This is not a drill. Crash Landing on You is back!
This thread is open to your comments, theories, observations, rants, and raves. I don’t mind spoilers…I love them, actually.
Let’s enjoy the show.
credit: imjaebeoum’s tumblr
58 Comments On “Crash Landing on You: Eps 11 & 12 Open Thread”
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i haven’t watched it yet, leaving for when the night is here and I have the time (90 mins!) but I have seen some screenshots and screaming messages from netizens abt the cute, Imma grabbing my popcorn. It better be good. They had 2 weeks to do Super edits!
That 7 year flashback though. Se-ri had him and Dan didn’t even have a chance. Kind of feel bad for Dan bc she’s loved him since the beginning, but I guess those things don’t matter. Get your sweetmeat!!
I love the conversations between SR and RJH in this week’s episode. They are more heart-to-heart to me, and they transition into a period of being like a married couple already.I love how they get along well in the new setting in South Korea and how they have each other’s back. Some complain to see more steamy scene but I think that what happens suits RJH’s character as he’s stoic.
The last scene has a good amount of suspense and both leads’ acting is good. I have watched the most popular dramas by Huyn Bin and there always seems to be a mismatch in acting levels of 2 leads (in My Lovely Sam-soon, Kim Sun-ah’s acting is one notch above Huyn Bin’s while in Secret Garden, Huyn Bin’s acting is much better than Ha Ji-won’s). In this drama, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin are both top-notch and on the same level – I think that’s why we see great chemistry in this drama. After all, chemistry is about interactions and they have a great time catching up with the other’s acting.
And I know I should refrain from complimenting how good-looking Hyun Bin is but damm, he is REALLY good-looking and masculine in this episode.
There are some major plot holes and several scenes do not tie up together about how CGK can be in Seri’s company as a security guard so easily, and how he allied with Seri’s brother.
There’s something missing from the episode. Not the steamy scenes that some might expected. I think there level of sweetness, cuteness and suspense is not up to other episodes we’ve seen so far.
I appreciate that the female lead is doing something to save her own arse rather than waiting for the hero. Also, she noticed his injuries right away ( I still remember that horrendous end sequence of “the innocent man”. Drove me nuts) and didn’t buy his “I’m fine” for a nanosecond AND told him so too. She also demonstrates brain usage by fully comprehending the hardships he must’ve gone through to arrive in SK + the dangers he faces here without him saying anything.
In addition (omg), she wants to drive him to places, buys him clothes AND wants to accompany him for protection but at the same time understands why he doesn’t want her there so doesn’t stupidly follow either.
Oh. My. God.
*Forgives all plot holes and smiles a lot even as the female lead is running away from grave danger*
JH got a new haircut!
Loved the scenes between Seung Jun and Dan. He is totally smitten while she is slowly warming up to him.
Did anyone else notice the English subtitle seemed off/sloppy, especially the scene between JH and SR right after her brother and SIL left. They said something about being profitable – which did not make sense at all. I wished they had Chinese subtitle as well so that I can cross check the translation as Chinese translation tends to better capture the essence of the dialogue (given Chinese and Korean share more cultural, linguistic similarities).
Thank you for all your comments, I will admit that I have not posted due to the fact that my comments would be lame. Nevertheless, I’ll give it a go. The scene where they first face each other was incredible, also I enjoyed the fact that SYJ was the first to hug Mr. Handsomeness , WOW. Lastly, CGK was able to place himself as a security guard
Was due to his connections to spy’s from Sc. It’s interesting how writers think of ways to place actors into different scenes without explanations. Please be kind to my comments, first timer from California
Welcome to the blog, Connie from California.
😂
So the bad guy is now a security guard in Seri’s building? Interesting development.
Hmm ok I just watched 11. I find the pace a little weird this episode, if you ask me at which point I detect a live shoot, this will be the episode. It feels like bits and pieces put together. Wasn’t as well balanced as the previous 10. The OTP also had lesser screen time, I mean I like our side characters but their scenes should be flowing with the story which was more natural in the first half of the drama. Doesn’t mean I don’t like the episode though, it was just not as great as the previous ones. I was looking the clock at one point which never happened previously. Haven’t got to the fast forward button yet, and hopefully not!
There are some cute moments nonetheless. I like how he seems to know a different Seri and wonder if it’s the same person. Contrast with edits from previous scenes it made me laugh out loud. Also the tender hug after her terrible brother and wife came along was nicely done.
