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Bubblegum: Episode 16 (Final)

It’s time to say goodbye to our adorable little family, and this final episode wraps things up for everyone nicely. A bit too nicely, but at least we get closure on all of our couples. With the promise of a bright future filled with happiness and family, Bubblegum ends as it began — sweet, warm, and full of smiles and love.

EPISODE 16 RECAP: “That’s how a new spring approaches through the gaps”

Ri-hwan finds Haeng-ah to tell her that he’s gotten his test results… and he’s fine. She wells up and they hug, thanking each other for being there and being healthy.

Ji-hoon pours Tae-hee a drink, reminding her that she lost the bet that Ri-hwan and Haeng-ah would never date, and this is her punishment. Ji-hoon admits that there are a lot of reasons why their friends may not work out, but they’ve been loving each other with every shred of their beings, and it makes him wonder what he’s been doing with his life.

He says that all the words he’s been saying to Tae-hee were old feelings, and she hands him a drink, saying that he’s wrong. He says she must hate him and she pours him another “you’re wrong” drink (is this a good idea? He’s an alcoholic!), and one for herself when he asks if she hates him. Ji-hoon notices that Tae-hee won’t look him in the eye, but she just silently keeps downing shots.

Thinking that she’s not ready to hear his honesty, he asks if they talk later, will she believe him that he never cheated on her? Tae-hee says that she wants to, but wonders if it’s safe. In answer, he pours the last of the bottle and downs it in one shot. She pours an even bigger shot, and one-ups him handily.

The next morning, nearly everyone gets a text message that makes them smile widely — aww, it’s the photos from Mom’s birthday party.

Ji-hoon slumps into Ri-hwan’s office whining about how terrible he feels, having lost his alcohol tolerance. Ri-hwan offers to do some acupuncture, but Ji-hoon gripes that he’s scared of needles (Ri-hwan: “You’re an Eastern medicine doctor!”). But Ji-hoon is giddly, and says that his hangover reminds him of the night before with Tae-hee. He finally relents, but makes Ri-hwan piggyback him, hee.

There are video cameras in the radio studio today — apparently Se-young’s popularity from her drama has them recording a special live-action show. Tae-hee admits that she feels like she’s going to die, having to work with Manager Jo one more time, but she just snarls when Haeng-ah offers to buy her medicine.

Manager Jo complains when he sees all the cameras, and accuses Haeng-ah of making him do this today because she’s camera-shy. He also thinks it’s weird to feature an ajumma famous for her ddukbokki on a video show (“Don’t idols usually do this?”), but Joon-soo tells tham that the ajumma is mising and can’t be reached. Also, Se-young is bringing her mother to watch them tape the show today. This sounds like it could be disastrous.

When Se-young and her mom arrive, Joon-soo rushes to introduce himself to her. He’s eager to answer her question about his age even though Se-young cringes, and he’s very solicitous to her and makes a good impression.

It turns out that the ddukbokki ajumma has had a huge rush at her restaurant, and can’t make it to the show. But by a stroke of good luck, Se-young’s mom used to run a ddukbokki stand. Everyone stares at Se-young while she cries that they absolutely can’t do what they’re thinking — and the next thing you know, her tiny little mom is on the radio.

Hilariously, the interview turns into Mom telling stories on Se-young as a child, like how she ate all the food at her mom’s cart and got fat. Poor Se-young has fits trying to get her back on track, while Joon-soo nods sympathetically at stories of how hard it was to give birth to Se-young’s huge head.

Ri-hwan watches the show and texts Haeng-ah to ask why she’s not on camera, and she explains that it’s Manager Jo’s last day. She tells him to pay attention to the last song on the show tonight, but doesn’t tell him why.

Se-young’s mom is adorable, but she keeps freaking out the entire team by mentioning brand names on-air for free. She tells Joon-soo, still on camera, that there’s only a four-year age gap between him and Se-young (she lies about her age), so they should totally date.

At the end of the show, they play “Not a Fancy Confession” by Lee Seung-hwan, and Ri-hwan smiles as he listens, since it’s the same song that their old classmate Woo-bin apparently dedicated to Ri-hwan at school, and made everyone think it was from Haeng-ah. Ri-hwan meets Haeng-ah on her way out of the building to give her a ride home, and she reminisces that Woo-bin gave them a lot of happy memories.

Ri-hwan laughs at her, and we see that back in school, the joke that Ri-hwan always said was played by their frenemy Woo-bin was, in reality, Ri-hwan’s idea after all. Haeng-ah wails that she’s dating a con artist, and she’ll never be able to face Woo-bin again after blaming him for eighteen years.

Wow, Manager Jo’s new job at Suk-joon’s station is pretty nice, with a swanky corner office and everything. It’s cute how he’s more concerned with whether the cafeteria food is good than meeting his new coworkers.

