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Man to Man: Episode 11

This episode made me a happy camper. I like this show best when it can successfully balance all the pieces it has in play. It’s no secret that all of us are in this because of the winning main trio, and so I’m excited to report that there are some great interactions (and actual progress!) between them today. Here we go!

 
EPISODE 11 RECAP

Do-ha pulls away from their lover’s tactic kiss and asks Seol-woo what step two of their strategy should be. Seol-woo answers suavely that since they’ve now kissed in the alleyway near her house, the next step should be obvious. She nearly groans, wondering if she has to do something as cliché as asking him in for some ramyun.

He agrees immediately as if she’s actually asked him instead of merely floating the idea. She doesn’t believe he’s being serious so he puts his arm around her and leads her to… a ramyun shop. Wow.

He claims that ramyun is tastier if it’s cooked by an expert, and she answers back a bit disappointed (and in an Eeyore voice). However, Seol-woo has not forgotten that they actually are on a mission and motions to NIS agent outside in the cold. He explains that watching people eat a warm bowl of ramyun on a night like this is enough to mess with anyone’s psyche.

She seems surprised that he’s thought things through to this extent and asks pointedly if everything he does is part of a larger strategy, even among friends and family. He says that a secret agent never clocks out, and that no one can be trusted. She asks if he can’t even trust the people he works with, but he throws the question back at her and asks if she trusts him.

Do-ha isn’t prepared for him to cut to the heart of their complicated relationship so easily, and she walks herself truthfully through her answer, replying that she knows everything is a lie. She thinks back to the fight in the warehouse where he risked his life to save her, and admits that she thought there was sincerity in his actions, but then he disappeared, claiming that it would be too dangerous to be together.

And then, she says that Seol-woo appeared again “like a lie,” asking for an absurd amount of money on behalf of the country, only to later save her father. Now, she says, they’re even working together on another mission.

Do-ha runs her various memories of Seol-woo over in her head, trying to parse through what’s real and what was part of the mission, and ends up frustrated and confused. She decides not to stress about it and instead trust her heart, just as their food arrives.

She eyes the noodles and says that she’s willing to help out with his ramyun “taunting tactic,” as a colleague. Seol-woo watches her eat as if there’s so much he wants to say and no right words to say it. Soon, he reaches over to tuck some hair behind her ear.

Alarmed, Do-ha looks up, and so he explains that a lovers tactic should be “open and blatant.” She confesses to feeling uncomfortable, but also to enjoying it.

Department Head Jang tells Seung-jae that he’s positively considering the latter’s offer. He confirms that Seung-jae will deliver Congressman Baek and the Baek Infantry to him in exchange for the two keys from the wood carvings (Blast! He knows about those). They’ll also need to acquire the third wood carving in order to complete the transaction.

Department Head Jang understands the precariousness of their arrangement and tells Seung-jae to release Dong-hyun, and then he’ll accept the deal.

Meanwhile, Seol-woo and Do-ha reveal their lovers tactic to Woon-kwang and exchange nervous glances after Woon-kwang asks what the new mission is.

The details aren’t concrete because Seol-woo still needs to discuss things with Department Head Jang, but Do-ha helpfully explains that Seol-woo needs a perfect disguise to fool the NIS agent tailing him. Seol-woo is certain that pretending to be lovers will be an effective tactic in mystifying the enemy.

After hearing them out, Woon-kwang accepts the idea, then says to their confusion, “I have no prejudice against roles like this.” He tells Seol-woo (calling him “Brother”) that he’ll give it a shot, then pauses to correct himself and amends to, “Honey.” Holy crap! I just shot up in my seat.

Seol-woo looks back at Woon-kwang, horrified by his conclusion, while Do-ha tries to clarify. Woon-kwang silences her and says that since he’s an actor, this role will be easy, but he’s concerned that Seol-woo might have difficulties with the character. Woon-kwang tenderly takes Seol-woo by the hand, then strokes it with his other hand.

Seol-woo awkwardly tells Woon-kwang that he’s isn’t up for the part of the lover, since it makes more sense if it’s Do-ha, and so Woon-kwang dramatically throws away Seol-woo’s hand. Haha.

Suddenly, Woon-kwang gets serious and points an intimidating finger at each of his employees as he warns that they are only to act like lovers in his presence. Specifically, no kissing in other places. Merp! Too late.

Do-ha happily assures Woon-kwang that they will, and Seol-woo panics, since she’s pretty much confirmed that they’ve kissed before. She realizes her mistake and hurriedly specifies that she was talking about the acting part and not the kissing part. But Woon-kwang is onto them and studies both their faces suspiciously.

At home, Seung-jae informs Mi-eun of his conversation with Department Head Jang. He’s annoyed because Department Head Jang added a condition to their deal, and in order to release Dong-hyun, he’ll need to cross Assemblyman Baek first. Seung-jae is starting to question the alliance, since he doesn’t really want to make Assemblyman Baek his enemy.

Mi-eun counters that during the elections, Assemblyman Baek will need to be on his best behavior, whereas Seung-jae can use Department Head Jang freely and decide later if he’s a worthy ally.

On the set of Last Love, the NIS agent watches Seol-woo and Do-ha in plain sight. Seol-woo explains that agents use this overt method of surveillance for intimidation. Do-ha grumbles about the underhanded tactic, and Seol-woo distracts her by cupping his warmed hands over her cheeks. She returns the favor just as the rest of the Chewing staff walks by.

Sang-shik theorizes to the others that Do-ha might be pregnant, which earns him a deft whack to the head from Woon-kwang. He clears out the staffers after scolding them for gossiping, then once he’s alone, he observes the fake lovers, clearly troubled.

Okay, whoa. Seol-woo and Do-ha relocate to the car, and the NIS agent witnesses them recline their chairs and cover the windows. A truck drives by, blocking the NIS agent’s view of the car, which allows for Seol-woo to sneak out unnoticed.

He meets with Department Head Jang, who tells him of Director Im’s failure in Myanmar. Apparently, the third wood carving is now in Russia. Seol-woo offers to retrieve it, but Department Head Jang rejects his help.

Seol-woo senses that something is amiss with his superior and asks bluntly if Robert Yoon’s cover was blown because of Department Head Jang. He’s alarmed by the accusal, but then concedes that he isn’t blameless in the incident, since he was Robert Yoon’s handler after all.

Department Head Jang vows that at least for Robert Yoon’s sake, he will ensure that this mission is completed, but Seol-woo narrows his eyes, looking unconvinced.

Later, Woon-kwang warns Do-ha to be careful of the rumors spreading about her and Seol-woo. She assures him that it’s fine, since it’s actually beneficial for them if word gets around. Woon-kwang studies her for a beat, then questions if they are pretending to be lovers for a tactic, or if they’re real lovers using a tactic to disguise their relationship. She denies it, but she can’t look him in the eyes as she does.

Woon-kwang clocks her reactions and warns that he only approved the tactic, then adds that if he sees her cry again, Seol-woo is a dead man. Thankfully for Do-ha, she gets called away because of some trouble on set.

Oh no, looks like the owner of the cafe they’re filming at is suddenly demanding that they leave the premises. CEO Ji threatens that the owner will have to pay double for his breach of contract, but he doesn’t care and orders them out.

On the campaign trail, Assemblyman Baek receives a report about successfully blocking all of Last Love’s filming locations. He asks for news on Seol-woo, but the spy hasn’t done anything of significance. What they’re trying to do is tie Dong-hyun and Seol-woo together in order to reveal the ghost agent program to the public.

In his hideout, Seol-woo updates Woon-kwang and Do-ha on the third wood carving situation, and betrays a look of suspicion when he explains how he’s currently on standby. Woon-kwang theorizes that the NIS might throw Seol-woo away and renege on paying him back the five million dollars. Seol-woo guarantees that that won’t happen on his watch.

As he talks, he takes a photo of a barcode on a package and sends a text requesting information about the wood carving in Russia. His Russian source is Petrov, and he immediately gets to work on the request.

Before Seol-woo decides what he’ll do about the third wood carving, he first needs to find out who blew Robert Yoon’s cover. He has in his possession Robert Yoon’s log, a secret report kept by ghost agents. On the pages are a series of numbers which Do-ha claims look like dates.