Jeong Hyuk stays very much in character which is quiet, stoic and warm. He’s a true keeper for a companion. The fact that he was just opening the door for people got a video upload is a nice dig on 2 things 1) no one does such simple nice things anymore! (Which is sadly true) 2) Hyuk looks very fine in his suits and who are we kidding if we ignore that
I don’t know though …the episode also gave me some sad ending vibes (hell no writer! but the couple don’t seem to believe they will ever be together, after everything and 3 kisses, It’s a tad pessimistic) – the fortune teller scene is also definitely not random. Blood and chaos – and manbok doesn’t come home?! I think this episode falls short on the editing (and they had 2 weeks!) – the scenes are ok but I think they are jumbled up, more time should be spent on how they interact in South Korea before we get to the danger. The pace is strange. I speculate it’s just to end on a cliffhanger at the expense of a better story flow?
I feel this episode is rather plain (except perhaps the last few minutes). So, perhaps this is where the next layer of problems are presented which will then frame the next few episodes. Like many have commented on other forums that this is a “set-up” episode.
The last few minutes of JH trying to save SR somehow feels a little similar to (buy not exactly the same as) the previous kidnapping scene in terms of JH’s emotional response. I wonder if this makes the scene less impactful???
Personally, I find it a little depressing that our OTP seem to have accepted the impossibility of them ever being together. I would’ve liked for them to try their hardest and make efforts toward being together. I’d root for them even more because they fight for their happiness. So, yeah, a little disappointed here.
On a slightly different note here… something about episode 10 has been bugging me. I hope someone here can help me with some insights. This is where SR realized that the life-saving piano piece was composed and played by JH. JH’s reaction seemed a little disconnected… not quite following what SR just said. Am I missing something in the translation?
I agree with you when you said that you would like our couple to “try their hardest and make efforts toward being together.” I also like then to “fight for their happiness.”
I haven’t watched Ep 9, will wait for Ep 10 so I can sit down and watch them in one go. It’s Superbowl (football championship) tomorrow so I’ve plenty of time to watch. As long as there’s plenty of food and drinks for our Superbowl party, the guys will leave me in peace. 🙂
Agree with Kiko that RiRi couple needs to fight for their love otherwise their relationship has nowhere to go. I overall enjoyed episode 11 because the two leads stayed true to their character. Many viewers wanted more lovey dovey scenes between the couple but they would have been inconsistent with the awkward and bittersweet situation – that JH has to return to NK as soon as he catches the bad guy. So unless they decide to fight for a future together, their relationship ended at episode 10.
I liked the fridge scene which mirrors the underground food cellar scene in episode 1 or 2. While Seri had a super expensive fridge, it contained water only whereas JH’s underground cellar was full of yummy stuff. I also liked that even with her vulnerability fully exposed to JH, she was still unabashed about her attraction to him and was very brave in the last scene.
Did they visit the sauna? I though I saw a sauna in the previews?
Good point about the fridge vs the kimchi cellar.
Yes F5 visited sauna. Also wanted to say that I love your scene analysis – made me appreciate the drama more. I normally do not watch kdrama and accidentally stumbled upon CLOY on Netflix but got so hooked – don’t know what magic potion they put in there lol.
Agreed with your comment that they should find harder for their love. Right now, they accept and take for granted that they can’t be together and don’t even try to fight or think of any solutions. Hope their writer will do their love some justice. They deserve some happiness in the end.
Yeah, i also really like that Seri tried to save her own arse and save her man too in the last scene. Smart and brave girl – there you go. I also love that she buys him nice clothes to return his kindness and support to her, drives him to places, picks him up as he’s unfamiliar with getting around in Seoul, and doesn’r hesitate in accompanying him in dangerous situation. I’m tired of the female lead who is just waiting for things to happen and for her hero to come to the rescue, even in the smallest danger.
In the epilogue, a lot of viewers comment that he hit on her and liked her from the very first encounter. I have a different thought. Agree that he smiled affectionately with her when she took their photo. However, I think those are more of comforting smiles rather than him being interested in her. He just saw her being desperate and on the verge of committing suitcide so his smiles were gentler towards her to ease her suffering a bit. He kept looking at her when she walked off because he was worried and probably be hopeful and she would be fine and wouldn’t do anything reckless and stupid. I think that probably falls in line with his character as he is a warm-hearted, kind and caring. RJH is a decent person and hitting on another girl in the first encounter in the presence of his fiance is a bit of out character to me.
@Connie from California, welcome to this safe place. I’m really active in comments section of this blog but I never, ever post anywhere else. I am not even on FB (imagine!). I’m really scared of internet bullying and keep quiet on all online platforms.
