@FF, was that Episode 7 or 8? I need to do a FFD to find the scene. I thought the balcony scene was when she teased him but then said she was hungry and walked off … almost a kiss, but no kiss.

@pkml3,
The kisses only happened after he reciprocated her feelings and went to her. I’m glad she didn’t kiss him before that. It would have been like the boss lady showing her power.

Although EH did not initiate those kisses, I liked that he initiated most other lovey-dovey gestures like holding her hand, openly admiring her, etc. I liked that they spent time together walking and talking a lot, and saying directly how much they liked each other. That puts them in good stead for the next few episodes of ‘tests’.

There’s the disapproving MA.
The unknown reaction of Byeol.
The pressure from the Peoplez staff if they find out and …
the possible betrayal of CEO Oh (or Wu or whatever) and the threat to the company.

Thanks for the timestamp @FF!

First two thirds were so funny. Great ending. Nice cliff hanger.

@MM, I’ve appreciated that in this drama, once their dating is established, the main characters are always truthful when asked about their relationship. They just tell it like it is instead of hiding the truth or lying about it.

I was hoping and therefore very pleased that EH would come straight out to tell JY about her father and his connection with him. I trust that JY will be reasonable about the role EH played in her father’s death. Hopefully she will see that what her father did in saving EH has in fact provided her with the gift of someone who could and would be beside her all her life.

Aside from the discomfort of EH, I enjoyed the threesome of Byeol and our OTP having a relaxing time together. Contrast this with the shock of Su Hyun’s family over the appearance of drunk Wu Jyung Hun LOL. What a spectacle he made of himself and of course the ever eager mother of Su Hyun wants to nab him as son-in-law.

@MM @GB I enjoyed this episode too. Both partners “met” the rest of the family 😂😂😂. Woo met SH’s mother and “son”. EH met MA/hubby (as JY’s bf). I am not sure I would’ve looked at Woo in the same light as SH’s mother though? Under the circumstances? I have always wondered about the Korean societal views about drinking. They seem to brush it aside with careless abandon. In Vino Veritas? 🤔.

And JY’s response in the aftermath of that incident at the event with the Chairman? She didn’t like EH stepping in at all. Which is consistent with her character. She’s always prided herself in fighting her own battles. And to have him step in like that hurt her pride. She took her anger out on him. “Do you look down on me like everyone else?” I did like how EH responded to her admonition. He apologized for stepping in (because it upset her), but he stood his ground and said that he would do the same if a similar circumstance happens in future. His reason? “He shouldn’t have been rude to you…I don’t want to see you hurt. I want to protect you as much as possible.” Presenting his point of view. She had forgotten that she was a unit now. With him. What affects her, affects him. He continues gently, “Ji-Yun. You don’t have to be perfect (anymore). It’s okay to look shabby (I think there’s probably a better translation than this but that’s what we got – maybe vulnerable? 🤔)”. Then he moves forward and takes her tightly clenched fist (still in fight mode). Her fingers unfurl as he holds her hand. His final promise to her, “However you are…I’ll stay by your side.” 😍. Nicely done EH.

Interesting Point kate. Others at that meeting also saw that as an action that was more befitting a personal relationship than a professional one.

Even though his stated reason for stepping in seemed quite reasonable it was obvious That was not the real reason

@Monmor – I wonder whether the show will gloss over this or whether the couple will work out the relationship between their personal and their professional roles.

I suspect it will come to a head at some point in the drama and they will clash and then make a decision about what to do going forward.

She is angry but he is making her feel safe and treasured at the moment and taking their relationship into the personal domain… She might not feel the same and start to resist more if this happens too much on the work stage.

