Jealousy Incarnate: Episode 9
by dramallama
The impending doom has arrived, and Hwa-shin is finally facing his feelings. Of course he’s still reluctant, but he’s becoming aware of how much he cares about those around him. He may still try to maintain his self-absorbed façade, but we’re slowly but surely seeing his capacity for love.
EPISODE 9 RECAP
Hwa-shin gently strokes Na-ri’s hair as she sleeps and thinks about her suggestion to entrust her with his chest (or more aptly in this case, his heart). He falls asleep by her side, leaving their phones ringing and unanswered.
The news crew heads home for the night, and the lady anchors stick around to gossip about Hwa-shin and Na-ri, who left together and are now rumored to be dating. Hye-won listens to this rumor with disapproval and heads back to the station to check for herself.
Jung-won arrives later to pick up a tipsy Soo-jung. He’s still got his gentleman manners, but he’s very curt in his conversation with her. From afar, a camera records Jung-won opening the car door for Soo-jung and continues to capture their interactions.
Sensing the discomfort, Soo-jung asks if Jung-won was annoyed by her drunken chauffeur request, and he replies that he’ll save his intended conversation for when she’s sober. Then, Soo-jung mentions the rumored relationship between Hwa-shin and Na-ri. He’s silent, but his stone face seems to harden a bit more.
Drunk Ja-young pays her proxy driver and stumbles towards the house just as drunk Sung-sook’s proxy driver also pulls in. Ja-young mistakenly enters Chef’s room and climbs into bed with him in just her dress slip. Sung-sook thankfully finds her way into the right house, but she climbs into bed with Pal-gang and lovingly strokes her hair.
We return to the original bed scene — Hwa-shin stirs awake next to sleeping Na-ri, and he’s brought to his senses when he sees Hye-won, arms crossed and staring at him in the room. He pretends to fall back asleep, but Hye-won knows it’s an act. She approaches him and forces his eye open with her fingers, calling him out for faking. In a reporter tone, she wonders what’s going on incident, and Hwa-shin drags her out of the room.
Jung-won arrives to see Hwa-shin drag Hye-won into the hallway, but he doesn’t hear the critical question asked by Hye-won: Does Hwa-shin like Na-ri? Hwa-shin tries to explain that he was simply returning the favor by bringing drunk Na-ri back to the station but fell asleep in the process.
Hye-won says she would have left if she found the two asleep facing each other or in each other’s arms, but that wasn’t the case. She finishes her thought with a more physical explanation and wraps her hands around Hwa-shin from behind. Seeing this, Jung-won smiles to himself and leaves, satisfied with the dispelled rumor.
Hye-won continues her explanation in words: Na-ri was sleeping with her back to him, but Hwa-shin was sleeping behind her, on top of the blankets. Hwa-shin peels Hye-won off of his back, and she explains her hypothesis that Hwa-shin must secretly like Na-ri.
She further proves her point with an astute observation of Na-ri’s behavior at the company dinner. Though Na-ri appeared to care for him by taking all the proxy drinks, her real actions seemed more akin to a child trying to finish homework. Hye-won tells him bluntly that he has a one-sided crush on Na-ri — alone and secretly.
Hwa-shin tries to laugh it off and blames it on the alcohol, but Hye-won knows exactly what she’s talking about. He says that it was a mistake that won’t happen again, and Hye-won agrees in a menacing tone. She adds that he and Na-ri don’t suit each other.
Jung-won enters the dorm and tucks Na-ri back into her blankets. He worries that Na-ri won’t be able to wake up in time, so he calls up someone.
Hwa-shin punches a sandbag at a boxing club, trying to sober up and figure out his feelings. He blames it on the alcohol, then on the changing hormones from treatment that Dr. Geum had warned him about. Jung-won also walks into the gym, and seeing that they both have keys to the place after hours, they seem to have been regulars there. Wanting to get beaten up, Hwa-shin challenges him to a good old fashioned fight, so they head into the ring.
Before the fight begins, Jung-won suggests a bet, but Hwa-shin says that he’s already decided to let himself lose. Jung-won complains about that attitude being no fun, and Hwa-shin warns him of the dangers of fun. They get started, each expertly throwing and avoiding punches. Jung-won gets in some good punches and tells Hwa-shin to lose fair and square — not just by making himself lose.
Hwa-shin gets back with a punch on the back of Jung-won’s head, to which Jung-won yells at him to stop hitting him in the back (in metaphor, to stop backstabbing). They get really physical with their punches, and at the end, Hwa-shin decides to drop his guard to suffer a blow from Jung-won. Hwa-shin self-declares defeat, and they both lie in the ring, breathing heavily.
Jung-won asks Hwa-shin why he’s up so late, and when Hwa-shin explains that he’s trying to sober up and wake Na-ri, Jung-won claims the latter. He calls Secretary Cha and tells him to bring Hwa-shin’s outfit along with the custom dress he made for Na-ri. That last part piques Hwa-shin’s interest, though he doesn’t really show it.
Jung-won talks about how big and calloused Na-ri’s feet are, and he says that he wants to give her good shoes to walk in. He tells Hwa-shin to rest up and mentions the ridiculous rumor. Hwa-shin confirms that it isn’t real and complains about his tangled hand wraps (and relationships).
It’s almost time for wake-up duty, so Jung-won heads into Na-ri’s dorm and begins to make coffee. Na-ri wakes up and watches in awe, but she quickly closes her eyes when Jung-won sits down to watch her “dream,” which is actually just her trying to fake-sleep. He asks when Na-ri will confess her feelings to him and then heads out to answer a call. Na-ri pops up and grabs a cup of coffee with a wide smile.
The broadcast preparations begin, and Jung-won delivers the customized dress to Na-ri. The main morning announcer, PARK JIN, requests a sponsorship as well, but Jung-won ignores her. In the dressing room, the Jin and Joo-hee try to bully Na-ri to hand over the dress, but Na-ri refuses to give it up.
Chef wakes up alarmed by Ja-young on his arm, but he tries to respect her sleeping time by immediately switching off his ringing alarm. Ja-young turns off her alarm and wraps her hand around Chef before opening her eyes and realizing her huge mistake. She kneels on the ground and begs him to kill her, or rather, save her. She apologizes profusely, and he wraps a blanket around her with a calm temperament before heading down to make breakfast.
Dae-gu wakes up and looks shocked when he sees Ja-young come out of Chef’s room in a blanket. Ja-young says that it’s not what it looks like, but Dae-gu doesn’t look convinced.
Pal-gang is infuriated by Sung-sook, who’s on her knees begging for forgiveness after sleeping in Pal-gang’s bed. Pal-gang threatens to run away from home if this happens again and orders her mother out of her room.
When Sung-sook steps outside, she witnesses Ja-young enter the house wrapped in a blanket. She’s shocked at Ja-young’s appearance and gasps when she realizes that Ja-young must have already made moves on Chef. Pal-gang overhears this conversation and peeks out of her room.
Na-ri reports the weather while Jin glares at her. Once the screen turns back to the main news anchors, Jin thanks Na-ri for her forecast and comments on how love can make someone bloom. She adds irrelevant comments about Na-ri’s workplace romance before concluding the news. Not a class act, this girl.
It’s breakfast time, and the family assembles for the meal. Ja-young overcompensates for her mistake by complimenting Chef’s cooking a little too much for Dae-gu’s taste, so he leaves in a huff. Pal-gang shakes her head at the adults being bad role models and follows suit, leaving Chi-yeol to wonder what’s with everyone.
Sung-sook asks Chi-yeol about Na-ri and warns him not to trust his sister so much. She reveals her rumored relationship with Hwa-shin and babbles on about her other professional skills. The inappropriate talk at the breakfast table results in a scolding from Chef, who tells Sung-sook not to come down for breakfast from now on.
In the studio, PD Oh chastises Jin for her irrelevant ad-lib in her closing and calls on Hwa-shin to clear up or confirm the rumor. Hwa-shin finds this ridiculous and looks to Hye-won for help. And she does help — by telling Na-ri to provide her side of the issue — but also hurts Hwa-shin because Na-ri’s real confession completely dismisses any relationship with Hwa-shin. We see Hwa-shin’s face freeze and smile waver at Na-ri’s vehement denial of workplace romance.
In the dressing room, Na-ri confronts Jin and Joo-hee, but they seem convinced that Na-ri is lying to everyone to protect her relationship with Hwa-shin. Na-ri criticizes Jin for reporting unchecked rumors and Joo-hee for her destructive ambition. They argue, push, shove, and then it gets physical.