Couple of years back I emailed (again, imagine!) Pm3 before writing here. People are very nice and kind here even if they might not agree with your POV.
😌
What really bugged me was during the last scene when Seo Dan tore the chocolate wrapper and LITTERED… God I wanted to scream “pick it up and throw it in the trash bin!” LOL
Anyway I’m new here. Hello everyone 🙂
“What really bugged me was during the last scene when Seo Dan tore the chocolate wrapper and LITTERED” :)))) HAHAAHA. My thoughts exactly at that scene.
About JH’s look there I think it was because she paused taking the picture and looked at his face and said in Korean, thinking they weren’t Korean, something like “He could do much better” (than his girlfriend I assume) and a few seconds later in English “You guys look great together”. :)))
Hello everyone. Yes I agree with your comments about how I wished they fought for their love and not waste their precious time together! I fell in love with their sacrificial and enduring love earlier on but I felt like they were now being a bit silly to try to “not do anything so that I won’t be reminded of you when you leave” boo… but if they change and are reminded that they want to pursue their love no matter the circumstances, within the next few episodes, then I will understand and continue to cheer them on 🙂
I love how in the last scene, RH used his sensitive hearing instinct to find seri’s voice. Props to the writer for referencing his character trait from episode 1!
I’m glad they did stay true to their characters even after the big setting change because typically when characters also act differently from their previous self when it’s not as well written (I notice this in Secret Garden when they change genders. They change personalities too – which was a pity)
Hope the next episodes will show more progress than ep 11! I still have the faith 🙂
I am curious about the journey he took from NK to SK. Who told him the route and who is the narrator?
I like episode 11, I feel like they got the tone right, it isn’t charming like in NK but it works for me. I would just like to add that I really like JH’s mom, she is so full of heart and backbone. We will find out what Seri’s mom is made of soon and that will be so interesting. Judging by the way Seri talks to her…in SK Seri has such a harsh exterior, nothing but arrogance, disgust, particularly towards her brothers, but even with Mr. Hong who absolutely does not deserves it. She speaks completely differently to two persons that we know of in SK, her mother and one time with boyfriend number 3. She opened up with boyfriend number 3 about the melody and about her suicide, come to think of it she shared more than she did with JH before “pushing him away”. Seri’s mother also has nothing but indifference and disgust with the rest of the family. We are discovering more about Seri in each episode, and I do love her strength, though her cuteness in NK is much diminished as she is back in her reality, except when she is with JH. But who can blame her right given that death threat we saw from her brother, life is nasty there.
I didn’t expect that Shawshank tunnel crawl though, given his father’s status I thought JH went down south through an easier way. But the one part I don’t get is how Seri kept her return from NK under wraps…she was discovered by SK soldiers right? The military at least must know and investigated her return. She or her father kept it away from the media perhaps?
With regards to how the couple should fight harder for their love and future, given the stakes on his side, namely his parents and fellow soldiers who would face certain punishment, I can see why they don’t go there, it would be selfish to do so. Plus both of them spent their adulthood shutting people out and seemed resigned to it, it should take time for them to discover their path together, and lucky for the audience we get to see it.
I could not finish episode 12. It was unwatchable. The lead couple’s love story was so lovingly told the first few episodes. Like a commenter said, it was the little moments that touched our hearts. Now it’s JH playing video games, pouting like a 5 yr old because Seri put child restrictions on the computer, somehow seri’s voice recording from 7 years ago randomly appeared on her desk, and JH actually did not remember Seri at all from 7 yrs ago, and after they were almost killed in the garage, there was no heart to heart and that was it? WTH. So random and contrived. It doesn’t even feel like the same drama anymore. I’ll just pretend the show ended at the 38th parallel at episode 9.
Episode 12 brought tears to my eyes several times. Dreams of a happy future together, commeraderie, and friendship in hardship are heart-melting. There are touching moments in the episodes, though I agree that several scenes can be more tastefully and thoughtfully done.
My biggest concern is how the plot will evolve. There are a couple of big issues to be resolved and I haven’t seen any groundwork to be laid off in the last 2 episode so I think the ending my be rushed or left open.
I enjoyed episode 12 though, it is like the calm before the storm. The comical near misses of JH’s troop trying to find them.
Pieces are coming together. Shown in the many instances JH and SeRi saved each other without knowing:
– she saved him with the watch,
– he saved her when he asked her to take a photo at the bridge (he heard her voice recording that was on the table after losing in the computer game),
– he came to save her in time with the phone call before Cheol-Gang caught her hiding at the security booth
– she saved him from being shot by Cheol-Gang in the carpark
Seri’s parents mystery is not gonna be revealed now either…I don’t understand what will Seri’s mum do. Honestly no mum will ever abandon a child like that, so what on earth is she thinking? Or was there something else that made her do that?
