Fight My Way: Episode 8
by LollyPip
They’re so painfully awkward, I love it! Something about Dong-man and Ae-ra getting all twisted up around each other just makes me grin uncontrollably, because they’re so adorable in their refusal to admit that they love each other. But it’s getting harder for them to hide their feelings, and soon someone is going to have to step up and be honest, even at the risk of losing their friendship forever.
Round 8: “She was pretty…”
When Dong-man hears from an old classmate that Moo-bin is engaged, he rushes to find Ae-ra. Still upset, she tells him to stay out of her love life, but he yells that he has to get involved because she’s always screwing it up. When he comforts her as she cries, Ae-ra tells him to stop and blurts, “It’s because you make my heart flutter!”
As Dong-man stares at her, Ae-ra tells him to be careful because she’s not cool or sophisticated, and that like a dog, once she bites she’ll never let go. Dong-man stammers in confusion, and she warns him that she’s close to biting, so they’d better both be careful.
She gives Dong-man his shoes back so he can drive them home on the borrowed scooter, then she climbs on behind him. Dong-man stiffens when he feels Ae-ra’s purse wedged between her chest and his back, ha. She says it’s so he can concentrate on driving, but he quips that his back can’t feel something so small, meaning her chest. Pfft, he deserves that head-butt she gives him in retaliation.
As they walk home, Joo-man tries to explain to Seol-hee that his kiss with Ye-jin was nothing. Seol-hee takes exception to his description of the kiss being like a slug on his lips, disbelieving that he didn’t like it at least a little. She tells him that she’ll handle the slug from here on out.
Dong-man and Ae-ra’s walk home is a lot quieter, both of them feeling awkward and uncomfortable. Eventually Dong-man asks if Ae-ra will come to his match in two days, and she starts to yell at him for fighting but then trails off when the awkwardness returns. Dong-man tells her that he’s fine, so she can act like she normally does.
It’s too late, so Dong-man desperately comments on the stars, of which there are none, hee. They’re saved from themselves when Joo-man and Seol-hee show up, but Seol-hee goes straight home, then Joo-man heads up to his place, neither of them in the mood to drink.
Alone again, Dong-man and Ae-ra go to the roof to drink, and Dong-man promises to handle Moo-bin. He asks Ae-ra why she keeps dating such awful guys, which is apparently a habit that goes all the way back to middle school, when the boy Ae-ra was dating stole her phone and changed schools.
Dong-man also remembers the guy in the band (Ae-ra: “We didn’t date!”), Moo-ki who got another woman pregnant, and now Moo-bin. Ae-ra says haughtily that he left out her real first love, whom Dong-man only knows as “Wrist Guy.” Ae-ra says that her arm still hurts when it rains because of Wrist Guy, and Dong-man grumbles that he’s another loser.
Ae-ra gets lost in a memory from 2011, when she and Dong-man had gone out to eat before he did his army duty. She assures him that he’ll forget all about Hye-ran once he’s away, but Dong-man argues that guys think about their girlfriends even more at times like these.
The next morning, Ae-ra takes a pot of hangover porridge to Dong-man’s place, with a note saying that she’ll wait for him to come home from the army. She finds Hye-ran sleeping on his stoop and tiptoes past her, and when Dong-man doesn’t answer her knock, she leaves the pot of porridge on his doorstep. But she doesn’t see an errant breeze blow her note away.
Dong-man wakes to find a note that Hye-ran slipped under his door, asking him to meet her outside. He finds the porridge and naturally assumes it’s from Hye-ran, and she doesn’t correct him.
A while later, Ae-ra runs back to Dong-man’s, having forgotten the kimchi. She hears weird noises coming from his balcony and wonders if they have rats, and then she sees him and Hye-ran, deep in a makeout session. She tries to escape before they see her, but she trips and goes tumbling. Dong-man runs down to Ae-ra, who’s clutching her badly hurt wrist. OMG, Dong-man is Wrist Guy?? He’s Ae-ra’s first love!
Hye-ran puts on a big tear-filled show over Dong-man leaving for two years as Ae-ra grumbles that it’s not like she’ll wait for him. Dong-man checks Ae-ra’s wrist and fusses at her for crying because of a fall, saying that she’s ugly when she cries, never guessing that her tears are because he’s leaving. He wipes her tears with his cuff and tells her softly to stay out of trouble. It doesn’t escape Hye-ran’s notice that his goodbye to Ae-ra is longer and more tender than the one he gave to her.
Back in the present, Dong-man wonders how Ae-ra could hurt her wrist just from liking someone. Argh, he’s so dense! Ae-ra says that Wrist Guy was utterly useless and had no idea she liked him, and Dong-man sighs that clueless people never even know they’re useless. Tell me about it.
He asks Ae-ra if she still thinks about her first love, so Ae-ra says that a first love is like an immunization shot—you’re nervous before you get it, then it hurts a bit, but then you’re okay, with just a small scar left behind.
Dong-man laughs and says that first loves are bullcrap, then they retire for the night. But when he’s alone, he can’t stop wondering who Ae-ra’s first love is. Ae-ra lies in bed, sighing at what a dimwit Dong-man can be.
The dimwit spends a particularly long time getting ready for breakfast the next morning, spraying his wrist with a liberal amount of Febreeze (to smell nice?). Joo-man keeps sniffing him and complaining that he’s tainting the food with his smell, then Seol-hee notices that both Dong-man and Ae-ra seem nervous and quiet.
Dong-man denies that they’re fighting, weirdly waving his Febreezed wrist at Ae-ra, like he wants her to take a whiff. Seol-hee notices that Ae-ra is wearing lip gloss to breakfast, which catches Dong-man’s attention, though he comes to her rescue and says that’s her natural lip color.
They both leave for the day at the same time, and HAHA, Ae-ra does a u-turn right back inside when she sees him. Dong-man calls her outside and awkwardly asks where she’s going today. She says she’s going shopping for a suit for her KBC interview, and he asks stiffly how long it will take.
Joo-man and Seol-hee’s trip to work is no less cringe-worthy as Joo-man keeps muttering that the kiss was nothing. Seol-hee possessively grabs his briefcase handle, arguing that it’s not like she’s holding his hand when Joo-man grows nervous that they’ll be seen.
Dong-man tags along while Ae-ra tries on clothes, grouching that women always need a new outfit for everything. To every outfit she tries on, all Dong-man can muster is an “It’s okay…” at each one until she finally blows up and asks why he even came if he wasn’t going to tell her which one is pretty on her.
Dong-man stands and yells, “All! Just all! You look pretty in all of them!” The salesgirl giggles as he flops back down in his seat, looking like he’s either going to flee or burst into tears. So cute.
After the shopping is done, Dong-man says he’s off to the gym to train for his match tomorrow. Ae-ra bristles, angry that he’s not obeying her order to stop fighting even after being beaten so badly. But she tags along anyway, curious about where he trains.
Seol-hee surprises Joo-man with a kiss in the copy room, and they nearly get caught by his boss, Manager Choi. Seol-hee flounces back to work, and Manager Choi comments that Joo-won looks like he’s wearing lip gloss, LOL.
The next time Joo-man and Seol-hee see each other at the office, she brazenly grabs his butt, and he whines that she’s making him too nervous to work. Seol-hee says that if he told people that they’ve been dating for so long they may as well be married, then he won’t have to be nervous anymore—which her supervisor overhears. In private, she berates Seol-hee for keeping her relationship a secret, urging her to either tell everyone or keep cool about it. She admits that she was in a similar situation once, and that it’s frustrating and heartbreaking.
The guys at the gym are unhappy to have Ae-ra invade their manly lair, especially Coach Hwang, whom she orders to pay Dong-man for his time spent teaching. Coach yells at his mean trainee, whose name we finally learn is Byung-joo, for punching Dong-man too hard when they both have matches tomorrow.
Byung-joo talks back, then pummels Dong-man even more viciously. Ae-ra snarls at him, then she launches a hilarious aegyo attack, pouting in a squeaky baby voice, “Ae-ra wants to try!” LOL, Dong-man’s head whips around so fast you can practically hear the snap.
Batting giant doe-eyes at Byung-joo, Ae-ra asks him to teach her, chirping that he’s the smartest and handsomest man in the place. He invites her into the ring and Dong-man begs her not to go psycho on him, but she ignores him and shames Byung-joo into not wearing a helmet. He’s gonna regret that.
