http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/ Runboard| CJKDramas.com en-us Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:35:47 UTC Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:35:47 UTC http://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com akBBS 60 http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052556,from=rss#post2052556May I barge in at the end like this! Sounded like a very sad drama, and I am glad I did not watch this, since life has enough crisis and challenges to solve. However, I am curious why did she die, because of the disease? and I thought it is very unusual, or I should say I never heard that the disease inflicting such a young person or was it just dramatization? The people I know who had, or still have it went on living a long time after the disease was diagnosed. Cap, you said "the drama felt very real" in what sense? the progression of the disease or due to the acting? THANKS!MKanaThu, 23 Feb 2012 06:23:45 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052555,from=rss#post2052555SuperRookie, On Gwanggaeto, well said Professor, very insightful, and totally agreed! Still very sad though...MKanaThu, 23 Feb 2012 06:03:59 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052554,from=rss#post2052554The last two episodes were very heartbreaking but I thought it was great that they had the character go through all the phases of the disease. The drama felt very "real" maybe more than I like to watch. . It's strange, but feel a little cheated that we didn't get to see the funeral. Maybe I feel that way because I wanted to see people say their goodbyes to her. I would have liked to flash forward and see he was remarried and getting along with his life but we didn't. It left me feeling down because I wondered if he would be happy again. captivaThu, 23 Feb 2012 04:07:45 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052553,from=rss#post2052553merela. I just picked this drama up a couple of days ago. today Lee Da Ren has gone off somewhere from the airport and was talking on the phone to Ariel but she was hidden behind a pillar and obviously not feeling happy he was going. There was an earlier scene at a restaurant of Karaoke and another girl made Ariel join her in a song. I would imagine she is in love with the Lee character and will cause mischief. I could be totally wrong since I have no idea of the language. Is it Mandarin or a Taiwanese language ? I thought maybe Mandarin.PeggyMEThu, 23 Feb 2012 01:49:29 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052552,from=rss#post2052552Ep. 45 (Sun) - Part 3 of 3 At the clothing store Yeoul stares at her ex‛s business card as Taepil is finishing up and about to leave for the day. Yeoul asks Taepil if he will go with her, holding up the business card. They enter the ex‛s building and approach his office. Yeoul is hesitant. Taepil puts his arm on her shoulder, ‛I will be by your side... don‛t worry.‛ Taepil distracts the secretary while Yeoul flies right past her directly into the office unannounced. As the secretary goes to stop Yeoul, Taepil gets in between the secretary and the door, turning on the charm. Inside, Mr. Ex is practicing his golf put, annoyed that the secretary has entered when he doesn‛t allow his putting to be interrupted. Finally he looks up and sees it is Yeoul... ‛why have you come without calling?‛ He invites her to sit down but she just stands there... ‛Apologize to me.‛ ‛What?‛ ‛Apologize to me... didn‛t you do wrong to me?... didn‛t you have an affair with my friend?‛ ‛What do you mean by having an affair? I already said it was just a misunderstanding.‛ ‛A misunderstanding?‛ Yeoul laughs... ‛what kind of misunderstanding... you deceived people for a year... I did my best... you asked me not to work so I quit my job... even followed you to America... you said let‛s not have a child, so I even gave up that... but you had an affair... with my friend.‛ Mr. Ex acts like he‛s the offended one, telling her to calm down and listen to him. She doesn‛t... ‛You should have asked to get divorced sooner... why did you deceive me for a year and make me into a fool?... I‛m very laughable, right?... I‛m just a weak woman in your eyes... every day I tried to understand you, so did you feel I‛m just a fool?‛ Mr. Ex yells for his secretary but Taepil runs in first, as Yeoul continues, ‛No one has the right to treat me like they want... apologize to me.‛ He stands there, silent. Yeoul goes to his golf bag and takes out a club, lifting it as though she will hit him... ‛I said apologize to me!