Aunt Princess fusses over Ri-hwan’s mom, worried that she’s going out with Dong-hwa for the first time alone. Ri-hwan comes to take them to arrange flowers, but Aunt Princess seems awfully worried today for some reason.

Yi-seul gets ready for a second date with her match, though she has to tell her mother to simmer down, as it’s too early for a proposal. This date is more informal and he suggests they stop for ice cream, and Yi-seul nervously accepts unlike her date with Ri-hwan. He’s awfully cute, and she can’t help but smile despite herself.

He buys a huge bag of snacks which he tries to give to Yi-seul, laughing when she’s afraid to gain weight. He calls her “curvy” which gets her hackles up, and she barks back that he’s short. And then he wonders why she’s so sensitive, because pretty people aren’t usually insecure, and teases her out of her grump. Okay, he’s adorable.

They sit down for coffee, and Ri-hwan just happens to walk past while they’re talking. He stops and bows to Yi-seul with a smile, and she bows back a bit sadly. Ri-hwan notices her date and leaves, and Yi-seul’s date knows this must be her “midnight man.”

He jokes that she sure does like good-looking men, making Yi-seul defend that that’s not why she liked him. Her date admits that he’s been winding her up on purpose, because at least then she’s not thinking about Midnight Man, and suggests that they keep seeing each other until they’re both over their exes. Yi-suel agrees as long as she can hit him if he’s rude, which sparks another fight. He’s a keeper — if she doesn’t want him, I’ll take him off her hands.

Mom’s doctor takes Ri-hwan out for a meal to celebrate his good test results, and says that he regrets not catching Mom’s illness sooner. Ri-hwan admits that he feels guilty enjoying nice things when Mom is so sick, but says that he’s pretty happy for now. He asks what Mom was like in school — he’s curious since she’s showing sides he’s never seen before, these days. Turns out, Mom was famous for being a great dancer, who knew?

While Dong-hwa is distracted by a phone call, Mom sees a woman in a doctor’s coat enter an elevator and follows her, fascinated. Dong-hwa calls Ri-hwan for help, and runs through the streets calling for Mom. She’s finally located on the building’s CCTV, and Dong-hwa tearfully waits for her parents to come help.

When Se-young gets a group text about Mom being missing, she realizes they just passed that building, and she and Joon-soo go back to help look. Haeng-ah also gets the message and heads that way. Meanwhile Mom stands in the road, nearly getting hit by passing cars, until finally a man stops to offer her help.

He takes her to the police station, and it’s Se-young who arrives there first. She doesn’t recognize Se-young, but she does know Ji-hoon when he comes, and soon Dong-hwa runs in wailing with relief with her parents right behind her. Next comes Haeng-ah, then Ri-hwan, and the station is soon filled with people who love Mom. Aww.

After everyone else leaves, Ji-hoon jokes to Tae-hee that they’re here in front of the police station for the third time. At this rate, he’ll start to get happy just seeing a police car. Tae-hee smiles at that, and he invites her to eat. She turns to walk away, then turns back: “Aren’t you coming?”

Se-young drops Joon-soo off at his family restaurant, and he says that he was impressed how she took charge to run to Mom’s rescue. Too bad the rest of the world doesn’t know that side of her. He says that he’s thought of the solution to their problem (their age difference) — they can just love each other, and not worry about what the world thinks.

Se-young sagely says that’s not as easy as it sounds, but Joon-soo wants to give it a shot, and Se-young agrees to try. He grabs her in a hug and they’re caught by his mother, ha.

Suk-joon chews up and spits out a guest on his show, accusing him of tax fraud on air. Manager Jo has to ask him to take it a bit easier or nobody will want to come on the show.

Ji-hoon walks in on (and right back out of) Haeng-ah and Ri-hwan sitting down to breakfast, but Haeng-ah invites him to stay and eat. Ri-hwan pouts at his breakfast, and Ji-hoon whispers to Ri-hwan to tell her why, quickly. They’re hilariously reluctant to eat, since Haeng-ah is a terrible cook — Ri-hwan says he once ate an eraser that tasted similar.

They even rock-paper-scissors to see who has to eat it, and Ri-hwan loses, only to have Haeng-ah “refill” Ji-hoon’s bowl, ha. Ri-hwan does a literal spit-take when Haeng-ah promises to cook for them every day once she moves back into the third-floor apartment.

He pulls her aside to tell her not to cook for them every day, because the her cooking is awful, and he’s relieved when she takes it well. Then she says she doesn’t want him to call and sing for her every night anymore, because he’s just singing the same song every time, and he bows up all offended. HAHA. But they make up and hug it out. Kind of.

