1% of Anything: Episode 11
by HeadsNo2
I’m just stepping in for this episode, but I’ve actually been wanting a chance to weigh in on 1% of Anything, which I’ve found to be a zippy and fun way to pass the time each week. Despite the somewhat outlandish circumstances surrounding our main couple, their relationship manages to feel real and grounded, and there’s no shortage of moments both big and small this hour. Jae-in proves that he can be taught, even if it takes some doing—and luckily for him, our heroine is up to the task.
EPISODE 11: “Drunken Confessions: Do you want to see this through until the end, even though it may be hard?”
Da-hyun seems to know that trouble’s about to start when Jae-in sees that Tae-ha brought her home, but her efforts to clear up the misunderstanding are in vain—when she describes Tae-ha as Ji-soo’s sponsor, Jae-in calls him out by name for doing something he’s never done before.
The name “Tae-ha” rings a bell in Da-hyun’s memory, and she asks Jae-in if he’s the same Tae-ha that he mentioned to her before. Turning to Tae-ha, she asks if that’s why he never gave her his business card, and contrary to Jae-in’s efforts to send her inside, she insists that she needs some questions answered first.
After hearing Jae-in’s explanation about the contract and of Tae-ha’s name being in it, she calls Jae-in out for deceiving her, and Tae-ha for only treating her nicely because of the will. She scoffs at both of them, noting the similarities they share as cousins, to which both ask in unison: “In what way?” Hah.
“You two have a peculiar knack for pissing people off!” she adds before stomping off. Jae-in follows, causing Tae-ha to wonder if he actually has feelings for her.
With an arm barring her door, Da-hyun demands to know what else Jae-in lied to her about. She’s more scandalized that he even got poor Lawyer Park to help him lie about the last page of the will, which she worries could get him disbarred.
The fact that Jae-in says he put Lawyer Park up to it is of no surprise to Da-hyun, who adds, “I knew you had this side to you, but you really make me hate you when you act like this!” She hurries into her apartment, slamming the door in his face.
Jae-in calls Lawyer Park over to his place to strategize his next move, though his main concern is gaining Da-hyun’s forgiveness. He throws out all his friend’s suggestions as to what to do (like kneeling and begging, bringing her flowers), so Lawyer Park tells him he’s on his own. Good luck.
Da-hyun picks up when Jae-in calls to ask if he’s reflected on his wrongdoings, but when he stubbornly refuses to admit that what he did was so wrong, she hangs up. The same happens every time he calls, though she always gives him a chance to change his mind.
Thoroughly frustrated, Jae-in seeks some advice from one of his female employees, though it does the opposite of reassuring him. When she tells him of how she broke up with her last boyfriend because he deceived her, Jae-in looks shocked at the idea that breaking up over a lie is a real thing. Aw, poor puppy—welcome to the real world.
For as much as he was against the notion of doing something as cringingly cutesy as bringing Da-hyun flowers and balloons, Jae-in finally resigns himself to doing just that, and waits outside Da-hyun’s apartment with the grand display he’s prepared.
At his call, she looks over her balcony to see a lone balloon flying up, then sees Jae-in holding his colorful bounty down below. She smiles to see him, and he adorably waves back before bringing the gifts up.
She’s delighted over the flowers and balloons, but Jae-in eyes her dubiously when she says she only feels a little bit better because of them. She stifles a laugh when he protests that bringing all this here was so embarrassing for him, and asks him if he’d feel better with only these gifts if their situation were reversed.
Jae-in completely doesn’t get what she means, and thinks that it’s a matter of the expense of the gifts, or lack thereof. He grows incensed when she gets a call from Ji-soo, and even more so when he sees that she’s put the poster of Ji-soo back on the wall.
In his attempt to tear the poster back down while she attempts to straighten it out, Da-hyun ends up falling into his arms. He holds her like that for a second before gently setting her on her feet, asking if she’ll let him off the hook now.
He refuses to let her go until he gets an answer, and slowly leans in to kiss her as he pulls her closer. He goes in for another, and Da-hyun tentatively puts her arms around his shoulders as she returns the kiss.
As they sit outside later, Da-hyun asks him if he knows why his grandfather is doing this to her in the first place, since she wouldn’t have been used by him and Tae-ha were it not for that will. Jae-in takes offense to this and amends that he didn’t use her—they signed a perfectly valid contract.
She laughs at that, reminding him about that missing last page. But then she asks him to set up a meeting between her and Grandpa so she can finally get some answers.
Da-hyun seems reluctant to send him off, and Jae-in doesn’t seem any more keen on leaving either. He proposes that they go get some ice cream instead even though he doesn’t like it, and Da-hyun’s face lights up like a child’s as she exclaims that she loves ice cream. I don’t know why that’s so cute, but it is.
They walk down the street like a couple thoroughly infatuated with one another, and have a grand ole time at the ice cream parlor. After their date, Jae-in keeps his promise and asks Grandpa to meet with Da-hyun. Grandpa’s answer is for Jae-in to bring her to their anniversary celebration, which has Jae-in blanching.
Jae-in panics about the field day the media will have should he bring Da-hyun as his date to the anniversary party to Lawyer Park, who reminds him that bringing Da-hyun to the party will mean that he’s officially acknowledging her as his significant other.
Meanwhile, Tae-ha’s dad gets after his son for blowing his cover, claiming that the only way for him to recover now is to seduce Da-hyun. Tae-ha amends that it’s not about marriage, at least to Jae-in, but Daddy Dearest still believes the news about Jae-in and Joo-hee’s engagement is real as he insists that Jae-in will never marry “that teacher.” Strangely, Tae-ha hopes he’s right.
Before a meeting, Jae-in takes a call from Da-hyun announcing that she’d like to have dinner with him, since today is the anniversary of her school’s founding. He tells her to wait in the lobby for him before commencing with the meeting.
