The Producers: Episode 11
by girlfriday
Today’s episode is all about ratings, and by extension, how to get someone to turn their gaze in your direction, and how to earn their love. All our characters discover the hard way that pure effort alone isn’t enough to win hearts, and they each take big steps to chase that elusive goal, whether it’s a nation of viewers or just one.
SONG OF THE DAY
Ki Hyun – “소울메이트” (Soulmate) for The Producers OST [ Download ]
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EPISODE 11: “Understanding Ratings”
Seung-chan screws up all of his nerve to pull Ye-jin into a kiss… but the reaction is shock from both sides, and when he pulls away, Ye-jin asks, “What are you doing?” Seung-chan is so flustered that he lets go of her swing, nearly sending her toppling off.
Ye-jin decides that the swings won’t do and moves their conversation to the slide, keeping a safe distance from Seung-chan. He looks like such a little kid curled up at the top there. Ye-jin asks why he got all brave out of nowhere, when he’s the one who’s more freaked out after the fact.
Once she gives him a moment to calm down, he slides down to talk to her face-to-face, and Ye-jin asks him warily why he’s coming at her again. He assesses that Ye-jin still sees him as a young hoobae who listens well “and is sometimes cute,” ha. The kiss was his way of conveying his heart and creating an opportunity for her to start seeing him differently.
Ye-jin asks how she’d look at him differently, and calls the kiss akin to throwing a rock to try and shatter the sunbae-hoobae relationship, per his description. He quibbles over the rock metaphor, but agrees that yes, that’s the purpose anyway.
She wonders why he’s more surprised when he’s the one who threw said rock, and he stammers that he didn’t know he’d have the courage. She points out that sometimes it’s more important to protect the relationship you already have rather than try to change it.
Seung-chan asks, “But what if in trying to protect that relationship, you lose your chance? I’ve lost that chance before, but now that I think about it, I can’t remember what relationship I was trying to protect in the first place.” Ye-jin doesn’t have a ready answer for that, and gets lost in thought.
Ye-jin interviews that receiving a confession is like being handed a ball, and now it’s up to her to decide whether to toss it back or keep it. She laughs when the docu team insinuates that it’s been a long time since she’s received one, but can’t really recall an example to counter.
Joon-mo waits up for her and she joins him for a beer, and she asks if she’s actually someone who acts strong in order to protect herself from getting hurt. She uses Seung-chan’s complicated, roundabout way of describing her, and Joon-mo guesses right away that this came out of Seung-chan’s mouth.
He scoffs, wondering how well he could possibly know her, but Ye-jin says that Seung-chan might be right about her—she did choose to fight and be abrasive at work because she didn’t want to be overlooked or not taken seriously just because she’s a woman. She adds that she even did that with her boyfriends too, where she’d purposely come out strong or interpret things sideways to keep from getting rejected.
Joon-mo pipes up at that and agrees wholeheartedly, citing the time he asked her not to move out and she chose to interpret that as him asking her to be his maid: “If I said I don’t want you to go, then you should just accept the words as they are.” It seems to finally click in her head, and she says that he’s right—she’s a little lacking in self-esteem.
Joon-mo: “Yup. You’re a lot lacking. You’re plenty lovable and deserving of love just as you are, but you don’t think that.” He points out that he’s got high standards and doesn’t maintain 25-year relationships with just anyone, and then adds, “That’s an unchanging truth, no matter where you go or who’s by your side. So don’t forget it!” Aw, that’s sweet.
Seung-chan comes home and asks Mom when she started to see Dad as a man, and she says they met and got married soon after, and sometimes she sees him as a man and other times as her enemy. He’s surprised to learn that Dad isn’t the man she dated when she was young, and she muses that her first love is a fond memory only because it didn’t end in marriage. Seung-chan: “The road not taken…”
As he recites Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” in voiceover, Seung-chan looks at his photos with Ye-jin past and present, Joon-mo stares at Ye-jin’s childhood scrawl labeling this house as hers, and Ye-jin contemplates Joon-mo’s bottle cap and Seung-chan’s flower. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I / I took the one less traveled by / And that has made all the difference.”
And then comes moving day for Ye-jin. Joon-mo and Ye-joon help load up the truck, and Ye-jin lingers to smile at her writing that’s been on Joon-mo’s door all these years. She finally erases it and heads out.
She’s about to go when a neighbor ajumma stops them to complain about a dresser that she left out for recycling when it’s the wrong day of the week for that, and naturally Ye-jin gets into a fight with her about it. Seung-chan’s mom happens by and the ajumma calls her over for support, but Mom shocks her by siding with Ye-jin.
Mom volunteers to take the thing home with her and dispose of it herself, and there’s another round of awkward bowing. It’s only because Mom drags the dresser home that Seung-chan finds out that Ye-jin is leaving right now, and he runs out to try and catch her.
Joon-mo tries to send her off in his usual gruff way, but Ye-jin insists on a handshake, calling the move an end to an era in her life. She says that things always feel different after a move, but he scoffs at her attempt at grandeur: “It’s just a move! Changing locations!” He shakes her hand even while complaining, and she says sincerely, “Joon-mo-ya, I really like that I have you in my life.”
The truck pulls away and she looks back at him in the rearview mirror, fighting her tears. Joon-mo’s eyes well up with tears too, and he gets choked up as he watches her go. At the last second, Seung-chan races to try and catch up, but he misses his chance to say goodbye.
Joon-mo turns around to see Seung-chan there, looking heartbroken that he didn’t get to see Ye-jin. He reminds Seung-chan that she’s not gone forever and he’ll see her at work, but he doesn’t look appeased.
Hong-soon hovers around Office Nazi trying to get her attention, and deflates when she ignores him. She posts the latest ratings and Joon-mo slumps to see that the pilot Star Wars hit double digits in his timeslot, and eyes CP Kim warily.
Seung-chan gets invited along to lunch, and Joon-mo asks for the straight answer: Are they going to get canceled? CP Kim doesn’t give a definitive answer, but makes it sound like they want 1N2D to fill in for a few weeks while the pilot prepares episodes. That blows.
Joon-mo asks how they can do this to him, and CP Kim tells him to prove himself in ratings, so that the director schedules Star Wars in someone else’s timeslot. Seung-chan just takes this in silently and gets his petty revenge by taking the last piece of meat before CP Kim can, and shaking a can of soda before delivering it to him. I love the silent look Joon-mo throws his way, and Seung-chan’s attempt to look not guilty.
Seung-chan goes to his FD guru, who explains that every show has that last hail mary go-to subject to boost ratings, whether it’s ramyun or cancer.
Seung-chan says that’s exactly what 1N2D needs right now… but admits in an interview that he has no idea what that is: “Then again, I don’t even know how to make one person look at me, let alone many people. I think maybe earning ratings is like earning people’s hearts.”
There’s a turf war brewing in the 1N2D conference room over which show gets to use the space now that Star Wars is rumored to take over their timeslot, and it escalates from a writer war to a PD war, with each new person outranking the last. The Star Wars PD shows up to muscle Seung-chan and his crew out, until finally Joon-mo shows up.
He outranks everyone so they scurry away, but he interviews that ratings are like a PD’s power level in a game—low ratings means that he loses power, and his team gets pushed around because of it. He says that if that happens enough, they get fired up and start throwing out random ideas because they’re desperate. Sure enough, the team suggests bikinis to boost ratings.
Joon-mo says in interview that you can’t fall into that trap though, because it’s like an old established neighborhood restaurant suddenly changing its entire menu just because a new place is doing well next door. You don’t want to drive away the loyal customers you’ve had for years, and yet you can’t just sit on your laurels either, and risk never growing.
They turn to Seung-chan, who says that in the past, the Viewer Special was a huge hit and got 40% ratings. The others sigh that that was in past seasons—they can’t even reach 40% if they added up all of their episode ratings in total.
Cindy complains to her stylist about her clothing choices, and the stylist tells her that CEO Byun sent all of the designer stuff to her successor Jini, and warned the brands not to be linked to Cindy because her downfall is imminent.
Manager Oppa runs in with a computer to give Cindy the bad news that the top search terms at the moment are Beggar Cindy and Gypsy Cindy, and shows her a cartoon image of her begging people to watch 1N2D.
He blames Seung-chan for making her do that teaser, and she suddenly realizes that this is the perfect excuse to go see him, and pretends to be raging mad. Seung-chan replies right away that he can meet, and she grins from ear to ear while saying repeatedly that she’s mad.
Manager Oppa is giddy to see that Cindy’s about to let Umbrella PD have it, and she orders him to guard the door so that no one can come in and witness the epic smackdown. Manager Oppa warns Seung-chan that he’s about to experience death by words.
Seung-chan waits nervously for the flogging, but Cindy just shows him the cartoon and asks what he’s going to do about it. He says it was an unexpected consequence, then makes her flustered by saying, “I think it’s cute.”
He suggests that maybe it’s not so bad for her to have a warm and friendly image, and that she should think of it as cute. At her prodding for more, he says that it makes her seem lovable and accessible, and makes you want to keep her close and see her every day.
She asks if that’s really what Beggar Cindy suggests, and he can’t really give her a straight answer. She argues that a variety character follows you wherever you go, and you’re stuck with the one you get first. If you’re saddled with the idiot character, you have to mess up your multiplication tables on purpose; if you’re the eater, you have to act like you love food even if you’re not hungry. Seung-chan can’t argue with that.
She says that she’s going to be associated with Beggar Cindy from now on, and asks how he’s going to take responsibility for her: “If I were you, I’d be really sorry…” He apologizes, and she tells him she’ll come up with a way for him to make it up to her, and tries to contain her smile.
Hong-soon follows Office Nazi around like a stalker and gets upset to see her ignoring his call, and sends her a text pleading with her to chat, which goes ignored too.
Ye-jin waits all day for her moving van to arrive with the large furniture, and the guy finally comes at night and then complains that she didn’t pay for them to also move it into her place. After going in circles, she realizes that he’s requesting more money, and she takes out her wallet since she has no other option.
But Seung-chan arrives and tells her he’ll just add this to her tab, and helps her move the stuff upstairs. He deflates to open the door and find Joon-mo there a few minutes later, and they each grouse about the other having 1N2D work to do. Ye-jin beams and tells them she’ll make them both regret coming here tonight, and they get to work moving her in.
Seung-chan finds tiny ways to get petty revenge as always, and Joon-mo joins in until they’re both going around the apartment replacing each other’s mementos—Joon-mo replaces Seung-chan’s flower with a hairbrush, and Seung-chan replaces the framed picture of Ye-jin and Joon-mo with one of him.
