Emergency Couple: Episode 12

98 March 9, 2014January 24, 2016

by Slappyunni

What does it mean to be an ex-significant other? How do we choose to deal with the remnants of past failed relationships, those pesky lingering feelings, whether they be of love or animosity or anything in between? In this episode, we see various people answer these questions for themselves in a number of ways that shed light on their character.

EPISODE 12 RECAP

Chang-min unfolds a blanket so that he can sleep on the couch, but Jin-hee protests that she can’t possibly spend the night. Ignoring her, he swoops her up in a princess carry, and takes her into his bedroom.

To Jin-hee’s outrage, Chang-min responds, “You can rest here. What’s so difficult about that?” She replies that it is difficult for her, but he cuts her off: “We were once married, weren’t we?” Jin-hee snaps, “Don’t you mean we were once divorced?” He says po-tay-to, she says po-tah-to.

Jin-hee points out that Chang-min is insisting on her staying over in order to set his own mind at peace, and he freely admits that might be true. He reminds her of her patient who needs a kidney transplant and how she called the patient’s estranged wife repeatedly, begging her to come. He claims to harbor the same feelings that Jin-hee must have felt when calling the patient’s wife.

When Jin-hee still looks unconvinced, Chang-min begs her to stay for only 24 hours, and to do nothing but rest. He asks, “Just one day! Surely you can do that much for me, even if we are divorced?”

As they both lie awake, Jin-hee texts Chang-min, agreeing to stay for 24 hours, and telling him not to feel bad since she’s going to lock the bedroom door. She gets up to do so, but her phone beeps and she reads a text from Chang-min, which says she can do whatever she wants, because he’s got the key to the door anyway. Ha.

She doesn’t bother to lock it, and they trade more texts about who will fall asleep first. Minutes later, Chang-min gets up to check on Jin-hee, and chuckles when he sees that she is fast asleep.

The next morning, Chang-min makes a human burrito out of Jin-hee, wrapping her in blankets, and carrying her into the bathroom. Since her arms are completely immobilized, he washes her face and brushes her teeth, prompting Jin-hee to ask whose toothbrush he’s using. He replies, “What do you mean, whose toothbrush? It’s the one I use.”

Chang-min then cooks and sets out an elaborate breakfast. When Jin-hee looks taken aback, he reminds her that he used to do this for her every now and then. Enjoying himself, he slips up and says, “I wish every morning could be like this. I guess this is why people live together.”

With a sigh, Jin-hee replies that such feelings only last for a few days, because people get accustomed to the routine.

Chang-min remembers that Jin-hee used to like the crusty part of the bread, so he tears some off, dips it in egg yolk, and offers it to her. Smiling now, Jin-hee remarks that being accustomed to something or someone can also be a good thing. Freeing her arms from her pink burrito wrap, she starts to dig into breakfast with her trademark gusto.

Chang-min again tells Jin-hee to rest and not worry, because he’s covering her shift today on what was supposed to be his day off. Jin-hee looks surprised, and Chang-min can’t resist teasing before he leaves, “Doesn’t it feel like we’re newlyweds?”

At the hospital, Chun-soo reminds the interns to work on their bedside manner and advises them on how to establish rapport with their patients.

The nurse who likes Chang-min can’t believe that he wants to take over Jin-hee’s entire patient load. Ever the paragon of discretion, Yong-gyu leans over and mutters loudly, “So this is the power of love!” Chang-min shushes him, but it’s too late. Both the nurse and Ah-reum have overheard, and both react with a mix of curiosity and disappointment.

In the hall, Chun-soo stops Ji-hye, and asks whether she ate a proper breakfast. She laughs at his concern, and starts rattling off the battery of tests that she’s ordered for her patients. When she mentions a child patient, Chun-soo interjects, and tells her to stop seeing child patients for the time being.

Chun-soo seems to want to spare Ji-hye of being reminded of her own daughter’s health issues. But Ji-hye smiles, and replies, “How can I discriminate against patients? This is an emergency room.” Appreciative of his concern, she tells him that she also has something she’d like to do for him.

She says, “Don’t worry about me anymore. If there’s someone who you like, express how you feel.” Wearing a look of wide-eyed consternation, Chun-soo insists that it’s not like that, but Ji-hye pinches his cheek and walks off.

Chun-soo walks around the ER, observing the bedside manners of the interns. Everyone seems to be handling their patients well, until he comes across Chang-min, who says to his female patient, “You have anorexia nervosa. But you’re not even that fat. Why diet so much?” Hahaha. The patient explains that she has a modelling audition the next day, but Chang-min insists that she needs to stop skipping meals and to take her medication.

Visibly upset, the woman describes how hard she’s worked to get to where she is today. Offended by what she feels is Chang-min’s insensitivity, she gets out of bed to go to another hospital instead.

A frustrated Chang-min wonders why he’s having such a hard time establishing rapport with his patients, and Ji-hye offers surprising advice. “Think of your patients as if they were your girlfriend. That way, you can reflect on how to better say the things they don’t want to hear.” Chang-min’s doubtful reaction prompts Ji-hye to ask, “You don’t have a girlfriend?” to which he responds, “Ah. Yes. I do.”

A woman introduces herself to Chang-min as the wife of the patient in need of a kidney. Apologetically, she explains that it took her some time to decide to come, as she and her husband are on the verge of a divorce. She further explains that Jin-hee’s phone calls also convinced her to come.

Chang-min thanks the woman profusely, but she shrugs it off, saying, “People donate kidneys even to strangers. How can I use an impending divorce as an excuse to turn away?”

Back at Chang-min’s apartment, Jin-hee flips through his anatomy textbook. She finds that he has left handwritten notes on some pages. Some are notes of encouragement written to himself, but Jin-hee pauses on a page that features an illustrated diagram of the human heart.

Next to the heart, Chang-min’s scribbles read, “My heart belongs to Oh Jin-hee!” This proclamation is accompanied with multiple renderings of hearts—I mean the Valentine’s day kind, not the medical kind. Thoughtful, Jin-hee replays recent events in her mind, perhaps seeing them in a new light.

At the hospital, Chang-min reviews all of Jin-hee’s patient charts and her notes, and smiles at her obvious competence and concern for each of her patients. Until now, Jin-hee has been programmed into his phone as “Tick” (a play on her name, meaning she’s stuck to him in an annoying way). He erases this, and instead types in “Jjin-hee ♥.”

He calls Jin-hee, who is frantically hailing a cab. She explains that her mom, Kwang-soo and Baby Guk are on their way to the hospital, and that her mom is under the impression that Jin-hee is at work today.

When Jin-hee arrives at the hospital, she first runs into Chun-soo, who asks sternly why she’s here today. She explains that Guk was scheduled for a pediatric appointment, and Chun-soo asks if everything is all right.

She mistakenly assumes that he is asking about her nephew and responds accordingly, which prompts Chun-soo to counter, “No, I’m talking about you! (Is everything all right with you?)”

Jin-hee’s mom, Kwang-soo, and Guk run into them, and Jin-hee awkwardly makes the introduction. Chun-soo showers Jin-hee with praise, which makes her mom puff up with pride.

When Jin-hee confirms that Chun-soo was the doctor who had written Guk’s prescription, her mom fawns even more on Chun-soo. She has that glint in her eye that all Korean moms get when they find themselves a few meters from a promising son-in-law prospect.

Observing this cozy scene from a distance, Chang-min appears both saddened and alarmed.

When Chun-soo excuses himself, Jin-hee’s mom exclaims how well-suited he is for Jin-hee, and asks about his age and whether he’s a bachelor. Uncomfortable, Jin-hee sends her family off, and as she walks away, she finally spots Chang-min.

When asked why he’s there, Chang-min replies that he came out because he knew that her mom was in the hospital. His intention was to greet her, instead of continuing to hide the fact that he works alongside Jin-hee. Jin-hee seems distressed at the idea of Chang-min greeting her mom, but she’s distracted when Chang-min gives her the good news.

