Heirs: Episode 9

441 November 6, 2013January 24, 2016

by javabeans

There’s a whole lotta fighting in this episode, without the makeup smoochies to make it worth all the bruising and angst. And most of that has to do with this guy right here—and yunno, I get why Young-do is arguably the most dynamic character in the bunch and therefore the most interesting, in that he is wild and unpredictable and played by an actor with charisma.

On the other hand, there are many things in this world that I find fascinating that I don’t necessarily like, respect, or care to have anywhere near me. Serial killers, for instance, or the bubonic plague. Interesting does not equate to sympathetic, and in that regard I find much of this drama’s central conflict hard to swallow, since I just don’t get it; I’m half-convinced Young-do is descended from cavemen, or maybe aliens. Although, Cavemen Alien Idols—now there’s a show I’d watch.

SONG OF THE DAY

Thomas Cook – “청춘” (Youth). If you’re thinking this voice is familiar, it’s because Jung Soon-yong was previously part of the band My Aunt Mary, which is a band I’ve missed.
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EPISODE 9 RECAP

After Young-do’s cafeteria terrorizing, Tan finds Eun-sang crying on the roof and stops her from answering Young-do’s call by moving in for a kiss. I do dearly wish their first kiss were more about wanting to kiss than, say, staking a claim over your rival, but I think I have to give up hopes of that drama ever happening in this world.

Tan has grabbed her by the wrist, and the phone (which has accepted the call) falls out of her grasp. Gah, I hate that subtext So Damn Much, that he has subdued the girl’s protests with his manly romantic aggressiveness. This writer.

Tan breaks the kiss and warns her not to answer calls from Young-do, or he’ll go crazy and also kill Young-do: “I have no middle ground.” Is that supposed to be romantic? That’s an honest question. I feel like I’m in alienromanceland and need an interpreter.

Eun-sang hurries away, missing more of Young-do’s incoming calls, though he sees her on her way down and grabs her by the wrist. She flings his hand off angrily, and gratifyingly he looks a bit stunned at that (as though tripping her and smearing her with lunch earned him a better response?).

Myung-soo wonders at Young-do’s behavior, pointing out that he never bullied girls before. Nice to know you had boundaries. Young-do says that this time was different—he tripped Eun-sang “because I wanted to know how I would feel if I did that.” Biggest facepalm in the history of the world, insert here. Myung-soo tells him that if he’s interested he ought to confess rather than bully.

Bo-na finds Eun-sang washing her soiled jacket in the bathroom and shoves a change of clothes at her. Aw, I love how she’s grudgingly coming around, even though she says grumpily that she’s only doing it because of Chan-young. Or maybe it’s because she’s so reluctant to care that makes it all the more endearing.

Tan spots Young-do in the lobby and charges at him, which erupts into a full-fledged fight. A crowd gathers in no time and Rachel guesses at the cause, which explains (I guess) why she finds Eun-sang in the bathroom and yanks on her hair. Oy. When did this turn into a Neanderthals: A Love Story?

Eun-sang and Bo-na hear about the fight and run to the scene, which has been interrupted by students pulling the boys apart. Into the mix comes Madam/Director Jung, who’s all, “You two again?”

She calls them in for an explanation and gets none, the boys as tight-lipped as ever. But this time won’t get glossed over with a lecture, and she states that they’ll investigate footage to see exactly who started it, and states that she won’t have them putting a stain on her workplace—they get to graduate and leave, but this is her career.

Young-do pokes at Tan’s sore spot on their way out, taunting that his mother worried about her career more than his safety, saying that it must because she’s not his biological mother. God, can you shut it with the mom barbs? It’s one thing to be a charming smartass, but now he’s turning into a one-trick bully. Young-do smirks, “Aren’t you all wound up to know when and how I’ll use the ‘Kim Tan is Jeguk Group’s Illegitimate Son’ card?”

Tan is unfazed: “You can’t use that card. Without it, you’re nothing, and you can’t do anything to me.” Boo-urns.

Eun-sang worries with Chan-young, thinking that she’s been marked as the new bullying target (it hasn’t even occurred to her that Young-do’s interest may lie elsewhere). Chan-young promises to fight on her side, but worries about something worse than her status being revealed: Tan liking her. That would open her up to even more abuse.

He explains that the school is full of kids who’d dearly love to see Tan fall, but aren’t able to go after him directly—so if they found out he likes Eun-sang, they’d go after her as punishment by proxy. That’s how he interprets Young-do’s attacks on her, in fact.

Tan waits outside the front gate for Eun-sang, first putting on his teasing face to pout about his injuries. He doesn’t get much of a reaction and switches to his serious face, getting upset when she tries to brush aside his attempt to talk.

Big Bro interrupts with his arrival, and Eun-sang quickly heads inside. Tan tries to talk to him about moving back home, but Won counters, “Then do you want to be the one moving to a hotel?” Tan insists he doesn’t want to take anything away from his hyung, but Won replies that Jeguk Group decides Tan’s feelings for him, and therefore Tan’s very existence is a thorn in his side: “That’s what being an illegitimate son is.”

Tan rattles off a warning text to Eun-sang telling her to stay away from the wine cellar tonight, to avoid a run-in with Won. Cut to: the wine cellar, said run-in already in progress.

Eun-sang cowers nervously, but Won is polite as he makes small talk and says it was nice seeing her again. Won grabs some wine and heads to his hotel, where Hyun-joo waits for him. He’s waylaid in the lobby by Rachel, however, and he invites her for a cup of tea, leaving Hyun-joo unseen and deflated.

Rachel comments on Tan’s bruised face, saying that he fought over a girl, and Won has a pretty good idea of who that girl is. It’s too bad a Won-Rachel pairing seems unlikely (not merely because of the age gap but because of Hyun-joo’s presence), because I think these two are at their best when they’re together. They’re even able to make wry comments about their own weak spots, which you’d never see them admit to other people.

And so, our main love triangle spends the night in meaningful flashbacks and broody stares. Young-do looks particularly mopey, but I’m a bit confused as to why I should feel sorry for him, and so I don’t. Moving along.

Tan gets up extra early the next morning to take Eun-sang to school, waiting for well over an hour before realizing that she left even earlier just to avoid him.

She’s absent from school, and Tan and Young-do take turns casting dark looks at her empty seat in class. That goes noticed by Rachel and Chan-young— it’s a veritable stare-o-go-round. You practically expect that chair to burst into flames from all the concentrated attention it’s getting. The second the bell rings, Tan bolts from class to go in search of her.

She’s spent the day wandering the city streets in a funk, killing time. The school calls her mother to ask about her absence, and as Mom cannot speak, the caller hangs up. Still, she mutters enough about Eun-sang’s truancy to give Mom the general idea.

Tan calls Chan-young for ideas on where to find Eun-sang, and gets directed to a certain free movie theater where she sometimes goes. Sure enough, Tan finds her sitting in the audience, and watches her throughout the screening.

He follows her out, keeping his distance until she stops in front of a storefront to look at the dreamcatchers in the window. He then takes her by the hand (thank you) and pulls her along, informing her that he won’t let go even if she tells him that she’s causing his life more damage. I’d argue that the reverse is more true, but in any case he keeps his grip firm and says, “I’ll keep going like this, and if I do, you’ll still be there at the end of the road, won’t you?”

But she says no, pulling her hand from him in a meaningful slo-mo edit, telling him that she will have long run away. He vows to find her anyway, but she urges him not to because she’ll have nowhere to retreat. In frustration, Tan asks what he’s supposed to do when he likes her this much, and she actually admits to liking him back—it’s a bit of a surprise to be dropped with such little fanfare, but I like it better for the way that her delivery emphasizes that her feelings aren’t the point. Liking each other doesn’t solve anything.

She points out that nobody knows about his family background, reminding him, “You can’t protect me. Worry about protecting yourself.”

That lands with him, and Tan takes that in for a long, hard second… and then turns and walks away. What? Way to give up, bro.

Young-do uses Eun-sang’s visa information to track down her old address, which confirms that she’s no rich kid. I suppose you could argue that she moved out of the place after a recent windfall made her rich, but this is enough to confirm his hunch.

Hyo-shin gets a new tutor after Hyun-joo quits. Hyo-shin ignores his new tutor and sends Hyun-joo a product-placement-laden message asking how she could quit without saying goodbye. She replies about sending over materials, and he sighs that he’ll always be a student in her eyes. Well, yes, have you seen Won?

Hyun-joo takes another meeting with Manager Yoon, and now we find out the reason for their regular contact: She’s been offered a position with Jeguk Group. She understands that if she were to take it, this would be publicized in the news, and she’d be touted as a successful case of a Jeguk-sponsored plebeian making good on their investment. And that, essentially, keeps her as Jeguk’s puppet.

Hearing Hyun-joo’s take on it makes Manager Yoon wonder anew at whether it’s such a good thing for his son to be going to Jeguk High as one of those charity cases. Or Eun-sang. He’d sent Chan-young there thinking to take advantage of its resources and connections, but now he’s not sure.

Eun-sang gets harassed at the cafe by a couple of rich high school kids who pressure her for her number. She warns them that she’ll call the cops if they don’t back off, but before anybody can challenge the threat, Young-do shows up to kick over the prats. He recognizes them from middle school, and they know enough about him to skedaddle on sight.

Young-do’s feeling cocky for playing the white knight, though Eun-sang is far from keeling over in gratitude. He sniffs that if she’s going to be bullied, she should be bullied by HIM, not those wimps, which… there’s so much wrong with that statement I can’t even. I have lost the ability to even, where Young-do’s concerned.

Eun-sang snaps that he’s way worse than they are, and asks why he’s made her his next bullying target. He tells her he saw her old house and starts to threaten her with that info, but she cuts him off to say that yeah, she’s a charity case, so what? Is he going to chase her away too?

To her great shock, he says frankly that he likes her. Well then.

At home, Tan resorts to scanning the house’s CCTV screens for sign of Eun-sang (secret surveillance is romantic, not creepy! Said no one ever). He finds her sitting outside the house and starts to go after her, but refrains when he sees her mother joining her there.

Mom understands that Eun-sang is going through hard times at school, which is why she doesn’t rip into her for playing hooky. Eun-sang is touched at Mom’s consideration and assures her that her tough spell was only temporary, and that she’ll be back at school tomorrow.

The next day, Eun-sang ignores the stares and gossip as she returns to school, and when she and Tan run into each other in the hallway, they make a pointed effort to pass in silence, as though they’re strangers.

Rachel corners her wearing her usual bitchface to sneer that she thought Eun-sang was quitting. She states that she and Tan are engaged, which in their world means that their respective companies have made a deal to join assets, and it’s Eun-sang who has wriggled her way in the middle of a massive business deal. Therefore Rachel feels justified in demanding, “Who the hell are you?” Eun-sang merely tells her she’ll know soon enough, since Young-do knows the truth.

Mom gets another call about the parent-teacher meeting, and looks to Madam Han with pleading eyes. So Madam Han answers the phone for her and lets the PTA chair assume she’s Eun-sang’s mother, though she barely gets in a word before essentially being ordered to show up to the PTA meeting.

Madam Han huffs at the rudeness, then decides maybe she’ll go to the meeting after all, screw the rules (which basically keep her housebound so that the outside world doesn’t know she’s the mistress). Mom scrawls a warning that “You’ll get found out as concubine” before scribbling out the offending word concubine—ha, how can you put your foot in your mouth when you’re writing?

But Madam Han says coyly, “Who said I’d go as Tan’s mother?” Hahaha. Okay, this is a pretty great turn.

So Madam Han arrives at school in all her finery and hauteur, and the room full of wealthy matrons puzzles over the new face. She announces herself as Eun-sang’s mother, and if anything, this is the absolute perfect woman to play up Eun-sang’s image as nouveau riche, without even having planned it. (Elegant clothes with just a hint of gauche, the slightest ditz tone to her voice…) Talk about serendipity.

The mothers discuss an upcoming leadership camp for the students, and parents are thanked for their generous sponsorship. With Rachel’s mother and Young-do’s father earning all the praise, Madam Han charges forward and volunteers to handle the leftover slots—all of them.

Then she hears that Director Jung is on her way in and has a mild moment of panic, haha. Director Jung narrows her eyes to see La Concubine at the table, but plays along with her ruse as Eun-sang’s mother. Madam Han gets caught up praising Tan to the skies, which is hilarious given how inappropriate her familiarity sounds to everyone’s ears. She lies that she heard about Tan from Eun-sang, who gushes about him, and how she’d want him for a son-in-law if she had a daughter. Director Jung: “You do have a daughter.” Ha, I had a feeling her brainpower wasn’t quite up to the demands of such an elaborate lie.

Director Jung follows Madam Han to the bathroom to rip into her for this stunt, warning her to use her mothering energy on her son so that he doesn’t fight all the time. Madam Han sniffs that boys will be boys, not that the childless Director Jung would know. She also takes a jab at that shrewish-looking woman among the group (Rachel’s mother), only to be told that that’s her future in-law.

The threat of endangering Tan’s engagement, at least, has Madam Han deflating. But she’s already made an impression on the other mothers, who get on the phone to find out about Eun-sang’s family.

In class, Eun-sang is pestered by some girls to prove her rich status, either with a parent’s or company name. Tan tries to ignore the conversation, but it’s Young-do who beats him to the punch by telling the lead harasser to back off.

It’s enough to stop the questioning for now, and then Myung-soo comes bursting in with news of the PTA meeting. He crows that Eun-sang’s mother showed up in the best clothes, the best car, and bowled over the whole meeting. Plus, she offered to pay for practically everything on the class trip.

Eun-sang and Tan are stunned, Young-do is confused, and Rachel bristles to be proven wrong. After school, she pumps her mother for information and hears that Eun-sang’s mother was carrying an exclusive handbag that even Rachel’s mother hadn’t been able to buy.

Bo-na puzzles over the gossip, knowing it to be impossible, while her friend is mortified at being told off by Young-do. (I’m thinking crush.)

Tan and Young-do get stuck with clean-up duty as punishment, and they both try to pawn off the task on each other. Young-do goes in for his favorite cheap shot (“Why, you wanna go home to your birth mommy?”), and Tan fires back with one of his own (“Was your mother at the PTA meeting? Oh right. She ran away”). Young-do chafes at that, but Tan reminds him that it was Young-do who started things, both then and now.

Madam Han is positively chipper about her trip to the PTA meeting, though Tan scolds her for it. A bit tearfully, says she was just curious—she wanted to know what his friends’ families were like, and what school parents do. Tan relents and asks his mother to cut her drinking, and she agrees.

A surprise visitor drops by, catching Tan off-guard: Young-do strolls in with a gleam in his eye and pointedly asks where his mother is (the school director) so he can say hello. Madam Han tries to make a discreet exit, and Young-do stops her to ask for a glass of water, treating her like the maid. Aw, and poor Madam Han bows her head and agrees. That’s really sad.

Tan stops her, though, calling her “Mom” openly and introducing her directly to Young-do. Even she knows this is against the rules and protests, but Tan doesn’t wilt and orders Young-do out for a chat.