‛ The scene cuts to Yeoul and Taepil walking down the stairs to the lobby. ‛Are you all right?‛ he asks. ‛I‛m okay.... I‛m really okay,‛ she says, perking up. ‛I feel much better now... I think I can tell my sister about this now... I don‛t feel ashamed about getting divorced from him... or living my own life alone... I feel that it is the best thing that I did well while living until now.‛ She looks at Taepil questioningly... ‛Taepil, did I do it well?‛ He smiles... ‛Yes, you did well, you did really well.... Nam Yeoul, you did really well, you did well now, and in the future you will do better.‛ He holds out his hand, ‛Hold my hand... if you don‛t I‛ll carry you on my back then.‛ She puts her hand in his. ‛Are you hungry?‛ he asks... let‛s go eat something delicious.‛ Yeoul smiles... ‛Thank you,‛ she says shyly. Taepil releases her hand and changes to interlocking fingers with her. ‛Let‛s go,‛ he says. Yeoul smiles brightly and off they go. Suyeong is conducting a team meeting, making assignments for the day. Again, she skips over Taebeom. She has an interview today and the other reporter says he has something else to do. The only person left is Taebeom. As she looks at him, she announces she will go alone. The others tease them that they can go on a date. They end up together, but Suyeong gives him the cold shoulder at every turn. Finally he asks her what he needs to do for her to accept him? He will do whatever she wants, but she sticks to her line that it is too late. He tries to reason with her, finally asking, ‛Do you really not love me now?... or are you still angry and need more time?‛ She pauses for a long time, looking away from him. Taebeom tells her to look directly at him and answer. "I don‛t know," she finally answers and walks away into the elevator. When the doors open at her floor, there stands a model in a white bridal gown. She flashes back to her wedding with Taebeom, how they ended the ceremony suddenly to go back to work. Approaching her car in the parking garage, Suyeong doubles over in abdominal pain. She calls Taebeom, gasping that her stomach is hurting. He asks where she is. ‛I‛m scared... I‛m scared, Taebeom‛ she cries. Back at the farm, Mom has just finished reading Jaeun‛s letter. She calls O-dad. They meet for tea in a restaurant. She tells him she has decided to tell Jaeun that she is too exhausted and worn-out to continue on the farm and to give up on it. They will move quickly. Then mom moves on the bigger matter. She wants to keep it a secret from Taehui and Jaeun about Changhun‛s death and Baek In Ho‛s involvement. Baek In Ho is dead and Jaeun didn‛t do anything wrong, they should just keep the knowledge to themselves and let the kids continue on with their relationship. Dad is completely opposed to this idea. But Mom‛s heart is breaking for the hurt that Jaeun will suffer if they are broken up because of this. Dad can‛t believe that Mom will allow her son to marry the daughter of his father‛s killer. Mom counters by saying young people break up all the time... just let them be... it might end all on its own. Mom says she will take responsibility, that she won‛t allow them to marry for four or five years. Dad doesn‛t believe this is possible. What if Jaeun ends up pregnant just like Suyeong? He remains adamant in his opposition to keeping it quiet and allowing the kids to continue dating. Mom appeals to him on the basis of how Jaeun forgave her for stealing the contract and for all the bad things Mom did to her. This has no effect on Dad. As she keeps pleading with him, Dad blows up, angrily saying she is out of her mind! O-mom tells him that at this moment she is not his wife, not his mother‛s daughter-in-law... Now she is just Jaeun‛s mother... that‛s all she is. She reminds Dad that he has said she has saved his life many times... now this is the time for him to save her. If he doesn‛t want to lose his wife, then cover this up... otherwise she will not live with him. ‛What?‛ he asks in disbelief. ‛Yes, I‛m threatening you to please cover this up.‛ Fadeout... __________ Ep. 45 (Sun) - End of Part 3 of 3 nchristiWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:17:35 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052551,from=rss#post2052551Ep. 45 (Sun) - Part 2 of 3 At the clothing store, Yeoul looks at the business card left by the well-dressed man... she crumples it up. Taepil enters the store... it‛s his day off... why is he here? He sits down with her and directly asks who was that man? ‛Your ex-husband?