@Kate I did wonder about that too – whether he overstepped – see my comments above. But I went back to rewatch the scene. After Chairman did that whole spiel about headhunters after his friend jokingly asked her to find someone pretty to be his golfing partner

Woo (tried to interject unsuccessfully) – Father…
Chairman – Headhunters aren’t anything special. They just find people you need for a commission. Isn’t that right Ms Kang?
JY (politely) – It seems you lack an understanding of headhunters. I must work harder. (Turns to the person asking about the golfing partner and bows) I am sorry but that is not my specialty.
Kim (slides in with a sneer) – Ms Kang, why are you so serious? (Talks to the person asking) Leave it to me. I will find someone that you are absolutely delighted with.
JY (tries to excuse herself) – Please excuse me. I have another meeting to attend. (Which we know she doesn’t because she had already cleared her schedule for this event. EH would know this and realize that she’s trying to make her escape. She turns and walks towards EH, only to be stopped by Chairman)
Chairman – stay to the end. (He is not allowing her to walk away. He wants her to bow to his wishes and re establish his authority over her). This is MY event. I think you’re smart enough to know your place, Ms Kang. (Then demands that she be served a drink and for her to drink it). Over here (calls to waiter) Give her a drink.
(Drink is poured and the glass is handed to her). Drink (he commands).
JY thinks about it. Then walks over to the table and sets the glass down. She turns and meets Chairman’s gaze. He starts to take menacing steps towards her. Woo makes to step between them and it’s then that EH steps between Chairman and JY.
EH – I am Kang JiYun’s Secretary Yoo EunHo. I apologize. I wasn’t able to clear her schedule. Ms Kang needs to go to her next meeting.
Chairman – your loyalty is excessive. You should know whether it is in your place to step in or not.
EH – I apologize for being rude. I learned that a secretary’s priority is to the person he serves. (Turns to JY). Let’s go Ms Kang.

JY had already made the excuse to leave (because of another appointment). So she had tried to retreat without making a scene. But Chairman was not letting her go so easily. He wanted to put her in her place by publicly humiliating her. He refused to accept her disengagement from the battle. He asked her to stay regardless. Then demanded that she drink the wine poured out for her (as a sign of submission to him). When JY refused to drink, she was basically getting back into battle mode. Throwing down the gauntlet. The situation was rapidly escalating with neither party willing to back down. Woo would’ve stepped in then even if EH hadn’t. I am not sure Woo (he is dealing with his father and he’s not known to be calm) would’ve helped de-escalate the situation. EH’s method to validate JY’s initial excuse of going to another meeting and taking on the responsibility for not having planned better resulted in a de-escalation. It’s a “deflection”. Because now Chairman is dealing with an inept Secretary, not a wayward/stubborn JY.

He did seem to be stepping in to “rescue” her. Was that overstepping? That was JY’s accusation outside afterwards. She was still in battle mode when she stormed out. She took it out on him. “Don’t you think I can fight my own battles? Are you looking down on me too?” His explanation was simple. Chairman was rude to her. And he stepped in to protect her. This whole setting the boundaries with work starts and ends isn’t so clear cut. Which is probably why a few of us here wonder if they can continue as lovers given their positions in the company. JY and EH are learning as they go with the different scenarios that life throws at them. They will probably have to decide if they can continue to work together given their relationship.

@Kate I agree. Your suggestion would’ve worked better. His move would’ve been construed as protective in the social setting despite his attempt to make it sound like he was inept. I think that’s why I always find workplace romance difficult to maintain. And I am of the opinion that when they do go public with their relationship, EH should leave for another job. How can she as is boss be viewed to be completely unbiased otherwise? In the eyes of everyone else? Keeping work and pleasure separate also has its benefits – should you have a disagreement with your partner at work, it doesn’t carry over into the home setting. That’s my personal opinion. I do have friends who act as the receptionist in their husband’s private practice (doctor/dentist), and this arrangement tends to be temporary (especially in the start up phase when they are trying to build the business and cut costs). They eventually outsource it to someone else after a while. I think they find it too stressful to be with each other 24/7.

@packmule3 ❄️☕🫖🪻🌷🪻🫖☕❄️, Episode 10 is up in the UK today. Please could you add a thread?

And finally … overtones of ‘Secret Garden’!

I hadn’t expected the show would go there. I didn’t want it to.

But – well handled nevertheless. I am sure they will treat this topic well.

@Fern – good point. The use of tropes – as variations on a theme rather than hackneyed plot devices!