Seol-woo hasn’t decoded the numbers fully yet, but he knows that Robert Yoon habitually went to the same place on Mondays. To find out where, he’ll need to confer with the one person that might know: Do-ha’s dad.

The problem is that Dad is still smarting from Seol-woo’s outburst a while back. Do-ha offers to act as a buffer, but once Dad walks into the restaurant, Seol-woo beelines for him. He bows first, then proposes they go for some soju.

Dad glares at Seol-woo, rips off his apron, and orders Seol-woo to follow him. Do-ha watches them leave, worried, and when she puts her hands over her stomach, Song-yi clutches her forehead in dismay.

Over some dakgalbi, Seol-woo apologizes immediately for being rude before. He offers to pour Dad a drink, but curiously, Dad takes the bottle and pours Seol-woo one instead, commenting on how much of a handful Do-ha is and calling him son-in-law again.

Dad acknowledges that he was hurt by Seol-woo words, but he thinks Do-ha needs a manly man, and he approves of the pairing. They raise their glasses, and then Dad gravely divulges that the reason he’s so crazy about get-rich-quick schemes is because he may not have much longer to live. According to Dad, the members of his family tend to alternate between living short or long lives, and if the pattern is correct, then he’s up next for the short life.

He knows it sounds superstitious, but on the bright side, Do-ha will have a long life, so Seol-woo needn’t worry. Dad wants to leave something for Do-ha, and once he starts asking Seol-woo for some insider tips, Seol-woo pivots back to his mission and asks to know where Robert Yoon went each Monday.

Dad says “Annam Cathedral” without thinking, then gripes at Seol-woo for mentioning Robert Yoon, since it’s a sore spot for Dad.

Now that he’s got the intel he wanted, Seol-woo explains to us that the Robert Yoon log was right next to the Bible on the bookshelf, and the last date listed was Monday, October 3, 2016. Written beside the date is “Rev 127,” which Seol-woo deduces equates to 12:7 in the book of Revelation.

Elsewhere, Department Head Jang receives a set of photos from Seung-jae, which he can use to get Dong-hyun released. Oh, it’s a photo of Congressman Baek and Ki-chul conferring at the park.

Back at Song-yi’s restaurant, Song-yi grills Do-ha on the constantly changing status between her and Seol-woo. Do-ha is ashamed to admit that things are back on, but is shocked to hear this rumor about her and Seol-woo going to a hotel.

Do-ha offers to tell Song-yi the whole truth over some beer, and Song-yi calls her crazy for wanting alcohol, given her current state. Do-ha is confused, but then Sang-shik hurries in to stop Song-yi from yelling at Do-ha, since she might miscarry, and then the pieces click together. Do-ha barks at Sang-shik for writing a smutty novel.

Later, after Seol-woo delivers a very drunk Dad back to Do-ha’s, he visits Woon-kwang, who is carefully cleaning his wood carvings/collateral and tells him about Annam Cathedral. Woon-kwang insists he isn’t trying to make Seol-woo guilty by constantly talking about his money, but after Seol-woo confirms that he doesn’t feel guilty, he’s amazed, since the spy should feel a tinge of it.

Woon-kwang’s kidding, and he reiterates that even if the country throws Seol-woo away, he won’t. He winks, and Seol-woo can’t help but smile to himself. I need a Woon-kwang in my life.

Feeling sentimental, Seol-woo asks why Woon-kwang trusted him so much to lend him all that money. Woon-kwang unexpectedly says that it was Seol-woo’s eyes—as an actor, he can just tell who’s acting and who’s being sincere. The words hit Seol-woo hard, and he’s speechless. He watches Woon-kwang head upstairs with an almost vulnerable gaze.

Late in the night, Seol-woo stares at the blinking red light on his phone, tracking Do-ha’s location. She calls to discuss the plan for the cathedral tomorrow, then relays Woon-kwang’s suggestion to act like they are inquiring about filming at the cathedral.

She remarks about on the simplicity of Seol-woo’s plan to extract information out of Dad by getting him drunk, and is surprised he didn’t have something more complicated up his sleeve. Seol-woo refutes her, and says that drunk people tend to speak nonsense more than the truth.

Do-ha asks what strategy he used then, and abruptly, he attacks her with a racy question, asking what color her underwear was today. She answers automatically and shocks herself. He explains that the best way is to ask a question unexpectedly.

She’s impressed by the tactic, and then launches into a million questions about the different things he’s done on missions, like parachuting and flying airplanes. She asks if there’s something he hasn’t done before, but then hears Song-yi stir and hurries to end their call.

He doesn’t want to go, but reluctantly, they do so. After they hang up, Do-ha cradles the coin against her chest, and Seol-woo stares at the red dot affectionately.

At another hearing, Assemblyman Baek questions Department Head Jang on the supposed list of ghost agents that Department Head Jang still hasn’t acknowledged the existence of. This time, Department Head Jang is ready and posts the image of Assemblyman Baek meeting with Ki-chul, the former agent they’ve confirmed to be involved in the attack at the investment forum.

Department Head Jang turns the tables and questions Assemblyman Baek on what his meeting with Ki-chul was about. Assemblyman Baek declares the photos to be fake and calls them a smear campaign against his candidacy.

The meeting is adjourned without any repercussions to Assemblyman Baek, even though Department Head Jang confirms the authenticity of the photos. Afterward, Assemblyman Baek approaches Department Head Jang and chides him for thinking that he can take him down with just a few images, since most of the councillors on the committee are on his side.

Department Head Jang warns cryptically, “This is probably all I can do myself. But it will be different once it is in someone else’s hands.” Cue Assemblyman Baek’s mayoral election opponent making an uproar about the photos to the public.

Seung-jae watches the news from his office, and just then, Assemblyman Baek enters to reassure Seung-jae that the election is still a sure thing. Assemblyman Baek brings up the third wood carving, and is intrigued that Seung-jae dealt with the issue personally this time instead of using him. Assemblyman Baek acts like it’s no big deal, but then confirms that he’ll be taking over Seoul shortly, and Seung-jae just encourages him to do so.

At Annam Cathedral, our main trio prep for their mission just as the NIS tail arrives. Woon-kwang’s job is to distract the agent and give Seol-woo and Do-ha time to snoop around. The director arrives, and after some initial resistance, eventually he starts envisioning the cathedral as part of the movie. Meanwhile, Do-ha and Seol-woo head off to start their mission.

They enter the building and look for a person named Father Michael, as per Robert Yoon’s hint from Revelation. Father Michael (cameo by Lee Jae-yong) is blind, and Seol-woo guesses that Robert Yoon met with his handler, Department Head Jang, at the cathedral.

Father Michael plays dumb until Seol-woo reveals that Robert Yoon was betrayed and killed. He quotes a phrase from the book of Revelation, and Father Michael finishes the quote. Do-ha is confused, so Seol-woo explains that the verse is a code between the two men. Finally, Father Michael asks Seol-woo what he wants to know.

Inside, Father Michael confirms Seol-woo theory about the secret meetings. Seol-woo asks about October 3rd, and Father Michael says on that day, Department Head Jang was accompanied by another agent, or as he puts it, “A shadow that was hurt.” Omg, it’s Dong-hyun. Say it isn’t so.

Outside, Woon-kwang runs interference when the NIS agent marches toward the cathedral. Though he puts forth his best effort, eventually the agent forces his way through. Woon-kwang warns his team, and so the agent enters the cathedral and sees Do-ha and Seol-woo kneeling on the floor in front of the altar. Once he’s gone, Seol-woo begins to get up, but Do-ha proposes they give a little prayer first. Seol-woo looks at her curiously as she does.

Department Head Jang visits Seung-jae at Songsan, and he’s finally invited into Seung-jae’s secret lair where he makes all his under the table deals. Seung-jae wonders aloud if they’re on the same team now, but Department Head Jang deflects the suggestion and merely thanks him for the photos.

Looks like Dong-hyun will be getting out of detention soon, after a little help from Seung-jae. Seung-jae calls the act a gift of goodwill, and so, Department Head Jang agrees to transfer the keys.

However, now that Department Head Jang has signed onto Team Evil, Seung-jae has a condition: What he wants is for Seol-woo to be handed over to him.