Dong-hwa teaches (re-teaches) mom to play go-stop, as an exercise to keep her brain sharp. And then Mom hands her her butt, beating her soundly, hee. Aunt Princess decides to try, since it can’t be difficult to beat a sick woman, and also loses her hat to Mom. Even Uncle Gangster gives it a shot but gets caught cheating.

In a small moment of lucidity, Mom apologizes to Aunt Princess (for being a burden), who corrects her and thanks her tearfully.

Ri-hwan teaches Haeng-ah to drive with disastrous results, and he gets so frustrated he forgets his words. They just end up screaming at each other, and Haeng-ah refuses to try anymore. They make up while sitting by the river sharing a drink, and Ri-hwan chuckles that if she were good at everything, they wouldn’t be here now, together.

Ri-hwan tells Haeng-ah that he knows what he wants for his wish, and he whispers it into Haeng-ah’s ear. She giggle-shrieks and says that she’ll never do that alone, but she’ll think about it if he joins her. We don’t hear what it is, but whatever it is, it has them both laughing like loons.

In voiceover, Ri-hwan says that to forgot something, like a bubble popping, is nothing to be sad about. You just blow another bubble. Small happiness is like any other kind of happiness, in that you go through a difficult season, but soon the spring comes. He and Haeng-ah walk down the street, arm-in-arm, finally happy and together.

COMMENTS

Oh, so THAT’S why the show is called Bubblegum. Okay, now I get it — it’s a twofold metaphor, for the fact that Ri-hwan and Haeng-ah have been stuck together like gum their whole lives, but also because of the life lesson that when a bubble bursts, you just blow a new one and create new memories. I kind of like that concept, I only wish we’d known about it sooner.

This finale was a bit strange, in that we barely saw Ri-hwan and Haeng-ah at all — it was mostly about the side characters and wrapping up their stories. Not that I mind that, but really the drama could have stopped after Episode 15 and it would have been a satisfying ending. Or even better, they could have mixed many of the events in these last two episodes, still giving us the same amount of content but ending things with Mom’s birthday party. That was such a beautiful and emotional scene, it would have been a perfect series ending.

But while Bubblegum definitely has its faults, its cast is certainly not one of them. I do agree with Saya that some of them were woefully under-utilized (specifically Dong-hwa and Uncle Gangster, who both seemed like they could have been fun to get to know better), but for the most part the interesting, quirky characters were my favorite part of the drama. This may very well be my favorite role of Lee Dong-wook’s, for his vulnerability and his innocent joy. Maybe it’s because Ri-hwan seems most like Lee’s real-life persona… just a simple man who finds the happiness in simple things. And Haeng-ah was refreshingly real in her insecurities, but when she was around Ri-hwan she blossomed, and it was enjoyable to see her gain her confidence through loving him.

There is one notable exception to this, and it’s that Yi-seul wasn’t a character I ever really liked, though I so much wanted to in the beginning. She had a lot of potential, but it just seemed to fizzle — instead of learning to be a strong person through knowing Ri-hwan as I expected, she just became clingy and whiny. Yes, she helped Ri-hwan when he really needed it, but she didn’t do it out of the goodness of her heart. She did it because she hoped he would start to like her for it. But in the end I’m glad she found someone who winds her up and makes her feel something, anything, other than self-pity. I think the new guy will be very very good for her.

While I liked Mom’s character trajectory in terms of what it did for the rest of the characters, there’s still something about it that niggled at me through the last half of the drama, and not in a good way. I didn’t realize what it was until this final episode. As Mom got sicker, it brought everyone together to forge new relationships, and it was sweet watching them mend fences, build new ones, and become one big, close family. But it’s problematic that this only happened because suddenly, Mom stopped being so hard to get along with and became likable in her illness. In my experience of Alzheimer’s (which I admit isn’t extensive, but I did have a family member who suffered from this terrible disease), it doesn’t always, or even often, reduce a person to a sweet little childlike being. It’s an ugly disease, and its sufferers are angry and bitter as their memories die — they know something is happening to them, and that it’s wrong, and they fight. They don’t sit back and watch it happen with wide-eyed wonder at the world, but fight it tooth and nail. So, even though I appreciate how our characters all grew into better people as Mom’s condition deteriorated, it bothers me that the show treats this debilitating, horrific illness as something that brings about good things. Because that’s just not true.

But regardless of any complaints, I come away from Bubblegum feeling like it was a sweet, if not true-to-life, story about how family and love can change your life. Some of the execution was a little heavy-handed in places, while at the same time not thoughtful enough in others, but I found the romance between Ri-hwan and Haeng-ah compelling and warm. Friends-to-lovers stories are some of my favorites, and this one didn’t disappoint in that arena, so for that I’ll remember Bubblegum with fondness.

