a knowing look on his face. Are we sure he wasn't talking about YD? I'm not sure...
Required fields are marked *
59 Pakykul
October 23, 2013 at 11:06 PM
Thank you. I like your recap :)
Required fields are marked *
60 Richard Rich
October 23, 2013 at 11:14 PM
Is it me but the nude/flesh-colored pants make 'em fair-skinned-boys look like they're only wearing tops. When the happy-go-lucky friend got out of the car I was like, "Why isn't he wearing pants?" Haha!--And that $1000 uniform better be made to last.
To have a billion-dollar company, live in a mansion and have a maid's quarter the size of most of their bathroom and closet is what I don't get. Surely it wouldn't hurt their investments if they add some sq. footage to the living space of the people cleaning after them? Alas, 'Tis the curious case of the rich, the well-born, and the able.
Required fields are marked *
61 Sajen
October 23, 2013 at 11:26 PM
Does Tan remind anyone else of a puppy when it comes to Eun-sang and especially his brother?
Required fields are marked *
62 marlene
October 23, 2013 at 11:38 PM
Thanks for the recap.
Wow it's been a while since i got so excited with a drama. theres nothing new to the plot and story. But oh boy oh boy why is Lee Min Ho so hot in this drama??
I like the presentation of the story, we all know what's going to happen and what Eun Sang will go through in the rich kids playground . Still i can't wait for more! I'm rooting for our cinderella! its kdrama after all.
the kids and adults are hilarious except for Young Doo's dad!! nasty guy!!
I wonder what the chairman's motivation for tranferring Eun Sang to the same school as his son? He's so smart that old dude!!
Chan young is just adorable... oh gosh can't wait for wednesdays and thursdays!!
Required fields are marked *
63 kDkiddo
October 23, 2013 at 11:38 PM
You wNna bet that the fiance is lee bo na's boyfriend BROTHER ! And ahe called him a needy person ! Loool
Required fields are marked *
64 whilethemusiclasts
October 23, 2013 at 11:38 PM
The epic face-off at the end of the episode... Heol. The tension, I can feel it. Can't wait for the next episode.
Required fields are marked *
Jenna
October 23, 2013 at 11:44 PM
That's exactly what we need in the early episodes - conflict and tension. That would have attracted more audiences.
But I'm willing to wait for Kim Eun Sook to further unfold the characters and plot.
Required fields are marked *
65 wren
October 23, 2013 at 11:40 PM
there are waaaay too many people in this drama. phew. can't keep track.
Required fields are marked *
wren
October 24, 2013 at 1:47 AM
im in a fix though. i can predict what might happen next but im too caught up in the hype of it all. this drama is beautiful to look at , and im curious at how all the cuteness between the lead couple is going to play out.
i totally had deja-vu when the whole transfer-school situation played out. jeguk high school...wait ....shinhwa...wait...no its jeguk. focus.
Required fields are marked *
66 hui
October 23, 2013 at 11:45 PM
I didn't understand why Eun Sang was crying when she and Tan met face-to-face at Tan's house. Why ?
Required fields are marked *
substratum
October 24, 2013 at 10:00 AM
A couple of other users have suggested theories, and I think they're pretty likely. Basically, they were relatively socially equal in America with a good back-and-forth dynamic, but here in his family's house, the power has shifted heavily in his favor. Not only that, but she asked if he had known the whole time he was back and when he said yes she felt humiliated. For Eun Sang, I think, it was nice to have a relationship with someone that was different - not her employer, not her mom, not her mom's employers, basically someone not in charge of you. Now he's in charge.
Required fields are marked *
67 lina
October 23, 2013 at 11:47 PM
I'm just curious about Tan's father.. why he sent Eun-sang to Empire High School.. it's just the same way to Hyun Joo? Give her scholarship but don't your make any relationship with his son?
Required fields are marked *
68 4am
October 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM
i love how LMH always has such brightly colored pants, in all of his dramas! i wonder if it's a personal choice? i've never seen such bright yellow pants before...
i like how the drama's finally starting to pick up the pace. the previous episodes were good... but slow, mainly just set-up with not much actually happening.
i'm excited to see where the tan vs young-do conflict goes! (and how eun-sang gets caught up in it...)
Required fields are marked *
69 oci
October 24, 2013 at 12:14 AM
someone please explain to me about the education in korea...I thought that KIm tan was a college student in america...but when he got back to korea why he return to junior high school ....
Required fields are marked *
oci
October 24, 2013 at 12:16 AM
sorry i mean senior high school
Required fields are marked *
KDaddict
October 24, 2013 at 2:03 AM
He was supposed to be in (some private) high school in the U.S. too, tho they ruined that illusion by shooting on a univ. campus, with college kids running around.