Byung-joo demonstrates how to anticipate a punch, bragging that he can always evade an incoming fist. Ae-ra throws a few puny little jabs, squealing with girlish glee when he easily dodges them… then the moment his guard is down, she slams a fist into his nose, drawing blood. HAHA, that was awesome.
At a company lunch, everyone is talking about their first in-house couple who’ve been together for six years. But it’s not Joo-man and Seol-hee—it’s Seol-hee’s supervisor and her boyfriend, who’ve finally gone public with a wedding announcement.
When Ye-jin tries to serve Joo-man, Seol-hee’s supervisor nudges her and announces that Seol-hee has a boyfriend too. Seol-hee says it’s true and that they’re getting married soon, as well (Joo-man’s carefully neutral face is cracking me up). Uninterested in Seol-hee, Manager Choi tells Joo-man to do well with his kimchi project, get promoted, and get married too.
He asks Ye-jin to describe her ideal man, and she names Park Bo-gum. Seol-hee blurts that her boyfriend looks exactly like Park Bo-gum, making Joo-man spit his drink. HA.
After the meal, Seol-hee invites Ye-jin to have tea with her, alone. Ye-jin accepts, thinking that they’re girl-bonding because their parents both sell pork trotters and they both like pink. Seol-hee thinks that if this were a drama, Ye-jin’s character would be rude, annoyed that she’s actually sweet and pretty.
Over tea and cake, Ye-jin asks Seol-hee about her boyfriend, and when Seol-hee describes him as a teddy bear, Ye-jin says happily that they have the same taste in men. Seol-hee lights up to hear that Ye-jin has a boyfriend, since it means she’s not a real threat with regards to Joo-man.
Ye-jin offers to show Seol-hee pictures of her guy, reminding her to keep this a secret. Seol-hee’s face falls to see that the pictures are all candid shots of Joo-man. Ye-jin admits that they aren’t dating yet, but she’s confident they will be soon.
Looking at Ye-jin’s overjoyed expression and listening to her gush about how happy she is, Seol-hee can’t help but be reminded of the way she felt when she first fell for Joo-man. She imagines throwing water in Ye-jin’s face, or maybe giving her a good kimchi-slap. But then she realizes that in real life, it’s really hard to make yourself slap someone. HAHA.
Tak-soo and his manager Tae-hee manufacture a dating scandal for him in the hopes of overshadowing the rumor that he hired the Brazilian fighter to beat Dong-man. Tak-soo’s impatience with his girlfriend’s terrible acting skills makes her angry, since this scandal will risk her singing career.
As they walk home that night, Dong-man teases Ae-ra for punching Byung-joo, secretly pleased at the way she defended him. She argues that it’s no different than getting mad when someone hurts your puppy, hee. He tells her to get dressed, and they meet Joo-man and Seol-hee on the roof so Ae-ra can practice for her interview tomorrow.
Ae-ra’s prepared speech sounds great, and her friends are certain she’ll get the job. Seol-hee tears up, sniffling that she’s been watching Ae-ra and Dong-man working for their dreams since they were kids, and tomorrow they’re both getting their big shot.
In the morning, Ae-ra is nervous as she sets out for her interview. She asks Dong-man if she looks okay, and just being asked to look at her makes his brain lock up again. He stammers that maybe it’s because she usually she looks like a beast… and as he’s working up the nerve to call her pretty without actually saying the word, Landlady Hwang pops up behind him and scares him half to death.
“Pretty! He means you’re pretty!” she yells, while Dong-man tries not to curse, ha. She notes that they look guilty, like she caught them in the middle of something, which just makes them look even more guilty.
Ae-ra shoves Dong-man into a taxi and tells him not to tire himself out before his match. She even gives him money to pay for it, saying that she’s his first sponsor. Awww. He gives her the address of his fight just in case she changes her mind, but she says she’s never watching him fight again, and his face falls. Double awww.
She heads to her interview, looking confident and professional. But when it’s her turn to interview, she’s the only one not asked any questions. She’s told that her resume is so lacking that they aren’t interested in learning more about her, because she doesn’t have anywhere near the education and experience of the other candidates.
They assume that because she hasn’t been studying and working in the business, that it shows a lack of dedication. But Ae-ra says that while the other candidates were volunteering and studying abroad, she was earning money.
She calls her dad afterward to ask if she can come visit, but he says that he’s too busy with his restaurant. As Ae-ra heads home, she thinks about how she and her friends live hard, but their resumes have nothing to show for it. She hides her face behind the curtain on the bus so that nobody will see her crying.
Tak-soo’s dating scandal breaks right on schedule, though he’s angry when he learns that Dong-man is fighting his debut match today. Tae-hee promises that he’s found someone who can fight Dong-man and end his mixed martial arts career, because he’s beaten Dong-man before.
As they wait for their bus home, Seol-hee says to Joo-man that she wishes someone would find them out because she’s nervous lately, what with him getting kissed by a pretty, younger girl. Joo-man dutifully insists that Seol-hee is prettier, but she admits that she feels like his secret mistress, and that she’s dragging him down.
She confesses that sometimes, she wishes he hadn’t gone to college and gotten a good job and was more on her level. Joo-man scoots over and takes her hand, and he promises that if he gets promoted to manager, they’ll tell everyone about their relationship and she can quit.
He says he’ll support her dream of being a power blogger, which is a great career for a manager’s wife. Seol-hee stares as he says, “Once I become manager, let’s do it. Let’s get married.”
Before his fight, Dong-man calls his mom, who fibs that his father also wants to talk to him. She holds out the phone, putting it on speaker so that his dad hears him when Dong-man says not to bother passing the phone to his father.
But he hears his dad’s nervous cough, so he tells his mom to give his dad a message, knowing he’s listening. Softly, he asks for his dad to believe in his son, then he quickly hangs up. Dong-man’s dad says gruffly that there’s no need, because Dong-man will win no matter he does. Awww.
At the last minute, the rookie fighter who was to face Dong-man forfeits, so Dong-man is matched with his own teammate, Byung-joo. Coach Hwang objects since Byung-joo is much more experienced. Byung-joo acts like he’s already won the fight, saying that he’ll go easy on Dong-man.
But Dong-man says he’ll fight Byung-joo, confident that he can win. Adorably, he’s more nervous about taking off his shirt to fight, but Coach promises that the audience won’t see anything (“They’ll just look like two kidney beans!” HAHA). Tak-soo’s coach stops them to tell Dong-man that he’s here today as his fan. Dong-man is taken aback, but Coach Choi seems sincere when he tells Dong-man, “Let me see you fly again.”
When Joo-man and Seol-hee’s bus arrives at their stop, Seol-hee calls Joo-man jagi-ya, a common endearment among couples. Belatedly, they see that Ye-jin was waiting for Joo-man at the stop, and that she heard what Seol-hee said.
Byung-joo makes a dramatic entrance into the stadium, followed by Dong-man. As he approaches the cage, Dong-man passes right by Tak-soo, but they just exchange glares. As required, Dong-man takes off his shirt, and Coach Hwang tells him not to let Tak-soo being in the audience rattle him, and to remember that he possesses the superior skill. Dong-man says that he’s just going to enjoy this, since it’s been so long.
There’s a stir in the audience as Hye-ran shows up, and all the reporters follow her to her seat, asking why she’s here. She says that she’s here to cheer on a fighter, gesturing to Dong-man as he’s introduced.
The fight begins, and Byung-joo aggressively lands several punches and kicks in a row, making Tak-soo smirk. But then Dong-man spots Byung-joo shifting his weight and takes his opportunity, delivering a kick to the side that makes Byung-joo double over. Dong-man executes his signature move, the roundhouse kick, and he lands his foot right into Byung-joo’s face, knocking him out cold.
Tak-soo is stunned to see Dong-man win his debut fight against an experienced fighter in only nineteen seconds. Coach Hwang is so proud that he wonders with tears in his eyes how Dong-man kept this inside for so long. Dong-man lets out a mighty battle roar as his hand is raised and he’s declared the winner.
Coach helps Dong-man put his shirt back on and hugs him, fighting back tears. With reporters calling questions to him about who he is and what his relationship is to Hye-ran, Dong-man heads towards the audience and stands in front of Hye-ran, who looks up at him expectantly.
But he steps right past her and up the stairs, to a small figure in the top row, huddled into a ball with her hands over her ears.