They finally get to eat, and Seung-chan says he couldn’t find a market on the way here. When he hears that the nearest one is quite far, he worries about Ye-jin walking alone at night and says she’ll have to call the public facilities office to get the light bulbs replaced on the main walkway. Joon-mo teases that she’s safe as long as she keeps her face visible, and they get into a cute tussle over it, making Seung-chan jealous.
The boys leave and make up excuses so that they don’t have to ride together, but at the last minute Joon-mo decides to offer Seung-chan a ride. On the way, Ye-jin calls Joon-mo to ask where the nail clippers are, and he says they only had one pair and he kept them, and offers to let her have something else instead.
Seung-chan listens to their domestic exchange with a sad look then says, “Sunbae-nim is like 40% to me. The thing you can’t compare to even if you add up all your episodes for the season, the thing you can’t attain no matter how hard you try—dream ratings.” Joon-mo looks over at him, and after a beat, Seung-chan admits: “I’m sincerely envious of you.”
In the next lane over, Cindy is busy tweeting the Gypsy Cindy cartoon with a message asking people to watch 1N2D. Aw, she’s embracing her new character, and does it with a smile.
A week later, new ratings get posted and Joon-mo is on pins and needles until he sees that they’re still at 6.2%. Ye-jin comes by to pat him on the back while he writhes in defeat, and he notices the other PDs giving him a cursory greeting and then running up to the Star Wars PD to kiss ass.
He then finds CP Kim and the director inviting his support staff out to lunch with the Star Wars PD without him. Awkward. He interviews that this sort of thing happens all the time, since new shows need lots of hands, and they’re planning to take his staff out from under him. But when they head out to lunch without Joon-mo, Seung-chan decides to stay behind too. That is so adorable. Please tell me you’re gonna be bros now.
They eat burgers and wonder why nobody’s watching their show, and Joon-mo sighs that he really has no idea and wishes that someone would just tell him why. Seung-chan worries that it was his terrible teaser that ruined the show, and Joon-mo says he’s overblowing a maknae PD’s influence on a show.
It hilariously devolves into an argument over who gets to shoulder the blame, and Joon-mo cries that Seung-chan can’t steal the glory or the defeat from the main PD—they’re both his to bear. And then he feeds Seung-chan french fries and goes back to wondering why no one will watch his show, heh.
Seung-chan comes by the Music Bank desks to leave a present for Ye-jin, and the bratty writer Da-jung assumes the gift is for her until Seung-chan asks repeatedly for her to make sure Ye-jin knows it’s from him.
It’s a pen with a flashlight, and a note asking if she’ll repay the rest of the car debt all at once tonight. Da-jung takes one look at Ye-jin and guesses that she’s in a love triangle, and Ye-jin braves an entire conversation with her to pick her brain about dating.
After hearing about her situation, Da-jung gets right to the point and tells her that she has two options: date them both and be a two-timer, or throw away the one she feels sorrier towards. It’s one of her rare moments of depth, but Da-jung says that you can’t date someone who makes you feel sorry, and Ye-jin lets that sink in.
Cindy gets blindsided by a sudden interview when CEO Byun brings a reporter to her house without warning. She’s forced to be on camera, and talk of her taking some time off turns to questions about whether she’ll be visiting her parents in America. The reporter says that he looked into her parents, but couldn’t find them.
Cindy realizes what’s going on, but CEO Byun is ten steps ahead of her—she says that there must be some mistake, since Cindy’s been giving the same backstory since she was fourteen (under her orders, of course), not that she’s ever met the parents herself. The reporter refuses to shut the camera off no matter how many times Cindy asks, and the dam finally bursts as tears start to fall.
She seethes at CEO Byun while telling the truth—her parents died, and she didn’t grow up in a mansion with rich parents. They weren’t wealthy, but they were warm and loving. In flashback, we see them come up to her with an umbrella in the rain, which is why she must’ve put so much meaning behind Seung-chan’s gesture.
But as soon as she starts to say that her agency was the reason she told the lie in the first place, CEO Byun cuts her off and shuts the interview down. AUGH. You are the devil. She asks the reporter to go easy on Cindy, because the public won’t be so accepting of a star who lied about her upbringing.
Joon-mo sits up late watching old seasons of 1N2D, trying to figure out what he’s missing. Cindy’s Manager Kim calls Joon-mo to say that he wasn’t the only one who’s had a hard time since Yuna, and then starts to tell him about what’s going on with Cindy.
Meanwhile Cindy wanders the street in a daze, not noticing or caring that people are taking pictures of her. She finally stops to try calling Seung-chan (wow, he’s programmed as speed dial 1), but he doesn’t answer because he’s watching a movie with Ye-jin.
Seung-chan and Ye-jin go shopping and then to dinner, and she grouses that she seems to be overpaying in this system, and Seung-chan calls the lobster dinner interest on the loan. She complains until she notices that he isn’t even eating because he’s so busy putting all the food on her plate.
They walk for a while, and Ye-jin says that her debt has been paid in full now. Seung-chan admits that he’s happy because he’s been wanting to go on a date like this with her for a long time, but sad because now he’s out of excuses to have more dates.
Ye-jin turns to him and pets him on the head, calling him a really good man. She says he’s so sweet and warm and awesome that when he looks at her with those eyes, she feels sorry.
She hugs him and says, “Seung-chan-ah, thank you for gathering up all of your courage for the first time in your life, for me. Thank you for expressing your heart. Because a good kid like you did that, it made me feel like I was a really worthy person. Thank you.” That’s the nicest rejection ever.
But when she says goodnight, he reaches out to clasp her hand and asks with tears in his eyes, “You could change, couldn’t you? You could be sorry, and then become thankful, and then later it could be a given—my heart, the looks I’m giving you—they could all become a given, and me being by your side could be a given too.”
She doesn’t say anything, and he asks, “Don’t you have to give me time too?” Oh, puppy. He walks home alone, drenched in tears.
Cindy leaves Seung-chan a text message, saying that by tomorrow morning, she’ll be living a very different life from the one she has now. She remembers what he told her about pain and sacrifice being required in order to grow: “I’m going to think of it as breaking out of my shell in order to gain a new world.”
By early morning, stories have already broken about Cindy’s background, and everyone is having a field day slamming her for lying. CEO Byun is satisfied with her win knowing that her career is over, while Joon-mo reads the stories fraught with worry, and Seung-chan opens the texts she sent as a goodbye because she won’t be seeing him for along while.
Manager Oppa finally can’t hold it in any longer and yells at Cindy for not bending to CEO Byun’s will at the start. He cries that he does that countless times a day, and doesn’t understand why she couldn’t do it once.
Seung-chan races up to Joon-mo outside the station and asks what they’re going to do about Cindy, arguing that this is all CEO Byun’s doing. Joon-mo thinks the same but says they can’t do anything, and might have to plan for Cindy’s replacement on the show.
Seung-chan doesn’t see why he’s going to do nothing when Cindy’s not at fault: “Why? We’re the PDs!” It eerily echoes the same rant Joon-mo said to CP Kim when it was Yuna before Cindy, and this time Joon-mo is the one to repeat the sunbae’s words that they have no power over what the viewers want. No, Joon-mo, not you too!
Seung-chan remembers that Joon-mo said once that good intentions don’t make good results, but he argues that showing people that you had the right heart and the right intentions ought to count for something, and ought to offer some comfort, even if they didn’t get the desired result. Joon-mo brushes him aside and says he doesn’t know anything.
Joon-mo remains quiet during his staff meeting as the rest of the team wonders what they’re supposed to do when they’re getting so much flak because of Cindy, and then CP Kim calls him to a meeting with the director. As expected, they suggest dropping Cindy from the cast right away and replacing her with Jini, per CEO Byun’s oh-so-convenient offer.
Joon-mo finally speaks up and asks if they remember Yuna, and he says that he finally discovered her whereabouts last night. We see him going to see Yuna late that night after Manager Kim’s call. He spots her happily leaving a shop with a boyfriend and remains at a distance.
Joon-mo says that she looked happier than ever, and CP Kim doesn’t see the point, figuring that it’s all the more reason for him to let go of his guilt and move on. But Joon-mo announces with determination, “I’m sorry, but I can’t do that this time.” Woohoo! He says that it’s his show and his cast, and he’s going to take responsibility.
They argue that he shouldn’t get caught up in the fight between CEO Byun and Cindy, but Joon-mo says it’s okay—he’ll let them toss him around in their fight, and it’s okay just as long as he returns to his place. The bosses sigh at his stubbornness, but figure that it’s only a matter of weeks before 1N2D will get canceled anyway.
Cindy curls up in bed all alone and reaches for sleeping pills, Manager Oppa sits in the car feeling adrift, and Hong-soon obsesses over being ignored by Office Nazi. Chapter 11 is about understanding ratings: “You can’t earn them with effort, but you still have to try.”
Seung-chan sits on the swings by himself and looks wistfully at Ye-jin’s empty swing, while Ye-jin takes out the flashlight that he gave her when she has to walk down her dark street. But suddenly the street lamps go on one by one, lighting her path. She smiles to remember Seung-chan’s thoughtfulness, when he mentioned that she should call to have them replace the bulbs.
Cindy opens her eyes to a dreamlike haze, and she tries to focus her eyes in what seems like a mist. Seung-chan’s face slowly comes into focus, and ha—he’s spraying her with a water bottle.
She still doesn’t understand what’s going on and just blinks as his beaming smile comes into focus, and then sits up to find her bed surrounded by the entire 1N2D crew, plus Manager Oppa, who’s near tears.
She looks around at them, confused, and Joon-mo says, “Cindy, what’re you doing? We have to go shoot!” She looks around the room slowly and lands on Seung-chan, who holds out an Americano (likely full of eel sauce, knowing them), and he tells her she has to drink it. That suddenly does the trick and she realizes what’s happening—that they haven’t abandoned her and she’s still on their show—and she bursts into sobs.
EPILOGUE
Awww, it turns out that Joon-mo is the one who called the public facilities office to get Ye-jin’s street lamps fixed, and we see him call them repeatedly all week long. He calls so often that they know his voice, and he pesters and pesters them with threats to hold a one-man protest, until they finally cave and fix them.