Hwa-shin follows the argument outside, and when it gets rowdy, he enters the room to take control. But he’s easily pushed aside in the cat fight and needs to exert some real force to get Na-ri out of there. While he’s trying to separate Na-ri from the fight, she’s yelling all these offensive things about never ever dating Hwa-shin (“He’s really not that great! I’m so tired of him! If I like him again, I would be Pi Na-ri, not Pyo Na-ri!”). Ha, and his ego continues to get crushed.
Once they’re outside the building, Hwa-shin tells Na-ri to sleep at home from now on. Before he heads off, she invites him to join her… to the make-up store. She’s in a great mood and laughs to herself as she tries on a new lipstick. She offers to put some lipstick on his lips and asks him to buy it for her. Hwa-shin looks at her like she’s crazy, but Na-ri is too happy to care.
She puts her arms around Hwa-shin’s neck and admits that she’s very happy with the rumor because her three-year-long crush now feels validated. She was acting like she was offended by the rumor, when in fact, she was overjoyed. “My constipated sorrow now feels relieved through diarrhea.” Haha, that’s one way to put it.
Hwa-shin tells her to get her hands off of him, so she grabs what she’s wanted the whole time: his ID. She uses his ID to get a discount on the lipstick, which isn’t possible with the contract employee ID.
As they walk back to the station, Hwa-shin hands Na-ri a napkin to wipe her residual snot from her sneeze, and he’s offended by how freely she wipes her nose in front of him. He asks if she’s comfortable around him, and Na-ri responds with a simple yes. To further test their boundaries of comfort, he offers to throw away her used napkin for her, and she hands it over. Hwa-shin is totally offended and hands the trash back to her before walking away.
Hwa-shin tells himself that she’s too comfortable with him because of his breast cancer surgery. Na-ri returns the ID to Hwa-shin and says that she’s fine with the rumor as long as Jung-won doesn’t know. Hwa-shin argues that he’s the real victim of this rumor and asks when she started to think about Jung-won before him. Na-ri reminds Hwa-shin that he’s the one who introduced her and Jung-won, so it would be strange for both of them if Jung-won found out. Na-ri walks away, and Hwa-shin says that if he relapses, then he’s going to blame her.
Sung-sook and Ja-young return to their house, where they find their ex-mother-in-law sprawled out on the ground. She tells the two exes to leave, but the women are not fazed. They welcome their ex-mother-in-law and get ready for work. As they head out, they designate the living room as her room and assign her to a long list of chores to complete while the women are out working. They’re feed off of each other in responding to the all-power ex-mother-in-law, leaving her confused and in disbelief.
Madam Kim calls up Jung-won to tell him about her anniversary celebration with his father, who told her he’d come this time. With an envelope in hand, Jung-won says that he’s already on his way to crash it. He arrives at the venue and crushes his mother’s hopes by delivering the envelope from his father. She’s clearly disappointed but not surprised. She tells Jung-won to open it, expecting another travel ticket, but when he does, he finds divorce papers.
Jung-won lies that his father sent cruise tickets and sits down with his mother for a meal with “a more handsome man.” His mother begins to shed tears, and Jung-won looks helpless.
Na-ri enters the locker room to change out of her beautiful, customized dress, and an open browser shows the dating scandal with Jung-won and Soo-jung caught on camera. Na-ri doesn’t see this because the computer is facing the other side, and she sits down at another computer to apply for the morning news anchor position.
As Soo-jung sits in her meeting with her news team, the weather girls gather around the pout in jealousy of her dating news. Hwa-shin hears this and looks confused, until he glances at the computer screen behind him — it’s Jung-won and Soo-jung looking very intimate in the car as he puts on her seatbelt.
Jung-won leaves the venue and crumples up the envelope in rage. He calls his father and demands that he meet with his mother at least three times before throwing divorce papers at her. Jung-won argues that his mother never did anything wrong and forgave everything that his father did wrong. He can’t just leave her to shrivel up like this. But his father doesn’t respond and just hangs up.
Frustrated and fuming, Jung-won kicks a nearby trash bin, and Secretary Cha cautiously approaches him with the unfortunate news of the scandal. Secretary Cha shows him the photo leak ordered by his mother, leaving Jung-won in defeat. Jung-won picks up the dented trash bin and says that he’s headed to the news station. As he walks in a hurry, he asks how much money it would cost to pull down all the dating articles, since he’s worried that Na-ri will see them.
When Soo-jung comes out of her meeting, everyone congratulates her, and Na-ri looks at them with slight confusion. She looks to Hwa-shin and then sees the computer behind him. The angle of the shot makes Jung-won look like he’s kissing Soo-jung, and Na-ri’s face hardens. Hwa-shin notices her change in demeanor and suggests that she call Jung-won to confirm the facts.
To sprinkle salt on the wound, a deliveryman with a huge bouquet of flowers from “Jung-won” asks Na-ri and Hwa-shin where Soo-jung is. They point to her at the end of the hall, and Na-ri bitterly comments that the cost of the flowers could pay her rent for a year. Na-ri continues to make copies, but decides to just leave.
Na-ri sees the news in the lobby reporting on Jung-won and Soo-jung’s relationship. She leaves, and Hwa-shin fails to find her in the crowd. As she waits at the crosswalk, she remembers and scoffs at Jung-won’s wish for her to confess her feelings. She crosses the street carrying a paper bag walks right past Jung-won’s car. They both don’t see each other and head in opposite directions.
Hwa-shin continues to search for Na-ri and finds her phone in the weather casters’ office. Jung-won also arrives at the station to look for her, and he meets with Hwa-shin on the roof. Hwa-shin blames Jung-won for making her hide away and expresses regret for introducing them if she’s getting hurt
Na-ri approaches Jung-won’s clothing store, where a mob of reporters crowd around her, questioning if she’s Soo-jung. They realize their mistake, and Na-ri continues on her way into the store. Madam Kim sees her enter and watches curiously as Na-ri asks the sales assistant to deliver the bag to Jung-won.
Jung-won leaves the news station with a trail of reporters and cameras at his heel. He sits in the car, eyes closed, thinking back to Soo-jung’s mention of the dating rumor between Hwa-shin and Na-ri. Meanwhile, Na-ri eats ramyun in a convenience store alone.
Madam Kim looks at the foot imprint of Na-ri, having realized her relationship with Jung-won. When he arrives, she tells him to treat Na-ri well, give her good clothes and good shoes, but no more than that. Jung-won says that on days like this, he can understand his father. He tells his mother to stop spending her excessive free time interfering in his life. That triggers his mother to throw Na-ri’s foot imprints at him and ask if he’s implying that she divorce his father. He looks back with silent rage and new scratch on his face.
Hwa-shin receives a notification on his phone about his upcoming appointment at the hospital and realizes that Na-ri could possibly be there. As he drives in a hurry, he begs her not to be there, especially on a disappointing day. He asks, “If you’re waiting for me on a day like this, what am I supposed to do?”
He turns the corner, and there she is. As she approaches the car, Hwa-shin tells himself that he’s never letting her go to another man ever again. She gets into the car, and he asks what she’s doing, to which she states the obvious: going to the hospital with him. She doesn’t want to talk about how she’s doing, so Hwa-shin just speeds off in the opposite direction of the hospital.
As he drives, Hwa-shin tells Na-ri that Jung-won is a trustworthy guy. Just like their false dating rumors, Hwa-shin assures Na-ri that Jung-won’s scandal is false. Na-ri continues to complain about going in the wrong direction, but Hwa-shin continues to advocate for his friend. He explains Jung-won’s genuine interest starting from their first encounter on the plane, and he reveals Jung-won’s earnest wish for her to sit next to him in the plane back from Thailand.
He also adds that the flowers to Soo-jung probably not from Jung-won because he likes blue flowers. Hwa-shin has received flowers from Jung-won before, and they’ve always been blue. Even the dress that he made for Na-ri is blue. Hwa-shin persuades Na-ri to trust Jung-won — a guy who’s lonelier, more considerate, and wealthier than Hwa-shin. And more than anything, he’s healthy.
Hwa-shin continues to compare himself with Jung-won and concludes that Jung-won is a good guy, worthy of being set up with Na-ri. He also debunks the belief that Jung-won does whatever he wants — he rarely has control of his own life in actuality.