Outside, Tan says that Young-do has proven himself to be a bastard beyond all expectation, and says he’s barking up the wrong tree if he’s doing all this just to see Tan kneeling at his feet. And then, Young-do gets distracted with a wholly unexpected sight: Eun-sang, marching up the walk, distracted (as ever) with her phone.

By the time they all realize what’s going on, it’s too late. “Jackpot,” Young-do smiles.

COMMENTS

God, Young-do. He’s really ruining the show for me, which was definitely not one of my concerns when I heard Kim Woo-bin was cast as the rival. My problem isn’t that he’s a violent asshole, because though those are undesirable traits, admittedly you can make that kind of character sympathetic with the right set of circumstances. My problem is that I have no idea what the hell is driving Young-do, and therefore his actions seem to be not the rebellion of tortured youth, or the misguided actions of a boy seeking love. Instead, I see a loose cannon who likes stirring the pot for the sake of his own amusement, and who delights in others’ pain, most of all when he’s the cause.

Let’s say Young-do isn’t that guy, which would frankly make my day because that guy would be a sociopath. Let’s say he really is misunderstood, and that there’s a decent human being underneath the psycho suit, and we’re just waiting for that vulnerable layer to peek out (and with real, fleshed-out reasons that amount to more than “Kim Woo-bin stares really well”).

Well, in that case the writing has failed you mightily, because I don’t get you, Young-do. What do you want? Attention? A hug? A cookie?

Tan was also a puzzler this episode, in that he was literally vowing to hold onto Eun-sang forevah and hunt her down if she left, and then she reminds him about his parentage issue (which he’s known about his whole life), and he’s all, “Oh. Right. Backing away now.” What the heck, Tan? I get that you’re weak, I get that you’re a puppet to your father and his corporation, and I even get that that is part of your appeal as a hero (with a trajectory away from those things, that is). And I am certainly willing to understand that he is choosing to disengage from life as a defense mechanism.

It’s just that I thought the point of the show would be to move him away from that and allow him to find himself. I think at halfway through a run, it is not asking for too much to have your characters grow, or even look like they may be pointing in the direction of future growth. But I don’t get that from any character in the whole show, and that is frustrating.

I did, however, love Madam Han impersonating Eun-sang, and for that scene alone I found this episode enjoyable. (Only just.) I hope this is more than a one-off joke, because Madam Han is one of the best characters around and by nature of her place in the story she has been cut off from the rest of the cast. With this excuse to insert herself into the mix, there might be room for a lot more fun.

441

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1 nova611

November 6, 2013 at 8:11 PM

slowly
just slowly
getting interesting...

very SLOW

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benny

November 6, 2013 at 8:39 PM

i feel bad for Choi Jin Hyuk and other supporting cast, they were underused in this drama.

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kookicookie

November 6, 2013 at 10:10 PM

I just don't get this drama yet. Like, who exactly are we supposed to be rooting for and why? I feel like the writers are setting up an elaborate back story for the main "in the future years"(if that makes sense). Maybe we're getting the hormonal adolescent stage for a greater set-up of the characters as the twenty year old adults we know these actors really are. And it BUGS me to NO end, to see Lee Min Ho in these type cast roles. Like COME ON! The guy has obvious star qualities, but no one has tapped into those great acting skills because of popular fluff like this.
Heirs for me right now is the alternative to Secret, because no one likes to end their days in angst.
Secret, (aka Secret Love) by the way, is an AMAZING drama which I think should be recapped by dramabeans, but hey that's my little ol' opinion. ;3

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Sabrina Lim

November 6, 2013 at 10:25 PM

same sentiments here. already this is the 9th ep, and i seriously dunno what the show is trying to even tell me. other than the rich and famous have got nothing better to do than boss people around.
so..i get it that young-do and kim tan likes eun-sang...and then? so wat?
it's a situation where you have so many good ingredients all dumped in (read: the stellar cast), but you juz ruin the whole pot of soup.

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Patch

November 7, 2013 at 12:19 AM

Slow and I have no idea what this show's about beyond the usual chaebal/candy basics.

This episode feel like it should have happened weeks ago like the week after they started school. YD and KT come to blows, creating new reasons for the continued rivalry. ES takes a day out to get her head together and goes back to school with a no BS attitude but it's quickly challenged by the growing doubt in her new money status.

Mdm Han pretending to be ES mother has so much potential but I doubt KES is going to capitalise on it.

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Rainbow

November 7, 2013 at 3:40 AM

Couldn't agree more, i was so excited to watch Heirs before the drama started, only to end up with disappointment after every episode, and yes, totally agree with you that Secret should be recapped here as well, but I believe dramabeans must have their own reason on not to do so.

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Heartzeal

November 7, 2013 at 8:47 AM

I skipped watched 1st episode for like 10 mins and never looked back to this show ever again. I think I was right in thinking even before the show started that this drama is going to suck given the writer's history. At least Secret Garden had Ha JI Won and Hyun Bin to save it from complete wreck. This train wreck can't be saved by LMH and PSH.

Plus, just from glancing at the recap and everyone's opinion it feels like Boys over part flower II with 2nd lead who acts like an Ass that no women would even chose even with Kim Woo Bin's face.

bd

November 7, 2013 at 11:46 AM

Not surprised at all considering the writer's limp and cliche/stereotype-filled writing in "Secret Garden."

This writer doesn't know how to write a good plot, much less good/fun dialogue.

And to think this writer won awards for SG (shows how popularity and star power of its leads goes a long, long way).

nomad

November 7, 2013 at 4:20 AM

I give up. After 8 hours of my life (and more from reading recaps), I'm dropping this. If you continue recapping, GF and JB, I'll continue reading them...cause it's obvious I'm even more of your fan than I am of any of these beautiful actors and actresses.

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Kris

November 7, 2013 at 8:23 AM

My sentiments exactly! Especially about Secret. I would have really appreciated if DB had recapped that show. But with two episodes left, I'll just participate in the Open Chat forum where Secret is discussed thoroughly.

I'm thinking of taking a break from watching Heirs until it's complete. Just isn't the same anticipation as, say, Reply/Answer Me 1994. Now THAT is my crack show of the moment.

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shiva

November 7, 2013 at 3:07 PM

I'm sorry, but how can you like Secret? This drama is SO SO horrible and sexist! I like melodramas and I started to watch this one looking for the angst and the romance, even if I hated all the characters. But now its impossible for me to watch.
Both the male leads are abusive. They embarrass the female protagonist, humiliate her, abuse her. I can't even. Is this the kind of man I'm supposed to admire?
And she suffers SO.MUCH. She gets dragged around by her wrist all the drama. She's so passive and submissive. I was horrified by their rape kiss, this scene was supposed to be romantic?

I watched some episodes on viki and I felt like an alien. Lots of people saying how romantic the playboy hero was and I "WTF he's an abusive piece of shit". I'm sorry javabeans, this is off topic, but this drama is bugging me so much I had to say something.

Ashablue

November 7, 2013 at 6:13 PM

I totally agree. I feel like Kim Woo Bin is the only one with the interesting story and acting although the writing for the drama sucks. Like where are they going with this? I feel like they are trying to bring the Gossip Girl scenarios in a kdrama world, but its not working out so well

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ajewell

November 8, 2013 at 6:22 AM

Secret? Wait, are we watching the same show?

Because if they recapped that drama, they'd be constantly stabbing themselves in the eye with a spork. Remember all the wrist-grabbing, near-strangling, and abuse the main girl constantly endures?!?! And how all the males in that show are chauvinistic, violent, sociopaths?! And don't even get me started on character growth . . . there is none! Heirs may be awful, but come on now, so is Secret. I'm only still watching out of morbid curiosity - how much abuse can one girl take before she finally snaps and yells, "I wasn't driving the goddamn car!"

(I'm guessing she'll die first.)

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xoxoxq

November 7, 2013 at 2:41 AM

Especially Kang Ha Neul! The poor boy doesn't seem to even have friends (is he the only senior in the school???) and his loveline isn't even really a loveline.

Sadness!! I loved him in Monstar!

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isnin

November 7, 2013 at 5:42 AM

Kang Ha Neul so far seems like a mere observer. He did have a pretty hot moment with Hyun Joo when he leaned over within kissing range to tell her she smelled like ramen. WOOF! There was some simmer in his HOTness.....

So far, Kim Won comes across as a petulant, possessive man-child. Sulking when things/people get in his way, glowering when he thinks another man might be encroaching on his "territory". A puppet to Daddy's purse strings with rebellions that are ineffectual.

I think Woo Bin is acting the hell out of this role and my love of him is distracting me from how awful the character of Young Do is (as written). Even with the misogynistic, abusive, psychotic character he manages to spark a chemistry with Eun Sang. So far Lee Min Ho as Kim Tan has NOT been able to surpass 2nd lead in my opinion.

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Eileen

November 7, 2013 at 8:05 AM

Won is so annoying. His script for the whole 9 episodes can't be more than 1 page long. He has the same lines over and over.

While I agree that WB is acting the hell out of this role I think LMH could have done just as well playing YD. Furthermore, Woo-Bin can stare just as well as LMH and he could probably had played Tan in the same fashion as LMH. My problem is not with the acting but with the writing of these characters. The character of Kim Tan is so bland and it is nothing against LMH's acting, except maybe that both of the main male leads look too old to be in high school, LMH even more than WB.

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adette

November 7, 2013 at 9:55 AM

yeah, my biggest problem with this show is the writing. i haaaate the writing. all the characters are written terribly. half the characters don't matter as much as they could, the other half isn't as sympathetic as they could be, and i don't think that most of the "romantic" moments are actually romantic. but i like the actors, and i like the directing... i don't have problems with the world, i just wish someone else were writing these characters.

okay

November 7, 2013 at 1:24 PM

I totally agree with your statement. Choi Jin Hyuk, Kang Ha Neul, etc... they are all being underused. All the great acting potential being lost is disappointing and frustrating.

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benny

November 6, 2013 at 8:42 PM

i think the slow pace is one of the reason why some of the supporting cast were underused especially Choi Jin Hyuk, Im Joo Eun and Kang Ha Neul

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ilikemangos

November 6, 2013 at 9:09 PM

heirs got a whole lot more interesting (for me) when the fighting started.

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windsun33

November 6, 2013 at 11:04 PM

I only skimmed most of the last 3 episodes (like 5-10 min each), but I thought the fight was kind of stupid. Yah, I know they are both playing Mr Macho Man, but there is no background on anyone, so there is no context for the fight. Aside from one being a psycho and one being an ex-psycho, I just don't see any motivation or reason for most of what these characters are doing.

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Kae

November 7, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Me too. Although the fight was kinda pointless, I mean they fought but what was gained from that fight besides cuts and bruises? What was Tan trying to achieve? He didn't really get anywhere with YD. Nothing changed... threat of 'you're a mistress' bastard' still in the air and ES still not safe from YD's antics.

If KT was going to make a point about 'No bullying Eun-Sang' it would have been better served if the fight happened right after the tripping not after walking away, kissing, phonecall (btw hw long does it take to get down the stairs from the roof? ES was down in no time at all but KT was still up there despite YD's 'threatening' phonecall about seeing ES. If he's this really Big Bad Bully then isn't KT worried enough to rush down said stairs to get to ES?)

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Sunflowery

November 6, 2013 at 10:41 PM

I hope it gets interesting. I swear if I hear "love is my pain" one more time... Show, YOU are a pain.

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plumwine

November 6, 2013 at 11:23 PM

x 100000000000000000000000000 on that song! I cant take it anymore.

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annie

November 7, 2013 at 12:14 AM

I feel like the director is using the OST as a substitute for the non-existent/very slow plot movement.

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Patch

November 7, 2013 at 12:22 AM

For me a good OST is one I don't notice that much. It's one that enhances a scene, not something that makes me go "OH god this song again."

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Laora

November 7, 2013 at 4:06 AM

Yeah they realllly need to do something about the OST >><< and that metal music that plays whenever Tan and YD meet?? Could it GET any worse?? Hahahaha.

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bobcut

November 7, 2013 at 7:02 PM

yes the songs SUCKS!!

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Waiting

November 7, 2013 at 6:14 AM

Yes! This song is SO overused and it feels like its purpose is to force us to feel something for the characters.

Honesty, it is grating on my nerves and fast approaching "Almost Paradise" levels...(You know, the insanely overused song from BOF)

There, I said it and now I feel better. lol

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dottydot

November 7, 2013 at 9:07 AM

OMG I LOLed so hard at your comment!

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adette

November 7, 2013 at 9:58 AM

i agree a thousand percent. i actually like the OST songs, but i still wish they'd tone it down and use them much less frequently...

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poorprincess

November 7, 2013 at 1:19 AM

(1) eun sang saw kim tan and kim won talking in the orchard in america. kim tan said that he is his brother. eun sang met kim won in the family house in korea and was told that he is the first son. eun sang is supposedly smart... so WHY did eun sang did not figure out that kim tan is the second son again?

(2) bo na and eun sang were talking in the bathroom, ye seul walked in and announced that kim tan and young do were fighting each other in the hallway. info does not register. rachel walks in, grabs eun sang's hair then announces the same thing - kim tan and young do were fighting each other in the hallway. bo na and eun sang suddenly reacts. it is the same info, WHY not react when one person say it but then react when another person say it? is there really a purpose for rachel grabbing eun sang's hair then? because it seems there is not any need for that.

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Didee

November 7, 2013 at 3:43 AM

You just did something unforgetable for Heirs. Trying to find any logic in heirs = punishment
BTW very good point :-))

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Sana96

November 7, 2013 at 4:23 AM

I'll try not to be rude here, but:
1.) Won's back-ish side was facing Eun-sang. She did not see him clearly at all at that distance. Hence, she couldn't have figured out that that person was Won.
2.) The girl who came first never finished her sentence- Rachel grabbed Eun-sang's hair first. Bo-na even said "Tan and Young-do what?" in the background.
Honestly, I'd kinda appreciate it if you watched the drama so that stuff like there's no logic wouldn't arise. Because, it made me- a person enjoying Heirs- kinda upset.

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poorprincess

November 7, 2013 at 5:14 AM

1 first of all, kim tan and kim won were walking straight to eun sang before they stopped around 2 meters away from her to talk. eun sang was facing both of them directly - close enough to see both of their faces, and had enough time to do so... the conversation took long enough.

