[Drama Recap] Splendid Politics: Episode 27

Princess Jeongmyeong (Lee Yeon Hee) flatly turns down the offer of Kim Gae Shi (Kim Yeo Jin) to get married to Kang In Woo (Han Joo Wan) but she seems preoccupied. Gae Shi has confidence that the altruistic Princess cannot help following her opinion.
In Woo gets his father's consent mentioning advantage of a political alliance with Gwanghae (Cha Seung Won) and oppresses the Princess to accept their marriage to keep the King and to bring stability to the country.

Jo Yeo Jung (Kim Min Seo) is instructed by Gae Shi in a bookstore to deliver a letter to the most close personal of Gwanghae. Kim Ja Jeom (Jo Min Ki) talks to her on purpose that she should have been learned in poetry and prose than most educated men buying her Gomunjinbo (collection of poetry and prose from Zhou Dynasty to Song Dynasty).

After a few remarks, he notices that the very smart lady has been deeply attached to the one man. Being handed the letter from Yeo Jung, he has a smile of satisfaction reading about the former court lady's artifice about the Princess' marriage of convenience.

The King's remark that he will accept Qing's offer in return for the repatriation of prisoners of war initiates all key retainers' strong opposition. Hong Joo Won's father also implores him with tears in his eyes to overturn the decision not for his son but for the nation. Gwanghae answers that his people's life is as important as the country and Jeongmyeong watches him from a distance.   

A torch and pitchfork wielding mob carry out a raid on Hawgidogam and Jeongmyeong's forehead is bleeding when she is stoned by the angry mob. Everybody is frightened at the wounded Princess and she asks demonstrators to realize the true feeling of the man who really love his people.

Kim Ja Jeom talks to himself picking up a stone looking at the door of Hawgidogam, "It's a time to choose my rock."
Prince Neungyang (Kim Jae Won) notices that the situation is working against him as Joo Sun gives him a wide berth. Kim Ja Jeom introduces himself to the Prince leaving door of Gyeongungung and he says that he wants to buy him a drink. Sitting in front of a table of drinks and snacks, Neungyang stares at the man saying that he lets him take the royal seat.  

Hong Joo Won (Seo Kang Joon) recovers his consciousness in the Qing's prison and Yi Ja kyung (Gong Myeong) who disguises himself as a camp guard tries to find the young man for Hawi. Qing decides to execute some prisoners to make an example of the prisoners in order to warn Joseon for delayed credentials and Ja Kyung finds him in a group of people. 

Jyeongmyeong recalls Joo Won's words that she has to perform her duty as the Pricness looking at the white bead and his official uniform.
When Gwanghae decides to use force to break up the subjects keeping the credential, his step sister asks to have an audience with the King and seeks his permission about the marriage with the eldest son of his political opponent.

[Drama Recap] High Society: Episode 11

On the 11th episode of SBS' Monday & Tuesday drama, "High Society", each one's own love story of the four lovers: Jang Yoon-ha (UEE) and Choi Joon-gi (Seong Joon), Yoo Chang-soo (Hyung Sik) and Lee Ji-yi (Lim Ji-yeon) continued.

On this day, Yoon-ha came across a situation she could realize Joon-gi's hidden intention and broke up with Joon-gi consequently. Yoon-ha started to take a revenge on Joon-gi. Joon-gi endured the 'mutt training' by Yoon-ha although he was about to resign from the Taejin company soon. Under these circumstances, he visited Yoon-ha's office. He told her, "Whatever you'd want to say, I'll just listen.

But please you have to pull yourself together. While you ask me all the details about when and how I found you, why can't you ask me the most important thing?" Joon-gi asked Yoon-ha, "Do you love me? Did you love me when I approached you to flatter you? If you had loved me at the time, you should love me now too.

I know what I did with you was wrong. Even though your brain would not allow you to forgive what I did, your heart should be able to accept me. That's love". Yoon-ha asked Joon-gi, "Let me ask you just one thing.

Why didn't you lie to me until the end? Why? Why did you have to tell me all the truth" Joon-gi said "Because I love you. I couldn't lie any longer. I became to love you. I don't know since when. I thought you were just like everyone else. But you were different". It was his belated declaration of love.

[Drama Recap] Splendid Politics: Episode 26

Princess Jeongmyeong (Lee Yeon Hee) is devastated by the news of Hong Joo Won (Seo Kang Joon)'s missing.

Kang Joo Sun (Jo Sung Ha) is forced into a corner as the situation is working against him because Ming is going to pot but Prince Neungyang (Kim Jae Won) lets him know how important it is to use the bad situation where the King can easily be criticized.       

Gwanghae grieves over many soldiers' death and expresses anger at the retainers who were strongly in favor of the troop dispatch.

As Gwanghae shows he will abdicate the throne in favor of his son, Yi Icheom (Jung Woong In) is at the crossroad where he has to decide to stay him recalling Kim Gae Shi (Kim Yeo Jin)'s advice which he will never lose his power if the King will keep throne until Ming perishes.

