This thread is now open. You can post your comments, insights, theories, observations, rants, and raves here. I don’t mind spoilers.
EDIT TO ADD THIS: For our convenience, I made a page (look at the top banner) for all the CLoY posts. You can use that to back-read my old posts (although why would you, really?) on this kdrama. 🙂
Here are some gifs I found on tumblr.
1. gif credit: sarangkstars
He reminded me of a Vietnamese spring roll.
2. gif credit: kdrama-anime-world
lol. Remember that conversation from Episode 5
SR: Mr. Ri, you’re a good man.
JH: That’s so sudden.
SR: Well, I suddenly had that thought. Later on, you’ll be a good husband and a good dad.
JH: I don’t know. I haven’t thought about the future.
SR: Why not?
JH: When things don’t go as I thought, I get disappointed.
3. gif credit: kojiseok
From Ep 11. Oh I get it now. The writer was in a baby mode, trolling us with fantasies of babies in SR and JH’s future.
If JungHyuk had a baby, he would like it if somebody would kindly hold the door open for his wife and baby if he wasn’t there to do it for them.
4. gif credit: thingskateknows
Of course, that white umbrella is a kdrama trope. Kang Dong Won made it popular. 🙂 From “Temptation of Wolves.”
It was spoofed in “Reply 1988” by Ahn Jae Hong.
Let’s enjoy the show!
“JH: I don’t know. I haven’t thought about the future … When things don’t go as I thought, I get disappointed.” Since he voiced the future in Ep 12 (staying in SK, marry SR, babies, playing the piano), does this mean he has a plan of action to make that happen? I remember in one of the posts someone mentioned that SR & JH were not making plans for their future; rather living in the moment. This sounds like JH has thought about the next steps for the future. I also love how SR always mentioned “by my side”–planting that seed. Like an ultimatum … all this can happen as long as you don’t leave me.
I can’t wait for the future … episodes of 13, 14, 15, 16.
Only one sleep to go… How sad am I!
Temptation of Wolves – not the best teen movie, but there is some earnest innocense in the writing which makes it endearing. Plus, Kang Dong Won is great in it.
Sorry for the off topic comment. I keep my fingers crossed for a happy ending for everyone in CLoY (except for the bad guys, of course!)
Heloooo 🙂
I just remembered, the Umbrella troops- we had one in DOTS too.
Anyway it’s CLOY day. Can’t wait!
Considering the last two episodes, I’m predicting:
– Ep 13 and 14 will reveal the truth behind Seri’s relationship with her parents.
– Perhaps, a tragic death for Manbok too, as the fortune teller mentioned.
– More on their fateful encounter and interactions in Switzerland
– CGG and the evil couple to finally be taken out of the picture (I’m seriously tired of this cat and mouse in Seoul but I know why it’s still there)
– Will the blossoming NK romance between SJ and SD have any implications in the South? SD told SJ to carry out the revenge, maybe it will unintentionally help SR and RJH?
wondering if
-the surprise gift from RJH to SR will be the engagment ring and the dressing up of the ducklings and Manbok is to go the engagement party and the special guest at the party will be CJW ;p
Oh! I forgot about ManBok. The fortune-teller gasped and said “I don’t think he can come back.” But she didn’t finish herself. This could mean he was going to die or that he was stuck in Seoul (temporarily or for good). 🤔 Does he have any other extra mission coming from that mystery guy?
If he was stuck in Seoul for good, I hope his family had a way of getting to Seoul, too.
I suck at predictions so I’ll only make a couple:
The drama guy will have his date with that actress as Seri promised.
The Grouch will earn more money in the capitalist world.
Dan and Alberto will visit South Korea.
ChulGang the bad guy will survive another week.
EunDong the youngest will find out who Tomato Cultivator is.
Brother #2 will have a crisis of conscience and confess. Seri will boot her sister-in-law out. Brother #2 married the real con(wo)man here. She’s worse than SeoJun. Brother #2 was blinded like he was blinded by SJ and taken advantage of.
My prediction:
Manbok will die. I have a feeling he is still working for Chulgang for the sake of his family safety in NK. He will probably sacrifice himself in the process to redeem himself. He did tell JH to take care of his family when he confessed and gave him the watch.
@Mae, I hope that you are wrong about ManBok working for ChulGang. He has already betrayed him once. My thoughts are more along the line of him hating ChulGang so much that he takes a bullet for the sake of the others, maybe even participates in ChulGang’s demise. He has already said that he doesn’t care what happens to himself. (but I hope that he lives)
I probably won’t see episode 13 until late Saturday or Sunday, as the subs come up late here. I shall have to ban myself from the computer until then. 🙂
@Fern I hope you are right. On a lighter note, I saw some spoiler on my IG feed. Seems like they exchanged purity rings. Kidding. Couple rings.
hahaha! You made me guffaw.
Purity rings?? At their ages? Why don’t they just call it sterility rings?
Couple rings are nice.
Same here. Won’t watch it till tomorrow because hubby and I are travelling. 🙂
Will wait for your spoilers.
Major spoilers ahead
1) Yes, they do exchange rings. What type no idea as I do not understand a word of Korean. Purity rings sound ☠️ like some sort of Chastity Belt 🙊
2) Lots of cuteness. Do not know if required for the story.
3) I have some questions regarding the physics of a fired bullet and it’s probability of hitting an UNINTENDED target in a moving vehicle.
4) For all things holy, please call the ambulance first. Somebody. Please.