He crouches in front of her, and then reaches out to touch her knee. Ae-ra raises her head, revealing her face streaming with tears. Dong-man asks what she’s doing and tells her that he won, and Ae-ra heaves a giant sigh of relief.
In a wobbly voice, she asks if he really has to do this, because she can’t bear to watch. Looking up at her in wonder, Dong-man just says, “I’m in trouble. Now you look pretty even when you cry.”
Epilogue.
Little Dong-man’s teacher finds him feeding the class rabbits, favoring the pretty one over the ugly one. She tells him that the ugly rabbit will be sad to be left out, saying that the uglier it is, the nicer he should be to it.
Later, Dong-man passes out gum to little Ae-ra, curly-haired Seol-hee, and himself. He has one piece of gum left, and he looks closely at both girls before giving the last piece to Ae-ra. She grins at him, and he reaches out to pat her head like she’s a fluffy little bunny.
COMMENTS
Well, just excuse me while I swoon forever. Hoo boy, when Dong-man decides to turn on the charm, he really goes all-out, doesn’t he? He was all business during that fight and all man afterward, no trace of the dumb jock at all. It was so romantic, the way he knew Ae-ra was in the audience without even seeing her face, and he knew that she needed him to reassure her that he was okay. Seeing him fight really does tear her up inside, but it’s proof of how much she cares about him that she was there to support him anyway, even if she couldn’t actually watch and even though it made her miserable. I’m hoping that Dong-man’s declaration that Ae-ra is pretty when she cries is him finally recognizing and accepting his feelings for her. As cute as they are when in denial, I’m ready to see some truly embarrassing dating now.
I’m happy that Joo-man finally set a goal to marry Seol-hee, though something still feels wrong to me. We’re at the midpoint of the story so it might just be weak writing, but as the rest of the characters are so well-imagined, I can’t help but hope that this is intentional. Their conflicts have been solved too easily, and I worry that something big is about to hit them and truly test their commitment to each other in a way that an annoying admirer hasn’t been able to do. But as strange as it sounds, I think that Joo-man and Seol-hee need something to shake them up, to make them really think about whether this relationship is what they want. I don’t want them to get married because it’s been six years, so why not. I want them to get married because they’ve been through the fire and realized they can’t live without each other.
Tak-soo is getting worrisome—he’s way more concerned about taking out Dong-man before they have an official fight, than just fighting him fair and square. He’s obviously scared of facing Dong-man in the ring because he knows he’ll lose, but I’m getting scared that his tricks and schemes are going to get Dong-man seriously hurt. They already did once before, and people get killed in this sport. Now it looks as though Byung-joo might even have a connection with Tak-soo, which is frightening because he has close access to Dong-man that Tak-soo wouldn’t have otherwise. Luckily, it seems as though Coach Choi really is a decent guy who admires Dong-man’s skill and dedication (loved his little smile when Dong-man won his fight), so I hope that he’ll step up to help if things go pear-shaped.
I wasn’t surprised to learn that Dong-man is Ae-ra’s first love, because we’ve seen the clues in the epilogues going all the way back to their childhood days. But I am surprised that she’s so aware of it, and that even Dong-man knows about Wrist Guy, though not his identity (of course the big moose was there when Ae-ra hurt her wrist, but he’s never been quick enough to put the clues together). Until now, I’ve just been assuming that Ae-ra’s warnings to Dong-man were because she’s experiencing a newfound attraction to him—it never occurred to me that she’s knowingly been in love with him for years. And it’s no wonder that all of Ae-ra’s boyfriends have been disasters… none of them are Dong-man, so she’s never bothered to really look for someone she could love, because she’s already in love. Somehow, this adds a layer to their interactions that changes everything, and it’s the best thing ever.
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Tags: Ahn Jae-hong, Episode 8, Fight My Way, Kim Ji-won, Park Seo-joon, Song Ha-yoon
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51 isa
June 14, 2017 at 7:27 AM
For whatever reason this show wants me to believe that Joo-Man is a catch. Joo-Man is not a catch. Joo-Man is a chump. But, going with show-logic I find it hard--very hard, in fact--to believe that this is the first time in the past 6 years that someone has tried to pursue him. I think that this is just his first time getting caught by Seol-Hee. Like its been said, repeatedly--he hasn't actually done anything but he's not telling Pinky Intern (thanks whoever said that! So much easier to remember than her name) that he's not interested either.
It doesn't seem like there's an actual reason for them to not tell people at work. Seol-Hee's manager told her to tell everyone, claim him as your man or be cool. Joo-Man's boss (or whoever that guy is that's shipping him with Pinky) said if you're dating come right on out and say it, don't wait 6 years and give us a wedding invitation. Their reason that they shouldn't tell, which seems to be coming completely from Joo-Man by-the-by, that it would be UNCOMFORTABLE? In the words of Blair Waldorf: Mother Chucker. GTFO. His "marriage proposal" seemed more like a concession than an actual desire to spend his life with her. More like a, you've waited this long, if you wait even longer I guess I'll marry you. And she's swooning over this? Girl. Your bar? Is too low. Please raise your standards. This guy is saying that he'll marry you with the same enthusiasm as saying he'll have rice for dinner.
I'm hoping to be proven wrong but right now, Joo-Man is giving me Moo-Bin feels. Sure, he'll marry Seul-Hee (or become engaged to her without ever actually pulling the trigger) but he's going to keep going to work where no one knows he's taken (he said they'll tell everyone after they become engaged but I don't trust this fool) and where he has a built in fanbase. Which is weird. Because he is a chump. And he's going to passively encourage Pinky and all the future Pinky's of the world by not saying I'm taken, by not wearing the wedding/couple ring when the time comes, by always being available to help or "rescue". While Seul-Hee obliviously stays at home power blogging and Joo-Man is "accidentally" kissed.
I did like that Seul-Hee didn't put the smack down on Pinky. Its not her fault. She's being super aggressive, but she thinks she's being super aggressive to a single, good looking man. Seul-Hee needs to Joo-Man and he needs to step up to the plate. I never like it when women attack other women because their man cheated. I liked when Ae Ra moved past the pregnant restaurant lady to kick her boyfriends butt when she realized he was cheating on her. He's the one who done her wrong.
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Ahjumma
June 14, 2017 at 9:49 AM
Totally agree with you - why do women blame other women and not the man. I guess it's easier than admitting to yourself and everyone else that there's something wrong with the person you love , or it's the wrong person entirely . However, I do think that there's a certain reluctance / level of discomfort in disclosing relationships at work, while it may not be exactly forbidden. ( My boyfriend, who worked in the same place as me, and I didn't tell anyone we got together until people found out by themselves ) but I agree that Joo Man's reason for not telling his co-workers seem to run deeper than just not wanting your colleagues to know too much about your personal life. The way he said at his nephew's birthday party that " he may not marry her , but if he doesn't marry her then he won't marry anyone at all ", seems to suggest that there is a deeper underlying reason why he won't get married
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 10:36 AM
OMG. Right on! Did i give your comment applause out loud at work right now? Yes, yes I did. That Joo Man is sliding down the drain. What the heck is up?
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persianrose
June 14, 2017 at 12:19 PM
I think Seul-Hee needs first to believe on herself...If she herself think she is not pretty or good enough for Joo-Man, how come others mind will change... And by the way she is super pretty in my eyes, I'm in love with her eyes and her full long hair
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52 sfgirl
June 14, 2017 at 7:27 AM
I love that the beanies are all having great discussion on the relationship dynamics in the show and I am still paused at the point when Park Seo-joon stepped into the ring with his shirt off (metaphorical pause, though I wouldn't mind seeing that image plastered over my TV all the time). He seems to have worked hard on his body and added bulk. He looks really good. Solid, large and tall. Stay like the Park Seo-joon. And he pairs that visual awesomeness with great acting. And don't get me started on that voice. I became a Park Seo-joon fan when I first watched "A Witch's Romance" and he just keeps getting better.
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LollyPip
June 14, 2017 at 7:32 AM
Confession: I blew a Dong-man brain-fuse when he took off his shirt. His abs *might* be my current wallpaper. Might.
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sidnerella
June 14, 2017 at 9:55 AM
Glad I'm not the only one sporting the Dong-man 6 pack as a back ground.
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merisoo
June 14, 2017 at 9:07 AM
Yes to everything about his body. Sigh, perfection. I absolutely adored Witch's Romance.
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 10:40 AM
Dude I'm all about those arms. Even episodes before the fight. He's did great work on his body...also he's acting. Top notch.