Joo Won hovers between life and death in a prison of the strange land and the Princess sincerely hopes, looking at the white bead from him, that he will return alive. Gae Shi lets Kang In Woo (Han Joo Wan) change his father's mind.

As Qing wants Joseon to be its subject because the weak nation was on its enemy's side and Ming wants to interfere in the internal affairs of the small country claiming responsibility for the war defeat, Gwanghae feels so vulnerable and alone.   

Jeongmyeong blasts Neungyang for having a party for Queen Inmok (Shin Eun Jung) saying he deceives people shading his eyes with his hand. The party for birthday celebration of the Queen goes off as planned and Kim Ja Jeom (Jo Min Ki) appeared at the door of Gyeongungung eyes the Prince with interest. Jeongmyeong blames the Prince for satisfying his selfish interests and desires in front of many chief retainers. Kim Ja Jeom listens to the bitter denunciation with a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Gwanghae closes his eyes about the conspiracy to keep his subjects between the two powerful nations and Jeongmyeong persuades her mother not to be manipulated by the greedy man.     

Jo Yeo Jung (Kim Min Seo) who is raised by Ja Jeom to be the lady of the palace waits for a ripe opportunity. The new power worries about whom he will set on the throne.

Kang In Woo (Han Joo Wan) makes a frank concession of the fact that on the one hand he really wants Joo Won back alive, but on the other, he expects her to be his woman in spite of losing the close friend. He who knew that she already went to visit Gae Shi to find a way to protect the King says that he will accept her decision she will take.

Gae Shi suggests that she has to get married to In Woo to help Gwanghae to overcome the crisis.

Meanwhile, the King accepts Qing's offer in return for the repatriation of prisoners of war.          

[Drama Recap] The Time We Were Not In Love: Episode 6

Oh Ha Na (Ha Ji Won) cold-heartedly deals Cha Seo Hoo (Yoon Kyun Sang) pretending that she hadn't waited for him through the evening and she goes inside the house with Choi Won (Lee Jin Wook).

The 34-year-old woman asks her old friend to take the cuddly rabbit away and he asks her back that she also wants to remove a sandbag which he hung from the ceiling when she was dumped by her fiance. Ha Na looks back at the discarded belongings but she doesn't pick them up.

Ha Na starts her morning practice early in the morning for a fresh start with Won and she dedicates herself to the work of a new project not to think about the ex-boyfriend. They drink to celebrate the new beginning when Seo Hoo waits for her in front of her house and Won promises to pick up with a woman after he asks for permission of his friend.

A high schooler Ha Na says, "I'd like to fall madly in love someday."
"You know what? Crazy love will lay you in ruins." Won in uniforms answers.

Seo Hoo initiates a conversation with Lee So Eun (Choo Soo Hyun) who is picking up the pianist's CD in a bookstore and he asks her a favor. Ha Na is called away from her duty to meet So Eun and she is introduced Seo Hoo under the pretext of blind date. He confesses that he came back to see her because he has never forgotten about her giving her his CD, however, his ex-fiance stands up from her seat treating him coldly.

Won hits the roof when he hears about the blind date from So Eun. He runs to a cafe and grabs Seo Hoo by the collar warning him not to make a pass at his friend again. The famous pianist argues with that saying he is the very one who stood between him and her and he didn't desert her.

Ha Na who fell asleep late at night recalling her happy engagement gets up too late and it causes trouble to her work. One of her co-worker admonishes sternly that she needs to draw a line between public and private matters. She realizes that work matters not just love for the 34-year-old lady.

So Eun regrets her mistake and Won thinks about himself thanks to the tall, handsome woman who is in touch with her emotions. He recalls a painful memory when he was beaten hard because of the high school girl asking himself, 'Can I love you if you learn the truth about our past?" looking up at the window of her room.      

The teenage boy turns off the light in the school library on purpose and comes up to the girl of the same age asking him to help feeling his way in the dark. The boy kisses her and she stares at him in astonishment because she doesn't know if it's just coincidence or not.

[Drama Recap] The Time We Were Not In Love: Episode 5

Choi Won (Lee Jin Wook) recalls Cha Seo Hoo (Yoon Kyun Sang) kissing Oh Ha Na (Ha Ji Won) passionately who was waiting for him unexpectedly returned to Korea three years ago and lets his friend not to see her ex-boyfriend. Seo Hoo has an air of uncertainty about their relationship and Won makes desperate efforts to stop Ha Na being close with him again.

Won hangs out with Ha Na to cheer her up and Lee So Eun (Choo Soo Hyun) constantly begs them to let her spend time with them although the sunbae indicated his refusal in a roundabout way. She rides a tandem sitting behind him under a cloak of being poor at riding a bike and keeps cutting in on their conversation reminding them not to forget they are just friends as they show that they are on such intimate terms.

Won feels bad because of a call from his mother who left him before he became twenty. The old friend brings cheer to him and he takes smile back and improves his mood shortly.