“The wife of the kidney patient…she came today,” he tells her. Her face lights up with happiness and relief, while Chang-min smiles at her reaction. His smile fades, and he adds seriously, “Jin-hee. Oh Jin-hee. I…want to start over with you. Before it gets too late, before I have regrets–that’s what I want to do.” Completely stunned, Jin-hee stares back in astonishment.

Yong-gyu sheds tears as he looks at the potted flower that he gave Ah-reum. He’s interrupted by a cheerful Dr.Kim, who finally confesses that it was he who had tied the ribbon around the pot. Dr. Kim offers up a rah-rah speech, and encourages Yong-gyu to keep on loving since such feelings do not disappear just because one has been rejected.

The married girl intern takes her husband aside and tells him that her period is two months late. When it finally dawns on him that she might be pregnant, he reacts with unbridled joy. The girl gets annoyed, pointing out that the pregnancy means that she’ll have to take a one year leave of absence from her internship. He laughs madly in response, which earns him a slap across the cheek.

Chang-min tells Ji-hye that the kidney patient’s estranged wife had come to the hospital. She’s happy to hear it, and remarks that it must be hard for anyone to ignore a person whom they had once loved. This leads Chang-min to ask whether it’s possible to start loving a person again, after falling out of love.

Ji-hye asks Chang-min whether his girlfriend is someone whom he had once broken up with, and he confirms that’s the case. “Why did you break up?” asks Ji-hye. His answer: “I think there were a lot of problems involved, but it seems that we both had a lack of understanding for each other.”

Ji-hye responds, “Of course it’s possible to start loving again. And it’s possible that compared to the first time, that love could become even deeper.”

Next stop is Chun-soo’s office, where Chang-min places the stolen red jacket on the desk. He apologizes for having taken it, and Chun-soo asks why he did so. Chang-min explains that he was annoyed that Jin-hee gave Chun-soo the jacket, and was further annoyed to see Chun-soo happy to receive it.

He admits that he was petty to pull such a prank, and Chun-soo asks, “Are you in elementary school?” and Chang-min answers, “Let’s refrain from insulting elementary school students.” Haha.

Chang-min leans down to look Chun-soo in the eye and says, “You said you liked Jin-hee. Going forwards, please stop liking her. I wish you’d stay the chief that we respect and admire. Both for Jin-hee and for me.”

Later, Ji-hye spots the jacket on Chun-soo’s desk, and he explains that Chang-min had taken it. At her surprise, he adds, “That punk says he likes Jin-hee.” She seems dismayed on Chun-soo’s behalf and again implies that he has feelings for Jin-hee that he has yet to express.

Gesturing at her chest, Ji-hye teases, “Don’t you feel… like… sort of ticklish around here?” Chun-soo makes the same gesture at his own chest and deadpans, “It’s like not ticklish at all.” Becoming serious, she points out, “Loving someone sincerely… how often do you think that happens in a lifetime?”

Chang-min’s dad (Professor Oh) calls up his wife, and asks her to set up a dinner with her siblings. She reacts with suspicion, of course, but agrees to do it.

Chang-min’s parents sit down to dinner with Chang-min’s aunts and uncle. Professor Oh makes efforts to treat his wife well but she rebuffs him, while her siblings tell her she is never pleased. Chang-min’s uncle asks Professor Oh about marrying Chang-min off, but Professor Oh replies that Chang-min is no longer young, and that he’s inclined to let him do as he pleases.

Chang-min’s mom takes offense at what she perceives as a lack of concern from her husband. He explains, “Marriage isn’t something that works out simply because someone says do this, do that.”

Wearing the infamous jacket, Chun-soo stops Chang-min in the hall. He tells him that he rated Chang-min highest today in bedside manner. Chang-min is pleased, but Chun-soo has another question: “How is it there was such a difference between your bedside manner this morning and your bedside manner this afternoon?”

Chang-min replies thoughtfully, “In the morning, I treated illnesses. In the afternoon, I treated patients.”

Chun-soo tells Chang-min to make Jin-hee take another two days off, and with a smile, he adds, “By the way, about what you said to me in my office. I’m not the kind of person who gives up just because you tell me to give up.”

Chang-min picks up some takeout to bring back for Jin-hee, but he gets waylaid by a phone call from his mother. She summons him, saying that she’s already seated somewhere and waiting.

And yes, she is waiting by herself in a restaurant. Ah-reum rushes through the door and apologizes for being late. After some small talk, Chang-min’s mom tells Ah-reum that she invited Chang-min to dinner as well, and Ah-reum seems disconcerted at the idea.

Chang-min arrives, and irritated by the obvious set-up, he asks bluntly why his mom didn’t mention that she was here with Ah-reum. His behavior is notably rude, and Ah-reum glances at him in embarrassment.

Some plates of food arrive, and Chang-min deliberately digs in first. His mom tries to cover for his lapse in manners, but he proceeds to slurp his noodles so loudly that the damage is done. He even openly glances at his watch, and Ah-reum finally says, “It seems that I shouldn’t have come.”

Chang-min’s mom insists that she made the reservation with the express intention of dining with Ah-reum, but her words are offset by more slurping noises off-camera. Offended and hurt, Ah-reum stands up to excuse herself, but her words are also accompanied by the slurping one-man orchestra that is Chang-min.

Furious, Chang-min’s mom demands that he stop eating. He stops, but he has a demand of his own: “Going forwards, don’t set something like this up without my agreement first. If you had told me first, I would have listened, and I would have decided.” Yeah!

Chang-min grumps to himself about feeling uncomfortably full, whether it be from the noodles or all the air he swallowed while eating the noodles. He’s especially cranky when he realizes that the takeout soup that he bought for Jin-hee has grown cold.

He comes home to find Jin-hee in the bathroom, trying to unplug a clogged toilet. He chides her for straining her arm and seats her on his couch. After she notes the takeout bag and asks what it is, Chang-min replies that it’s oxtail soup.

Jin-hee sees that it’s a two-person portion, and Chang-min says that he’d intended to eat with her. Surprised, she reminds him that he doesn’t like oxtail soup. He answers, “Since you like it, I bought some so that we could eat together.”

Chang-min heads back to deal with the clogged toilet, when a thought occurs to him. He looks at Jin-hee and smirks, “It’s not… a big one, is it?” Ahahaha. Maybe consider feeding her less roughage at breakfast?

They sit down to eat, and when Chang-min tries to feed her again, Jin-hee insists that she can feed herself. Chang-min looks down uncomfortably at his food, and since Jin-hee doesn’t know that he just ate, she assumes that he’s not eating because he doesn’t like the soup.

Not wanting her to be concerned for him, Chang-min starts shoveling the food into his mouth, which brings a smile to Jin-hee’s face, and geez, why is it I find this particular gesture so sweet?

In his office, Chun-soo wears his red jacket and mentally replays Ji-hye’s words encouraging him to express his feelings, and he grabs his phone to send a text to Jin-hee. “How are you doing?” he types. He erases it, and then types, “Are you all right?” This also gets erased. His third attempt, “Make sure you wear a bandage while sleeping,” likewise lands in the digital wastebasket.

After dinner, Chang-min and Jin-hee drink coffee on his couch. He’s still amazed that she became a doctor, and he tells her that she must be a medical prodigy, as he learned so much from her today while covering her patients.

Jin-hee broaches the subject of starting over, and Chang-min attempts to cut her off. When she tries to make light of Chang-min’s feelings, he insists that he’s reflected hard on what he’s feeling and that it’s more than just nostalgia for their dating days.

Jin-hee’s phone beeps, and she sees a text from Chun-soo which reads, “Don’t be sick.” Visibly affected, she blinks in surprise but she continues, “I have no thoughts of starting over. I think that would be best for both of us.” She apologizes and gets up to go.