So he went from a U.S. high school to his old high school, which his dad owns, and his stepmother runs.
Required fields are marked *
Mar
October 24, 2013 at 3:33 AM
It appeared to me he was auditing courses at a university, and not actually going to high school.
Required fields are marked *
Petmink
October 24, 2013 at 4:21 PM
I like this theory much more. Fits in with the visuals. Though, I don't think that was the show's intention.
Required fields are marked *
70 Patch
October 24, 2013 at 12:21 AM
Has LMH upset Wardrobe in some way? Or are they conspiring with the make-up department to kill his hotness?
First the fuchsia lipstick and now 60s curtain sweaters. I was too busy laughing at his outfit to pay attention to the reveal scene.
Required fields are marked *
71 Lindy
October 24, 2013 at 12:27 AM
I'm really confused by Won and Tan's father but in a good way. He sits in his room being sick or paralyzed or whatever the heck is the matter with him and seems more amused than anything else by all the dysfunction that surrounds him. He's got private detectives following his sons and is probably well aware of his mistress's plot to engineer his divorce from his official wife so she can marry him. I suspect that not much gets past him which might be why both Won and Tan are so flat and unemotional around the house. Let's not give the old man anything to grab onto.
On the surface it appears his offer to educate Eun Sang and perhaps even to send her abroad for her education is a way of both controlling her and underscoring the enormous class divide between her and Tan. She won't rock the boat because she will be just sooo grateful. It appears as if he did this with Won's girlfriend and it seems to have worked. She's aware that the differences between them are too vast to be overcome even if Won still seems to hope otherwise.
But what if it's exactly the opposite? What if he has learned the lesson of his marriage to Won's mother, a woman he really seems to have loved and lost. Maybe he's actually trying to point out, by throwing Eun Sang (who lives on the lowest rung of the Korean social ladder) into the arena of elite, mega-rich upper, upper class Korean high school, that if she seeks to have a relationship with his son, she's going to have to be really strong. She's going to have to respect herself, not try to pretend she's something she's not and to be true to her own self. His own wife couldn't do it, Won's girlfriend seems to have given up but maybe he's hoping Eun Sang is made of sterner stuff.
Required fields are marked *
Mystisith
October 24, 2013 at 1:26 AM
I don't see the brothers dad as an evil character yet. He is cold, smart and manipulative but for now he didn't hurt anyone. He is trying to save the goat and the cabbage: The meeting at the hotel room wasn't organized to put oil on the fire but to allow them a friendly meeting before the succession wars begins. For that matter, I think he is neutral at the moment: May the most capable win.
The proposition he did to ES was fair & I would have accepted right away. Being bullied again? So what? She's used to it as a poor citizen, she must have a thick skin by now. Worst case scenario she gets a diploma & a chance in life, best case scenario she will get the social status that matches the Tan family (& her future husband). Meritocracy is another way to succeed in life & it's certainly better than being a mistress or something. ES situation is really close to Chan Young's one: They'll have to work hard to get what they want but in the end they will be more satisfied and happy with their life.
Required fields are marked *
72 aen03
October 24, 2013 at 12:30 AM
I'm sooo happy Woo Bin got this role, I'm a big Yong Hwa fan, but he wouldn't even be a fourth as good as woo bin is playing this character...
Required fields are marked *
wren
October 24, 2013 at 1:51 AM
oh! thats news to me. i knew yong hwa had turned down a role in the drama, but dint know which role. and youre right, young-do's character was totally cut out for the devilish woo-bin (or is it the other way round). i dont think anyone else could do justice to his naughty-evil persona.
Required fields are marked *
substratum
October 24, 2013 at 10:03 AM
I think it would have been interesting to see Yong Hwa give it a shot, just because it's so different from the roles he's had so far. Even moderate success in a challenging role would help many beanies' (including mine) opinions of his acting. But there's no telling whether it would have been any good, and Woo Bin is definitely good!
Required fields are marked *
Petmink
October 24, 2013 at 4:23 PM
He is much better in Mirae's choice than his previous roles.
Required fields are marked *
73 gg1994
October 24, 2013 at 1:02 AM
I'm soooooooooooo waiting for the "Now you're mine" line i saw Young Do give Eun Sang in last week's preview. I thought it was gonna be in this episode but maybe it's better for the drama that it happens in today's episode.
Required fields are marked *
KDaddict
October 24, 2013 at 1:59 AM
4 more hours and we can see it!
Now Wed and Thurs are my fav days!