Will watch Ep 11 in earnest later. I ran through some scenes. The ones with JH modeling the maroon and black suits.
But fill me in. What did the stepmother do in Ep 12. Leave her at the beach? Is that why she’s overcompensating now? Because of guilt?
I want the parent-issue out of the way but it’s possible that everything will just snowball in Ep 15, leaving us one episode to tie everything up and give everybody (save CheolGang) a happy ending.
I enjoyed the adventures of JH’s squad in previous episodes, but in Ep 11, their scenes in the sauna seemed forced. 🤷♀️ Like we HAD to be spoonfed comedy and their misadventures in Seoul were the designated time-fillers. For instance, I don’t see how the sauna scene moved the plot forward. Same with their window-watching outside the BBQ chicken place. Maybe it was to poke fun at the chickens, tropes.
Oh well. I’ll reserve judgment for now.
I think this part of most mainstream kdramas are meant to be happy/cutesy/romantic with OTP enjoying time together. That or usually there is accident/gunshot and caring scenes that follow. For those also typically it’s around EP 4-6 and EP 10-11. It’s usually a predictable flow. So I didn’t expect much development on plot anyway.
I did miss some romance between OTP post knife cut. Usually, kdrama female leads are able to magically mend all cuts of the (shirtless) hero. I was surprised she called an actual doctor. Boring, yes. But realistic too. 🙈
Regarding the gaming scenes, I think they were alluding to another HB drama, MoA and supposed to be funny because she forbid his fighting in actual life and made him “log out” (solution to entire MoA) 🤦
Things will surely go downhill from here. They’ve tried to give explanations (some better than others) for little things like the watch, the recorder etc so I’m hopeful they’ll not leave a lot of loose ends.
Things That Made My Heart Flutter
Episode 11
*JH offers SR the first taste of fried chicken. References back to when she offered him the first taste of noodles that he made for her when they were in NK.
*JH being angry for SR during the encounter w/ her brother. You can tell JH tried so hard to keep from rushing into the room and protect her woman.
*Reprogramming her home door: SR requesting JH have his prints added to the door. Subtle inference that this is OUR nest now–remember, she is a lavish swallow from SK.
*How insecure SR is when she notices other women notice her man (ie. When he was trying out suits). Not bc she is insecure, but how she wants him to herself.
*Love the way she beams every time JH walks out in a different suit.
*SR beams when the suit worker assumes JH is her husband. SR loves that idea.
*The way SR looks at JH when he holds the door for the mother & baby. Notice the way he looks at the mother & baby when they walk through? They even slowed down the mother walking through the door.
*Elevator scene w/ SR & JH talk about dating. “I have become picky now … Because of you.”
*Dan w/ the hair flip.
*JH asks if he knows SR taste in the car ride. JH “What’s your tastes?” SR “You.” SR “I told you in the beginning that your face is my type. Why you act like you don’t know?” JH *smiles*
*SJ & Dan eating instant noodles. Dan “Why should I say no? I like it.” SJ always seems to maintain his coolness in every situation, but he kind of just looses it while thinking about Dan.
*Dan w/ the sly smile when SJ inferences if she likes him.
*Dan’s mom “It’s happening … No, love.” This only enforces the foreshadowing of SJ & Dan’s romance.
*The gaze SJ & Dan have when Dan picks him up; him looking down at her from the balcony.
*SR being bothered about the comments on the Youtube-esque video of JH holding the door. Especially, the comments of Babe Magnet or GGW. SR explains her insecurity in episode 12 (drinking soju in living room).
*SR wants to be able to hear his voice if JH has to go back to NK suddenly.
*SR installs a location app on JH’s phone so they know where each other is all the time.
*SR smiles when she revisits the video of JH holding the door.
*SR trying to protect JH in the garage.
A lot of the commenters here feel that the OTP need to fight for their love. I’d like to offer my two cents.
People are extremely well read here so I wouldn’t assume anything but there are some wonderful melo romantic novels written by an author, Rabidranath Tagore. He was a nobel laurate in literature.
In his novels, the OTP almost never meet. They never have a happy ending in the traditional sense. His novels are about love for the sake of love. Not to meet again. Not to spend life together necessarily. But love as the purest of emotions without expectations (do I make any sense? I’m terrible at explaining literature of any kind). Here, the OTP know that their “ever after” most likely won’t happen at the beginning of their love story. There is no “fighting” to be together in the traditional sense due to circumstances beyond their control.