Chang-min swings her around by the arm (what!), and Jin-hee looks at him with a pained expression. “The time we promised each other is past,” she says. “Yeah, I know,” replies Chang-min, “But, I’m sorry, I can’t let you go.” He grabs her forcefully and kisses her.

COMMENTS

Compelling dramas are populated by compelling characters. Compelling characters are driven by motivations and goals which lead them to take actions to achieve their goals. When their goals and actions run counter to the goals and actions of other characters, we have conflict. When we have conflict, we’ve got a story.

For characters to come to life, their motivations and goals need to be fluid, changeable. As characters interact with other characters, or suffer setbacks, they need to either redefine their goals, or attempt to discover new ways of achieving their goals.

Until now, I’ve deliberately dedicated minimum word count on Chang-min’s mom, because, well, she’s annoying, and because we all know that she’s a two-dimensional, stock drama character—the shrew of a mother-in-law who only gets trotted out occasionally to keep the lead couple apart. Apart from her irritating mannerisms, why do most of us hate her so much? I mean, there’s nothing inherently despicable about a mother who wants an advantageous marriage for her son.

On one level, we’re impatient with her because her motivations are NOT fluid. She neither adapts nor reacts to her environment or to the characters around her. Despite ample evidence that Chang-min is not interested in Ah-reum (did he not point-blank tell her so!), her goal and the actions she takes to achieve her goal have remained static. It’s what makes her flat and unrealistic, a mere plot device as opposed to a living, breathing character. And when she forces Chang-min and Ah-reum together for dinner, it feels like recycled material. Haven’t you tried this before? It didn’t work before, so why are you trying again? Don’t you have any other ideas? Do you exist outside of your husband and son, because I sure don’t see you having any other goals in life other than marrying your son off to Ah-reum, and getting a divorce from your husband.

Even Chang-min’s dad, while drawn with broad strokes, seems dynamic. We know he kept in touch with Jin-hee in the past, and he cares about the environment. Suddenly, he’s reaching out to his son, and to his in-laws. Immediately, I’m curious what his motivations are, and what has changed for him. He may not be a central character, and he may not get a lot of time in front of the camera, but I sense that he has a life offscreen and a fluid role to play onscreen in the near future.

So. This brings me to Chang-min. To a large degree, Chang-min has also been the stock jealous hero, the archetype that riddles all of dramaland. Oh sure, there are some things that set him apart, like the fact that he was once married, then divorced from our heroine. Oh, and now, he wants our heroine back. Why? I’m not sure. What happens if he doesn’t get the girl back? Um, nothing, I suppose, other than maybe a lot of empty soju bottles and some drunk-dialing.

So, I think that’s my problem. I don’t really understand Chang-min’s motivations. I can’t tell if he’s truly in love with Jin-hee, or whether he’s just a boy who wants his toy back. With no understanding of his motivations, I just can’t root for him as a character. When Ji-hye asks him why he broke up with Jin-hee the first time, he vaguely mentions a lot of problems, and a lack of understanding. If he wants to start over with Jin-hee now, I’m guessing he thinks they’ve somehow developed more understanding for each other. Great! When did that happen? And why won’t you show me? I want to root for you.

One defining aspect of love, whether parental, romantic, or platonic, is the desire for the loved one’s happiness—even if it comes at the cost of one’s own. I adore Ji-hye, and am invested in her future, because despite having feelings for Chun-soo, she encourages him to explore his feelings for Jin-hee. She wants what’s best for Chun-soo, and if she is not what’s best, so be it. Perhaps she needs to give more pointers to Chang-min, because the forced kiss at the end of the episode seemed awfully like him putting his happiness and needs before Jin-hee’s. I don’t feel that Chang-min has yet earned these kisses, and kisses in lieu of communication and deeper understanding fall flat for me.

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1 Dongsaeng

March 9, 2014 at 4:24 AM

Why is the hero always the jealous and immature one and not the woman? Getting tired of Changmin's portrayal.. Hope his character develops into a likeable one

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Alex

March 9, 2014 at 4:05 PM

Jealous behavior is reserved for the second female lead, which usually garners her hate. It is a what characterizes the stock type, so as soon as it appears, it cues drama fans
who to cheer for and who to hiss at. This is the sad reality of the superficiality and cliche of dramas.

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v

March 9, 2014 at 4:33 PM

Don't worry, he's growing in a couple episode. In a way this drama did break the mold a little bit. The ever so supportive ex of Chief Devil. The maturing part of OCM, the stronger female lead, the parallel marriage establishment with OJH's dongsaeng. In a way, this drama didn't go the 1 dimensional character way which is great. Plus we can't really hate anyone in this drama (although maybe more for monster in law).

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Strawberry x3

March 9, 2014 at 5:55 PM

How else is he supposed to feel when the woman he still has feelings for who is also his ex-wife is interested in another man? Maybe he could be a little less immature but I feel that feeling jealous is definitely plausible in this situation.

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windsun33

March 10, 2014 at 12:16 AM

What right does he have to be jealous? From what I recall, he was the one that asked for the divorce, not her. He failed to do anything to protect her from the evil cliché mother in law. She seems to have moved on, but he has not.

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windsun33

March 10, 2014 at 12:12 AM

So true, and it gets a bit old as a trope, getting close to the status of an overdone cliché. At this point I am not rooting for him at all.

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2 RenaLoh

March 9, 2014 at 4:25 AM

Thanks for the recap slappyunni! :D
yeah i was wondering too, why did changmin suddenly likes her??
I found myself swooning not over changmin, but chief gook instead :)

I want to root for changmin, but for now I'll stick to Chief-nim and Oh Jin Hee haha
Ji Hyo fighting!

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KDaddict

March 9, 2014 at 5:31 AM

I watched ep 1; skipped the others, n watched ep 12. Looks like I'm not missing anything.

Whe does he suddenly like her?
I was under the impression that he now likes her cos he admires her for being a really good and caring physician.

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v

March 9, 2014 at 4:47 PM

I think, I am getting the impression that OCM actually didn't fall in love with OJH when they first married. It was OJH that fall in love with him. He had a big crush on her and his immature thought confused this with love. When the head rush, heart pumping, stomach twirling of being in crush gone, and the reality of marriage life sets in he was disappointed with the way their marriage went, because in his head a perfect relationship suppose to never go sour. In his world when relationship go sour they got separated, divorced or not. Just like his parent's situation. They never got divorced but they are indeed living apart. He said himself he never had his dad with him. So that's why it was so easy for him to leave their marriage. He never has the role model for staying through thick and thin. Now that he understand more about mature love which includes sacrifice (thanks to a certain teacher which you all will know next episode) he realize that he is still harbor feelings for OJH. The same girl he admired a long time ago, is still an admirable woman. Albeit, this time he is not the only one that realize how admirable she is. That also contribute the fact that he realize how strong and attractive OJH is. When they first got together everyone around him was telling what a mistake she was. Now almost everyone around him conforming how a great gal OJH is. In a way, OCM is a type of person that easily swayed. Hopefully with him maturing, he realize in the end he is the one that has to live his own life, not his mom, not his family, so he has to the be one that decide his course. Looks like starting next episode he is getting there. I am currently in love with Professor Shim's character. Such a great second lead. Give her more scene to shine please PD-nim!!

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tdot

March 9, 2014 at 7:16 PM

Really like your analysis, v! Especially the part about Chang Min lacking a good relationship example in his parents. I've been thinking the same thing. He genuinely doesn't know how to do the whole love thing in a mature way, poor guy.

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v

March 10, 2014 at 12:02 AM

Thx tdot. One thing I really like about this drama is it works more on real life issues unlike most other drama which tend to be more superficial. Well, on the relationship issues, unfortunately I take that example from real life. Personally I know someone who really close to me that does not have mature relationship mentor in their life. That is why I support OCM but in the same time really ready to smack some senses to his head. GROW UP WOULD YA CHANG MIN!!!