COMMENTS
Okay, that’s sweet. I’m such a sucker for the quiet acts of kindness done behind the scenes for no credit. I know Joon-mo can be infuriatingly opaque at times about his feelings (and maybe I’ve been cutting him way more slack because he’s played by Cha Tae-hyun), but there’s no arguing that he’s not always thinking of Ye-jin and looking out for her. I’ve just always liked the way that Joon-mo takes care of her when no one’s looking, and I find all the little stuff—like getting the light bulbs changed or staying up all night to kill mosquitoes for her—super cute and romantic in a domestic way.
But I do think the drama is dragging out the love triangle way too long at this point, because I don’t know how many times I can watch Seung-chan being rejected and finding some way to hold onto hope, when we should really be wrapping things up. We had 90 freaking minutes! Why are we still leaving the episode in the same place where we started? It’s getting painful on Seung-chan’s end, because I still only read rejection in Ye-jin’s responses to him. That’s not to say that his sincerity won’t come through at all, because we do see her moved every time he makes his feelings known. And at this point I don’t even know where things stand with Joon-mo and Ye-jin, because he at least cut out the sarcasm and made his intentions clear—that he wanted her to stay—but she left and things are, what, back to status quo? I don’t even know with them anymore, because they seem closer than ever and yet just as distant as ever, and now I just want her to pick once and for all and get on with it already.
I was really upset when Joon-mo seemed to be retracing CP Kim’s steps, and had become the jaded sunbae to Seung-chan’s bright-eyed optimistic rookie, especially after having experienced such personal guilt over Yuna. Maybe what he needed to realize was that he couldn’t take responsibility for someone else’s life, but he did still have to live with the consequences of his own choice—at the end of the day, Yuna ended up finding her happiness, but Joon-mo lived in guilt and regret for years because of his decision to let his principles slide. And this is of course where the drama is fantasy over reality—in that moment we root for him to screw ratings, screw the station, and put his career on the line to stand by Cindy. And of course it’ll be the one thing he didn’t calculate or plan that’ll save the show: sincerity and earnestness, which is that imperceptible thing that you can’t fake in variety shows. You either have it or you don’t, and there’s no way to force it or write it in.
It was so heartwarming to have the episode culminate in that morning wakeup call by the 1N2D crew, after really letting Cindy hit rock bottom all on her own. I really like the way her arc has gone, and in the end it’ll probably be the most poignant storyline of the series and the most emotionally resonant character, despite starting out utterly unlikable and cold. It killed me when she had nowhere to go after CEO Byun threw her under the bus, and the thought that she’d be adrift again after growing so much (she embraced Beggar Cindy, for crying out loud!) was almost too much to bear. I was mad at all the other characters for not calling her or going over there, but Joon-mo made up for it in the end. He stepped up and was a big ol’ hero when it counted, and her reaction made it all worthwhile. I can only hope that this new decisive Action Joon-mo means that wishy-washy Pansy Joon-mo has left the building. We have lovelines in dire need of closure, man!
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Tags: Cha Tae-hyun, featured, Gong Hyo-jin, IU, Kim Soo-hyun, The Producers
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1 heyitschristina
June 19, 2015 at 8:29 PM
Ughhhh I hate CEO Byun more than Chun Songyi's mom and it's sad to think there are probably real CEOs she is based on
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wohhoo
June 19, 2015 at 11:06 PM
the characters were portrayed by the same actress but i loathe CEO Byun more cause unlike cheon song yi's mom who changed, CEO Byun was still the devil and yes i do think that there are CEOs like that. btw cindy made a deal with the devil
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:11 AM
While CSY's mother changed, her character was still too stereotypical - but it was more fitting in YFAS since it had numerous makjang elements.
Here, the character of CEO Byun is the one which feels a bit too out of step w/ the others, being a bit too one-note/artificial whereas the others feel real.
Also, doesn't help that the actress has a tendency to over-act.
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sparkzy
June 20, 2015 at 10:25 AM
I totally agree. One of the strengths of this drama is that its main characters are shown in their entirety- we see their flaws and their strengths. Some of it has justification, and others are there just b/c that's how they are. None of teir characteristics are shown in the over the top kind of way.
But with CEO Byun, it's like her cold heartedness totally comes out of nowhere with no explanation for why she's a total cray cray.
In general, I find a lot of the supporting cast to be this way. The other producers are too much like tropes, which makes them very one-note. I know this drama veered in the direction of romcom, but if it had stuck with its original format, I think it would have been really great to peer more into the lives of the other PD's. Like seeing CP Kim more as a dad (him selling his daughter out to cast idols was hilarious), so I don't find him to be so pathetic, or getting more than a deadpan face from Dajung.
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 2:11 PM
While I agree that many of the other supporting characters are archetypes, they aren't "over-the-top" (and are endearing in their own way, even CP Kim and bratty writer Da-jung.
Some of it is the actress playing CEO Byun (who has a track record of over-acting) and some of it is the writing for the character - would have been much better/interesting if CEO Byun had been fleshed out (and still be a ruthless, calculating businessperson) and played by an actress who played the role w/ a little more restraint.
Khule WY
June 20, 2015 at 5:03 AM
I want to see CEO byun's downfall more than I want a resolve in the romance.
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Sue
June 20, 2015 at 8:43 AM
What I want is for somebody to realize that a 14 year old cannot sign a contract. How did the CEO sign Cindy to her agency without ever seeing or talking to her parents? Nobody would question her? Ridiculous.
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pheonickx
June 20, 2015 at 2:53 PM
I believe her parents did sign the contract and so Cindy was made to live in Seoul? as a trainee while her parents still lived in one of the smaller towns and they would visit her twice a month.
and that's how the parents died on one of their trips to go see Cindy
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Sue
June 20, 2015 at 8:01 PM
Exactly
Exactly! So the CEO can't claim that she never met the parents.
Cooler
June 20, 2015 at 4:19 PM
I just read this interview with an American kid who was an idol trainee with SME. He won a tryout in NY and since his parents weren't able to go to Korea, they did all the contract stuff through the mail.
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Sue
June 20, 2015 at 8:04 PM
Exactly! SME communicated with the parents in that case. So if the CEO never met the parents, like she claimed, who did she communicate with to sign the contract?
Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 5:19 PM
And the one to tell the story about her parents to the media was the CEO, not Cindy. She just sat next to the CEO looking surprised and uncomfortable.
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Elena
June 20, 2015 at 9:01 AM
Same here.
Cindy fighting!!!! :D
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Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 9:59 AM
That's what I was thinking too. There was a somewhat recent real-life example that immediately sprang to mind. I'll put a reply waaaaay at the end of the comments tomorrow, after this thread goes somewhat stale.
(It could open the door to a barrage of reactions that would distract from discussing this show.)
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2 thereelpacman
June 19, 2015 at 8:30 PM
I do miss the mockumentary style but I have to say as a straight up drama, I still really like The Producers
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Ami
June 19, 2015 at 8:57 PM
I as well didn't expect to like the drama this much. Although it sometimes seems as if Seung Chan's and Cindy's character types have been done before, this drama (and I suppose the actors as well) have a way of adding elements that portray the characters as more realistic and thus refreshing in k-drama-world. I'm always happy to find realistic yet interesting dramas that aren't backstory-heavy with characters that are extremely traumatized by past experiences, or characters keeping secret identities for several episodes, or family members that become dead and come back alive and essentially everyone making a huge deal out of everything and not using common sense.
Producers fighting!
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:15 AM
In both the earlier and reduced mocku form, felt a bit off since there was way too much sharing about personal feelings/romances for what was supposed to about the production side of show biz (felt way unprofessional).
Don't know if much of it was necessary (the personal stuff) and found the comments about the production biz/office politics much more interesting and true.
All the personal stuff felt more like a documentary on personal relationships/romance - which is exactly what was being done/used for "Discovery of Love."
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Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 11:09 AM
Agree that the format was good when it's humor was directed at the industry. But it's hard to use that format when dealing with the characters' personal lives and choices. It worked in recent U.S. shows because our culture has become so cynical and snarky. And I'm not sure what's the chicken and egg on how we became that way. I was very young but remember thinking All In The Family was a really mean spirited show. And can't help but think it strongly influenced a social acceptance of snark and harsheness. So the fact that the Korean audience isn't ready to go there is a good thing.
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Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 10:49 AM
I didn't like that they changed more because I prefer shows that have a unique and distinct creative vision than because I miss the format itself.
The downside of the mocumentary format is that the humor can be very cynical and cold. It works when it mocks archetypes or foibles common to all people. But these shows lose their humanity (and can become a destructive influence on the audience) when the poking-fun isn't balanced by an equal measure of fair-minded understanding and sympathy.
For example, an element of the show I'm glad to see toned down is the mockery of SC's Christian family. I've become increasingly uncomfortable about the penchant for TvN shows to gratuitously ridicule Christians. Especially at a time when that community is suffering greatly at various points around the globe. (There's been an uptick of systematic discrimination, genocide, abduction, unjust imprisonment and enslavement of women - usually for rape and sexual enslavement - for nothing more than having a Christian identity.) For TvN to consistently target Christians for outright ridicule is both harsh and tone deaf.
So although the show isn't as innovative, the fact that Producers has shifted into a softer approach is a welcome change.
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Miranda
June 20, 2015 at 5:05 PM
Ridiculing Christians? The family is just somewhat pompous, and they happen to be Christian. They don't lecture others on faith, the father's a political blowhard and the mother's a nosy parker, but those traits could've been written just as easily without faith attached. The only overtly Christian thing I've noted is the family prayer. If the only way to portray Christians is in a flattering light, that's swinging the pendulum too far in the other direction.
I'm genuinely not sure where you're getting the idea that Christians are facing an upswell of aggression. The Yazidi aren't Christian, if that's what you're referring to. Overall, Christians worldwide continue to enjoy a pretty privileged position in comparison to other faiths.
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Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 7:10 PM
I've been a part of reasonably high-level philanthropic briefings and have heard firsthand reports. The media largely doesn't report it. The big human rights organizations turn a blind eye (mostly for political / funding reasons). To get balanced information on global human rights issues, I've found it necessary study both information the big NGOs are producing and also separately survey organizations that do Christian relief.
Broadly addressing your question, there has been a tremendous uptick in the amount, types and severity of Christian persecution throughout the middle east and Africa. And there’s been longstanding systemic persecution throughout Asia. For many years Christians have been losing their lives and property (for nothing more than their faith) in the outlying areas of India, Indonesia and the Philippines. Sometimes it's better, other times it's worse. But it's ongoing. In addition, Christians have a disproportionate incidence of being sent to prison or labor camps because of their religious beliefs in most communist nations.
More detailed information is widely and readily available if you look for it.