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sfgirl
June 14, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Yes! Did you see him flex when he checked for his vaccine spot.. ? Yeah I see what you are doing there Park Seo-joon. Thinking about the fans!
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 12:44 PM
You caught that too! I was like wait ::cough:: can you check again?
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bbstl
June 14, 2017 at 5:58 PM
My daily alarm is PSJ singing one of his OST songs every morning. Sigh, he just gets better with each drama ❤️????
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wackycashew
June 14, 2017 at 6:33 PM
He looked sooooo good there and it gave the feeling: I'm gonna own this ring tonight!
I haven't seen much of PSJ yet (too many to-watch shows on my list =P), but I really like him here. He also had a commanding presence in Hwarang with his build, which was hard not to notice. XD
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53 miselpo
June 14, 2017 at 7:49 AM
Hwaiting Aera, go for your dream!
Why is that to be an announcer the spec must be that impressive? Graduate school, study abroad, volunteering?? Sounds like applying for PhD scholarship to me.
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bbstl
June 14, 2017 at 6:13 PM
Isn't the show a commentary on the "youth" employment situation in Korea? So we're to understand that job candidates must all be super-candidates (like candidates for Ivy League universities) because the competition is so impossibly high there for practically all jobs. And that Joo Man is a real hot catch because he's a deputy manager in a large conglomerate, a dream job, even if we may see him as a wish-washy, noncommittal average guy at best.
Question, what would Seol Hee be power blogging about given the chance, is she an expert or passionate about something that I missed?
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isa
June 14, 2017 at 7:20 PM
How to be a doormat?
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54 loveblossom
June 14, 2017 at 7:54 AM
I love how Dong Man can be so dorky and awkward one minute, but then transform in the ring exuding tons of confidence and skill. The ending scene was awesome and swoony. It was satisfying seeing him completely ignore Hye Ran and seeing him focused on Ae Ra.
Park Seo Joon’s acting is excellent! <3
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55 hades
June 14, 2017 at 8:15 AM
Thanks for the recap @lollypip. I'm a bit cross with you that you didn't include any full shirtless shots of Dong-man, but I'll let it slide. ?
This was a really solid episode. It's funny how they show that Dong-man isn't always the sharpest tool in the shed, but when it comes to fighting, he seems to be quite perceptive. Who was expecting that speedy KO?!
I absolutely love when dramas reference cliche drama tropes. Do people actually get slapped with kimchi though?! I love it even more when a drama can surprise me. I didn't think to look out for Ae-ra at Dong-man's match, especially given how badly her interview went. It was really awesome that she was there and it speaks to the support that Ae-ra has given him. It really means more when you give when you don't have much; simple gestures like paying for the cab ride and standing up for someone when they are bullied mean a lot.
I love how this drama makes me feel uncomfortable sometimes, because life isn't always comfortable. We might use dramas and their sometimes nonsensical utopian depiction as an escape to feel good, but it's awesome when discomfort can also make you feel good. It's relatable. This show does a really good job of using humour to mask the bitter taste. Slice of Life for the win!
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bbstl
June 14, 2017 at 6:19 PM
This show really faked me out by making it appear like AeRa had hopped on a long-distance bus (the plush seats and curtains) which I then combined with her call to Dad and the crying: voila! she's gone home to Dad after the terrible interview! I was surprised as hell when she was at the fight. Good job, Show ?
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56 miss h
June 14, 2017 at 8:19 AM
Such a good episode. It's nice to find characters that are so relatable. Dong Man and the Febreze - totally something my brother would do. Ae Ra's interview - I've been there where you can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without a job. Can't wait until next week.
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sidnerella
June 14, 2017 at 8:53 AM
"I've been there where you can't get a job without experience, but you can't get experience without a job."
Oh my goodness isn't this just the truest statement.
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bbstl
June 14, 2017 at 6:23 PM
and that detail of Mr Taste and Smell Joo Man not being able to eat breakfast over the odor of the Febreze, I just died. That would happen irl, too.
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wackycashew
June 14, 2017 at 6:38 PM
The Febreze was gold! And lip gloss!
The work experience thing is always a catch, especially if you're an immigrant to a new country and employers want to see if you have local experience.
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57 .katshirou
June 14, 2017 at 8:35 AM
Am I the only one hoping for a kiss next week? ??
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58 S
June 14, 2017 at 8:36 AM
Well, actually if you paid attention in the first episode you could tell that Ae Ra liked Do Man in high school, so it's not really that surprising that he's her first love.
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RaiThe배
June 14, 2017 at 12:34 PM
She looked disappointed when he decided to ask out that one girl
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59 dooleygongshil
June 14, 2017 at 8:42 AM
This episode was so good in so many ways! I loved the way they set up the end. We didn't know she was at the match either and that bit of surprise really emphasized that he knew she was there even though she was hiding. It was a nice clever way to execute the scene. Also the way he walked right past Hye-ran was so satisfying.
My heart really broke for Ae-ra when she did her interview. It seems like such a hopeless situation. I was yelling at the interview lady through my screen lol. I hated how she was like "Don't waste our time". Excuse me lady but you're wasting this talented young woman's time by asking her for an interview and not even asking her any questions. Also WHAT A SNOB. It makes it so only people with money can be an announcer lol. I can't wait to see her rise above and get out of this hopeless cycle.
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sidnerella
June 14, 2017 at 9:59 AM
He is so aware of her. It so sweet. And I know that interview scene was really heartbreaking and also so relatable as well.
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60 wingedswan
June 14, 2017 at 8:43 AM
~~~~~♡--♡~~~~~
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61 sidnerella
June 14, 2017 at 8:52 AM
“I’m in trouble. Now you look pretty even when you cry.” squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.....I almost woke up the whole family with my sqee at this....like, so swoony. Park Seo Joon is really doing such a great job with Dong Man. Can't wait for more.
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Jenmole
June 14, 2017 at 2:45 PM
I just want to add to your squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Thanks! :)
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Jenmole
June 14, 2017 at 2:51 PM
With that out of the way, I was streaming this episode on my way into work and it stopped half way through! Once I got into my office, I had to read the recap! And so glad I did! So squee worthy! When I get home, I'll go back to where I left off! Can't wait!
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sidnerella
June 15, 2017 at 5:52 AM
Oh I bet that was a long day at work waiting to go home to watch Dong man's abs...cough...I mean the rest of the show.
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62 lunatic4kd
June 14, 2017 at 9:00 AM
And BTS "Fire" playing as Dong-man walked to the ring. Perfection!! And OMG, since the shirtless jump rope variety show scenes for the cast of Hwarang, are y'all noticing how hard Park Seo-joon has worked on his body.? YEOW, what a gorgeous man. After seeing everything PSJ has been in, this is my favorite role of his. He play the clueless moose so well. This drama is pure delight. When all the new episodes of all the new dramas playing are all lined up (and I'm watching them all) Fight My Way is always my first choice to watch. That's saying a lot.
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bbstl
June 14, 2017 at 6:26 PM
Oh *sigh* that rope jumping show! Talk about separating the man from the boys ???
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63 alasecond
June 14, 2017 at 9:01 AM
what was the ending part about?
kiddo DM finds kid AR ugly? .. i was hoping that AR would be DM's first love too given DM is ARs
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hanny
June 15, 2017 at 12:27 AM
in my opinion.. the ending part told us about how AR falls for DM and how dimwit DM is.
Little DM was taught to give more to the less pretty, and that what he does to AR (since little AR more boyish than little SH that looks prettier). And I believe this become habbit. and how little girl could not fall if a boy give you more of what you like than others.
but sure now, all we know that DM also grows a feeling for AR. in my country love could grow over a stomach (means you could grow love through food). geee.. I dunno if that's the right terms ^^
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64 yerinfish
June 14, 2017 at 9:03 AM
Thanks for the quick recap lollypip!
Was fighting back tears, giggles, and lots of other feelings on this episode (just like our leads, lol). The 19 second win was a powerful moment for me. Just like Seol Hee said, it's when you do what you love, you shine the brightest. Dong Man really shone there (like literally too)
A lot of the seemingly simple lines in this drama really hit me bulls eye~ You know, being young and dreamy and facing the harsh realities in stark contrast to those dreams. Thanks, writer-nims for encouraging the young ones!!
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65 wandergirl
June 14, 2017 at 9:06 AM
I admit that I wasn't into the previous episode, but this one redeemed the drama for me. So many funny scenes that had me giggling into my pillow, for fear of waking up my roommates!