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3 pohonphee

March 9, 2014 at 4:37 AM

Bah! Forcefull kiss... How does that resolve your problem, Changmin-ssi??

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windsun33

March 10, 2014 at 12:19 AM

I actually found that scene a bit ... Icky.

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4 erika04

March 9, 2014 at 4:37 AM

Ditto.your words describe exactly egung I'm not yet rooting him with jin hee.his motivation is just not convincing while I understand why dr.gook starting to have feeling for her and he did put her feeling first and can bring out the best from her.oh well I don't know.for now I will just let the story spill it all and make the flow good because if jin hee end up with dr.gook then I'm glad if she end up with cm then I'm ok.

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5 Net-chan

March 9, 2014 at 4:39 AM

I like Chang-Min's character. He's not THAT flat. The only problem with him is that he just came to realise that his mother is the real obstacle to knock out for him to live his own life.
I agree, kisses instead of communication may not be the solution, but he's doing lots of things aside from kissing (and that was just one kiss).

Well, I've watched episode 13 so I won't spoil here x).

And Slap, I agree with you, the mother is VERY ANOOYING. I just don't like this actress, it is too painful for me to look at her face lol. Why should they always cast her as a mother-in-law in good dramas (same went with Secret Garden)??? Her face AND her voice are annoying. Really. I'm really sorry for her... Everytime she appears on screen, I look away. Or I try to look at the subtitles only... Whyyy.

I like the daddy though. I can't wait for him to play a bigger role in the drama, supporting Jin Hee ^-^...

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JoJo

March 9, 2014 at 6:39 AM

I've seen Park Joon Geum in so many dramas playing the same role. This is all she can do. It's pitiful. I thought she might ruin this drama for me, and I was right. But, I watched anyway, gritting my teeth and now FF through all her scenes. I've invested a lot of time in this drama, but I may have to stop to keep my sanity.

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Newbie

March 9, 2014 at 10:18 AM

Park Joon Geum always plays the same character. It's as if the mom from Ojakgyo Brothers walked right into Emergency Couple.

Awfull.

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windsun33

March 10, 2014 at 12:22 AM

It is almost like as soon as you see her face in a drama, you KNOW she is going to be the evil MIL. It's actually sad to be so typecast, I am sure she could play other roles.

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whoa

March 12, 2014 at 3:20 PM

agree abt the typecast, but fortunately there's another layer of her in this drama, as a wife, not just MIL
personally, i like her a lot after watching her in happy together

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6 Anna

March 9, 2014 at 4:46 AM

Thanks for covering the plot point I had problems accepting too. Chang-min fell in love too easily, suddenly, and abruptly. It was like I had missed a few episodes in between.

I like Ji-hye more than plenty of other characters. I used to dislike her at first, but she's mature and deals with her feelings and problems calmly.

Not particularly impressed with the writing(it is so hard to like half-baked plots and settings after watching YFAS)...but I want to see things resolved.

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windsun33

March 10, 2014 at 12:25 AM

The half baked plots and plot holes are what I am having problems with in both of the current "divorce" dramas. Sometimes I wonder if anyone actually reads the screen play before they start shooting on some of these dramas.

Perhaps I just got spoiled over the past few months with YFAS, Secrets, and a couple of others that stood above the herd of k-dramas.

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7 tdot

March 9, 2014 at 5:14 AM

As always, thanks for your recaps slappyunni - they are so much fun to read!

Was it just me, or did baby Gook steal all the scenes that he was in? He’s such an alert baby, and in the scenes with the adults, he’s always looking up at them so curiously and following the conversation so attentively with his eyes, like, “What’s going on here? Why are you talking to loud? Did you just smack my mom? Man, big people are weird...” Baby Gook is adorable.

So, does Chun-soo really like Jin Hee? Until this episode I was sure that his response to Chang Min about that was just to aggravate CM and to test him -- a kind of game of one-upmanship, more hypothetical than real, as in “So what if I do like her? What would you do about it, huh?” I thought that he liked Jin Hee as an intern with a natural gift and a lot of potential who reminded him of himself, but now it’s being hammered home that he likes her as a woman? I never got a real convincing sense before that Gook was actually attracted to Jin Hee. I don’t really object to this new development -- Chief Gook, fighting! -- but it doesn’t feel entirely true to the storyline as it’s been playing out so far. I'm still wondering if maybe he's doing it, not so much because he likes Jin Hee, but because he doesn't like the thought of her with that jerk Chang Min. Anyway, the scene of him sitting in his office wearing the coat Jin Hee gave him, as if now that he had it back, he had to make up for all the time he didn't get to wear it, made me giggle. Chief Gook is also adorable.

As for Chang-Min, I can only say what I have said several times before: I know what he’s trying to do, and Choi Jin Hyuk’s aegyo is very appealing (seriously, it’s ridiculous that he can be both so virile and so boyishly cute), but CM needs to grow up, and he needs to stop being so overbearing. His intentions are good, but his execution is very problematic. But at least he recognises that he can be immature -- the line where he said that comparing him to an elementary school kid would be like an insult to elementary school kids (at least, that’s what I got from the subs I saw) was funny. That kiss at the end, though? No, just no. That was not cool.

I think Dr. Kim's encouragement to Yong Gyu was just to mess with him and to keep him pursuing Ah Reum in the hope that it would produce some more embarrassing situations for Dr. Kim to laugh at. Dr. Kim is kind of hilariously mean that way.

Finally, Chang Min’s dad is obviously suffering some kind of life-threatening ailment right? Such an extremely unsubtle development there.

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docster6

March 9, 2014 at 4:36 PM

Thank you for your great analysis. Apparently a lot of readers agreed with you. Oh yeah, that kiss was the worst EVAH! In a lot of romantic shows, a strong guy could convince an undecided girl by a kiss like that, sort of close the deal and make that girl goes for him. But that kiss went opposite to what the girl just told him. It became an assault. That sets Chang-Min back a few episodes. Aish! Chief Gook, hwaiting!

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v

March 9, 2014 at 5:00 PM

I do like OJH and Chief Gook better, but I rooting for Professor Shim, so, I would rather the nice mature professor get her man back, no matter how she trying to play cupid.

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8 Heartoppaya

March 9, 2014 at 5:21 AM

I love Chang Min! He's adorable with that background slurping, Jin Hee burrito, and how he had oxtail soup when (a) he hates oxtail soup, but since Jin Hee loves it, he's having it with her and (b) he just had noodles unwillingly, as he tried to ignore the conversation. I'm feeling as if Jin Hee's getting unconsciously drawn to this New and Improved Chang Min. I loved this new Chang Min ever since he did that hop jump walk out of the elevator. That was definite hilarity and "woah! Down, boy" awesomeness. Jin Hee was adorable at the kiss scene, coz when he pulled her for the kiss, she's standing on his feet. I love Chang Min and Jin Hee together with no reservations. Let's say love is blind. . . . . .

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devon98

March 9, 2014 at 4:24 PM

This is the right way to explain it
Love indeed is blind

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9 xcmk

March 9, 2014 at 5:27 AM

Uhhh tbh i hate the forced kiss at the end. I use to squeal at them when j was once a preteen but now its just disrespectful and unconsiderate to me. The texting-deleting scene and the eating-despite-being-full scene seemed copied exactly from you from another star. Try to come out with some new ideas rather than rip off a popular drama everybody watched... And yeah i hate changmin's mom and changmin's change from finding jin hee irritating to loving her seemed so sudden and drastic. I wish they showed a more gradual and reasoned change rather than just because. Hes adorable now but still. Im glad we're seeing more subtle changes in jin hee and her hesitance towards starting over. What i probably love the most is chief gook's character, which is the most adorkable, awkward, gruff-but-caring one i've ever seen hahha <3

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Danae

March 10, 2014 at 9:44 AM

"The texting-deleting scene and the eating-despite-being-full scene seemed copied exactly from you from another star."
I have to disagree with this one, not because they are not rip off scenes, but because they are not a rip off from You from another star exclusively, they are popular scenes in kdrama in general, which means, You from another start ripped off from another kdrama and so on. It is just a classic.