Na-ri asks why Hwa-shin set her up with such a grand guy, and Hwa-shin just hands over her phone. Jung-won called her more than a hundred times. Na-ri looks affected as tears begin to well up, and Hwa-shin offers to drive her to him.
Jung-won looks at the empty frame of Na-ri’s foot imprints, and Secretary Cha approaches him with updates on the retreated reporters and the bag with the dress from Na-ri. Jung-won grabs it and heads out.
Hwa-shin parks in front of Jung-won’s store, and Na-ri suggests that they go to the hospital, even though it’s late. Hwa-shin opens the car door for her to get out, and as soon as she does, they see Jung-won come out of the store.
Na-ri approaches him, and Jung-won angrily asks why she returned the dress so quickly. He asks if he’s that suspicious and untrustworthy of a person. Na-ri notices the scratch on his face and reaches out to check it, but he grabs her hand and demands an answer. Hwa-shin watches them as she responds, “I know it’s late, but I still want to say this. I like you.”
She confesses with the same words he wished to hear, and he tells her, “It’s not too late.” He drops the bag and pulls her close for a kiss. Hwa-shin turns and sees the two mid-kiss, and he freezes. Lightning strikes behind him, and he stares in shock, as if the lightning had struck him.
The couple pulls apart and continue to kiss as rain starts to fall while Hwa-shin walks the other way. He thinks to himself: “Pyo Na-ri, you quack. It’s raining. You said it would be good weather for a date. Pyo Na-ri, you quack.”
COMMENTS
Oh my goodness, have you seen a sadder third wheel? There is so much sadness and immediate regret in his eyes that I think he may burst into tears if I poke him. There’s something about Jo Jung-seok and his reversals with characters that just hits me, and Hwa-shin is a wonderful example of that. He went from Petty Asshole to Reluctant Cupid, and I loved seeing how simple he really is, despite all the overthinking he does to make himself seem so suave.
I would argue that Jung-won is the more complicated character, as emphasized throughout this episode. He knows that his parents’ relationship is no model to strive for, and he’s actively making decision that would allow him to live freely. He’s trapped within the confines of his mother’s expectations and misfortune, and it was quite interesting to see him attempt to balance both. His sympathy (maybe pity) for his mother was immediately juxtaposed with his detest for her control over his life, and that quick change of face showed how little control he has over his life. He swings very abruptly from one side of the pendulum to the other, and he’s reacting more than living. He has very little free will, and that’s something our Reluctant Cupid recognized in his persuasion of Na-ri to trust his friend.
I’m a fan of the current pairing because I’m convinced that Hwa-shin ranks third in terms of the current capacity for love. I was persuaded by Hwa-shin when he persuaded Na-ri that Jung-won deserved to be trusted, and it felt like a huge step out of his ego and into self-awareness. This central triangle is appealing enough for me to stay engaged, but I would have to agree with Saya that this show is juggling a lot of elements. We rarely get enough screen time for our secondary characters, who are a great breath of fresh air. I think the show is trying to get at the generational dimensions of romance and jealousy, but when it’s trying to do too much when the central romance is already compelling, the other relationships seem less relevant. I’m hoping that the fact that all of our characters are connected in some way can make the cast shine as a whole.
I love how everything in this drama is like a metaphor. Though most of the metaphors are pretty obvious, they’re not so blatant that they seem obnoxious. They’re subtle and clever enough to go unnoticed, but it’s like a little wink to the audience. At times, this show really relies on dramatic irony and repetitive hijinks, but the chest/heart metaphor is definitely my favorite because it allows for so much subtext and miscommunication. The hijinks are endless.
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Tags: featured, Go Kyung-pyo, Gong Hyo-jin, Jealousy Incarnate, Jo Jung-seok
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1 Monmoondays
September 23, 2016 at 4:11 PM
I was just waiting for the recap so that i can comment. My heart breaks for Hwa Shin and is supa happy for PNR.
The acting in this drama is so perfect, you forget that this is just a show. Kudos to whoever did the casting.
You can have a great story but to get the perfect execution is not always possible.
I love you Hwa Shin
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2 jaesukisourgod
September 23, 2016 at 4:15 PM
I feel like I'm the only one not really buying the current couple at all. I love every bit of pyo nari, but jung won doesn't impress me at all. I think it has to do with the actors because I LOVE jjs and his chemistry with gong hyojin. she's amazing with all her leads tbh, but their scenes here are so natural and I keep thinking how much of it is adlibs lol so I think I'm transporting this to my drama ship and suffering just like hwa shin lmao
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believed
September 23, 2016 at 4:34 PM
Nope, I'm def the same! I don't see GJW as a particularly engaging character (and also does he have more than 3 expressions?) and he comes across as too flat for me.
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jaesukisourgod
September 23, 2016 at 4:40 PM
I've so much to talk about him after ep 10, can't wait for the recap. lol
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Yoyo
September 23, 2016 at 9:52 PM
If Hwa Shin DIES by the end of this series because of that stupid cancer, I swear I'm going to write a very loooooooong letter of protest to the writers of this show.
Hwa shin can't die. No. That's unacceptable.
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Frank
September 24, 2016 at 1:17 AM
I hope he does. He's a bad man. Just recap what he has done. She ignored NR and looked down on her for 3 years. So why he "loves" her now? Is he trying to re-assert his manhood for the breast cancer? Well he says it all the time, doesn't he? He feel less than a man? Or is jealousy that his best friend is dating her? He destroyed his brother. You can argue that the brother was doing bad things, but he did not have to report it, he could have let somebody else do it. Now he is backstabbing his best friend, who even takes his own shirt off and gives it to him. Everything is about what Hwa Shin wants, what he needs, what he feels, what he thinks. Nobody else matters.
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Bunny
September 24, 2016 at 3:24 AM
Nu-uh. Look closely. Mari might have had feelings for him for 3 yrs but he was in Thailand for a majority of those years. Plus, you are not obligated to like someone just because they have feelings for you.
About the brother, I know what he did was wrong but eventually the name of the brother would be trashed anyways. Hwa Shin explained earlier that he has done it in order to make sure his name doesn't get further dragged down the mud.
The only thing I slightly agree with is the fact that he was ready to back stab his friend so willingly even though he knows that they both are in a happy relationship, which is... well, wrong.
Lin
September 24, 2016 at 11:18 AM
I can't be the only one who sees/thinks that Hwa Shin liked Na Ri three years ago too, then the scandal with his brother happened and he fled/abandoned everything (including those feelings) just as much as the abandoned him?
Don't get me wrong, the guy was an arse. No, he simply didn't return Na Ri's feelings on the beginning and also viewed her as an accidental prone annoyance. However at some point he began to notice and kind of like her too. However there was miscommunication and misunderstanding on his trying to advance towards her (per the hospital flash back and the broken chain of wrong color that can't be taken). Soon after or around then, he fled to Thailand. When she came to visit and did god make up, as gruff and conceited arse that he is/was (the man can behave like trash a lot) he smiled at her make up antics (though again his behavior was arrogant, conceited, mean, and immature). He's liked her almost as long as she's like him. Hwa Shin and his everything had never allowed himself to see it or let it really bloom. Until now when it maybe too little too late (lbr, it's a kdrama and he the lead so 99% not).
Enz
September 24, 2016 at 6:29 PM
I agree that Hwa Sin is all about Hwa Sin right now. He only can think about his pain, his loss, his growing feelings for her and how unbelievable that is. He is incredulous that she is ( for now) over him. He had one moment of, as dramallama puts it, self awareness and did a selfless act of bringing Na Ri to JW.
Of course, he was not obligated to return her crush all that time. But he didn't have to belittle her whenever he sees her and he didn't have to rub her crush on him in her face all the time. Even if part of that was trying not to see that perhaps he may come to like her if he allowed himself to see her goodness.
For now, JW has shown himself to be someone who was drawn to NR almost instantly and who then made steps to get to know her and win her over and in not a creepy way. It's healthy to like someone who likes you and makes an effort for you. So, NR liking JW back or at least wanting to get to know him better is natural.
MikoDee
September 23, 2016 at 5:14 PM
More than not impressing me, Jung-won scares me. He has the potential of being a loose cannon--the late trashcan (RIP) and perhaps his secretary can attest to that. Even that scene where Hwa-shin drops his hand to take a beating, even after hitting Jung-won in the back of his head, I have a feeling there's a switch in Jung-won that Hwa-shin is careful (mindful) not to turn on. Unfortunately, looks like that switch is about to go off soon, unleashing a Jung-won I'm scared to meet.