Seo Hoo pays a surprise visit to Won's office and rudely asks him about his and his ex-girlfriend's relationship. Won warns the pianist not to shake her up but he turns his nose up at the warning.

Ha Na wonders why someone sent her a pink cuddly doll. Won is pretty sure Seo Hoo did and objects to her to take the doll home with her.

Seo Hoo uses shoes sponsorship of a concert as a pretext for visiting to Ha Na's office and she is weak as he says that he has been missed her so much. She remembers the fiance who hadn't showed up at their engagement ceremony three years ago.

The next day the career woman unusually wears fancy high-heeled shoes when she goes to the office and looks all around expecting the ex-boyfriend pops out.

Ha Na waits for Seo Hoo till last in the evening because of a message from him 'I'll call for you tonight.' instead of going to the theater where Won is waiting for her. Won rushes to her office and takes her home and sees Seo Hoo expecting her in front of the house. 

Won warns him, "Stay out of sight!"

[Drama Recap] High Society: Episode 10

Still images of the rain kiss scene of the July 7th episode of "High Society" have been unveiled. In this episode, Chang-soo (Hyung Sik) and Ji-yi (Lim Ji-yeon) announced break-up to each other as the two could not overcome the distance derived from their different social classes.

After this episode, the picturesque visual images and the youthful fresh appeals of the actor and the actress have been garnering much reaction.

Although the two made the tearful decision to break up, they cancelled the decision after all, blaming the lousy weather. People say the scene was a true reflection of Chang-soo-Ji-yi couple's characteristics. The two confirmed each other's love exchanging sweet kisses. There's much anticipation on how their romance will move forward through the next episodes after the kiss scene. It is known that producer Choi Yeong-hoon paid special attention on the aquatic kiss scene full of fresh and youthful images.

They chose a location where there was no interference of passerby so the two could concentrate on expressing the emotions of their youthful yet deep love. It took three hours to complete the scene including the rehearsal time without any mistakes. Hyung Sik and Lim Ji-yeon were getting soaked with a truck load of water, while they absolutely concentrated on the scene to produce such beautiful scenes. Thanks to all these invigorating efforts by the actors and the production team, the ninth and tenth episodes of "High Society" ranked top for the viewership rating among Monday & Tuesday dramas.

The second half of the drama will focus on delivering engaging stories as to how Yoon-ha (UEE) will cope with the shocking situation at the finding of Joon-gi (Seong Joon)'s intentional rogue approach and which option Chang-soo will choose under the given situation in terms of his relationship with Ji-yi.

Source : enews24.interest.me/n...

[Drama Recap] Scholar Who Walks the Night: Episode 2

Yang-seon (played by Lee Yoo-bi) is a cross-dressing book merchant. It quickly becomes very obvious why that is- apparently even in the Joseon era, selling books required lots of borderline perverted gamesmanship.

Yang-seon is completely stoked to find any source of new book material, no matter how obviously ridiculous. No, actually, the more ridiculous the better. That's what drags the clients in- the promise of preposterous sexy stories. "Scholar Who Walks the Night" manages the nigh-inexplicable feat here of mocking the entire pop-fiction publishing industry, including its obsession with sexy romance and vampires, while "Scholar Who Walks the Night" is itself a sexy vampire romance.

This episode had several moments where I just had to stare in astonishment at the extent to which the drama is making fun of itself. It's like the script is anticipating the ways people are most likely to mock the drama, and beating them to the punch. Yang-seon is the perfect vehicle for this task, too, especially on the back of Lee Yoo-bi's incredibly energetic performance. Yang-seon has no self-awareness. She just loves her job too much to analyze it in depth, which gives her obsession with Seong-yeol quite a bit of sincerity. Yang-seon is a fangirl- one lucky enough to be in a position to constantly indulge in her passions while still technically being at work.

This would be a good time to note that "Scholar Who Walks the Night" was adapted from a webtoon- one that I suspect strongly mirrors the author's own eccentricities, because how else would she come up with ideas this nutty?

The one downside of all of this is that if Yang-seon is going to insist on making a mockery of pop vampire romance that makes it just a tad difficult to treat Seong-yeol's much more serious nighttime adventures with much respect. Now that I've seen Lee Joon-ki as being the epitome of pretty boy vampire absurdity, it's that much harder to look at Seong-yeol in any other light just because Yang-seon isn't narrating anymore.

In fact, at this point it might be a genuine question of what these two have to do with each other at all. Obviously on the literal level Yang-seon needs old books, and as a book merchant, Yang-seon presumably has the ability to locate old books. But how to relate this with other absurdities, like the vampire conspiracies and government raids on the bawdyhouse?

Goodness how strange it is to think that "Scholar Who Walks the Night" deals with both of these topics- strange, but entertaining nonetheless.

Review by William Schwartz

[Drama Recap] Masked Prosecutor: Final Episode

"Masked Prosecutor" Joo Sang-wook confessed his love to Kim Seon-ah.