Since Joo-hee apparently lives in the hotel lobby, she approaches Da-hyun to tell her that while she may have gotten ahead of herself with the engagement news, she and Jae-in were engaged three years ago.
While Da-hyun claims not to care about the past, Joo-hee just rubs in the same old nonsense about how Jae-in won’t be able to fight against the will of her parents’ company, and how Da-hyun should stop clinging to Jae-in because it makes her look pathetic.
Da-hyun just levels her with a look as she calls Jae-in in front of Joo-hee to tell him where they are. She then says that she sees Joo-hee as the pathetic one, adding that these continued encounters with her are really starting to grate on her nerves.
If Jae-in decides to choose Joo-hee, Da-hyun says, then Joo-hee can have him. Joo-hee just scoffs and gets up to leave, but Da-hyun stops her with a hand on her arm, commenting that it’ll look like she’s running away. Owned.
The second Jae-in shows up, Da-hyun tells Jae-in to choose—Joo-hee says that there’s loads she can do for him and that she’ll marry him, so what will he do? Hah, I love that she’s just thrown the gauntlet down.
When Da-hyun says that they’ll end it right here and now if he decides he wants what Joo-hee has to offer, Jae-in asks how she could say that so casually. “What do you want me to do then, have a catfight with her?” Da-hyun snaps back before adding, “I don’t think I’d lose, but still.”
In return, Joo-hee asks Jae-in if he really likes such an unrefined woman as Da-hyun. Jae-in sidles up next to Da-hyun as he says that of course he’d choose her: “We’re bound together legally. And we signed off on it, too.”
Since she’s in full-on business mode, Da-hyun removes Jae-in’s arm from her shoulder and turns back to Joo-hee, saying that she has her proof. In the future, if Joo-hee wants to date Jae-in, she can talk it over with him and not her. “As if I’d ever!” Jae-in says, in regards to dating the wicked witch of the west.
Da-hyun takes this as her cue to leave, and Joo-hee questions Jae-in on what he just said about being legally bound, because that sounds suspiciously like marriage. Jae-in basically tells her to butt out and to stop bothering Da-hyun, making thoroughly male noises of frustration as he goes to chase after his girl.
His employees watch as Da-hyun repeatedly fends Jae-in off with her purse as she stomps through the lobby, commenting amongst themselves. When Jae-in finally does catch up to her, she blames him for not drawing a line with Joo-hee sooner, since it made her look petty to be there for their argument.
He decides that now’s a good time to bring up the company anniversary party that Grandpa’s invited her to, and she says that they’ll go separately. No one would recognize her besides him and Tae-ha, so the solution is easy. It’s better than having rumors spread about them, she says, and it’ll give her an opportunity to speak with Grandpa.
Jae-in interjects to say that Grandpa seems to know her very well, and leans in to ask what the real relationship is between them. At the insinuation, Da-hyun stomps on his foot as she reiterates for the last time that she doesn’t know his grandfather.
Despite their ongoing tiff and constant bickering, Jae-in volunteers to help Da-hyun prepare for the party, since he doesn’t trust Hyun-jin’s taste in dresses (hah). Cue makeover scene, though Jae-in keeps sending Da-hyun back whenever she comes out in a dress he feels is too revealing.
The final choice is a rather conservative dress, but Jae-in seems to like that one the best. Hyun-jin still suggests a little black dress, only for Jae-in to quickly shoot that down—he doesn’t need her looking that sexy, and besides, he says the steep V-neck won’t take into account Da-hyun’s meager chest size. Hyun-jin can’t help but agree. LOL.
Da-hyun finally gives up on the both of them and says she’ll pick her own dress, thankyouverymuch. Afterward, Jae-in comments about that earlier conservative dress being a nice choice, to which Da-hyun shoots back that she looked like a nun.
Jae-in brings up Maria from The Sound of Music as a positive example, but Da-hyun just uses the opportunity to point out how old Jae-in is, since she wasn’t even born when that movie came out. He just moves his lips soundlessly, mocking her chatter. (*grabs popcorn*)
Tae-ha’s waiting when Jae-in brings Da-hyun home that night, claiming that he’s come to apologize to her. Da-hyun relegates Jae-in to watching from the sidelines while she speaks to Tae-ha alone(-ish) to hear him out. Tae-ha explains that this all stemmed from his curiosity, since he wanted to see the girl who seemed to be changing his cousin for the better.
Da-hyun explains that Jae-in’s not as bad as Tae-ha might think—he’s just stubborn, and no one’s perfect. Unlike Jae-in though, when asked if he’s acknowledging that he did wrong, Tae-ha fully admits it and apologizes. With that, all is forgiven.
In exchange, she asks if he might be inclined to invite Ji-soo back to sing at his department store. Tae-ha agrees to that and future arrangements, earning Da-hyun’s gratitude. Jae-in sees this display and steps in, eyeing both her and Tae-ha’s retreating back suspiciously.
When he asks why she gave him such a hard time when she accepted Tae-ha’s apology so easily, she responds simply that it’s because Tae-ha’s better at dealing with people than he is. Plus, she doesn’t foresee ever running into him again, so it only figured that she should accept his apology.
Grandpa’s overjoyed that Jae-in’s coming to the anniversary party for the first time in three years, which he takes as affirmation that Da-hyun is really doing good things for him. But then he falters at his desk, which is never a good sign.
Da-hyun and Jae-in prepare for the party separately, while Hyun-jin helps Da-hyun with her clothes and makeup before giving her some friendly parting advice.
Jae-in arrives at the party, and since Grandpa is only coming for a concluding statement, Jae-in’s mother tells him that he’s the host for now. Tae-ha’s mother doesn’t like that one bit, and neither does Tae-ha, since he clenches his fist in silence.
Joo-hee’s there as well and lays it on thick with Jae-in about them both coming to the party alone, but he removes her hand like he’s swatting away a mosquito.
Jae-in rushes out when Da-hyun’s carriage arrives, and she emerges in a pretty white number that brings a goofy smile to his face. “You look pretty,” he says, causing them both to grin.