Elsewhere, CEO Ji sits down with Mi-eun for a chat. She’s surprised to hear from him after he cut ties with her, but immediately, he accuses her of blocking the filming venues. It’s the first she’s hearing of it, but she doesn’t confirm or deny anything. She asks about Seol-woo briefly, then tells CEO Ji vaguely that everything will be resolved soon, so all he needs to do is focus making the movie successful.

In an empty movie theater, Seol-woo asks about the source for the incriminating Assemblyman Baek photos, but Department Head Jang lies that it was from another ghost agent. Then Seol-woo confronts Department Head Jang about bringing Dong-hyun to his meeting with Robert Yoon.

He replies that the prosecutor’s office would handle the investigation after they obtained the key, and so Seol-woo asks why Robert Yoon didn’t give him the key in the first place. (Oooh, good question.) Department Head Jang replies that Robert Yoon wanted to check something first and intended to hand it over at their next meeting, but he disappeared before then. Department Head Jang doesn’t seem to be uncomfortable with Seol-woo’s many questions before ordering the spy to turn over the keys.

Right afterward, Department Head Jang visits Dong-hyun with some soju. Dong-hyun asks about the third wood carving and is told that they’ll definitely get it, but after Department Head Jang answers, he swallows hard.

CEO Ji relays what he heard from Mi-eun to Woon-kwang, who immediately calls Seol-woo about it. The trio discuss the complicated baddies’ alliance, wondering why Songsan and the evil NIS agents wouldn’t be working together to shut down the movie. Woon-kwang and Do-ha are confused about whether their side is going to get the wood carving soon, but it’s something Mi-eun seems to know about, and if she’s on Songsan’s side, then…

Seol-woo offers helpfully that things may be a little simpler than they appear and adds, “Our side isn’t always on our side.” He explains that if they are to believe Father Michael and that Dong-hyun showed up that day, then he’s the chief suspect for betraying Robert Yoon.

Woon-kwang points out that if he’s working for the baddies, then why is he in jail? Seol-woo theorizes that it could be a cover to confuse them. However, if they are to believe Mi-eun, then Department Head Jang is the suspicious one, but Seol-woo isn’t sure of anything.

At his hideout, Seol-woo receives a package with an important barcode. He scans the code and receives a message from Petrov about the third statue being in Chairman Victor’s possession under Songsan’s instructions. That’s when Seol-woo realizes that Department Head Jang has joined hands with Songsan.

On the set of a mixed nuts commercial, Dark Death makes a reappearance. He and Do-ha snigger when they see Seol-woo dressed in an adorable monkey costume for the commercial.

Seol-woo acts all formal and serious as he carries around his giant monkey head while also sporting a furry potbelly. He’s adorably grumpy about his situation, and he glares at his companions when neither can stop laughing.

Of course, the monkey thing is a disguise to throw off the NIS agent, but later, when Do-ha meets up with a now normally dressed Seol-woo, she can’t help complimenting him on how cute he looked. He just harrumphs. Hehe.

She asks why he wanted to meet, and so he hands over a ring for her to wear—it’s part of a pair that he’s already wearing. He smiles after seeing how much she likes the gift and starts to say something, but she jumps in to guess that he’s figured out who the mole is. He chuckles a little and says he thought of something he’s never done before: “Eating, watching a movie, and having tea. Let’s do that when I get back.”

She looks back at him meaningfully as he grows insecure, wondering if his list was too boring. She takes him up on the offer, and they sweetly make plans. Gah! Now I’m nervous for you guys!

Dong-hyun leaves prison and goes straight to Seol-woo’s. He sees a card on the desk that only says, “K.” At that moment, Seol-woo meets with Department Head Jang on a bridge and slowly walks toward him.

Seol-woo gives his superior the keys, and Department Head Jang announces the end of the wood carving mission. Seol-woo says directly that he’s aware that Seung-jae has the third one, and that Department Head Jang made a deal. Knowing that, Department Head Jang wonders why Seol-woo would relinquish the keys.

Seol-woo says, “Because this is the quickest way to get all three keys together.” He asks if Department Head Jang will be able to use the two keys he has to get the third one, or if Seung-jae end up with them all. Seol-woo then asks whose side Department Head Jang is on, but just then, a fleet of cars surround them on all sides. Crap.

In his secret lair, Seung-jae greets Chairman Victor warmly and tells him that Seol-woo will be delivered to him very soon. Meanwhile, Dong-hyun develops the card left by Seol-woo and finds something there, but we don’t see it.

Seol-woo knows he’s been had, but Department Head Jang repeats that the wood carving mission is over. Seol-woo replies that he can’t let it end this way, so Department Head Jang answers that it’s time for him to rest before shooting him in the stomach. Seol-woo staggers backwards, then falls off the bridge and into the water below.

 
COMMENTS

Finally! I’ve been pulling on my hair trying to will this behavior out of Seol-woo for so long, and I’m just relieved we’ve finally reached this point emotionally. To be fair, there is a certain logic to having Seol-woo wait until he felt vulnerable enough to feel this way, since now he can’t trust anyone except for Do-ha and Woon-kwang. Witnessing Seol-woo be moved by Woon-kwang’s continued commitment to him was very rewarding. I love that his relationship with Do-ha is concurrently progressing with his friendship with Woon-kwang, because both relationships are important, and the two are truly a packaged deal.

Woon-kwang misunderstanding that he was being asked to be Seol-woo’s lover was the highlight of this episode for me, and I was jokingly disappointed that they didn’t go through with it. But ultimately I’m happy it was just for a brief chuckle, because from a plot point of view, it would only keeps things stagnant. Also, I’m worried that the jokes may end up being insensitive.

It’s kind of cool that Seol-woo had all those mundane things that he wanted to do in the same episode that he had his secret meeting with Department Head Jang in the movie theater. I like the idea of him realizing how he’s been to all these places so often, but never as himself, since he always acted as Ghost Agent K. It’s sweet.

I think I was so contented with the romance aspect in this episode that even though I kind of knew where the episode was going as far as Department Head Jang’s plan went, I still felt lurched back into the spy part of the show toward the end. As soon as Seol-woo and Do-ha started make plans of things to do in the future I got that very familiar sinking feeling, but overall, I do think this episode blended the plot lines/genres together much more effectively than before.

Also, it only occurred to me in this episode, but I think Seung-jae… is a bro. In my mind, my image of Yeon Jung-hoon as an actor has prevented me from seeing this, but after hearing Seung-jae talk about “fighting spirit” for the eightieth time, now I can’t unsee it.

As far as character motivations, this is what I think/hope is happening: Mi-eun pushed Seung-jae toward Department Head Jang so that her husband could be manipulated for the good guys, and so that he could personally collapse the corrupt house he made. She and Department Head Jang are probably still working together on this. I mean, based on their behavior, the actors and script leave room for that ambiguity, and I like it. I hope it’s all a very long and elaborate trap to ensnare Seung-jae in the end, because I think that swiping motion Dong-hyun did on the table a couple of episodes ago is a hint for us. But we have five more episodes left, so I’m not sure what else we’re going to do if this betrayal isn’t the real thing.

 
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Ok, the explanation about the lover's tactic - it only works if the NIS doesn't know that K's cover had been blown, which isn't the case, right? (Assumably Baek/SJ would have spread it to all their NIS cronies). Or, is it because they can't touch him while he's still a "real bodyguard" and not K, since they would have no legitimate reason to? That's the only logical explanation I can come up with, but eh, I'll just choose not to take this too seriously and focus more on the emotional aspects.

All them favourite moments:
- When SW agreed to ramyun (isn't ramyun = netflix and chill in Korea?) and then they ended up in a ramyun restaurant. Hah!
- How WK was so eager to play SW's lover and threw his hand away when he realized it wouldn't be him
- Both SW and WK's faces when DH announced they would only be kissing in public
- How SW'd probably worn tons of couple rings with other women but looked so excited when showing his matching one to her
- When WK reminded SW he would protect him and SW smiled that genuine, real smile, and looked at WK with true affection (aww)

On Seol Woo: He looked so excited to continue talking with DH on the phone, and it was adorable. For SW, who's never gone on a real date, I thought it was especially endearing that he looked so unsure after he asked DH out and tried to backtrack by saying it was a boring idea, because he wasn't confident of her response. The fact that he was nervous about her response just shows that he'd asked because he genuinely wanted to go out on a date with her. (Bearing in mind that SW has alway been confident about manipulating women.) I know one recurring point has been that their relationship is fuzzy - They've not talked about it or made anything clear. But all these little genuine moments seem to be enough for DH, and strangely they're enough for me as well. For now. Though I hope there will be a moment when they actually talk about the elephant in the room: SW's growing feelings and how they'll contradict his job.