The OTP of this drama is well into their mature years. I am okay with them being less optimistic about their future together as both have seen hell and high water through life. It’s not a class divide or some sort of societal disapproval that they can fight against. Their circumstances are about life and death and much beyond their control. When Seri lets him go without many visible tears, she’s lessening his burden and allowing him to go forward with the inevitable.
I was laughing so hard when we saw JH playing a game with Memories of Alhambra playing in the background – the original Spanish song that was a theme in MOA :)))
The pouting is too much though, I wish they’d give that stuff up.
“For instance, I don’t see how the sauna scene moved the plot forward. Same with their window-watching outside the BBQ chicken place. Maybe it was to poke fun at the chickens, tropes.” – I thought it was to show how disconnected North Koreans are. And how rarely they eat meat.
As for them not fighting to be together I agree with Arihsi and Josie, it would be too selfish for them to fight to be together considering how many lives are at stake. At least they told each other they want to stay together, grow old together.
Ep 11 was fun for me because of the role reversal of male/female in a relationship – Se Ri buying clothes for Jung Hyuk @ the same store he bought clothes for Ha Ji Won’s character in Secret Garden and Geung Sun, being lovesick for Seo Dan, wondering what her smile meant & jumping to get the phone when she calls.
As for the final scene, HB & SYJ were so intense together. I mean, HB has looked at this woman, with love, in so many ways. And their conversations – they know fully well that being together can be close to impossible but while, they are together, they will love each other. It’s so cliche to say that now is all we have but in light of Kobe Bryant’s & his daughter’s deaths, now is really all we got.
Regarding the ending, I don’t think the writer would have led us down this path of the two of them crossing paths in Switzerland, her paragliding accident in North Korea, & his dangerous crossing to South Korea in order for them not to be together. Actually, an epic love story that they can tell their future grandchildren. Curious how the writer will end CLoY …
I do see your point, Arihsi. The point I made about fighting for love/happiness was mainly about making the effort, less about the outcome. In other words, the journey of trying and not the promise of success. Unconventional problems sometimes require unconventional solutions. Just sayin’. But I totally understand what you are saying and really appreciate your sharing the thought. This makes our discussion more fun actually.
Oh, thank you for the insight on the gaming scene. I felt it was a little random. Was wondering why it was included. Hmm.
Things That Made My Heart Flutter
Episode 12
*JH pulls SR’s hand so she would sit next to him on the bed.
*SR asking JH to promise not to go anywhere until your wound heals.
*SR meets w/ gangsters. Her description “got in a fight with a peculiarly handsome gentleman.” lol
*SR w/ insurance guy. Insurance guy cried in gratitude when she offered him a job.
*Double hearts on the post-it for instructions on how to make coffee.
*SR smile when she is clearly texting JH in Subway, but not trying to let her coworkers figure it out.
*JH online video game name is “Tomato Cultivator” It’s funny and endearing at the same time (tomato plant SR bought as a gift of gratitude in NK)
*Dan goes to take care of SJ
*Dan already know SJ background yet still willing to associate w/ him–romantic or otherwise.
*JH finally vocalizes what he wants to do w/ her–note going back to NK, marrying her, having twin girls, and growing old together. I was shocked he went all in, but glad that SR will not have any doubt about where their relationship is headed.
*He said “I want to marry you here … and have a child who takes after you, too.” WOW, JH loves SR so much that he wants their child to have her traits.
*The Only Drink At Home Promise – She simply doesn’t want other woman to see what she sees in him. Remember, the insecurity in ep 11 (suite girl and the attention from the video).
*SJ shielding the sun so Dan can sleep.
*The watch scene “You also saved me without realizing it.” Though, I still think the piano scene was a lot better.
*The gaze JH and SR have after giving her employee’s bonuses. He is so proud of her.
*JH bringing the shoes to his soldiers.
*The SR and soldiers reunion hug, especially w/ Pyo Chi-soo (his face while hugging.)
*NK village woman bringing Colonel’s wife necessities knowing they could potentially be punished. You know who your real friends are. Remember, that there are 3 people you don’t forget: (1) those that don’t help, (2) those that help, and (3) those that corner you into a situation where you need help. I also knew it would be the Rat’s wife that would help her first.
*JH putting grilled meat in SH bowl. Nice touch when SR feeds JH a piece of meat.
*More heartbreaking than flutter – SR’s mom never coming back for her at the beach. I was crushed the way she let go of her hand. Who the heck leaves an unattended child by themselves in a public place?!! It helps you understand SR much more especially the lost in the NK market scene.