He leads her into the event hall, making Da-hyun nervous as all eyes swivel in their direction. She knows it’s the first time he’s been to this event in three years and urges him to greet all the necessary people, so Lawyer Park steps in to be her escort in the meantime. He apologizes for deceiving her, but she tells him not to worry—it wasn’t his fault, but Jae-in’s.
At least Lawyer Park is a soothing presence, as he reassures Da-hyun that Jae-in will come running should anything happen. Joo-hee spots Da-hyun with a sour expression, and Da-hyun’s soon left to her own devices when even Lawyer Park is called away.
She sneaks out of the venue to nurse her aching feet, and Joo-hee is all too happy to remind her of what she’d said once about ill-fitting shoes. I just want to hit this girl with a rolled-up newspaper.
Now that Joo-hee’s found out about the will, she decides to rub that in Da-hyun’s face, claiming that it all makes sense now—Jae-in wouldn’t have dated a girl like her if money weren’t involved. “Isn’t it a bit immature to cling to someone just because of a will?” Joo-hee asks snidely.
Da-hyun takes the path of least resistance and simply replies that Jae-in is clinging to her over something so inconsequential, to which Joo-hee remarks, “This is why people like us shouldn’t mingle with poor people like you.”
COMMENTS
The only times this drama tends to feel dated are when Joo-hee’s in the picture, because while her type of distinctly hatable, living-in-her-own-reality second female lead hasn’t gone extinct, they’re a rarer breed nowadays. Her type was always the hook in older trendies—if we didn’t have what was usually an unhinged second female lead meddling in the main couple’s affairs, we didn’t really have much of a drama.
So while that episode cliffhanger leaves a sour taste in my mouth, what helps to bring this drama into the year 2016 are Da-hyun’s reactions to Joo-hee, which have been pretty priceless so far. The bedrock of this kind of meddling used to be that the female lead would accept the lies told to her by the Wicked One, leading to misunderstandings aplenty, but I absolutely love that Da-hyun just isn’t having it. It not only makes Joo-hee look crazy, desperate, and pitiful, it makes her almost something of a comic relief character, like she’s a parody of every awful second lead ever.
I’ve no doubt that this has to have happened before, but it was beyond refreshing to have Joo-hee lie, only for Da-hyun to bring Jae-in over to clear the air once and for all. It was made even better by Joo-hee’s attempt to run away before she could be confronted with her own crazy, and Da-hyun’s to-the-point attitude felt like a referendum for every single time a heroine has blindly accepted what a jealous ex has had to say. If only every drama heroine could be so blunt and ready to tackle the issues, dramaland would be a much happier place.
I feel like this episode could’ve worn out its welcome with the constant bickering, but strangely enough, it all felt nicely grounded. And when it wasn’t, it was clearly played for laughs, and that sort of winking acknowledgment to both themselves and the audience definitely saved the back-and-forth exchanges from getting too serious (or worse, too pointless). Da-hyun was on a mission to make sure that Jae-in admitted his wrongs, and it was funny to see her approach it the way a teacher would—she didn’t want to spell it out for him, but rather, she wanted him to figure it out on his own. Besides, seeing Jae-in plow through things he really doesn’t want to do is half the fun of watching this show, because it does feel like we’re watching an imperfect person learn, grow, and fall head over heels in love.
As for Tae-ha, I do think I believe in his sincerity, and am so far grateful that he seems to be quite the gentleman. He seemed to be telling the truth when he admitted that he was just curious to Da-hyun, because that does seem to be what’s driving him—for now. If his family has anything to say about it, things might take a darker turn, but I’d like to believe that Da-hyun’s right about Tae-ha just knowing how to deal with people a wee bit better than someone else she knows. But, as they wouldn’t say in The Sound of Music, how do you solve a problem like Jae-in?
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Tags: 1% of Anything, featured, Ha Suk-jin, Jeon So-min
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1 ET
November 10, 2016 at 8:10 PM
Woooooooooooot! So fast! Thank you for the recap @Heads!
So it wasn't just me? I found it so funny and cute! Aaaaaaaaaah.....Ha Suk Jin, you adorable puppy!
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2 aranea
November 10, 2016 at 8:10 PM
Two excellent examples of why 1% of Anything is such a fun watch. The scene where Jae-In is getting dating advice from Deputy Han. Jae-In is so desperate that he swallows his pride and asks a junior female staffer for help. His voice has a slight pleading to it. He gives her his undivided attention and the sad look on his face when he realizes that Deputy Han broke up with her boyfriend for a much lesser offense. We do not hear her actual advice, but Jae-In shows up at DaDa’s apartment with a huge bouquet of roses and half the helium balloons in Seoul. Needless to say Deputy Han will be getting a nice bonus this year.
DaDa vanquishing the Ice Troll, at the coffee shop, in an eloquent manner. There is an expression “battle of wits with an unarmed person” which describes the encounter perfectly. She clubbed her with Jae-In while remaining polite the entire discussion. Jae-In better prepare himself to handily lose most of the arguments in his married life. DaDa is a force to be reckoned with.
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Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:22 PM
ooh the advise... even if the story is scary, it's helping
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3 aranea
November 10, 2016 at 8:11 PM
In episode 10, DaDa did not seem like her usual self. She stopped taking Jae-In’s calls as a means to punish him over a minor issue. It was passive-aggressive behavior. DaDa is a straight forward person who is unafraid to state her mind. Her behavior was out of character. In episode 11, Jae-In’s deliberate deception with the will is discovered. He had Lawyer Park leave out the last page. Thankfully, she is back to the in your face DaDa that we love. She castigates Jae-In, priceless. Jae-In is reluctant to take responsibility for his mistake. She repeatedly hangs up on him when he calls and will not apologize properly. Unfortunately, instead of being a powerful statement of her displeasure it also has an awkward element. We have seen her play phone games before. Fortunately, DaDa eventually gives Jae-In a hard core foot stomp and I can finally forgive the writer.