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Thanks LollyPip for recapping this drama. There might be some parts where I might disagree with you, but overall thanks for feeling this drama. For me it's the only one drama from this year dramas, which I will rewatch again and again. And I'm sure that I will be crying and laughing with this wonderful characters again and again.
Lines in Bubblegum outstands the same as reality vibe, characters, directing. I love all Ri Hwan's narrations. And this one about bubble as well. And for sure I will be waiting for the new project of this writer. She was able to create something different, new.
For now this will be my favourite Lee Dong Wook's role as well. I jave barely watched Roommate, but from what I've seen, real Dong Wook has much in common with Ri Hwan. Maybe that's why I had feeling like this guy in screen is so real and he exists somewhere. And for now Ri Hwan is one of my few favourite male characters among all dramas I have watched.

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I almost agree with LollyPip's assessment of Alzheimers, but for the fact that the Mom was taking meds under close Dr. supervision. My mom has dementia and the first two years were difficult as we tried on our own to deal with her mental changes. We finally had an open talk with her doctor who specializes in dementia and Alzheimer's. He worked closely with us to find the right mix of medication that balances out her moods yet allows her to be her joke cracking self. I say all of this to really advocate for getting help. I wish that we reached out for help earlier in the process, but denial will slow you down. Find the right doctor and a really great support system because living with dementia doesn't have to be horrible. Get help. ?

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My father suffered from an aggressive form of Alzheimer's. He went from an exacting, disapproving S.O.B. to the sweetest, gentlest man. As awful as the disease is, in a way it was a blessing for me because it allowed me to love my father and have the relationship I'd always missed before he died. So I can really relate to Haeng Ah and how she was finally able to have that loving relationship with Mom/Aunt.

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I didn't watch that drama but I'm only here to confirm things for cheese in the trap :D ( the drama following this ) . CITT is slated for the 4th of Jan so I thought BG is 20 episodes . So , does Tvn have anything planned for the 2 week vacancy

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i enjoyed seeing lee dong wook and bae jong ok in Bubblegum after seeing their interactions in the Roommates series. i think i continued to watch the drama just because of that...

it started good, for me... then somewhere it got old/stagnant...

the ending was sweet, but i agree with jijiji that the disease isn't ever that "sweet". i know the storyline needed that "forgiving" element - but it wasn't believable, if one has experienced the effects of alzheimers.

but, hey --- it's a drama, it's fiction and all in all it was a cute story, but dragged out in the middle with the noble idiocy stuff.

i am sad that lee jong hyuk's character didn't have a bigger part, but then i am a huge fan of his... i'm happy to know that his character wasn't intentionally being a cold jerk.

it started super cute, got flat in the middle and ended "neatly"... i guess...

i did enjoy the actors' performances, however. lee dong wook was very similar to what he showed of himself while filming the Roommates series... that being a very sweet man.
: )

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Thanks for all the recap of this drama. The cast did a great job in this...all characters were unique and stayed true to themselves. Props to everyone who works on this drama...Thanks ?

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Felt like they wanted everyone to matter but there was just too many of them and end up having many of them were underdeveloped or their storylines awkwardly fitted in (yi-seul and dj). It's kinda sad Yi-seul and family just seemed really out of place in this story.

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This show simply overdid the cuteness. The main characters were so sugary I thought I'd need insulin. I found myself more interested in the ancillary characters than the couple.
Also, Ri-Hwan's unusual collection of coats and jackets were as interesting as any other characters in this story.

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I likea Ri Hwan's style. His coats and turtleneck sweaters. Sometimes neat dandy looks, another time trendy oversized. I have even put my eye one some of his coats and sweaters.

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Urgh yes, the clothing in this drama *___* Specifically RH's coats *___*

I had a full blown discussion about his style, in comparison to the sleeker, more form fitting, and also devastatingly great coats of PSJ in She Was Pretty with someone the other day.

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oh my god, I thought I was the only one obsessed with his coats

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You're not alone. I even want to ask my friend who's travelling to Korea for business to bring me at least one of his coats.

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They managed to make the colourful coats he wears work, with the kind of cinematography used in the show. I'm not sure how it'd work in real life. Or maybe it's just me, I don't think I could have my man in a pink coat.

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That's exactly what I was thinking! Haha. Only LDW could look fashionable in a pink coat.

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Is it my imagination,or did that pink coat makes the rounds among the cast? I swear at least 2 other people wore what appeared to be that pink coat.
One, was Aunt Princess. Wookie was suddenly wearing a brown coat of a similar fashion. I swear yet another female character got the coat next.
Could Wookie's character had a habit of hanging up a coat in places like the restaurant and forgetting them?
Then someone asks him if he was it returned and he assures him he has another. So, they should just keep it?