2 second of all, ye seul said enough about kim tan and young do fighting in the hallway. and question still stands, if the purpose of both ye seul and rachel is just to inform bo na and eun sang about the fight - then what is the purpose of rachel grabbing eun sang's hair? is that action really necessary?

good of you to say that if one is watching heirs then "stuff like there's no logic wouldn't arise" though... does that mean anyone criticizing heirs - writing, story/plot, phasing, actors/actresses, characters, use of music, etc - are what? watching an entirely different drama?! *rolls eyes*

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Sana96

November 7, 2013 at 6:34 AM

1.) I just watched that scene again wondering if I'd made a mistake but nope, it was Won's back-ish side facing Eun-sang, she never saw his face. (When they were walking his face was covered by the leaves too.) I thought of the same thing too the other day; that's why I went back to check.
2.) Rachel was upset because she thought Tan and Young-do fought over Eun-sang and took it out on Eun-sang by pulling her hair. She's been like that the whole show- being very annoying.
Also, no I didn't mean that. I meant that these two things did have logic so they didn't need to be said as illogical. Heck, I didn't like last weeks stupid kiss at the end. It's fine to criticize, but not say that a plot point is illogical when it's not. That's what I meant. I've been seeing a lot of criticism for this drama, some I agree with others not. That's all. Sorry if this came off as very rude to you. ^^

okay

November 7, 2013 at 1:27 PM

It's K-drama, is there any need to explain more?

correctingyou101

November 7, 2013 at 9:09 PM

at episode 3, around 48 minutes in, kim won and kim tan are walking towards eun sang. later at the bar/hotel, kim tan told eun sang that that guy was his brother. just, fyi

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sash12

November 7, 2013 at 6:59 AM

Maybe I am missing something here but I do not get your point.
I'm assuming you mean the 2nd son of Jeguk (Empire) Group? So, what if Eun San Saw kim and Tan talking (in the orchard) she did not know that the brother was the first son of Jeguk (Empire) Group so how would she know he is the 2nd?
that scene just says to me that Tan has an older brother and things are not good between them...

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adette

November 7, 2013 at 10:03 AM

korean and english sentence structure are different, so maybe it was translated differently... but all ye-seul managed to get out was "kim tan and choi young-do in the hallway just" she didn't get to the part about them fighting, because she was cut-off. and since she didn't finish her sentence, bo-na even asks "kim tan and choi young-do what?" because she kind of just left them hanging. so mostly their non-reaction to ye-seul is a result of the non-information she gave them.

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skelly

November 7, 2013 at 8:59 AM

Very slow, and way too much staring, and lingering on stares, and filming stares from ten different angles, and quite possibly:

WORST KDRAMA KISS EVAR

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kookicookie

November 7, 2013 at 12:15 PM

We need an open thread dedicated to why kdrama kisses are 50/50. Why do you either get two planks touching or an actual kiss. I get that some moments dictate less passion than others, but throw us a bone!!! Please!!!

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charlie

November 7, 2013 at 9:10 PM

this drama is a disappointment...the writing is disappointing...she has the HOT lee min ho and the charismatic kim woo bin and the gorgeous choi jin hyuk in her drama and THIS IS ALL SHE COULD COME UP WITH?!?

sad, sigh, tears TT

i will still watch it for the above actors and hope that it gets better, but what a waste of their time and ours...all of the actors in this drama deserve a better drama

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naddy

November 9, 2013 at 11:53 PM

yep. at first this story runs smooth without some kind of repetition of same scenes like other dramas. turns out this story like the others.

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2 Hee

November 6, 2013 at 8:12 PM

Even though this show is so slow, I am really getting addicted to it!! Especially to Young-do....i love bad boys!

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3 Ivoire

November 6, 2013 at 8:12 PM

I really loved this ep., and I will start by asking my questions:

1—It was interesting to me the looks YD had when ES pushed his hand in the hallway, and when he was at Mango Six. I was a little surprised to see YD look hurt and upset (but I was not surprised to see him look shocked). Is that how you guys would interpret the look in his eyes, hurt and upset? (both times). It was obvious that something had shifted in YD, KWB did a wonderful job of showing that with his eyes. YD looked as if he was disturbed and bothered about something, which I am assuming was ES’s reaction (she didn’t recoil at his touch and at his presence, this time around). However, it did feel like there was more to it, like YD felt lost, like he didn’t know how to feel and think (I could see it when he was talking to MS, because he still looked that way and behaved as such).

2—Did I hear it right, I am not sure who said it, “when KT left for the States, YD did not come to school?” meaning he missed him that much?

3—What does this expression mean, ”KT has come and left your heart?” Does that mean that KT left an impression on ES’s heart? Or he was in her heart and now he is not any more? (I think this was said by CH to ES, in the library).

4—This is just my own curiosity, do any of the beanies know anything about the house they film in (the Tan’s house)? It’s really nice. I was just wondering if it is actually someone’s house, or a set they built or created for the drama.

5—Why did KT told ES, “you are going to die from my hands today?” He does like her, so why did he say that?

6—The expression that little Madam (Madam Han) used, talking about the other parents, “should I go in and ‘clean’ those people up?” What does that mean?

7—Some of the questions I have are really linguistic questions, because I am trying to understand what they would mean. So when Bo Na said (and I am basing all that I am writing on the subtitles I read, of course), that if KT and YD are locked up together, only one would come out alive, (and I am assuming the other one) would have been “chewed all up,” does she mean that one person would have eaten the other one, or that one person would have just killed the other one? I understand that the translations are from Korean, and that Koreans would probably not wonder about the implications or meaning (because they would know what is being is implied).

8—When YD and KT went outside, KT apologized to YD, saying, “I am sorry (and then there was a line, as if KT said a bad word that could not been shown/written).” Am I correct in assuming that?

9—Why does HJ have to accept Daddy Chairman’s offer?

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Faye

November 6, 2013 at 8:24 PM

@Ivoire - re#1, I think we *are* meant to see YD's feelings as having shifted - that he genuinely likes Eun Sang, and is "hurt" by her rejection. The problem for me is that since he's just as much of an abusive ass as ever, I could care less about his feelings.

Re #4 -I remember reading this is an actual house in Korea. Wouldn't you like to live there :)! Two houses, actually - I think they use one house for the external shots and another one for the internal scenes.

#9 - If I recall correctly, HJ was a charity project of sorts of the Chairman -he sponsored her through school. So I guess she feels obligated to him, especially given that he's rich and powerful enough to mess with her future if she doesn't.

I, too, enjoyed this episode. I acknowledge not all that much is actually happening, but somehow the characters are compelling enough to keep me watching.

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Ivoire

November 7, 2013 at 4:18 AM

Hello Faye,
Thank you for your responses, I will be back later to comment. My thoughts on this ep. are here, if you are interested in reading them :-). They are on page 2.

71 Ivoire November 6th, 2013 at 9:45 PM

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 4:31 AM

Hi Ivoire - just found them and commented!

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Ivoire

November 7, 2013 at 12:17 PM

@ Faye, yes, thanks for that. I will be back later to comment back. I am working today :-(

pru22

November 6, 2013 at 8:43 PM

No you didn't hear it right. He said that YD didn't come to the airport to see Tan off when he got exiled to America. Thus proving what a colossal ass he is since Tan was his boy, his BFF back then.

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addy

November 6, 2013 at 9:40 PM

2 - he says that young-do didn't go see him off at the airport, not that he didn't go to schoo

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adette

November 7, 2013 at 10:22 AM

also 7:

so the word she used here was "뜯어 먹다." (ddeudeo meokda). it's a compound word.. the first part is a verb with a lot of meanings, among which are bite, take something apart, and rip something open/out/off (like an envelope, or a page from a book, or the wrapping off a gift). the second part means "to eat." maybe that will help you grasp the meaning of her statement:) she's essentially saying that with the way they are currently, if you locked them in a room together, it'd probably be violent and only one would come out alive.

8 - maybe the subbers couldn't understand what he said, so they left a line? i've seen that sometimes from subbers who try to get it out really quickly, sometimes that just don't get everything. he didn't say anything bad. the line is "미안하다, 얕봐서," (mianhada, yatbwaseo) which means "i'm sorry for underestimating you/looking down on you." and then he goes on to say that he didn't know that Young-do was this much of a jerk. this isn't cable, so if he had said anything bad, SBS wouldn't broadcast it. it would have been edited.

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Ivoire

November 7, 2013 at 2:22 PM

Hello adette,

I was looking for you, wondering when you would come to my rescue for my language lesson :-). Thank you! You add so much to my understanding of this drama, and to my understanding of the Korean language and culture. I always love reading your explanations and suggestions. I will be back later to respond, as I have to go attend to real life.
Also, my thoughts about this ep. are on page 2, # 71 if you are interested in them. Warning, it is an essay :-) (as if you wouldn't know that by now :-) )

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modest-goddess

November 7, 2013 at 1:36 PM

#1 to me the look was the realization was of how much she hates him because of his bullying and how she will no longer tolerate his presence. It was a "oh shit what have I done" look. I don't think he'd realized till then how much he liked her and how much he'd pushed her away. So he looked hurt because he does seek her out and like being around her but he has been expressing it in the worst way possible. Myugsoo doesn't have much use in the plot but at least he talked some sense to Youngdo about not bullying girls and just admitting when you like someone.

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Ivoire

November 7, 2013 at 2:25 PM

Hello modest-goddess,
Thank you for your response, and I will be back later to comment, if you don't mind checking back much later (like tomorrow :-) ) if you are interested in more of my thoughts.

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Lisa-Loo-Loo

November 7, 2013 at 8:02 PM

For a second I thought I might be the only person who liked this drama. I am not sure why, but I like that we don't know who to root for. I like that all the lines are blurred. It feels more real to me. In the real world we only see action, and we are not always sure what drives people. In that sense I really like YD. I do think he is changing, it's slow, but present. He's been taught, to "win at all cost". Eun-Sang's presence makes him question that philosophy. Every time he pushes her in order to "win", he ends up losing. I like that Tan is trying to find a balance but he keeps ending up at odd ends of the spectrum. In the scene where he walks away from ES after she points out he can't protect her because he can't protect himself, I didn't really see that as running away. I saw it as a reality check he hadn't taken the time to process. I do think the angst is way dialed up though, I would like to see some more balance on that end. Sometimes the angst gets so loud you miss the cute, and the funny. Thank goodness for Lee Bo Na and Tan's "real" mom.

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Hachiko

November 8, 2013 at 9:00 PM

Hi Ivoire,Hope you are doing fine. Your answers,here you go:

#1 Yes. YD looked hurt and upset. Bcz, he wanted to be the guy who will have someone who may give him compassion and love without worrying about his status

and his mother issues. ES is that girl but he went in his own twisted way into getting to know her-ending up himself hurt. He knew he was behaved badly after

he made her fall which,at that point, he didn't realise bcz of KT,that's why he called her back later. But when she recoiled from his touch, he understood

her hurt as well as his boundary cross.

#2 No to your question. But I believe ,Yes, YD DID miss his Best buddy. Of course. It drives one of my previous posts about YD missing KT true. Bcz, as you

can see, YD is just a guy who does what his father does to win. Immemdiately. He thinks that will make him a winner as his father but doesn't understand he

himself is suffering bcz of his Dad and he hates him. Whatever his dad has achieved, is not success - is what YD needs to learn. But KT is a guy who has

everything according to him - a father/chariman, a mom/biomom, a mother/chairwoman,son/heir of the school/jeguk group. These are the things he's missing -

the things that are clouding his eyes when he sees KT - instead of a friend/buddy. Still,his heart knows it - you can see his behavior towards KT, an extra

anger which is just a cover - he misses his BF.

#5 When people get angry, they say a lot of things. That was one of those that KT said to ES. It'ssimple as that. Implying,he cares for her and dare she

disobey him.

#6 May be, go and knock them of their high horses?

#7 They'ld fight with each other to death. Wherever the hell they are.

#8 I believe so.

#9 This is my guess: Daddy Chairman is,obviously, Chairman of Jeguk Group. That gives him the power to knock of anyone with his power/money/status. If HJ

doesn't accept his offer,he may: publish that HJ is not worthy for the Scholarship/help the org. provied/make other or any parents/schools for that matter

not to take HJ for as tutor/get even lower-release ba rumors(you know,we've LAWYERS in the drama,too!!)/etc.

Well,I am not sure they're correct.They're just my opinions and hope they helpin clearing at least some of your doubts. And coming to my opinion of this

drama, I LOVE IT..especially Young Do's. I know JB is gonna kill me but I love his Character as well. From the start,before even these two episodes, my crush

started. He's such a person to behave differently to express his feelings. Yes, sometimes and to be realistic,he may come across as pshycopath but I could

feel his turmoil from the start - I don't know why - but,that's the reason I love him.

A word of advice Javabeans/Girlfriday and others who don't get YD: Think like YD.We've got a mother who ran away,leaving the son to a father who's an asshole

- always with different mistresses - especially when infront of best buddy, who himself is,as later revealed to him, a son of a mistress - which could mean

the same way for him, to get him a rival in the form of his father's mistress's son.
And I've a question for all those who think YD is worst(me too,but 0.01% less): Do you think KW is any better? Yes,he's not violent. Yes, he's not

using bad words as YD. BUT, he's REMINDING KT that he's a mistress's son. He's treating him coldly. He's ignoring him saying his existence in itself bad for

him and hates him for that. For coming to get HIS Life. Is he ANY Better? JUST bcz he's not VIOLENT? Well, for me,he's not any better. He's using silent

words, just the way his Father does to teach others-making HJ/ES under his wings just to tell them that they don't belong here. And,YD uses HIS Father's way

of teaching others - "no rules on my mat". I don't see any difference. If any - it's their parent's.

Enjoy the Drama guys. (Sorry Ivoire, my reply is soo late and I kind of think that you wouldn't notice it. But if you read it, then nice. The real life in

between is lil harder,you know....)

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drisris

November 21, 2013 at 9:01 PM

Here's another question: Who is Eun Sang texting that keeps her so distracted? KT and YD are there, it's not her mother, and she has no girlfriends, is she checking up on episodes on Dramabeans?

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4 luna

November 6, 2013 at 8:12 PM

I don't know how to feel about this show... and we're halfway through the series

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luna

November 6, 2013 at 8:15 PM

Oh, and slow clap for when Eun-sang decides not to take the wrist-grabbing thing from Young-do. She should do that more often.

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damai

November 6, 2013 at 8:47 PM

Agreeeee. That part is so good for me. And Young do's expression after that is the best.

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addy

November 6, 2013 at 9:43 PM

agreed. I guess she finally had enough of being yanked here and there by the two boys... about time, I say.

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windsun33

November 6, 2013 at 11:06 PM

And it only took 9 episodes...

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boms

November 6, 2013 at 9:23 PM

That's what I felt about Gentleman's Dignity at some parts, but the pacing was just right in the end

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5 anonymous

November 6, 2013 at 8:13 PM

I hate Youngdo. He is so unbearable that i want to drop this drama. But i love lead actors so i'm sticking with it. His reason to hate Tan is one of the worst excuses i have ever heard. He should leave KT and ES alone because clearly, they don't even want to see his face.
One has to show some affections towards other person, in order to receive some.

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6 KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 8:15 PM

Young Do beat the crap out of Joon Yong (4 Eyes) many times, and it went unnoticed. He and Tan go at each other once, and the whole calvary show up. Why?

2 high school boys of equal fighting ability going at each other doesn't bother me. But until YD comes to terms with his anger with Tan for revealing that his mother is a mistress (in order to comfort YD), he is a total jerk in my book.