Arihsi,
Thanks for your spoilers. My comments:
3) I have some questions regarding the physics of a fired bullet and it’s probability of hitting an UNINTENDED target in a moving vehicle.
>>Have you seen the conspiracy theories about the assassination of the US president, John F Kennedy? Yes, bullets can turn boomerang.
4) For all things holy, please call the ambulance first. Somebody. Please.
>>lol. Tell me more? Maybe the chicken delivery guy had a faster response time? Oh no! Did somebody die? Was it Manbok? Nooooo.
Packmule3
Prego. You are most welcome.
1) I’m almost illiterate compared to you in knowledge/ general awareness about the world, so naturally I’ve no clue about these conspiracy theories. Currently, the only theories occupying my mind are related to Prozac the drug. Humans are a mystery I shall never solve, I’m telling you.
2) Have you heard of a Sanskrit word “Mrityunjayi”? It means the one who has “won over” death. It’s meant as a metaphor for being unafraid in the face of a certain death. But taken literally, most kdrama characters in my experience are Mrityunjayi 😛 The ones who do not die.
P. S. No, it’s not ManBok
P.P.S No amnesia (me to the writer)
Uhm, i was surprised that Seri can drive her car that fast to do such an heroic act.
Thank you, writer-nim. An awesome period. I haven’t cried this much watching a drama/movie since I saw Pride and Prejudice and War and Peace, which are my all-time favorites.
“The flashes of happiest moment one sees before one dies” – i was thinking about all the 3 happiest moments of my life up until now and made a couple of decisions during watching this episode too.
Will try to spend time writing with you all this weekend. Work has been busy this week.
I have mixed feelings about this episode. Son Ye Jin clearly had a cold. Maybe they needed to give her some rest with all the indoor scenes. Poor lady. She has the toughest role in the drama.
Anyway, ending was pretty campy. as Arihsi said, somebody pls call an ambulance, is it also 911 in Seoul?
Seri is one of the best female characters I’ve ever seen on screen. Strong, smart, sassy. I was honestly so sad at the end. I felt like dialing 911 for the gang.
Glad that they put the bridge incident/encounter in Switzerland to a closure.
Now hope the mom will truly be the “sun” to wake SR up from the coma! I hope it’s the mom and not JR… and that in the hospital, SR subconscious mind will call out “mom” and counting the number…while mom is recalling her love and struggle for young SR etc
Perhaps they will have a flashback that when young SR was unconscious at beach and was sent to the hospital, mom was there beside her bed.
I also hope the necklace that SR was hesitated to pawn but did not was from her mom too.
After she got shot (please don’t shoot me for spoilers :P), they did a 9 happy moments flash back.
1. He tied her hair.
2. The bicycle scene through the lane with trees.
3. The candle in the market.
4. The train stop scene where they slept under the stars with a bonfire.
5. Hospital kiss.
6. The 1st meeting in SK.
7. The soju, I am drunk, if you are drunk, I will confess.
8. Her birthday party with F5
9. The bridge scene where she discovered he was the man she took picture of and indirectly prevented her suicide.
In the voice over, JH said he has yet to tell YSR I love you.
Looks like tomorrow is going to be all about YSR family.
@ Blue Galaxy I think they couldn’t call an ambulance because maybe they don’t know how / are in too much panic in a foreign country / are not even in SK legally? This is a medico legal case where they’d surely involve the police.
And I agree with you ! I love Seri’s character too! She’s gutsy and vigilant… She doesn’t hesitate to try her best to save the man she loves. And does so smartly. I generally do not like female characters of kdramas due to a very stereotypical depiction but Seri is an exception.
@Jerrykid84 I think she started moving in the direction before the bullet was fired. She predicted that Chul Kang was going to shoot. It’s just a bit of a stretch that the bullet found its target 🙈
Spoilers ahead! :O
“The drama guy will have his date with that actress as Seri promised.”
YES! but it felt so cringey I wanted to fast forward
“The Grouch will earn more money in the capitalist world.”
He got to spend money! Actually Seri’s card just that she said they didn’t spend enough. He did want to buy all the hats to use up her money though..
“Dan and Alberto will visit South Korea.”
No inkling of that
“ChulGang the bad guy will survive another week.”
I hope not! Looks like the Rat managed to shoot him dead eventually…and hopefully.
“EunDong the youngest will find out who Tomato Cultivator is.”
This was so funny! It was actually the other way round…I find that there are so many sides of JH, the sulky (this is one I find not common in those hero themes), the protector, the fighter, the reliable guy.
“Brother #2 will have a crisis of conscience and confess. Seri will boot her sister-in-law out. “
None of this drama…no one confesses but the treachery and deceit from him and is wife continues. Seri’s mum saves the day by stopping SIL from trying to kick out Seri her own company.
“Brother #2 married the real con(wo)man here. She’s worse than SeoJun. Brother #2 was blinded like he was blinded by SJ and taken advantage of.”
He sure is and she sure is the con woman here….so scheming!
Plus I don’t understand how the bullet shot through the car window (looks like the upper glass part) but she was wounded probably near her rib, for a moment I thought she was shot in the head but that cannot happen else…there won’t be a story. And yes call the ambulance!! Or maybe because they are N.Koreans they don’t know how to in S.Korea?
@Mae… I didn’t notice this 9 things… Not Ten because the last one would be JH confessing his love to her. How nice. The whole “Ten things” theme running through the series.