On the final episode of KBS 2TV's Wednesday & Thursday drama, "Masked Prosecutor", Ha Dae-cheol (Joo Sang-wook) revealed his heartfelt love towards Yoo Min-hee (Kim Seon-ah).

On this day, Ha Dae-cheol's mask identity was revealed to Cho Sang-teak (Jeon Kwang-ryeol), Im Ji-sook (Jeong Ae-ri), Kang Joong-ho (Lee Ki-young), who were trying to retaliate against him.

While the three were threatening him using his secrete being the masked man, Ha Dae-cheol was determined to throw his last blow to them. And he asked Yoo Min-hee to go on a date with him. Ha Dae-cheol told her, "Will you go out with me?". It sounded like a joke first. However when he grabbed Yoo Min-hee's hands, his sincere feeling was revealed.

At the end of the date, Ha Dae-cheol told Yoo Min-hee, "I hope you are the one who handcuffs me".

After the completion of "Masked Prosecutor", Song Yoon-ah, Jeong Jae-yeong, Taecyeon's "Assembly" will begin on July 15th.

[Ratings] "Masked Prosecutor" ended with better ratings

KBS 2TV drama "Masked Prosecutor" ended with a record.

According to Nielsen Korea, "Masked Prosecutor" recorded 6.9%.

This is 1% more than the previous episode and a record breaker. SBS "Mask" rated 11.1% and MBC "Scholar Who Walks the Night" rated 6.8%.

Source : www.etnews.com/201507...

[Drama Recap] Mask: Episode 14

Choi Mi Yeon (Yoo In Young) turns the car after Min Seok Hoon (Yeon Jung Hoon) gives his wife a solemn warning about their relationship that would break up over her hasty judgment.

Choi Min Woo (Ju Ji Hoon) gazes at the innocent face of Byun Ji Sook (Soo Ae) while she sleeps so sweet and kisses her on the forehead.

The next day they are pretty happy walking down a beautiful road for an everlasting love. While applying sunscreen on his neck, Ji Sook draws heart and rub it with a long face.

Mi Yeon holds a briefing session on interior concept for coffee shop owners and lets Ji Sook bumps into his father. The old man who is greatly surprised at the perfectly same face with his daughter pretends not to know her at the urgent request of Byun Ji Hyuk (Hoya).

The younger brother cheers her up saying he will wait for her until being back with her family. And Min Woo sides with his wife saying that there is a certain reason why she just pretended not to know her nanny's husband in spite of his sister's whispering campaign. 

Seok Hoon goes to the hospital to visit his father and the gray-haired old man asks him to forgive his in-laws' family and live a happy life but he swears again that he will get revenge on him.

Ji Sook visits a lawyer to divorce her husband before Seok Hoon kills him and she tries to make many good memories when she is with him.

Ji Sook gives a supporting speech for his father who will run for president. She is at a loss for words due to fabricated text on the prompter but she makes a moving speech how deep the father's love for her recalling his real father and wins cheers. Mi Yeon brings a wry smile to her face and Ji Sook's father gulps down tears watching it on the cell phone by himself.

Ji Sook listens to Seok Hoon's private call ordering his secretary to kill the loan sharks and completely misunderstands his intentions. She who gets a call from a hospital is very anxious until she knows the husband is safe. She declares she loves him and he cannot hide his smile. 

Ji Sook says that she will make her full confession to him when he comes home after the meeting with a buyer. Min Woo finds fingerprint identification result which his sister put between the contract and is startled at the resume of Byun Ji Sook.

[Drama Recap] Mask: Episode 13

Choi Mi Yeon (Yoo In Young) knows that her pregnancy was an imaginary one. When she cries a lot grabbing an infant clothing, she blames herself visualizing Seo Eun Ha (Soo Ae) who pawed the air to get out of the water.

Choi Min Woo (Ju Ji Hoon)'s father suggests his daughter-in-law to jump in a franchise business for coffee shops and Byun Ji Sook (Soo Ae) accepts his proposal with a glad heart. 

Mi Yeon lays a family photo of Ji Sook on a desk of her brother on purpose and Min Woo thinks of it as the nanny's family of his wife. She tells Min Seok Hoon (Yeon Jung Hoon) a fact she already knew the ins and outs his relationship with her brother's wife.

Min Woo's step sister checks the deleted CCTV footage again and she puts a gold muzzle on a guy who had worked as a security charge at the swimming pool.     

Ji Sook concentrates the work to donate the proceeds to charitable organization to help the poor and she also helps her family to have a coffee shop to be financially independent. She sees her parents who are greatly pleased with piece of luck in the distance and she is deeply moved eating her mother's homemade food with Byun Ji Hyuk (Hoya).

Seok Hoon follows his wife and calls the former worker to account. He is so afraid that he hands the woman's husband the copy which is expected to use for blackmail. Mi Yeon is on the point of preventing him seeing the footage when he watches it. Unable to contain the sadness that wells up in within him, he bursts out sobbing plunk himself down by the pool. Mi Yeon draws Ji Sook's picture in her husband's wallet and the angry woman tears it to pieces. 