Now that YD comes face to face w his feelings for CES, he is going to defend her at school, and protect her at work, isn't he? W his purported high IQ, I'm sure he can find a way to let her know that he isn't going to bully her. He'll want to take Tan down from his pedestal, by outing his birth secret? If he does that, then there is no turning around for him. CES will want to plead w him to not do it. She'll be in some serious pickle.

Kim Won is an even bigger jerk. Jeguk should be enough of a business empire for two inheritors. He wants it ALL for himself. That's greed and a very small heart and mind. Why not share w a sweet half brother who loves him for being an elder brother?

My SIL has never done a thing for her parents. She didn't even show up when my MIL died. My husband and I do all the care-giving and pay the bills. Yet when my FIL says his inheritance will go entirely to my husband, he said: I would want my sister to share in it. It is not how much money is at stake, but what your priorities are: Sibling or Money.

So until the show explains satisfactorily when KW has so much greed, he is the bigger jerk in my book, psychological damage or not.

Why does Jeguk arrange a marriage for Tan aged 17, but not Kim Won, who at 30 is at much more of a marriageable age? He needs to have an arranged marriage to louse up his life.

I think that maroon color (jacket) might be Lee Min Ho's fav. We've seen him wear that color a no. of times.

That CES always texting on her phone when she walks, never once noticing what is in front of her. I worry that she might get run over by a truck someday! That'll solve the boys' problems? Just kidding.

As for all the wrist grabbing, and 'forceful' kissing, I can't help but wonder if there is a cultural element there, in that perhaps they are viewed more favorably in Korea than outside, esp. in the U.S., esp. in CA.? Sometimes we tend to forget that we are watching KOREAN drama after all. I'm not sure how fair it is to judge them from other cultural view points.

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Faye

November 6, 2013 at 8:32 PM

LOL at this:
"Why does Jeguk arrange a marriage for Tan aged 17, but not Kim Won, who at 30 is at much more of a marriageable age? He needs to have an arranged marriage to louse up his life. "

That's not only funny, it's an excellent point. Why hasn't Chairman Kim arranged a match for Won yet -the older, *legitimate,* son?

Regarding cultural differences - I believe javabeans is ethnically Korean, so certainly she has a right to call out issues in these dramas that are problematic. Beyond that, I want to address the larger issue of whether we're allowed to judge another culture that's different from ours.

From a personal standpoint, I was raised in America, but I'm not from here and neither were my parents. In addition, I'm in a religious minority. So believe me, I have experienced more than my share of annoyance when outsiders judge my culture without being part of it. However, if it comes to something that is damaging and harmful, I believe we have not only a right, but also an obligation to highlight it. It's the only way to work toward a society where we can practice our differences but all still be safe and have rights. The wrist-grabbing and some of the more sexist attitudes toward women that we sometimes see in K-dramas are things that, in my humble opinion, could be minimized without denigrating Korean culture. Just my 2c.

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 8:55 PM

Faye,
I'm referring in general to All the talk all over the internet on various English KD blogs.

On to the 2nd pt: What our parents' ethnicity may be doesn't entirely determine our cultural perspective and values. It is very much determined by the cultural milieu in which we grow up, the tv we watch, the books we read, the peers we have.
I don't feel strongly about this or the male-glorifying behavior in the show one way or another to write 4000+ char treatise on it. ;) (Has someone been writing those?) My point is only a passing comment that it is a Korean drama made primarily for a Korean audience. Personally, if the wrist grabbing or forceful kissing doesn't bother them, well, as an international viewer watching online, I'll shrug it off. It's kinda like: I won't touch it w a 10 foot pole, but if they like BBQ fatty pork, who am I to condemn them for liking it?

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Faye

November 6, 2013 at 9:22 PM

My point was that as someone who has grown up in a very different cultural milieu than the general surrounding culture, I know what it's like to feel that someone judging your culture from the outside shouldn't be doing so. But there's a big difference between BBQ fatty pork and yanking women around. I do believe there has to be some absolute concept of right and wrong no matter what culture you're from. However, that's just my personal opinion, obviously.

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 9:34 PM

Towards the end of ep 9, Tan wrist-grabs his mother when she is about to go into the kitchen to get that glass of water YD asked for. That's wrist-grabbing too, done completely out of love and protection. So maybe it isn't necessarily such a detestable thing every time it appears on screen.

Part of the international backlash against America in the past decade or so is that American ethnocentrism stems from a certainty that its values are right and good for the whole human race. It's too complicated and political an issue for anybody to say who is right and who isn't. Those sentiments are out there.

Faye

November 7, 2013 at 3:47 AM

@KDaddict - It's interesting that you conflate opposing violence against women with being American. If that is the case, since I am an American by choice, I'll proudly accept that labeling!

It's true that anti-Americanism exists in many areas (and always has, not just in the last ten years). However, if you travel abroad extensively, as I do, and talk to actual people, not just pay selective attention to certain media sources and political pundits, you'll see that just as many appreciate America and in many cases want those "ethnocentric American values" like greater freedom for women (P.S. technically, "American ethnocentrism" isn't an accurate term, since being American, unlike being Korean, is a nationality, not an ethnicity). There's a reason why people all over the world are still fighting just to get into an immigration lottery to enter this country (I work for the federal government -I've seen the numbers!).

In any case, my original point was really NOT "American values are better than Korean ones," and wrist-grabbing itself may be a gray area. My original post was a reaction to your original point - that we can't judge a Korean show because we're not Korean. And putting aside the isolationist consequences of such a sentiment (which, admittedly, as the daughter of people who emigrated here to flee persecution, disturbs me) - let's look at this from a drama-analysis perspective. Saying we can't judge because we're not Korean sort of shuts down discussion altogether, doesn't it? You can't properly explore and learn about a culture that is different than yours if you're not allowed to critically analyze certain parts of it, too. Otherwise, you're just a passive viewer.

But we obviously have very different views on this subject, so I'll back away from this discussion now.

Faye

November 7, 2013 at 3:55 AM

@KDaddict - I just have to throw this out there - plenty of people on this board and others who are not American - from Europe, Canada, different parts of Asia - have criticize the incessant wrist-grabbing and pulling and some attitude towards women in K-dramas. Are they not allowed to criticize either, or is it just Americans?

brian

November 6, 2013 at 9:25 PM

I'm not Korean, but I think you are totally wrong. You should try BBQ fatty pork -- or what I'm guessing is really grilled pork belly. I bet you will like it -- there are few things more delicious and nourishing for the soul than pork belly, either grilled or smoked.

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 10:50 PM

The BBQ pork is an allegory.

athena

November 6, 2013 at 10:28 PM

KDaddict...I feel how the guy treated the woman in the drama e.g wrist grabbing, is how the writer writes and its all the usual ppl who writes....and I have learned a few famous one who writes good story for a drama.....as for the Korean drama you watched be thankful because I have watched almost all nations dramas and kept an open mind about it..seen worse story,how man treats woman...in Asia..very few but still it happens...man thinks their are superior...mind you not all but from my the place I come from south east Asia its a norm,but in dramas totally the writers views......take it as purely entertainment....

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 10:49 PM

@athena,
I am the one with a similar position as yours. Your reply should be addressed to somebody else.

Faye

November 7, 2013 at 3:53 AM

@athena - I'm sure there's much worse out there, but it doesn't necessarily make this action right.

Just to play devil's advocate, let's say the wrist-grabbing is totally fine (although, please note, the KOREAN recappers on this site have spoke out against it in more than one show). My posts were about the idea that we're not allowed to criticize things we see in K-dramas because we're not Koreans. And that's just silly to me. You can respect and appreciate a culture that's different than yours while still acknowledging parts of it are problematic. Saying everything about another culture is wonderful and "just different" is actually kind of condescending.

Lixie

November 7, 2013 at 5:32 AM

"The wrist-grabbing and some of the more sexist attitudes toward women that we sometimes see in K-dramas are things that, in my humble opinion, could be minimized without denigrating Korean culture. Just my 2c."

Very well said Faye. :) It bothers me sometimes, mainly in very alpha macho dramas like Heirs where the Candy is a very weak character. The thing is: I never know how much of this is possible/usual in real Korea. I don't know if it's just a trope and regular korean audiences know it's exaggerated and don't mind and don't even think about it. Or if they do, maybe they don't like it either but the writers just haven't caught up with modern times yet? Modern sensibility? It's certainly ONE of my all time big kdrama curiosities.

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isnin

November 7, 2013 at 6:07 AM

"Why hasn’t Chairman Kim arranged a match for Won yet -the older, *legitimate,* son?"

I think it's part of the chairman's plan for keeping everyone in line. It would be harder to manipulate Kim Won if there wasn't an element of hope.

A*legitimate* son is a trump card...legit son getting married could"save" the company.

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Mystisith

November 6, 2013 at 8:35 PM

"Young Do beat the crap out of Joon Yong (4 Eyes) many times, and it went unnoticed. He and Tan go at each other once, and the whole calvary show up. Why?"

Because the justice only care for the rich VVIPs. The school can continue to function without a kid from the welfare program: That won't make waves.

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 8:57 PM

I know. That's my point. Rhetorical Qn. Kinda disgusting isn't it? And ppl say there is No social commentary in the show.

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shinha

November 7, 2013 at 9:40 AM

The thing is, the powerful vs. the powerless, the haves vs. have nots dynamic is not something new, brave or groundbreaking that this show is doing. It has been done before and in that sense then many dramas then are a social commentary of class division.

For example, in BOF the dude in the 1st episode was about to commit suicide, all stemming from bullying rooted in yje red card that he received from the richest, most powerful guys in school - F4. It became a huge deal and had the potential of hurting the school's reputation. What did the school, ran by the mother of the leader of the abusers, do? Investigate the incident? Nope. They moved to cover it up by giving a scholarship to the plebeian who prevented the suicide.

Another example, in School 2013 whenever the poor/bad guys did something there was immediate uproar and calls for action and expulsion. When it was one of the upper class kids that caused an incident their mothers and principals acted immediately to cover it up.

Heirs is not original in exploring and presenting social class differences and conflicts. Many other shows have done the same, one way or the other.

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renzillag

November 6, 2013 at 9:48 PM

I agree with Faye in that although I think cultural difference may play a role in the forceful kisses and wrist-grabbing, for there to be change, there has to be criticism. Korean people need to hear people saying that this is wrong and needs to be changed and the reasons for that. So I think it is ok to use a different perspective to look at sexism in Korea.

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 10:47 PM

I agree that some behavior towards women is terrible in any culture and deserves general criticism. Examples that come to mind include but are not limited to wife-beating n marital rape. I'm only Not Sure of the wrist grabbing and "forceful kissing" that have been shown in the context of this show.

Is it possible that with a girl who likes you back but deems herself unworthy of loving you, they don't quite fall in that category of behavior worthy of international condemnation?
I don't know for sure; just wondering.

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luv_KimRaeWon

November 6, 2013 at 11:04 PM

i may not be right but my 2 pennies: i don't think it is viewed favorably outside Dramaland.. think it is not this way in reality..even in our dramaland, if a guy other than the lead/cute second lead does it, it is not shown in a favorable light.. have you read any new-adult books or Twilight for that matter? i did read a couple of them and girls are treated in similar ways in those books(that is why i stopped reading such books, but then again i'm in my early thirties and many teens and twentyish old girls squeal over those books) and these books are written mostly by Americans/Brits/Aussies.. this doesn't mean that behavior like in the books is accepted by the society.. hmmm, what did i want to say again? oh yeah, i don't think it is a culture thing.. i come from India and live in Germany, so I have some perception of how things work in 2 different cultures and i think people in reality don't act like the drama characters(usually anyway)..
i hope i could answer your question, instead of confusing you even more..

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sumee

November 7, 2013 at 1:26 AM

Very well said luv-Kim Rae won... It's mostly in dramaland...I detest the hand holding and forced kiss too the "T" ..I mean come on I m nearing my thirties and I know it's not so called romantic ..bit girls who are in there teens are thinking it to be romantic ..I was baffled when I was reading sm blog and people thought it is swoon worthy ..duhhhh btw I m from India too and have been living in Seoul..and I m telling you I have never seen any thing like this happening in reality ..like ever...over here

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 4:03 AM

@ luv_KimRaeWon - Plenty of American critics, from actual literary critics to individual bloggers, have savaged "Twilight" for its portrayal of women. Seriously, google it - there are thousands of links. And rightfully so.

@Sumee - I've only visited Seoul, never lived there, like you, so I'm glad to here it's not reality :). Still, popular culture does influence/reflect what's in society to certain extent so I think it's worth examination (just as there are many aspects of American popular culture that disturb me).

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luv_KimRaeWon

November 7, 2013 at 4:30 AM

i know that and I do know how some new adult book characterisations irritate readers(i am a regular on amazon :):) )..just wanted to say that characters potrayed in dramas need not necessarily reflect reality and paralleled dramas with those kind of books to make my point..

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 4:37 AM

I understand that. I think my problem is that many viewers (mostly younger ones?) are watching this show and not thinking "well, they're just drama characters." Even on this board, there are people talking about how poor Woo-Bin just needs the love of a good woman to save him. That's just disturbing. To what extent that obligates the creator of the show (or books) to modify the character or, more importantly, how other characters react to him, is a good topic for debate :).

luv_KimRaeWon

November 7, 2013 at 4:55 AM

In reply to6.4.2.1.1:completely agree with you..it worries me when i read the swooning and squealing comments to the jerk like behaviour of good looking guys.

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Patch

November 7, 2013 at 12:34 AM

"Why does Jeguk arrange a marriage for Tan aged 17, but not Kim Won, who at 30 is at much more of a marriageable age? He needs to have an arranged marriage to louse up his life. "

I've wondered this myself, they haven't even mentioned arrangements which fell through or blind dates he maybe subtly sabotaged because of his feelings for HJ.

To marry off the spare who's still in high school while the heir remains a bachelor is baffling.

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windsun33

November 7, 2013 at 1:24 AM

That is just one of many baffling things throughout this drama.

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Didee

November 7, 2013 at 3:52 AM

:-)) Good job.

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adette

November 7, 2013 at 10:33 AM

i think, even as outsiders looking in, we are allowed to comment. passing judgement may be going too far, but bringing a topic up for discussion, i think, is permissible. i mean, if i see blackface on korean variety shows (or in any other nation's media), i'm not going to let it slide because its a ~cultural difference~

i think as long as the conversation is about displays of misogyny and male dominance and the gender divide (which are universal problems and not at all specific to korea) rather than having a conversation about how korean men must all be misogynistic creeps with no respect for women, we're okay.

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 12:57 PM

Thank you for summarizing my position accurately. I don't think anybody was trying to make blanket statements about Korean men in general, but we can still point out these specific issues that are troubling to us as viewers.

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adette

November 7, 2013 at 7:01 PM

oh! i didn't mean to imply that anyone was, i just meant that i think it's okay as long as we have some boundaries.

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7 Wishful thinking

November 6, 2013 at 8:16 PM

Thanks for the recap! I am really digging heirs. Kim Tan's mom is a hoot! I laughed so hard when she made that comment about Rachel's mom's necklace, Eyeball candy. Haha. Kim Woo Bin I LOVE YOU!!!!