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misshoggy
September 23, 2016 at 5:54 PM
You're not the only one. I feel like there's a Hulk inside Jung Won at that trash can scene. Also exhibited earlier in the drama, where he punished Secretary Cha for going behind his back with the executives. And he sure didn't like that hit at the back of his head... more foreshadowing....
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Bongsommie
October 30, 2016 at 3:54 PM
Really? Them i think I'm the only one blindly in love with the gut
I love the ship that's sailing right now
I know it won't last forever but I'll just bask in its glory. I like GGP's character though. I don't see much of what's lacking. Let's give them a go
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moose
September 23, 2016 at 5:55 PM
He has a scarily perfect facade. There's something about him I don't trust. Was wondering why HS didn't trust/confide in his bestie. HS said he didn't want to be pitied and there seems to be a lot of pity in his emotions towards NR when talking about her feet..
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Enz
September 23, 2016 at 7:17 PM
I sure hope not. That's too easy to start making Jung won into somebody that we can dislike. It would be lazy writing in my opinion.
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Yoyo
September 23, 2016 at 9:57 PM
I'm curious to see that side of Jung Won. Throwing a fit on an inanimate object is one thing but I'd really like to see how his temper flares up and how it might end up as a wedge between his friendship with Hwa shin and his budding romance with Na ri.
This is Archie choosing between Betty and Veronica but on a dramatic level of sorts.
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Andechian
September 24, 2016 at 7:16 AM
I like your analogy to Archie choosing between Betty & Veronica!
But here, Hwa Sin the less fortunate is pain in the @ss (supposedly Betty?) while the rich Veronica a.k.a. Jung Won is all kind and protective towards his friend and lover. So far I'm on Jung Won's ship...
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Bunny
September 23, 2016 at 6:11 PM
I don't like the new current couple either. I do think that Jung Won likes Na Ri but, part of the affection also comes from his need to prove his mother wrong.
On the other hand, while Na Ri might no longer have feelings for Hwa Shin, I love how she is able to feel free and be herself with Hwa Shin and at the same time, I love how, because of Na Ri being the only one who knows about the breast cancer, he feels comfortable to be himself with her.
Another thing that struck out to me was the "type" of concern she displays for the leads. When she meets up with JW before the grand confession, when she asks him about his hurt, it feels like she did it to stray away from the feelings department. This is a huge contradiction from the concern she shows when it come to HS. Sure, she might do it because she sees her mom in him, but she still does it out of affection.
Finally, coming to the kiss, it felt so ehh to me. I was unmoved. This was not because of the lack of chemistry b/w them but because of how tacked on it felt. It felt like they did it out of compulsion because they NEEDED to fill the void. Seriously, I saw more chemistry b/w them when he was taking her measurements in a sexy swoony manner and that really can't be a good sign, can it?
He didn't really care about how she was. He was far more worried about her seeing the news about him and his fiancée and that really... bugged me.
Also, I think the actor playing his character is not as seasoned as GHJ and JJS because I am so tired of seeing the same expression with different brow movement in every frinkin scene.
Rn, my favourite ship on this show is the two moms. I like how they are gradually coming to an understanding and aren't letting their puppy crush on Chef Rak draw a wedge b/w their blossoming friendship. Fighting!
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niniko
September 24, 2016 at 1:32 AM
on the other hand, i don't feel like Hwa Shin is truly into Na Ri either. He has the whole "oh, i don't feel like i can be a man and be attractive for woman after this breast cancer" going on, so for him Na Ri can be something as reassurance for him that YES he can still be attractive as a man, even with breast cancer...
it's just Jo Jung-Seok is on another level acting wise, so we feel him more than JUNG WON
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Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 9:12 PM
I'm in the same boat. My ship is currently sailing in the lonely sea with Hwa Shin.
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Frank
September 24, 2016 at 1:24 AM
Sorry but I cannot see Hwa Shin as a leading man, at most he's the comic relief.
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miroufleur
September 24, 2016 at 2:32 AM
I thought i was the only one not feeling Jung Won's romance with Pyo Nari...He seems way too perfect that sometimes i feel he has a hidden side that has yet to be revealed.
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3 nana
September 23, 2016 at 4:18 PM
I love you Jung Won... i truly want PYN to stay witn him. Sighhh..
But i think i love the sound director more.. omg, i watched certain scene at least 3x and still chuckled at the brilliant of it
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nana
September 23, 2016 at 4:19 PM
And yes, i love you too, dramallama.. thanks for the recap
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Nanda
September 23, 2016 at 4:56 PM
Yes! The sound effects and OST are great.
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richelle
September 24, 2016 at 7:01 PM
please if you know the title of the english song played when Hwa shin persuaded Na Ri Jung Woo !!! please,,,,, somebody.. it is the song near ending
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Nanda
September 27, 2016 at 10:16 PM
Salt N Paper - Bye, Autumn
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blnmom
September 23, 2016 at 5:13 PM
What was the song that was playing when they were boxing? I think it's from a sports drama? I burst out laughing when they played it, and my mom didn't know what was so funny.
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misshoggy
September 23, 2016 at 6:38 PM
Hey, it's the instrumental of Wrongful Meeting by Kim Gun Mo, the song Hwa Shin's sang in the karaoke (with that montage of Jung Won and Na Ri)
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blnmom
September 23, 2016 at 7:04 PM
THANK YOU! It was driving me crazy, but the answer was so obvious LOL. Kim Gunmo was just on Fantastic Duo, which is why it was so familiar to me (besides being in the drama last week).
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believed
September 23, 2016 at 8:56 PM
It was recently part of the Twenty Again OST!
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Bongsommie
October 30, 2016 at 3:56 PM
Finally someone who likes GW too!+
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4 nchoe
September 23, 2016 at 4:19 PM
Since this show's title is Jealousy Incarnate anyway..
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nchoe
September 23, 2016 at 4:23 PM
(Oops accidentally hit the submit button before finish my comment... Lol)
Can we have Na Ri to be with Jung Won till episode 23 and switch to Hwa Sin at episode 24?
Because:
-- Jung Won is too sweet to be wasted
-- Hwa Sin is soooo good at being jealous, I can watch him all day..
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deathbychocolate
September 23, 2016 at 6:24 PM
Totally. Yes, I was sad for HS at that last scene but I can help but laugh. I was actually imagining what he was thinking at that moment.
HS: Yes, yes, I am doing the right thing here.
Lighting strike!
HS: Nope, nope, you stupid idiot!
This show makes me laugh at scenes I don't think I should laugh at. The different approach makes me love it more though.
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5 Yoyo
September 23, 2016 at 4:28 PM
My insights for this episode:
1. Hwa Shin's heart breaking into a million pieces of "Pyo Na Ri" regret is like being stabbed to the heart with the dullest wooden stake. The pain took its time to sink in and each second was more heart wrenching and unbearable. (Side note: how sad was it for him to compare himself to his best friend and be the lesser, more lacking individual?) *cries a bucket*
2. "I can't let you go to another person" -- is like Tom Cruise saying "You had me at hello" but 3 years too late.
3. Drunken Ja Young was cute but post drunken Ja Young was hilarious AF.
4. There is something so hypnotic about that whistling Yee-hee song/sound effect.
5. Mama Jung Won's cleavage was disturbing.
6. Poor trash bin, it was either you or Secretary Cha.
7. The funniest scene would be Hwa Shin getting tossed by that announcer and Joo Hee. Word to the wise, it never takes a man to break up a catfight, but a catfight will almost always be about a man.
8. I like Announcer Hong. She's aggressively sassy and smart. She's not that type of character built to just destroy an OTP, she's cunningly devious and ambitious so when she appears on screen, I don't find the urge to cringe. So yay convincing villain!
9. What a metaphorical boxing match. The boxing stick figures were cute.
10. THAT KISS. Jung Won, you did that kiss justice. Hot damn.
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momosa
September 23, 2016 at 5:23 PM
6. Trash bin - it s funny how Jung Won was apologetic to the trash bin after realising his mother action was equally unforgivable...
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erratic
September 23, 2016 at 6:24 PM
I looooove the primetime anchor and her interactions with Hwa Shin. She's so bloodless, but their skinship is hawt. XD I wouldn't mind if Hwa Shin ends up with her, but I'm hoping she wouldn't turn into a wuss or a cowardly conniving bitch if she did end up falling for Hwa Shin.
Also, how funny is that scene with the mothers?