Mi Yeon drives to a workshop place where Min Woo and Ji Sook take a short trip with their workers to get a idea for a new menu at breakneck speed.

Min Woo walks along the edge of a stream with his wife and tells her why he is afraid of water reproaching himself for his mother's death. Ji Sook holds out her hand and helps him cross stone bridge and escape the fear.

Min Woo makes a formal proposal of marriage to his wife tearing the marriage contract.

[Drama Recap] The Time I Loved You: Episode 4

 It was revealed that L took advantage of Ha Ji-won to be hired as a regular employee. Ha Ji-won became distressed with the thoughts of betrayal and Lee Jin-wook quickly came over to cheer her up.

On the July 4th episode of SBS' new weekend drama, 'The Time I Loved You', Oh Ha-na andSeong-jae (L) left to a place next to a beach together to accommodate their work schedule. After accomplishing their task successfully, Ha-na was getting ready to have champagne with Seong-jae as promised. She was getting ready to meet him with much excitement.

However, she found out that Seong-jae used her, who was the team manager, to become a regular employee. Ha-na was greatly disappointed with the thought she was betrayed. She sat down on the floor and cried. It was more hurtful for her because she was falling for Seong-jae, who had been being nice to her. Ha-na later called Choi Won (Lee Jin-wook).

Although he was in the middle of having dinner with Lee So-eun (Choo Soo-hyeon), he rushed to Ha-na right away. He covered Ha-na's shoulders with his clothes while he was gazing upon her with his warm smile.

[Drama Recap] The Queen's Flower: Episode 33

"The Queen's Flower" Kim Seong-ryeong was surprised to hear about the secrets behind Lee Seong-kyeong's birth.

On the 33rd episode of MBC's "The Queen's Flower", Re-Na Jeong (Kim Seong-ryeong) asked I-sol (Lee Seong-kyeong) about what has been happening to her. I-sol confessed that she had been abandoned when she was a baby and his biological father was someone, who was still around.

Re-na asked her, "Is he someone whom I know by any chance?". I-sol could not reveal the father was In-cheol (Lee Hyeong-cheol) because there was a phone call coming in right at the moment.

Source : www.tvreport.co.kr/?c...

[Drama Recap] Midnight Dinner: Episode 1

The first episode of SBS's 'Midnight Dinner' depicted Min-woo (Nam Tae-hyun)'s tough life as a student who is also a hard working part time employee.

Ryu (Choi Jae-seong) was having rice cake sticks rolled in seaweed sheets and Min-woo told him "Not many people know how to eat rice cake sticks with seaweed" Ryu offered Min-woo to have some.

When Min-woo said, "Thank you, I'll enjoy", his nose started bleeding. Master (Kim Seung-woo) provided first aid for him. Later the episode showed how hard Min-woo was working between his part time jobs and his study for a certification exam.

He as a result fell down on a street. Ryu accidentally found Min-woo and took him to a hospital. Ryu even covered the hospital bill for him and also gave some beef to the master of the midnight dinner restaurant so he could cook it for Min-woo. Min-woo could have a great meal thanks to him.

When Ryu found out the owner of Min-woo's work place was abusing his labor, he went to see the owner and scolded him.

Source : stoo.asiae.co.kr/news...

[Drama Recap] Oh My Ghost: Episode 2

The second episode of tvN's 'Oh My Ghostess' showed how the meek sous chef Na Bong-seon (Park Bo-yeong) lives her daily life possessed by the seductress ghost Sin Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi-I).

On this day, Na Bong-seon all of sudden started acting lewd after Sin Soon-ae came into her body. Na Bong-seon started eying on the handsome male employees in the restaurant.

Na Bong-seon walked into the men's shower room on purpose while they were taking a shower. She said brazenly, "Sorry, geez, where should I take a shower now" and "My apologies. Excuse me". She later went to Seo Joon (Kwak Si-yang) and started flirting with the handsome chef of the restaurant while suggesting have a beer together.

Na Bong-seon grabbed Seo Joon, who was drunk, near a motel. She dragged him towards the motel saying "Let's take a break together just for an hour. Just for a moment". As Seo Joon rejected Na Bong-seon's offer and left to his home in a taxi, Na Bong-seon said "What's wrong with him. I was aroused for nothing"

Source : www.newsen.com/news_v...

[Drama Recap] Oh My Ghost: Episode 1

The first episode of tvN's weekend drama, 'Oh My Ghostess' depicted Na Bong-seon (Park Bo-yeong)'s depressing and lonely daily life as she was coping with ghost possession.

Na Bong-seon is the youngest sous chef working for celebrity star chef Kang Seon-woo (Jo Jeong-seok)'s restaurant. However Kang Seon-woo disliked Na Bong-seon. It was because she was too nice to look smart. As she was being submissive to a rude customer, Kang Seon-woo blatantly told her, "Why do you apologize every time. Your being too nice makes other people look bad".