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jiw_sobangnim

November 6, 2013 at 9:59 PM

Almond Scene.

Let's all rejoice for our dear Madame Han :D

She is the TRUE star :D

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Waiting

November 7, 2013 at 6:39 AM

My favorite scene! lol

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news

November 7, 2013 at 4:20 AM

Madam Han is a breath of fresh air in this drama (of characters that are going nowhere!); she's hilarious. If only Tan was half as funny, playful and fun as his mom!

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JD

November 7, 2013 at 5:51 AM

Can I just say I love the fact that Madam Han pretending to be Eun Sang's mom is awesome in that it causes an even bigger You're Beautiful reunion? Second time around for those two to be acting opposite one another, and this time PSH's character has a little more spine :)

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8 Faye

November 6, 2013 at 8:18 PM

I don’t know what to feel about Choi Young Do. Kim Woo Bin is a great, charismatic actor, and I want to see more of him on my screen. And if anyone could sell the “my abusive ways are all caused by my secretly lonely, daddy-abused self,” it’s him. But this portrayal of him is kind of sick. The whole “I tripped Eun-Sang to test how I felt about her” logic – what.is.that??!! You know what? Maybe you should have beat the crap out of her, Young-Do – then you *really* could have confirmed how much you liked her!

It would be one thing if “Heirs” was portraying this damaged yet compelling character, showing us how his mind works. But I get the idea we’re actually supposed to buy into this kind of logic and sympathize with him, and that is just so wrong to me. Sadly, the number of girls (and women!) I’ve seen swooning over him on the Internet indicates I’m mostly alone in this.

There was some hilarity (probably unintentional) in the Young-Do/Eun-Sang meeting at the café. “Hey, I just almost beat up some boys again for no real reason. And I spent this afternoon stalking your past and unearthing the secret you’ve clearly been trying to hide. Oh, and hey, I like you! You don’t like me?” Gee, I wonder why not, after that display of romance.

However, I completely buy into the Young Do-Tan relationship and angst. Once we found out that Young-Do’s mother ran away, it makes sense (well, for him) that he lashed out at Tan when Tan revealed his true parentage. How it must rankle him that Tan has two mothers, while he has none. From his perspective, his own legitimate mother ran away and abandoned him – while Tan’s mother loves him so much she is willing to deny her real identity to stay near him. I’d actually like the two of them to patch up their relationship (maybe bromance couples therapy?).

Did anybody else LOL like a teenage boy when Young-Do asked Tan what he had to do to bring him to his knees? I know it wasn’t meant to be dirty, but given how angsty these two are about each other, it *was* kind of funny (No? Just me? Okay then.).

Although Tan is far from perfect, I feel like he made strides this episode in respect Eun-Sang. He let her go when she dropped his hand, and didn’t pursue her when she cut school. The CCTV monitor thing was a bit creeper-ish, though. Baby steps :).

On the positive side, we finally got to hear Eun Sang acknowledge that she likes Tan, too. It’s not just a one-sided pursuit anymore. Yay! While I think the writing for her has been very realistic relative to her position, hopefully we will see some opportunities for her to be more proactive now that she’s openly admitted her feelings.

Won meeting Eun-Sang was an interesting development. His being nice to her was intriguing as well – although rather unnerving at the same time. I hope he doesn’t use his knowledge of her budding relationship with Tan to drive a further wedge between Tan and their father.

Thanks for the recap!

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 8:43 PM

You are not alone. I basically feel the same.

"You know what? Maybe you should have beat the crap out of her, Young-Do – then you *really* could have confirmed how much you liked her!"

Haha. Same idea. Same effect--of turning her off him completely. She witnessed him throwing JY against the lockers and on the floor. She gets what he is like.

“Hey, I just almost beat up some boys again for no real reason. And I spent this afternoon stalking your past and unearthing the secret you’ve clearly been trying to hide. Oh, and hey, I like you! You don’t like me?” Gee, I wonder why not, after that display of romance.

As cool as he is, it's safe to surmise he hasn't dated much. LOL.
If he had a REAL sister with whom he was close, maybe she could explain to him why those were so NOT things to gain a girl's favor.

The no. of girls swooning over YD might be due to the fact that YD is being played by KWB. He is the undisputed king for making the bad boy look irresistible. Beyond that I hope for those young girls' sake that they don't get attracted to such guys in reality. Quick way to ruin one's life.

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KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 9:40 PM

Re Swooning over YD played by KWB:

KWB makes that leather jacket look so hot. It should be illegal for him to wear a leather jacket, On a motorcycle. How can girls not swoon?

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kat w

November 6, 2013 at 10:23 PM

I swoon, and I am so much older than KWB is (31yrs old), its a little embarrassing to admit to anyone I know IRL....

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TheTofurkey

November 6, 2013 at 8:49 PM

I agree with EVERYTHziNG you had to say. I dare say I enjoyed reading your comments as much as I did reading javabeans'!

Excellent thought provoking comments. I had never thought much about Tan and Young-do's strained relationship but your reasoning makes total sense!

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 4:38 AM

Wow! Thanks for the compliment! I can't compare with the recappers on this site, but I'm glad you found my comments thought-provoking.

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chocolander

November 6, 2013 at 9:43 PM

@Faye

I know right? YD just gives me mixed feelings. For someone who is able to manipulate people with such skill (which requires some knowledge of what makes people tick and he pushes people's buttons so well!), it just strikes me as odd that he is so out of touch with his own budding feelings towards ES. Seriously? Tripping her to get a gauge of whether your heart aches for her? I was expecting him to say that Tan brings the worst out of him, that his anger at Tan overrides his reason and logic that he just lashes out at anyone in order to hurt Tan. Well, that's my take on his tripping ES, cos I just don't buy his excuse. Please, just have some "bromance couples therapy"! (LOL, that's just so hilarious! And I always read into things whenever YD and Tan happen to be in the scene... It would be super interesting if it's a real full-fledged love triangle, but doubt that'll ever happen.

About Won and ES, I thought Won was nice to her cos he's smart enough to put things together and deduce that ES is the housemaid and sort of the charity case sponsored by Empire Group like Hyun Joo, and so can see a shadow of his relationship dynamics with Hyun Joo in ES and Tan's relationship, of a rich boy liking a poor girl who's indebted to their family... And so he's nice to ES, cos he sees HJ in her? Crossing my fingers and hoping that this would bring Tan and Won together to bring bad daddy down. Though I'm not sure why Daddy Kim is so opposed to their relationships? After all, Won's mother is also a poor country girl that Daddy Kim liked and brought back to Korea, but that didn't work out at all; I think Won said something about his mom being suffocated by the superficialities of Korean upper class society which led to his death, I wonder if it's suicide? I think I would be very surprised if Daddy Kim actually used that as an excuse to object both of his sons falling in love with poor girls who don't fit in and can't adapt to their world, other than just the usual typical excuse of poor girls bringing down the reputation and standing of chaebols in other Kdramas I've seen...

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 4:52 AM

I like your take on Won's attitude toward Eun Sang. I'd really like to see it as a catalyst for bringing some rapprochement between he and Tan.

Interesting thoughts about Won's biological mother. I can't remember all the details, but was she actually a poor country girl? I thought she was from a vintner's family in Napa Valley. So she was probably more "countrified," but not necessarily poor.

The suicide theory is an interesting one. I wish they would cut some Young-Do bullying scenes to make time to explore some of those issues :).

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isnin

November 7, 2013 at 6:21 AM

What if Won's mother isn't really dead? Stranger things have happened in k_drama land.

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selina

November 6, 2013 at 11:18 PM

That for me is just WHAT THE F!? about him. I like you believe Kim Woo Bin could sell a damaged abusive childhood that has made him what we see today. In part we get that with his arse emotionally and physically violent father who has made him a product of his up bringing and taekwondo rules "lessons". However, the writer fails to see that, that simply isn't enough for how extreme Young-do is. KWB was not lying when he said YD uses his intelligence in all the wrong/bad ways.

I keep hoping we will see true vulnerability, remorse, something or someone he truly cares for and treats humanly (a sweet flashback with his mom, or Tan, or a freaking puppy, anything would help) but I am starting to doubt that will ever come. The writers keeps edging the line of no return with his character, and it is honestly the saving grace of Kim Woo Bin's talent, screen presence, and charisma, that anyone still gives two flying shits about Choi Young-do. You get it writers!? We need to get more on his mommy issues (she better have abandoned him in the most hurtful, curliest, tear jerking manner) and better reasoning for the destroyed friendship(?) with Tan.

Young-do has such an abuser/abusive cycle mentality that it is honestly scary. They hurt you and think an apology or some roses and kisses makes it all better. They have the audacity to look offend or hurt when you let them know they can f off with that bull (the hallway scene). There are many things in the world an "I'm sorry" (no matter how sincere) or look I have reformed" simply cannot fix. You can't scratch me, put a band-aid on, and then be all 'why can't we be friends? I gave you a band-aid'. This is Young-do's mentality and the sad thing is I don't think (right now anyways) he nor the writers see why that is wrong and needs to change it ASAP!

Let's not even get started on the fans that can't separate actor Kim Woo Bin from character Choi Young-do. One and the other are not the same. It's okay to find Young-do fascinating and think KWB is doing an awesome job playing him. But, still be able to see that Choi Young-do with each episode teeters closer and closer to an irredeemable psycho. Something that the much too little moments of honest look of realization of his assness, cannot fix.

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 4:56 AM

"Young-do has such an abuser/abusive cycle mentality that it is honestly scary."

This, so much. This is not hyperbole. I used to volunteer at a local women's domestic abuse shelter, and he is such a classic abuser. The idea that his actions are the result of something else, usually a childhood sob story . . .the concept that it's the obligation of the woman he fixates on to "fix" him . . .the violence as a manifestation of an alleged love. You nailed it.

I want to copy your whole second paragraph and mail it to KES and her staff :).

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puzzle101

November 7, 2013 at 5:35 AM

glorifying bullying with sob stories (family problems, broken friendship, etc) also happened in school 2013 drama - bullies without remorse, but just given a backstory.

the bullies in school 2013 are repulsive and yes, young do is even worse than that. but the international audience seem to think one is acceptable, while another is not simply because of the level of intensity... when at the end of the day, they are basically the same mold. it is just weird...

bullies having sob story does not excuse them from victimizing others, more so if they did not even show any glimpse of remorse for their past actions at all.

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ravens_nest

November 7, 2013 at 8:18 AM

I think you're confusing back story used as an explanation and back story used to justify.

I thought School 2013 was very clear that the bullying was 100% wrong. The back stories given to the bullies were simply there to contextualize their motivations.

The difference between Heirs and School was that the bullies were given redemption arcs. They bullied, they got punished, their vulnerabilities were exposed, they went too far, they realized they were wrong, and then they tried to change for the better.

Even more, in School they began to seek forgiveness from the person they bullied the most. And that boy was allowed to forget and move on but not fully absolve the bullies of guilt.

In Heirs, Young Do is given long moments of staring, a sick crush-obsession on Eun Sang, and a back story of a runaway mother and abusive dad...but he never changes.

He continues to maliciously hurt people, he is not checked/punished by any authority, he feels no regret over his actions, and his reign of terror goes on. But magically we are supposed to forgive him cuz of Kim Woo Bin's deep eyes???? He has literally learned nothing in 9 episodes so the writer has given us zero reason to care about him.

That is why I can enjoy the bully story line in School more than I can even palate the one here in Heirs.

Faye

November 7, 2013 at 12:58 PM

I never saw School 2013, so I can't comment on that.

Lixie

November 7, 2013 at 5:45 AM

"However, the writer fails to see that, that simply isn’t enough for how extreme Young-do is. KWB was not lying when he said YD uses his intelligence in all the wrong/bad ways."

Agree but maybe the writer has written him as a psycho period? Maybe I'm being too nice to the writer? On one hand I get the feeling KES expects us to "understand" him and that makes me sick on the other I feel she may be smarter, at least about him, and just wrote the character as a psycho, abusive bully. NO redeeming past explanations and that's good because I always hate these things anyway, unless it's done properly, which doesn't happen in shows like Heirs.

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Eileen

November 7, 2013 at 6:17 AM

You are not alone, Faye. I swoon over Woo-Bin but Young Do is the biggest asshole there is. I give WB credit for playing this nasty character with such intensity.

I truly wish Young Do wasn't the second lead because that means the writer is likely going to try to reform him because he falls in love and the girl is going to heal his emotional scars and blah, we will see that he was just a little scared puppy all along trying to hide behind the meanness mask.

This type of guys in reality do not reform (I know that is generalizing and generalizing is wrong but I fully believe it to be mostly true). They may seem to change for a while because they want to conquer a girl but this is the type of guy that ends up being abusive in a relationship after the high and newness of love wears off. And with YD's ability to switch personalities in a heartbeat, it is the type of guy that will get girls to forgive them over and over. Ugh.

This may not always be the case but abusers in relationships do not turn into abusers overnight. They have a long story of being assholes. Just like YD.

In general, I think most of us are smart/old/experienced enough to understand that this is a drama and far from reality but I cringe thinking about the possibility of young girls -even one- watching this and thinking that the power of love can solve it all and that violent guys can be changed if and when they find the right person. Some may, but most don't.

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9 Mama J

November 6, 2013 at 8:21 PM

*why yes...have you SEEN Won?*

Best line of the week.

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foodluver88

November 6, 2013 at 9:06 PM

^ This is SO true. This is a good-looking cast, but my oh my is Choi Jin Hyuk ridiculously good-looking.

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Sobia

November 7, 2013 at 1:58 AM

Agreed. And an awesome actor to boot!

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boms

November 6, 2013 at 9:29 PM

Man, Choi Jin Hyuk is kind of a waste in this show so far... All he does is say the same line over and over again, and have the same conversations with everyone over and over again.. For example, to Tan: "Just because you say it isn't your intention to get in my way doesn't mean you're not getting in my way. You're illegitimate. You're existence is the stain that I can never get rid of blah blah blah.

Not that I take acting lightly, but I feel like this will probably be the EASIEST acting job he's probably ever had -_-;;

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jiw_sobangnim

November 6, 2013 at 10:00 PM

MAI GAHD!

Agreed. In the future, he can tell his children 'Son, that was a good drama garnering fans all over the world, but it was the easiest job ever'

CHOI JIN HYUK , you lucky hottie :D

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abro

November 7, 2013 at 3:16 AM

DITTO!

HAHAHA.

He should be a lead in a primetime drama already.

But I must say that he and Lee Min-ho look like a real brother standing next to each other.

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meenuby

November 7, 2013 at 12:34 PM

Absolutely. I need more Won and Hyun Joo romancing on my screen. They could have the hottest chemistry in the show if only they were given something to work with. :(

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10 elvira

November 6, 2013 at 8:22 PM

Dankeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
Thank you, Javabeans for the recaps.
Been refreshing since God-knows-when.