Required fields are marked *
jrs.2793
October 24, 2013 at 2:25 AM
i know rite!!!! i was waiting for it too!! i really Young Do's character...i cant wait for that scene! :)
Required fields are marked *
74 merry
October 24, 2013 at 1:33 AM
Hmm. Pace has picked up a bit. Loved the reveal scene of Kim Tan to Eun Sang. Tan seemed to have been a real bully in school. When he meets kids he asks, were you one of those I bullied? Young do and Tan may have been close friends before. What may have caused the rift would be Rachel and YOung Do having an attraction to each other, but nipped by Kim Tan agreeing to being engaged to Rachel at the prodding of parents. Hence Young do referring to Tan's mother being just a mistress. There's bad blood flowing through between these two. Lee Min Ho is quite a surprise. He has matured as an actor. This is really something especially if the drama does not really veer away too much from usual trope of chaebol/candy. It will be memorable for LMH.
I would not exactly say that Won's mother would be as poor as the two potential daughters in law. A wine making country girl in the US would not really be a poor match for a chaebol. I had the impression that Won's mother's relatives were those from the almond farm scene earlier.
Thank you for the speedy recap and this community of Heirs' viewers. You make my viewing quite a pleasure.
Required fields are marked *
75 jat
October 24, 2013 at 1:43 AM
hey girls I have some questions to ask. Back in the US, it's been 3 years since KT being exiled, right? but when RI came she said it was their first anniversary. So, the got engaged while he still in exile?
Required fields are marked *
KDaddict
October 24, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Evidently.
U know with these families, the parents get to decide such things, which are no more than M & A, like YD said.
The engagement could have been an announcement in the newspaper, followed by a party somewhere.
Required fields are marked *
CFLH
October 24, 2013 at 2:07 AM
i think she said they were engaged when they were 17? they're 18 now right?
Required fields are marked *
76 CFLH
October 24, 2013 at 2:05 AM
i just neeeed to get this out..
every time i look at Rachel...i'm reminded of a female version of Lee soo hyuk! maybe its the woobin connection i don't know...
oh! and i love that kim woobin is always accompanied with epic rock background music...it reminds me so much of his character in white christmas...kang mireu!!
wow so may posts on this ep by the way! i have to admit though i was squealing the whole time...and LEE MIN HO...damn you're adorable even when you don't play jerks! hihi
Required fields are marked *
77 kopytko
October 24, 2013 at 2:12 AM
Kim Won is sure absurd. How can he demand from a girl to wear such an ugly necklace? I guess the taste for weird necklsces runs in the family. I still haven't figured what to think about Tan's necklace...
I was kind of sad for Young Do, when he came back home and his dog was so indifferent to him. I understand how he feels bitter and lonely ;P
What I like most is the kidney joke :)
Required fields are marked *
78 jrs.2793
October 24, 2013 at 2:22 AM
omg!! i absolutely love ur recaps...watching the drama in the first place is awsome but reading ur recaps nd the comments and sharing thoughts about the drama is even better!!! :D im still grasping in the entire storyline...not decided yet who i hate nd who i love....but i cant wait...im absolutely loving the direction the drama is going...looking forward to the next episode!!!
Required fields are marked *
79 fairouzmm
October 24, 2013 at 2:46 AM
Hi,
high school bullying is a given. well, life is predictable but drama shouldn't, or why bother. but at least the reaction of the bullyee is what will be interesting (i hope)
the last scene is the perfect drama scene, suspense music, low key acting, symbolic. the way it was executed, indicate that will be the main conflict and the main story. and the including of Eun-sang by making her walk in the scene between them (even if it was a little artificial to me) is symbolic.
LMH, too much makeup.
Moreover, it seems that they r all using the same lipstick color.
i really really Hate Tan's clothes in Korea
Required fields are marked *
80 Hmm
October 24, 2013 at 3:05 AM
Similarities to Boys Over Flowers? Nah.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJe68F5IlI8
Required fields are marked *
81 Faye
October 24, 2013 at 3:31 AM
I was very conflicted watching this episode. On the one hand, I'm really falling hard for the Kim Tan-Eun Sang ship. The cute is too much with these two. I love how she acted all indifferent and annoyed when Tan showed up at the school, but then smiled a little to herself at the cafe later. And then the whole "I won't give you my number" protestations giving way too "You didn't call me" - LOL. That was just perfect.
On the other hand, this situation just isn't going to end well (at least in the short term) because Kim Tan is, you know, ENGAGED. It's funny, because when I made this comment in the Episode 4 thread, someone told me that I "just didn't get it" - i.e., the chaebol arranged marriages. In fact, the opposite is true. I come from a minority culture where we still have semi-arranged marriages, I guess you could call it. We still date for a decent period before we get married, and we only marry if we really like the person. However, we don't even go out with someone in the first place unless matchmakers, acting on behalf of our parents, thoroughly investigate the other person and determine if that person is appropriate not only for you, but as a member of your family and community. When you finally get married, it's not just a union of you and your spouse - it's a joining of your families as well.