‛ Yeoul again tells him it‛s none of his business... he‛s crossing the line. ‛I want to cross the line... I want to bother... Who are you?‛ She gets up and starts fussing with some clothing. He follows her, ‛Tell me,‛ he demands. ‛Exactly who is he for you to tremble like that... why did you cry?‛ She looks at Taepil, ‛Yes, he is my ex-husband.‛ Taepil wants to know why they got divorced, but she wants him to drop it. He won‛t... ‛Is there any secret that you can‛t say?... He had an affair?... Right?‛ ‛Yes,‛ she replies... with her best friend... they dated for a year behind her back... they all went on trips together... had dinner together several times a week. Yeoul finally realized that her friend didn‛t come into her marriage... Yeoul came into her husband & friend‛s relationship.... not only did her husband betray her but her best friend stabbed her in the back... ‛Overnight I became a fool!.‛ ‛This is really foolish,‛ says Taepil, then angrily, ‛What did you do wrong to be unable to face him properly?... Crying tears for that kind of a guy is a waste... Do you have feet?... Why didn‛t you give him a high kick like you did to me?... Furthermore, why didn‛t you tell me about this earlier... then I could have beaten him to death on your behalf... Then why did you say nothing when he left his business card.... Right... where is his business card!... Hurry and find it... Let‛s go!‛ Yeoul starts crying, telling him not to yell at her... what is their relationship for him to have a right to yell at her... to interfere in her business.... ‛I don‛t want to tell this to anyone... I wanted to keep it deeply hidden and not tell anyone... why did you make me talk about it?... Why make me say it out... why make me depend on you?‛ As Yeoul sobs, Taepil takes her into his arms... she cries on his shoulder. Knothead still in a depressed state. Dir. Cha brings her some fruit, but she won‛t eat. Suddenly she turns to him and asks him to go meet with Taebeom... ask what are his plans... what exactly is he going to do?... shouldn‛t we at least listen to his side of it?‛ Dad refuses... he‛s glad they broke up... what‛s with Knothead now?... after she insisted on a break up and packed all his clothes, went to his parents... what is she doing now in wanting him to meet with Taebeom? Taebeom and Hyeryeong having tea in a small restaurant. She apologizes if his marriage broke up because of her. Taebeom denies it... it is his own fault... he discovered his feelings too late. ‛Hyeryeong, I love Suyeong... That‛s why the ‛last farewell‛ that we didn‛t say three years ago we should say today.‛ She nods. He thanks her for the ten years during his youth... for laughing and enduring with him... He tells her that he thought he would hate her forever, never be able to move on... but now he knows he will do well... his 30s and 40s and till the end of his life he wants to live with Suyeong. He tells Hyeryeong to live well, healthily, happily. She smiles through her tears, accepting what he has said. Taebeom leaves the restaurant, takes a deep breath of fresh air, leaves the past behind. Deleted... class ul Jaeun at her studio working on her characters. In walks Jeha, seeing a note card on the table from her father (it fell out of Jaeun‛s things). ‛He must have been very considerate.‛ Yes, replies Jaeun, her dad never forgot her birthdays, writing her special cards and letters. Jeha invites her to dinner, but she‛s already eaten. As he is about to leave, he begins to take a medication. Jaeun asks what is it? He has a slight cold. She doesn‛t like that he‛s taking meds on an empty stomach, telling him to wait a minute. Jaeun is preparing a milk shake with banana. Jeha smiles happily watching her making something for him. She brings the finished product and presents it to him: ‛Homemade banana milk... drink it then take the medicine.‛ He hesitates... then tells her not to tease him. She doesn‛t understand. His phone rings, he answers... it‛s Taehui, asking Jeha to bring the car owner list with him. But Jeha says he doesn‛t have it with him, it‛s at home. Taehui is calling from the car with Partner. The contact regarding the ‛backdoor‛ college entrance scandal is around and Taehui wants to meet with him again—he is the only key.... If his suspicions are correct, this man is director Baek In Ho‛s assistant... Taegyu hopes he will change his mind and talk.Taehui, Jeha, and Partner again serving customers at Bong Manhui‛s restaurant, filled once again with more of Jeha‛s movie people. Taehui and Partner get a police call and leave. Jeha uses this opportunity to put the pressure on Bong. They‛ve been coming here for a week, increased his business, etc. But Jeha won‛t keep on if Bong won‛t tell him anything about the accident. Bong says that it isn‛t that he won‛t tell them, but that he can‛t because Taehui‛s father requested that he not. Jeha asks ‛why?