Call an ambulance ASAP guys!!
FYI a man I know was accidentally shot in the face while in a moving car driving on what was supposed to be a safe public road near the army practice ranges – it was a stray or ricocheted bullet – so it does happen.
Where’s Manbok?
The acting in this episode was brilliant. But the writer has let the pace of the story change – it has slowed a lot. Feels different. Not as sparkling iykwim. But still good show. Same thing happened in early teen episodes of Legend of the blue sea – but it picked up again and ended brilliantly – so I have hope that it will have a happy ending.
The father character has to DO something to earn his position in the story. Too passive/inactive.
The brothers and their wives are fantastic characters and their motivations clear and believable. Well written.
I’m not inoculated against the crying jags this show is causing. Am I doing something wrong?? Seri is one tough woman!!
Oh Gawd My Heart …
Ep 13
*JH: Are you planning to cry like that once I leave?”
*Bambi Syndrome: A baby deer will be rejected by its family once it has been touched by others; then die. SR doesn’t want JH to be rejected by his family. Kind of like how SR has been rejected by her family.
*Pyo Chi-soo: “I hope the two of them just run away!” This surprises the JH Gang. He’s always had a strong front and now he wants them to be happy w/ each other.
*Pyo Chi-soo: “Seeing her cry so suddenly … got me flustered.” Just awwwwwww.
*Birthday cake wish. It’s normally only the birthday person that makes the wish before blowing out the candles. SR included everyone. I wondered what everyone wished for?
*JH gift to SR (the rings). Haha, come on JH, you know there was purpose in buying those couple rings. I thought it was nice how they set that up when she first grab JH’s ring; only to present her w/ her own in the other hand. When SR realizes it’s couple rings. *Flutter*
*I think I died when he slide her ring onto her finger and she did the same for him.
*SR: Where did you learn this? Where did you learn to make a woman’s heart flutter.”
*SJ making Dan Pollack Soup and buttering up her mom. Conman got skills.
*Dan’s mom: What kind of relationship do you have w/ Dan?” SJ: “I have a crush on Dan.” The look on Dan’s face when SJ lists the things he likes about Dan.
*The whole exchange when SR’s ex posted on social media. SR: “Who’s fault do you think it is?” JH: “Are you saying it’s my fault.” SR: “You should have shown up sooner in my life … “Since my fated one was in JK, I kept breaking up w/ men.”
*SR lifting the theater seat arm that separated them and they interlock hands.
*It comes full circle at the SK bridge and Switzerland bridge scene. I knew SR was always JH’s type. I just don’t know why they play dumb like they don’t remember each other. It’s sweet that she’ll remember this before her dying day.
*Loved how they are very much a family at the BBQ Olive Chicken. They got through the emotional ups and downs of a soccer match together; very much like their lives.
*SJ putting in a good word for Ma Yeong-ae’s husband that is imprisoned.
*SJ is still helping out JH while he is in SK–when the village woman saw SJ coming out of JH’s home recently. Dan covers for SJ.
*First time seeing Dan cry after finding out JH went to SK to save SR.
*Kim Joo-muk meeting his favorite kdrama actress (Choi Ji Woo). The way she looks at him though.
*KJM asks CJW: “You said … those who love each other … will always meet gain … No matter … how far you are …” CJW: “You’ll always come back to each other.” KJM: “Yes. That’s right … True love will always return.” KJM wasn’t asking for himself; it was for SR & JH.
*SR and the soldiers impromptu goodbye’s at her home was heartbreaking considering what we know after ep13.
*The JH Gang stepping out of the Range Rover in their suits to protect SR was pretty bad ass.
*SR’s flashback moments at the end.
I cannot accept this outcome.
1. JH has a photographic memory where he repeated exactly what SR was “mumbling in Korean” on that fateful day in Switzerland ….
2. I think she will survive so please don’t be too worried! They share the same type 0 blood =)
I am going to get this off my chest, episode 13 sucked. Episodes 1-10 were so strong, the contrast could not be worse, what happened to the writer, director and editor?
The main problem is there is no chemistry between Seri and JH anymore. It’s like they continuously put cold water on their once sizzling chemistry. We don’t need them making out to feel the sexual tension, but now JH hardly seems physically attracted to Seri. Their body language is awkward and stiff. No wonder Seri’s assistant never suspected anything going on between the two even if they were wearing shiny matching couple rings. This also makes all of JHs declarations of love seem weird since their body language and words aren’t consistent anymore. I understand it’s adult love, but it doesn’t have to be monk/nun love.
The quality of production is nowhere close to their time in NK. Seri’s apt is basically a tacky soap opera set with no natural light. Like PM3 said before, it’s like they put random left over stuff from other dramas and made them into Seri’s apt. JH’s place in NK was right on point, homey and warm, full of life and light. It was plain but it sparkled.
Editing is way off. Loved the editing of the earlier episodes, the awards scene, clam bake scene, good bye picnic scene… now it’s like some amateur took a pair of scissors and randomly cut up the scenes.
I was worried South Korea part would go down hill, sadly it seems to be coming true.
I think that JH doesn’t necessarily nave photographic memory but remembered because he listened to SR’s suicide note (Ep 12 epilogue). But I’m glad they have closure for that memory. It seems as if all their fated moments in Switzerland are being given closure i.e. paragliding, piano by the bay, the bridge scene etc.