The reason why I go into all this is to make the point that by disregarding his engagement, Tan is not only disrespecting Rachel, but is betraying their families as well. And honestly, that's WORSE in a way than just cheating on a fiancee, because a lot more people are involved. Not only is he showing a very market lack of respect for his fiancee, but he's doing so to his parents as well.
Moreover, because so much is at stake here, he's putting Eun Sang in real danger. It was one thing when she just had to put up with Rachel's bitchiness; she can handle that with an eye roll. But Tan knows that Eun Sang's mother's livelihood and even housing depends on his parents' goodwill. So ticking them off because of Eun Sang could have very bad repercussions for the girl he's supposedly fallen for.
In summation, I appreciate that Kim Tan is a lonely person with actual feelings, and that he doesn't feel for Rachel but does for Eun Sang. We're all human. But he either has to stand up to his parents and cut it off with Rachel, or give up on Eun Sang. He's having his cake and eating it too; keeping all the perks of being a rich kid, while not accepting the responsibilities.
I know it's hard to expect an 18 year old to get all this, though; that's probably why people that young shouldn't get engaged, even by their parents :).
All that being said, I think LMH and PSH are doing an amazing job, and I'm loving this drama.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
October 24, 2013 at 3:50 AM
I don't agree with you. From what I can figure out, neither Rachel nor Tan even knew each other, or knew each other just in passing when their parents decided they were engaged, apparently without ever asking either of them.
There are still a few cultures that have the forced marriages, but IMO it harkens back to the 17th century. Even in Korea, actual forced marriages are extremely rare nowadays.
I personally think that the parents arranging their kid's marriages is a bit barbaric, but as long as not forced I can live with it.
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 4:14 AM
Nope. The show made it pretty clear that the families know each other very well, including Tan and Rachel. When Won saw Rachel in L.A., he greeted her warmly, as you would to someone you know well. He felt comfortable enough to take her with him to his mother's grave and open up about her - not something you would do with someone you just know in passing. Also, when Tan and Rachel talked in L.A., he mentioned how when she was 10 he thought she was a genius because she knew Japanese and English, but that even though he held her in awe, she had disdain for him. That implies there's a level of intimacy.
In any case, you're missing my point entirely. This isn't just something the parents are pushing. And one's personal thoughts about arranged marriages aren't relevant to this situation. This is a real engagement. They had an engagement photo shoot (he kept the picture next to his bed in L.A.). Tan openly acknowledges Rachel as his fiancee. While he's not obligated to marry her, he is still engaged to her. And morality and disrespect aside, his not severing that connection is putting Eun Sang in a very vulnerable position.
Someone earlier upthread put it perfectly. This situation is analogous to Tan's father having his wife and his mistress in the same house. Look how happy that's making everyone. Tan has to give up Rachel if he wants a real relationship with Eun Sang. His finding the courage to do that, to defy his parents and their expectations while still being a good son, will, I suspect, be a central conflict in the drama.
Required fields are marked *
Pororo
October 24, 2013 at 6:57 AM
@Faye
I agree with you. I have really warmed up to KT/ES but he is being an ass to Rachel and he knows it. He mentioned in LA that he agreed to the engagement so he doesn't have to marry her later. It shows his weakness in regards to his family, the way he avoids confrontation. I expect that the show will give him some balls later on and he will start fighting to get everything he wants but for now he is just an ass to his fiancee while chasing ES and there may be very bad consequences for ES because of his actions. And he will not only have to confront the potential ire of his family if he keeps pursuing ES, Rachel's family is powerful enough to make ES life miserable if they want to as well. Granted, Rachel knows he doesn't give a f*ck about her and she is still trying to force it so I get she knew what she was getting into with the engagement. I get the feeling that at this point this is more a matter of pride for Rachel, not being left for the poor classless girl. I hope YD is there to console her when it happens :).
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 8:42 AM
Absolutely. YD and R have incredibly inappropriate yet very evident Stepsibling Chemistry :).
windsun33
October 24, 2013 at 10:48 AM
Yes, you're right - I had forgotten about the earlier scenes where he talked about their younger days. I have to admit I skimmed over a couple of the early episodes.
I guess my real problem with this whole plot setup is that Tan apparently does not have the guts to stand up his parents, so he is taking it out on Rachel. Instead of just coming out and telling his parents that he has no interest in Rachel, he instead takes the route of hurting everyone.