- That head butt is so childish lol
- The way Dong-man is utterly clueless about how he's competing with himself / past version of himself (Ae-ra's Wrist Guy)
- Dong-man Febreezing himself hahaha
- That shopping scene
- Ae-ra and that over the top, deceiving aegyo attack to distract Byung-joo from her true intentions
- Landlady Hwang messing around with Ae-ra and Dong-man
And then there were the quiet but heartwarming moments, like that sort of proposal from Joo-man to Seol-hee and Dong-man making his way to Ae-ra after his fight. While I'm still waiting for them to man up and owe up to their misgivings, I'd have to give it to them for at least trying to take that extra step.
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wandergirl
June 14, 2017 at 9:29 AM
Oh and how could I forget: shirtless Park Seo-joon. Rawr.
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66 elynn12
June 14, 2017 at 9:16 AM
There are so much squee-ing moment, I don't even know where to start! And the babies epilogue is back. i love them little kiddos.. i love how consistent the first few episode are about DM always thinking AR is ugly.. (ugly lil bunnies get more sweets.) And then bam, somehow his eyes had the veil lifted in this episode and AR is pretty in everything she does/wear - that's when we know he has finally start falling for her.
Swoon worthy / stuck in my mind moment:
1. when it was shown that DM is the wrist guy aka first love. hahahaha how can a guy be so dense.
2. AR putting on that aegyo and then punching BJ real hard at that nose. I wished i was her.
3. DM shirtless (mannn those pecs)
4. DM doing that round house kick at BJ!!
5. DM ignoring HR and walking straight to AR (it's like he has a sixth sense whenever she is around)
6. DM shirtless (hehhehehe something so fine deserves a 2nd mention and multiple rewinds and pauses while watching the drama)
7. and my Fav of all. when he say "I think I'm in trouble, I find you pretty even when you cry" SWOON!!
sigh. ok need to unpause that shiny pecs scene heheh
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67 lazielizard
June 14, 2017 at 9:16 AM
It's been so long since I've actually had a literal squeal fest.. that last scene.. I scared my family. They just think I'm weird though so its ok. Lol
But really..i just can't with these two. They are freaking perfect! ?
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68 fatraspberry
June 14, 2017 at 9:21 AM
This drama has the perfect ratio of real life and the dreamy kdrama vibes (imo) It's kind of remind me of Another Oh Hae Young..
Joo Man is totally interested in the girl and I kinda get it - I mean, to stay with the same girl for 6 years is not easy and well new girl will somehow appeal more, although I really hate the fact that he didn't even tell the girl that he HAS a gf -- he doesn't even have to say it's Seol Hee! yet he decided to just stay quiet. I want Joo Man and Seol Hee to have a happy ending but I think they should break up first, I need to see Seol Hee learns to love herself more before she got into the marriage, I need to see her becoming confident, flaunt that pretty face and body and just do whatever she wants.
as for Dong Man and Ae Ra, I can go on forever about why I love this couple. Beside the last scene, I really like when they showed Ae Ra's first love! I can't believe she's been in love for so long, poor girl had to hide her feelings despite all the huggings and holding hands all those years! There's just something about Park Seo Joon with Kim Ji Won in one screen, they look so good together and I just love the chemistry. Can't wait for Monday
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69 Needaname
June 14, 2017 at 9:31 AM
I will just join the chorus here in singing Park Seo Joon's praises! The more I see of him the more I adore him! Yes, he is soo good, in many many ways!! Is it Monday yet?!
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sidnerella
June 15, 2017 at 6:00 AM
I know this show actually makes me look forward to Mondays.
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70 Ahjumma
June 14, 2017 at 9:38 AM
Thanks for the recap ! I was refreshing the page throughout the day in anticipation , and I've been staying up to watch the unsubbed version and attempting to guess what they're saying. #obsessed. ( I don't know why but I don't do this for Suspicious Partner )
Some thoughts:
- Like when will Dong Man and Ae Ra to get together??! Or just kiss or fall asleep together or something guys ! We've been waiting for like years ! ( okay 8 eps ). But i think there might not be much more plot if they do , which means we likely have to wait 4 - 6 episodes (?!)
- Ae Ra and Dong Man's attitudes towards each other are sometimes confusing / inconsistent. I mean, she obviously liked him from way back - I think during his taekwondo fight where he won and threw his taekwondo jacket to bo ram and said "tell everyone you have a boyfriend", Ae Ra caught the jacket and looked ecstatic until he clarified it was for Bo ram. But yet through the years, she seemed okay discussing his blind dates with other girls ( except Hye Ran ). Dong Man also didn't seem jealous of Moo Ki earlier, only Moo Bin later on. But speaking from experience ( haha ) , I think that's just the perennial problem of falling for your best friend. Sometimes you're okay just being friends cause you're used to it and it's safer/ you're content to be near the person than confront your feelings, but a part of you hopes and gets jealous and "flutters".
- on a side note, I love the music when Dong Man and Tak Soo walked in to their fights. Notice only the cooler fighters get nice cool music, not the other flabby guy who is always picking on Dong Man.
- it's okay that Dong Man is dense / clueless cause like, look at his abs.
- Dong Man and Coach have acted together before. I was watching "she was pretty" to kill time after "fight my way" and "suspicious partner". And the scene where park seo joon's character goes to rescue the drunk second female lead from a bar, Kim sung oh / coach made a cameo as a married man who was hitting on her and Park Seo joon seemingly taught him a lesson in the toilet because he emerged with blood down his nose. Coach would have been so proud.
The painful waiting for next week begins.
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71 gumgum
June 14, 2017 at 9:39 AM
"...she’s never bothered to really look for someone she could love, because she’s already in love."
Wow I'm still crying about her confession and even more about the fact that Dong Man is Ae Ra's first love. I don't know where the tears are coming from I'm just so happy hahahaha these stories really just strike my heart lol (why doesn't this happen in real life LOL JK)
I truly enjoyed the painful awkwardness after Ae Ra's confession and that despite that situation, their friendship shines through. Also It's just so genuine and cute to see how awkward and oddly careful they are with each other, like they haven't known each other for so long. And when Dong Man walked past Hye Ran and told Ae Ra he was in trouble because now she looks pretty even when she cries, if I was Ae Ra I would have stopped breathing HAHA. That's not the Dong Man we know, when was he so swoony? Hahaha looking forward to embarrassing dating as well, I'm still up for cute awkwardness!!
I'd like to be more invested in Sul Hee and Joo Man's relationship, but I wish they didn't have to wait for his promotion to get married, and I don't think I wanted him to ask her to quit. And since it seems Ye Jin will figure out the truth soon enough, I'm thinking the rest of the office will too?
I wish we get more of the Fantastic Four at Namil Bar! I'd like to get to know them more in that way too.
PS thank you show for a topless Park Seo Joon
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gumgum
June 14, 2017 at 9:50 AM
Thank you LollyPip for this recap!! The way you described Ae Ra's feelings, her first love turning out to be Dong Man, and how aware she actually was of how she felt - it just makes me so emotional/happy to read about it, thank you!!
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gumgum
June 14, 2017 at 11:31 AM
I really need to watch the last two eps again, I was too excited about what might happen haha
But now that I've calmed down and read through recaps and comments, this I think is one of the strongest episodes of a show I've seen. You have the adorable awkwardness of a budding friends to lovers romance, and a long term relationship that has somehow reached a plateau and is facing conflict. One experiences early success in his career, while the other loses to job candidates with more experience and money. And then there are people who try and get in the way of your success and happiness. But despite everything, there are friends who support you and are there for you no matter what. All that in one episode. It's pretty much a day in the life, but it doesn't drag the way life migh sometimes. And I am in awe that real life can be written this way for a drama and still be relatable.
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72 dukseonnoona
June 14, 2017 at 9:44 AM
Omona. Dong Man and Ae Ra will be the death of me. ?? Up until a couple of episodes ago, I was so sure Dong Man fell in love first. But wow that first love reveal. Can't Monday come sooner???
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73 Hanamichi Sakuragi
June 14, 2017 at 10:03 AM
The Darkest Timeline
Hye Ran tells Dong Man to break Ae Ra's heart in exchange to her helping Ae Ra achieve her dream of becoming an announcer. And then a timeskip happens where both are successful but are apart from each other.
I hope I'm wrong because it would suck as a story and for our characters.