Also, Hwa Shin cataloguing another man's virtues in a last-ditch attempt to stop himself from holding on to Na Ri was heartbreaking.
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Sinjuma
September 23, 2016 at 11:29 PM
Yes, agreed with you.
Although this show is not as fast-paced and eventful as W2W, I find delight watching the funny and heartfelt moments such as:
1. How Announcer Hye-won pry opened Hwa-shin's eye with her fingers;
2. How Sung-sook and Ja-young had a synchronised moment against their ex-mil;
3. The very honest conversation that Hwa-shin had with Na-ri inside the car. It was foolishly heart breaking to *gear* the girl you love to your best friend.
Love this show!
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abhie
September 23, 2016 at 8:53 PM
nod for every sentence in your comment!! hahaha
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Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 9:18 PM
For me... it feels like he's hurting... not because she's with someone else but because he believes he can never be with her (even if he has feelings for her) because he thinks he's no good.
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erratic
September 25, 2016 at 1:33 AM
Didn't he say something of the sort before? In the hospital? When he tricked Na Ri into admitting that she sees him as a man? He was supposed to say something through text. Like, she should be with someone healthy.
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6 Enz
September 23, 2016 at 4:31 PM
Thanks for the recaps. How I LOVE this show. JJS is killing this role and everyone else is so great too. Am still team JUng Won. You can't erase three years worth of assery with one selfless move. But Hwa Sin's devastation and his need to be cling to his pride and make a show of being his old confident self makes for a great watch.
I can almost believe that GHJ and GKP are going to date after this drama. I would love that!
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moose
September 23, 2016 at 6:14 PM
Have to defend HS here. NR has been at the station for 4 yrs and for 3 of those HS was in Bangkok. I rewatched the earlier episodes and from the flashbacks it seems the poor guy didn't know who she was and was not initially aware of her feelings. That elivator scene flashback - he was genuinely confused as to why she was angry.lol.
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jam
September 23, 2016 at 6:26 PM
There wasn't 3 years of assery. Maybe like 3 weeks/months (or however long it's been since they met up in Thailand). When Nari had a crush on HS, he wasn't necessarily rude or intentionally hurtful to her. He had his own reasons for keeping to himself, and it's not like he was obligated to reciprocate Nari's crush toward him.
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Enz
September 23, 2016 at 7:25 PM
Well, I can only form opinions from what I saw and he behaved like an ass towards her. He was really so full of himself and immature. I can't presume that he wasnt always like that when the show hasn't shown me that yet.
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Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 9:22 PM
I don't necessarily think he was an a*ole... maybe a bit of a jerk... but it's not like he was being a jerk on purpose or just with Pyo Na-Ri. He was like that with everyone.
It was more like... get away from me... woman... I can't fall in-love with anyone... and no one should fall for me... I don't deserve it.
I think it's more of an a*ole move when you make someone think you like them but then you really don't...
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7 believed
September 23, 2016 at 4:35 PM
In before anyone pretends the blue dress is pretty!
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bbstl
September 23, 2016 at 4:56 PM
hahaHAhahaaa, with you on that. I guess it ties in to JW wanting to make her more clothes like the pink outfit (that was her Mom's). It looked better as a sleeveless pinned-up model but yeah, no one on the news team would seriously have tried to get that dress off her ? Unless we're just both unaware that 1985 style solid silk crepe is the next super hot fashion trend... ???
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Nanda
September 23, 2016 at 4:58 PM
Agree. That sleeves could have been better.
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blnmom
September 23, 2016 at 5:15 PM
I didn't realize how thin GHJ was before I saw her in that dress. It definitely looked better sleeveless and with GKP's hands all over it. :-)
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bbstl
September 23, 2016 at 5:38 PM
my dream accessories ?
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momosa
September 23, 2016 at 5:27 PM
Let's pretend it's pretty. It could be a first dress present given by a man. It's pretty dang it.
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8 L
September 23, 2016 at 4:40 PM
This is why polyandry should be legal! No more ship wars, happy deserving leading ladies... and the men are already bros to begin with!
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bbstl
September 23, 2016 at 4:59 PM
Yessssss, I'm still captaining the Girl Gets Both Boys Ship,
come on aboard ⛵️
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Patitahm
September 23, 2016 at 8:04 PM
I'm totally on that boat!!!
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9 momosa
September 23, 2016 at 4:45 PM
Pyo Nari, listen to Hwa Shin, date his friend. Date till episode 23..
A little note though, what's with the foot moulds on the frame? A collection of special friends?
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jam
September 23, 2016 at 6:27 PM
Probably for celebrities and famous people.
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10 bbstl
September 23, 2016 at 4:46 PM
My mind and heart are so full while I watch this drama that as it ends I'm forgetting to breathe. Last night almost did me all the way in, phew. Wow. And holy cow.
I just can't wait to see what happens in this world. That's all.
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11 Marina
September 23, 2016 at 5:05 PM
About JJS being the saddest and cutest third wheel. I wish they would have had explored these brilliant jealous looks and moans in my favorite Oh My Ghostess as well. Just imagine, if Kwak Si Yang's character was later discovered to be a man of vitality too, and the ghost couldn't decide which one to use. How many times would I've re-watched that show!!!
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niniko
September 24, 2016 at 1:47 AM
thanks, now my imagination is going wild, mmm kwak, mmm jjs :i love my dirty mind:
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12 Sorrybutnotsorry
September 23, 2016 at 5:06 PM
I think i'm gonna drop it after this episode..i dont find it interesting anymore..?
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bye
September 23, 2016 at 6:28 PM
Buh-bye. Nice of you to let us know... for whatever reason.
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13 Chandler
September 23, 2016 at 5:13 PM
Well, damn. I’m really glad I caught up with this show just in time for this episode because it really hit me in all the right spots. So wonderful and touching, especially at the end. I have never felt so many warring emotions and to such powerful degrees!
I want Pyo Na-Ri and Joong-won to have their romance right now because, Hwa-shin is right, they deserve it. So I totally felt the giddy happiness when they reconnected at the end. It’s scary because I know I’m actually going to become attached to them together. But my heart was breaking for Hwa-shin for paving the way for them, & right when he realized just how much he needed her. The thing is, it really took him too damn long and he knows it. Considering that and his self-loathing, it’s no wonder that he rushed her off to “the better man” as soon as possible.
I have to hand it to Jo Jung-seok. He’s gotten me crying multiple times over the course of this show, only to make me reluctantly burst out laughing at him moments later. It’s one thing to make me laugh, but he manages to still elicit all the same emotional reactions from me, even as I’m laughing. It’s a skill, I swear.
This drama is executing the love triangle pretty wonderfully
(so far). When the drama was billed as a refreshing rom-com, I honestly was very skeptical because the premise, on paper, is pretty typical. But the writer has proven that it’s all in the execution.
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Oshi
September 23, 2016 at 5:44 PM
Yay! You're watching too!
I love that you caught on to it. The work on this show isn;t groundbreaking but somehow manages to capture a person. I just found out it's 24 episodes which makes me think thank god for all the suplots because otherwise we're going to spend a lot of time hating the triangle later.
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dyalee
September 23, 2016 at 10:18 PM
I really love JJS as LHS , it really breaks my heart to see him hurting at the end . I love the way JJS potrayed his character and the way he looked at PNR that last scene make me cries so much . :'(
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sammi
September 24, 2016 at 5:48 PM
Jo Jung-seok is owning the role, and it's a well-written one. It makes me really happy for me as a casual fan. I still remember him as the second-lead hyung in The King 2 Hearts. He's come such a long way in the breadth of his work.
The music really helped the mood of those heartbreaking scenes too.
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14 blnmom
September 23, 2016 at 5:17 PM
Great comments, dramallama -- thanks for the recap!
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15 L.D
September 23, 2016 at 5:17 PM
- Hwa Shin is maturing. Definitely the genuine feelings start to show beneath all the pride and denying.
- Honestly other than being all dreamy and handsome I don't see why Na Ri suddenly had her 'I like you so much' moment with Jung Won this episode. Unlike with Hwa Shin she doesn't really know him at all. It's just her being smitten by his niceness and perfectness. Can't see a deep connection there yet. Why did they get a rain scene? Those are for the OTPs.
- Announcer Hong should be an interesting case. Will she be the obsessive manipulative second lead trying to scheme her way into Hwa Shin's heart or will she be be the smart sassy queen b making her moves open?