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No fishfingers, you ARE NOT the only one! I thought LDW looked amazing in the suits he wore in Hotel King, but I have to say his stylist out did themselves in this drama. While our heroine looked somewhat drab, our peacock hero looked like a rainbow! Props to a man who will wear a pink overcoat and look so cool and dashing!
Loved this drama. Best I have seen LDW! Loved all the characters...even the ones we did not get to know so well. This is a sure sign of a writer who has many stories to tell. She created characters of captivating interest...such very real characters you wanted to get to know them better and did not want them to disappear from your life. We all should have the good fortune to have loving, caring people around us from the universe called Bubblegum!!!

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Agreed on the cuteness overload. Yuk.

The coats were awesome. I especially noticed the green embroidered (couture) coat Tae-hee wore by the elevator in one scene. Loved it! One of the things I first noticed in Kdramas were the coats. Even though a character may be as poor as a church mouse, they never seem to lack for a new coat from scene to scene.

Also, Jung Ryeo-won's hair is a character by itself. She should get a second salary just for her gorgeous hair.

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The scene wth Se-young's mother were gut bustingly funny!

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I know not much about reality of Alzheimer, but in this story I have found quite believable the way that mother has turned to the child. Yes, I know, that Alzheimer is ugly, but she had very good treatment from he co-woker who knew her, liked her a lot and had put his soul into finding the right way how to treat her. And if I'm not mistaken, her Alzheimer was a bit different, the one which progresses immediately. And we haven't been shown miracle healing like it might happen in kdramas, we have been shown how hard for Ri Hwan and others it is to take care of her, when she can get lost or close herself in the bedroom.
But that's one of the things I appreciate in this show the most - bonds and versatile love. Not only love between Ri Hwan and Haeng A has been shown, but love to Mom, true love between friends ( Ri Hwan - Ji Hoon, Haeng A - Tae Hee), the love for tiran mother (Yi Seoul and her mom), and so many different love tights among Secret Garden family which haven't been even blood related. This touched me a lot.
This show is thought provoking. It gives us good lessons, but it's our choice to see those lessons and uniqueness charm of Bubblegum, or to name it "boring or not interesting".
Anyway, thank you LollyPip for watching. I hope you will include Bubblegum into your 2015 Year In review, since this drama deserves to be covered not only for amazing Ri Hwan and great chemistry of Bubblegum Otp and their loveline, but for outstanding way of telling the story, great movie-like cinematography and strong characters as well as acting.

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like

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I haven't interacted with someone who has Alzheimer's yet, so I wouldn't know. But I have heard it can be a very ugly illness, and I do think this drama took the easy route out. We did get reasons for why she wanted RH to YS, and I actually understood her and thought it fit her character well. The fall out was expectably messy, and there were some lovely moments working through it (especially her talking to her younger self on the bench at the beach), but it seemed too simple.

I also agree with YS's characterisation, and regret how the family was actually living in their own little world without much interaction. It does make sense that she wouldn't have become part of their merry group, bc awkwaaaaard, but it would've been nice to have more links. Or perhaps if there were, it would be a typical makjang with too many ridiculous crossovers as if they're the only people in the world hmMM MM MMM. I do think she was a really interesting character. Motivated by selfishness, but she owned up to it each and every time. And she was quite wise in her own way.

Dong Hwa was amazing, all of the characters were, really. I /loved/ the scene in the bar in the beginning of this episode, though I know I probably shouldn't, because - he just stopped being an alcoholic! Making someone continuously drink is not a good idea! No! But the silent 'yes' of the drink, the hanging yes or no in the air each time was done so well :(((

Thanks so much for the recaps! To the both of you!

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..He’s a keeper — if she doesn’t want him, I’ll take him off her hands..

Ahaha, you and me both, dear.. ^^

Bubblegum, ahh.. through it flaws and cuteness, it's been a heart warming journey indeed.

Thank you for the recap LollyPip and Saya, you're wonderful~!

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Im really curious about Ri hwan's wish though... Im guessing, its something about having something sweet, drinking and something they'd get to know automatically once they reach a certain height. If you know what I mean.. lol
Yeah this drama has its faults.. but still I learn to love all the characters and all its flaws. Im having a drama withdrawal syndrome! Ri hwan❤Haeng ah are relationship goals

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I wish I knew what the wish was. I also wish I knew what Wookie actually whispered. I had a feeling he might of just said something to get a rather shocked looked on her face. Or not. Darnit! What was the wish?

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Thanks for recapping Bubblegum Saya and LollyPip. Enjoyed Bubblegum for what it was even though a couple of the episodes felt incomplete, like something was missing. Even so, no regrets about watching.