*JH tell SR that he is happy she was “born” and “breathing”. As opposed to SR & her mom’s conversation at her office.
*JH realization that that it was indeed fate when he heard the recording; meeting her and saving her (2x) in Switzerland. Keep in mind this scene was the video gaming session scene. This is likely what caused him to finally tell her he wanted to stay w/ her, marry her, have children w/ her, and grow old together.
Woohoo the crash I know is back.
I like episode 12 so episode 11 was thankfully just a blip. Ep 12 had all the right pace, humor and the most important – Heart, things that we came to know of this drama. The drama have been good in small moments and here we see it. The moments are well crafted and well acted. I had some tears at the last few minutes, nicely done Show, nicely done. The lines from Hyuk were very good, being in love sometimes may not mean being together physically but having the other person in your heart always and being happy they are well even if you can’t be with them. I know we can’t accept a bad ending for them but I think I can accept what Hyuk says – it is hard for them, it tore my heart that the future he wants he only dares to say it when they are drunk … sob
And slow clap for the dig at MOA. What a hoot – Hyun bin must have enjoyed acting that scene and had a good laugh himself! Slow slow clap to the writer…
Thanks for doing this list, @JohnL.
😂 It’s easier to pick the scenes I want to explain later.
Wow interesting to hear others’ take on episode 12. I got cheesed out by some scenes and gave up. Maybe I’ll rewatch it and see if I like it better.
I actually liked Ep 12. Not my favorite of the series but better than Ep 11. To me, Ep. 12 felt like home and settling into the story. I particularly liked the scene when JH and SR were drinking soju. He was drunk and uninhibited and he said all the things he wanted to do with SR. They weren’t grand gestures or a plan for some crazy elopement. It was a grounded dream of perhaps most men – to get married, raise a family, grow old with someone you love. And yet, it’s this ordinary dream that seems the most impossible.
It’s that certainty in JH’s words – and perhaps the clarity which the alcohol brought – that made it so poignant. It’s also in stark contrast to how adamant JH was towards his future when SR asked her about it on their way to Pyongyang back in Ep 5. I guess I liked how finally they could just know each other for a moment, free from conflict.
OTOH, I’m getting tired of SR’s evil 2nd brother and his wife. I hope Seung Jung’s wisdom that greedy people are the easiest to target comes to fruition because I can’t take anymore of the couple’s evil scheming.
I’m with @Arihsi too regarding the comments about the OTP fighting for their love. I’ve seen a lot of people on Twitter saying the same. But given how ridiculous the premise of their love story is, and how dangerous the circumstances they find themselves in almost all the time, their relationship always seemed to me as an uphill battle. I don’t know how else they are supposed to fight for it.
Those grand promises of “I will come back and love you and we will be together in the end” seems highly unlikely given their situation. But RJH already crossed a cave to protect her, and SR basically allowed a group of NK soldiers to live in her house. If that doesn’t speak about fighting, then I’m not sure what is.
In my opinion, it’s their acceptance of the situation that quietly portrays their struggle. Both are realists. They know what can and cannot happen, and they’re managing their expectations by treating it with as much reason as their love for each other allows. They’re not perfect and are also prone to acting on impulse, as we’ve seen in so many instances. But they always know when to pull back, to think about things; hence why I’m not bothered at the lack of intimacy they’ve shared in Seoul (except for the few tight embraces). Kissing and getting it on when there’s a threat to your life isn’t exactly the most appropriate response to a dangerous situation.
@themanwashere – You got it spot on. They are both realists and that’s why everything is so restrained. I don’t think Seri will or should give up her life in South Korea, neither will Hyuk defect. It’s defeating as there isn’t a way out that won’t hurt any of them, and they know that. I like the whole notion of love isn’t about possession.
They don’t kiss or go to bed or even showcase any affectionate body language – but yet they are affectionate without physical contact and both have done more than enough to show they are willing to sacrifice for each other when the time warrants.
I don’t know how the writer will end this. Half of me agrees with the universe – life is tough enough, dramas should be fantasy and happy so just find some way to get them together. But the other half also reckons.. there are families and love ones torn apart by border conflicts and wars, they love each other as much as we love ours even when they are not physically together. Life and love finds a way always, and to let people see this with a well love drama, perhaps allows some to meet sometimes more often, would be a very nice touch
@themanwashere and @Stardust, I agree with your comments and thank you. When the OTP do things for others, holding doors, letting a squad of NK soldiers stay over (because what else could she do?); bringing the shoes to the youngest soldier; even these things are potentially dangerous.