One of the sad truths about Korean dramas is that strong female character seem to get weaker as the drama progresses. I can only hope this was anomalous character behavior and DaDa will continue to kick butt and take names.
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Becca
November 10, 2016 at 8:22 PM
I think one of the reasons she plays the phone games is because of the sort of awkward situation she's in. She's upset by Jae In's actions but she doesn't feel like she's allowed to actually be "emotionally" upset because technically their relationship is just contractual. And she's not able to pretend anymore that shes only bothered because of the contract. So she just avoids him because she doesn't really know what to do..she feels like a "real" girlfriend but technically she's not because they havent really confessed to each other yet.
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Telumiel
November 10, 2016 at 8:28 PM
Agreed. She's conflicted with herself and it's much harder to step on your own foot than it is someone else's. And how she does it is different. Before she was straight up ignoring. This episode she answers and asks for an apology directly.
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aranea
November 10, 2016 at 8:45 PM
She is such a strong character, the first set of phone games seemed beneath her. I think she would have more likely used the rolled-up newspaper Imbuk mentions below.
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imbuk
November 10, 2016 at 11:37 PM
@ aranea
Actually, it was Heads who mentioned it in the recap, I only quoted her. :)
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Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:06 PM
yeah, imo,
she doesn't want to answer the phone cause it seems that it bother her so much when it shouldn't be,
if she answer the phone it means she needs an answer but they are not dating in her mind,
that puppy needs to reappear and eat the contract,
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ET
November 10, 2016 at 10:04 PM
I love you @Sancheezy!
If puppy doesn't show up, Jae In can chew the paper.
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Mermaid Scribbler
November 11, 2016 at 6:44 PM
@Becca - Good insight! I was really annoyed by it in episode 10, but this helps give it a believable context.
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hades
November 11, 2016 at 4:36 AM
Seeing a strong female character atrophy has always annoyed me as well. Seeing Da Da kick but has been oh so rewarding.
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aranea
November 11, 2016 at 7:28 AM
A recent drama is a perfect example of this annoying phenomena. There is no need to give its name (Cinderella and Four Knights). The female lead was an accomplished martial artist. She kicked butt and took names against several male opponents on several occasions. Then half-way through the drama she developed a severe case of love induced amnesia. Strangely it effected only her martial arts abilities. From that point on she became a helpless damsel. Thank goodness there was always a man to come to her rescue.
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hades
November 11, 2016 at 9:21 AM
IKR. That drama started off well, but so many things just went to hell and were drawn out for much too long. What annoyed me most was how easily her confidence was shot by the evil queen, Ji Hwa Ja, which led to unnecessary conflict and resolution. Da Da on the other hand charges ahead. I guess that's one of the biggest advantages to a shorter and streamlined drama/adaptation.
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aranea
November 11, 2016 at 9:33 AM
Applying Occam's Razor -
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_razor
The writer is uber talented!
4 Becca
November 10, 2016 at 8:16 PM
I love this drama so much!! I look forward to it every week :) Da Hyun and Jae In just put a huge smile on my face.
I really want them to admit to one another that their relationship isn't just a contract anymore. We can clearly see through that adorable ice cream date that they like each other and even though I think they both know it too, it'd be nice for them to confirm it with each other
Joo Hee annoys me so much...but it's so refreshing to see a female lead who stands up to her and doesn't take anything she dishes out sitting down.
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Andechi
November 10, 2016 at 10:49 PM
+100!
If only this drama aired before Uncontrollably Fond or even Scarlet Heart Ryeo and set a new trend of clearing things out face-to-face instead of keeping everything and act idiotic, then yes kdrama land would be a happier place.
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ET
November 11, 2016 at 7:23 AM
Then UF and SH will be reduced to <40 mins per episode and the chance to milk money from international sales. Plus the idol actor's role will only eh....be an idol.
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5 Telumiel
November 10, 2016 at 8:19 PM
A drama heroine who hasn't lost her Spink thus many episodes in? Who won't let the men send her away while they talk? Who insists on answers and apologies? Who won't take crap from the second leads (both of them) and stands up for herself? If I knew the addresses for the director and writer, I would send them a box of chocolates every bit as delicious as the drama they have given me. Keep going, finish the story strong.
In other news, I think Plot Puppy may need to make an appearance again to comfort DaDa after that "party."
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Telumiel
November 10, 2016 at 8:23 PM
*spunk How did my auto correct come with Spink? That's not even a word!
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aranea
November 10, 2016 at 8:36 PM
If you get that address, please share it. I would also like to send a gift
Subway Gift Certificatebox of extra delicious chocolates. Sorry, I momentarily brain farted there. It was like that product just popped into my head. It was a sort of nightmare involving a picnic. I must be watching too many really bad dramas. Thank goodness 1% of Anything is so wonderful. It fixes my damaged brain.Required fields are marked *
Fangirl Sy
November 10, 2016 at 8:57 PM
LOLed at the Subway gift! But the fact that I get the reference must mean I have been watching less than stellar dramas too!
Let's hope 1% stays good until the end!
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Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:14 PM
so do you a special receipt for
Subwaysandwich or just special coupon?Required fields are marked *
ET
November 10, 2016 at 10:08 PM
Why did you delete the Subway Gift coupon? It might just be someone's lifesaver or ticket to heaven.
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imbuk
November 10, 2016 at 11:40 PM
Ha ha.. so true. Love the references all you guys made here!
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hades
November 11, 2016 at 4:33 AM
1 % really does make many other dramas that are not as good look so much worse by comparison. As for the writer, I believe he/she is the same as the original. Sometimes its not that easy for people to modify their own work, but I think the writer here made some brilliant changes to adapt the story for modern times. Possible spoiler for the original. Does anyone think that Hyun Jin and her brother are an amalgamation of the original Hyun Jun and Kim Seo Hyeon?