The fight scenes were over the top and for a moment, I thought JH would go all Neo in the Matrix. But I’m glad for Manbok delivering poetic justice. I had expected him to be the sacrificial lamb. My only question is where was he in the epilogue with the NK boys and SR. I’m sure he was just nearby.
This is probably just me… but, episode 13 feels like a repeat of episodes before in: closures on some Switzerland scenes to demonstrate the element of “fate/destiny,” continued declaration of love for each other in the form of standing 2+ feet away facing each other, “fighting” the villains who can never be put away, and almost losing the precious person in the end. Like @Blue Galaxy said, is it the writing, the directing, or the editing? The storytelling is just not as crisp as before anymore…
Is this just me? Maybe episode 14 will prove me wrong?
@Blue Galaxy I understand the sentiment. There was a warmth when the story was still based in NK. Even the hue of the scenes – orange-yellowish, at times earthy, and moody – lent a homy ambiance. I remember telling someone how even the offices of the military officials like the Senior Colonel had so much personality and detail into it. In contrast, the scenes in SK, especially in Seoul, are almost cold. The colors seem more muted, bluish even, except for those shot in Seri’s apartment (which looks more like a showroom lol).
I attribute the decrease in production quality to the live shoot format. It seems the SK scenes did not have as much freedom and mobility than the pre-taped shoots for the NK setting and even in Switzerland. That’s always the risk with this arrangement. Then you had the delays in the shoot, looming deadlines, and Son Ye Jin’s hospitalization which may have also played a factor in how the writing, production, and editing moved forward. That’s always been an issue with the live shoots.
And ditto re clam bake scene. That is certainly one of the best in CLOY. The music, the scene, the acting – it was flirty and heartwarming and it still makes me smile every time I remember it.
On the contrary, I feel more of the love between SR and JH in the SK scenes than when they were in NK. At that time, it was more of infatuation and tension, and I echo Seo Dan’s sentiments that it seemed they were merely getting carried away by feelings of melancholy over an imminent goodbye. The flirting was fun. However, in Seoul they appear a lot more settled. Their intimacy seems restrained but I’ve found it somehow more realistic. Has JH even made it clear to SR that he and Dan are over and done with? Because if that is the case, perhaps that “little” issue plays a role in the boundaries they still put up.
I am with you. I didn’t like EP 13 that much 🙊. But Pm3 did warn about shows belly flopping around EP 12. It seems quite common for kdramas to slow down around this time. Also, in a pair of episodes you’d always notice higher ratings for the latter… As if the native viewers already know that the former would be weaker.
The only point I have to add is about the recent lack of chemistry between the actors. The actress playing YSR is unwell. She went to the hospital and it was all over media. Though they majorly downplayed it, I doubt these agency managed actors are even allowed to do something like that unless absolutely mandatory. They get doctors to see them in visits… So if she had to go there meaning she might have needed investigations. Even if you’re a really professional actor, it’d be natural to act carefully around your unwell colleague, especially if they’re your friend too. It’d be hard to un-know it even for the sake of character.
I saw the bts footage a week ago (do I have too much time? Maybe yes?) And HB was seen saying “She’s exhausted” in more than one rehearsal scenes. He was rehearsing alone with the guy playing Chul Kang.
But yeah. It’s not like we’re watching Baby Shark (I watch too much of that too). There is a complete lack of scenes depicting physical intimacy and it feels very dry and as you said, monk like. Not enjoyable.
@Arihsi if YSR is sick then it made alot of sense why they are standing and sitting nearly 2 feet apart from episode 12 onwards. I personally thought the soju confession, they were sitting a bit too far apart. Getting sick is no joke and if she has some virus, it will take more time to recover. But given their tight and punishing schedule, I doubt she has that luxury.
Hope YSR is feeling better now.
I seem the minority? I love the latest episode. It seems strange that everyone feels the lack of intimacy is a problem. He’s supposed to leave in 5 days! And he belongs to an enemy state where they constantly point guns at one another. What do you do when you have a obstacle like that, if you kiss fervently or go to bed- does that make Hyuk a jerk, especially it’s not in line with his character who keeps saying to her “it’s ok. You can let me go. It’s ok you can no meaning to this present. It’s ok you can date” imagine he says that after some passion – it will make no sense and incredibly irresponsible.
Maybe I belong to the older demographic. I found that it was very touching for her to tell him “this is enough for my life happiness. Whatever happens I will never forget you” she even said when one dies they will get flashbacks of happy times – and the moments with him will be there. The way he caresses her hands was telling. Remember all their kisses and hugs always only happens when it’s needed, after an event where they can throw caution to the wind or when their emotions overrun logic. These elements were not there in the latest episodes. The ring scene were 2 adults who were going to be apart trying their best to look strong and not wanting the other to worry. Her bambi analogy again shows it’s not just him worrying about her, she’s worried about him. How he is going to go on in his world, back home. Here , they still believe they belong to 2 worlds. We get the kisses when 2 worlds collide – and if the writing is right, it should happen before the finale lol
Even I was not much bothered by their lack of skinship, the episode was beautiful enough to fill up that void.What i liked was their memorable interactions, character growth and the flow of emotions linked with various small scenes. Infact the kiss would have been only for a few minutes but what about the story so beautifully enacted throughout the episode.To name a few ,the soccer scene, Eun dong wishing for a high school uniform and last but not the least, the expression on Capt Ri’s face when he found out that he was defeated by the maknae in his troop .They were all memorable!!.I think this episode had most number of osts played.And the bgm was so striking.And I totally agree with @stardust .Can’t wait for the new episode!!!!