Kang Seon-woo continued, "In fact, you're not being nice or whatever acting that way. Kitchen is a battle ground. You really need to think about your apititude in terms of whether or not kitchen is the right place for you". Na Bong-seon, who had a crush on Kang Seon-woo, ended up quitting her job at the restaurant.

As Na Bong-seon recollected the time when Kang Seon-woo used to be somewhat nice to her, it even hurt her feeling more.

Source : www.tvreport.co.kr/?c...

[Drama Recap] Make A Woman Cry: Episode 23

It's all well and good for Jin-woo to say that he'll love and support Deok-in no matter what- but at this point "Let the Girl Cry" is forcing the issue of how they have very different perspectives on relationships and trauma.

Jin-woo is unwilling to acknowledge that his previous marriage was a failure, on account of the fact that it didn't end in divorce. Whereas Deok-in takes death much more seriously, and realizes that even the best intent can't salvage an awful overall situation. Deok-in's chat with Kyeong-cheol is very illuminating in this regard.

For the first time we get a clear idea of why they got married in the first place- as expected, it wasn't because their relationship was especially passionate, but rather because of the way Deok-in was very well-matched with Kyeong-cheol's family. Deok-in finally has to admit that without their child as a connecting thread, she needs to let go of that. And Kyeong-cheol too needs to go back and take his rightful place. With all this emotional sincerity flying around it's somewhat awkward seeing that home life right now is in fact mostly comic relief. Deok-in's birth mother and Bok-rye are generally just hanging out and doing whatever, while Deok-in tries to figure out a way to put an end to this bad idea by at least getting her mother out of the in-laws' house. The charged emotional context doesn't make matters any easier here- it's easy to see why Kyeong-cheol felt the need to break the big news to his mother at a public restaurant, to minimize the outburst. As for the rich family...there's relatively little of them this episode. That's nice, except that by the end Eun-soo has decided she's not satisfying with starting stupid fights in her own family and decides to provoke them on Deok-in's end too.

Eun-soo is at her usual vindictiveness here but a couple of factors work to her favor. First, Jin-woo really should have come clean to her already. And second, well, Eun-soo's frustrated pretty easily. It's not always easy to blame her. Eun-soo tries to make peace with Hyo-jeong but this attempt at reconciliation is foiled mostly by her son very stupidly failing to realize that Eun-soo is lashing out mostly out of the fear that she'll be replaced. Although this isn't really that sympathetic a situation.

That's the problem with "Let the Girl Cry" in general right now- the characters are slowly but surely losing their relatability.

Review by William Schwartz

[Drama Recap] Orange Marmalade: Episode 9

On the 9th episode of KSB 2TV's Friday drama, 'Orange Marmalade', Baek Ma-ri (Seolhyun) and Joeong Jae-min (Yeo Jin-goo) met in a cave. On this day, Jae-min conflicted with the ones from his own side, who were trying to get rid of Ma-ri. When he was told she was a vampire for sure, Jae-min said it's not true. However, when he looked into the mirror, the only one reflected on the mirror was him, which perplexed him. Jae-min stood in front of Ma-ri to protect her. Jae-min said, "Hurting innocent people, is this something you call the military law of Joseon?" At the moment, Si-hoo (Lee Jong-hyun) appeared and saved the two.

The Joseon portion of "Orange Marmalade" finally comes to an end- and leaves me about as perplexed as ever. The main problem is just one of scale. The high school portion was just a romance- not even a particularly well-developed romance, since so much of the screentime was dedicated to worldbuilding. Whereas the Joseon portion apparently concerns some extremely important political events that directed the entire future of vampire / human relations. With the exact same high school archetypes in leadership positions. A lot of the plot is weird just to the point of being awkward. I found myself wondering where these kids' parents were.

Yes, during Joseon times adulthood happened sooner but granting that much, Ah-ra really should have had the sense not to get involved with vampires in the first place. As if to prevent the viewer from hoping Ah-ra just dies from her own stupidity, we also get the pregnancy plotline. Which really brings up more worries than anything. I'm placing the blame for the elaborate plot squarely on the shoulders of writer Moon So-san. From what I've been told the Joseon portion wasn't even an important part of the webtoon at all, so this change in the story direction was presumably part of his editorial discretion.

Moon So-san falls into the same trap as many fantasy writers by mistakenly thinking that supernatural elements, romance, and high stakes alone can make a good story. In reality these points are nearly worthless without effective characterization. The various rules regarding vampires kind of come out of nowhere but they do at least make contextual sense and serve to bring this fantasy epic to an appropriate fantasy epic conclusion.

The problem is that "Orange Marmalade" was never really a fantasy epic to begin with. The romantic tragedy that marks the ending comes off worse than it should mostly because the drama had only just finished dealing with the much more serious issue of the huge war. The strengths of "Orange Marmalade" are still here.

The direction is still excellent, and I absolutely love that flute. It's just a pity that the story was more about vampires blood wars than it was about beautiful music and pristine landscapes. I have no idea what the final stretch of the drama will be like- to be honest I'm not even sure how the Joseon portion will relate to the modern day characters. Did Jae-min somehow recover past life memories at the end or something?