On Do Ha: Aww, my heart skipped a beat when she said she wouldn't bother confusing herself with what was the truth, and would just go with her heart (exactly how I feel about this show, LOL). I think she really empathized with how lonely SW's life must have been, when he told her that ghosts don't get a day off and must never let down their guard, and it made her trust him - because despite his 24/7 job, he never stopped risking himself to protect and help her.

On Team Leader Jang: I know the show is making him seem like the betrayer here, but I think he shot K because he wanted to help him escape? He didn't want to hand him over to SJ/Victor and shot SW in a non-vital place, so that he could possibly make it out alive (I assume if he'd wanted to kill him an easier place would be to shoot him right in the chest).

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The lovers tactic meant to be a cover up for Seol-woo even if his cover is blown because the NIS couldn't prove his identity without proof of his involvement with Jang Tae-ho, which is why he was on 24/7 surveillance, to oppress him and to catch him in the act. Also, the lovers tactic provided him ways to sneak off unseen, for example when he was getting steamy with Do-ha in the car and then slipped away. I didnt get it at first until after he explained it to Woon-kwang.

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Oh and I forgot to mention, I love all those moments you mentioned too! In fact I love all the couple moments in this episode. And ahem, "wanna come over for ramyun" means "want to sleep over" in Korea, lol. It was coined in the movie One Fine Spring Day.

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@maryxiah May 27, 2017 at 8:31 PM:

Thanks for that pointer to ONE FINE SPRING DAY. I've been meaning to watch it since live-watching OH HAE-YOUNG AGAIN. (Has it really been a year already?!?!) It was a blast seeing the scene that launched the ramyun come-on. It sounds much more down-to-earth than an invite to "see my etchings." ;-)

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Because even if they know he's a ghost, they can't prove it right? It makes sense! Maybe I just didn't really get a clear picture from their explanation.

Hehehe yes, I was pretty sure that come over for ramyun = netflix and chill and my mind went straiiiight to the gutter. *shifty look*

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OMG haha. I didn't know Netflix and chill meant something shifty too! But I was laughing my ads off at Do-ha's reaction at the ramyun restaurant. She was like, damn, he got me. Haha.

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Lol, I typed my comment before I read yours, that ramyun and chill scene had me loling so much. Especially with how disappointed she was that he actually wanted ramyun. And then he holds her hair back and I just puke rainbows and butterflies. They are so cute I can't help it.

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I love how eager WK the actor was about the role of SW's lover, only to find out SW would be doing it with DH. His reaction was hilarious. It made me laugh no matter how many times I replayed the scene.

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Damn (pardon the language) , the romance this week got me good. I was giggling like a little girl when I was watching this episode. I was initially disappointed at the lovers tactic because I thought the romance will start in earnest without all of those missions pretense, but once I understood the characters' motivation, I was able to get past the initial disappointment very quickly. Also, I'm so proud of Do-ha for suggesting the tactic to grab hold of Seol-woo, girl knows what she wants and isn't shy to admit it. And I feel like Do-ha was trying to match Seol-woo's steps by approaching him with a tactic instead of the real deal. Do-ha didn't hold back from letting Seol-woo know of her real feelings, yet at the same time, asking him to depend on her as a colleague. She knew what he needed wasn't strictly a lover, but a partner in crime, someone he can use without burden but also supporting him out of love, almost like a family, which Woon-kwang also did when he approved of the lovers tactic (despite his great reluctance because he wasn't the choice LOL) and when he reinforced to Seol-woo that he would be there for him even if the country abandons him. D'aww the smile on Seol-woo's face!

And I really enjoy watching Seol-woo's emotional journey and growth thus far, I was initially taken aback when Seol-woo showed signs of being in love with Do-ha because we didn't see much flow of emotions in Seol-woo, but Park Hae-jin managed to convince me that Seol-woo is really in love with Do-ha despite his restraint in emotional involvement. All the more so when he hesitated to involve Do-ha in his life, yet wanting to keep her by his side a little longer. I was squeeing hard when Seol-woo was disappointed having his phone call with Do-ha cut short. D'aww! And how much I love that Seol-woo kept sharing secret agents tidbits to Do-ha all episode long, showing he really considered Do-ha as his partner and genuinely involved her in his mission, making a room for her in his complicated spy life. Oh, and I love how much Seol-woo is really immersing himself in his bf role in this lovers tactic (now kids, this is a tactic done right), he even got them couple ring and suggested doing trivial, normal couple-y things to do with Do-ha. D'aww (how many times have I repeated this?)

I understand Woon-kwang's valid concerns over the lovers tactic in this episode, but I'm glad that he didn't stop the love birds although he had voiced his disapproval several times. I was also touched when he warned Do-ha that he wouldn't have it if Do-ha cry again, I must sound like a broken record for saying this but, Woon-kwang is the best oppa in the whole wide world!

Keep 'em coming Man to Man. I want moarrrrrrr!

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I like how WK watches them silently, with worry and a bit of disapproval on his face because he's worried that they will both be hurt by it, but he lets them go along with their hearts while reminding them that he'll always be there for them. He truly is the best oppa/hyung.

And you're right! I loved how SW kept sharing little spy tidbits with DH, and he's gradually carving out a spot for her in his life. It's not anything spectacular, but all these little gestures are extremely sweet. I like how you describe what DH is doing - that what he needed wasn't really a lover but a partner-in-crime, and she was willing to offer her support and love to him. I would like to think that DH has some clue that he probably feels something for her but is holding back because he doesn't want her to get hurt, and the only way she can think of to hold onto him is to be a partner in crime. Sort of giving him an excuse to keep her by his side as well. I love it! T_T

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I feel like I want this drama to end on Seol-woo on another mission with Do-ha and Woon-kwang playing his undercover back-ups.

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Always enjoy reading your comments.
I am curious. What are your top five k dramas (with enjoying romance)
My list:
1. The Princess Man
2. Secret Garden
3. Secret
4. Descendants of the Sun
5. Reply Series

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Hmm, my top five right now would be:
1. Moonlight Drawn by Clouds
2. Kill Me, Heal Me
3. Pinocchio
4. Winter Sonata (I know it's super old but it has a special place in my heart)
5. Boys Over Flowers' side romance - Ga-eul and Yi-jung

I struggled to name 5 because I enjoyed plenty of romances in k-dramas, but ultimately these 5 hold a special place in my heart and these are the ones that will stay with me for a long, long time.

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Thanks for sharing. I have only watched kill me heal me from that list. Will find the time for the rest :)

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@2 maryxiah May 27, 2017 at 8:12 PM:

"Partner in crime" -- I love it! To borrow a vintage phrase, "unindicted co-conspirator" might also work. ;-)

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If there is indeed manipulation and a double cross on top of a double cross... i like where this is going. The good guys are smart and I know they are just playing SeungJae at this point. Though, i do not have much confidence in the intelligence of the baddies. They just seem cartoonish at times that the story can only go in favor of the good guys.

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It's sad that the bad guys are so ineffective and unintelligent in this, probably because they're relying on Congressman Baek, which is so old school in his approach and we have Seol-woo the young and intelligent spy on the other hand. I love that the stake is higher now that Mi-eun is helping Seung-jae, she proves to be the brain behind his success. I don't believe for a second Jang Tae-ho would betray K, there must be more to this and I'm hoping it would unfold nicely because we still have 5 more episodes to go. Please don't limp off in the final moments, Man to Man.

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I loved this episode so much! It had me rolling the entire time! This amazing trio is keeping me so entertained!!!! This cliffhanger had me dying ... Just getting ready to watch episode 12.

Thank you for the recap!

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Don't mean to burst anyone's bubble but I thought the scene when Seol Woo falls over the railing was so poorly shot it made me laugh. The railing was too high for him to flip over like that.