@stardust, I guess my issue wasn’t the act of intimacy, rather the underlying feeling/tension of intimacy. I don’t get that feeling anymore, I feel like they are just reciting their lines and try to look like they long for each other. It’s kind of hard to pinpoint, but maybe the tempo is off, or editing is off.
One of my favorite scenes is the second good bye where JH refused to give Seri a hug. But that handshake and their eyes conveyed so much chemistry and intimacy. Now JH and Seri seem flat. And I as the viewer feel emotionally disengaged. Maybe the actors are really just too tired.
@Blue Galaxy, thank you for articulating what is lacking so well. Spot on.
@bluegalaxy I thought their looks at each other and eyes underlay a lot of emotions, a lot of longing and love. This was quite apparent at the bridge and the ring scene – and they were very comfortable at the Football scene too. Hyuk has always been a little understated and emotionally flat – that was how he always have been in this drama. To me it was consistent in character. I Guess it goes to show that different people have different perspectives 🙂
@stardust, I am totally glad you are enjoying it. Yes each person has different perspective. I am very much interested in reading what others have to say. 😊
I found the scene where the maknae wanted to wear the sch uniform rather sad. It reminded me of the youth that was taken away from him. Where his counterparts from SK are having fun basking, he on the other hand had 10 years of army waiting ahead of him.
Thank you everyone for the comments.
I agree with @Liza S. Yes, the initial part of the fight scene was over the top, but hey-ho, it’s a drama. I loved how RJH’s men showed up and took care of business.
As to skinship – well Se-ri’s house is stuffed full of 5 other people, so no privacy. In addition to the responsibility factor others have mentioned.
Eun Dong in school uniform; exactly what he would be wearing had he lived south of the border. I wonder if he knew it.
Having all of them cheering for KOR v JPN in the footy. Haha. I was thinking that RJH was going to quickly drag them out, but I suppose that would have made more of a scene.
Kudos to the actress playing Se-ri being physically ill as well as playing such emotional scenes. It must have been so difficult. Yes, I was wondering why she and RJH were standing apart – I hadn’t considered that there might be H&S reasons. I wish I could have seen subs for the bts ep 10.5
I was surprised that Manbok survived the beating from CCG, but I’m so glad he did. He might need the ER as well. Once he gets over his shock Maybe KJM will remember the number to call based on his Kdrama knowledge.
I’m looking forward to the next episode so much. Hoping I don’t have to fight with my SIMs obsessed daughter tonight for computer time.
@Stardust thank you for your perspective. I hadn’t thought of it from that point of view. Yes. It would be very irresponsible of them to initiate intimacy since it’s for a very short term. He knows how much she likes him. Add to that the abandonment issues. It would hurt deeper the more intimate they are.
Actually by intimacy I didn’t really mean outright bed scenes. I am a bit past that age 🙈 I mean it more in the sense of how @Blue Galaxy puts it. But actors are humans too. I don’t think any of us perform the same everyday at office. Some days are just bad. So it’s ok 🙂 Hopefully, it’ll all be good.
Like @bluegalaxy, I felt like the some scenes were particularly underwhelming in terms of showing the depth of their romantic words through their actions (physical affection). After a rewatch, I realised the ring scene was better than I thought. I loved the hand holding and finger rubbing (sorry my lack of better words) as a representation of their inner feelings towards each other.
However I did wish there could’ve been a bit more/differently in the bridge confession scene. Like, instead of facing each other with a 1m gap in between, maybe face the view and slowly embrace as he confessed that she was the woman that was and has been his type? Sighs. I just dislike those long shot standing up gazes. No one really do them in real life. I find the outdoor fireplace when they sit down and gaze more natural and romantic.
Though another underrated scene I loved and rewatched the most times were:
The movie date scene. I loved how they wore black and white (contrasting colours) and there was a “line” that they removed as they reached out for each other and joined hands.
Seri first put up the seat arm while Ri helped her out. Then Ri put his hand open for Seri’s hand to interlock. It reminds me of a loving relationship where both play equally important roles in loving the other, guiding each other, helping each other. No imbalance of gender.
Another poignant scene was when Eun Dong wanted to wear the school uniform. That was heartbreaking.
Another one was when Joo Muk realised the next probable time to meet his favourite actress again would be when the Koreas unify.
This author sends so many deep messages subtly hidden in light hearted scenes. It’s great.
Could the lack of conspicuous affection be down to the fact that they agreed not to do anything to make memories with each other while JH is in Seoul. I thought that was why they were so restrained. What’s missing is the evidence of restraint – think Mr Darcy trying not to fall in love with Elizabeth and failing again and again – so subtly played by Austen. I’d like to see Seri and JH find the restraint more difficult and to fail now and again.
While the rings are lovely and follow the usual kdrama storyline they don’t fit with the agreement not to make memories. A lot could have been done with the story thread to make it more ticklish iykwim. Just handing rings over is too simple imho. Like the writer is ticking boxes and is in a hurry. Did the storyline have to change due to Son Hye Jin’s illness?
Episode 14 starts in one hour. Will RJH have to go back to NK not knowing if SEri is alive or dead??!
1. CCG is like a cat. Did not die.
2. Plenty of tears. Skinship galore, plus a kiss plus JH partially taking off his shirt.
That is all for now.