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Mermaid Scribbler
November 11, 2016 at 6:47 PM
Where IS plot puppy BTW? I hope not injured in the fall...oh noooooooooooo.
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6 maya2825
November 10, 2016 at 8:24 PM
OMO, thank you for stepping in this time, Heads! I've always been a fan of your recaps..
And seeing this drama recap on friday, when usually it pops out on weekend, I'm oddly happy :))
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Fangirl Sy
November 10, 2016 at 8:54 PM
Was pleasantly surprised about the early recap too!
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7 imbuk
November 10, 2016 at 8:34 PM
Loved the way da hyun dealt with jae in's ex-fiance, it was super refreshing to watch!
I just want to hit this girl with a rolled-up newspaper.
Ha ha.. Me too, Heads! :P
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Quinze
November 10, 2016 at 9:54 PM
lol that's the visual I got too. Less like a mosquito drawing blood more like a fly that keeps circling around your food every two seconds.
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imbuk
November 11, 2016 at 12:12 AM
Exactly! She is so annoying, but for once I am glad to have a second lead like her because we got to see da hyun dealing with her in a practical, straight forward, no nonsense way.
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Sancheezy
November 11, 2016 at 1:00 AM
yeah as much as I don't like her, I like the scene so much
it's like the scene I've been wanting to see from other drama I can't remember happening out of my guard,
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Quinze
November 11, 2016 at 9:43 AM
Yup, it's like the reactions we waiting for every plucky supposedly brave heroine to make and never got. We get to enjoy it now even if it means our second lead wanders around the hotel lobby and DaDa's BFF's store all day until she can run into her to remind her how pathetic she supposedly is...<_<
Telumiel
November 11, 2016 at 11:25 AM
@Quinze "if it means our second elad wanders around the hotel lobby and DaDa's BFF's store all day"
This comment made me think of that character in video games who is programmed to hang out at the village pub that you *have* to talk to every time you go in for information on your next mission. She doesn't tell you any useful information but you can't complete the mission unless you interact with her.
Quinze
November 11, 2016 at 4:54 PM
LMAO @JC That is a hilarious visual! Also completely accurate!
8 Fangirl Sy
November 10, 2016 at 8:34 PM
I'm pretty sure I should be questioning the lack of actual apology from Jae In but that kiss distracted me big time.
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kethysk
November 10, 2016 at 10:02 PM
The way he looks at her thouhh, like he's about to gobble her up with kisses... *blush*
I'd forget the apology too. LoL
??❤
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9 nomad
November 10, 2016 at 8:45 PM
Thanks, Heads!
This drama, I look forward every week after marathoning it desperately as if I were new to kdrama addiction!
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10 aranea
November 10, 2016 at 8:49 PM
The only thing that was missing from the scene with DaDa castigating Jae-In and Tae-Ha in the playground was the immediate punishment. Based on other Korean dramas, on their knees with their hands above their heads seems to be appropriate. Wait she is an elementary school teacher, so may be a time-out is more suitable.
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11 Fangirl Sy
November 10, 2016 at 8:53 PM
oh and thank you for the recap, @Heads!
Loved your comment about the show feeling dated every time Joo Hee is onscreen. I hate her but I love Dada for standing up to her every single time.
Fingers crossed for Dada to remain in character as a strong, relatable heroine til the end!
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12 Mrs.yoon
November 10, 2016 at 8:56 PM
I unexpectedly love this show- have always been a big fan of HSJ.
It really feel like watching 2 real people getting smitten and fall in love. The swooning is enough to distract me from my own real life problem of forbidden one sided crush ?
Very much unexplainable but it's happening and it's killing me
So thank you dramaland !
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maya2825
November 11, 2016 at 12:55 AM
Yes, me feeling exactly the same too. It's like watching a reality tv of two people set to fall in love despite all the sh*t going their way. Their chemistry never fails to make me swooned..I just love love this drama to bits.
Hang in there with your Jjak-sarang, chingu! Sending you good vibes \^_^/
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13 neslinin
November 10, 2016 at 9:03 PM
This couple feels so real that my knee-jerk reaction when they kiss is to look away, you know, for not intruding their privacy.
The female lead can look capricious at times, but still I very much like her. She is so open about her feelings. Male lead is an interesting case. I normally hate men being over-posessive and jealous but when this man smiles to the female lead, I can forget about that.
I just noticed I have this thing with touching each other's faces. I do that a lot when I am in a relationship. This couple too, do that every time they are close. Their chemistry is just so real.
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aranea
November 10, 2016 at 9:20 PM
At around minute 27, DaDa and Jae-In are in the car after the dress fittings. Their whole "lighthearted" argument is so real, it is scary. Couple that with Jae-In's actions as HeadsNo2 so perfectly described.
Their chemistry is explosive!
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14 Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:12 PM
every time they mention "the contract" I just laugh* like Hyun Jin (*you guys can't fool me)
I want to take this episode to appreciate Hyun Jin and the lawyer. They just a good person that is supportive, be there for the main lead, doesn't take their heart too much, protective and such fresh air when much drama or adult drama like to have the cunning best friend (not all but a lot of drama including chaebol is not that "friendly" in friendship), even Tae Ha is not that bad, he apologised and eloquent on that,
The "friendly" chaebol I remember probably in Secret 2013, Ji sung and his stepbrother,
For Jo Hee, she just overly obsessive, probably can't accept that Jae In never even missed her and her company for the 3 years, she tired of waiting and want to catch him, nah give up girls, you have no stamp....
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Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:27 PM
and thank you @heads for jo Hee's remark
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Mermaid Scribbler
November 11, 2016 at 6:51 PM
Bwahahaha! You are so right! I think she does live in the lobby.
On a side note, Lawyer Park is now my imaginary boyfriend 4-Ever.
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15 Martin J Simwaba
November 10, 2016 at 9:23 PM
I was really looking forward to what Da Hyun had to throw on Joo Hee's face in response to what Joo Hee said but i guess i just have wait for tomorrow's episode (so long).