I think I'm only watching this show for the comedic moments. The monkey suit with Seol Woo's deadpan expression and Woon Kwang misunderstanding the lover's tactic was the highlight of the episode.

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I thought it was odd that he would roll off the railing at first, but knowing Seol-woo, I think he flipped himself over on purpose. Well think about it, he was shot, surrounded and nowhere to escape, he barely had any energy to run and the most logical move would be to throw himself off the railing.

I love the comedy and jokes in Man to Man, I haven't been enjoying so much wacky, fun comedy in Kdramaland since Goblin ended. This one is gold when it comes to that. I died when Do-ha suggested ramyun, and Seol-woo quickly agreed, and they ended up in ramyun restaurant. Hahahaha.

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For me, Dept Head Jang is still playing SeungJae. He couldnt let K get in the hands of Songsan and Victor so thats why he shot him to give K a reason to disappear for awhile so he said "its time for you to rest" like a code to hide. Ofcourse, K will survive that fall. I have suspicion on the machinations of the other character and will watch the next episode to see if I am right.

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I totally agree! I think there is a reason why Dir Jang is the one who shot K and yes, maybe they both understood each other. Dir Jang probably shot him in a location he knew would not be fatal but still would look real enough for all those other agents to witness and report to SJ and Victor. I believe it is as SW mentioned, Dir Jang working with SJ for the NIS to get the 3rd carving and not the other way around. Well done, they both performed their part well! At least that is as well what I believe. And at least, Dir Jang did not hand over K to SJ/Victor and still looks like he is working with SJ! Brilliant! This episode was so suspenseful, so good!

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@Needaname May 27, 2017 at 11:33 PM:

As far as the third carving is concerned, we haven't gotten to see it yet, and maybe never will. I was fantasizing that it's actually the Maltese Falcon. ;-)

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OMG, that moment when Woon-kwang is disappointed he's not the lover killed me. Dude, I know everyone wants a piece of Kim Seol-woo but it's not your turn right now.

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So, I've not been watching this, only rarely read the recaps, but that top screenshot alone makes me want to get onboard. Ayyy park hae jin

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Okay, a lot happened in this episode. I think, even though we still lack insight into Seol Woo's background, I think it made sense why Do-Ha affects him. Nobody has actively tried becoming part of his crazy world to follow their heart before. Seol Woo, what he does in regular basis, it's lonely. And here's a girl who isn't repelled by any of that. Instead tries to match his steps, know his world, help him. I love Do-Ha for this. Her honesty also is admirable.
As for the villains, they really are cartoonish. Which is a Shame, given Yeon Jung Hoon can do wonders with his abilities. On a side note, he keeps getting more handsome in my opinion. I'd love to see him as a leading man in a rom-com just to see his smile. Also, I have a fairly good idea why Victor resurfaced. The big showdown needs a big baddie. So that's why he is in Korea.

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I am so upset at how wasted Yeon Jung-hoon is in this drama and I'm afraid he might get typecast as a villain since he's basically playing the same character as his last drama Mask, only more boring and incompetent.

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Well, Mask sort of become a bit too convoluted by the end. The best villain in Kdrama land in my opinion so far was Shin Sung Rok in You Who Came from Another Star and Yoon Je Moon in The King 2 Hearts.
I don't want Yeon Jung Hoon to be typecast as villains. I really want to see him in a drama as the lead because I think he is underutilized in most roles. His deadpan expressions in Mask made me convinced that he can do comedy pretty well if given the opportunity.

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He's good in Can Love Become Money (or can money become love?).

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It would be good if we get a little backstory on Seol-woo's background because I think the reason Do-ha affected him so much because he identified with her. Something in his past must have triggered his protectiveness over Do-ha, and he unwittingly fell for her in the process.

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@maryxiah May 28, 2017 at 5:41 AM:

I've been wondering about Seol-woo's origins, too. Whatever would possess someone to go into such a detached and solitary profession? Enquiring minds want to know. ;-)

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I was thinking about this too...my theory is that he was probably an orphan, recruited at an early age, which is why being a ghost spy is/was all he knows. Although Do-ha does have her dad, it seems she has mostly been on her own too, with an absent father, which is why WK became her family as it seems that WK was a lonely soul too. Lonely souls finding each other and becoming a family! But who knows?! Wouldn't it be cool
if SW took Do-ha to meet his parents?! I so wish for SW to live a normal life, he has done enough for his country, time to do something for himself!

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Hmm, I'm inclined to believe Seol-woo was an orphan because he's so foreign to the idea of a family and we see that awkwardness when he met Do-ha's father for the first time. Methinks that was his first exposure to Korean family since he was recruited abroad by Dong-hyun when we started the show. Also, I don't think he was recruited at an early age as a secret agent, rather since he had no family to begin with, he joined army or special forces and been with the armed forces for so long he's only used to protocols, it's visible when he told Do-ha a secret agent never clocks out, meaning he was never himself all those times and that he was only K, but then Do-ha came into his world and he was beginning to learn how to live as Kim Seol-woo.

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Also, I would like to point out, everyone on the secret agent side of the world refers to Seol-woo as 'K', even Dong-hyun, so he was never out of his secret agent character. Even in the intro, he introduced himself as secret agent 'K'. But after he came into Woon-kwang's world, he was gradually known as Kim Guard and Seol-woo (his real name), so I feel like having these people interacted with him in his real name also brought out a sense of familiarity in him.

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@Needaname May 28, 2017 at 4:42 PM:

Good point about the orphan angle vis–à–vis Seol-woo. It sounds very plausible.

Based on the guff Namgoong Min's character was sneakily spouting at Oppa, WK seems to have started out as a humble stuntman "who got no respect" from other actors -- but went on to make good. Now he's laughing all the way to the bank. Money can't buy him love, but his own honorable traits and care for his staff lead them to reciprocate.

Hooray for families of choice!

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Not sure about the orphanage, but there's definitely commonalities between SW & DH's family backgrounds, which is why I believe he felt so drawn to her in the first place, and why he wants to look after her, and why she gets under his skin when he was unaffected by all the other beautiful women before.

Back when they were at on their "udon date", he said that his was "just a normal family with normal problems" (I'm guessing it was anything but).

Then after DH's dad tried the "Jeju-do" greenbelt scam on Unkwang oppa at the restaurant, there was that gut-wrenching scene when we learned how Dad abandoned DH at her grandpa's funeral, and SW accused Dad of trying to "leave her again". Then later at the pojangmacha, SW said to DH that if her family got too much for her, she had the right to choose to live without them - he definitely sounded like he'd made some difficult choices in his own past, to give her such advice.

Lastly, I think the reason why SW almost cried when he first "left" DH and watched her on the monitors, was because he was acutely aware of the lifetime of abandonment she'd been through, and that he had no choice but to be the next bastard in her life who used her (to get the ring) then left her - and it was the last thing he wanted to do. Anyway, can't wait until my next weekly fix of my adorable bros & spunky DH!

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I liked that kiss, or the tail-end of the kiss...I liked how he re-kissed her, way better than that dead frozen kiss last episode.

SW as himself is the best thing about this episode for me; he's just so...happy. He's smiling, and carefree, and he so happy. He's taken off his shades, like he doesn't need to hide behind them anymore, and wants to face the world as himself. For this is the real SW, isn't it? this smiling, funny, relaxed guy, who wants to catch all the simple pleasures in life that he's never had a chance to as himself: “Eating, watching a movie, and having tea. Let’s do that when I get back.”

The monkey suit was hilarious. I laughed out loud when I saw him in it, toddling awkwardly and looking so miserable.

I love the scene where WK looks worried as he sees SW and DH hamming it up as lovers. It made me warm inside, that he loves DH so much.

The part where SW fell off the bridge was a bit awkward for me, the camera showed his feet leaving the bridge slow-mo, and it looked like he was jumping backwards instead of free falling from those shots.

I think Jang is a good and honorable man He tells SW, "The mission is over. It is time for Agent K to rest" and shoots him. He is saving SW's life by shooting him where it is not lethal...he could have aimed for his head, or his heart, but he didn't. I think he wants to have SW die to give him a second chance at life, "to rest"....kind of sad. He's effectively saying, "I'll take over from here. You've done enough. Now go on and get on with your life. Forget everything and start anew."