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10 jensena

March 9, 2014 at 5:44 AM

I am a sucker for giving love a second chance but the writer needs to develop CM character more. He now sees how JH suffered after the divorce as well as while they were married but he still do things to satisfy himself and not think about how JH feels. I agree when you said that CM simetimes act like a kid who wants to get his toy back.
We need a miracle for the mother in law to be ok with CM getting back together. A huge factor for their divorce was the monster in law. She cut their financial suppot as well as make JH life a livinghell.

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Newbie

March 9, 2014 at 10:22 AM

IIRC Jin Hee talked with the MIL over phone right before the big fight that ended all. I'm pretty sure we'll learn more about this conversation as a or maybe even the reason for the final break-up.

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Harem

March 9, 2014 at 12:45 PM

uhh..I really hate this type of hero. He just doing things as he pleased. If he really..reallyyyy SINCERELY have feeling for Jin Hee,he must respect her as woman first..not treating her like some lifeless toy that you can drag around..Like the person above me said, one of the reason for the divorce was his annoying mother. So fix your mother attitude first,and try not to force your feeling to your ex like some pyscho!

p/s: Chief steal the show..again. With just a couple of text "don't be sick", he actually being the "real" man XD unlike chang min who choose to be just a "man", with his "considerate", "so manly", "brilliant" actions...sigh

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windsun33

March 10, 2014 at 12:40 AM

"..like a kid who wants to get his toy back.."

That is the feeling I get also. He tossed that toy aside once for apparently no good reason that I have seen. I can see why she would be very reluctant to start over with him.

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Newbie

March 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM

That's one of the major flaws of this show. We never learned enough history of the OTP to really root for them. We got some rushed wedding scenes, with her being absent minded and obviously overwhelmed, maybe even questioning herself what exactly she is doing.
Later we directly jump into an unhappy marriage, characters we can't relate to (immature JH, frustrated CM), leaving us without a chance to bond with them.

Why was their marriage under so much stress in the first place? I get the MIL stereotype, but he was forced to work for a living, because his mom stopped the cheques, or what? Seeing his luxury appartment now makes no sense, because that's paid for by mommy as well. Did she stop supporting him because he married the wrong women and after the divorce started paying again?
But their marital home didn't look poor exactly. And why did it take him six years to become an intern just like his ex, who came from a totally different background. Only for plot reasons, that's why.

Badly written indeed.

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Newbie

March 10, 2014 at 7:23 AM

*woman

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11 Izie

March 9, 2014 at 5:49 AM

Why so many people hate OJH and OCM? I really loves both of em.

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momosa

March 9, 2014 at 5:59 AM

I love them!

They just need to polish the writing, directing, editing as the story doesn't seem to flow smoothly. The characters are not quite consistent, some scenes are so abrupt and seems sometimes there to fill time, etc, etc.

But I'm no expert, so I'll just enjoy OJH & OCM cuteness! More kisses to come please!!

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Emmy

March 9, 2014 at 6:31 AM

I love OJH! How can anyone not like OJH?

I find OCM very endearing.I think what bothers people is his brashness, because he is the complete opposite of Dr. Gook.

I don't doubt that OCM is in love with Jin-Hee, but perhaps he should take Ji-Hye's advice (in ep 13) to assess Jin-Hee's feelings first before he makes any impulsive decisions on his own.

I find OCM and OJH very cute together though. I enjoy their scenes.

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kuroko

March 9, 2014 at 9:51 PM

I don't think hate is the right work. I think most viewers who sympathize with JH feels like its not a rational decision to get back with someone who have given you so much pain to the point where she was having heart problems and alopecia. And lets not forget about the monster in law who still hates the idea of marrying her son to JH. CM has been maturing a bit for the past few episode but still shows selfish acts that's why as a viewer its hard to root for him (despite the overflowing chemistry between CJH and SJH) because on the other hand we have Chief Gook who is someone who doesn't open his heart easily and yet have shown interest to JH. JH smiles and giggles to small things Chief Gook does to show his interest to her, for example the text message he sent her. If you put your self into JH shoes why would you want to get back with someone and risk the possibility of experiencing hell again when you can start over fresh with someone you like and seems to like you back?

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12 momosa

March 9, 2014 at 5:54 AM

Baby, omg, he's so cute, cute, cute! and he's a scene stealer! He just love grandma so much that he looks at her all the time! Cute cute!

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ibu

March 9, 2014 at 10:36 AM

I understand how you feel... I can't help but get distracted by that super cute baby gook everytime he is on screen. I'm in love with that baby!

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docster6

March 9, 2014 at 4:44 PM

Not to be out-done, Professor Shim's daughter is way cute too! If Chief Gook is her real father, he better gets involved in her development. So far, Professor Shim is a fantastic character, so pretty and so smart.

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13 knookey

March 9, 2014 at 6:06 AM

This drama is addictive, no doubt about that, but it still has me yearning for more.

- This storyline is all too familiar, I just feel there's nothing too amazing or different about it. I mean yes, a divorced couple possibly rekindling their romance is a new thing for ME in K-dramas, but apart from that there's nothing too new or exciting about it.

- I'm not finding some of their acting to be very believable, you know? Like you said for Changmin, where is his re-affection and love coming from? Is he just remembering the good times, or has he truly grown as a person and seen where their relationship went wrong?

- There is chemistry between the leads, yes, but not that much, and not enough to keep me completely rooting for him.

From my point of view, I think they need to pick up the storyline a bit 'cause I feel it may stagnate soon.
I don't know, maybe cause this is my rebound drama after YWCFS and I feel it isn't on par with it, so that's why I haven't completeley warmed up to this drama.

I'm still addicted to it and am very curious to see how this story will end.

Side note: the guy who plays Changmin looks a lot like this actor people in NZ might know: Chris Tempest from Shortland Street (Josh). They have similar looking eyes when they smile and some other slightly similar features. Chris also played a doctor on the NZ soap opera, so one more similarity. Now whenever I see Changmin I remember Josh... I can't unsee it. Damn it! Haha

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Nessie

March 9, 2014 at 12:53 PM

Speaking of Christ Tempest, yes! I do see the resemblance, those eyes! Though their characters are like polar opposites haha

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knookey

March 10, 2014 at 3:46 AM

Let's just hope their characters stay different

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knookey

March 10, 2014 at 3:50 AM

Let's just hope their characters stay polar opposites

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14 shao

March 9, 2014 at 6:45 AM

First, thanks for the review! :)

I think you may be a tad harsh on the storyline when you constantly harp on the fact that the root cause of why their marriage fell apart was not addressed. I think as with all relationships, problems intertwine and build on each other, and over time, they cannot be distinctly separated from each other any more, and that is the way problems in life are. I didn't have any issue with that. I can also accept the fact that Chang Min and Jin Hee are starting to re-experience the pleasant sweetness of the earlier part of their dating relationship, and they don't need to necessarily 'outgrow their old selves' in order to fall in love with each other again. In fact, I think it is pretty realistic. (As to how hardy their current relationship is and how long it will last, we can only wait to see) Perhaps this is based on the belief that you are destined for that one special someone in life - it just took Chang Min and Jin Hee two marriages to figure that out.