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 12:04 PM
I think you're actually on my side, then :). We agree that it's not acceptable for him to just let things ride and hurt everyone.
Z
October 24, 2013 at 9:54 AM
Faye, you are reading my mind! Arranged marraige or not, Rude and Disrespectful is Rude and Disrespectful. And Kim Tan is so very rue and disrespectful to Rachel. Especially since they seem to have grown up together and have known each other for a decade. He even said he always admired her and thought she was smart and talented. So why treat her like dirt.
I think their discussions have made it pretty clear that they both agreed to the engagement, though not for the same reasons. So, if he's changed his mind, he should do the honorable thing and just break it off and take all the blame on himself. Now that he's back in Korea, people are going to figure out really quickly that he doesn't give her the time of day. It's just making her look like a fool when, really, she hasn't done anything wrong (to him, she's been a jerk to everyone else on the planet). DOn't forget, it's an arranged marriage for Rachel, too and she didn't even get the brother she originally wanted. But, to her credit, at least she is taking it seriously and trying to do things right. I love Kim Tan's sweetness to Eun Sang but it starts to lack credibility when he treats Rachel so poorly.
And the way he embarrassed her at school with that "Everyone knows we're engaged so there is no reason to keep glaring at me" line was so uncalled for. Get it together, Tan, so I can root for you!
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
October 24, 2013 at 10:51 AM
After going back and reading the recaps (I really don't feel like watching the episodes again), it does appear to me now that he is being mean to Rachel mainly to get back at his parents.. or somebody.
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 12:09 PM
I admit I didn't think about it from Rachel's perspective as much, since I can't stand her. But yes, he is hurting her as well. It seems like even though she wasn't in love with him when they got engaged, she's committed to him and to making it work. And she's right to be upset that he's so openly disrespecting her for some interloper (from her perspective).
Your line about him lacking credibility is spot-on. It's a strange dichotomy. On the one hand, Tan possesses so much emotional intelligence when he deals with Eun Sang. He perceives her feelings about the disparity between them, and so builds up to the reveal. On the other hand, he's so tone-deaf about how awful he's being to Rachel, and the larger danger he's bringing upon Eun Sang, ultimately.
Conversely, one of the things I love about Eun Sang is that she knows the score, and lets him know it too. From her line to him at the movies about him not liking her because he's engaged, to her walking past him at the airport -I cheered. She likes him, but she has her principles. This is not someone who will settle for being his mistress.
Required fields are marked *
substratum
October 24, 2013 at 10:07 AM
This is a really good explanation/analysis, and I hope the show itself gives us the same kind of depth when it inevitably tackles this problem! Okay, so my hopes are low, but ...
Required fields are marked *
Lindy
October 24, 2013 at 4:09 PM
I agree he's very rude and disrespectful to Rachel. Any rudeness is inexcusable, to anyone, especially a very young girl who is at least trying to act like his fiancee. And he deserves a good kick in the rear end for doing it. But I don't think he is exactly disrespecting his family. Isn't this engagement part of some kind of nefarious scheme on the part of Rachel's mother and Tan's legal but not actual mother? Something to do with stocks or regaining control of something... I dunno. Help me out here.
And, just as the engagement happened, it can just as easily unhappen. Like if word that Rachel's mother and Chan-young's father are engaged in illicit hanky-panky in semi-public places gets out. Or if knowledge of Tan's illegitimacy becomes public knowledge which I don't think it is yet. As long as the women are getting something out of it, the engagement is on. The moment either one of them stops getting something out of it, the engagement is going to be off. The children are serving the mothers' agenda and it's not exactly the union of two powerful families in arranged matrimony. Which I'm not against, by the way. I live in the most multicultural neighbourhood in a very multicultural city. Several of my teenaged sons' friends will have arranged marriages and they seem to be cool with it.
Tan is very well aware he is being used as a pawn although Rachel seems to be pretty clueless and thinks it's for real. But he's an 18 year old boy (engaged at 17!) who obviously feels he's powerless and without an advocate within his very own family. The scene with his legal mother in the school is pretty revealing. He's both humble and obedient in the face of her authority over him. So he's taking this powerlessness, turning it into cruelty and directing it at his "fiancee", Rachel. Not very nice of him but entirely understandable and not exactly a critique of arranged marriage in general.
Required fields are marked *
Jannie
October 24, 2013 at 6:48 PM
Agree that Kim Tan is being disrespectful. Maybe this is why he is written as an 18 year old, so that he can behave like a spoilt brat and still get away with it, because he's not old enough to know better.
Required fields are marked *
82 m.d.n
October 24, 2013 at 3:34 AM
THE FEELS THE FEELS!! Sigh... I'm really loving it..
Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye's acting are the best!
Required fields are marked *
83 Daebakmusic
October 24, 2013 at 3:39 AM
This is a great drama but i still cant get over how everyone is still in high school. They should have made the drama setting in college, because it make sence then having teen kids.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
October 24, 2013 at 3:42 AM
Yes, that is super annoying for me also. The ages of the actors are really apparent when they get into those group shots with the high school extras.
Required fields are marked *
84 windsun33
October 24, 2013 at 3:40 AM
I had pretty low expectations for this, and so far it is better than I expected. But despite the hundreds of fangurls gushing on the DF site about "best drama ever", it really is not even close to the best. I would rate it so far about 3.8 out of 5.0, with Secret Love being a 4.8.
I see that ratings went up again for Secret, and pretty much stayed flat or dropped for this one for the last episodes. Secret could double the ratings if the trend continues.
This could have been a lot better if they had just skipped some of the worn out clichés and really stupid scenes. And I really don't see any use for half the characters.
Required fields are marked *
Kfeeva
October 24, 2013 at 5:44 AM
Secret Love is awesome. Sooo much emotions, I was hoping dramabeans would recap it because I like their insight into dramas, but oh well, I guess high school is just a stage that everyone's in to and nobody wants to forget.
Does anyone else thinks LMH sweater is like SUPER SWAG, where can I get that. I would pay cheabol prices for that sweater he wore when he first met EC at school.
Required fields are marked *
85 Grace
October 24, 2013 at 3:52 AM
I am loving Lee Min Ho sooooo much in this series. It is so unlike his previous characters in his previous series. First time I've seen him in a sweet, calm and mellow character. And I suuuupppper love it!
Required fields are marked *
86 Grace
October 24, 2013 at 4:01 AM
Also, I don't mind if there is no new "ingredient" or the writer didn't do anything to make this series "different". Loving everything so far. Secret Garden was different (body swapping bit) and I hated it.
Required fields are marked *
valleydale
October 24, 2013 at 4:35 AM
I loved the body swap/magical elements of SG, and thought they were brilliantly and comically portrayed by Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won. I laughed a whole lot more while watching SG than I have so far during Heirs, but I acknowledge that they are meant to be very different dramas. That said, I would like to see more com in this rom/com.
Required fields are marked *
87 valleydale
October 24, 2013 at 4:29 AM
I think it's telling that Kim Tan's father failed to fully fund Eun Sang's education at that elite school. The fact that those outrageously expensive uniforms are required for attendance, and yet ES obviously can't afford even the less expensive version shows a calculated callousness on the part of daddy-dearest. At least in BOF, a uniform was provided along with the scholarship Guem Jan Di was given. And if the uniform is out of reach, certainly the myriad other costs of attendance are out of the question for Eun Sang as well.
It will be interesting to see how ES handles her instant outcast status. I hope she displays at least as much backbone as Jan Di did on BOF.
Required fields are marked *
88 starb
October 24, 2013 at 4:32 AM
Wow, I am officially obsessed with this drama that I could not stop talking about it, so I think I rant it out here... bear with me (at least I'm good looking - Kim Tan)
The thing I like most about the characters in this drama that everyone has more that they appear to have.
CES - A typical Candy but with lots of backbone, she is not easily intimidated with people who can thinks they can bully other just because they have money. How cool is it that both Rachel and Young Do try to interrogated her, but could not make her answered their question, instead they are the one who answered hers. All without being hostile; and those are two of the most wicked characters so far.
KT - A softie and might be a thinker who acts as a bully and lazy boy, I think due to his hope to be accepted by the one he likes. He became lazy because of his brother and became a bully (during middle school) to be accepted by Young Do (this is wild guess, though)
KW - A cold man on the outside but you can see how he changes once he is with the one he loves. He practically changes into a man version of KT; eagerly try to get the girl attention with a necklace instead of an aegyo pose at her SNS page. Blood is thicker than water after all.
LBo Na - I notice that a lot of people annoyed by this character. I actually love her, she may appear to be an annoying - possessive girlfriend, but I feel that everything is an act because she actually adore her boyfriend... and eventhough she treated CES badly, she (kind of) stood up for her during the scene with Rachel in the driving range. Possibility of a sisteromance (this is not exist, isn't it?). Also, Chan Young is bestie with CES and KT loves CES and was LBN ex-BF so I have a feeling that LBN is somewhat similar with CES.
I love love love CY's dad... he is of lower class, but he's not easily intimidated and I think he tries to get the best of everybody within that household. Although KW acts like he hates secretary Yoon, but from the scene at the restaurant I have a feeling the he actually like S. Yoon. Why else would he keep him as secretary.