My favourite part of the entire episode has to be the ending scene. The beauty of that scene, of SW striking the water, and floating disembodied slow-mo, as the blood pools in scarlet spidery cobwebs around the shining gold of the ring, almost threatening to obscure it, but can't, because the gold is too bright, too brilliant, against the murkiness and the gore, was so lovely. The two worlds of SW collide here in a brilliant, stunning, and emotionally moving visual - the ring as a symbol of SW the man seeking a happy normal life with the woman he loves, and the harsh, stark, ugly reality that looms always on the edge of SW's world, forever a threat, recalling his words to DH: "My days are filled with death and violence."

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Oh dear, your last paragraph is beautiful. I was wondering why they kept showing the rings (Product placement?) but the way you say it sounds amazing. His 2 worlds are colliding, and it's really up to him to make it work in the remaining episodes.

I also think Jang did it as a way to "save" SW, so he wouldn't have to hand him over to Victor/SJ. Of course, I doubt K wants to take a break and have a rest. I also think that SW launched himself off the bridge on purpose, not because he was shot. He had nowhere to run, and his only option was to jump off that bridge. Otherwise, it looked too awkward for him to fall off just because he was shot because it was a high railing, hah!

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He deliberately threw himself off in a superhuman effort by leaping into the air, and propelling his body backward at the same time even though he had been shot and was on the verge of collapse....okay, lezah, way better than the free fall theory, I'll tell myself a spy agent has enormous reserves of strength and impressive acrobatic skills.

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@YY May 27, 2017 at 10:27 PM:

Seol-woo's system was flooded with adrenaline from the gunshot (or were there two of them?) -- and the flight or fight response that kicked in when four carloads of baddies came roaring up. He would have been on autopilot when he flipped himself over the rail.

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Laughing so hard at image of SW on autopilot.

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I loved the re-kiss too and Do-ha's reaction to it! She scrunched up her face like she was electrified by the kiss, love it!!!

And Seol-woo's happiness in this episode kills me. I wonder how long have he deprived himself of such warm and happiness being surrounded by people who love him, letting himself loosen up and feel again, best of all appreciating mundane things as if they're so precious. Ugh, it's heartbreakingly sweet when he suggested doing normal things with her and backtracked thinking they were boring when she didn't immediately responded. Why didn't we see this side of Seol-woo much sooner?

And I love the ending scene too. I love the constant highlight on the couple ring in this episode. I feel like Seol-woo getting the couple ring on his own is his effort to commit himself to Do-ha, as well as his many small, sweet gestures. I believe ring is the symbolism of tying someone down in dramaland, and to bring up the couple ring when this is just a "tactic" made me feel warm all inside thinking Seol-woo is so ready for the next step.

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@yy, so beautifully written! Yes! SW the man x Agent K the robot! I love how we have been able to see/witness glimpses of the man underneath who now seems to be manifesting himself more and more! Ah, this is the power of love, true love!

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Cha Do-ha, you little minx you, such disappointment because he actually took you for ramen. She was actually expecting some Netflix and chill type thing but he actually took her to a remn restaurant. I laughed so hard this episode and I squeed so much. They are so cute and Seol-woo's face when Do-ha promises Woon-kwang that they definitely wouldn't be kissing made me lol even more.
This episode was possibly the loudest I screamed while watching these two dorks.

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LOL Woon-kwang is soooo late when it comes to advicing them not to kiss, same goes the first time he warned Do-ha not to give her lips away too fast! These two kids are always a step ahead of oppa.

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Make mine saimin, please!

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This has got to be my favourite episode yet. I was never onboard with the romance. I just didn't understand why Seol Woo liked Do ha. Why her? And not anyone else before? It just confused me so I just ignored that aspect of the show and just concentrated on the comedy, the bromance and the agent stuff.

But when he said "do you trust me?"
I think I melted lol! Suddenly I was fully on board the romance and could see something different and sincere in Seol Woo's eyes. Something that either wasn't there before. Or something that I just couldn't see even if I tried.

Now I love their interactions! It seems like this is the first real time where Seol Woo is enjoying himself...while liking Do ha. He looks giddy and adorable! And that monkey costume was hilarious!

First half of the ep was GOLD! I laughed so hard when the trio came together and Seol woo and Do ha introduced the "lovers tactic" to Woon kwang! ??

I like the mix of comedy and spy genre now better than before. I think it's been interwoven pretty tightly without one genre appearing to overtake the other.

Looking forward to the next ep! ??

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I wasn't on board the romance either, and didn't understand why SW would choose DH, but I also ignored that and just got on with the bromance and comedy. I don't understand why SW would share every detail of his secret spy mission with DH or WK or sometimes both. Wouldn't the knowledge put them in danger? I appreciate that SW might be doing it to ease DH's suspicions or what not of him, but telling her details of his mission... really?

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Yea I don't get that either. Isn't it like top secret spy stuff that you don't share with anyone? I did find it pretty unbelievable that Seol Woo not only told them all his secrets, but he also worked together with them to retrieve the second key.

But then again, I don't think it matters, now that the NIS pretty much betrayed Seol Woo and there's no need for him to follow their rules and regulations.

I don't mind Seol Woo giving out his secrets now and being open about himself...then let's say, before two, three episodes ago where I just found it unbelievable.

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Re: sharing every detail, I think that is called Trust! He is definitely showing Do-ha that he trusts her, and no longer has anything to hide from her. So she in turn can trust him. He is laying himself bare to her, his every thought. They already know noone can be trusted except the 3 of them, they have decided to join forces, there is nothing wrong in sharing information as they are now working together as a team and trusting no one else. Yes, that's how far we/SW/DH/WK have come to in Man X Man! At least that is my take on this!

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@Needaname May 27, 2017 at 11:59 PM:

I agree with you about Trust with a capital T. On the other hand, I can't help but think of that old spy chestnut, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you." LOL!

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Romance isn't a mathematical question that you can just add up to get the right number, sometimes it's all about the right chemical equation where you feel for someone because everything finally adds up. And I'd like to think romance isn't always formulaic, you don't fall for someone because the right ingredients are there, but because you come to realize you care for the person and want to be with them, and when it proves to be difficult to imagine a future without that person, you're in love, which is what I'm feeling from Seol-woo's emotional journey right now. Don't you think he's starting to open up himself more now that he spent more time with Do-ha as his true self? It was actually a long, slow process to get to where they are right now because Seol-woo never learned to depend on anyone else like he does with Do-ha right now.

As for sharing the details of the mission, I think Seol-woo did it in exchange for Woon-kwang's big trust when he lent the 5 million dollars. And it's visible that Seol-woo was touched when he asked Woon-kwang how he could have trusted him with such huge amount of money. Money isn't really the issue right here, but the topic of trust as the ongoing theme. Seol-woo was warned never to trust anybody from the beginning, and he said, "I don't even trust myself." Yet here are two people who barely knew his background, but they are willing to trust their everything on him, it's only natural that he return the gesture by not holding back information. After all, they were in it together when they tried to rescue Do-ha's father. The knowledge of the mission might put them in danger, I concur, but Woon-kwang has the advantage of being a public figure that the NIS couldn't touch him lightly, except well, if Seung-jae decides to pull some strings and get to him, which I don't think will be the case right now, everyone seems pre-occupied with the wood carving mission right now to think properly.

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I like to think of it as the fact that there usually isn't really an explanation as to why you like someone. Sometimes you meet a person and there's an instant attraction and no reason for it. But besides that, my thoughts on it are: SW's original mission was to be WK's bodyguard and get the wood carving, not to romance DH in any way at all, so naturally he remained as distant as possible from both WK and DH. The two of them were amazing at worming their way into his heart, though, because they're both so giving, and warm, and they probably made SW think of all the things he was missing out on as a ghost. Also, I think SW had a not-so-good impression of DH at first, but the more he knew about her, the more he realized that she was different.