[Drama Recap] My Love Eun Dong: Episode 11

The 11th episode of JTBC's Friday & Saturday drama, 'My Love Eun-dong' depicted the touching reunion of Seo Jeong-eun (Ji Eun-dong played by Kim Sa-rang) and Ji Eun-ho (Park Heyon-soo played by Joo Min-mo) as Seo Jeong-eun finally recovered all of her memories.

On this episode, Seo Jeong-eun could recollect everything related to the car accident from 10 years ago and went to the vacation home, where she had visited with Go Mi-soon (Kim Mi-jin). Seo Jeong-eun called Ji Eun-ho as she could not resist her yearning feeling any longer.

She said, "Hyeon-soo oppa" and then burst into crying. Ji Eun-ho also bust into crying as he said, "Eun-dong". He drove his car in the pouring rain to the vacation house where Seo Jeong-eun was staying. When Ji Eun-ho arrived at the place after he drove through the thunder storm, Seo Jeong-eun opened the dooor and came out. The two stood face to face. And then they shared a passionate hug.

Seo Jeong-eun and Ji Eun-ho kissed in the rain and confirmed their ardent feeling towards each other. Ji Eun-ho drove her to his place and the two continued with their expression for love that they had been missing for a long time.

[Drama Recap] My Love Eun Dong: Episode 10

Eun Ho arrives at the hospital and heads towards his sister’s office. On his way there, he meets Jae Ho at the elevator and both of them can’t believe they actually met face to face. Time stood still for a while and both of them eventually moved on. Hyun Ah boasts about Eun Ho being her brother and we all know that it’s only the beginning of everything she has to say. She refers to Jae Ho’s condition and the emotional struggle he has to go through ever since her brother acknowledged Eun Dong in Jung Eun’s face.

Eun Ho can’t believe that his sister is Jae Ho’s doctor, but most and above all he can’t accept the fact that Hyun Ah has chosen the opposite side and she doesn’t want Jae Ho to be separated from Jung Eun, especially not during the rehabilitation process. Eun Ho wants to know if Jae Ho can get intimate with Jung Eun and as soon as the answer is negative he leaves feeling kind of relieved.

Hyun Bal actually accepted the girl after the audition and after he finds out she’s playing the piano he intends to follow her and see for himself! Before that, he meets Jae Ho who just arrived at the company. He’s complaining about the fact that Eun Ho keeps seeing his wife more than required when it comes to work matters and he lets Hyun Bal know that he won’t stay still if this keeps going on. The message has been delivered and Hyun Bal feels uneasy about it.

Eun Ho’s parents alongside Mi Na visit Jung Eun at the clothing store and Mi Na recognizes her surprising everyone! The father seems to have sensed something familiar and warm in Jung Eun’s very presence. Jae Ho keeps up his self-pity campaign and meets Seo Ryeong right away. After all the necessary introductions she gets on point and refers to her interest towards Eun Ho. Jae Ho just found the right ally so that he will proceed towards Jung Eun and Seo Ryeong towards Eun Ho respectively.

 

Filming has reached an end and Eun Ho’s not in the mood to sit with the others as he sings his way out. He recalls Jung Eun’s not so positive words the last time they met. Jae Ho returns back home and it’s the first time he shows Jung Eun that his hands are actually functioning anew. He lets her know that it’s been some time he started getting better and he didn’t let her know because he didn’t want to lose her. Once again he makes Eun Ho look like a mean person that has his own impact on Jung Eun’s personality. Jung Eun reassures him that nothing has changed and that all she needs is time. Jung Eun says that Eun Ho is meaningless to her and she doesn’t intend to keep talking about him, but Jae Ho orders her to refuse receiving money from him from now on. Jung Eun complies and the whole climate inside the house isn’t vibrant.

Hyun Bal lets Eun Ho know that Jae Ho appeared at the company and he gets enraged with everything going on lately! Jae Ho can’t get out of his mind Eun Ho while at the same time Jung Eun receives a phone call from him. None of them is in a fine mood. He refers to her as Ji Eun Dong and he wonders what happens now that he can’t give up on her, the one and only woman he ever loved. He wants to see it to the very end until one of them passes away. She keeps referring to him as Eun Ho without being able to say anything else and he interrupts her by referring to himself as Hyeon Soo just like Jung Eun isn’t Jung Eun but Eun Dong.

Seo Ryeong recalls the first time she met Eun Ho and how astonished she was in the first place. During their handshake and while everyone would think it would be either an autograph or his phone number he was letting her know that she should change the barista since the coffee was horrible! It’s always about Eun Ho’s excellent communication skills!

Eun Ho’s by the sea and he calls Eun Dong right away, but it’s Jae Ho the one to answer the phone call disheartening Eun Ho who’s at loss for words. Jung Eun returns back home and Jae Ho wants to make sure she will come with him tomorrow. She may not be that pleased that her father will be present too, but she will follow Jae Ho who lets her know that Eun Ho had just called. He’s displeased with the fact that Eun Ho called his wife and on top of that he didn’t say anything over the phone. Dong Gyu meets Eun Ho whose discomfort is omnipresent.