‛ Bong doesn‛t know the answer, either. Taehui‛s father? Why would he want to hide info from Taehui, Jeha thinks to himself. Jeha rushes back to his office, getting out the list of car owners. As he scans through the names, one catches his attention—Baek In Ho. Flashing back to his conversation with Jaeun about the cards her father sent her, he remembers her pointing out that he always addressed the envelopes the same: "From Dad Baek In Ho to Daughter Baek Jaeun." Jeha drops the list on the desk, realizing the full import of this connection. At home, O-mom is alone in her room, remembering her many conversations with Jaeun, both happy and sad, how horribly she mistreated Jaeun before accepting her... kicking over her food, spraying her with the hose, throwing her out of the house onto the ground outside... how they became like mother and daughter... how Jaeun took her to the hospital for her painful and serious kidney infection. Mom looks at the gift bag Taehui has given her, then opens the box from Jaeun. Inside is a letter... ‛Ajumma, from now on use good skin products... I will supply you from now on. The last time when you asked me to be your daughter I said I didn‛t want to... now you know the reason, right? Although I said I didn‛t want to, at that time I was very happy because you want to be mother-daughter with me... Ajumma, the only reason for me to come back is because of you... now you know it, right?... because of that time when my stomach hurt and I fainted... Ajumma‛s warm hands took care of me... and the breakfast table you set every morning... I really missed these things so much... I already forgave Ajumma properly... I really, really love you and miss you so much... make sure to be happy. —Yours, Jaeun‛ O-mom cries... ‛what to do? this poor child! what to do?... my heart hurts to death... what to do?... what a hell in this world.‛ Mom cries deeply, clutching Jaeun‛s letter to her heart. __________ Ep. 45 (Sun) - End of Part 2 of 3 nchristiWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:16:50 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052550,from=rss#post2052550Ep. 45 (Sun) - Part 1 of 3 Dad explodes at the family table about Taehui and Jaeun getting together, storming out of the house with Mom following after him. Mom comes back to the table, having talked with Dad outside. She makes up a story, that Dad had an argument at a local town meeting and is upset over that. Mom goes to her room, heavily burdened by the news about Jaeun‛s father. Deleted... class ul The brothers take Taehui and Jaeun out for drinks, congratulating them. Taesik gives them permission to go ahead and marry, not to worry about him. (Korean custom is that the eldest marries first, then down the line.) Taebeom has been unaware of this relationship developing. Taesik wants to know when it started... he didn‛t notice anything. Taebeom suggests they play the ‛truth game‛ on such an occasion. Neither Taehui nor Jaeun want to, but Taepil spins a fork to begin... it points to Jaeun. The three brothers all laugh... Taepil tells Taesik to start first. ‛What do you like about Taehui?‛ She smiles... ‛Everything.‛ Taebeom is next: ‛Where did you guys have your first kiss?‛ She‛s embarrassed: ‛On the road.‛ Taebeom: ‛When?‛ Taepil interrupts asking if it was such and such a time. Taebeom and Taesik realize Taepil knows a whole lot more than he lets on. He confesses he knew when Tahui asked him about Jaeun‛s mystery words, "Yes... Let‛s go." Jaeun is horrified that Taehui discussed this with his brother. Taehui is angry with his brothers for stirring up trouble. Taebeom ends the embarrassment, offering a toast to the young couple. As he watches Jaeun acting miffed at Taehui, Taebeom flashes back to his last conversation with Suyeong... "It‛s too late," she tells him on the stairs.Suyeong at home in bed flashing back to the same conversation. Taebeom tells her that he didn‛t recognize his feelings, his care and worry about her, the warm feeling she gives him as ‛love,‛ but that he does love her and tells her so. She looks at the small yellow shoes on the shelf.... Early morning at the