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Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 7:18 PM
I agree with the point you make, that every community has its comic idiosyncracies. And that every community should be able to laugh at itself. But when you're poking fun at any community it should be handled in a balanced and good natured way, not a mean-spirited one.
Regarding TvN, they've employed subliminal messaging throughout several of their recent shows that's decidedly slanted against Christians. And if this seems this is no big deal here’s context - subliminal messaging can be so powerful that some forms of it have been made illegal. Some overt elements of TvN shows, if done to any other population, would be rightfully called 'hate speech'.
For example, in Marriage Not Dating they wardrobed actors in deliberately insulting ways. Such as a t-shirt that had a Christian symbol (I can't quite remember, but think it was either a crucifix or image of Jesus Christ) with the word "Liar" superimposed. Then a character wore a crucifix over a t-shirt that said "Enlightenment". Etc.
Another example was in the Spain segment of GOF. The narrative suggested that the Alhambra was unjustly taken from its builders by Christian aggressors. In fact the city was built by occupiers from North Africa as their regional capitol. And they had captured the site as part of an expansionist religious war THEY had instigated. The occupiers lost the city when it was recaptured by Spain. Which happened to be Christian at the time. Similarly, the Cathedral in Barcelona was portrayed as a tribute to nature, not as a part of Spain’s Christian heritage. In fact it was designed and funded as a tribute to Jesus Christ.
In Producers TvN pokes fun at a lot of people. But all have eventually received sympathetic treatment, with the notable exception of CEO Byun and SC's prideful and folly-prone family. The set of the family home features a large cross and their introduction featured a tone-deaf prayer. But the Christian aspect isn't needed for the story. It only seems to be there for the associative messaging.
To be sure, all these things are small points in-and-of themselves. But their frequency of use makes it seem like messaging that's derogatory of Christians is an aim of TvN and (perhaps even more likely) its current stable of dominant investors.
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Gidget
June 20, 2015 at 11:19 PM
oops...in Producers KBS...
3 ruby
June 19, 2015 at 8:34 PM
I like BSC scene with JM that shows their doubts and confusion due to the show's low ratings. As opponents and friends in the same time, the scene feels awkward but funny and heartwarming. Both KSH and CTH did a wonderful job there, their chemistry is amazing.
When BSC got rejected by YJ, he tried to be stoic and hold the tears in front of YJ, then started crying childishly, very real and endearing, A superb acting from KSH and it feels so different from his crying scenes in other dramas.
Although childishly petty at times, BSC is so adorable for his pure, honest and sincere heart, and he deserves to be happy and successful in the end.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 19, 2015 at 10:24 PM
"Although childishly petty at times, BSC is so adorable for his pure, honest and sincere heart".
Truer words...
Childish, petty or otherwise, BSC is entirely swoon-worthy. I completely understand Cindy falling for him. I mean, just LOOK at that face sitting by her bedside, with spray bottom in hand. It's pure sunshine. Who wouldn't want to wake up and have that as the very first sight of their day?
He is amazing.
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aegiomma
June 21, 2015 at 8:51 PM
Yeah, I'd drink the fish sauce!
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KDnewfan
June 19, 2015 at 11:15 PM
" When BSC got rejected by YJ, he tried to be stoic and hold the tears in front of YJ, then started crying childishly, very real and endearing, A superb acting from KSH and it feels so different from his crying scenes in other dramas.."
Yeah.... at first I thought he was gonna do his trademark cry (the heart ranching hand clasping the chest howling cry). Instead.... it was soft... endearing...aah.... I cried with him all the way...
Kim Soo Hyun.... you should get an honors degree in acting by now!
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4 inb4
June 19, 2015 at 8:41 PM
In before the shiit storm begins.. popcorn ready
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5 Mimi
June 19, 2015 at 8:42 PM
a little part of me died inside when i saw seung chan cry like that.
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6 jozie
June 19, 2015 at 8:47 PM
I don't even know how I feel about the love lines at this moment because my favorite times are when the boys are with the boys, the girls are with the girls, or the four of them are together. Instead of boy gets girl, I would be much happier with the four of them uniting and dominating the variety show industry.
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kuromitsu
June 19, 2015 at 9:01 PM
I think that's what's going to happen. The only realistic romantic relationship that I can see right now is that between Joon-Mo and Ye-Jin (and even that doesn't look so well, unless Joon-Mo mans up in the last episode). However, I do think it's likely that Cindy's exit and redemption would be with the production team.
Or we could have a sad ending where everyone fails.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 19, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Sad ending where everyone fails...
Come on, that'd be too depressing. Don't think they'll go that route.
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Stardust
June 19, 2015 at 11:42 PM
I don't see why the public will be outraged by Cindy's real background story... The onset of public sympathy should be even more, and her true fans should not feel betrayed by their idol who was an orphan who worked so hard to become an idol star, and should support her even more right? I think Cindy will rise up even more popular than before with all this press ( isn't there a saying that "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about") and probably will get 1D2N ratings up as well.
This drama has touched us with so much good feeling that it simply cannot and should not end on a depressing sad note....
I am looking forward very much to this last ep tonight!
Thank you for the recaps!
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maeichin
June 20, 2015 at 1:29 PM
I dunno boy. Korean netizens are weird, look at what happened to Tablo (of Epik High) and the whole issue of his Stanford Degree.
bd5
June 22, 2015 at 1:52 AM
Netizens are weird all over.
Women and minorities get threats of rape and murder all the time in the US, not to mention kids getting bullied online and things like revenge porn.
Cooler
June 19, 2015 at 9:19 PM
+1
I skipped right past Yejin's 2nd-official-final(?) rejection of BSC because I didn't care. And I don't really feel like I missed anything important. I was more concerned with the show and what was going to happen with Cindy.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 19, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Love @Jolie's comment. Agree 100%
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:20 AM
Right now, SC's life at work is a lot more interesting than his crush (disagree w/ what what said earlier about SC being the most interesting or changing the most - he simply went from one 1-sided crush to another, but this time, he actually got to talk/hang out with his crush) and the dynamics of his relationship w/ Joon-mo is much more layered and interesting.
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7 Mandy
June 19, 2015 at 8:56 PM
ACK! Seung-chan really put my heart into a blender without mercy. I was sobbing my eyes out as soon as Ye-jin hugged him. I know it was inevitable; I’ve never saw their relationship going further than friendship and I honestly believe he doesn’t truly love her but only has a huge crush on her. Still, the way he asked for time, and the way he walked home – that is gutwrenching stuff. Really killed me to see him so hurt and devastated. And before I move on, just a huge standing ovation to Kim Soo-hyun who is absolutely slaughtering this role. He’s so in tune with his character to an extent that I completely forget he’s KSH at all! The way he cried in that scene, the childlike innocence, naivety and sincerity was just overflowing. I wouldn’t love this drama half as much as I do if it wasn’t for him and the way he brings across Seung-chan. He’s such a gem of an actor, and I’m really proud of how he utilizes his talent.
Back to the drama, the younger characters continue to impress me as well written and well thought out. I felt so sorry for Cindy and the way she was played by her CEO. I hope she can dust herself and stand up again because she’s too strong a girl to be down for long. I’m also really happy she has friends and people who care for her because that truly is more special and heartwarming than the empty love that you get online.
I’m really impressed with Ye-jin’s honesty and how she carries herself. She’s so very caring towards Seung-chan and understands his feelings. She respects him as a person and truly loves him even if she isn’t in love with him. She really started out as frustrating to me but now she’s grown a lot and I’m quite happy with her character arc. Joon-mo on the other hand, I feel like this is literally some 11th hour redemption. And while I see the effort, it doesn’t come across as convincing or even important. He’s really missed the bus, train, ship and flight by now. I can’t care for him when he has done zilch for the past 10 episodes. I did find his actions sweet, but he’s been so passive this whole time that it doesn’t get to my heart at all. If it weren’t for CTH, I’d hate Joon-mo. So I’m definitely cutting him slack because he’s played by such a good actor.
I’m sure I know what’s happening with the love lines though. Wasn’t it obvious in this episode? Or I guess some would expect a plot twist in the end. I don’t think that will be the case, but I personally don’t feel invested in Joon-mo and Ye-jin at all, so I wouldn’t care regardless. But in the finale, I’d love to see Seung-chan and Cindy overcome their individual difficulties and become successful in their careers. They are so young and have their whole life time ahead of them so I’m hoping we see a preview of how awesome they’ll be in the future. I’d also love for them to end up as close friends but not necessarily as a couple. It would feel forced considering Seung-chan and his feeling sfor someone else.
I feel slightly nostalgic that Producers...
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Mandy
June 19, 2015 at 9:00 PM
Lol, my comment is way too long. Cont:
I feel slightly nostalgic that Producers is coming to a close. It feels like yesterday that it started! Hopefully we’ll have a fantastic finale to cap off one of the most fun and engaging drama of the year. You’ve been great, show. I know its early to say it, but I’ll miss you!
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8 Heartoppaya
June 19, 2015 at 9:04 PM
My heart hurts for Cindy. She is my favorite character throughout..... Cindy, fighting!
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Ramenlee
June 19, 2015 at 11:03 PM
Yeah, i cried as soon as they showed up at her house. At this point, I don't care SC and YJ loveline, it's doomed to begin with... Hope SC put his law background help Cindy sue the evil CEO, notice how much he meant to her, that's what I want for finale....
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ColourMeHaneul
June 20, 2015 at 1:19 AM
I cried buckets when she speed dialed BSC and he was out with YJ :'(
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Onion
June 19, 2015 at 11:13 PM
She wasn't my favourite in the beginning of the drama but she is now! I hope she doesn't lose the battle with CEO Byun and I hope she gains people who will root for her. As for her cute little crush on BSC, I'll take it or leave it, just gimme a happy ending for Cindy!
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Major Dickason's
June 20, 2015 at 12:35 AM
Maybe the ahjussi lawyer fan will take on CEO Byun and Seung Chan will use his analytical brain to prove how a orphaned young girl was deceived and abused by a powerful CEO only interested in money.
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cindyyyyahhh
June 19, 2015 at 11:56 PM
Still crying because of Cindy. Love it when the whole team of 2D1N showed up to show their support.
Can't wait for ep.12.
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9 bjharm
June 19, 2015 at 9:04 PM
the drama got some nice promo from Happy Together 3 with the cast of I Remeber You, Jang Nara mentions she cried when watching Cindy as it so reminded her of her own time as a young 'super star' and how over worked she was to the point of feeling like some sort of cash cow. It would be a three in one shot for KBS to get all three shows attention, all feeding off each other.