I absolutely agree though, that CM did not earn those kisses enough. Although I think for the coldness JH is giving him, the audience (and he) deserves a bit of a payback :P

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rearwindow

March 9, 2014 at 7:26 AM

I think you're right on about problems intertwining in long-term relationships. That said, if we don't confront our own role in these problems with an air of curiosity and true self-reflection, I do think that we are destined to repeat them. Chang Min has SERIOUS mommy issues. And daddy issues, let's be honest. He is also impulsive and self-centered. Even his sweet gestures towards Jin Hee are self-centered because he has a clear agenda in acting sweetly toward her--to win her back--and seems to bulldoze what Jin Hee actually wants in the process. Jin Hee did a lot of maturing from the time they divorced to now. What is concerning (and why I think a lot of people are bothered by Chang Min) is that CM seems to have had very little personal growth. He needs about a year of therapy before he'll be ready to really give it another go with Jin Hee, I think. His behavior now is still impulsive and self-centered.

What I think (hope) is going to happen is that his feelings for Jin Hee will be what catalyzes self-reflection and growth for him. I want him to back off and really listen to her. That's a big part of what was missing in their relationship before, and a big part of what is still missing now. That said, because he the show has not given us a very rich understanding of where his current feelings of "love" are coming from (is it infatuation? real, deep love? respect? jealous? desire for ownership?), I have no real reason to root for him now.

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tura

March 9, 2014 at 7:35 AM

I love this show,I have been refreshing like mad waiting for this recap. CM is so cute and I loooooved when he told CS its time to stop insulting elementary school students. I don't find CH eating the oxtail soup with JH while being full similar to YFAS. How funny was CM with his dieting patient. I love Chang Min

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mayhem

March 9, 2014 at 11:08 AM

I think what most people are missing out is the fact that maturity and growth varies in every people. Same with you I actually like how pretty realistic are some of the plots in this drama. When we are immature we tend to center our emotions within ourselves, same with what Changmin is showing. I feel that he is still in the process of learning that sometimes loving someone means having their happiness and best interest a priority more than your own. Which really tends to happen in real life.

No two people are exactly the same fit, we all have our own time in realising the past mistakes we have committed. And being in the process of realising that doesn't mean that Changmin will automatically figure things out. For some people things don't happen in a snap, some needs time. I think he's getting there, we just have to wait and see.

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isangpretty

March 9, 2014 at 5:26 PM

I agree 100% with your insights.. :-)

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15 samkaz

March 9, 2014 at 7:13 AM

I love OCM..I know that his character is not developing as well as OJH but think of all that happened to him as well...this guy obviously went against his mother's wishes to marry the girl he loved the first time. So he is not a coward .. If you hear the early few episodes, they show money problems where he is trying to make ends meet and accuses her of not contributing to help him. When a man struggle with financial problems..nothing else matters. The financial woes, a struggling career, a sick wife, a nagging mother, a father who is not strong enough to be a role model...this guy had his share too. To top it all, he was young. It is not that he didn't love her...he was not capable enough to love her!! I am all for OCM and OJH!!

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Gia W

March 9, 2014 at 11:38 PM

I agree...OCM and OJH both had their own issues in marriage, I think they had a complete communications break down and neither realized how bad it was for each one.... I love the chemistry between them...while I like the Chief...I really want OCM and OJH, and I think Chief and Prof. Shim are great together...as for motivation behind OCM...I think it's like what some had mentioned here...he never really stop loving her...I like how this story is moving and I even like they are portraying the childish acts...because honestly, mature character with no silly side would be boring drama character... I think it humanizes him...

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16 Waiting

March 9, 2014 at 7:57 AM

Thanks for the recap, Slappyunni!

I can't agree more, Changmin in not there yet. He has feelings but lacks what needs to go with them to make them mature and different than the first time. It's funny, that scene we all thought was funny in the elevator when he had a certain male physiologic response to being close to Jin Hee, stands as a good example of where he is in the process - uncontrollable feelings but the mental and mature adult part is lagging. Hopefully he will figure it out and hopefully she will chose whoever is best for her.

On a side note...that suit..with the zippers and, and the different fabric...and the hair style. The combination made me feel like I was watching Choi Jin Hyuk's screen test for Kim Tan!

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Soso

March 9, 2014 at 8:10 AM

The same as me :D I feel that I see Kim tan in older version .

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넷마

March 9, 2014 at 9:27 AM

Lol same here !! :D

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넷마

March 9, 2014 at 9:56 AM

Btw, NileRose , are you from Egypt ?

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Soso

March 9, 2014 at 1:16 PM

Yes :D

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넷마

March 9, 2014 at 3:04 PM

Me too :)
Nice "meeting" you here :)

17 Soso

March 9, 2014 at 8:01 AM

I love the Chief & Jih nee seriously normal & adorable :)

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NileRose

March 9, 2014 at 8:06 AM

*Sorry I mean Jin Hee

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18 alua

March 9, 2014 at 8:14 AM

The forced kiss... why why why?

Even less of a reason to root for Chang-min.

A lot bothered me about in this episode (and also ep 13), which again was poorly written, with lots of things that didn't make sense. JH staying overnight at CM and pretty much everything he did for her then. Waiting for the food to arrive at the restaurant before AR walked out (leaving the food! What waste... and I always wonder in these situations, who pays the bill?)

CM was also straight out rude to Ah Reum. It's not her fault his Mom invited her to the restaurant, he should have said right from the start that he wasn't staying or at least treated her politely. He also needs to tell her clearly he isn't interested in her.

Incidentally, his declaration of wanting to start with JH again also said everything about him: it was possessive. Not "I like you" but "I want..." – all about him, his wants and needs, and no consideration of JH's feelings, and no indication that he has tried to understand at all what went wrong in the past.

The way he has behaved, going from treating her with disdain to being totally sweet to the point of brushing her teeth, yet ignoring the reality (what's with the "aren't we like newly-weds"?) kind of made me think that in some way he shows signs of a classical abuser, the kind of people that manipulate and hurt you in one moment and are super-sweet to you in next as if nothing ever had been wrong. I know that's a harsh judgment on the part of CM, but that's just what came to my mind – I can't help it, since the dots aren't connecting, and I have just no idea why he likes again.

It's like I'm watching and CM looks at JH or touches her hand, and it's supposed to be romantic. The music tells me that's what I'm supposed to feel, but I just don't feel it.

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alua

March 9, 2014 at 9:15 AM

Want to add that the line "I'm going to lock the door" also annoyed me. If they have that line in a drama with a virginal heroine, I can see that (though it's still lame even that scenario), but we've got a former couple here. JH should know her ex well enough to know that he would not do anything to her while she's sleeping. If that's not the case and she's seriously scared, why did she go to his place at all and why is she staying overnight?

I haven't found CM particularly likeable, but the suggestion this kind of line makes about his character is offensive. Though my feeling is that it's a recycled line from other dramas that the writers threw in just because they thought it would be 'funny'.

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tdot

March 9, 2014 at 9:32 AM

I found the "Lock it if you want, I have the key," response rather icky, in a typically Chang Min way of showing a lack of regard for any boundaries that Jin Hee might try to establish. It was a quite perturbing thing for him to say in the circumstances, and put him in an unpleasant light.

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alua

March 9, 2014 at 10:18 AM

Yeah, his response was no better. They should have just left those lines out altogether! :-/

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mdolphins

March 10, 2014 at 7:55 AM

It seemed to me the text was being used to show how well he knows her and he was right. She did fall asleep first. I think the writers are trying hard to infuse some humor between them and a lot of people don't seem to appreciate it. The scene did not bother me.

19 jemma

March 9, 2014 at 8:16 AM

I have trouble rooting for OCM no matter how good they are together (and they are, SJH and CJH have great chemistry together), because the way he treats her is like a little kid!

I've only recently started watching k-dramas, so I'm not sure if it's always like that, but what's with him doing everything AGAINST Jinhee's will? Everything he does (the burrito wrap, making her stay, the kiss) has her fighting against his actions. Does he honestly think any girl wants to be treated like that?