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bbstl
September 23, 2016 at 5:48 PM
NaRi adored HS for three years and he knew it and deliberately ignored her. She didn't know him at all. Now she knows him very well and doesn't like him anymore. Hmmmmmm. He's smart enough to know that, too. Just sayin'.
What's not to like about JW? He's Prince Charming on a plate, puts himself out for her all the time and (in my experience) does that one little thing girls often go for : likes her!
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alua
September 28, 2016 at 5:37 AM
What's not to like about JW?
Well, if I ran into someone like him and he'd want to sponsor my clothes and shower me with gifts after barely knowing him, I'd be really, really wary. I'd feel like the guy is "buying" me and that's just creepy. In a relationship between someone significantly richer and someone living month-to-month (as Pyo Nari does), there'd be serious power imbalance there.
Not so say that such people shouldn't be in a relationship, but there's such as thing as too much too fast.
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blnmom
September 23, 2016 at 6:18 PM
Haha, like you said, he's all dreamy and handsome, and she's smitten by his niceness and perfectness. That's enough to like someone in my world.
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Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 9:29 PM
Agree with you. Her liking for JW is built on fantasy, fairy tale, and just seeing the one dimensional character of a person... because they are purposely "swooning you."
Whereas her liking for HS was built on small interactions. On stalking him, lol, and seeing in him bits and pieces of something admirable. What more if he was purposely swooning her?
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16 MikoDee
September 23, 2016 at 5:30 PM
One thing that's odd with this show us how they leave the other story lines hanging... don't get me wrong, I'm down for Hwa-shin moping around and regretting his moronic behavior towards Na-ri, but can we get some time with our threesome pairs? I'm really intrigued about Na-ri's brother, and of course Ppal-gang's mom situation is so crazy right now, especially with grandma moving. Plus Jung-won's uncle... gosh. ?
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Oshi
September 23, 2016 at 5:53 PM
Agreed on his uncle.
I think the episode count is at 24 so the pacing may be setup so that the main triangles woes end up progressing the others.
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bbstl
September 23, 2016 at 5:57 PM
I'm especially intrigued with JW's mother and her fixation on controlling his marriage to an announcer like she was. Is she close to her oppa the Chef? Won't his high opinion of NaRi come into play when she opposes NaRi for JW? The whole family background of JW and HS seems to offer a lot of material, the moms are friends so did Chef and the now-dead brother grow up together as friends too, what happened to HS's father, etc.etc. So glad there are 24 episodes for them to play with.
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17 Gongvely
September 23, 2016 at 5:38 PM
"I'll drive you to him" probably the most broken hearted scene I've seen in a while, I know that he deserves it, but I also proud of HS selflessness. When he keep mention eveything about JW I know for sure he loves his best friend very much
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18 misshoggy
September 23, 2016 at 5:41 PM
How does JJS do it? He plays petty assery yet self-deprecating so endearing, if that makes sense. Every time Hwa Shin's on my screen, looking at Na Ri, I swear I can hear his heart crack a little, him dying a slow death. Just look at that puppy dog eyes whenever his line of vision falls on Nari. Not helping is his real life 'gaseum' (chest also means heart) ordeal. I mean, it's not a coincidence that his 'cancer' in on the left 'gaseum', aka where the heart is.
Note: The writer must have listened to a lot of Kim Gun Mo while writing this drama. Perfect usage of Wrongful Encounter (again) and later in ep 10 with Unknown Life. I love the humour in this drama. It's not too whacky but not too subtle where you missed it entirely, and I think it's all thanks to the sound editor of the drama. So good!
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19 Kay2
September 23, 2016 at 6:22 PM
Thanks for the recap. And thank you dramagods for answering my prayers, the second lead got the girl. Is it too much to ask for their loveline tp continue until episode 24?
I do feel for Hwa Shin but he wasted his chances because of his awful pride. And after watching episode 10, I don't really think he deserves a great girl like Pyo Na Ri. But I'll reserve my other comments for that episode in the next recap.
Things I love about this episode:
1. Sung Sook and Ja Young teaming up against their mother-in-law. I'm waiting for real friendship to blossom between this two.
2. You can infer a lot from that boxing scene. The conversation may have double meaning and may be a forshadowing of things to come between HS and JW. HS wants to get beaten by JS out of guilt for liking PNR. And HS hitting JS at the back of the head can symbolize his betrayal of JW.
3. This episode showed us that JW is not just a one-dimensional character. He is not just a perfect boyfriend or bestfriend. Like what HS said, he is also lonely and has vulnerabilities because he was brought up in a loveless marriage and by a domineering mother and a great responsibility is on his shoulder as a chaebol heir.
4. Pyo Na Ri. Her character is just so well written. She has the courage to stand up for herself and fights her own battles. And despite having a bad day, she still goes out of her way to be there for Hwa Shin.
5. And finally, I'm thankful that the writer did not drag the misunderstanding between JW and PNR and got resolved in just one episode. If it were another drama, this will go on for another two episodes or more.
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20 ohlalaland
September 23, 2016 at 6:41 PM
This show is killing me. I always look forward to wednesdays and thursdays. GHJ dramas always disrupt my top 5 lists and this is no exception
What I loved about this episode? The scene where Hwa Shin faked being asleep when Announcer Hong caught him sleeping beside Na Ri had me in stitches. Gosh, I wasn't expecting that reaction, I lolled in a library.
Jungwon and Na Ri's kiss was so good. Adults kissing like adults. GKP has always had good kissing scenes ( e.g with Bora in reply 1988).
Hwa Shin's frustration/jealousy is so cute esp in the next episode. I felt so bad for him. Driving the girl you like to your best friend, while secretly hoping she ends things with JW only to get a front row viewing of them kissing. Heart breaking. Well, he is finally coming to his senses after Na Ri moved on. How many episodes is this show again? Hoping it is at least 20 because there is still so much that needs to be covered. From the teenagers to the adults, I want to see more development in the side characters. Every character is so good.
I am loving the stylist for GHJ. I really like the black loose dress in this episode and the green dress with boots in the next episode. Even the skirt and top she wore to Jung won's studio looked so nice on her.
Finally, the directing, writing, music have all been perfect. Am addicted to Suran's step step ost. The use of animation is spot on. Nice little touches here and there.
Can't wait to see if Hwa Shin goes through with being an asshole in next week's episodes.
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erratic
September 23, 2016 at 9:04 PM
Lol. There's an even funnier interaction between Hwa Shin and Hye Won in the next episode, but HS feigning sleep was all kinds of hilarious.
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21 Wandering
September 23, 2016 at 6:43 PM
I find this show so compelling because it really is realistic.
I like both Jung Won and Hwa Shin equally, and I think personality wise both have their good and bad points. But the question isn't who is the better person for Na-Ri to be with - i.e Jung Won is too perfect, and might be hiding the negative aspects of his personality; Hwa Shin has so many issues and is completely obsessed with maintaining his image.
The question is who Na-Ri likes and who is best for her in her own opinion. So far I feel that the show hasn't really tipped the balance in either' favour, and that's pretty awesome. I'm watching this show to see who Na-Ri chooses, not which one the two emerges as worse than the other and thus, Na Ri chooses the better of the two.
In real life, those are the kind of choices we usually end up having to make - you think who stirs my heart more, who makes my heart beat faster, who do I worry for or care for more NOT who is less evil than the other. And that's precisely what I like about this show.
I hope it keeps it up and doesn't turn Jung Won into a negative character while upping Hwa Shin's negative traits so that we all, and Na-Ri picks Hwa Shin as default.
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hiphiphooray
September 23, 2016 at 7:03 PM
I completely agree! What is intriguing to me is how hard it is to decide between two decent options. And, like you, I hope that the writers will spend more time on what drives Na-Ri's feelings for the two men. The last thing I want to see is Na-Ri reduced to a trophy between two friends. That would be a waste of the potential of this drama.
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imbuk
September 23, 2016 at 8:43 PM
That's a really good point. I hope too that they don't show someone as the negative character so that people will feel correct in rooting for someone. I hope they continue how they have shown each of them till now with all their flaws and goodness and let na ri choose.
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22 Janecole
September 23, 2016 at 6:47 PM
Tq dramallama
Oh ! From blue dress to black dress, jung won wore black shirt.
Boxing attire RED - FIERY BLUE - COOL and also with Red walk man and dramatic event - heavy downpour with thunder ! - many interpretations to deduced !