It’s becoming clear that they probably had to improvise the script due to Son Ye Jin’s illness. I have made peace now. They are making the best out of a difficult situation. I am going to stop slamming the writer editor etc. but really wish they’d drop the live shoot format.
Anyways Hyun Bin deserves a preferential star for giving SYJ a peck on the mouth amidst the coronavirus outbreak 😂
My final thought about episode 13, our squad looked pretty sexy fighting in suit 😀
We didn’t have so many scenes to see their competence as soldier, now I’m convinced!
I don’t have any problem with the lack of physical intimacy on the show, except for a couple of scenes (soju confession scene, bridge confession scene) where it’d be more nutural if they at least hug or embrace each other. They restrained a lot and RJH is a reserved and not an expressive guy. This is the first time RKH has fallen in love, so there’s hesitation and exploration on his part. It is unreasonable to bring the physcial intimacy to the next level if they know their love is heading to a dead end either.
So far, I still can feel their chemistry, and affection and emotional tension. RJH and SR’s actions, big or small, are full of affection for each other and watching them, I can feel that their love runs deep and they both are very thoughtful and considerate about the other.
After watching Episode 14, the small little things that RKH does for SR, the constant looking out for each other, how happy they make each other, how they inspire each other – to me, how they bring hope to each other – that’s what love is about, despite the lack of steamy scenes. SR crash-landed into RJH’s life and since then, they both found more meaning in life and in love, and become better and more complete, fill the long-lasting void and pain in their hearts, which I value very much. And that’s why I think there’s much more meaning to their love and encounter.
@Blue Galaxy, I assure you, there are people holding vials of live coronavirus at this very moment thinking of how to stop a pandemic. When Zika virus structure was discovered, you wouldn’t believe the amounts of hugs thrown about without blood culture results of the workers. In biology, victories always lie beyond the fear of infection to self. We’d have never seen the light we do today if Pasteur had worried about infections. Just a perspective 🙂
P.S. I’m sure you meant it jokingly but Seo Jin has to be declared clear before Hyun Bin so much as came in 100m perimeter of her. Star for people who hold the live virus/bacteria in their hands by choice so that one day we have a chance at a cure. For people who nurse patients no matter how scared they are and still go home and hold their children.
I just can’t with my feels for SD and SJ aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh I love this couple so much too. I’ll wait for your write up about their romance, well if you gonna write it.
Just a couple of things
– In episode 13 I was ridiculous enough to think, when SeRi put the ring on her thumb saying it fits and JH said “that’s mine”, that he meant the finger. I laughed out loud at myself when he showed her her actual ring.
and.. with a billion spoilers for episode 14:
– they’re all saying good bye so many times. It’s beautiful in the context of han you’ve so nicely explained packmule. But it’s also draining.
I loved episode 14 because it started with a problem – Seri not waking up – but from there things got better (or so it seemed at first). And we had a ton of sweet scenes. For a while things started to look less hopeless – Seri woke up, found out her mum loves her (and I loved that she’s not the biological parent yet still is the one that cares the most about her in that toxic family).
JH worried and taking care of her
The gang being adorable and resourceful. They made it so they could hear what happened in her room and with that gave SeRi 2 important pieces of evidence: about her mum & about her brother ordering her killed.
But at this point, with 2 episodes left, ending all episodes with one of them in danger of losing their life feels really really exhausting.
With all the problems they’re facing JH now has to deal with SK police thinking he’s come from NK to harm SeRi?
I’m sure things will get fixed somehow but at this point I just feel exhausted listening to them saying good bye and worse.. getting shot at.
@Oli Have you read “My family and other animals”? It’s a children’s book and thoroughly wonderful. The protagonist is a preteen with wild dreams about his future that keep changing. One time, when he wants to become a writer, he thinks up a novel where each chapter ends with one of his family members in grave danger such as being eaten by a Boa constrictor and such. Things get Wilder and Wilder as then he has to think of a scenario to rescue the said family member in the next chapter 😂 He gives up the idea ultimately because of how exhausting it was. 😄
@Arihsi, I love that book because it reminds me of my husband. Off topic, my first thought about that book is about the bumblebees on a hat. I’ll have to dig it out. There have been several screen adaptations as well.
Hi. 🙂
Highlights for me from episode 13 to 14.
– Everyone wishing on Seri’s birthday cake. I liked that stuff toy that Chi-soo was holding, you can move it’s ears. Cute!
– I didn’t mind their ring exchange because they were able to put it on each other’s ring fingers. A kiss to seal it off would have been better but the holding hands was fine.
– I loved the red beanie that Joo-muk wore to his lunch with Choi-Jiwoo but he should have taken it off when they were eating. I did feel cringey with the 360 degree spinning scene but then again that’s probably what he’s feeling since his meeting his favorite actress for the first time ever.
– The gang was cute when they were shopping. Kwang-beom gave those ripped jeans justice. 🙂 Yeah, I felt sad for Eun-dong when he wanted to wear a school uniform. He looked good in it too.
– When Seri called JH after waking up, that tugged at my heart. I felt the desperation in their voices in wanting to see each other as soon as possible.
– I laughed out loud when Man-bok was demonstrating the conversation between the eldest brother and the Father which includes a slap. LOL! So funny! I thought it was clever too that Man-bok’s dirty act actually gave Seri the power to show how her brother was involved and her Mom’s love for her.
– So Seri is not her Mom’s biological daughter but she’s the only one that really cared and loved her all those years.