"But while Bubblegum definitely has its faults, its cast is certainly not one of them."
Good to see Lee Dong-Wook and Jung Ryeo-Won onscreen again.

"So, even though I appreciate how our characters all grew into better people as Mom’s condition deteriorated, it bothers me that the show treats this debilitating, horrific illness as something that brings about good things. Because that’s just not true."

Like you, aspects of the way writer Lee Min-Na chose to narratively write and portray Park Sun-Young's Alzheimer's niggled at me too. Taking the easy way out didn't sit too well with me. Alzheimer's is a progressive disease, where dementia symptoms gradually worsen. Now granted the progression of memory loss and other intellectual abilities varies greatly from person to person. However, changes in a loved ones behavior can be (and often is) challenging for the caregiver(s) as the disease progresses through stages (early, middle, & late).

Takeaways from Bubblegum:

"To lose something and to forget something...There's no way to be sad about those things...If the bubble pops, then you just blow another one. The small happiness that you feel when chewing bubblegum...It's not any different from any other kind of happiness. To us, who have been through a difficult autumn and winter...and to the gaps that will never be filled...And there it was...a new spring was approaching."

"the life lesson that when a bubble bursts, you just blow a new one and create new memories."

Happiness - appreciate the small moments that matter most.
Happiness - making the most out of everyday.
Happiness - smiles, family, friends, love, hugs, kisses, good memories, and laughter.
Happiness - is not the absence of problems, its the ability to deal with them.
Happiness is a habit cultivate it.

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I liked your thoughtful comments! :)

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Thanks Dramapanda.

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I was lurker all this time. But wont to say thank you LollyPip and Saya for covering this story. It was a pleasure to read your comments and viewers comments as well.
I will keep this story in my heart for a long time, I guess. Nevertheless some issues with the script, it was awesome drama, which I can dare to recommend to my frinds who haven't watched kdramas before...unlike other dramas which usually create mass obsession.
As someone stated above, Ri Hwan and Haeng Ah had relationship goal for me.
The ending Ri Hwan's line was one of the most touching line in drama.
"If the bubble pops, then you just blow another one." - that's my life's goal.

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I don't want to say the show fizzled because in a way it did, but in another way it didn't.

The episode was cute though and if anything, it was nice to see a light at the end of the tunnel or at least a new piece of bubblegum. There are different outcomes to how people deal with Alzheimer's and how to writer expressed it was clever. The beginning showed the mother to be angry and depressed, but with her unfortunate illness... It also brought hope which is what the show emphasizes on. Yeah, life is tough ... But there is still hope and we can find happiness in the midst of it. It may sound cheesy, but life is like that.

Overall, I thought the show was a nice change to what has been offered this year. The show would be considered light and airy ... Which is actually fine by me. I thought I wanted a super heavy show (which it did have a few episodes), but it was nice to see a focus on the meaning of the title. I really liked the idea of simplicity and how consistent (mainly) it was throughout the run of the show.

The secondary and tertiary characters (especially the latter) were able to receive conclusions in show which was nice, but I wonder how it would have turned out had their storylines been slowly integrated throughout. Maybe it would have made made the final two episodes gel more? Either way, the cast is a big reason why I tuned it... They acted their roles well and it was a joy to watch.

Thanks for the recap of the show though... It was nice to see a show that would have been passed over otherwise.

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Thank you for recapping all of Bubblegum.

I'm glad it's finally wrapped. It started so well - the first 6-8 episodes were lovely. I really liked the indie-vibe and styling too, and with the music in the first few episodes, it reminded me of how cool indie shows can be, like It's Ok, It's Love.

But it all went downhill with the rather drawn out unnecessary angst. I think the writing from here was a mess, which perhaps reveals more about the writer's own way of dealing with this difficult issue. While Alzheimer's a terrible, debilitating disease, instead of the writer showing the characters deal with it intelligently and openly, they spent a long time tiptoeing around Mum's selfishness, and then tried to wrap it all up with the trite notion that disease like that teaches life lessons. I don't think the show could save itself after that.

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Saya and Lollypip, thank you for all your hard work recapping this drama.

It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me, and not in a fun way. The first third of the series, I sat on the fence. There were things I liked (Jung Ryeo-won, the clothes) and things I didn't (Lee Dong-wook, mainly). The second third I almost quit watching, thanks to the noble idiocy, and the sidelining of what I felt were more interesting characters (Princess, Kang Suk-joon - RAWR). I did like the story line of the DJ with the much younger boyfriend, however. Finally, the last third really drew me in, not so much with the cuteness, which always was too sweet for me, but with watching the extended "family" deal with AD. I have seen it in my family and others, and thought it was treated well by the writers. I even shed a tear or two, which NEVER happens to me when I watch dramas. They tied everything up with a neat bow at the end, but it could have been so much better. The cast of characters was great, but it made me think that the writers of Yoo-na's Street would have done a much better job developing a story like this.