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11 panshel

November 6, 2013 at 8:25 PM

An hour where nothing happens. I can't believe episode 9 already needs to kill time with blink-less stares and slow-motion walking. Best part of this episode is when Tan's mom pronounced her "daughter's" name wrong. I am disappointed Young Do came to the wrong conclusion of why Eun Sang was at Tan's house. I'm going to chalk it up to this being an odd-numbered episode, which are routinely more boring compared to even-numbered episodes, but I hope the upcoming leadership camp is interesting. Thanks for the recap, javabeans!

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12 zakin89

November 6, 2013 at 8:27 PM

Best part of the episode was defenitely Madam Han^^ I so knew that she would impersonate ES's mom and I loved it :D I also hope that this will go on for some time because it's really fun to watch whereas the rest of the show... Not so much fun :P

Tan was really confusing this time and I'd love to feel some sympathy towards YD but I just can't.

It's funny though that I like the show quite much despite the flaws but then I guess I have been sucked into the big hole of pretty boys that won't let me go xD

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jiw_sobangnim

November 6, 2013 at 10:01 PM

Madam Han fan here too!!!!

Let's wait for her new shenanigan :D

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13 globetrotter

November 6, 2013 at 8:27 PM

urgh. i love kim woobin but THIS SHOW. my patience is being severely tested.

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Trixie

November 6, 2013 at 10:26 PM

Funny I too was thinking I am enjoying watching the acting but the story isn't changing and I feel no compulsion to catch the next episode ASAP, darn!

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14 KDaddict

November 6, 2013 at 8:30 PM

YD tripping CES to find out how he'd feel! Well, it achieves that PLUS one more thing: If there was ever any hope that he could compete w Tan for her affection, that chance is now GONE! How do you feel about that?
Do I feel sorry for him? No, at least not yet.
For one thing, he should apologize to CES for tripping her.
For another, he should go find Joon Yong and seriously apologize to him, and make it up to him somehow, if that is possible. I'm afraid the amt of bullying JY has suffered at YD's hands will leave a permanent damage on his view of the world and on his psyche.
Most of all, YD owes Tan an apology for turning Tan's confession against him. To me that's betray at the deepest level.
YD is a tragic figure in this story. The more he threatens, fights, torments Tan or anyone else, the deeper he is digging his own grave. I hope out of his feelings for CES will come a day when he learns the meaning of love, of giving and acceptance. Then we won't need to feel sorry for him, but say, Bravo, YD for growing up to be a proper person.

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15 Vicky

November 6, 2013 at 8:30 PM

I feel like some were complaining that KT was harassing ES by continually following her and not giving up on her (which I found to be romantic -- the not giving up part since it's been obvious for a while that she likes him too).

Now that she once again told him to back off, and he has, we're complaining that he's giving up too easily?

It actually makes sense to me. Because that mom issue is a very sensitive topic for him. But also because ES's comment hurt his pride as a man. She's pretty much telling him he can't protect her cause he can barely protect himself. That would hurt the pride of any dude.

It's interesting how we all have different interpretations of the same scenes. I like that KT has backed off, I think it's time ES came to him instead of always the other way around.

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SweetPea

November 6, 2013 at 9:11 PM

Same here.

I thought it was endearing how earnest he was in not giving up. Where was the "harrassment" in that? ES liked him too. And I'm sure she was fine with him being around. It's just the fact that she was so worried about other things that made her want to push him away. But he was always there for her. As much as he could be.

But now that he's backing off and giving some space, he's the bad guy now? So what exactly do you want him to do? lol

that said, I hated the kiss. I didn't take it as him using the kiss to assert his dominance. I just thought the whole thing was just not done well. The screen shot was horrendous. And ES looked like she wanted to throw up. Like. Not romantic at all.

What kind of stupid kiss was that... just everything was OFF about it. Sigh.

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August

November 6, 2013 at 9:22 PM

It was the notorious kissing style of Park Shin-Hye as the female lead in a drama.

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Trixie

November 6, 2013 at 10:33 PM

I always wonder when the kisses are so awful if they are just following the directors instructions. Prolonged agony watching them. He even swallowed while he was holding the pose. Bad!

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Alex

November 7, 2013 at 1:26 AM

"He even swallowed while he was holding the pose. Bad!"
AHAHHAHAHAHA ! You, Trixie, have made my day.

August

November 7, 2013 at 7:17 AM

I read that they spent 3 hours filming kissing scene.

Alex

November 7, 2013 at 1:33 AM

Totally agree with you. I loved that he didn't give up so easily earlier, and found it adorably romantic.
And now that he's backed off when she asks (like she actually means it) I find it even more romantic. And I love that scene when he walks off and it cuts to CSE's face like she didn't think he'd actually go but finally realises how much she didn't want him to leave.
And my heart broke in the slow-mo hallway scene. I know most people weren't really fans of this part but I loved it.

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16 Mystisith

November 6, 2013 at 8:30 PM

Best episode so far. The comedy was more present in this episode and the fight was awesome. The strange love triangle is on and I can't wait for what's going to happen.
It's OK if some people don't understang YD cause I totally get him. I must be wired to understand those kind of people (and writer-nim by extension): Rachel is in the same basket as YD by the way.

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17 twentyonebuds

November 6, 2013 at 8:31 PM

Aw man just when I was thinking Tan wasn't going to turn out like the rest of this writer's heroes... whyyy TT and why why are we wasting Choi Jin Hyuk and to be frankly honest Kim Woo Bin and Park Shin Hye too. Ever since she started going to Jaeguk High this just feels like Boys over Flowers -.-

Also want to see more of Kang Haneul and Im Ju Eun.. :((

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Aundry

November 6, 2013 at 9:22 PM

I totally agree... Such a huge waste of talent...

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18 sweetyo0on

November 6, 2013 at 8:33 PM

Gah. There is so much hate against YoungDo. I agree that he's irrational and crazy but seriously... didn't we saw him get choked by his own father an episode ago? What kind of kid would be okay in that situation. Additionally, though the drama doesn't show it (thankfully), he's supposed to have witnessed his father sleeping with different women almost every night. Who wouldn't be messed up? Plus Kim Woobin does an amazing job of showing YoungDo's surprised expression towards his growing feelings for EunSang. They just seem so genuine. I can't help but root for him. He deserves true, unconditional love too.

Despite Tan's own messed up family relationship, he always had a mother who loved him and was proud of him. That's what separates him from YoungDo despite being on the same level of money. It's also why he continues to love and reach out to Won despite his numerous, cold rejections. And Won knows that. Which makes reconciliation almost an impossible feat :(

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Faye

November 6, 2013 at 8:57 PM

Here's my issue with this kind of thinking. It's possible to feel sorry for Young-Do and acknowledge what a screwed-up background he has without thinking this equates to him getting the girl. Eun Sang should not be a consolation prize for poor damaged Young-Do. She deserves a real relationship with a normal person.

I don't believe that someone deserves true love just because they've had a rough time of it -nor would that necessarily be the best thing for them. If you explore your feelings by assaulting and tripping people you need therapy and maybe medication, not a girlfriend. Young-Do's problems wouldn't be solved by winning Eun-Sang. If we saw at least some kind of remorse or personality change before he fell for Eun Sang (or heck, even now), I think more people could support him (although plenty seem to already from what I see).

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sweetyo0on

November 6, 2013 at 11:45 PM

But how does one who has never received love before give love?

I understand that Eun Sang should not have to sacrifice her life for Young Do. However, it's true that for whatever reason she is the rare person that Young Do is willing to be vulnerable too. As a fan, I simply wish that she recognizes that Young Do is not trying to bully her but rather just trying to get to know her better. It's everyone else who misunderstands his every action. I wish she can extend some patience and forgiveness even though his pride will prevent him from asking for forgiveness and he won't change quickly because he just doesn't know better. He grew up in an environment where it's kill or be killed. The only way to break that destructive behavior is love. The same with Rachel although her case isn't nearly as bad.

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selina

November 7, 2013 at 12:19 AM

Why should Eun-Sand do any of these things though? What about Choi Young-do is worthy of having patience? Being understanding? Showing forgiveness?

What qualities does Young-do have that Eun-sang can feel some kind of attraction to and think "hey this guy may not be so bad, perhaps I should try to get to know him"? I honestly want to know what some viewers see in Young-do (what has he said or done thus far in these 9 episodes towards ES or others) that makes them think this guy is worthy of the emotional roller coaster a potential relationship would be?

Some viewers want her to give him a chance, but again, why? Is YD funny? caring? he makes her laugh? he's nice to her friends? gets along with her mother? he understands and respects her? (her hardships, her dreams, goals, relationship with her sister mom, the reasons why she works so much). What do people see that I don't (other than love is the moment can save his broken soul) that says yes this girl who dislikes and fears this violet, bullying boy, should ignore all that and date him?

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 5:01 AM

I'm with Selina. Why should Eun-Sang recognize Young-Do's alleged feelings? Why should she extend some patience and forgiveness? What has he ever done to her to deserve that? The bullying? The wrist-grabbing, the tripping? The open and veiled threats to "out" her as a poor person? The blackmail?

She's not his social worker. She's not getting paid to put up with this behavior, and he has shown her nothing objectively to warrant her giving him any sort of chance.

"The only way to break that destructive behavior is love."
This is clearly what the writers are pushing for. The problem is, this has no basis in reality. Never in the history of mankind has the love of a woman (unearned, natch!) "reformed" a man - especially one who is almost an adult and is a violent sociopath. Only extensive therapy can do that, possibly. Women who think that way end up as abused wives or partners.

Quite simply put, someone who, as you say, has never known love or a normal relationship is not going to suddenly learn when a woman comes into his life. He'll simply carry over the same destructive tendencies into that relationship, too. He has to work on himself as a person and change his outlook BEFORE he can think about a relationship.

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Lixie

November 7, 2013 at 6:01 AM

"Quite simply put, someone who, as you say, has never known love or a normal relationship is not going to suddenly learn when a woman comes into his life. He’ll simply carry over the same destructive tendencies into that relationship, too. He has to work on himself as a person and change his outlook BEFORE he can think about a relationship."

That's exactly what I was about to say. :) I'll go even further. Shows like Heirs which are very popular with teenagers are VERY dangerous, I really don't like this mentality they may be using. Like I said before TD may just be written as psycho but so many viewers are watching him and being swayed by his charms that it becomes scary. I wonder what these girls will say if their kids someday come home crying because they've been bullied. "It's ok sweetie, bully must have a bad daddy?" "Offer him some love?" Sorry but bullying/violence is a very serious issue and it's disturbing that so many women are reacting like that. I almost feel every episode of Heirs should be preceded by a BIG warning sign with a good explanation about how abusive/ violent people need therapy first not a girlfriend.

PlumWine

November 7, 2013 at 12:13 PM

@ Lixie - I just brought up a similar point with my daughter this morning while taking her to school. I asked her what she would do if a cute bully told her he liked her and wanted to date her. Thankfully she said no, that he would need to change his behavior first. (I didn't say it was KWB :) ). Luckily I have a pretty smart 14yr old, plus she knows he would 'magically' disapear if I found out. She's not watching this yet, but it has brought up some interesting conversations between us. So, maybe the writer wants families to talk about these issues? Nah, wishful thinking there.

Faye

November 7, 2013 at 1:04 PM

@PlumWine - yay for your daughter! And for her parents, who obviously raised her well :).

selina

November 6, 2013 at 11:48 PM

We get it. He had a very f-ed up childhood, mommy abdonment issues, his father is still emotionally and physically abusive, and the boy is a product of his seemly luxurious but truly horrible environment. However, this gives reasons for, but does not excuse his bullying, violence, lashing out on others his internal struggles and demons, etc. Everything you listed tells me all the reasons why the boy is in need of a psychologist, therapy and concealing. He should not be turned into some romanticized "bad boy" or someone who "love is the moment" can save.

I find Young-do fascinating and if i squint hard, turn my head sideways, and stare for a really long time; can even find a very small, molecule size redeeming quality (his friendship with Myung-soo). The writers have to flesh the character out more and show, not imply, or hint with some phantom mommy issues they haven't touched on; why we should care for him other than Kim-Woo-Bin-oppa-is-my-personal-idea-of-perfection-and-I-will-stick-with-this-drama-and-character-no-matter-what-for-him (or that's just me)

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19 KL Noona

November 6, 2013 at 8:34 PM

Cool ... episode is quite slow and dragging, but with LMH in it, who bother? cant wait for tomorrow... pls give us some excitement.. and eun sang... you r so lucky to get near LMH.. but what a waste...

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20 anonymous

November 6, 2013 at 8:36 PM

I would put Youngdo on same level as Min Joon Gook from I Hear Your Voice. Psychopaths. But atleast MJG had reason to hate people around him. Youngdo is really badly written one dimensional character.

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Mystisith

November 6, 2013 at 8:41 PM

I didn't know that YD was a serial killer & that he was into self mutilation... Also, he has no reason to behave that way? We're not watching the same show. O.o

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Laora

November 7, 2013 at 4:03 AM

Lol ikr I'm laughing right now. That asshole from Voice was way worse.

It's really funny how I'm falling into the "people who're defending Young Do's actions" group but I'm actually not, I'd be terrified of him too, but it just amuses me how everyone hates on him so much while we know close to zilch about what he really thinks like. If the drama ends with this streak though, he's such a waste of an awesome character/actor...

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Faye

November 7, 2013 at 5:04 AM

People hate him based on his actions. I don't really know or care about his inner thoughts. But if you're beating people up, blackmailing them, and bullying them, the thought processes behind that become somewhat less important than the actions.

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Laora

November 7, 2013 at 7:06 AM

You're right haha. *continues hoping something good about him will come out* ^^

isnin

November 7, 2013 at 6:41 AM

anonymous - I wholeheartedly agree!

Young Do and Min Joon Kook are similar characters (so far) in that they have no redeeming qualities. They are (badly) written as psychopaths.

Jung Woong In and Kim Woo Bin are both excellent actors. The camera loves them, they have SCREEN PRESENCE. Your attention is riveted to them regardless of the other actors sharing the scene.

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21 Missy

November 6, 2013 at 8:36 PM

I liked it! I like Young Do and his sociopathic front. I agree that we haven't been given enough color to presume he's truly fronting and there is a covert hurt little boy stuck under his douche baggery armor or if in fact he's just a jerk been that way for years. I have filled in the holes simply becuz I like Woo Bin and I'm admiring his commitment to the role. I do think soon we will begin to unravel all the posturing and find out what's going on. But I'm committed to the ride and enjoy his screentime jerk like behavior and all.

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Trixie

November 6, 2013 at 10:43 PM

He has the best character for revealing his range of acting skills. The character is repulsive but WB seems to be putting his all into it. What a difficult society to exist in. Reality?

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PlumWine

November 7, 2013 at 12:23 PM

This is not the reality you're looking for * waves Jedi fingers*. Move along. * finger wave*

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22 Stardust

November 6, 2013 at 8:37 PM

javabeans thanks for recap!
I do beg to differ about Kim tan walking away.
It's understandable. He's only 18 and probably chuck the bad feeling of being a illegitimate child when he was younger but now he's being reminded of it (through exile, daily now by the crazy Yd who I perfectly agree is a bully that I don't feel for) and now by ES. In a way she's like almost saying: you are a illegitimate son, you can't even protect yourself what about me. It sucks. I would walk away.
If he had stayed it would be desperate.
I do agree that i like that the shows first lead is a chaebol who's weak in a way. It's a refreshing play.