And the oxtail soup matter just rubbed me the wrong way despite it being a minor matter. It's sweet of him to buy something she likes and all, but I can't help but think that's why the marriage failed. If you spend your life buying stuff only your wife likes and just accepting it because she likes it, of course you'd come to resent her. Plus he could just have bought some other food that he would actually prefer for himself.

I hope he changes/matures/grows more, and episode 13 does seem to be indicative of that.

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20 넷마

March 9, 2014 at 9:21 AM

Thanks for the recap :)
I hope Chang-min's character shows more development in the coming episodes , because uptil now he's just been immature and inconsiderate.
I'm also cheering for Chun-so/Jin-hee coupling (PS. I'm a sucker for second leads) :D
Also this shows needs better medical references, there are a lot of mistakes through out the whole drama.

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ibu

March 9, 2014 at 10:30 AM

Thank god I do not have the knowledge to spot the wrong medical references. If not, it would have made me lost interest in this drama.
OCM has yet to convince me that he deserves jin hee. I am still rooting for jin hee and chief gook. I just love his character!

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21 whatis

March 9, 2014 at 9:37 AM

I WANT to root for chang-min... but yea... he's getting nowhere with Jin-hee. She's obviously still harboring some resentment towards him, and I really really want to know what happened. It almost seems like the root of the problem was the mother-in-law, and that just doesn't sound like a good enough reason for the marriage to fail.

I don't know how Chang-min's going to change the game in his favor... it looks like he's losing this battle real fast. Especially with Chun-soo and Jin-hee lookin' more and more adorable together. :)

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22 Noelle

March 9, 2014 at 11:31 AM

Chang Min took this huge step back for me. The forced kiss and all the wrist grabbing is really just getting on my nerves and just off putting.Plus he sees to ignore everything Jin Hee says. More understanding my foot! I really thought Ji Hye was getting through to him and thus affecting how he moved forward with Jin Hee but no, instead we got,"Man want girl, girl come with man." It reminds of a South Park episode where one girl starts developing breasts and all the boys kind of become cavemen around her and grunt. Hilarious but I don't want to see that in a male lead.

I'm sorry but I love the idea of her and Chun Soo and seeing that she honestly has feelings for him and him to her makes me root for them.

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23 Tee

March 9, 2014 at 11:42 AM

Has anyone read if there have been talks of an extension since gapdong starts Friday April 11th that means this show will be ending the Friday before so Saturday would be empty and they could add an episode and it has good ratings for a cable show

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24 fgb4877

March 9, 2014 at 11:50 AM

Hello Beanies and Slapyunni!.

Slappyunni, I loved your spot-on character analysis. I once was forced to work with someone like Changmin's mother, and it was a pain even if I (fortunately) had more hierarchy in the company. That person (and Changmin's mother) seems to be buried in being the black sheeps and that makes them more "motivated" to impose (transfer) their definition of success on others.

Mother is shallow because her need of approval is so big and she feels she is a failure unless marrying Changmin with someone perceived as successful. That is a way to show off their success (I am not successful/educated BUT my son married into a Minister's family -AND she is a doctor {her fetish, BTW}-). Of course the ones suffering those consequences (ex. badly married) aren't as important as the fact that they represent a fetish AND were forced together by that interloper.

Hope I will never be near someone like that in my life.

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25 Belle

March 9, 2014 at 12:35 PM

I adore this show for being a simple stress-reliever after a work week! But I agree wholeheartedly with your opinion. The mother seems like such a flat character that i just skip most of her parts in the drama. (I even have trouble sometimes reading through her parts in a recap.. Yes, I am THAT annoyed by her)

I've watched episode 13, and I enjoyed it a little more than episode 12 because we get to see more of Jinhee and the Chief. I feel like right now, those two make more sense to me than Changmin because their fluttering romance was explained. He sees a real fighter in her, she feels respected by him. I can't pinpoint if Changmin just wants his old toy back, wants to annoy his mother or wants something he can't have. And although I do like Changmin, it has probably more to do with Choi Jin Hyuk than anything else.

Enjoyed the recap! Thanks! :)

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26 MM

March 9, 2014 at 1:02 PM

Really f

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27 MM

March 9, 2014 at 1:07 PM

Really folks- what do we expect? It's a kdrama- these r normal characters. Exception of a few like heirs and I need romance3- but mostly secondary lead mail is always nicer and more perfect. It's only just past halfway through. He's gradually learning from his brother in law and Jin Hee and Dr Gook and Professor Shim. If he progressed faster- the drama would be done too soon! Patience....

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alua

March 10, 2014 at 5:51 AM

Not to be stuck in the middle ages of guy-WANTS-girl, girl-comes-to-guy-because-guy-WANTS.

Not the same old, 100 times recycled clichés and stock characters.

At least a bit of originality and some daring to take a risk.

Some decent writing to makes some sense.

Well, at least I am not willing to lower my expectations for a drama to the point where it's like 'it's okay if it's the same old crap, because a k-drama is supposed to be that way'.

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28 August

March 9, 2014 at 1:26 PM

Loved the scene and lines of dialogue...

“Are you in elementary school?”--Chief Gook Chun Soo
“Let’s refrain from insulting elementary school students.”--Oh Chang-Min

It's nice that Chang-Min is continuing to develop and improve his skills and bedside manner as a Doctor.

“In the morning, I treated illnesses. In the afternoon, I treated patients.”--Oh Chang-Min

Emergency Couple has always been oriented and centered around Oh Jin-Hee. I realized early on that Oh Chang-Min's transition toward growth and development whether with Oh Jin-Hee and/or as a Doctor would be subtle and gradual.

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29 jusash

March 9, 2014 at 1:42 PM

THANKS Slappyunni for insightful observations.

Nodding along to those, and other commenters here and there.

(1) Enjoy watching Chang-min but that's probably bec of Choi Jin-hyuk ... not the character.

- why does he want her back? coveted toy has competition expressing interest? he had a healthy physical reaction to her proximity in elevator?

Because:
- he still doesn't listen
- it's still pretty much what HE wants, without listening to her (forced kiss included) and how he assumes that his warning to Dr Gook is da final word.
- how unrealistic is it that HIS feelings and timetable (I want you, so you must respond) over-rides all existing issues unaddressed in their old relationship?
- outside of finally exhibiting some backbone as far as his domineering mom is concerned, he still needs to go a long way to convincing us WHY Jin-hee should even consider anything again with him.
- how immature can anyone get? what with the hiding jacket and tantrums. Taking out his rage on someone else, grabbing colleague's drink and then throwing the can on the floor and stomping off .... NOT cool, and not in the least assuring about character maturity and improvement.

(2) Are they even on the same page?
his mindset = we were married
her mindset = we are divorced
Their final breakup seemed pretty cruel, but he doesn't seem to have the residual nightmarish recollections she has. My heart went out to her at the last encounter when he was packing his stuff into the car, and the other one with his mother screeching at her.

(3) Dr Gook:
- socially awkward. while they are interested in each other, their moments together still need that romantic spark to convince that it go beyond that budding interest.

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Harem

March 9, 2014 at 4:24 PM

well, you need to watch ep 13, because it'll explain lots of things regarding their previous marriage and you will also see the development between jin hee and chief XD I hope the director and the script writer go with ChiefXJinhee route!

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Dria

March 9, 2014 at 6:54 PM

Honestly, I think this drama should focus on him learning how to love healthily, I mean Professor Shim is actually giving him lessons that he's taking to heart so I hope he gets better later.

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Harem

March 9, 2014 at 10:42 PM

hmm..unfortunately,according to the next preview(ep 14),it seems changmin still cannot do it..loving healthily I mean. He still with his childish jealousy act, "she's my girl!"