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I really didn't like JH and TH seeming as if they're going to get back together. During a scene episodes ago when TH told him he should have treated her well and that she throws away garbage, I took it to heart that it was not a secure and happy relationship. I like JH as the best friend to our main lead, but not as a boyfriend. He's an alcoholic man-child who smiles and whines his way out of problems. I don't see what he did that could redeem himself for TH? I was really confused about that. Don't just settle for his company because the man you were initially interested in turned you down.

Also, I was really hoping for a change in YS. I just feel like...nothing happened with her character. She just always looked miserable and pitied herself. Yeah, you don't have a man...but you have a close relationship with your brother, you're healthy, smart, you have a good profession, and come from a wealthy family that allows you opportunities other people don't have. I wanted her to learn to be grateful for the things she does have instead of focusing on what she doesn't have.

Our OTP though were great when they were together. :) I thought the separation didn't truly make sense, but it was very obvious that their relationship was irreplaceable. The actors had really great chemistry.

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Thanks for the recap.

I truly loved the series.

"He takes Mom to the police station, and it’s Se-young who arrives there first. She doesn’t recognize Se-young, but she does know Ji-hoon when he comes, and soon Dong-hwa runs in wailing with relief with her parents right behind her. Next comes Haeng-ah, then Ri-hwan, and the station is soon filled with people who love Mom. Aww."

To me this was the lesson of the series, Alzheimer is a disease that requires a community to cope with.

THere is truth to this observation.

"Mom stopped being so hard to get along with and became likable in her illness. In my experience of Alzheimer’s (which I admit isn’t extensive, but I did have a family member who suffered from this terrible disease), it doesn’t always, or even often, reduce a person to a sweet little childlike being. It’s an ugly disease, and its sufferers are angry and bitter as their memories die — they know something is happening to them, and that it’s wrong, and they fight. They don’t sit back and watch it happen with wide-eyed wonder at the world, but fight it tooth and nail. So, even though I appreciate how our characters all grew into better people as Mom’s condition deteriorated, it bothers me that the show treats this debilitating, horrific illness as something that brings about good things. Because that’s just not true."

The fear that comes with knowing you are losing your memory and ability to cope independently can be ugly terrifying reality to Alzheimer sufferers. But for some there are extended moments of sweetness when they are surrounded with family they love and living in the moment.

The flower arrangement incident suggest to me that Mom spends time in an adult day-care facility. A good Alzheimer daycare facilty can be wonderful way of keeping the patient involve in a community and a great way of giving caregiver a few hour of break where they know their relatives will be taken care of.

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Did I miss something along the way? Why did mom say she would send Haeng A away if anything ever developed between the two?

At the time she said that, she had not been diagnosed so the threat of her son getting it was not the reason. At first I thought she wasn't sure if they were half siblings. Can anybody fill me in?

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Pretty sure it was just her idiotic pride and wanting her husband to marry well so she could go back and rub in her father's face that he was wrong about everything. = /

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The whole last scene, I was wondering where the show found Lee Dong Wook's coat. Is it actually an oversized womens coat? I love winter kdramas for the coats. I think they key is to never zip or button them. And layers and clean lines for the win!

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I know this series had a bit of angstiness for a few episodes, but honestly, it was one of the few shows where I could understand both the angst and the Noble Idiot syndrome. I mean... thanks to his mom hiding everything from him, the news sort of hits him like a cannonball. I could not blame anyone for needing to pull back and regroup. And with how sudden and hard it hits him, it is no wonder he would not want the woman he loves to have to go through the same experience twice. Overall, I really enjoyed the series. It was not my favourite drama of the year, and I wasn't jumping to watch the raws like I do with dramas I am really addicted to, but it made me feel both sad and happy. Bravo Bubblegum. Solid show

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Thank you for the recaps both Saya and Lollypip~!

I said most of what I wanted to say in the previous recap (in that, I think this drama could have ended at episode 12 tbh) however I'm glad we finally got an explanation of the whole "bubblegum" meaning. I had a few theories but what they explained made a whole lot more sense LOL.

The easy breezy feeling of this drama is really what kept it going - while I wish the side characters were more explored (ie. Yi Seul definitely had no use in this drama), it was a good show. Didn't love it but didn't hate it.

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I'm glad someone has brought Lee Dong Wook's coat. I loved them all ecxept few too oversized ones, but even those ones looked in lind with his character. And I found pink coat suited him greatly. Lets wait a bit and you'll see, that it's next Korean trend - men wearing oversized and colorful coats. Well, it's already happening. And what I want to point out, that his coats and their colors were used to fit the cinematography purposes. They were fitted into each scene and were in line with main colors used in those scenes. I find it very unusual and greatly done.
And his pink coat in last scene was chosen for purpose as well. First it was raining, then it was dark winter night and his coat was a symbol of Bubblegum itself and of Spring which will come.
Bravo, stylist and Bravo, director! And of course Lee Dong Wook, who has rocked those colorful coats.