– If Korean Fried Chicken is not going to gain more popularity from this drama, I don’t know what will. LOL! I love KFC too! LOL!
– I wanted a longer kiss at the hospital. Just me! hehehe
I can’t believe it’s finishing up this coming weekend. That went quick. 🙂
Good comments, @agdr03. I’ll find time to watch them tomorrow.
Oh Gawd My Heart …
Ep 14
*JH: “But now, I have changed. Even if I have to worry about losing you every day, I want to have you in my life. Even if it breaks my heart bc it’s a dream that can’t come true, I’d like to sincerely dream of the future. So … please live.”
*Pyo Chi-soo has the same blood time and offering to give it to SR.
*Dan’s mom realizing what is going on w/ Dan. Dan keeping a brave face knowing that she was losing the man that she loved. Her wanting Dan to have a happy life–like how most mother’s want for their daughters.
*SR: “You are my bodyguard. How could you leave me without my permission? You told me to be within your sight. You said as long as I stay within your sight, I would be safe. Come back now. I miss you.”
*SR gesturing for a hug in the hospital.
*SR: “I was scared too. I had a long dream, but I … couldn’t find you there. I wanted to wake up from it so badly.”
*SJ love confession to Dan. Dan grabs SJ and kisses him. SJ cups Dan’s face and kisses her. *shrieks like a school girl.*
*SR’s moms confession.
*JH showing SR a fake injury to his face and then kissing her. That moment was cute, but her reaction seemed off.
*JH doing everything for SR. Pyo Chi-soo: “Captain Ri, we haven’t eaten yet.” “Just so you know, we are still here.” lol
*SR’s mom: “I want you to stay by her side. I think that would be good for her …” JH: “Why … can’t you stay by her side? If you’re by her side, she would also like that.”
*JH Leaving SR a recording of him playing piano so she can sleep.
*Just JH’s thoughtfulness of arranging SR shelves so she can reach things.
Thanks, @John L. This will make it easier for me to follow when I watch the new episodes tomorrow.
Regarding the couple’s intimacy this is my take, I remember Seri’s opinion on smooching and how commonplace it is where she came from, namely SK, and how little they meant to her. And then there is the picture online from one of her old fling. I think cheap interactions means little to her, she wants the real deal. So far it was JH who kisses her first every time, she hardly ever initiates physical touching, almost always him. She is totally letting him lead in that department, like she gets him completely and allow him to take his time there. He even explains why he acts like that, he gave his reasoning in voiceover, because of his brother’s death he won’t allow himself even to make a joke or have any fun. He is changing his position some though, he now fully admitting to himself at least how much he wants a life with her. And when for the first time he did something out of character, that is, he tricked her into a kiss in the hospital with his shirt all unbuttoned, she looked confused.
I think the reason why people think they lack intimacy is because it isn’t light hearted anymore, and it is because of her. Ever since she had that conversation with the con man in NK when he puts it to her plainly the dangers JH and others face because of her she has changed. In the beginning she was so spoiled, irresponsible even, to the dangerous realities in NK. She hasn’t been arrogant, reckless and in some way adorable anymore. He is the same. Stoic, extremely thoughtful with an intense gaze…attractive stick in the mud. She is different, better in my opinion but less fun. She went from having an incredible adventure to returning home and now facing all her unresolved issues. Things are getting real, and it feels like work, but I love the depth of this show.
After watching the episode 14, I still think Seri’s mother has no excuse. I really hope she would come with good excuse but it’s kinda sounded like bullshit.
The thing that worried me the most about ep 14 plot was the giant porky that RJH’s father told the Head of the Military. I understand that to gain time he had to say something in response to the evidence presented. However, the repercussions would be potentially so dangerous to all our protagonists as well as to both SK and NK. I was appalled.
@packmule3 would it be possible to include the confession scene in your commentary? It was all dreamy slow run followed by a very sad confession. As if he hadn’t said it all this time to not create that memory for her, to make it easier for her to move on. But now he said it to alleviate his own torment, not for her to know. She didn’t seem the least bit surprised (or happy). They just cried some more 😢 The hug seemed more to ease him too rather than to any romantic effect. unusual as far as confessions go.
I felt this scene was very well acted. I would love to read your thoughts.
Thank you!
🙂 but you described it so well already?
@ pm3 thank you for this praise. You are too kind. However, I neither possess your keen eye, nor your knowledge in arts and literature to support the observations.
For example, sometime back a poem by Emily Dickinson on Hope was discussed. I had no idea about it. I’m not a native English speaker so I don’t know if such poets are included in school syllabi either.
But this poem lead to a very curious realization. I keep up with writings of parents of children with specialized neurological disorders for academic purposes. One such writer Carrie Cariello described hope not as feathers but as a sack of rocks she lunges all day long, all year long since decades (in context of her son with Autism) in her book. I thought this was a very unusual comparison till I read the poem by Dickinson. Maybe it’s a very famous poem and I had no idea 🙈🙊
@John L, thank you so much for your lists. I love this show on how they give us sweet and loving scenes unrelentingly, it doesn’t stop, big ones and small and from everywhere. You capture them so well in lists. They pick their enemy well, not some silly family drama or any mundane problem, and I love how they affectionately mock other SK drama for that…for this show the enemy is history and the North and South system and cruel human nature, they don’t even have to say much about it, we all know what the enemy is in our own imagining. They just counter that with love scenes, over and over. So bold.