In regards of this ep i just love how DaDa responded to Joo Hee during their confrontation, that was the Da Hyun i signed for.
Our couple seem to be doing just fine. And i think Tae Ha doesn't stand a chance when it comes to courting DaDa, he's a bit late.
Wait, this ep felt short, why?
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Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:29 PM
ep 11 is 37 minutes,
ep 10 is 41 minutes
and Ep 1 is like 48 minutes,
so yeah it shorter...T.T
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16 greybox
November 10, 2016 at 9:29 PM
I like that this drama is zippy and not that complicated. For me, the appeal of this drama is the relative lack of drama. It's cute, breezy, and doesn't require me to overanalyze.
It's a needed distraction from the current unpleasantness of real life.
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mary
November 11, 2016 at 11:42 PM
♥ we all need a show like this
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17 Al
November 10, 2016 at 9:33 PM
Who is The actress who played Jo Hee?? Is she supposed to be the second female lead here? Coz I don't feel it... Second female lead normally has a deep story with the male lead, and so far the story only tells that she was engaged with Jae In. That's it. The drama hasn't explore her family background, her real feelings to Jae In & everything and her side of story in the engagement breakup. Imo, She is more like a plot device, popping conviniently everywhere to bring conflicts to the OTP. At least for now...
Anw, maybe I am being superficial... But I really don't like Jo Hee's make up at all. It looks so thick and unnatural. Pink doesn't suit her skin, it makes her look older. I do like her navy blue suit when she met Da Hyun at the hotel though...
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Sancheezy
November 10, 2016 at 9:51 PM
her name is Seo Eun-Mi but used a stage name Seo Eun-Chae,
I find her voice sounds weird, idk if she had a bad throat but it like a voice after crying,
Jo Hee is the cupid, she try to test their love to each other (lol)
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Al
November 11, 2016 at 2:35 AM
Thanks, Sancheezy... I never heard her name before.
I never seen the actor who played Tae Ha as well.
LOL... Jo Hee might be the most reluctant cupid I've ever seen. Obviously this drama is about our main OTP. The (supposed to be) second male and female leads play no threat at all to our couple.
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18 bubbles
November 10, 2016 at 9:34 PM
JI's hair at the party looked so much better as side swept somehow and he was smiling so much all through the episode..
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19 Quinze
November 10, 2016 at 9:51 PM
This drama has consistently been my need something so cheerful that even a country imploding can't bring it down and so far it's been delivering. I love that it's found the thing it's strongest at and managed to keep doing it without making it feel fan-servicy. It keeps it refreshing and like you said, grounded.
As dated as Jo Hee feels in this drama, I don't even mind it much because she's posed no threat to the strength of our main couple. Which is nice because I have no problem with her being that annoying fly that buzzes around but won't actually kill you.
Also, I adore DaDa's BFF. She's got such a cute smile and she's so cool and just an awesome friend. I wish they'd do more with her but I'm happy seeing her on screen because I love her rapport with Jae in.
I'm still confused about Tae ha because I have no clue what his purpose is except being a filler conflict. Is he a second lead at all?
Still, I just hope this show manages to keep being cheerful even as it solves its tiny conflicts.
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Anon
November 11, 2016 at 8:46 AM
Yes, the country did implode on Tuesday and this was literally my one straw of sanity and happiness on Wednesday.
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mary
November 11, 2016 at 11:43 PM
Re: Dada's bff, isn't she also Choi In-ha's bestfriend in Pinocchio? She's more awesome here though.
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20 kethysk
November 10, 2016 at 9:57 PM
All hail the excellent DaDa and her backbone of steel to:
- tell the petty boy cousins like it isn avoiding the needless misunderstandings
- being a normal woman with feelings by just swooning over Jae In's grand gesture of apology (because really, WHO WOULDN'T SWOON AT HIS BOYISH RAVAGING LOOKS???)
- telling off the clingy Witch time and time and TIME again!!
I watched ep 11 & 12 back-to-back THREE TIMES!
This show is bae❤❤❤❤❤❤
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21 aranea
November 10, 2016 at 10:19 PM
Jae-In prides himself in what a good businessman he is. I wonder if he has yet realized that he could have had a one year contract with DaDa. However, he had to play hardball with Grandpa, getting it reduced to six months. To put it simply, he could be kicked to the dating curb by karma.
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maya2825
November 11, 2016 at 1:10 AM
I bet Jae In has been kicking himself a lot lately for reducing the dating obligatory period. He could have had 1 year of romancing his dream girl. Grandpa is sharp!
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22 azamions
November 11, 2016 at 1:32 AM
not sure if you guys already found this, but ji soo's music video from episode 1 is the actual music video of the actor who plays ji soo hahhaha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv7BHjZjsF8
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bmore
November 11, 2016 at 12:35 PM
THANKS!!
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23 Sara
November 11, 2016 at 3:31 AM
Absolutely loving this show! Every episode leaves me with a silly smile on my face and my husband knows exactly what I've been watching ;) Can't get enough of this couple cuteness.
On the other hand, Tae Ha seems a very decent guy to me but you never know...
Also new to Dramabeans! I'm enjoying your recaps a lot, thank you very much!! Can't find anybody in Spain into Kdramas and felt quite lonely until I found you!
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Growingbeautifully
November 11, 2016 at 1:53 PM
Welcome to Dramabeans, Sara!
The other thing I really like about this show and which gets me smiling, is seeing Jae In become teachable and less arrogant. I really like how he listens carefully and applies what he learns. :)
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Sara
November 13, 2016 at 7:09 AM
I know!! I actually quite disliked him in the first two episodes :) What Im loving about his character growth is how patient and respectful he is towards her admitting her real feelings. Seems to me he is pretty sure about the way he feels and just waiting for her to give him a chance to acknowledge their relationship and feelings to the world.