Because every character seem to have a duality, suspect it also the same with Daddy Kim. I think he turn the 'tough love' button on, although sometimes it's tough it doesn't feel like love anymore. He did all those thinking that he doesn't want to hurt KW but also tries to mend (at his way) KW's heart toward KT; and also he married and dated commoner so I think with his sons in love with commoner is not a problem. But he wants the woman to be somewhat equal with his sons, so the case with him and his 1st wive will not happen to them. That's why he makes sure that all the girls has a good education and become capable, so they can be beside his sons equally. Finger crossed for unconventional chaebol-daddy.
This episode make me realize the theme that the writer wants to brought up (as asked by one of the commentator). It's about DREAM (and horror). With the dreamcatcher, mid-summer midnight dream metaphors. I just realize that both KT and CES dare not to dream. One because being told not to (and doesn't have to because he's rich) and the other because too poor that dream becomes useless. Hopefully in time they are brave enough together to have a dream and actually reaching it.
The silent scenes of Kim Eun Sook are back. One of the strongest scene I liked from Cityhall are the ones without dialogue. It's the power of communicating through the eyes is whats engaging. And I think though not yet the same Heirs tries to do that, hence the staring from Lee Min Ho.
Gaaahh... I can't wait for episode 6.
Required fields are marked *
89 Faye
October 24, 2013 at 4:33 AM
One last thought - this drama brought me to the realization that I have a deeply shallow streak (heh). Look at Rachel and Young-Do. True, Rachel's really bitchy. But she didn't actually do much worse than snark at Eun Sang and take her customs card. And she deserves a certain level of sympathy, at least in the abstract, because her fiance is openly pursuing another woman, even calling after this other woman *while Rachel is in his arms.* Yet I can't stand her, don't care about how she's being hurt, and would be happy to have her off my screen.
Whereas look at Young-Do. He has his buddies beat up a kid for fun, while he watches as if he's kicking back at the movies. He taunts his future stepmother. And yet I find him so compelling (and I don't normally go for bad boys). Why is it that because KWB has some sort of inexplicable, alien-sexy charisma, I want to see more and more of him? My shallowness is the only explanation.
Oh, the shame :).
P.S. Forgot to say, thanks for the great recap! And thanks to all the commenters here. Even if I don't agree with all of you, I think the discussions here are great and really add to my understanding/enjoyment of the show. We should do a Dramabeans book club thread; I'd love to know some of your opinions on the books I read!
Required fields are marked *
Pororo
October 24, 2013 at 7:09 AM
Agreeing with you again on Woo-bin but I also like Rachel, she is really my favorite female character here! I love her bitchy expressions.
Woo-Bin is so weird. I don't really find him attractive in the sense of OMG this guy is so hot and I want to marry him but I am soo drawn to him in everything I have seen him in. He oozes charisma and then I find myself thinking he is so hot and I can't get enough of him, until he is no longer on my screen and I forget about him (until next time, of course!). I am really looking forward to him having more screen time now. As much as I do care too much about tired cliches they are inevitable in school dramas and the bully just has to be there. I am glad that Woo-Bin got the role of the bully and even if he has done it too many times before, his portrayal of versions of essentially the same character always seem fresh.
Required fields are marked *
Pororo
October 24, 2013 at 7:11 AM
don't care*
Required fields are marked *
Faye
October 24, 2013 at 8:45 AM
You're so right re Woo-Bin's appeal. He isn't classically handsome at all. My husband saw a still shot of him when he looked over my shoulder as I was reading the recap, and he said, "That chap's a TV star in Korea? He looks like an insect or a space alien!" And I can sort of see that. But you're right, once he's acting he as some kind of amazing charisma that sucks you in. He has real star quality.
Re "cliches" - in my opinion, it's incredibly rare that any drama or movie, Korean or otherwise, has a truly original plot. I think all dramas/movies follow existing tropes at this point. So I don't mind that. It's how it's executed that makes it good or not.
Required fields are marked *
Pororo
October 24, 2013 at 9:36 AM
You're right, it's up to the writers and actors to make roles interesting/different despite them not being groundbreaking. It's just that some are so the same version that has been done a million times before that I can't help but roll my eyes . But I don't really mind them when they come with good acting/writing/directing. If I did then I would not be watching K-drama anyways! I'm a sucker :D.
Required fields are marked *
90 fairouzmm
October 24, 2013 at 4:42 AM
it would be very disappointing if the drama goes only for the love triangle or high school rivalry, with all those other characters and stars and potential stories. They r more interesting and deep. maybe not as much fun, but still.