farm... Mom has been up most the night, wondering how such a thing could happen. She tells dad he should have told her about Changhun‛s killer, not carried the burden by himself. Dad laments that he‛s lived on this farm for 10 years... he felt that something was wrong... now he understands. He and Baek In Ho went to school together, but afterwards didn‛t have any contact. Till one day years later, Baek In Ho‛s father unexpectedly contacts him and gives him the farm for 10 years. Dad now realizes the farm was a pay-off for the death of Changhun caused by his son Baek In Ho... There is no way he can forgive them... Sell the farm and move right away, that‛s the only answer. Mom agrees... she will tell Jaeun. Dad wants Mom to take care of it... he can‛t look at Jaeun‛s face... he shouldn‛t vent his anger on her... she is young and innocent but he can‛t help his feelings. Mom asks what shall they do about the kids dating? Dad says it is impossible... they must break up. At the breakfast table, everyone is bubbly—except Dad & Mom. Guksu has a surprise... he has drawn a picture of Taehui and Jaeun as bride and groom. Granny starts in about setting the date in spring. Both Dad and Mom start giving mild objections... too young... too soon. Jaeun and Taehui know something is wrong. After breakfast in their room again, Dad tells Mom to quickly tell Jaeun that they can‛t date and are leaving the farm. Mom is afraid.... what will she say? Dad gets his jacket and goes out to the town meeting again. Jaeun knocks and goes into Taehui‛s empty room. She looks at his things, smiling, then sits by the pillow on his bed, touching the pillow where he rests his head. Suddenly Taehui opens the door. ‛What are you doing here?‛ She wants him to give the gift bag to O-mom. He smiles and will go to the car to get it. As she leaves the room, he stops her. Time for a kiss. As he moves in, Granny comes bursting through the door. She giggles, telling them they should lock the door! They are embarrassed, denying everything. Granny leaves, locking the door behind her. In the kitchen, Mom is staring blankly, worried about what she will say. Jaeun comes in, she wants to talk with Mom, taking her to Taehui‛s bedroom. Together they give her the new black bag from Taehui and a box of expensive lotions from Jaeun. Mom is reluctant to accept the gifts, but does and finally expresses her appreciation to them. She feels worse than ever looking at their smiling faces. Misuk and Taesik have tea together on the patio. He tells her that he has signed up Guksu for multicultural summer school. Guksu feels sad that he doesn‛t have a mother to go to school events... Taesik asks if Misuk has time to attend with them today. Yes, and she will bring Hana, too. The multicultural center is decorated for a party and games, with both parents and children participating. Taesik and Misuk act as partners, as do Guksu and Hana. Everyone is laughing and happy... having a good time. At the end of the day, the kids are exhausted and asleep on their parents‛ backs as they go home. Taesik thanks Misuk... she‛s glad she went... that‛s it‛s fun to have all four together. Before she walks to her place, Taesik is moving in for a probable kiss. But he stops, asking her about restaurant activities tomorrow. Why is he talking about this? she asks. Suddenly, Taesik swoops in, planting a peck on her lips. She is stunned. He tells her to go inside as he, himself, runs into his house. As she walks towards her place, Taesik sticks his head out to secretly watch her, touching his fingers to his lips and smiling. __________ Ep. 45 (Sun) - End of Part 1 of 3 nchristiWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:57 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052549,from=rss#post2052549I also felt compassion for the father. I didn't see Ep. 1, but in Ep. 2 he seemed to sincerely repent from his fooling around, begging his wife not to divorce him. Both she and the daughter were through with him, though... there was nothing he could do to repair his family after that. He caused it all, that's true, but when he lost his family, why wouldn't he go to his pregnant GF and marry her? Women analyze broken relationships to the 'enth degree, but men usually don't—they replace and go on with their lives. He's not happy now, of course. Sometimes the grass is greener, but not in this case! I agree about the actress, Pyeon Jung-Su (Wife #2). There's something about her that I've always found fascinating, regardless of the character she plays. So