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mary
November 11, 2016 at 11:46 PM
Welcome~ waaaaah, kdrama fans from Spain had both K2 and Legend of Blue Sea visiting this year!
(Yep, Tae-ha seems kinda decent, let's hope he stays that way)
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Sara
November 13, 2016 at 7:14 AM
Thank you! Cant wait for Legend to start!!!!!! I live very close to where they were filming in Barcelona but was away on holidays at the time. Saw in on the papers and couldnt believe my bad luck! Would have loved to walk by and try to get a glimpse of that promising con artist ;)
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24 Growingbeautifully
November 11, 2016 at 4:15 AM
Thanks Heads!
The funniest scenes to me:
When Jae In asks Deputy Han (the female colleague) to sit... she arranges her chair to face away from Jae In and towards the door and perches prepared to make a run for it.
The look of horror on Jae In's face when Dep Han said she broke up over being tricked and stabbed in the back.
Jae In practically buried among balloons that were literally in his face, and which he could barely control. Gift certificates or money would have been far easier to handle LOL!
The awe of his subordinates as they watched him being beaten up by a girl while trailing after her, tail between his legs.
Sweetest look - Jae In's face of anticipation and admiration as he insisted on opening the car door for Da Hyun and watched her emerge from the car.
Still loving this show! :)
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Growingbeautifully
November 11, 2016 at 4:36 AM
Forgot a couple more funny scenes...
Jae In cringing when he thought Da Da might hit him again.
Jae In the dress shop averting his eyes when Da Da came out in a too tiny black dress. He was too embarrassed to even look at her a second time! LOL!
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25 lucille
November 11, 2016 at 4:41 AM
Is it my imagination or have they picked up each others speech patterns?
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Growingbeautifully
November 11, 2016 at 1:48 PM
They may have somewhat... but I did notice that they repeat what the other one says. At least they really pay attention to each other!
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26 Alessar
November 11, 2016 at 7:20 AM
I really like that they're taking the approach of deconstructing this very tired trope and modernizing the story. Since this is a remake it's particularly appropriate. I think that when Cinderella and Four Knights worked it was when it did this sort of thing too since it was working with some pretty tired tropes (and when it didn't, it fell on its face hard).
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aranea
November 11, 2016 at 7:32 AM
Did that drama have a strong female lead?
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Growingbeautifully
November 11, 2016 at 1:45 PM
Cinderella & 4 Knights - had the female lead do some literal butt kicking (of guys, but off-camera) of rich bullies right at the beginning, but she never did that again even when she was not well treated by the male lead or when faced with school bullies (all girls) herself.
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aranea
November 11, 2016 at 2:03 PM
Sounds like part-way through the drama, she developed love induced amnesia. In a classic case, the female lead completely loses her martial arts abilities. Unfortunately it turns her into a helpless damsel. It is not fatal to her, but it can make the drama begin a downward death spiral.
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27 yanange
November 11, 2016 at 9:24 AM
I like this show, but em...............maybe the production team didn't have a high budget, the clothes worn are all just a bit off the mark. But yes this show is held together due to the chemistry and charisma shining through from HJS!!
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28 Dayday
November 11, 2016 at 9:26 AM
OHHH......it's early!!! Thanks Heads. I just finish watching ep 12 and some spoiler too /damn, should avoid that/ because now I can't contain my excitement for next week >_<
DaDa is my favorite female lead this year, please keep that spunky, kicking buts attitude 'till last ep writernim.
Oh, I hope I can tell the world that I really looovveeeee this show. What I'm going to do when it's end ㅜ.ㅜ
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29 pickledplumtree
November 11, 2016 at 9:02 PM
I enjoyed your recap, Heads, thanks!
What I love about this drama: Well a lot of it! But especially DaDa, the heroine we've all been waiting for, for so long.
I also love how, in comparison to the original, DaDa and Jae-In seemed to definitely begin liking each other early on. They had their brief period of dislike, but it was not disdain. It was light-hearted and made sense. But right away you could see them beginning to appreciate and enjoy things about one another. Even when they fight it never feels like deal-breaking fights or dislike. I felt like in the original they kinda just seemed too pissed at each other all the time. These two actors have great chemistry and really made the couple an A++ pair.
What I wish could have been done better: The second leads.
Heads said it so perfectly, that Joo-Hee's role is dated. I find it also SO silly and unnecessary. Yay for DaDa calling it all out, but, my gosh, really? Who really lives in her own reality, as Heads put it. She is absolutely no threat, she's uninteresting, simple, annoying, and a waste of the precious minutes of our too-short episodes.
Now, I have felt this way for many, many episodes, but there really isn't a second male lead. And there was so much potential! I understand that it's a short drama, and they decided not to even bother with the other fellas, but there was a perfect set up for some heartbreaking second, third, and fourth male leads in Tae-Ha, Sun Woo (Remember Hyun-Jin's super-fly oppa? I Really thought something more interesting would come of him!), and Ji-Soo. Such cuties, all set up with interest in and care for Dada, and none with any romantic story established. Tae-Ha! He's so handsome and could have been the sweet, caring, suffer-in-silence, sincerely interested other fella. But no, not only did he not get to be a serious rival, he also did not get lines. He just kind of...looks...most of the time. Who the heck is he?! I was so disappointed about this. It doesn't seem like in the remaining 5 eps some serious second-lead-rival/syndrome will be established. I feel like we really missed out on this!
Those are my thoughts for now!
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aranea
November 12, 2016 at 5:26 AM
I agree that Joo-Hee's character leaves something to be desired. She is so over the top, that she really is no threat to DaDa. If she had been less arrogant and more cunning her contribution to the drama would have been more tangible. However, Joo-Hee is a necessary character. Her main purpose is to make DaDa uncomfortable about the difference between the couples social status. She does that, though very clumsily.