Fight My Way has been amazing and I'm scared of a possible fall off.
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 10:43 AM
Nooooo. I think someone else already mention this possibly but seeing it twice...huurrts. That would be awful.
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librarianerin
June 14, 2017 at 10:47 AM
No!! Don't let it be! ??
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Lelly19
June 14, 2017 at 2:14 PM
Why would you even think something like that!!!
This drama never went the typical Kdrama way...
It was very good until now (for me at least)! Let's have a little faith!! XD
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sidnerella
June 15, 2017 at 6:15 AM
I agree, the writers, up until now, have strayed from the typical K Drama trope, even making fun of it at times. I don't think they would add something like that unless they added in a twist to make it more "real" seeming.
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vongole
June 16, 2017 at 2:24 AM
A slight detour from this storyline. Ae-Ra and Dong Man will start dating, which will bring AR into limelight as well and get the attention of prospective employers. Hye Ran will point this out to Ae-Ra in her nastiest best, leading to a whole lotta tears.
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74 raekaddict
June 14, 2017 at 10:13 AM
Let the awkward dating hijinks begin........????
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75 asguardian
June 14, 2017 at 10:18 AM
I don't know if anyone else felt it or maybe I just overthink, but as I have repeatedly said more than the love story... I love the reality aspect of the show. The monologue of Ae-ra's about struggling to get a job, depute being good just because of lack of credentials hits home for me. The Sul hee and Jong Man relationship troubles, because that's what happens.. it is perfect and then u add the romance of Ae-ra's and Doing Man ... The show becomes a pure love.
All I wait for is Ae-ra to get a call back for auditions actually
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76 tesshan
June 14, 2017 at 10:46 AM
Wow! OMG! I was not feeling so many fluffy, fuzzy, pink, unicorn rainbow feelings since Strong Woman BDS ended. Just wow. That ending scene was perfect. I love these two together. ❤️
And I am loving the 2nd lead couple as well so far.
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Lelly19
June 14, 2017 at 2:19 PM
Same!!
But that last scene was better than any episode of Strong Woman, for me!! I didn't think it was possible!! I think it's because it felt more realistic and relatable! :)
Loved it soooo much!!! I swoon every time I watch it...just thinking about it gives me all the feels, really!!! <3 <3 <3
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tesshan
June 16, 2017 at 3:30 AM
Yes it is very relatable and more realistic compared to all dramas we watched so far. Usually the slice of life dramas we see in dramaland are about super poor people or super rich ones and after 1 hardship they find love and it all focuses on the romantic aspect of the story but this is still keeping it real.
SWDBS's scene on the coach with them sleeping gave me similar feelings :)
I am a sucker for romance and tears.
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Lelly19
June 16, 2017 at 4:13 AM
Yes, you are right! The couch scene was beautiful indeed!! ❤
(slightly OT here hihihi XD)
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77 crazykel
June 14, 2017 at 10:46 AM
As much as I love Dong Man, blissfully obtuse as he is, I love Ae Ra that much more. Ugh, the interview scene made my heart hurt not because it was our heroine getting kicked down again, but because it was so real. Too often do specifications, qualifications, and opportunities only accorded to the rich get in the way of true talent, hard work, and determination. I love when the female leads are people I can relate to because often dramaland makes them so unrelateable. SO Kudos to show for making Ae Ra real!
I'm frustrated with Joo Man and Seol Hee. I still think something's up with the whole "gat-kimchi" deal that's going to stunt the promises made in this episode. I am glad that Ye Jin knows now, but I wish Seol Hee would've just told her. The reveal kind of loses its strength the way it happened.
Dong Man's last words: *melts*.
I love the phrase "Age doesn't matter, unless you're cheese." That is a quotable!
Thanks again for the lovely recap!!
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chingu
June 14, 2017 at 12:45 PM
I love that quote, too! Ahaha, I love it more that she said it in English because both the quote and her English was such a fun and pleasant surprise.
Argh, I was so peeved for Ae-ra when she raised her hand to remind the interviewers that they didn't ask her any questions. I hate it when that happens in dramas! I wonder if that really happens irl. It probably does, right? I can't believe it. The fact that they disregarded her and would've continued to ignore her existence if she didn't speak up, is just so wrong. They never even gave her a chance! I was expecting and wanting her to tell them her prepared intro anyway. I guess I'm glad that she didn't leave without saying anything at all because her "I was busy earning money" line was such a poignant one.
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crazykel
June 14, 2017 at 1:47 PM
I was scared she wouldn't say anything at all and just sit there, and I'm actually glad she pointed out the ridiculousness of the situation. Why would you call someone in for an interview, then ignore them entirely? It's unprofessional.
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isa
June 14, 2017 at 7:34 PM
I wonder if Ye Jin had something to do with Joo Man getting the kimchi deal?
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sidnerella
June 15, 2017 at 6:20 AM
that's what I was thinking...and now that she found out, the sweet, pinky intern is not gonna be sweet any more.
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vongole
June 16, 2017 at 2:27 AM
Yep @isa and yep @sindnerella! That promotion isn't going to happen :/
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78 Annar_18
June 14, 2017 at 11:23 AM
I'm not sure if its intentional but the lyrics are way to close the story. When Ae Ra and Dong Man were in the store, girl group Twice's song Signal was playing. The song features lyrics such as: "Sending you a sign, sending a signal
But it won’t go through
Giving you a look, trying to make you notice
But you don’t get it
I’m so frustrated, going crazy.... My looks, my gestures, all my facial expressions
There’s no use, nothing works
You have no tact at all
How much more can I express my feelings?
From some point, I started liking you
You fool
Why don’t you know my heart?
When are you going to stop being so dumb
And only treat me as a friend?
‘Cause that’s not what I want.
I Love the little things.
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Lelly19
June 14, 2017 at 2:23 PM
Twice know what's going on!! ahahaha!! XD
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Annar_18
June 15, 2017 at 5:12 AM
haha ikr it's like they knew
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79 persianrose
June 14, 2017 at 11:29 AM
The Love Ko Dong-Man and Choi Ae-Ra sharing is so GREAT!
No wonder they are hesitant or scared to go from friendship to romance zone...
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80 Lou
June 14, 2017 at 12:07 PM
I love how Dong Man bows to the audience after the fight.
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Lou
June 14, 2017 at 12:09 PM
I mean amongst other things that beanies have mentioned here ?
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81 chingu
June 14, 2017 at 12:31 PM
Kyyyyyyaaaaaaa~!!! I love it, I love it! I love Dong-man and I love Ae-ra, but I love it most when they're together. Dong-man's been having so much trouble these past couple eps telling Ae-ra how he thinks she looks pretty, but he finally said it! Gah, I love that he's Wrist Guy (duh, Dong-man, you dummy!) and that she's basically been crushing on him for yeaaaaaars! I'd like to think that deep down, Dong-man's always loved Ae-ra more than just a friend and a lil' sis, too, but he just never thought about it until now. I'm just so glad that both of them are realizing that their other half has been right there in front of them, all along. Park Seo-joon does emotional eyes so well that I just can't wait for the moment they officially confess their feelings for each other and share their first kiss--it's going to be magical.
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isa
June 14, 2017 at 7:38 PM
My pet theory is since he always listens to Ae-Ra whenever he felt like "more than friends" feelings he marked it up to being confused and waited for the feelings to pass since Ae-Ra is always telling him: Don't confuse me! Like, maybe he knew how he was feeling but Ae-Ra was constantly telling him that the feelings were wrong so he tried to fight them.
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82 RaiThe배
June 14, 2017 at 12:31 PM
Don't forget how the landlady said "102 is pursuing 101 now?" HAHAHA i love her!
Matter fact, i love just about all these characters (minus hye-ran obviously) they have such funny interactions and relatable moments. This drama just might be the best drama I've seen! I can't wait for next week!! Thank you for the recaps~
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83 toramona
June 14, 2017 at 12:37 PM
Thanks LollyPip! Loved the recap but really love your insights.
OMG.