After watching the episodes, I’m starting to learn to accept that they might not going to be together even though it was fate that brought them together yet a choice must be made by both of them to choose to be together in Switzerland… (hence the name of her company, Seri’s Choice
Its amazing to witness how deeply their love has progressed despite the unimaginable obstacles and life threatening situations. I have been told that I’m rough around the edges and I admit that I have been crying
Do you still believe in destiny???
Heyyyyy….there’s a difference between fate and destiny. 🙂
I guess I have to bring up my old “sermon” on fate and destiny soon.
But don’t give up hope yet. Han or no han, this writer will eke out a happy ending for her viewers.
I would love to read your “fate and destiny” post!
Thank you!,
Sure thing!
I wrote it about 7 years ago to explain a Korean variety show (lol). I’ll have to resurrect it from somewhere, either from another blog or from soompi. And revise it a bit.
Come back tomorrow. 🙂
@packmule3 @Josie – No problem, I love re-watching and experiencing the “… sweet and loving scenes unrelentingly, it doesn’t stop, big ones and small and from everywhere.”
As for the funny red hat of Ju Meok in his date with Choi Jin Woo, it was in reference to Stairway to Heaven series where the male protagonist wore that. And the 360° camera panning was in reference to that series too. As well as the lines that he said. I found it too weird too when I watched the series. I saw it in someone’s tweet.
Yes, thanks. 🙂
I knew it was already posted in soompi three days ago.
https://www.soompi.com/article/1382031wpp/choi-ji-woo-makes-cameo-appearance-in-crash-landing-on-you-recreates-iconic-stairway-to-heaven-scene
Technically, too, the director of the original drama would have done the circular pan shot to show the viewers the character’s giddy feeling. Going around and around makes the viewers dizzy, just like how the character would be feeling dizzy, out of sorts, and discombobulated, because he was in the presence of the love of his imaginary life.
🙂
@pm3, just one word – Discombobulated . Love. Love. Why didn’t I have teachers like you? My thesis guides went through everything from hysterical laughter to stern remarks when I used “words that no one expects to read in a technical manuscript”. To me, they were very fun and excellent words to use (not to mention those that actually described what I meant). Alas. Formal education.
@Arihsi and @pm3. Such a great word! Certainly not a thesis word. I’ve proof-read some drafts by my husband who is a scientist but bad at spelling. I’m always asking him, should there be an article here or punctuation there? Apparently scientific writing is all about getting the core data information out in as concise a manner as possible. No flourishes. So perhaps your teachers were onto something – even if it made the reading less colourful.
Are you guys curious who is going to save SJ on the roof since they don’t show the person’s face? All they show is the suit, gloves, & rifle as you he walked up the stairs. The suit looks like it belongs to Director Cheon and the rifle looks like it’s the same one that SJ used to get away at the hotel. Or maybe it’s Dan’s uncle?
The preview for Ep15 is out and it looks exciting.
-Yoon Se-hyung and wife plotting
-Rat’s family being taken
-Dan crying while looking for SJ
-JH’s troops are taken by NIS
-JH looking depressed in what could be NK
-SR walking the halls alone
Could be JH’s dad.
Could be a new character added in the last minute, like deus ex machina, to resolve things.
No, not Dan’s uncle. He’s always in his military outfit and he wouldn’t have men in black suits. These men are from the same task force assigned to bring SJ in for questioning but Dan and her uncle intervened.
Man Bok, The Rat, is hated by his community and feels guilty because of the job he is forced to do. I’m so glad that in Episode 14 he shows others (and himself) there can be a positive side to exercising his expertise. Also his wife, back in the village, is able to bring some benefit from eavesdropping to alleviate the suffering of the ajumma whose husband was arrested.
I think Se Ri could put Man Bok to good use in her employ, if that were a possibility. Se Re is unaware that Brother #2 & evil SIL have her doctor and her housekeeper spying on her. I imagine Man Bok would not be so blind.
Drama Crash landing on me!
I’m at the point where I should drop the drama. I’m not doing it because a friend of mine watched it, and I’d like to finish it so I can have the pleasure of talking about it with him.
But the end of Episode 13 finished me. It’s the crash!
After a lack of tension and palpable boredom throughout the drama comes a scene that makes you a little nervous.
And it’s catastrophic…
Of course, I understand that the screenwriter puts emotion before any other consideration.
But when the lack of logic reaches this point, I can do nothing else but totally detach myself from the story.
I don’t think that adding a little credibility has prevented me from making this sequence series full of emotion. On the contrary, the impression of veracity would have reinforced the effect.
This drama would have had writing qualities: the realistic way North Korea is portrayed. A real writer’s work, with real details that feed the story. I note some well done romantic scenes as well.
But for the rest, it’s soporific. I don’t know exactly why, maybe a combination of things, not just the script. Although the direction is very good, it’s also very soft. Some sequences linger where a more nervous rendering would have been effective. The background music doesn’t fit. The passage in North Korea should have given me a feeling of permanent tension and danger, and it looks more like a walk in the countryside.
Wenchanteur, your objection is noted. 🙂
To be honest, I’ve stopped at Ep 14. I saw parts of Ep 15 (skimmed though it) and I haven’t seen Ep 16. I’ll get back to you when I finish the drama. One of these days.
But true, the screenwriter puts emotion above…hmm…. a lot of things. I sensed that since Episode 9 so I skipped parts I disliked ever since, and “accentuated the positive” instead.