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pogo
June 20, 2015 at 8:25 AM
and guess who Jang Nara's agency was back then? (hint: take the first initials out of the words Satan's Maw.....)
I kind of hope Cindy does get the Jang Nara ending - becoming a bigger star with more critical acclaim than ever, minus crappy agency manipulating her. But as long as she's happy at the end, I'm good.
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10 An
June 19, 2015 at 9:05 PM
I'm sure there are some real life versions of CEO Byun and I realize what an awful and toxic environment some idols could be living in...
In a sort of twist, Cindy, the sidelined character in the beginning, is the only one with a meaningful journey (besides Seung Chan, of course). She even connects to title as the power of PD will save her.
Both Ye Jin and Joon Mo feel like fillers, which is really sad. I wanted to see the struggle of being a PD on Ye Jin's part too (which we saw once). I'm sure I wouldn't care for Joon Mo as much if CTH wasn't involved. I swear, he has an inherent likability...
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Yoori
June 19, 2015 at 9:14 PM
+1
We rarely see the feisty Music Bank producer that YJ was in the earlier episodes and also her struggles of being a PD. I felt like that was totally thrown out of the window. As well as the side interviews. At this point, I don't even care about JM and YJ's relationship anymore but it's just going in circles. It's a shame because CTH is such a likable person but his character is so bleh.
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sel
June 19, 2015 at 10:30 PM
I honestly don't think his character is bleh! Just his story-arc a bit. They just like spent too long on his wishy-washiness with TYJ and didn't even really explain it.
I feel like I can kinda of separate these characters from their story lines though...which could just mean that the actors are strong enough to make them real, despite writing that's doing them some disservice. It's plausible here, since the triangle is just stretching on in a boring way, but the actors are all so fantastic in their roles, especially CTH and GHJ and KSH. IU is also solid too though.
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:38 AM
Disagree - while SC is having a "journey" in the world of being a PD, he really hasn't had a meaningful journey when it comes to changes to his person.
He merely went from one 1-sided crush to another (this time, he actually got to spend some time/talk to the object of his affection).
Cindy's character has the biggest "journey" and at the moment, biggest change in person, but that was the easiest for the writer to do considering where her character started of and being the one w/ the closest relationship w/ CEO Byun (at the same time, like how the writer stuck to Cindy treating her manager/oppa the same way in contrast to how she was treating SC).
What is harder to do is make the more subtle changes in someone like Ye-jin's character - where Ye-jin was bluffin' being tough (and either having it backfire on her or not amounting to anything - which was good for laughs), but coming to the realization that she was doing it to protect herself from hurt and that she, despite her tough facade, was lacking in confidence. Ye-jin is now a tougher, more confident person.
And we are getting to see more changes in Joon-mo as well, tho for him, it's been a step forward and a step back.
Kudos to the writer for scripting/writing 4-5 really good heartfelt or interesting conversations btwn characters in this ep when the majority of dramas fail to have 1 in an ep.
But out of all of them, think that the one btwn YJ and JM after she came back from the park/swings (where she had been kissed by SC) was the one that that felt most real.
Also loved the scene where the writers/PDs from the competing shows tried to outdo/outrank each other, as well as, of course, the end scene.
Koreans really didn't start eating lobster on a larger scale until fairly recently, but that's in part due to the boom/rich harvest in lobster catches which have driven down the price and made the distributors look for new markets.
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11 Yoori
June 19, 2015 at 9:09 PM
Are they really going to drag this lope sided love triangle all the way til the end?
After this episode, my browser refreshed it to Episode 1 and I realized how enjoyable that was and how much I missed i. I was skipping parts on this episode.
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:39 AM
Yeah, SC's one sided-love thing has lasted too long (and this is his 2nd one).
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12 Cooler
June 19, 2015 at 9:15 PM
I shed a few tears for this one... I was really worried that Cindy was going to shake out a few more pills and just give up.
Glad that Yejin did not accept BSC. That "what are you doing" matched so well with her character.
It's funny, I can see how the conversations two characters are having makes one think of another in every situation EXCEPT for when Cindy was talking to BSC and it resulted in him running to Ye-jin. That's yet another reason the BSC-Yejin ship never made sense.
Wonder if the writers have been reading about how tired of that giggle-smirk smile of BSC's people are because it was mightily toned down in this episode.
Also, BSC bangs looked terrible most of this episode. Good thing KSH has such sexy lips and pretty a smile to distract.
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Stardust
June 19, 2015 at 11:46 PM
Its so funny that you brought up BSC hairstyle in this drama.
I didn't realise until you mentioned it, how great it was, but did anyone notice that not a single character got a image changing haircut mid way through the drama? LOL
Its such a small thing, but I love that. hahahahahah
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Lulu
June 20, 2015 at 9:34 AM
Yejin had her hair slightly changed. At first it was black and now is a dark brown
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Cooler
June 20, 2015 at 4:25 PM
Is that what it is? I thought she started to look better, but I couldn't figure out why. I saw a picture of her somewhere else where she looked pretty and just assumed I was giving her credit in my mind for being able to look pretty.
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lemonysnicket
June 20, 2015 at 1:47 AM
"Giggle-smirk", and terrible bangs. HAHA. My sentiments exactly. There were still one too many of those giggle-smirks though.
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13 Corrine
June 19, 2015 at 9:17 PM
I swear Producer is the only korean drama thus far that had me watching raw episodes entirely in Korean even tho I can hardly make sense of what is happening and have to resort to guessing based on my limited knowledge of The Korean language
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Nana-unnie
June 19, 2015 at 9:54 PM
Me too ahehehe. Especially this episode. I cried while watching without subtitle, but found myself crying again with subtitle.
Producers fighting!
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KDaddict?JCW
June 19, 2015 at 10:36 PM
I know I'll be watching tonight's finale live. That's for sure!
PD nims and Cindy, pls make a blast and win over CEO Byul. You MUST!!
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KDnewfan
June 19, 2015 at 11:27 PM
:D
Me too! I laughed every time I watched the raw episodes because I could only guess from their facial expressions and body gestures and with a few Korean words I know. And when there tensed moments, I would cry out.... ooh...what's happening..? what are they saying...?
:D...
Waiting for the English sub some 12 hours later is just too long for me. :D
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coby
June 20, 2015 at 9:18 AM
off to watch ep 12 raw!
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14 Jyc
June 19, 2015 at 9:17 PM
I hold the heart of this show with so much care <3
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15 yo_gabby_gabby
June 19, 2015 at 9:33 PM
Wow I started crying at the end, wahhh Cindy :')))
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16 Nina
June 19, 2015 at 9:37 PM
I heart bled for SC. Poor poor thing. But it looks like he did not take it too bad considering he was up and going the next day trying to help out 2d1n. The love triangle is just dragging now but it was still nice that YJ found out how SC feels. She said she was thankful and if this is their goodbye, it was gorgeous and heartfelt so I cant ask for more. GHJ was so great in the first scene at the park. And KSH is fabulous in general. I was LOLing at their awkwardness and the dialogues were so funny. Both of them are given the best comedic lines in the show. I still find them the most entertaining couple by a large margin so even if they dont end up together, its all good cz I had a blast watching them light up my screen for most of the air time in all the episodes anyway.
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17 toni
June 19, 2015 at 9:37 PM
I don't know with you guys but as much as Joon-mo's passive-ness is frustrating and the fact that the relationship between Ye-jin and Joon-mo is anything but clear, I personally think that these things happen in real life. When one finds out that the other has feelings for him/her, there really is this moment where they don't know where they stand in each other's lives especially if the other person's feelings is not yet confessed. They will be confused whether they are just bestfriends or if they moved to next level already? As much as it's easy for people to say that you can just choose to either keep the friendship or not, in action, it really is not and as cliche as it sounds, it really is difficult to choose between the long time deep friendship and the romantic relationship. So, even though Ye-jin and Joon-mo's relationship was dragged for so long, my heart is with them. Wishing them a happy ending tbh.
Can't wait for the finale!
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alcoholicbubbletea
June 20, 2015 at 4:24 AM
+1
living exactly with this situation, i just wanna spray water on everyone who says joon mo should just man up. it's not that easy. there's x years of friendship on the line. although you did get together, relationships are more fragile than friendship, you might lose it all.
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:40 AM
Agreed - have seen a no. of friendships blow-up due to similar situations.
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toni
June 20, 2015 at 8:16 AM
Same, I also have this situation that's why I feel for them and I really agree that if ever a couple go from bestfriends to lovers, losing even the friendship once the relationship goes rocky is really risky. *big hugs to you*
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18 Mioko
June 19, 2015 at 9:39 PM
Hey yes!! As I told last week joon no doesn't abandoned Cindy!! I was just shocked when told seung chan That he have no responsibilities but yeah he proved himself at last!! And I'm grateful ye jin told seung chan her rejection directly soon enough!!
And as I said I don't care if Cindy doesn't end up with seung chan, let's see Cindy's and joon mo's success!!
Fighting!! Go drama!! :-)
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19 Vernavanessa
June 19, 2015 at 9:44 PM
There's only one episode left for this show.. 90 minutes worth that i'd be holding on for dear life. And you're still playing us with the love line?? For christ's sake! :(
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Miranda
June 20, 2015 at 5:18 PM
I'm totally not watching for the lovelines anymore. I'm watching for Cindy's fight with Byun, and for the side-character bits.
I loved bratty writer's moment of insight, but I also loved the way SC edged around her when leaving YJ's present on her desk - he was acting like she was an electric eel, or a spider in the middle of a web. He's the only man who sees her that way, it seems, which is hilarious given his general blindness to nuance? The whole thing had me laughing.
And I also loved loved LOVED that when the Office Nazi goes out for a break with friends, she gossips about paper usage in Spain and conservation through judicious use of erasers - AND THEY LISTEN.
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20 Nana-unnie
June 19, 2015 at 9:52 PM
RJM and TYJ all the way. I was never scared that YJ might end up with SC primarily because YJ never (at least in my observation) really gave us a hint that she liked him. I may be minority here, but I was okay with RJM's character and even the development of his "relationship" with YJ. Some are complaining re the screentime of YJ-JM as potential couple while you have many episodes building the SC-YJ ship. When you have 25 years of friendship and comfortability, you do not have to oversell it, and I think RJM's character is realistic--way realistic I guess that many may find boring for TV. YJ-JM scenes don't need the slowmo, longing stares, and brushing of elbows. I appreciate the small things JM has done to YJ. Just like what girlfriday said "quiet acts of kindness done behind the scenes for no credit." But I also understand the frustrations of fans (or anti-fans).