DM & Ae-Ra- DM recounted Ae-Ra's dating history!I loved the exploration into their past through their words not only through the most adorable flashbacks ever. Really adore those child actors. Damm Ae-Ra first real big try with DM ended with a messed up wrist. Having Hye Ran waiting outside did give me a little bit of sympathy for her but then she was holding the porridge WHAM back to sheer hate for that lady. Ae-Ra has liked DM for so long and props to the girl for her baby steps at trying to reveal her feeling but then dealing with them on her own so she could continue to keep their friendship. That is so difficult. Ae-Ra interview was BRUTAL. Her criticism's on resumes were on point. Super relatable. It truly and utterly sucks to have people judge you by accomplishments on paper that you were not able to acquired for a multitude of reasons despite the fact that you might be perfect for the job. Ae-Ra's aegyo is sheer lethal. I loved when she did it in a previous episode and bringing it back to give that guy a bloody nose...BRAVO. Did Fight My Way give us a shopping scene? I frickin' love shopping scenes. DM's reaction was amazing! He was sweating and shaking. HAHHAH OOoo Loved the match scene where Coach is pumping DM to win and DM's like "I am just going to enjoy it. It took me a long time to come back to the ring." Yes! This is one of those DM's is wiser than those around him moments. Here's going to be all about the experience because dammit he deserves it. DM and Ae-Ra last scene was sheer explosions. I thought when she said she was never going to see him fight that it was a little unsupportive of her but then I remembered when i went to my brother's wrestling match. I love my little brother and I'm team him but i watched one wrestling match of his and never again. I thought I was going to black out and throw up at the same time. It lasted less than a minute and he won. I just didn't know what to do because I wanted to attack the coach, his opponent, and even the crowd like you MONSTERS how can you allow this to happen?? He can get HURT guys HURT! So i feel Ae-Ra so hard with her tears, hat and covered ears. She cares so much. I loved how DM knew she was there. Y'know I know some people questioned how he knew but I was like of course he knew. Probably walking in he noticed the person not looking up and recongized her build. In a sea of children's head I always knew my brother's right away.
JM & SH - Oh SH's i loved her briefcase grab, ninja kiss and grab. She is so cute. She was trying to push the boundaries and spoke up her frustrations with their secret relationship. I LOVED how her supervisor was trying to pump her up and at the office meal tried to give her an opening. SH's attempts to out herself at the office meal were adorably feeble. Then SH invites Ye-jin's to tea and she was attempting to be forward like when she was asking the male...
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 12:40 PM
intern questions but alas SH is a sweet chicken. The bus scene with JM and SH was awful. They were sitting far apart in till everyone left and after SH was getting upset and acknowledging how bad we knew she must be feeling THEN JM goes to her. UGH. He will bestow the "honor" of marrying him only after conditions that she can not control, are met?? The scene was gross. Those faces were not joyful and excited post proposal faces. I felt WEIRD. Buuuut I'm glad the writers brought back her blog from before. Let's get these two apart and have SH working with social media. I'm curious if it's a lifestyle blog or what. Ye-jin's bus stop waiting was not so much creepy as just too much. How long have you been waiting? Also why the heck are you waiting?
Side Notes: OoOO both Dad's this episode! Also when is DM's sister going to pop up again?
Breakfast scene with all four! I love when they are together but can we get some alone time with JM & DM? They NEED to talk. Perhaps in their bro talk we can find out some answers to their actions?
OMG the Coach with his pre match repeated "Do you need to pee?"
Epilogue: Oh no. Wait the black one is ugly? WHY? They are both adorable rabbits. Sigh writers that is not cool. Couldn't we have used guinea pigs and have one with hair all sticking up hilariously and one brushed with a bow? I'm not really fond of the subtle prejudices that pop up in weird ways. Take Another Oh Hae Young ads with the Barbie doll and the darker chubby doll. I mean I liked the show but I did not like the messages that ad was sending. Here again two similar dolls one with disheveled hair, skewed clothes and missing a shoe could have conveyed the same message. I enjoyed that little DM applyed the ugly-nice message to little Ae-Ra but the black/white rabbits nawed at me a bit.
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 12:41 PM
Oh wow...I really tried to edit myself a bit.
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84 anon
June 14, 2017 at 12:40 PM
i just love how dong-man's simple words, "now you look pretty even when you cry," have so much meaning behind them because of the flashbacks (both when they were kids and when ae-ra hurt her wrist before dong-man left for the army) and how throughout the episode, we can see dong-man struggling to call ae-ra pretty. it seems like such a challenge for him, in the department store when she was trying on clothes and before she leaves for her interview. he is very much aware that she's pretty but i think he's never explicitly told her, so now he isn't sure how, after years of calling her ugly and teasing her for it.
but the ending scene was so much more romantic because of it -- it's like he can no longer deny it, and he just had to tell her. dong-man's right: he's definitely in trouble and i can't wait to see him slowly catch up to where ae-ra's feelings are now.
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85 Cl
June 14, 2017 at 12:48 PM
I have a theory but it's only a theory...I think AeRa is sick...cuz in one of the episode when Moobin ask her about her mom she said she doesn't want to be like her mom because she wants to live a long time, so her sick mom must have die since she was young. Then in this episode she took some kind of medicine before the job interview. I think history is going to repeat itself. Dongman fighting that Taksoo guy at the end and they tried to bribe him to lose to save AeRa who is sick. This put Dongman in the same position in the past with his little sister but this time he wins the fight. Well this is only a theory...?
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toramona
June 14, 2017 at 1:21 PM
Ohh yeah the yellow pills? What was up with that? Aww man I'd hate a history repeating itself moment.
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Lelly19
June 14, 2017 at 2:31 PM
What's up with these crazy makjang theories?!?! (I'm talking of other comments too)
It looks like you guys watch to many kdramas :P
Ok i'm just kidding obviously...sorry! ;)
But seriously, the pills were probably just to calm herself, or something on that line...I wouldn't be surprised if they were part of product placement! XD
Let's be positive!!! :)
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LollyPip
June 14, 2017 at 2:43 PM
I think it was just a cough drop. The girl next to her kept clearing her throat, and I think Ae-ra grabbed a cough drop to keep herself from doing the same and sounding unprofessional. It's a trick I used to use when I was acting - you suck on a cough drop just before it's your turn to audition, to make your voice sound smooth.
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86 Ahj ❤ ❥ ♡ ♥ ღ
June 14, 2017 at 1:37 PM
I literally forgot to breath in the last part!!! Another drama that keeps me begging for more in an instant.
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87 javinne
June 14, 2017 at 1:48 PM
I keep on only watching Ae ra and DM... the rest... i dont care much.
But Ae ra makes my day... even when things dont go as Well for her as she deserves.
I am right now looking for a job, i live in germany... and even when interviews here are not so brutal... i feel very much related to her. My CV is not so wonderful... i have studied a lot, but nothing seems to be practical...
I defintivive relate to her... Even... different than her, i am not good looking. So....
Lets see if i can prove at least to be rwliable and smart... LOL
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88 coby
June 14, 2017 at 2:26 PM
Swooon! roundhouse-kickin-wrist-guy. Broke her wrist, wiped her tears with the cuffs of his shirt.. in a way using his wrist. Monday please come!
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89 Abbie
June 14, 2017 at 2:46 PM
Loved that ending! It was so brilliant, and Ae-ra and Dong-man are just so precious! And poor Ae-ra! She wants so badly to be an announcer, but because she's taking time to actually work and earn money, she gets overlooked in the interview! I find that a cruel thing to do to someone, just because she doesn't have experience as an announcer, doesn't mean she's unqualified. Every time she cries I just want to reach through my screen and give her a big hug because she needs it! Luckily, she's got Dong-man for that sort of thing!
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90 ohlalaland
June 14, 2017 at 2:47 PM
This episode was such a riot with amazing one liners. "My back nerves cannot feel something so small", "Yooou look pretty in everything", "Even when you cry, you look pretty to me".
Aegyo Ae Ra killed me with that well deserved punch. PSJ is so great at making awkward reactions and he managed to look hotter than normal after the KO. Coach is such a sweetheart when he teared up after the match. On the interview front, I think Ae Ra needs to find another job at a smaller station instead of focusing on the big name companies that are only interested in resumes and connections. Can't wait for the next episode to see how these two navigate awkwardly expressing their feelings.
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91 wakimary
June 14, 2017 at 5:06 PM
As if the past episodes weren't enough, DM & AR just endeared themselves to me again. It's sometimes frustrating how DM is just so dense about AR's feelings but I love him nonetheless.
While DM's denseness is endearing, JM is so frustrating. Is he embarrassed about dating SH?
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92 dramaDee
June 14, 2017 at 6:10 PM
Love love everything about this show.PSJ and KJW are perfectly cast.
I cant wait to see dong man face when he realizes he is the first love-wrist guy!!