far, though, I'm finding it more difficult than usual because of this role... one that makes me grit my teeth to endure some things. LOL!nchristiWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:55:03 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052548,from=rss#post2052548From others' comments above, I'm wondering if some of the scenes with Seojun's mother have been deleted on the KXLA airing. The only time I remember seeing his mother lately was when she wanted to take Seojun and leave the country. He told her he was staying, that he has plans to not only marry Gunghwa but take over the company. I don't recall any other scenes. Would someone fill us in if other things have been happening with Seojun and his mother? Bunam - Yes, I was glad he went to see Mrs. Na, too, and laid it out clearly before her. It was a little surprising, but I guess there's more to him than what we most often see on the surface. I'm curious to see how Unchan will handle his work situation, now that he knows Mrs. Na will find a way to get rid of Doyeong if Unchan comes to Mirae. Now that Dohui's mother knows about the situation, I'm sure it will spin out of control into all sorts of complications. Too many chef's spoil the stew. nchristiWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:36:02 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052547,from=rss#post2052547Just a heads up and warning, on the Roku forums there's a thread about the Drama Fever app (channel) for Roku not working well for some time - either not loading shows or too much buffering. Roku developers said they would inform DF about this issue but that was months ago and it looks like users are still experiencing the same issue - months later, Roku has not given any information to those unhappy, except silence... I emailed DramaFever about a while ago, no reply. DF is an awesome site and licensor, but it looks like their customer service is really, really lacking - if they won't answer my inquiry now, how fast will they deal with a billing issue or something major? Looks like for now, for Roku K-Drama fans, the main reason to get this is for Hulu and hope the drama you want to see is on Hulu or DramaFever Hulu page vs directly from DramaFever. I'm getting impatient waiting for the Vizio VAP430, so Roku continued to tempt me as I want my K-Drama fix on TV now from DramaFever and Hulu... but based on the above, I guess I'll have no choice but to wait.SuperRookieWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:11:34 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052546,from=rss#post2052546Delightful episode. I loved the family dinner together, everyone together, happy to be there... it was a pleasant scene with Bongja allowing Gachan to leave and Unchan announcing he has gotten work at Mirae. This scene, with the big family together, and happy... this is what makes K-Drama so special. The one little wrinkle in all this though... Bokchan does it again. LOL! When her husband was apologizing for inconveniencing Gachan's family to move out, Bokchan spoke up saying how they (Gachan's family) should thank them instead for giving them a reason to go... LOL! Even when she has good intentions or says something in a joking and light manner.... she is just so...... Another scene I very much enjoyed was the one between Gunghwa and Gramps on the swing. Their discussion there was very believable, I believe I was watching a real and loving relationship between a Grandfather and Granddaughter. Seojun is now manipulating Dohui by pretending he has no knowledge of putting the pressure on Doyeong, when it was all his idea... is he going to try to fake being the White Knight to save Unchan, Doyeong, and everyone so he re-earns Gunghwa's trust and she thinks he's actually the good guy and savior? Hmm... what is he planning next. I'm glad Unchan found out about what Mrs. Na's been doing to Dohui and Doyeong! I hope he fights her and doesn't lay down thinking it's best for Doyeong if he quietly leaves. I was also glad to see Bunam take it to Mrs. Na, after he found out what she was doing (through D's mom).SuperRookieWed, 22 Feb 2012 15:02:16 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052545,from=rss#post2052545This was a drama to admire on many levels. It was set down by the writer to be a great love story under the worst of all conditions. It would never go on through a lifetime. I thought the writing and the dialogue were so sharp and deep. I think I said somewhere before that one small sentence could be