Required fields are marked *
LoveIt
October 24, 2013 at 2:23 PM
I am the least interested in the love triangle, and high school stuff. Sigh
Required fields are marked *
91 Jillian
October 24, 2013 at 4:45 AM
What is the name of the song when Kim Tan snatched away Eun-Sang's phone at the cafe? I've been looking so hard for that song since the previous episodes.
Required fields are marked *
92 fairouzmm
October 24, 2013 at 4:46 AM
one last thing, my favorite scene aside from the last one before Eun-Sung's entrance, is the garden light scene :)
Required fields are marked *
93 Kadesha
October 24, 2013 at 5:02 AM
I luv the way kim tan is being potrayed by minho..I see the similarities with BOF but thankGod ES's character aint Jandi-ish.Too many characters tho,find it hard to take in all the names :)..Thankx for the recap
Required fields are marked *
94 Natalie
October 24, 2013 at 5:17 AM
At least in Boys Over Flowers they gave her a uniform....sheesh!
Required fields are marked *
95 super
October 24, 2013 at 6:11 AM
any thoughts on the reason for tan and young-do's falling out?
my two-bits is it's over Rachel's engagement to tan, who young-do may have also liked somewhat in the past. tan did say she was impressive with her multi-lingual abilities and all.
Required fields are marked *
96 sweetspring
October 24, 2013 at 7:02 AM
agree with less of the parental focus, did not expect drama's 1st kiss to be between a single father & a engaged mom. I want some Min Ho(tness) smooches so I can imagine the girl is me!!! is that so much to ask Drama?!?! pronto!!!
Also I'm hopelessly addicted to this drama & reading jb or gf comments, so freaking fun!
Required fields are marked *
97 mini
October 24, 2013 at 7:26 AM
Is LMH advising make up and lip sticks ?I am not watching show though.but his pinkish lips make me want to buy another one for myself.
Required fields are marked *
98 Kainoa
October 24, 2013 at 7:37 AM
I'm hooked. Maybe it's because the storyline is humming along smoothly and at a nice pace. The two leads are likable and reveals aren't painfully drawn out.
Case in point, when Tan decides to reveal himself as the "second son" to Eun Sang. It was beautiful, yet not over the top, like it could've turned out. I also like the fact that despite Tan being a chaebol, he seems much more multi-dimensional than other iterations in past dramas. He doesn't seem all that concerned about falling in step with the social mores of the elite... yet. He has a fiancee, who he contacts out of obligation, but doesn't manipulate her. She knows how he feels, despite her wanting more. He likes a girl who's a maid in his house, and he might've thought about the social implications of what that meant for a hot minute, but he still likes her. No brooding, no lamenting. The whole thing could've dragged on for 3 episodes in other shows. Maybe it's because the storyline started with him in the U.S for 3 years, which neutralized and perhaps relaxed his "chaebol-ness". I like it.
The other pairing that always has me in tears is Eun Sang's interactions with her mother. In fact, I just see the mother in a scene and my tear ducts are cued for waterworks.
Required fields are marked *
99 mclaw3
October 24, 2013 at 7:43 AM
This episode should have been titled: "Power lies with the one who knows how to use it"! And in this episode, the power definitely lied with the Yoon men. First, we have Secretary Yoon. He's the only person on the show that has some kind of relationship with both Won and Tan. He also appears to have Chairman Kim's trust, and pretty much knows everything that is going on in with Seguk Group. He has a LOT of power, even Won realizes this when he tries to warn douchebag-daddy about why Secretary Yoon is so confident and can hurt you. How powerful is it for Young-Do's father to sit there and judge him in all of his self-righteousness, while Secretary Yoon is literally around the corner kissing his fiancee' like his life depended on it. Next, is Chan-Young. I LOVE that Tan sought out Eun Sang to get Chan-Young's number, so that he could ask for Eun Sang's number. They aren't even friends and already he's seeking Chan Young out re: ES. I imagine that Chan Young will also be sought out by Young Do at some point too. Like his father, he has a rich girl who's heart flutters for him in Bo-Na, and Chan Young seems to be the key element in between all of these protagonists.
SCANDAL ALERT: I think there is more than meets the eye with Secretary Yoon and Rachel's mother. What if: Rachel's father is really Secretary Yoon? And she and Chan-Young are half siblings? How convenient, Rachel doesn't have a father, Chan doesn't have a mother. Hmmm....
Required fields are marked *
100 tura
October 24, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Love this episode. I love when KT asks for CY's no from ES all for the sake of asking for her no. And posting a pix of himself with dat caption is so cute and true. Also the TanDo confrontation was epic and I feel real sad its over. Its going to be a long day *sighs*
Required fields are marked *