Most commenters like the end game - HS and PNR but i would like to see PNR more supportive towards JW after their OPEN CONFESSION but i would like to hear most the word "I LOVE YOU " ! from them to seal their feelings.
HS has many extended family to care for him but not Jung Won - even his uncle is not close to him but has more affections towards his tenants than his own nephew- why? Because of his mum ?
So HS Interactions with PNR either at the dorm or in his car or working place and in future his rented room too ! So i know the endgame and feeling empathy towards jung won till the end of this drama.
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23 V
September 23, 2016 at 6:55 PM
To be honest I don't understand certain comments about Hwa-shin. He was never written as an a**hole towards Na-ri, at least not before he came back to Korea. The one scene where I found myself saying 'yeah that was too mean' was when he told her to get over her crush on him up against the wall. Every other interaction we've seen of them he was always polite. In the Bangkok scene in his bedroom, I deinitely feel like if it was any other person who kept knocking and coming back he would have blown up on them, but because it was Pyo Na-ri and he remembered her crush on him he was nice. I think he already liked her, he most certainly found her endearing at least. He just didn't know her. He only became defensive when Na-ri kept referring to his chest. He's not a bad guy. His only "crime" is just now realizing what a great girl Pyo Na-ri is after oh THREE years lol. But I think the Bangkok move didn't help either. Also, the fact that he *knows* it's an a**hole move to want her now shows he's not entirely irredeemable. I think he's a flawed man who's realizing that he's losing this wonderful, sweet girl to his best friend and it's eating him alive. And he'll keep making mistakes because of this. I don't think he's a bad guy for Pyo Na-ri at all.
THAT being said, I'm enjoying this love triangle terribly, as well as every bit of Hwa-shin's jealousy and pettiness shining through. Maybe I'M the bad guy! ??
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cocolychee
September 23, 2016 at 7:38 PM
I 100% agree with you!! Hwa Shin actually is a decent person - he stood up for Na Ri when she was fired, was not happy to find out contract employees don't get discounts, etc. He's just focused too much on his masculinity and his image, which makes him come off as rude.
And I must be a bad guy too, since I can watch 24 full episodes of Hwa Shin being petty and jealous, too! ;)
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V
September 23, 2016 at 9:09 PM
Exactly! Hwa-shin may be a bit clueless about certain things and can come off as a bit rude but he's a decent guy. He just has to believe he is, since he's struggling with that a bit. Petty and jealous Hwa-shin FTW! ?
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Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 9:11 PM
Though I don't really feel like there's a love triangle (because Ko Gyung-Pyo just doesn't feel like a worthy love interest... for me at least... not because the actor is a bad actor but the way they created the character and how he feels like a younger brother... for me at least...)... I do agree with your observation in regards to Hwa-Shin.
I don't see him as a jerk (only because I also know the back story for the character). I wasn't even really offended with the pretend kiss... but I understood why it would make Pyo-Nari mad. It feels like he doesn't want to allow himself to love or be loved because he doesn't feel worth it.
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Memyselfandi
September 29, 2016 at 4:30 AM
Absolutely agree. I said a few episodes back that Hwa Shin wasn't a very good jerk. Seemed like he was trying too hard. We don't know a great deal about him before he left for Thailand. I think he felt that everyone called him a jerk for outing his brother so he might as well act like one. Also I think anyone who faces cancer has a little bit of bravery in them and breast cancer which is so oriented toward women. I can't imagine.
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24 Dahlia
September 23, 2016 at 7:24 PM
In earlier episodes, JW amazed me. I found him so handsome with all the best quality in man.
But after sometimes, I fall in love with HS character. NR adored him for 3 years. I could see that HS did not actually ignored her but he was in Bangkok all these years. Their relationship has not been even started.
NR didn't really forget HS. She still care(love?) for him. She was so comfortable with him compare to JW. She just need to move on with her love life since she didn't get response from HS.
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25 mexmax
September 23, 2016 at 7:40 PM
I could watch Jo Jung Suk be jealous for another 10 episodes. Easily.
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erratic
September 23, 2016 at 9:08 PM
When JI started, I was a bit leery of the 24-episode length. But I'm all on board with Na Ri dating Jung Won until episode 23, if only to see more of Hwa Shin adorably and at times heartbreakingly stewing in his Jealousy.
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26 Ran
September 23, 2016 at 7:51 PM
Does anybody know the song that played in 53:45, it was when Hwa Shin and Na Ri were in Hwa Shin's car and Hwa Shin telling her to trust Jung Won, it have a lyrics like this
"Keep me right, keep my breath till the end of story. Let me wait, if you re late, till the end of story"
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27 privatebanker
September 23, 2016 at 7:53 PM
I'm wondering... Do the chaebol with their so called mother ever tired to match making? We already have it for almost decades in kdramaland. I feel so fed up.
Millennial era doing like Victorian era. Where's the ridiculous wig now?
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misshoggy
September 23, 2016 at 8:16 PM
Well, they may have them done in a very dramatic (and overbearing) way in Korean dramas, but in real life, it does happen to ordinary people. They are called 'matseon' where relatives set them up with intention of marriage. It can be a bit old-school but in a society like Korea where marriage is a "symbol of success", matseon is a thing of 'desperate times calling for desperate measure' of overripe children, aka mid-30s to mid-40s.
That being said, it is a system that was born out of a busy society where working hours can last for 18 hours a day, where working adults can't really meet new people outside of their workplace. I've got friends who got married that way and they weren't without dating experiences. They've dated in their younger days but just couldn't find the time to keep meeting people and meet 'the one'. And from anecdotes I've heard, it's really up to the person to continue meeting after the first 'seon' meeting, which is unlike the 'forced' dates that drama mums made their kids do.
It's in kdramaland for decades for a reason: it's still part of the fabric of Korean dating scene. It can seemed archaic to a lot of people (me included initially) but from my Korean friends' point of view, it's not seen as a bad thing at all. To them, it's almost economical, in this sense, time and funny thing is, it worked for them.
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28 imbuk
September 23, 2016 at 8:22 PM
Until this episode, I was not shipping anyone with na ri at all. But this episode showed me who I am rooting for because at the end of the episode, I didn't feel happy at all, I felt heartbroken.
And Jo jung seok killed it this episode, the way he paused before saying 'ahn' when jung won asked whether the rumour about them dating is false. I was amazed at his character growth when he put na ri's needs before himself and took her to jung won. And I felt really sad when he kept saying that jung won is better than him in this and that, I realized he was convincing himself why he didn't deserve her. He was also a good friend to jung won in telling na ri about jung won's situation. Now I really believe that he has the potential to be a better person and that na ri is the perfect match for him because she brings out the better person in him.
And regarding jung won, though he is sweet and swoon worthy to na ri, the way he treated soo jung isn't right. He shouldn't have let her believe all this time that they were going to get married. If anything she has to deal with more damage than na ri (because of her crush on hwa shin) in her workplace because its been broadcasted on tv! So, ever since I realized this, my love for jung won has slightly reduced.
But, I still like all of them and their relationship with each other and I don't want jealousy to jeopardize it in anyway.
And thanks for the recap, dramallama! :)
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Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 9:01 PM
Ahhh. I didn't even think about Gyung-Pyo and the girl he was engage to. You are right. Now that I think about it... he feels like the kind of guy who will give you everything if you are the "apple" of his eye. However, he is also the type of guy who will not see your struggles etc. if you are no longer that apple.
On the other hand... Jo Jung Seok feels so genuine and sincere. He was a jerk at the beginning but then you see this other side of him. He treats everyone equally. He's bad with wording things. etc. At first glance you think he's a know it all... but the more you watch him... you realize that he's just someone who is stumbling in the dark but refuses to look like an idiot in front of others.
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Safia
September 24, 2016 at 5:17 AM
I don't think the Soo Jung thing is Jung Won's fault, remember when Soo Jung and his mum came to the store? He clearly said he doesn't want to get married without dating at least, and she said they can date after marriage. That conversation wasn't resolved and he never told her he'd marry her. His mum did. I wouldn't blame Jung Won for the way he broke it off with Soo Jung, it's all his mums fault. And to be fair, he went to her the same day the news broke to tell her it definitely wasn't going to happen - before that he was trying to reason with his mother and then realised he'd never get anywhere with her.
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bbstl
September 24, 2016 at 12:44 PM
Correct, JW and Soo Jung have not even been on one "real" date after the fix up date. It's all his mother behind the scenes manipulating things.