like a paragraph in a book. You just had to watch and listen and every nuance meant the opening for a whole situation to unfold. Every character was so well shown and explained without a lot of back history. She really is a great writer. As for the cast I don't think we could have chosen any better. I would think they could all be pretty emotionally worn out after all those scenes. I admired and appreciated all the actors but I think I have to come back to the actor who played the brother. He was just incredible for such a young person. I wondered how he could dig so deep to find the way into such feelings. Then I read somewhere that when he and his brother lived in US they were having a very hard time. When his brother was chosen for training for DBSK in Korea he had to leave his younger brother behind. Park Yoohwan later joined his brother in Korea and he said that he went back in his memory of how sad he was when his brother had gone. He obviously had a really tough time and he was able to become deeply emotional and cry when thinking about how he missed his brother in earlier days. It makes me think that he will become a very good actor in dramatic roles. I felt that the last episode suddenly ended. It was like a balloon just slowly losing all the air. No big bang but a slow release of all the tensions and fierceness of the previous episodes. I do not think that Ji Hyung will end up with Hwang Ri. He does not love her and never did. She has also moved on and her helpless attachment is no longer in her life. She has grown and changed and will always remain a friend of the family but no marriage plans.  I agree nchristi that Ji Hyung is still entwined with who his wife really was, and she will remain in his heart and he will devote himself to their child.PeggyMEWed, 22 Feb 2012 13:20:49 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052544,from=rss#post2052544This series is taking me by surprise - a reminder not to judge a series by the first episode or the first few minutes of the first ep. when I almost dropped it again. LOL! I'm getting into this light and fun series. Episode 2 had me interested and intrigued from start to finish - I quite like these characters, and the cast... set against the backdrop of the romantic and island setting of Guam. Usually these international excursions tend to be the strongest points in a K-Drama, hopefully it doesn't lose steam when it gets back to the Korea locations. I know I shouldn't... but I felt bad for Jae Mi's father. LOL! So many times in these K-Dramas, the cheating husband/father is weak or clueless (easily led astray), but an all around nice guy that made the mistake of infidelity, men are men (weak in that regard)... but when they are generally nice, sometimes it's hard to HATE them completely. I don't blame how Jae Mi tore into him when he went up to their room to see how his old family were, he deserved all that hate that she had been holding onto for 10 years... but at the same time, given he recognizes his failings, I felt bad for him when he had to face that kind of torrent of hate. It looks like Jae Mi's father isn't completely happy with his new marriage. On one hand his younger wife is a complete airhead and quite superficial and shallow... they are completely different - they have different tastes, he can't seem to confide and talk to her in any meaningful way... she's just so immature. Guess that's what he gets for, as they say in K-Drama land, chasing after some young thing. Then on the other hand he has this overly demanding MIL who orders him around (when he was too busy at work in episode 1, she pretty much ordered him to come)... she's so emasculating as we see in her own relationship with her husband who is pretty much in a wife role in this reverse relationship. LOL! The actress that plays the second wife, Byun Jung Soo... kind of cracks me up. She has a similar role here as she did in All About Marriage/Please Marry Me. Spoiled rich girl, pretty much doing nothing with her life other than just there sitting pretty, shopping, and butting into other people's business. LOL! I don't know why, but her characters and her performances amuse me. I'm quite looking forward to episode 3! SuperRookieWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:56:44 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052543,from=rss#post2052543 class blockquote MKana wrote: This drama, Gwanggaeto, the savage nature of the people or battles of ancient times made me cringe and fast forward, but what really sadden