Looking forward to tonight's episodes. This is the first KDrama I watch where I don't have to wait for the series to be over. I was interested with the drama because of its publicity that it is a mockumentary blah blah. I still appreciate the effort to link production works with real life lessons. But I enjoyed the journey from episode 1 onwards. The actors were good even IU whose character was developed really well.
Producers Fighting!!
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lemonysnicket
June 20, 2015 at 1:51 AM
Agree with what you said about RJM. I think he could have done with more screentime (love CTH!) but I don't think the character and his accompanying story arc are as bad as some have said. In fact I thought this episode also showed that maybe one of the reasons he didn't make a move on YJ earlier was because she didn't seem ready? You know, not being able to see herself as someone who could be loved, blah blah blah. May be stretching things a bit though, haha.
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Aigoooo
June 20, 2015 at 3:40 AM
No matter how awesome BSC is, it's almost impossible for him to push RJM out of TYJ's heart. He's been looking after her almost all their lives and does things for her automatically without looking for recognition or a pat on the head. As far as I'm concerned RJM and TYJ are already married. They just don't know it yet.
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21 susan
June 19, 2015 at 9:53 PM
The format of this show is all over the place.
First there was the awkward and unfunny mockumentary concept. When that didn't work, they tried traditional drama style romance for a few episodes. That was fine, but not really groundbreaking. Then they managed to make it an out and out romcom - which was the best part of this series. And now they seem to somewhere in a drama / melo mix with a little bit of mockumentary tossed in.
I'm dizzy.
I like the characters and I like the concept. I might even like to see a second season - if - and that's a big if - they can settle on a style that isn't boring. This episode was deep, but boring. The first two episodes were pretty lame. If it hadn't been for Kim Soo Hyun and Kong Hyo Jin being on my I'll-watch-anything-they're-in list, I wouldn't have even made it to episode 3. I'm glad I stuck it out.
I'm not sure what they were trying to accomplish with this show format. I'm not sure the producers are sure about what they were trying to accomplish either. I hope they figure it out before next season.
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22 Klaus
June 19, 2015 at 9:55 PM
I died a little inside when Seung Chan cried on his way to his place. His raw anguish almost… almost… makes me wish he never confessed. But I guess that's the point, take a chance… sometimes it pays off, sometimes not but at least you tried and there wont be regrets. Unlike the guy who was too much of a coward to say anything with direct words and is still not saying anything. Joon Mo is tiring and frustrating and the most bland character in the drama… I don't care how likable CTH is in RL, I'm glad not to see much of Joon Mo compared to the other three. I roll my eyes whenever he is on screen anyway.
Maybe Seung Chan will help Cindy against Byun CEO because he has a law degree (or studied law atleast). That would be a nice way to help her out since she needs it. Hope they can be good friends in the end and find themselves good lifepartners because even if I don't think they belong together they are good people who deserves to be happy.
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Cotton_candy
June 20, 2015 at 2:44 AM
You such a BORN HATER
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Klaus
June 20, 2015 at 6:42 AM
Yeah, uh... I don't argue with the likes of those who don't have an argument. Not an intellectual practice, you know? Plus, I'm afraid you might have mistaken me for caring...
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23 Lori
June 19, 2015 at 9:56 PM
Omg! Can we please give it up for IU's acting!!!! It seems she was struggling a little at first, but gosh has she owned this character!!
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KDaddict?JCW
June 19, 2015 at 10:40 PM
Yeah! IU is no longer just an IDOL actress in my mind.
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KDnewfan
June 19, 2015 at 11:42 PM
Yesss....! A standing ovation to her performance especially in that last scene.
The way she opens her eyes....bewildered... that long look at Seung Chan as he offers her the eel sauce, then tears well up in her big eyes and the cry... aaahh.... I think everybody who watched that cry would be moved. It was genuine.... heartfelt..... so realistic..!
I think her acting is pretty matured for a 23 year-old who has not done a major difficult role before unlike the other 3 lead actors.
I also would like to mention about the actress who plays Da Jung. She is a very talented actress. I think her character, though a minor one, is a quite challenging role. Can you imagine having to keep that expressionless face throughout this drama?
She even has to wear the same facial expression in that 'dogde-ball' scene. I mean, why can't her character be allowed to smile a bit or maybe giving a smirk perhaps?
I wonder what is the story behind those sad eyes?
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peaches
June 20, 2015 at 5:40 AM
i know that lots of people on here were saying how they didn't understand how the korean viewers could criticize iu's acting, but i think lots of things like enunciation, tone, delivery, etc. come into play in acting and it's kind of hard to judge if you don't speak the language. and i still think her acting pales in comparison to the others, but yes, i agree with girlfriday that her character arc will probably have been the most compelling out of the four. which is funny, because i was kind of expecting seung chan to be kind of like geu-rae in misaeng, the main character-ish, as he struggles to find his place in the workplace, along with a king of dramas-esque inside commentary on producing tv shows. and as much as i like him as a character and his one-sided love for yejin (my favorite), cindy is still so compelling, even more so than him, as a character. for me, anyway.
the first two episodes were fantastic (people saying that they were lame because of all the references need to remember that even if you personally are bored/indifferent to all the references bc you don't understand them, this show was produced for korean viewers) and i really miss the biting humor of the more visible mockumentary style, i agree that the lovelines are kinda drawn out, and i wish we could have gotten more focus on the producing bit, but all in all, i really, really enjoyed this drama. the characters have really grown on me....i wish they had more than 11 episodes.
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pogo
June 20, 2015 at 8:54 AM
IU really nailed the part of Cindy. Yeah, the writer gave her a great and compelling arc, but she's risen to it beautifully instead of forcing the writing to dumb down and accommodate limited acting skills or an inability to emote (which is usually the case with certain idol actresses).
Not saying her acting is perfect, but she did earn her stripes in this drama. The fact that she can hold her own in scenes with Cha Tae-hyun and Gong Hyo-jin speaks volumes.
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me
June 20, 2015 at 7:03 PM
She definitely grew into her role. I was pleasantly surprised at how well she did in this episode.
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24 Audrey
June 19, 2015 at 10:03 PM
Okay, tomorrow can't come soon enough! Gotta see how they fix things up (CEO Byun, the handwriting is on the wall and it has your name on it! Hah, gotcha!). Keeping in mind that you can pet a "puppy" and cherish it dearly, most women of YJ's mindset are not going to settle for men they feel "sorry" for; that triangle thing is done, over, finished. Trust me on this one. Also, right after the FD guru visit, BSC is contemplating how to succeed with a show when he can't even get a single woman to like him while the "Scream" mask floats in the background repeatedly...whoa, too much. Shades of: "Ridi, Pagliaccio", as in "Laugh, clown, at your broken love!...", but the show must always go on. And JM is really finally "manning up" (about damn time, since we were long since tired of the wuss persona anyway) and I think BSC has been wonderfully pivotal to all the main characters growth arc, but it's finally time for him to recognize his own growth and man up in his own way (cute puppy is good, sincerity is better and much more real). And Cindy, wow, I so love those secret, sweet smiles; a truly lovely touch. And so, on with the show; I'm not "shipping", just enjoying a good story with great actors.
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25 samsooki
June 19, 2015 at 10:05 PM
Probably one of the top 3 best dramas of 2015.
Watching this drama makes me happy.
Slick and fun and deep and meta and fun and sweet and interesting and cute and stuff.
Love it.
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26 fantasy
June 19, 2015 at 10:09 PM
I love love love Cindy :) that's all
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Adal
June 19, 2015 at 10:28 PM
Me too. She's my favorite character in this drama.
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Nowna
June 20, 2015 at 4:45 AM
Me too! Even in the beginning...I knew her character is an onion and she has reasons for all that sleepy and bored look. I was not disappointed....IU came out the top of this show and mind you she is only 23. Way to goooooo!
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pogo
June 20, 2015 at 8:56 AM
22, actually. She's a '93 baby!
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27 DEE
June 19, 2015 at 10:10 PM
Oh that poem by Robert Frost is EPIC as voice over for that scene. That's so deep, omg. And KSH reciting it was cherry on top. I love the analogy of taking a path that is less travelled and it making all the difference. Its like sticking by what you already have and are comfortable with, or trying out something new and realizing the adventure and thrill was much better. Its like picking the road most choose, or trying out the other one and maybe taking a chance. In the end, we don't know which was better and we cant travel both roads. So we pick the one that we believe will make us most happiest. The answer will be in tomorrow’s episode but I don't think the question was just for YJ. I feel the same goes for SC too. He needs to pick his path because what he believes is the best might not really be all that good. And the path he is currently ignoring might be the one that makes him the happiest.
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alua
June 20, 2015 at 1:17 PM
<Oh that poem by Robert Frost is EPIC as voice over for that scene. That’s so deep, omg.
Honestly, it's a bit overused... pretty easy to go for such well known poem like this.
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28 August
June 19, 2015 at 10:18 PM
Thanks for the recap GirlFriday. Awwwwwww poor Cindy. Her storyline, development as a character, and overall arc in The Producers really tugs at the heartstrings. IU has just been terrific and on point as Cindy. I'm so appreciative of her interpretation of the role; all that she's managed to portray and convey to the audience in an impactful and impressive manner; and how as Cindy she continues to resonate with the audience week in, week out. Cindy Hwaiting (Fighting)! :)
"The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost
http://www.poets.org/poetsorg/poem/road-not-taken
Recently referenced in Misaeng and now The Producers - Its a good thing. :)
First time around Joon-Mo was caught off guard by CEO Byeon Mi-Sook's cold-hearted tactics and totally unprepared for effectively combating and dealing with her callous disregard towards Yuna. Even after all these years, for Joon-Mo it's still a hard fought lesson and painful experience seared unto his conscience. However, with history now repeating itself this time around through Cindy; Joon-Mo is all the more wiser and prepared for the battle ahead. He's willing to forge ahead and poised to proceed on his own terms despite the lack of support and uneasiness from management.
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29 yumii
June 19, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Thanks for the recap.
I love this show for the humanness of its scale.
I love it for the wonderful actors and the script.
And I love it for making me love and feel for those characters.
I have never enjoyed watching pettiness as much as I enjoy Seung-chan acts of petty revenge. Additionally I've never seen earnestness be so sexy and appealing.
I love the light metaphor at the end. Both Joon-mo and Seung-chan bring light to Ye-Jin's life but there is a quantitative difference to how they light her world.