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29 Chizu
September 23, 2016 at 8:42 PM
I usually ship pretty quickly when Kong Hyo-Jin is partnered with guys but for some reason it's taking me a while to warm up to her pairing with either actors in this drama. Although... I'm starting to have the feels when she interacts with Cho Jung-Seok, especially when they banter with each other etc. It kinda feels like they are finally breaking the wall that was always in between them.
I think my comment might be quite unpopular but I don't feel anything between Hyo-Jin and Gyung-Pyo. He, in my opinion, feels like a younger brother. It also doesn't help that he always have the same poker face... whether he's happy, conflicted, etc. Their love story feels like a fairy tale story built on "fantasy." Rich guy pays attention to you... sweeps you off your feet... gives you everything you could want etc... everything is perfect... etc.
Furthermore... I feel far more pity for Cho Jung-Seok's one sided love than for Hyo-Jin's one sided feelings. Although I like Hyo-Jin and Cho Jung-Seok was a jerk at the beginning... the current development makes it seem like Hyo-Jin's feelings for Cho Jung-Seok were shallow. So... now that someone is finally giving you attention your 3 years of one-sided love just suddenly disappears? So... if someone had liked you in the past... you probably would have stopped liking Cho Jung-Seok? So many ifs. Whereas... Cho Jung-Seok has never liked anyone in all those years. He guarded his heart. It wasn't because he didn't like Hyo-Jin but because he had some sort of emotional complex. And... it looks like... even if he is surrounded by many girls who will throw themselves at him... his thoughts and feelings seem to be centering towards Hyo-Jin.
The way it's currently heading... I don't think I would like it if Hyo-Jin ends up with Cho Jung-Seok only because Gyung-Pyo turns into a jerk or if his family life causes a strain in their relationship. It's so rampant in dramas... the guy turns bad, the situation turns bad, etc. so the lead girl starts falling for the other guy again. I don't want that. I want it to be where she realizes that she continues to love this other person (especially the more she discovers about him)... despite her seemingly fairy tale love story with someone else. That... situation make me feel conflicted as well... however... bec. it's hurting someone who loved you sincerely. Sigh. Hopefully the writers could find a way for Hyo-Jin to be with Cho Jung-Seok without going the redundant route.
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30 poopclouds
September 23, 2016 at 10:56 PM
JW is a perfect man. Too perfect. Best quality in man. As my heart hurts for HW after sometimes, I tried to look for JW's flaws. But I don't want him to end up bad. Please writer, you be looking for a good solution between them.
I like how freely NR is when she with HW (blowing her nose scene), that shows how comfort she is with him. Their bickering, really...their scene always makes me laugh. Jo jungseok really nailed the character (I dont know he is this good) You can see how suffer HW is from head to toe. As what HW did for the last 3 years, I still want him to end up with NR.
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31 Frank
September 24, 2016 at 1:29 AM
Does anybody know the title and artist of the song in English playing in the background during the car scene?
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Ran
September 25, 2016 at 5:18 AM
Does anybody know the song that played in 53:45, it was when Hwa Shin and Na Ri were in Hwa Shin’s car and Hwa Shin telling her to trust Jung Won, it have a lyrics like this
“Keep me right, keep my breath till the end of story. Let me wait, if you re late, till the end of story”
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32 blessingwind
September 24, 2016 at 2:21 AM
My interpretation of the characters and their life in Jealousy Incarnate.
1. Hwa Shin
- A typical Korean Drama : His life is filled with tragedy, romance, jealousy, comedy etc etc like a typical K-drama. Every chapter of his life is filled with different cliffhangers at the end.
2. Pya-Nari
- Magnet : makes everyone attracted to her, or notice her even though sometimes in an embarrassing way.
3. Jung Won
- Typical Prince Charming : However will not get the girl in the end
- A bird stuck in cage: His mother controls his life.
4. Ja Yong and Sung Sook
-Identical twins : Not in appearance, but in same preferences in everything, be it man, be it clothes, food etc.
-Broken record: Saying the same thing every time, whenever they open their mouth to argue.
5. Chef
- Mother Hen: looking after all, scolding them, feeding them, driving them.
6. Chi yeol
-Genius : Know what to say, when to say.
7. Hye-Won
-Robot: Her expressions are more of a robot, but with badass attitude.
8. Ppal Gang
- 200 pounds baby in her body.: Not for her body, her attitude, more of a baby than a high school girl.
9. President Oh
- A saucepan on the stove, with hot oil and ice cubes: Explodes in every episode.
10. Jung Won Mother
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33 Rach ^^
September 24, 2016 at 2:42 AM
Can't stand the Clio product placement.
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34 fangirlingoppas
September 24, 2016 at 2:45 AM
what makes him sooooo sexy? is it the shirts?
can't breath every time he has screen time, sooooo handsome.... even the way he pours the coffee is soooooo.... hot!
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35 neener
September 24, 2016 at 3:04 AM
Just finished watching. That scene with the mothers ???
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36 kimchikay
September 24, 2016 at 2:52 PM
Ah! I've been waiting for this recap for so long!!!
Jo Jung Seok is really KILLING it. It's been so long since I've felt so emotionally connected with a character…he's just got everything going down for him and yet I love the way he keeps trying to be suave and happy go lucky. He's like the candy man…he gives his crush to his best friend, he's got breast cancer, his brother just died….oh goodness, how this man is not drowning in despair is beyond me….I feel for the man!
I loved the ending, all the right emotions and feels and dare I say, first time second lead has gotten the girl and kissed her before the first lead!!
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Enz
September 24, 2016 at 6:46 PM
Nope, coz remember the kiss at the hospital? HS kissed her first.
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kimchikay
September 24, 2016 at 8:05 PM
Yes!! You are right!! I could I forget that! I stand corrected lol
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Moose
September 24, 2016 at 11:08 PM
Umm she kissed him first ...and asserted she gets to decide who she kisses.!
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37 sammi
September 24, 2016 at 5:51 PM
Actually, I'm really glad they cut back the time for the side love lines, I especially don't care for Ppal gang's love line. I thought the misunderstanding with the chef and then the grandma moving in were just enough to balance the main storyline out. I don't need the show to linger on them more than needed, thanks. I would love to see some more sibling bonding time between Nari and Chiyeol, but she's hardly ever home, and it's kind of unrealistic that she doesn't even go home or call to check up on him.
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38 azzo
September 24, 2016 at 9:53 PM
I love this show, it's my second favorite of all the shows I'm watching right now, and believe me I'm watching a lot!
SLS is hitting me really hard and I know a lot of you guys don't find Jung-won that appealing but he does it for me! I really appreciated the scene in which he kicked the trash bin and then picked it up! I hate it when people act on their anger and frustrations and ruin their surroundings, so that little move made me love him even more!
But I don't blame him for getting this frustrated, his mother keeps forcing this life on him that he did not chose, his relationship with Na-ri seems like the only thing he's ever chosen for himself and now rumors are floating and she's not replying to his calls and he's going crazy, my heart broke for him!
I loved Hwa-shin in this episode (this opinion changes in ep10) the way he stood up for his friend in front of Na-ri and took her to him, he didn't let his feelings for her get to him and blind him instead he defended Jung-won and the fact that the poor guy has no control over his life, so when he saw them kissing my heart hurt a little for him!
thank you dramallama for the recap.
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39 memyselfandi
September 25, 2016 at 7:46 AM
I am on episode 6 but I wanted to jump ahead and say this - my impression of Hwa Shin from the first episode is that he isn't very good at being a jerk. He is trying too hard. It is as if once he was called a jerk for what he did to his brother he decided to act like one. But he is really just acting. Yes, he is self-absorbed, but what good-looking guy isn't, and having cancer of any sort would just reinforce that.
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40 Jat
September 25, 2016 at 7:52 AM
I had a crush in one guy before. I thought I just told my friends about it, but somehow many people knew about it including his friends. It's quite embarassing actually, even now, many years have gone, it still embarassing to talk about it. So I totally understand Na Ri feelings. She was so happy about the rumor.
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41 Jat
September 25, 2016 at 8:09 AM
Talk about crush? How did EVERYONE know about her 3 years crush on him? Including Hye won. Wasn't he in Thailand 3 years?
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42 earthna
May 9, 2017 at 8:39 PM
I super regret not watching this when it was airing! I started yesterday and now I'm on this episode. Hwashinnnnnnn just freaking go! You don't need to see this! I think this is the first time I felt so torn between them lead and 2nd lead. I love them both! I cannot choose. My heart is going to explode. Help!
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