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23 mimi

November 6, 2013 at 8:37 PM

I'm slowly coming round to accepting that young do and rachel are probably not going to happen. :(

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pru22

November 6, 2013 at 8:40 PM

Never know.

I can totally see them together. The are Chuck and Blair to a freakin "T!"

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Vicky

November 6, 2013 at 8:41 PM

I think it can, but I can't imagine it would if the parents went through with the marriage.

I'm guessing and kinda hoping Esther and Chan Young's dad end up back together. I think I'm the only one rooting for these two. Lol

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August

November 6, 2013 at 9:19 PM

If Rachel and Young-Do happen to end up together instead of their parents Esther and Dong-Wook, it will still fit the criteria of a business partnership/ merger/acquisition. Basically, replacing one generation with another.

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Patch

November 7, 2013 at 12:53 AM

In a different drama that could be the scheme, a fake relationship, a very public one, that annihilates the possibility of the parents marrying.

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isnin

November 7, 2013 at 6:48 AM

damn it WHY NOT? I'd really like to see Rachel and Young Do together. For all we know maybe Tan's engagement to Rachel is part of what set off their hatred for each other?? Maybe Young Do had a crush on Rachel and then found out Tan was going to get engaged to her....

Or, maybe there's something with Bo Na/Tan/Young Do??

Hell, there's definitely a reason why BoNa and Tan broke up.

There's a reason why when Rachel asks Young Do for his help in breaking Tan from Eun Sang, Young Do says to Rachel "If I do this, can you really give me what I want" (or something along those lines...)

MOAR show....moar!!!!!! Need answers.

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pogo

November 7, 2013 at 12:38 PM

which is a shame, really. He's an ass and horrible to boot, but she's more than capable of giving back as good as she gets, and far more strong-willed/less afraid of him than Eun-sang. They'd be fascinating to watch in the courtship process, that's for sure.

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24 pru22

November 6, 2013 at 8:39 PM

WORD! Recapper!!

I just can't with Young dickhead!!

He is nothing like the true definition of a bad boy. He is in fact the bad guy. Bad boys always have depth and most importantly big hearts and they don't go out of their way to terrorize others and act like self-entitled assholes. And in his case he not only acts like one but a psychotic asshole at that.

I don't see him as some tortured soul who is in need of love or someone who needs understanding. He just comes off as someone who loves to cause misery to others.

I really LOVED hearing Eun Sang call him an asshole this episode as well.

I also loved seeing Tan, imo, kick his ass and Eun Sang jerking away from him after she left Tan on the roof.

And color me shocked...NOT! That he is the one who messed up his and Tan's Bffness. I bet he started showing his ass and treating Tan differently after he revealed to him about being illegitimate.

Him showing up at Tan's house and disrespecting his mother was just low...and I admired Tan's restraint in not beating him down.

He just gets more disgusting with each new episode. Although I was amused he didn't click it together that Eun Sang wasn't there to secretly meet with Tan, but that she lives there.

The look on his face when the secret comes out is going to be PRICELESS! I did enjoy Eun Sang being more sassy this episode and FINALLY admitting she liked Tan. Even though I knew it episodes ago and knew she was also trying to fight it because of their different classes and the trouble it will bring if others learn the truth.

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25 Kdramas

November 6, 2013 at 8:41 PM

Yes! I agree that I don't sympathize with YD. When the fight began I was cheering so hard when he got kicked down. When KT jabbed back about his absentee mom I chuckled. I really don't care about him. I am least interested in his story and what he wants.

I want to see more of the Kim brothers. I want to see the ice melt and I want to see them hash things out. I don't understand what is going on between Won and his girl. Does she really like him? Do they spend good time together? They confuse me which means they don't get enough screen time.

Let me just say that I LOVE the relationship that is building between KT and CY. I am quite fine with this bromance and with YD taking low jabs at KT's mom, I really don't care about that relationship or bromance. That ship has sailed.

The moms really were the saving grace of this episode. I loved all their scenes and hope they get more screen time.

I also loved KT introducing KA as his mom. I am glad he wasn't ashamed and I wanted him to kick in YD's face. If there was any woman worth fighting over, it would be his mom.

I see that a lot of people loved this episode, however it was very meh for me, starting with the kiss (so whack), and this so called love triangle that I am not interested in watching. Sigh!

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pru22

November 6, 2013 at 8:58 PM

I think Won's girlfriend does really love him and want to be with him, but she, like Eun Sang, knows they are from two different worlds and worries about the chairman finding out.

You would think Won would have realized that his father does know and is going to try and mess up their relationship by going through his woman. That is why she all of a sudden got the job offer from their company.

Kinda like what he is doing to Eun Sang by getting her into his school, so she can know her place.

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26 sparkzy

November 6, 2013 at 8:41 PM

AHAHAHAHA- did anyone notice who was in the "leadership" of the school in the brochure??? YUPP... the drama went there. We had a slew of old faces from Kim Eun Sook's dramas... Hyun Bin (Secret Garden), Kim Suro, Kim Min Jong, and Jang Dong Gun (all from Gentleman's Dignity)!!!

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Luna

November 6, 2013 at 10:22 PM

I thought I was the only one who noticed!!! I only caught a glimpse of it, but I was like "that was DEFINITELY JANG DONG GUN!"

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chanelboy

November 7, 2013 at 5:48 AM

hahhaha I noticed that too! Its gonna be so funny if they do special cameo for KimHaNeul as the still teacher in the school, since she was Young-do or more like Woo bin high school teacher. haha

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27 blegh

November 6, 2013 at 8:42 PM

the thing with me is, I rather prefer yongdo who is evil but direct than tan who is meh. I mean his actions are just plain creepy. forcefully kiss, watch over your love interest on cctv! egh!

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Mystisith

November 6, 2013 at 8:47 PM

To each his own when it comes to the physique of the characters/actors but if we compare the level of jerkitude and immaturity, honestly they are even. They don't express it the same way.

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28 Kdramas

November 6, 2013 at 8:42 PM

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29 Drama Omma

November 6, 2013 at 8:42 PM

Honestly...I had mixed feelings coming into this bad boy of a drama. However, I felt since it was the same writers as SG...it gave me hope. SG (think of it what you may) was consitant till the end. The writters had an objective and we the audience recieved a finish product that meshed well with the begining of the drama. So from that stand point, I assumed by episode 9 I would be getting somewhere with the purpose of this story!!!!!!!!
Its flat. Dumb. Boaring. (((IMO)))
YAWN.

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30 Kdramas

November 6, 2013 at 8:43 PM

The moms really were the saving grace of this episode. I loved all their scenes and hope they get more screen time.

I also loved KT introducing KA as his mom. I am glad he wasn't ashamed and I wanted him to kick in YD's face. If there was any woman worth fighting over, it would be his mom.

I see that a lot of people loved this episode, however it was very meh for me, starting with the kiss (so whack), and this so called love triangle that I am not interested in watching. Sigh!

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Faye

November 6, 2013 at 9:24 PM

The moms were great! Who knew Madame Han had it in her to go to his school so brazenly like that. LOL.

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31 exquisitemelody

November 6, 2013 at 8:44 PM

This is the most ridiculous (in a bad way) drama I've ever watched...and yet I keep watching. It draws me in! I don't know why! I can see why girls get trapped with bad boys...it's their moments of slight vulnerability or cuteness (in Tan's case) that draw you back in.

But yeah..in the real world? Young-do is a murderer in the making.

I think I've resigned to accepting that nothing is going to happen in this drama...ever. But that's okay. LMH looks good enough to keep me going bahaha

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32 Danisaur

November 6, 2013 at 8:48 PM

I'm patiently waiting for the show to start picking up. The title is, after all, "He who wears the crown must endure it's weight", not "Hot, young, illegitimate, chaebol child falls for and chases after a poor girl".

I agree with javabeans in her sentiments about Young Do. The scenes around the beginning seem like they're meant to make us feel sorry for him, but I don't, so I won't. Yes, Young Do is rather un-loved, and abused by his father, but he's also a total asshat with a serious bully complex. Like javabeans said, he's clinging to his one card trick against Tan.

And his relationship with Eun Sang, I don't even know what to think. If she's going to be bullied she should be bullied only by him? What? There is seriously something wrong with that line of thinking. He says she probably hates him, despite his liking her...well, um....duh.

I'm not sure how to feel about Tan, so far. His over aggressive "romantic" is a drama cliche, but he somehow makes it work when he balances it with his adorable poutiness. He's already pushed the line so many times with the wrist grabbing and following *cough*stalking*cough*, I think I would have been a little upset if he hadn't walked away from Eun Sang when she told him to in front of the dream catcher shop.

I personally love Tan's mother. And then when Young Do waltzes into the Kim household with his cheeky ass "Annyeong, Tan-ah!" and treats Tan's mother like a housemaid, I not only felt incredibly bad for her, but I also had the overwhelming desire to punch Young Do in the throat.

With Tan's behavior this episode, I decided I would have to wait and see about his sudden shift in attitude about Eun Sang. One moment he's die hard on keeping her, the next (with only the mention of his family, which is information he's been tortured with on more than one front) he suddenly backs off. I'm hoping there is a reason he's doing that, and it's not just bad writing.

And to conclude with my comment about the title of this drama, I'm really hoping we get to more of the Won/Tan story, more about the Chairman, and who will and won't get the company. I'm totally down for Tan growing a pair and stepping up to his cold-hearted brother. But I'm also down for Tan never getting the desire to take the company from Won, simply growing a pair in terms of letting his hyung bully him, and firmly going after Eun Sang.

Wow, long-winded comment.

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33 Mira

November 6, 2013 at 8:48 PM

Question: Do Kang Ye Seol know Tan's real mother? Their mother are friends.

btw, I loveeeee Madam Han and Eun Sang's mom. Love every scene with them :D

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saranga

November 6, 2013 at 9:33 PM

i thought of this too! a couple of episodes ago, when ye-seol's mom mentioned her child's name (ye-seol) i thought of bo-na's sidekick, but wasn't sure. this episode confirmed it pretty much, 99 percent.

i hope the show clarifies the relationship between the mothers, whether they are sisters or close chums. if they're real sisters, it seems like ye-seol has no idea that she is cousins with tan (and possibly vice versa). questions questions!

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34 Mandy

November 6, 2013 at 8:48 PM

"What do you want? Attention? A hug? A cookie?"

That just deserves claps. Thats hilarious, and why I prefer reading recaps over watching this drama sometimes. At least its always utterly entertaining!

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35 dmohican14

November 6, 2013 at 8:49 PM

Cavemen Alien Idols? I laughed for a good minute over that.

I really like Madam Han. Yeah, she's a little crazy and selfish, but any woman stuck in a house all day would be. We need more of her, she's awesome. Everything else, eh, I don't really care.

After reading jb's thoughts, I feel weird about not hating Young-do because he's totally a psycho and is the type of male character I can't stand. I'm sure if he was the male lead, I'd hate him because I couldn't imagine any sane girl falling for him. I can't even chalk it up to KWB, because I've never seen him in a drama before, so I'm not a die-hard fan or anything, but I can't hate him.

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36 Ceecile

November 6, 2013 at 8:49 PM

Young Do is an asshole. He's not just your basic bully, he's violent and viciously mean. No amount of "But my father is mean to me and my mom abandoned me" will change that. I seriously can't with people who try defending him.

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pru22

November 6, 2013 at 9:07 PM

Uh, THANK YOU!

I just can't with him either. And with those who continue to defend his f*cked up actions. He enjoys causing misery. And everytime I think about how dirty he did Tan I just shake my head. That is the epitome of TWO-FACEDNESS!

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37 sweetyo0on

November 6, 2013 at 8:50 PM

ooooh. this recap missed a hilarious reference to School 2013!! When Bo-na and her friend and MyungSoo are in their studio talking after the fight, MyungSoo has this great line in which he says that they really have to mend YoungDo and Tan's relationship. The best method to do that is locking them up in a shed together :D an obvious reference to HeungSoo and NamSoon getting stuck together!!! <3

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38 chocolander

November 6, 2013 at 8:50 PM

Your recap is as funny as always! :) Yea, Tan seems inconsistent, in how he told YD that he's prepared to have his secret exposed by YD, and then later on, when ES told him to leave her alone and worry more about himself if his secret is exposed, he turns and walks away. What's this, Show? Is it because he's disappointed in ES for having so little faith in his ability to protect her? Or is he regrouping and considering how to protect her? But it's so unlike him to retreat suddenly, since he's always been forward in declaring his love for her. But I like how when ES saw Tan's back walking away from her, she unconsciously moved forward as if to follow him even though she's the one who put a stop to their budding relationship. That, for me, is a solid sign of her liking him, besides her verbal confession that is almost said as an afterthought. That just leaves me tingling when I anticipate seeing Tan backhugging her! :)

I'm thoroughly enjoying YD's show of vulnerability! It's time he feels blindsided and disoriented and knocked off his high pedestal of "no one can touch him cos of his money". But please stop overusing the mommy barbs, it's getting old, and it's way overdue for YD to get over it and accept that his dad is still gonna remarry.

I'm also loving the familial scenes here. ES's mom's silent understanding and empathy with ES's troubles at school, Tan finally acknowledging his mom to someone else, YD, to prevent her from suffering the degrading treatment of being a maid. If I'm not wrong, both scenes had some wrist grabbing/holding? If so, then I'm glad that wrist-grabbing has some other positive association than it being used to maneuver a girl like she's a chew toy between two spoilt brats.

By the way, what does it mean when Tan said he'll bring YD down along with him if his secret is exposed? I thought everyone knew YD's mom ran away since his dad is remarrying and all... And it's not like he has another sibling for his dad to pass his hotel to?

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saranga

November 6, 2013 at 9:28 PM

tan didn't say he'd bring young-do down with him if young-do told his secret. tan just sort of called his bluff, saying that young-do wouldn't because if he did, young-do wouldn't have any ammunition against him anymore.

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isnin

November 7, 2013 at 7:03 AM

"Or is he regrouping and considering how to protect her?"

Doesn't he make a comment about how losing is winning earlier?

I think he's just doing a strategic retreat. On the surface he's going along with what she says she wants. But he has his own agenda. When they meet and pass like strangers in the hallway, she pauses and FEELS...maybe that was part of his plan. Maybe this time he's waiting for her to come to him.

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39 tfo

November 6, 2013 at 8:50 PM

i'm starting to like yd's character. I think es should go out with him. kt is a bit of an idiot and wimp. problem solved...

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40 Ceecile

November 6, 2013 at 8:54 PM

Oh and I've been wanting Rachel/Won since the first time we saw them together.