Seo Ryeong progresses the Eclipse event and everything’s flowing according to plan. She receives a phone call from Jae Ho who lets her know that he would like Eun Ho to be present as well for a face to face confrontation. Seo Ryeong likes the whole idea and wants Hyun Bal to arrange Eun Ho’s presence at the event. Jae Ho’s at the stadium watching the training process while Jung Eun eats with Mi Soon who notices that something’s not right. When it comes to food and the way it’s people-oriented she offers a diplomatic answer, instead of Jae Ho or Eun Ho it brings forth Ra Il’s presence in her life. Mi Soon invites Jung Eun to Jeboo island and she likes the idea, once Jae Ho’s event will be over they can get there.

The grandmother from the Korean classroom calls her on the phone and by the time they meet she refers to her as Eun Dong teacher. The grandmother’s really glad to see her and Jung Eun lets her know that she lost her memory. She finally found the letter and hands it over to Eun Dong. She keeps it safe inside the book which has the same title as the writing on the letter, My Love Eun Dong, but she doesn’t intend to read it yet.

Eun Ho’s by the seaside and the scenery by sunset is enthralling! The Eclipse event preparation has almost reached the end and Jae Ho who’s accompanied by Jung Eun are about to arrive. Eun Ho’s heading there as well, but he doesn’t know the details. Seo Ryeong greets Jae Ho while Jung Eun can’t believe her eyes, but Seo Ryeong unveils her civilized mask by praising her beauty as if nothing happened in the past. Hyun Ah arrives as well and Eun Ho’s getting ready for his appearance. Hyun Bal’s aware that Eun Ho’s going to be quite pissed off and he lets Dong Gyu know about the event’s real nature. Hyun Bal wants Dong Gyu to help him in order not to face Eun Ho’s wrath, but it’s too late, Seo Ryeong already managed to inform him and he’s at loss for words. It’s one more way to keep Eun Ho by her side, or at least she thought so, because Eun Ho doesn’t intend to see it happening.

Eun Ho enters the event area and he exchanges stares with Jung Eun. She’s being overran by discomfort while Eun Ho maintains his calmness. Jae Ho’s display of power is ill-natured and it doesn’t possess the grandeur it should. The crowd applauds Jae Ho’s presence on stage and refers to his background story with some sort of humor and praises his wife who was by his side all this time. Once he refers to fate and the power of love between them Eun Ho’s face changed thousands of colors in a blink of an eye. Jae Ho mentions that he’s willing to do just anything to protect his marriage and he calls Eun Ho to start his speech. It’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for a wide variety of reasons.

He maintains his calmness and his grandeur shines through declaring his own fair play that only a few can understand for now. He won’t give up, but he won’t use foul methods. Eun Ho won’t give up until he reclaims all these lost years, as for Jae Ho, he hopes he will recover soon! Not exactly what everyone was expecting as a speech, but Eun Ho delivered all the necessary messages and the recipients have started losing the world underneath their feet! Jung Eun tries to leave, but Jae Ho wrist-grabs her and forces her to sit down, but she eventually manages to escape. Eun Ho wants to leave as well, but Dong Gyu restrains him and the most heroic moment of the drama arrived with Eun Ho crying out her name in the middle of Seo Ryeong’s speech as Dong Gyu tries to cover everything up! Eun Ho leaves and Jae Ho lies defeated in his own territory. Seo Ryeong tried to call him on the phone, but he deactivated it to find some peace of mind.

The moment for Eun Dong to read the letter amidst memories through Eun Ho’s narrative voice in his 20s has arrived. The accident wasn’t the first time Hyeon Soo and Eun Dong met, they had met before when he had parked his motorcycle to help Eun Dong and her grandmother. It was the first time Eun Dong started falling for him and she eventually helped him get rid of the accusations that were coming his way after the accident. And she was the one who spotted Hyeon Soo in Seoul first and started searching around for him. Everyone thought of Hyeon Soo as a loser back then, but Eun Dong’s dream was to become a writer and support him in his acting attempts. Even for the short time they were together she was always supportive, loving and caring and she never took into consideration Jae Ho’s feelings.

It’s not only the distant past she steadily recalls, it’s also the recent past with Eun Ho in her life that goes through her mind. And it was Jae Ho’s fault they got into an accident because he couldn’t accept the fact that Eun Dong would never love him while he was having her father’s support who was using the fact that he was providing her everything she needed. He wasn’t only useless as a father, he was also an abusive subhuman trying to force Jae Ho in her life. It’s a whole maelstrom of massive memories making her feel dizzy at the present, it’s an emotional overload that makes her collapse. The only thing she can utter is “Hyeon Soo oppa” just like back then on the day of the accident while she was lying on the ground before losing consciousness and eventually her precious world.