Also it cracks me up to see the coach so intimidated by ae ra..so funny!
Never thought i would say this..but So looking forward to Monday:)
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dramaDee
June 14, 2017 at 6:12 PM
Also..the bestest bit of the episode, when dong man completely ignored the witch HR after the match..yaa!
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93 amyam
June 14, 2017 at 6:23 PM
This was so far my fav episode in the series, it hit so many right notes for me, and also left me teary-eyed in a few scenes. There was the right mixture of awkwardness, caring, laughable moments, the fun, the jealousy, the "confessions". Those two, Ae-ra and Dong Man are soo perfect for each other. I can relate to them in so many ways.
I'm actually quite surprised to find out that Ae-ra's first love was Dong Man because so far it seemed to me anyways that he was more aware of his feelings, or that he noticed something was changing or different between them. I felt that she always simply saw him as a bestie, so I was surprised at that revelation and was certainly misled by the writers. It was a wow for me. After a few relationships over the years, she is starting to fall for him all over again. I can't wait to see how this will turn out ~
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sidnerella
June 15, 2017 at 7:47 AM
She was just so used to hiding it and going along with life. I think it was brilliant writing and acting. To Dong man, the feelings he is just now becoming aware of are all new, so of course he would react to them a bit more overtly. To Ae-Ra, she's been dealing with them for so long, it's like breathing to her.
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94 wackycashew
June 14, 2017 at 6:29 PM
Thanks for the recap, LP!
OMG! The feels!!! Love love love this show! Finally, DM and AR are starting to realize their feelings for each other!!! All these scenes filled with awkwardness and little revelations of their mutual attraction just make me giggle and smile. Can't wait for them to get together!!
DM being AR's first love is not surprising. We've already seen all her heart-fluttering moments with DM. Just that our sweet, clueless moose hasn't caught on!! So, I'm really glad she finally told him point blank that he makes her heart flutter. I hope that's enough of a clue to start steering DM in the direction of confronting his own feelings and tell AR! The whole shopping scene was so funny when he thinks she's pretty in everything! =P
AR punching BJ in the nose! You go, girl!!
YJ is one of those characters that I really wanted to see being reined back a bit cuz she kept making moves on JM. Though it's not really her fault if he hasn't come clean he already has a long-time steady gf. I'm relieved that SH's supervisor and YJ both know about their relationship now. I agree that JM and SH need to experience some kinda serious conflict or crisis, and reflect on what they truly mean to each other.
DM feeling so shy about taking his shirt off is so endearing. LOL Felt sooooo good watching DM KO-ed BJ in 19s. Booya!! TS, you're gonna be next. Be afraid; be very afraid. I quite like Coach Choi.
Loved how DM completely ignored HR and headed straight for AR. It really speaks a lot that she came to show her support despite how it scares and pains her when he fights. I hope him being honest about finding her pretty even when crying is taking a step forward in examining hid own heart.
The epilogue is always so cute. DM treated AR like a bunny as a kid, and AR keeps referencing DM as a dog/puppy now. XD This show is so relatable and I love the cast. Waiting for next Monday!!
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95 littlecharmsy
June 14, 2017 at 7:06 PM
It’s been fun seeing Dong Man struggle to clearly define what his relationship is to Ae-Ra… from being friends, to family, to Dad’s proxy, etc… And his dance around the question “Do you like me/her?” is so awkward it’s fantastic. I really want him to say “No. I don’t like you. I LOVE YOU!” But I wonder whether his reluctance to accept his romantic feelings for Ae-Ra is the result of a past rejection by Ae-Ra. As other Beanies have mentioned, Dong Man’s (fake out) confession to Bong Ram (instead of to Ae-Ra) probably caused Ae-Ra to suppress her feelings for Dong Man – who wants to be rejected by your best friend? Perhaps Dong Man also started liking Ae-ra and she unknowingly rejected him, thus making him cough up any romantic feelings as just wanting to protect his best friend, family, etc…
Anyway, Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji-won are really killing it in this drama. And I am totally engrossed with their characters and their history. I love their chemistry. The epilogues explain so much!! I love how simple Dong Man thinks!
On a different note, I cringe at Joo-man and Seol-hee’s relationship, in particular, Joo-man’s condition for getting married. “If I (you) get promoted,” “if I (you) get a job,” “if I (you) pass the exam,” “if I (you) get into college”. How many of these excuses have they used to define when they should get married? In the beginning, they probably defined the terms of marriage together (e.g., when you/we get a job so that we can live comfortably). But now, it seems that Joo-man is dictating the shots (as @jillian mentioned). It seems like Seol-hee is ready to move forward, but Joo-man is still reluctant. Step up, man! What gives? He spews out all this passion about loving and wanting to marry only Seol-hee but balks everyday when it comes to actually marrying her. Not that I condone how his family treats Seol-hee, but perhaps it’s not just because her parents sell pork trotters. He’s been with her for 6 years and hasn’t proposed… perhaps they see that he thinks she’s not good enough for him, and therefore not good enough for them and not worthy of their attention.
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bbstl
June 14, 2017 at 7:48 PM
On the topic of AR suppressing her feelings for DM, wasn't there an epilogue where tiny Dong Man yelled at little AeRa, "I'll never marry you!"? But I can't remember what led up to that declaration.
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littlecharmsy
June 14, 2017 at 10:48 PM
Episode 2. DM was being bullied, probably teased about liking AR. And the denial begins!
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96 PanthomLights
June 14, 2017 at 7:35 PM
This episode is ---- DAEBAK!!!
Best episode so far, show!
SWOON.. to the nth power!
Dong man really stepped up with this episode. Its a great response to Ae ra's "It makes my heart flutter" in the previous episode. I love it. I really love it when they are doing shopping and he yells that she looks pretty with all those clothes. Ha! Oh dear, he's finally admitting (more to himself) that she's indeed pretty. I hope that the moment he said that she's pretty even though she's crying will be the start of him accepting his feelings for her and hopefully it will level up their status.
well, as what @lollypip said "As cute as they are when in denial. I'm ready to see some truly embarassing dating now." Yeah! I'm ready for that!!
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97 mischiefdreamer
June 14, 2017 at 7:59 PM
Okay this episode made me want to watch this drama now, I was seriously considering dropping it because I couldn't stand the dumb jock Dong man is, even though I love Ae ra's character but things are getting interesting. I'd love to see their relationship progress.
My heart was hurting for Ae ra as she was crying in the bus, girl can't catch a break in love and life.
The other love storyline got a bit of a backseat due to the main couple line but I think that Seol hee might just break up with Joo man out of love for him as his career might be in danger as I fear he got that kimchi deal because of Ye jin....
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98 etrenelle
June 14, 2017 at 8:46 PM
God damn I loved this episode.... It was nearly perfect in everyway~~~ With Dong Man and Ae Ra anyway....
I am still worried about Joo Man and Seol Hee there is something off about their relationship.... Maybe it is because they have been dating for soo long and it kinda makes my heart break that neither of them tried to inform Ye Jin about the fact they are in a relationship. It isn't like the girl is cruel she is just down right a sweet girl who is in love. I dont know why they had to hide it from her.... I have to admit I wished Seol Hee kinda stood up for herself more though. It is starting to get to the point that I am finding her character too weak. I get she is supposed to weak and timid but this is like an insane level of weak and timid. I just wish she would give herself some back bone. She shows us that back bone when she is with Joo Man but I want to see it outside of just the pair of them. She has a lovely spirit behind her weak and timid exterior and I just wish there were more moments to really let her tell her thoughts. I honestly would have loved it if they had come clean at the other couples lunch.... It would have cleaned up a lot.
But as you said @lollypip I want them to go through something before they officially get hitched. I don't want them to get married because they are still together. And exactly word from word "I want them to get married because they’ve been through the fire and realized they can’t live without each other."
This is exactly what I want as well. I dont mind if they break up to be honest if that is what is best for both of them. But I want it to be done cleverly. Ae Ra and Dong Man's relationship is so deliciously complex and I want that for Seol Hee and Joo Man, I enjoyed their cute interactions before but now I just feel uneasy watching them....
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99 1tea1
June 14, 2017 at 9:46 PM
YeJin is such a fake bish. I'm not falling for her fake clueless act. Such a cunning viper.
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100 maryann
June 14, 2017 at 10:07 PM
Among all the feels, i felt sad when Dong-man had to put his shirt back on. ?
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