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The man rocks everything=)

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One of my favourite dramas to date. It's sweet, sincere, and pulls at the heartstrings oh so gently. I've enjoyed laughing, crying and just feeling so much warmth with this drama, and it's thanks to the actors, actresses and the writers. Love!

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I loved Bubblegum and it was sad that the ratings were so low. I didn't use to be a LDW fan before, not having enjoyed Hotel King or Blade man but he was totally adorable here. It made me want to watch more of him.

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This drama gave me the warm fuzzies. I thought Lee Dong Wook was at his best here,yes, maybe because he got to play a character so close to his real self. Loved Jung Ryeo Won as usual and thought the two had lovely chemistry. It really looked like love rooted in friendship and it was so nice to watch.

I agree. I don't think many writers know just how to write Alzheimer's (I think the one person...the writer of Yoona's Street did all right?)...many illnesses like this one are where writer's falter because they always choose for the character to revert back to a child for some reason. I wish it was a little more realistic as well but it also felt like Mom kind of wanted a lot of memories to disappear as well. Hmmm.

All in all, I enjoyed this. It was an easy watch that made me laugh and cry and YAAASSSS LDW's wardrobe slayed the whole way through, lolll.

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thanks for the recaps, saya & lollypip!!!

this drama is one of the highlights of 2015 for me, since i've been dropping dramas like flies due to lack of time or interest. a more seasoned writer would have incorporated a more cohesive storyline and not just tie it all in a neat bow at epi 16. Will watch out for the writers’ next project though, just to see if she keeps up w/ the upbeat touch or go on the heavy (more realistic?) route. based on her treatment of Alzheimer’s, the story was full of hope, especially the scene at the police station.

Can’t find fault w/ the cast (the chemistry of leads are too cute for words:) would have luv to see some of their interaction as a couple, the argument about the cooking & singing was perfect!) and the director (the shots were gorgeous, or it’s a cinematography aspect? either way I trust him, QIHM was beautiful also) is simply amazing!!!

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I tried to watch this. Watched one episode, and started the second. But I just could NOT get past that annoying soundtrack of the guy singing with the cracking voice. Does anyone know who he is? I want to avoid him forever.

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sooo much better than "that time i loved you" could definitely see the chemistry between the leads. simple drama but very pleasing to the eyes. both actors and scene wise :)

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I'm usually a fan of childhood friends getting together but this was not the case for this drama. I just flat out think they are JUST friends. There was no development what so ever, no chemistry.

For those that commented that it's better than "In time with you" OMG NO WAI Ha ji won's character and her partner was soo much more compatible than Lee Dong Wook's. In time with you played the childhood friends turning into lovers quite well (could be better but that's another tale), the drama lead you to believe why they would get together. The families were already close to begin with, and pretty much Ha Ji Won's family shipped her to marry Won. Anyways that's a different drama so I won't get into much.

Bubble gum was so lack lustre. Jung Ryeo-Won I've always seen as the second lead actress, this was the first drama I've seen with her as a main lead, and sad to say she should have went back as the second lead. She just doesn't have lead actress material, she doesn't stand out by herself nor with Lee Dong Wok. But even with good actors/actress I think the plot itself was just not appealing to me. It made no sense why Ri-Hwan + Haeng-A would ever develop feelings from each other, and felt like Haeng-A was on rebound after being dumped. She felt vulnerable and without a family so she took Ri-Hwan's confession. Maybe it's just me being close minded but they thought of each other as siblings... It was just too gross to move beyond that. Again other dramas like Reply 1997 and In time with you, She was pretty..the list goes on.. are all childhood turned lover dramas but the writers made it convincing to the audience how their loved developed and it just did not feel the same way with Bubblegum. Maybe it's just me who thinks this way but I'm disappointed I love myself some good childhood nostalgic romance, this felt like border line incest.

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Oh and I forgot to add on the reason why I finished this drama was because of Yi-Seul. I pretty much skipped all the other scenes just so I can see what happened to her, I agree she deserved better/more screen time and had this drama focused on her as a main lead I would have been hooked!!!!The plot would have so much more potential had they have a character like Yi-Seul. Not someone who is a supermodel who is pretty, tall, skinny etc. I guess I got hooked to much on "She was Pretty" But honestly, Kdrama writers should take head and make dramas with main heroiness like Yi-Seul and not the typical skinny, pretty girl that meets a cheabol, that's been done too much.

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