Your commentary on the second lead, I find very confusing. You complain when the drama follows the old fashion guidelines, but are upset when there is no old fashion second lead. The writer has always provided DaDa a rival love interest. Or may be I should say the specter of one. DaDa routinely goes on blind dates. She has a very active dating life. Do you remember the blind dating scene at the beginning of the drama? Her date thought that he was the luckiest man on earth until Jae-In stepped in and ruined it. Do you really want a testosterone contest between two ego driven male characters? Or would a gentle, sweet caring man be a better choice. He could more effectively point out Jae-In's shortcomings. Huh? Do you really think that DaDa has ever been unaware of how Jae-In needs to change to be a better person? DaDa is a strong female character who knows exactly the kind of man she wants. She is not afraid to speak her mind and does not tolerate inappropriate behavior. She is tough, but she is always genteel. DaDa does not need help from a male second lead, she is going quite well as she is.
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pickledplumtree
November 15, 2016 at 6:13 PM
@ aranea, let me explain myself!
I like interesting characters.
Joo Hee is not interesting to me. Besides the fact that she is always lurking, she has no place in Jae-In's consciousness. Her actions are so silly and hopeless, and Jae-In dismisses her so much (I mean, and that's a good thing!) that I dismiss her completely. There is certainly such a thing as a rival one can respect, even in dramaland. And there are also rivals with great backstories! Joo Hee ain't that kinda rival.
Tae Ha, Sun Woo, and Ji Soo were all set up with the potential to be interesting. I liked their introductory set-ups. Keep in mind, I personally don't mind the love polygons, especially in stories with very simple set-ups like this contract-romance story. TBH I like the sls feels, that's just me! I do know that with the limited time, diving into the other three fellas in depthly would take away from the plot, but I do also think Tae Ha's character deserved further development, and that Sun Woo oppa either didn't need to be in the story at all, or should have come up more by now. Ji Soo is probably getting just enough screen time, but even so, I predict, based on certain facial expressions, that he cares for Da Da more than a teacher, and that might come up later.
I don't know if that clears things up as for where I'm coming from? I see what you're saying, and I agree that Da Da does not NEED any other men, nor does the OTP need it to make their love truer. I just think that for better or worse, they set up some scenarios/characters that they didn't do much with. As for the old-fashionedness. I was agreeing with Heads about Joo Hee being old fashioned. I thought that was an insightful observation. Perhaps the fact that she is dated isn't what bothers me about her. Maybe I just think she's not a great character. As for second leads being old fashioned, if that's the case, then I am in support of it anyway! What can I say? I enjoy them and to me they are timeless. I just think it's fun. But to each their own! ;)
I do love the main couple though and enjoy them to the max, as I stated. "A++"
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hades
November 12, 2016 at 7:09 AM
In defence of the portrayal of the Joo Hee and Tae Ha roles, as annoying as they may be, I think they do bring value to the story. Let me first say, I dislike love triangles and I especially dislike suffering from SLS (Second Lead Syndrome). A love triangle or having Tae Ha as a love interest for Da Da could also make this drama suffer from the same problems of the trite unrequited insane love interest issue. Having said that, both characters here help advance the story without causing our OTP to become despondent.
It is highly probable that if these characters were in a different drama, Da Da would be curled up in a ball, locked up in a tower, waiting for her prince charming to come rescue her. Characters like Joo Hee and Da Da as portrayed here do exist in some shape, form, or another in the real world. While the trope has become a parody of itself in K-drama land, it's still useful here to advance the story line.
As concerns Tae Ha, I really liked his storyline in the original, at times even more than Jae-In's. At this point in the story, I've begun to view Something as more of an adaptation of Anything than it is a remake. We still however get the same general story and relationships without all the baggage. Much of episode 12 helps elucidate this.
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aranea
November 12, 2016 at 8:10 AM
I really like this statement:
However, I take issue with this statement:
I believe a much more realistic summary based on her actions thus far would be the following. She wakes up having been locked up in a tower. First she successfully starts up a reading program for the Goblin guards. Reading is the foundation of all education. She then addresses the Orcs anger management issues getting them to “use their words” instead of fighting. Next she addresses the Ogres impulse management issues by teaching them to be patient an wait their turn. She eventually turns the tower into a community center. She also helps 4 nymphs start a girl group becoming their manager and touring the kingdom.
As for whether it is a remake or adaptation, I believe that is subject to opinion. However, the original drama was a total of 26 hours long and this version is under 10 hours long. That is a significant change.
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30 sufficientgrace
November 12, 2016 at 3:25 AM
Been a fan of dramabeans for 4 years and its my fist time to comment here. I just cant help but share my fondness in this classic KDrama plot. Im just taking in everything that this show is giving to us. Yes there are some loop holes in plot but Im more drawn with its OTP (Go Dada and Jae In). And loving all the supporting peeps especially Attorney Park and his romantic bones. Hihihi <3
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sufficientgrace
November 12, 2016 at 3:27 AM
*first
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31 JA
November 13, 2016 at 11:33 AM
Thanks for the recap @HeadsNo2 :-) Loved this episode!
My favorite scenes:
-When Jae-In brought flowers and balloons to make amends to Dada...so adorable and cute, love their smile to each other just before he went up to go inside her apartment.
-When Dada tried to fixed Ji-Soo's poster and she fell down into Jae-In's arms and he kissed her after. I really love their kissing scenes. They are so natural and swoon-worthy.
-When Dada's angry and stepped on Jae-In's foot...his reactions were funny and cute. :-D
-Their adorable ice-cream date montage <3
-When Dada had Jae-In standing back in the corner (she might as well had him on time out in the corner, lol) as she talked to Tae-Ha and listened to his apology...Jae-In's reactions and his jealousy was cute. :-D
-Jae-In looking handsome wearing a tux and love his hair styled with no bangs (he looks much better that way) with Dada dressed up at the Anniversary Party. They looked cute together in that scene.
Can't wait for Episode 12 recap! Also, for Episodes 12 and 13! I can't believe there are only 4 more episodes left!!
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