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41 kat w

November 6, 2013 at 8:54 PM

Lee Min Ho is a decent kisser, especially for Korean actors. Park Shin hye ruined that kiss for me! Maybe she's trying to portray shock at the surprise kiss? I hope their next kiss, she'll be a little more interested looking in kissing LMH!!

I like this drama. It's very high school to me (which well, they are supposed to portray high schoolers). But I feel like LMH and Kim Woo bin are acting well in the show so far. I would like to see Eun Sang be a little more assertive though it was nice seeing her a little more assertive in this episode than last. Can't wait until tomorrow!

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pru22

November 6, 2013 at 9:01 PM

kat, LMH is more than just a decent kisser. The man is simply LETHAL! Check him out in City Hunter. And Park can throw some fierce lip as well. I just hope the writers allows them to show us what they're really capable of.

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kat w

November 6, 2013 at 10:09 PM

I have seen LMH in City Hunter....I limit my Korean dramas. But every year, I will watch LMH, starting with Boys over Flowers (which, I like this drama better than that one. I feel like he's improved in acting over the years), even if they are not that good (...Faith...)

I thought the LMH was trying the best he could given Park Shinhye's acting....you say she can do better? I hope so!

Even the almost kiss in the closet scene, she looked like she was wincing.

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pru22

November 7, 2013 at 10:15 AM

I think her wincing was part of the script and not her acting. I saw her in some youtube scenes with Jang Seuk before they did "You're Beautiful" together where their characters kissed, and was SHOCKED!!!!

In a good way because she and Jang were kissing like it was the last day on earth. That's why I know if given the chance her and Lee kissing will be phenomenal.

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Audrey

November 6, 2013 at 11:03 PM

Almost all of PSH's kissing scenes are like that.
In You're Beautiful, Heartstrings, etc..., but the one kissing scene that she kinda did "some work" was the one in Goong S with Seven. If you watch the BTS clip in youtube, you know what I mean. But in that clip, she was the one "doing" that kissing, and Seven of the the "shock" receiving end of it, like how she is in this Heirs kiss.
So maybe PSH just needs to initiate the kiss scene and hopefully LMH won't have to do all the work next time.

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August

November 6, 2013 at 9:37 PM

Add Personal Taste and Faith to the list of satisfying kisses by Lee Min-Ho.

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whatsthescenario

November 6, 2013 at 10:03 PM

I actually thought it was a very bad kiss. Just lips pressed together, really. Not even slight lip movement to show desire or interest.

I have seen better kisses in other dramas.

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42 onemandrama

November 6, 2013 at 8:55 PM

lee min ho is really the star of this show, the scriptwriter really was not lying when she said this - all the characters exists because of him AND revolves around him... such a waste of extensive cast with abilities! as well as such a waste of intriguing characters that have potential if only they were given more to work with!

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onemandrama

November 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM

and why are lee bo na and yoon chan young screen times suddenly dwindled down these past few episodes? and them barely having scenes together? is the general public's response to the lee bo na and yoon chan young characters threatening for the three main leads that are supposedly the stars of the show? it seems like that is the case... much like how jo jung seok's character in the king's 2 heart had an unnecessary death.

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43 wwjaustendo

November 6, 2013 at 8:55 PM

"I have lost the ability to even, where Young-do’s concerned."

LOL thank you for this. I hate that I watch this and find myself preferring Young Do to Kim Tan. It's giving me an existential crisis. I'm an adult lady. I am a feminist. And yet I'm preferring the guy who trips a girl (twice!) and says that only he's allowed to pick on her. Because he is so hot and sexy. Damn you Kim Woo-bin!!!

I think I would be having less of a problem if Kim Tan really felt like the less creepy option..but he actually engages in behavior that is almost just as bad! Stalking! Grabbing! CCTV surveying!! I know, I know, par for the course with a Kdrama, but still, this really feels like "Neanderthals: A Love Story."

And I still can't wait for the next episode lol.

I'm comforting myself by re-watching Kim Woo-bin on Running Man and reminding myself of how sweet and goofy he is in real life <3

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shru

November 6, 2013 at 9:10 PM

I re-watched the whole of school 2013 to replace park heung soo memories and wipe out Young Do ones...
Kim woobin was soo good in that drama

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44 Mee-Ra

November 6, 2013 at 8:58 PM

The ending it's such a mental crime. Put all three conflicted character on the spot and "Bam" badass cliffhanger 
Thanks for recaping... I really enjoy it. Nobody can re-tell a story like you do. Bravo!
Sometimes I wish this show had been Mon-Tue slot, for the sake of waiting...
Anticipating Wed-Thu had been a lousy task for me  but as long you'll (Kim Tan) be there on the road >< wait I meant week...
Hope tonight episode don't drew us sulking for waiting 

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45 shru

November 6, 2013 at 8:59 PM

As much as Young Do is hateful, i find a second lead like him refreshing. I am tired of seeing all the loving nicey second lead characters in all the dramas where you feel bad for them not getting the girl. Here the 2nd lead is an anti hero whom you never want the girl to end up with. Not that i want the girl to be with Kim Tan either, she is better off alone at this point. The drama would go down for me if Eun Sang gets any sort of feelings for Young Do as his character is beyond saving
Although a lot of what Young Do is reminds me of Chuck Bass in the very early episodes of Gossip Girl, while Rachel is like Blair. Maybe the faux bro-sis should end up together :)

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pru22

November 6, 2013 at 9:02 PM

They should end up together.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, they are the Asian Blair and Chuck. And compliment each other nicely.

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shru

November 6, 2013 at 9:12 PM

Kim Tan is a lot like Nate from gossip girl right now for me except the creepy stalking and wrist grabbing

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46 Hasna

November 6, 2013 at 9:00 PM

Good morning every one . Thanks alot for the amazing recap. To live in Gaza Strip where there is no gaz , fuel and even electristy which becomes less and less by every day but I am still waiting for Heirs and counting minutes to its airing , I think that makes me a great fan .
hhhhhhh
In this eposide, I felt really sad for Tan , everyone is pushing him away ( his brother - his father and now Eun sang).
I liked the song byPSH . I t was great.

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47 whatis

November 6, 2013 at 9:01 PM

Loved Madame Han's scenes.

The other favorite moment was Won waving at Tan to move over. I thought the moment was actually remarkably brotherly...

This is what really sucks about this show and I felt a bit of gentleman's dignity... craziness happens in the shortest amount of time and then the same plot line gets used time and time and time again, and no one goes anywhere, and BAM! last episode. end drama.

And I wouldn't even be so upset if it had no potential. The problem is there's SO much great set up, but nothing ever gets anywhere! argh!

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Momopeach

November 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM

Definitely agree about the set up. Things could be fleshed out better. But we're only almost half way done, so we'll see what happens. Just hope everything does get revealed or resolved at the end.

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48 Momopeach

November 6, 2013 at 9:01 PM

I enjoyed this episode, the first 10 minutes particularly. Eun Sang does something I've been wanting her to do to Young Do, Bo Na gets friendlier and more defensive of Eun Sang, Myung Soo telling Young do off, and such. Really loving Bo Na more and more. Who knew that a character I thought was annoying at the start I'd end up loving.

Rachel, while still a bit dramatic, made a good point over how important her relationship is with Tan. Just wish she wouldn't last out at Eun Sang cuz of it.

Eun Sang and Tan's mom are so great together. They should just become a duo on the road lol.

I'm interested in seeing more Hyun joo. I think the show really needs to establish some more backstory. Like that she may be a teacher there, though unsurprising, it was satisfying for me.

So um Woo Bin is hot, which makes it easier to watch Young Do. See, Kim Eun Sook for the past few episodes makes me start really feeling something for Young Do, and then he does some jerk stuff at the end and I'm back to disliking him. I like that feeling kind of, since it prevents me from falling for someone who is such an...asshole, but lets me enjoy the little bits and the ride. I LOVE his scarf though.

I feel like we'll never get rid of the ugly sweaters though.

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Momopeach

November 6, 2013 at 9:04 PM

Oh and i was hoping for Young do finding out Tan and Eun Sang live together to be more...dramatic. Like he'd get upset or jealous or shocked, but it was more like he was pleasantly surprised.

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pru22

November 6, 2013 at 9:09 PM

Because he hasn't realized the truth yet.

Trust, when he does find out can you say BITCH FIT!!?

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Momopeach

November 6, 2013 at 9:54 PM

What do you mean the truth? He guessed she lives there, unless maybe he was just joking.

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plumwine

November 7, 2013 at 12:06 AM

I think he already knows she lives there too. He has a high IQ and is wearing that smirk. ;)

pru22

November 7, 2013 at 10:19 AM

I don't believe it.

Because I remember how upset he was when he saw her and Tan together at school when Tan pulled the hair clip out of her hair. He looked like he had the right to be pissed off.

TRUST!

I lay money on the fact he will believe they are sneaking around together. Because in the next episode his friend tells him about seeing Eun Sang leaving Tan's house early in the morning.

So he might even think they are sleeping together.

alwaesboo

November 7, 2013 at 4:43 AM

its the worlds longest scarf.

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PlumWine

November 7, 2013 at 12:29 PM

Snicker*. It looked really comfy though. Wish I could be it. ;)

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49 saranga

November 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM

i don't know, i think young-do is one of the best things about this drama. true, we desperately need more on the details of his backstory: so far, a tough, philandering, hot-tempered dad, and a mother who left the family (may or may not be living). his family life seems to have caused him a lot of hurt and pain and unhappiness, and as a result he's extremely angry. people react to their situations in very diverse ways, and young-do's behavior isn't something i find to be entirely unrelatable. it could be partly due to kim woo-bin's portrayal of the character, which i think is pretty nuanced.

but i do realize he's not a universally sympathetic character, and if young-do is ever going to be redeemed, we need to be given the reasons to be able to sympathize with him very soon—much before the redemption begins. it wouldn't be a minute too late, at this point.

all that said, after watching this episode i may have developed a bit of second lead syndrome (for kim woo-bin). i actually think he's outshining lee min-ho in the charisma department (no mean feat!)—HE is the one i find myself looking forward to seeing onscreen. tan is currently a bit dull. he could be more exciting and complex if they'd just dial down the mooning-over-a-girl bit, and cut the corny lines.

i don't know. i like the character tan, and of course i like lee min-ho, but i don't feel that he's completely, 100 percent ON like the way he was in BOF. and i know he CAN be. i loved the way he delivered his line "before i kill you" to young-do, taking their issue outdoors and away from his mom. there was a restrained fierceness to the way he said it, and i wish we could get more moments like those...

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isabelle

November 6, 2013 at 10:39 PM

totally agree.

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Grumpy

November 6, 2013 at 10:40 PM

I agree with pretty much everything you said, especially that Kim Woo-bin's outperforming Lee Min-ho. He makes Young-do interesting even when he's been written relatively flat/unsympathetic. Part of the problem is the way we're introduced to things that could make us sympathize with him--we learn that he's seen his dad cheating w/ a million girls when he's being a complete asshole to Tan, Rachel's mom, etc; we learn that his mom ran away when he's being an asshole about Tan's mother; we learn that his dad abuses him through how violent he is himself. To me, that almost makes the character more interesting at this point, though I agree there needs to be a shift to sympathy/redemption now. In comparison, Tan is disappointingly passive and predictable, and Lee Min-ho does to be phoning it in a bit. Not saying I'm shipping ES/YD, but Young-do's the only character I'm interested in watching at this point.

I guess the other thing that makes me prefer Young-do to Kim Tan is that I'm not really shipping ES/KT either. The power differentials are really starting to squick me out. His possessiveness used to be funny/endearing before they started living together. Now he's always breathing down her neck and not respecting boundaries, like force kissing her, following her to the movies and creeping on her with the house's CCTV (I mean, WTF).

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Laora

November 7, 2013 at 3:44 AM

I like Young Do too!!! I don't know lol, I didn't think people would hate him so much. Sure he's a bully and that's not nice, but I feel like there's ... so much potential for him. To be better. They DID use to be best friends too. There must be something we don't know yet. I don't know why he's being so mean either... lol I have no excuses for him. I think he's pretty messed up, and with a dad like that, I wouldn't put it past it.

I think that he just doesn't know how to express his emotions properly. Basically he's a bully and he's used to being crude with everyone, even the girl he ends up liking. He acts pretty childishly, and what do you mean what does he want? (I love how he confessed to her). He's obviously out to get Tan for some reason and also happens to like the same girl (staying true to kdrama cliches)

Maybe I'm weird (I know I'd be creeped out by him if I had him in my life) but the mere fact that I don't know why he's doing what he does makes me interested in him, and some of the raw emotions he expresses make me like him more than any other character in this drama. It clearly isn't written very well (it's so slow ugh) but for the moment I'm just hoping his character will perhaps mature and show a nicer side. This is the first time I've liked a second lead (maybe I just want to see him with a girl lol) so I just felt like standing up for my favourite character in this drama. Go Young Do go!

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farishta

November 7, 2013 at 6:35 AM

totally agree with you,.. young do is so coolll

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50 Kristy

November 6, 2013 at 9:03 PM

Oh Man....talk about expectation going downhill....what the hell is the writer doing?
I dont get one character in this show...nor do I ge the story!
Is the main coflict that they have to use in the finale going to be parental dissaprovement?why so boring show?
I really hate the writer for she is making no sense...i always thought that this episode would be better...the nex one would be...saying that we have reached 10th episode and still the conflict is because of the hero being a cocubine's son and the herione bieng poor!Please do improve show....
I really tried to watch the episode yesterday but instead of making me excited it lulled me to sleep-well if it wasnt for Woo-Bin whos stares take the daylights out of me.
and the only person who is entertaining is Madam Han....the only possible character that I am rooting for~

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atz

November 6, 2013 at 11:26 PM

True true, it is a very boring and very immature story. I can see the producer's point of view.' let'ls hire the most popular actors to hike up the rating.' In a way, the drama is a success so far because despite of the awful plot line where no story line is crafted skillfully the rating is not that bad at all. People praise the LMH's acting but I just do not see that in him either. I know that I am in minority,,, I watch this because sometimes this drama is the first drama from W-T that is converted into English,,, I do not have any particular actors or actresses I adore so I have few bias for the show. After watching the show, all I can say is that there is no one in the drama whom I can invest in his/her personality. Even the love interests are their hunting games. Even when Tan shows some concerns for ES, his handling is just so childish.
I was wondering if ES's approach was on right track, she can change YD in to a better man.

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branwen

November 7, 2013 at 5:46 AM

Thanks for trying to watch the show. But seriously, if you still think you'll get a clear storyline with a major conflict like that in Master's Sun or Secret even after nine episodes, man, you're just in for a headache. It doesn't have any. The people who love this drama clearly figured it out already because they're not asking for something that won't materialize ever in this drama. I for one don't expect a birth secret, a helluva turn of events, or anything. I just watch it as it is because it's just what it is.
And while I'm not complaining that you're still complaining, I find your dilemma with the show amusing because for the love of God, there is no storyline or a center conflict in this drama. Even the drama's summary doesn't have it so better stop looking for things that will never be there.
I still salute you for watching this drama even though it seems you're just doing it to past the time. You have the patience of a Saint.

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