But ah well, these are just my conjectures, probably because I've always been onboard this romance somehow. I'm probably just a sucker for this type of spy-fake-romance thing! Especially because, like you said, the comedy and spy genre is woven together. :)

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@lezah May 27, 2017 at 11:03 PM:

Attraction falls in the non-rational spectrum. I bet there are a lot of pheromones in the air, too. As in, "Testosterone Estrogen spill in aisle 3." ;-)

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Thank you my fairy-god-writer for all the "KILIG" (romantic excitement) and "SWEET" moment of my favorite couple in dramaland today. ? You know the feeling when you're like a teenager screaming and giggling while watching those two. They're doing both the Tactic pretending to be Lovers and the Lovers pretending to be Tactic (shooting 2 birds in 1 stone.Hehe).
...and as always, our star Woon-kwang who is the best of the best Oppa to Do-ha and a Brother to Seol-wook.
Although I'm afraid that the more SW involves DH and WK in his life, they could be a vulnerable target and use them against him.

Random thought..: I keep noticing Seung-jae right hand.? I must admit that he has a good looks! LOL!

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Thank you for the recap Murasakimi! Indeed, this episode really showcased how when everything works well together Man x Man is such a wonderful show! Yes it has its moments, but there is a reason why we keep coming back for more, and this episode definitely showed us why!
I have loved WK from the beginning, he has been the rock that has kept this show going, without his $5 million dollars, where would we be?! But as I watched his scene with SW reiterating again that even if the country throws him away, he never will, I had a sudden fear that something bad could happen to him! Because yes, these characters who are so good, that they make us love to death, they also like to use them to make us cry a little. I hope it was just a passing feeling and WK will remain the rock that he has been!
Loved SW and Do-ha finally "letting it loose" with their lovers tactic! This lovers tactic is definitely a win-win situation for them! They can "pretend" that it's pretend for the mission and yet be totally open about it for the mission! Brilliant idea Do-ha! Always knew she was clever! And I love her line "if I can't trust you, I will trust my heart"...ah, even I can fall in love with her all over again!
I know I've said this many times, but man, still loving where Man x Man is taking us! So glad I went along for the ride and it's still going strong!

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I love this tiny smile on Seol-woo's face when Do-ha said she would trust her heart (to trust him). Trust can be such a heavy burden because you're expected to meet a certain expectation, but here, I feel like Seol-woo is like a little kid learning to trust and be trusted sans the burden, it feels like a giant leap for our robot Seol-woo, so proud of him. *tears

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the horror on seol-woo's face when Woon-kwang took his hand,it was priceless

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It was a nicely balanced epi this week but, for me, I wouldn't say I'm in this just for the main 3. I was hoping for a good overall story - the romance side I can generally take or leave, just as long as it works well and doesn't overbalance things.

And apart from that I've enjoyed a lot around them and have been sorry at the lack of Dong-Hyun recently and then the suggestion he was on the other side really was a shock!

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I've become a huge fan of UG's woodmance with the Buddhist statues. It began with how pious he felt just looking at them, then he tucked them into bed with him and now it seems like all he's doing in spare moments is cleaning and polishing them in such a loving manner. Lately of course, he's been having these little chats with them. The most hilarious one takes place in this episode: "Buddha, I will have to go to a cathedral tomorrow against my will. It's an important mission with $5 million on the line." To get its permission, he gets it to nod.
LOL. A man and his dolls. Hilarious.

While SW and DH are off playing "love tactic" elsewhere, UG has his woodmance to keep him company. How cute.

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LOL @woodmance. It breaks my heart to admit, I wish Woon-kwang gets a better loveline than a married woman and his one-sided crush on Seol-woo, the guy is such a teddy bear I want to squish, I wish a better woman would come along and sweep him off his feet. #WoonKwangdeservesbetter

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Dear Murasakimi, Thank you for your comments.I enjoyed everyones POV.
For me,the moment after SW gave the couple ring to Do-ha and was driving away after planning a date with her after his meeting, was very telling. He drove on and looked to the ring on his finger, he seemed resolved. The moment indicated that he has decided that he wants Do-ha in his life. That she is going to be someone he will come back to after his missions. He wants her to be there to come back to!

And yes this kiss was the right one. The second time he kissed her with his eyes opening only after the kiss ended...i could feel his pull towards her. Thats right. Keep the emotions coming:)

The humor was good but i want more. Most viewers agree the strength of the show lies in the presence and interactions of SW, Do-ha and WK.

I am still a bit disappointed in the direction of the show. It started of as bad ass cold/ruthless agent getting tangled in the strange world of an tv action star and her over the top manager. It seemed to be targeting a mature audience but now i feel the undertone is lighter. I wish the underdone was dark and dangerous with sexy romance and if that could be mixed with the continued humor and hijinks of WK's world, that would be so amazing.

Also i agree with everyone,the villains are a joke but Saeng-jae's english accent is sexy and extremely good!~ I like this actor.

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Thank you for the recap, murasakimi!

I truly enjoyed this episode. Seol-woo's literal interpretation of Do-ha's Lover's Tactic #428: "Ramyun Invitation" had me rolling on the floor. I was aware of the euphemism (a la Mae West's "Come up and see me sometime"). Do-ha's disappointment at going to the eatery was hilarious in an understated way. I laughed my butt off over Woon-kwang's assumption that he would play the lover. When he got into character and began stroking Seol-woo's hand, I could practically see the latter's toes curling. Dark Death's mixed nut commercial, complete with Seol-woo in a monkey suit, took the cake. The look on his face was priceless. He reminded me of Grumpy Cat instead of Curious George. A six-foot-tall Grumpy Cat. Thanks for the inspired lunacy, Writer-nim.

The glimpses of Seol-woo's vulnerability as a solitary spy coming in from the cold into the warmth of Woon-kwang's family were touching. There's something lovely about the rapport that has evolved between him, Brother, Do-ha, and the others.

Seol-woo's diffident proposal that he and Do-ha go for a meal and a movie, followed by tea (i.e., go on a typical date), was so low-key and normal-sounding that it was sad to realize he'd never done it in his own life. When he told her she could pick the movie -- as long as it wasn't a horror flick -- it knocked a few more bricks out of his manly facade. I guess he gets enough horror in his line of work. -- His giving her a couple ring was sweet, because we know he means it for the first time in his life. No wonder Woon-kwang's Spider Sense was tingling.

The espionage and dirty tricks continued in a satisfying way. I enjoyed Lee Jae-yong's cameo as former spy Father Michael. (What is it with undercover priests this week? Shin Dong-wook returned to the small screen as a vigilante priest in LOOKOUT's debut.) The return of Chairman Victor and a drive-by appearance by Russian agent Petrov were nice reminders of K's mission to acquire the first statue -- which feels as if it happened twelve years ago.

Speaking of the statues: I love how Woon-kwang is always brushing them to spiff them up. He reminds me of an archaeologist. It's even better when he talks to them. His apology to Buddha for having to go to Annam Cathedral the next day cracked me up.

We adjourned with a great cliffhanger. Both episodes this week were solid. I loved them.

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Oh, you watched episode 12 already?! I can't wait till the recap is up so we can start discussing that too because episode 12 is my favorite so far! Ahhh!!! My mouth/fingers are itching to spoil!

I find myself agreeing with everything you say, especially the horror movie part, lol. I love the surly and a-little-less perfect Seol-woo a lot! Doesn't it feels like he's more human when he's around the Chewing family? And I also love how everyone welcomes him uncondtionally and it baffles him to receive such acceptance. It's much more satisfying to watch when there is emotional payoff, I think that's what attracted me to Man to Man a lot.

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Did you feel the sense of impending doom when he gave her the couple ring? and when he said, "Let's do that when I come back"? I was thinking, uh, oh, you ain't coming back.

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@YY May 28, 2017 at 8:03 AM:

Yep, I heard those Famous Last Words of Foreshadowing loud and clear. ;-)

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Last week and in this episode I was so worried whenever WK displays the statues! Even if it is in his home, the NIS did come to his house and his other emplyee did see the statues when he had them on his bed. I was like "these need to be kept into a safe!" if NIS sees them it will definitely bring him/SW/DH a lot of trouble! Especially since he has two, on which was acquired in Russia! Yes it's not the keys themselves....but very incriminating evidence! I do enjoy WK taking such good care of them, and loving them as pets, but please be careful! I am glad in this episode he said he would put them back in the safe after cleaning them...as yes, keep them out if sight! Thinking about the wood carvings/keys, I just realized that there are 3 of them, like our trio. Getting them back together is like reuniting a family, WK has two, are we waiting for SW to come home?! This trio is the best!