Speaking of shoes, after all of the soldier’s near misses when trying to locate RJH, I appreciated how the soldiers’ reunion scene was written. First Chi Soo gave his shoes to Eun Dong then RJH brought the right shoes and got down to put them onto the boy’s feet. Not simply handing them over, but acting humble, fatherly, both or something else. I don’t know, but I found it really moving.
I’ve watched episode 12 in whole. My earlier condemnation of this episode was entirely unfair as I got impatient and just skipped around so the scenes didn’t make sense. It was a very well thought of and poignant episode that leaves my heart achey for our OTP.
Theirs is love more than what the world would set as standard… and I like the way it is…❤️❤️❤️ Episode 12 is the best so far… we can only hope for a happy ending…
@themanwashere: very well-said and thank you for putting things in perspective. I might have looked at more should be done when in fact, enough has been said and done. Their actions speak much louder than words and the have gone extra miles to love each other already. Agreed that they are loving each other, but with reason and management of expectations.
I love what you wrote, especially the followings:
” But RJH already crossed a cave to protect her, and SR basically allowed a group of NK soldiers to live in her house. If that doesn’t speak about fighting, then I’m not sure what is.
In my opinion, it’s their acceptance of the situation that quietly portrays their struggle. Both are realists. They know what can and cannot happen, and they’re managing their expectations by treating it with as much reason as their love for each other allows…
But they always know when to pull back, to think about things; hence why I’m not bothered at the lack of intimacy they’ve shared in Seoul (except for the few tight embraces). Kissing and getting it on when there’s a threat to your life isn’t exactly the most appropriate response to a dangerous situation.”
I have to agree with drama boy and soldier company that JH is the best Loverboy. He knows how to love that’s for sure. I feel like Seri was lost in episode 10 when she first got back to SK, going back to her old ways with her fancy clothes and attitude and skincare definitely didn’t work for her, she really needed him still to be whole. What I mean is, what a difference in her after he showed up, another miracle must be in her eyes. When the brother and sister in law barged into her apartment, a very aggressive attack meant to deliver fear with the fullest impact. If I were her I would be rattled and she was. His first reaction is skip words and just hold her and pat her back, calm down first. She felt the calming effect right away and said so, then he told her not to keep hatred in her heart, a cliche thing to say perhaps, but phrase it in a way she would understand and relate to, as a win/loose situation and her as a business woman, and then just gaze at her until she digest the message and she says something about profits. Which, I don’t know coming from NK and with all the anti-capitalist upbringing, even without that, her response can sound lame, but he affirms. “It’s profitable.” What struck me personally is how he grips her hands the whole time. It’s comforting to me even just to see it and imagine the feeling of it…the power of touch. My mother use to tell me when she came to help me with my newborn daughter, she said…”your baby just came out of the womb, it is very scary for her. Whenever she cries she is afraid, hold both her hands and grip them. It is the most effective way to calm someone, makes them feel like they won’t fall.” That image hits me right away. He certainly applies touch with economy, but it’s effective.
And she follows through in episode 12. She turns her life around. She begins to keep people she likes in her head and heart, finds out about the insurance guy and seeks him out, eat with her favorite employees and tries to change her appetite, gives a bonus to her employees. But she can’t listen to her mother yet, that one is deep and it will take more work. I have to say, since I live in a capitalist society and live with problems more like hers, watching her in SK is more work.
Okay, I don’t like her coffee machine at all. I have been drinking coffee with this the past few days, baby girl and hubby trying to figure out the right way to use it. Lots of fun. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006HINCO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I love what your mother told you about touch and your daughter. She must be a very wise person.
We use a drip filter as well, but more makeshift and not as lovely as yours. Sometimes low tech is all one needs.
We use a French Press. It is as low tech as 1929 🙈
P.S.
@kiko @josie @themanwashere and everyone else, thank you for your comments! It makes for a much more informed viewing ! Like @blue Galaxy, I also watched some of it again and enjoyed it much more!
Yeah our family has no sense of quality when it comes to coffee despite drinking a lot of it. I found the same drip coffee system JH used in NK (I think that’s the one they used on the set, it’s made in Japan, Amazon offers it of course) and decided to give it a go. First attempt was on Saturday morning when we wanted to do it together as a family, but I woke up late and found baby girl and hubby making a mess trying to figure out how to grind the beans with a mortar and pestle down to the right fineness. It’s impossible, we pulled out the grinder. Okay before I sound like a total nut, I want to go back to basics with cooking this new year and this primitive coffee pot fits with that. After quite a few tries we think we got it down. The coffee is really good.