I feel the Seung-Chan and Ye-Jin romance opportunity has ended. From my perspective they have a wonderful relationship that works well as deep/close friends, but I didn't see them as a romantic couple. And for the record I have now issues with the aged difference.
Ye-Jim and Joon-mo are married already, they just haven't done the paperwork or perhaps the marital relations part. Seung-Chan and Cindy are so right for each other. They help each other reconsider what they know of the world, and in Cindy's case herself.
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30 Adal
June 19, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Poor Cindy! My heart breaks for her. Let's hope for a miracle that Joon mo's show will have smashing ratings because Cindy's on it, his show will be saved and CEO Byun will eat crow.
As for Seung Chan, what did he expect? In the game of love, you win some, you lose some, but you dust yourself off and move on. Makes me admire the way Cindy took her rejection by Seung Chan, with a brave face and moving forward. No moping or waterworks for her! She's a real trooper, she'll come out on top.
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Mandy
June 19, 2015 at 10:39 PM
Umm, different people react differently. Seung-chan is not Cindy. Why would he think of love/like as some sort of game that if/when he 'loses' one, he dusts himself off without even feeling it's loss, asking for a chance or mourning for it? That's just so ridiculous. Also, as far as my clear memory goes, Cindy tried to postpone hearing a rejection and cried herself in the washroom of the amusement park after her confession. So she did have her fair share of waterworks and that only makes them both human. Thankfully they are able to move on and "dust" themselves as you put it - and swiftly too. Because Seung-chan was back to his smiley ways the next day surprising Cindy in her home.
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DEE
June 19, 2015 at 10:46 PM
+1
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Aigoooo
June 20, 2015 at 3:59 AM
BSC goes crazy when it comes to love I guess. Changing careers to follow a girl who barely knew his name was pretty extreme. He seemed to have dusted himself off pretty well with that girl, so it should be somewhat the same with Ye Jin. He had a good cry and picked himself up.
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KDaddict?JCW
June 19, 2015 at 10:46 PM
I think it's perfectly okay to cry one's heart out after getting a rejection. I wouldn't call it turning on the waterworks. He's not making a fuss in front of anyone. Just his way of releasing some steam.
Cindy is much more used to holding things in. The poor girl has to worry so much about her image, and has been trained from age 14 to not show her true self. So she internalises her pain. That kind of person is more likely to suffer from depression some day, than to cry their eyes out and get the hurt over and done with.
Between the two, I don't think one way is more admirable than the other. Both feel sincere given those chars.
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Klaus
June 19, 2015 at 11:03 PM
When exactly did Seung Chan mope? I must have missed it as he did not even have time dwell on things because the same night, he got a text from Cindy and new issues cropped up. The guy was rejected after confessing to the girl he liked in the past 8 episodes and he is not even allowed to feel sad for it without being questioned? HA, seriously people?? Seung Chan is not a robot, he feels emotions, goes through the pain and has every right of expressing it. He is neither weak nor unable to move on... those would be the older two, if anything. He is man enough to tell Ye Jin how he feels, man enough to take her rejection in, and man enough to push it aside and wake up with a bright smile the next day.
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pogo
June 20, 2015 at 9:11 AM
...he's still the one taking petty revenge on Joon-mo for being a major presence in her life, though (the photograph frame pic switch). It's funny to watch, but still rather beyond anything he's got a right to do. And this was after Ye-jin made it clear she didn't think of him as anything but a hoobae.
He's really earnest and well-meaning, but in some ways, not terribly mature.
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KDnewfan
June 20, 2015 at 12:20 AM
Cindy has not given up on Seung Chan. She uses whatever opportunity that comes her way to have a chance to see and chat with Seung Chan.
Remember, she pretended to be mad at Seung Chan so that manager oppa agreed to take her to meet Seung Chan 'to give him deathly words'.... hehehee....
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pogo
June 20, 2015 at 9:08 AM
honestly, I agree with a good bit of what you said - Seung-chan in many ways, is a bit immature/lacking in perspective, so him puppying his way into Ye-jin's life and pushing the confession and pleading with her to think about it, makes sense for him - he's a huge open book.
But I think the real difference in maturity between Seung-chan and Cindy isn't in the confessions, it's in how they react to learning that the object of their affection likes someone else. Seung-chan still takes petty revenge on Joon-mo where he can (replacing the picture in the frame, just this episode)
while Cindy, despite being bitchy to Ye-jin as the MuBank PD, has been surprisingly mature about it - she's never once taken her hurt about Seung-chan, out on Ye-jin, despite having multiple opportunities to do so. And this despite being the younger and in many ways more coddled of the two.
(I cant believe CEO Byun made her lie about her parents' deaths as a child, that is just vile. Break awayyyyyy, Cindy!)
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31 Sour Grapes
June 19, 2015 at 10:27 PM
In my many years of Korean drama addiction this is the first time when I don't want to see any couples at the end of the show. Don't get me wrong, I love all 4 characters, but none of the romantic storylines have developed enough to turn into proper relationships.
Seung Chan's puppy crush on Ye Jin is adorable, but it is way too similar to his crush on his university sunbae. I just don't think it will last. He needs to learn to dissociate real love and adoration for someone in a position of power.
Joon Mo is just plain frustrating. A man at his age must be able to commute his feelings properly, but Joon Mo is still a man-child. I don't want Ye Jin and Joon Mo to end up together because it seems that the two will never be able to form a mature relationship. At the same time I feel sorry for any man or woman who would try to get in between those two.
Cindy's one-sided love for Sung chan seems to be the deepest, but I feel that it's because of her extreme loneliness. I can see her getting over it and becoming a better person as a result. Unless there is a proper time-skip in the last episode I don''t want them to end up together. Sung Chan would seem like a very fickle person if he ends with Cindy after liking two other women in the span of few weeks.
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peaches
June 19, 2015 at 11:49 PM
it wasn't similar at all though. seung chan's past crush on his noona was based solely on the fact that he was pretty. he even admitted to ye jin that he didn't even know what kind of relationship that he was trying to protect. she barely remembered anything about him, which disconcerted him in the first or second episode. whereas yejin and seung chan have grown to know one another, and he's seen so many sides of her and knows her well, even though it's hard to beat 25 years. i don't quite understand how some people are saying it's not real love or that he's confusing romance with admiration- hasn't it been shown plenty of times that he gets jealous, that he thinks she's pretty, he likes her personality, and the fact that he kissed her shows that he desires her too. obviously, a drama has to show what the characters are feeling even if in real life, it's not someone's position to say what someone else is feeling or denying those feelings, but i think the drama has been consistent in illustrating the depth of his emotions for her.
i understand joon-mo's hesitation to make a commitment on a logical level, even though i can see why some viewers are frustrated. but the repeated comments of saying that he needs to "man up" is really irksome. i hate how some people describe yejin and joon-mo-__- very gendered.
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Sour Grapes
June 20, 2015 at 2:01 AM
Where the hell did I write that Joon Mo needs to 'man up'? I didn't.
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32 Miranda
June 19, 2015 at 10:31 PM
This really does feel like it's Cindy's show for me, which is bizarre given she's got the least screen time of the four of them.
YJ/JM is a kind of slow burn arrested development thing and that is last on my list of interests; SC's combination of book-smart, childish and idealistic is much more interesting to me, but he got sucked into the love vortex in a way that's dragged on too long. I do very much wish they'd wrapped up the triangle an episode or two ago and that this last stretch was all about the four of them working together to pull Cindy out of the fire.
And best of all, it's not like Cindy needs to be rescued. From the way she is generally to the text she sent SC, Cindy isn't going to fall apart. She would survive this, she's already planning to survive it well. I think I would like it less if it seemed like the other three needed to swoop in and save her; it's much sweeter that JM and SC at least are on her side as a combination of ethics and being her friends. She doesn't have family, she doesn't have friends, and they're being her friends.
I don't really care about the lovelines, I just want all of them to get together and drink again, and maybe Cindy can organize YJ's new kitchen.
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33 rosy
June 19, 2015 at 10:39 PM
Omg cindy
You made cried so much. IU you are really doing great job. I can totally feel cindy. When Cindy gets broken I find myself broken. Whenever she smiles she lits my heart
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34 brightsept
June 19, 2015 at 10:48 PM
So heartwarming. I love today's episode. Cant wait how they will close it tomorrow. The last scene though, gah, I cried with her. So deep yo
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35 Seunghee
June 19, 2015 at 10:53 PM
I cried really hard on the interview scene, but I really lost it in the end and I cried harder with Cindy. The scene is so beautiful. In my eyes, it's like Cindy is dying but then this effect of water spray in slow-mo comes from Seungchan, who is like an angel, come to wake her from death. Then she wakes up to find that there are more angels come to safe her, smiling at her. I think it finally hits her that she's still loved by many. The whole scene is portrayed so beautifully by the actors, especially IU. So, who's with me crying?
While I think Cindy is the star of this episode (and several past episodes), I think the real hero in this episode is Joonmo. He surprises me with interesting character development (or they just show his good aspects now?). He's a great friend, a great sunbae, and a great PD as well. The epilogue scene is totally unexpected, because like Yejin, I thought it's Seungchan's doing. He also let his team go to the other team so that they can grow. And I know I expect him to protect Cindy, unlike he was unable to protect Yuna, but knowing him from the past episodes, I don't expect him to be this brave. I'm soooo curious what will happen to Cindy and Joonmo next, because they're the one who's in danger of falling.
I'm happy with Seungchan in this episode. He's royal and determined, and he also thinks that it's okay to fail when you tried with good intentions. I'm happy that CP Kim makes it into his shit list because CP Kim tries to drive 1N2D to end. I had this satisfaction smile when he shakes CP Kim's cola LOL. Well, I see Seungchan is finally becoming real 1N2D PD now. He was happy when an episode is canceled, but now he stands up for his team to get their conference room back. I'm satisfied that there's more to his character than love lines in this episode.
Now that Joonmo and Seungchan play their part protecting Cindy, I'm expecting Yejin will do the same too and it'll be totally awesome!
I don't know how the last episode will surprise us, but I really wish that the last couples will be Joonmo-Yejin and Seungchan-Cindy. But yeah, I don't want Seungchan and Cindy to become a couple quickly. I'd rather see Seungchan helping Cindy to find her way back to the top again just by being herself, or heal her wounds after all these years.
Can't wait for the next ep! Producer, fighting!
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KDnewfan
June 20, 2015 at 12:33 AM
I hope in the final episode tonight, during the shooting of 1n2d, the PDs decided to use it as an avenue for Cindy to tell her fans who she really is, what she has been forced to do for 10 years and the show will have a double digit rating and Cindy can break into the new world as she has planned with a clean sheet (not as a condemned liar).