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@Needaname May 28, 2017 at 9:34 AM,

For some reason, I've been envisioning the three statues as the Three Wise Monkeys (minus mixed nuts!), as they would be utterly apropos for a bunch of spies. On the other hand, maybe a flock of buddhas is a subtle hint at non-duality. What could be more dualistic than a spy?! Egad, I'm falling down the slippery slope of metaphysics, and I can't get up. ;-)

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@pakalanapikake
Haha, you mean dualistic as in Man x Man?! Haha

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Yes, as in our Dynamic Duo -- which is quickly morphing into our Terrific Trio. I was also thinking of non-duality, and maybe duelling, too. My mind is turning to mush. ;-)

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It's one of my favourite SW traits that he (1) can't really drink, and (2) can't watch horror movies!! Just when I'm thinking he's too adorable for words ... then comes SW in that monkey suit!!!

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My favorite part this episode was the visible puffs of steam when K exited the car after he and Do Ha lowered the seats. I couldn't tell if it was a production error or if it was meant to indicate that ghost agents have a steam producing device for such occasions. The windows steamed up so quickly at the start! For me, brief moments such as these are what make K-dramas so much fun to watch.

As for the attraction between K and Do Ha, you must admit that her sincerity is probably unlike anything he has ever encountered. Same is true for Un-Gwang. He is falling in love with both of them. Also, I think the actress playing Do Ha has a refreshingly different look and is very pretty. (Would like to see her in hanbok, I think she would shine) I also like the way they have styled her especially compared to Nam Ji Hyun in Suspicious Partner. I liked NJH in SKL, but the red hair and pink lipstick in SP turns me off.

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@18 memyselfandi May 28, 2017 at 7:18 AM:

I completely missed the puffs of steam (or is it really condensation?). Thanks for pointing that out. Who needs a handy-dandy instant window-fogger when you can DIY with your honey? After all, they reclined their seats to be out of sight of Oppa. ;-) <---- *lascivious wink*

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They were eating ramyun in the car, hence the steam clouding the windows.

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What does @murasakimi mean by saying Seung-Jae is a 'bro'? I've also noticed that 'fighting spirit' is like his favourite phrase lol. He is one boring villain, but dang it, he's good looking!

Grumpy monkey made my day.

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I'd like to know too. I also questioned that statement as it seemed to be quite a realization for murasakimi. But I didn't get it either.

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@WishfulToki and Needaname,

I have no idea what those words & phrases mean. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention.

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I googled and apparently it could mean "an alpha male idiot" or "obnoxious partying males who are often seen at college parties".

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Oh I see. That is hilarious.

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@maryxiah May 28, 2017 at 11:25 PM,

Duh! Of course. I've been so immersed in Kdramaland that I'm forgetting American slang. Uncouth, sexist "party animal."

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Oh, dayum!man to man is everything,i luff you Seol woo.

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Ok, setting aside my fondness of the trio, I do want to highlight Song Mi-eun as the only character who seems to be using her intellect and agency to plan and control matters. Everyone else just goes with the flow: a tactic is a tactic - not a plan (even though it is a very, very good tactic).

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For a show that's not primarily about romance, this show does romance better than most other so-called "romantic" dramas. It's clever, witty and takes its time to get to where it wants when it wants to. Sure, it invokes popular K drama tropes but in a more parodic, satirical fashion. The real romance is far more sophisticated and in keeping with the main storyline but it does require the audience to be patient and go along for the ride.
For me the show has always blended the cloak and dagger stuff with the romance rather superbly and in so doing, it hasn't done it by the numbers.

One of the reasons why I think it does a really good job with the romance is because it gives our trio the respect they deserve. It protects the intelligence of our male lead, the integrity of our female lead and the man to man dynamic. There is no ridiculous love triangle that gets in the way that turns the other male lead into a sop and the female lead into a mindless trophy in an insipid tug-of-war between two guys.

Instead being beholden to tropes, cliches and fan servicing, the characters here define the romantic dynamic in accordance to who they are. This is one of this rare of occasions where we actually have a strong female lead. And I don't just mean that she's made of sterner stuff which of course she is. When I mean strong, I mean that she's multi-dimensional and most of all smart. Even when everyone else had a hard time liking her, I could see that she had the brains and the wherewithal to deal with being the partner of a spy. Growing up with a grandfather who no doubt had a hard time raising a girl on his own and having a con-artist for a father, has given her the street smarts and the courage to be with that kind of man. To me her choice to be with SW makes sense and it works because they're constantly negotiating still.

To me the lover's tactic is one the wittiest devices to represent the heart of a woman. It's her way of reinserting herself back into his life and confessing her desire to be part of his world. She now speaks his language and wants to understand that world not as a victim of his machinations but as someone who is willing to take her chances with him.

I think it's important that it has taken as long as it has for the consummation to come to this point. SW has always been an enigma, his feelings difficult to pin down. So when he is finally really ready to show how he feels, it has to be convincing. It has to be the work of many episodes and consistent to who he is and what he does. Of course he is hesitant to get someone else involved in his line of work but when the woman he likes isn't afraid despite knowing all, he loses his inhibitions.

I adore UG of course because he knows what's going on... he absolutely does but he's positioned himself as the brother figure to BOTH of them. I love how he wants to protect them both and hates to see them get in over their heads. And yet, he's quietly supportive of their...

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(con't from before)
choices.

Man to Man is such a delight on so many levels... The rewatch value is so high and I am having such a ball wasting so many hours on it.

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@Lillium, so well said! I've liked Do-ha from the start and always thought she is such a perfect match for SW! Yes, she got to him! I remember SW having to adapt himself to both WK and Do-ha, and resisting these two newfound individuals, they were slowly tearing down his wall and doesn't it feel wonderful now SW?! In his previous mission with the boss's daughter, he inserted himself in her life, and that was it. But in this mission both Do-ha and WK inserted themselves in his life! It probably had never happened to him before so yes, we witnessed his slow acceptance and change, and it was all worth it! I agree that Do-ha is able to meet him on his level, and he in turn on hers... which is what a relationship should be, a two-way street. I too really love this couple and how the romance so subtly progressed!

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Loved reading your comments.

A slowly developed believable romance is the best. And this show is doing good there.

So when SW gave Do-ha the coin the first time, it was because he had decided he wanted to have some sort of connection with her even after the mission was over. But what Do-ha meant to him, it took her kidnapping for him to realize the depth of his feelings. Which is understandable since this agent has never nurtured feelings his entire life.
We even get to see the in-between moments from his realization to the point of deciding Do-ha stays in his life no matter what...from the point he saved her to the point he committed to the "love tactic".
For an agent who disappears without a trace he continued to stay in that place even when he knew he was no longer the bodyguard because he didn't want it to be over. And how he knew he had to leave but didn't want to. I liked seeing that struggle.
The slow developments...

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I love your comment so much I just tried to upvote it twice!

I agree with your review. At first, I thought the romance was progressing so fast when Seol-woo was romancing Do-ha on pretense and showed signs of concern over her. However, it wasn't until the recent episodes that I realized he may have cared for her a lot, but Seol-woo didn't start loving Do-ha in earnest until after his disguise was exposed. I think it's like having the burden of keeping up the pretense lifted off his shoulder that he could finally be true to himself and own up his own feelings, also, it helps that he was able to get another POV via Ki-chul who came from similar ghost agent background as he was. Looking back, I think the romance did take its time establishing the foundation for our OTP, and even then, they stayed true to their characters and reaching middle ground instead of going 180 degrees change. And the lovers tactic came into the picture, the idea is great because Seol-woo and Do-ha get to experience what it's like to be romantically together without the real commitment because neither are ready for that yet, and how they proceed from there on will be interesting to watch.

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@lilium I'm so agree with you. Ahh how do I say it... The way writer-nim create the romance between SW and DH is like cooking with a slow cooker. It takes time but slowly burning hot :D ... This drama keeps me excited for next episodes.. Can't believe we only have 4 more episodes :(

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Maybe it's because I'm a slow cooker ajumma that I especially like your analogy. :D

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It reminds me of a quote from songwriter Hoagy Carmichael: "Slow motion gets you there faster."

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SW in the costume is best!! :-D

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