When my husband makes a pot of this drip coffee in the morning the smell snakes up 2+ flights of stairs and to my sleepy nose, like in some Loony Toons, and pulls me downstairs.
Yes. The smell of fresh ground coffee in the house is something else. Enjoying the little things and being present is all that is important in the end right?
And @Arihsi, I love all the comments and I wouldn’t have enjoyed the show nearly as much without them.
Let me know if I’m too far out of left-field on the ending to CLOY. SR & JH will be married & living in Switzerland at the end (maybe even pregnant).
Here is my reason:
(1) They met in Switzerland.
(2) JH & SR do not seem too fond of their respective countries. NK is NK so not a lot to explain there. SR’s family is in SK which is the source of her anguish. I can see her wanting to have a fresh start; away from her family. I’m sure she can work remotely and go back to SK whenever she wants.
(3) NK and Switzerland have had diplomatic relations since 1974. Kim Jong-un is believed to went to boarding school there. Switzerland has always taken the part of mediator involving conflicts in the Korean Peninsula. Switzerland is essentially neutral ground b/n the Koreas.
(4) JH started his piano career there and in Ep12 he wanted to start playing the piano again. Coincidentally, he stopped because he lost his beloved brother. Now that he found someone to love again, he wants to start doing it again.
(5) Her Brother’s always wanted her to be married and out of Korea so this kind of fits the script. Well, except she wants to leave to be w/ JH.
(6) CLOY always goes back to the Switzerland flashbacks so why not end it where it all started.
Yes! Totally agree. Will post this on the blog so people can comment on this separately.
Thanks. 🙂
No worries, Blue Galaxy. Remember that I said that this open thread was for rants and raves. If your initial reaction was a disappointment, I won’t take it against you.
But I’m glad that you reconsidered. 🙂
This blog would be doomed to become an echo chamber if we all thought and reacted alike. An alternative proposition is welcome.
I only recently found this site, so I’ll just say 4 things.
Thanks so much, pm3, for providing CrashLoY lyrics.
I laughed out loud when HB was playing his video game to the theme melody from his MoAlhambra!!
Se-ri’s mother is hiding why she left SR on that beach at night. What we’ve seen isn’t the whole story.
And kamsamnida, folks!! Can I call you ‘wenches’ instead of bitches, since I always smile when wench appears in a subtitle, as if Shakespeare is translating. Because until I found this site, Kdramas have been a lonely passion. None of my friends will tolerate subtitles, yet they look down on me for loving rom-coms. So can I just yell, YAH, Meegookis! Most Kdramas are better plotted, scored, filmed, and costumed than even the British imports on our highbrow PBS. And they’re far funnier. So, YAH, again!
I associate wenches with big boobs.
I think if we were to be honest about our breast measurements, only a handful of us here would qualify as wenches. 😂
Underrated scenes that I loved in episode 12:
– When the comrades finally arrive at Seri’s home for the first time and the 3 of them are in the bathroom and are fascinated by: the continuous warm water, the endless electricity and warm heating of the floors. Water, light and heat are all the basic necessities that developed countries have yet lack in North Korea. Not to mention, the meat they were talking about (food) when they reunited. It was a funny but a poignant scene.
– When Captain Ri arrives with the shoes and not only gives it to Eun Dong but kneels down and puts the shoes on for him. I love Ri’s character in that he shows his love to others through service. He is a humble leader. (I’m also a Christian so it reminded me of Jesus and how he washed his disciples’ feet, hehe). This is probably the most wholesome character Hyun Bin has ever played.
– Man Bok and his involvement with the rest of the ducklings. I’m so happy that he is now part of a happy gang, redeemed and away from his terrible past with CCK. I love his comic performance as the “eavesdropper”, especially the scenes where he pops out of nowhere and the scene where he sneaks through the doors (such clever blocking using the doors on the left and right!) thinking that he’s not caught. This actor can truly act – performing one of the most heart breaking scenes in the show to now becoming an endearing cute pie that can cause the audience to laugh with him. I am going to miss him if he is really going to die/not return to NK. 🙁 🙁
Do you guys think SR was crying bc she finally had a happy birthday or the thought that JH was gone in Ep12? I feel like she said the birthday was what made her cry to cover up so she didn’t have to admit that she is a mess without him. I can also see it going both ways too; crying bc he was gone in the living room and then realizing it was the best birthday bc the people who love her didn’t leave her.
@packmule3, in the last 2 episodes, suddenly there are plenty of books in Seri’s condo. 🤔