I agree with what you said about Joon Mo. I didn't particularly care much about him before but last night, I found him to be a responsible sunbae/friend.
I hope Ye Jin finds out that it was Joon Mo who had pressed hard for the street lights to be fixed.
I like it when he offered the French fries to Seung Chan and Seung Chan ate it from Joon Mo's hand.... like an older brother feeding his kid brother :)
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Seunghee
June 20, 2015 at 3:15 AM
Yeah, I think that will be the case. It's a happy ending for both Cindy and 1N2D, but I think it won't be that smooth. I wonder how they can make the viewers trust Cindy's story, or will it be like Hogu's Love maybe? Cindy tries to tell her story but no one believe it and she's just let the situation be? I don't want that kind of ending for Cindy, so I hope they find a good way to make people trust and care for her and for what she's been through.
Haha me too. I imagine the situation will be Yejin thanking Seungchan for the street lights but he'll be confused and tell her that it's not him. Yejin will be confused too, but she doesn't think that it's Joonmo LOL. Sometimes Yejin being dense is so funny.
Wah it's my favorite scene too! I bet Joonmo is thankful to Seungchan because he wants to share the burden together, even though he's all 'glory or burden is only for me to bear' LOL. He must be seeing Seungchan as innocent little brother hahaha.
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bd5
June 20, 2015 at 4:45 AM
Yeah, too many are easily influenced by the more dramatic/"big" changes and totally dismiss the changes that JM and YJ have gone thru themselves (which actually is harder to do - than those dramatic changes).
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36 wackycashew
June 19, 2015 at 10:54 PM
Thanks for the recap, GF!
Definitely a lot of emotions in this ep as we saw what the characters went through. The impending rejection during that hug and thank-you speech by YJ to SC... I didn't expect SJ to take it so hard, so to see his face drenched in tears really struck my heart.
It was cute of Cindy to try to meet up with SC while pretending to be angry. ^^ The surprise interview. Argh!!! How can CEO Byun stoop so low?! My heart went out to Cindy and just wanted to wrap her in a hug. The betrayal as she realized what CEO Byun was doing, and the lack of response from reporters when asked to turn off the camera... You can just tell she can see the whole world crashing down on her and what this all means when news hits the next day. I have utter contempt for CEO Byun's actions. =X
Glad to see SC and JM bromance. Love how SC is so petty with CP Kim and how he stuck by JM for that invited lunch. Also love how SC challenges JM's thinking, giving him pause when he is about to approach this 2N1D filming without Cindy and act like CP Kim did back then with Yura.
Last scene with Cindy and the whole production team! So touching!! So awesome that JM ain't wavering this time!!
I had a feeling JM was the one who helped with the street lights, so it was good to see that in the epilogue.
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37 xox
June 19, 2015 at 11:02 PM
sorry i just have to tell you this but if you don't want to...you can freely skip...:)
Now this is what i did this week:
M-T-W: lost, daydreaming of what's going to happen next(maybe watching running man the whole day)...
TH-preview with no subs released but still...
Fri morning: preview with subs...Fri evening: live streaming(though cannot understand a single word)
Sat morning: rewatch with subs, and keeps refreshing dramabeans for other viewers comments... Then Sat evening which is today: will be watching live streaming
so kudos to the producer for making me like this...
And if you were wondering what else i do in my life besides keeping track this drama...i'm on vacation!:)
anyone else like this? Hoping...
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KDnewfan
June 20, 2015 at 12:38 AM
Me too!
but I don't get to see the previews with or without sub.
And yet, I'm a mum, a home office freelancer, a wife.. but I also spend my free time like you did!
hahaahaaa.... thank goodness my husband is supportive
:D :D :D
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Nana-unnie
June 20, 2015 at 12:39 AM
Yessss on the Friday and Saturday sched. Have to watch without the sub, read soompi for the live blog since live streaming is not available :(
But cheers to us hehehe! Fighting
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38 wohhoo
June 19, 2015 at 11:23 PM
i like the conversation between dajung the bratty maknae writer and yejin, i've been wishing that there would be a scene where just the two of em hanging out, well u couldn't call that hanging out i guess but still yayyy! i don't want TYJ to end up with BSC and i didn't really like BSC's character,BSC annoys the hell out of me even though i love love KSH but awww poor bby got his heart broken and when he started crying,urgh it broke my heart and i just wanted to hug and comfort him. oh and Cindy, god i was bawling my eyes out when she started crying. i hope she'll find her happiness and throw CEO byun under the bus
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39 carlalovestea
June 19, 2015 at 11:36 PM
Ah, this show is just so refreshing.
For once, I don't really care about the lovelines - I just want them all to be happy at the end (Cindy most of all!).
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Joanna
June 20, 2015 at 1:47 AM
Righy! Me too. At first i wanted SC to like cindy so badly. But now i realize that she does not need a loveline to be noticed. Her story hooks people the best!
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40 kobrakiddo
June 19, 2015 at 11:40 PM
Hi guys, a question here, does anybody knows the title of the song that is played at the end of this episode? That duet sung by a girl and a guy. It has been bugging me ever since I've watched this episode, because I absolutely love it! I've downloaded the official soundtrack but was unable to find it. :( I would be eternally grateful if someone would be kind enough to help me out eeeeeep. :D
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JofC
June 20, 2015 at 1:32 AM
Is it this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt1KtUJjUrQ
It's a really beautiful song! Shazam-ed it right away when it was first played at the end of episode 6.
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nonamekatka
July 19, 2015 at 12:08 PM
.. and maybe somebody know the song at the real ending after epilog...? anybody?
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41 panshel
June 19, 2015 at 11:40 PM
Cindy! :( That is so low using her parents against her. Even if she had finished her sentence before the reporter rudely turned off the camera, there was no way Byun CEO would have let it air. I was taken aback by Manager Oppa's outburst. Though I know he means well as evidenced by his crying at her bedside, but what she needed right then was a hug, not a cold dose of reality. Today's epilogue was my second favorite after Cindy's lovestruck staring at Seung Chan from her van. I hope Ye Jin realizes it was Joon Mo's harassing phone calls that fixed her street lamps. Thanks for recapping, girlfriday!
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42 himawari126
June 19, 2015 at 11:58 PM
Episode 12 will surely tie things up. I'm not sure about what will happen between Cindy and Seung-chan but I'm sure something good will happen between Ye jin and Joon mo.
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43 Camille W
June 20, 2015 at 12:02 AM
I think that this episode is the best one. Some will argue I expect. But boy were the feels on in this one. I felt so bad for SC (although inside I was thinking crazily hw I was going to brag that that ship sunk. But then I chastized myself. My ship aint sailing either). Anhway, aside from our puppy's sad rejection, I felt so much for Cindy. She didn't need a romantic interest. She needed a friend or much better a family. And she got it. Im so happy for her. Her character really did a 360, tho I nvr disliked her. I love her arc. And im expecting good things tomorrow. Now I need a new Friday show...and no, not Orange Marmalade.
P.s I felt like the writer is listening to our threads a little. When JM said he was more like a puppy. I was like, yeah he is!
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44 ancientgranpa
June 20, 2015 at 12:09 AM
Last night, before I watch the RAW I already read all spoiler I can find and knowing that there will be heart breaking moment at the end of the episode. So I prepare my self and be strong, but only seconds into that supposed scene, my tears break and when she cried... My face already a river. Can't stop my self from crying ㅠㅠ ?
It was really such a heart warming scene. Cindy who's unable to cry even after everything, her defense is fall apart, shattered when she saw 1n2d crew infront of her.
What a nice ending writer nim. It means a lot. For Cindy.
Now please let her have a happy ending tonight.
I hope we will see Ye Jin x Cindy again because those two are awesome together. Love their sisterly chems. Even better if you can make Cindy called Ye Jin "Unnie", writer nim...
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45 ancientgranpa
June 20, 2015 at 12:18 AM
For Byun daepyo...
Wahh... This woman is really something. She know it best about Cindy. That she is an orphan since she was 13. She make money, lot of them, thanks to Cindy. In 10 years together, even though it's merely a business at least I hope she will grow care for her. But instead, she use her nightmare, tragedy, story of her PARENTS, to take her down??!! What's more disgusting and cruel than that...
When Cindy understand what Byun daepyo trying to do, she looked at her with restless look. She broke completely and answer the question on camera. She doesn't care anymore. That scene is so sad ?
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46 Camille W
June 20, 2015 at 12:19 AM
Also, gotta mention that im glad that while the guys are rivals in love, they still care and respect eachother. Yay for my BRO-TP!
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47 ancientgranpa
June 20, 2015 at 12:30 AM
Cindy's scene with Baek Seung Chan.
I can stop giggling watching it kekeke. And replaying it over and over again. What's more fun about this scene is the fact that Cindy pull a prank on Seung Chan the prankster ???
Seung Chan always pull a prank for someone he don't like, Ra Joon Mo even got it TWICE! from him LOL
Only Cindy can do the same to him Keke...
It's really refreshing watching Cindy trying to hide her smile and excitement. But when when SC said she is cute... I love Cindy's fluttered trademark voice, "... to..." (what again). Somehow her voice sexyyy lol
Ohh love it when she trick her manager too. The excitement from her manager when he thought "FINALLY CINDY LISTENING TO ME" moment is hilarious ? ? ?
This artist and manager interaction is interesting to see.
But more for both the pranksters of course BSC-Cindy) ??
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48 Nemo
June 20, 2015 at 12:55 AM
My reaction when Seung Chan got rejected: "DUH!"
My reaction when 1N2D crew woke up cindy: "Boxes of tissue, GONE."
IU's as Cindy: TWO Thumbs Up!!!
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Joanna
June 20, 2015 at 1:42 AM
Mee tooo
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49 danarod
June 20, 2015 at 1:21 AM
Hi,
Can someone please explain me what FD stands for?
I'm not that familiar with the media industry, and I was wondering what exactly the "Guru FD" (played by cute Lee Joo-Seung) is doing.
Thanks!
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Nana-unnie
June 20, 2015 at 1:58 AM
i think it's floor director
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50 Joanna
June 20, 2015 at 1:41 AM
Cried so much for cindy! Can't wait for tomorrow's episode because of her! I love IU even more!!!!
Producers fighting!
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dramacasualty
June 21, 2015 at 2:34 AM
same! heart broke when her manager yelled at her saying that she should have just yielded once.
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