..And I love how Chief interact with Jin hee, yeah, he still not "man up" literally, but objectively and subjectively, he actually shows his passion and his feeling for Jin Hee with his very little action..I mean, first the short 4 words message "Don't be sick", then subtly order jin hee "after sending the patient to that hospital, go home immediately" and he even take the step further by calling her asking how she doing at that hospital..

the most important thing is, every little thing he does(I said little because most of his screentime last only about 20 sec) actually doesn't even suffocate or bother Jin Hee..unlike Chang Min who always force his feeling toward her, always doing things as he pleased without consider her feeling...

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30 dearly

March 9, 2014 at 4:31 PM

Writing is getting sloppy. Not happy. In fact, I skimmed over this episode within 15 minutes. Yep. Skipped alot. I am not really looking forward to ep. 13. Will probably skip watching and just read the recaps instead. Still not convince by the writer that Chang Min is suddenly in love with Jin Hee. Quite childish of him to 'kidnapped' her and entrapped her in the blanket sushi position (not romantic at all).

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31 jpcham

March 9, 2014 at 4:34 PM

Thanks for the recap!

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32 fan

March 9, 2014 at 6:31 PM

Here are my thoughts on why Chang Min isn't the biggest problem to the Chang Min Jin Hee reunion

1) Chang Min has acknowledge that he had a part in the failure of the marriage, that he let his mother have her way with Jin Hee without stepping in, that he never gave Jin Hee any credit for being as good as she is. He's still learning to be a better person, so he's going to stumble and make mistakes. At least he manned up and returned the jacket face to face. This could have easily been forgotten or turned into some comedic act of getting it back without Chief Gook knowing. And at least he's open and honest about his feelings towards Jin Hee, which I can't really say the same about Chief Gook.

2) Jin Hee wasn't just a victim in the failure of the marriage, maybe to his mom yes, but not in the marriage. She didn't seem like the easiest person to communicate with when they were married and still some what now. Chang Min called her out in the stairwell about not being able to see past her emotions and I don't think she's grown passed that. While her intentions to save her patients are noble, she doesn't seem to have much respect for their choices and is constantly putting herself and others at risk (physically or professionally). She also hasn't been willing to see, for more than 5 mins, that Chang Min, mistakes and all, might actually be trying to put in an effort to do things differently this time around.

3) Jin Hee turns into a little school girl with a crush on a knight in shining armor with Chief Gook. Is this really someone falling in love with who a person is or the idea of that person? If it's the latter, she's basically setting herself up for relationship failure #2

4) Chief Gook needs to man up. I don't buy that he's completely falling in love with Jin Hee and has no feelings for Ji Hye. Part of me feels like he's pursuing it at Ji Hye's urging and also because of Chang Min asking him honestly to stay away from Jin Hee.

I honestly don't think Chang Min and Jin Hee ever fell out of love with each other. After they got married, their individual lives went down hill and their marriage followed suit. I think this is pretty reflective of marriages in real life. It's easier to blame your partner for your own failures than yourself. And I don't think Chang Min should be held accountable for fixing their previous marriage problems on his own.

All that being said, I like this drama and these characters. Yes the drama leaves a lot of the action off screen, but at least they address it in the script. Ji Hye is awesome by the way.

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mdolphins

March 10, 2014 at 8:05 AM

I loved your post and I agree with you. CM is getting far too much of the blame from viewers and I think JH deserves some too.

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tdot

March 10, 2014 at 9:33 AM

The thing, though, is that Jin Hee isn't the one who's pushing for them to renew their relationship. In my view Chang Min is the biggest problem in the CM/JH reunion, because Chang Min is the one who keeps trying to make that reunion happen even though Jin Hee keeps telling him that she doesn't want to. It isn't so much about their previous marriage problems, it's about the potential problems in the relationship that Chang Min wants to have now; the biggest problem being that he's trying to have a relationship that Jin Hee is not interested in having.

"She also hasn’t been willing to see, for more than 5 mins, that Chang Min, mistakes and all, might actually be trying to put in an effort to do things differently this time around."

But for Jin Hee, so far, there is no "this time around." It would be different if she had agreed to give him another chance and then refused to recognize how he was trying to be better, but that's not the case. She has made it clear to him that she is not interested in giving it another try. I think all she wants (as far as the drama has shown us so far) is for them to have a cordial relationship as colleagues, and to be able to otherwise move on with her life. She is under no obligation to show appreciation for his efforts at having a romantic relationship she doesn't want to have.

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33 Quiet Thought

March 9, 2014 at 7:03 PM

. . . And the additional, most puzzling question of all: who told the lovely Song Ji Hyo that she would look even lovelier with rust-red eyebrows?

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momosa

March 10, 2014 at 2:45 PM

They are trying to spark a fashion trend...

Or it might be an accident, spill-over from the top...

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34 Heartoppaya

March 9, 2014 at 7:53 PM

No matter what, I can keep staring at Choi Jin Hyuk all day long. A man with such a beautiful face, body, personality, voice, comedic timing and chemistry with love interest is so rare. Well, I'm excepting Jung Woo (Reply 1994) coz I'm a huge fan. . . . But seriously, CJH and SJH is just DAEBAK!!

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35 Janet

March 9, 2014 at 9:50 PM

I can't read the episode 11 recap:( is it just me?

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36 Tamagad

March 9, 2014 at 10:00 PM

I'm still unsure on how JH truly feels. The force kiss was a big NO for me but JH seems to react differently as I expected. I expect her to slap him or yell at him, or hate him with passion afterwards but she didn't and she also didn't pull away her hand when he held it. So it makes me think she still have feelings for him. Its like her heart telling her she loves him but her mind keeps on reminding the pain she suffered because of him.
I'm really looking forward on how JH handles the situation. Although in reality anyone who's on their right mind would rather start over fresh with someone like the Chief. BUT sometimes you can't help who you fall for. No matter how much pain you experience somehow you can't stop your heart from loving someone.

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Harem

March 9, 2014 at 11:02 PM

yeah, agree. Because just like you said, Jin Hee really can't help and stop herself... from falling in love with chief, I mean. Ep 13 and the preview for ep 14, actually confirm it! Yeah, love is surely blind! So I hope it'll blind till the end with Jin Hee and Chief Gook married each other,have kids, and growing old together.

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37 ijh16

March 10, 2014 at 2:07 AM

Maybe I'm easily contented, so I don't find Chang Min falling for Jin Hee abrupt at all...

Personal front (despite their bad past):
He heard how hard she tried to revive him.
He saw how caring she still is to his sleeping mum.
She literally saved his mum's life.

Professional front (despite her "incompetent" past of only knowing how to eat and sleep):
She had the guts to perform the tracheostomy.
She took over when he fumbled with the medical supplies needed for his mum.
She had great rapport with the old patient who wanted to introduce his son to her.
She asked Ji Hye smart questions.

Also, he was uncomfortable from the first moment Jin Hee had "contact" with Chief (falling into his arms carrying a dummy)... appears to be lingering feelings that grew stronger as Jin Hee got friendlier with Chief. If he had no feelings for Jin Hee, he wouldn't have given a damn.

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ijh16

March 10, 2014 at 2:37 AM

Chang Min appears to be the go-getter. Once he's aware of his feelings for Jin Hee, he goes all out to pursue what he wants. Maybe that is what came across as abrupt for viewers.

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momosa

March 10, 2014 at 2:51 PM

They married in runaway manner despite objections, so yeah, I think his character is like that. He's brave enough to go get it...

That's why I think they got to do something with the writing, we as viewers forgot and the writer didn't do much to build the depth.

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mdolphins

March 10, 2014 at 8:12 AM

I agree with you Jang. I think the episodes did show him softening up to her through different things. He is a flawed character, but he seems to be trying at least.

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38 Dam

March 13, 2014 at 2:25 AM

I just cant root for chang min, he acts if she is a toy.. like he says things like "i have decided" "before i regret" etc etc.. and even forces a kiss on her.. bro.. nahh. That aint cool. Like sometimes its hawt. He lives in his own fantasy world.. and no fcks are giving to wat jin hee says or what she wants..