me is the depicting of the very dark side of human being, what greed, revenge, and ambitions blind powerful men including Damdeok (his ambitions), resulting in the lost of lives, relationships, friendships. War and power is never pretty that's for sure - sacrifice is the name of the game, for the greater good - what the greater good is, however, that's where things get trickier to discern. Powerful countries today all rose to status from either war or absorbing resources from elsewhere or at the expense of another (country/people). Especially in those days for fighting for power, land... it was either one side or another - there was little in the way of global arbiter or statesmanship to stop a war. In that sense I agree with Damdeok's ambitions, at least in the context of a story, the only way to stop war was through great power - even in today's modern times, statesmanship and not taking the hawkish position is viewed as weak - there is a race to the bottom even in the supposedly most modern of countries, (US), to try to demonize certain groups or portray themselves as the most nationalistic and war bent. People haven't really changed since ancient times, sadly. Going back to the situation of this series, there was nothing to stop the surrounding neighbors from constantly attacking it, especially as we know all these hundreds of years later... Korea was indeed a constant target of war, tributary state, foreign intervention, and loss with harsh rule/occupation by its more powerful neighbors up to even only less than a hundred years ago - even today, arguably, like a lot of nations, still a pawn by larger super powers. class blockquote TaeWang PyeHa wrote: What network is showing "Live in Cheongdam Dong"?jTBC, which means it's unlikely? to get subtitles over here, given it's not on a major network and usually the fan or professional subtitle groups don't have the resources or time to sub long series or the fast paced nature of dailies with new episodes constantly on the way - even MBC doesn't seem to be able to do this with their high profile dailies to any consistency, with only KBS World/America providing this service (something I'm very grateful for and why I'm very adamant in supporting legal). With all the cutbacks in recent months in North American broadcasting by the Korean companies, I'm slightly paranoid of late - the news article I posted some weeks ago made it sound that even the titan, KBS World is being hit with business/advertising issues or losses (hence the contract disputes with east coast carriers). I find it hard to believe KBS World/America would disappear from the huge east coast market for months, unless something major was going on. Two of jTBC's recent shorter shows Padam Padam and Fermentation Family have gotten a bit of buzz recently though, DramaFever licensed those two shows. I hope DramaFever picks up Queen Insoo, I want to see that... it has Chae Si Ra and Ham Eun Jung!SuperRookieWed, 22 Feb 2012 12:36:56 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052542,from=rss#post2052542You don't find men like Ji-hyung anymore. He loves unconditionally and sacrifices a lot for the woman he loves. I hope J will get back together with Hyanggi who is another very loving soul but that won't happen because of her parents. They can move to the States with the Je-eun and start all over again.slantyeyeWed, 22 Feb 2012 10:55:30 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052541,from=rss#post2052541What network is showing "Live in Cheongdam Dong"?TaeWang PyeHaWed, 22 Feb 2012 09:07:02 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052540,from=rss#post2052540     Yeah I keep waiting for the story to reveal how Ms. Na and Seojun's Mom are connected, I just know its some sort of plot to jake Mr Young Ik out at the Construction company. And that with Seojun there Ms. Na's family will retain full control of it. It must be a very long standing revenge plan. As I see it Ms. Na could care less about Gunchan's future, and happiness as a person. And she is but a way to revenge some past wrong to her familyTomCatWed, 22 Feb 2012 07:59:17 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052539,from=rss#post2052539Mrs Na said the whole pen mystery is the reason she doesn`t want Unchan in the Co. But if the pen implicates and weakens Mr Na isn`t this to her benefit. I have the feeling that instead of Mr. Na,her dead father might be the one responsible for the death of Bunam`s father,although I don`t think she knows about it and is just concerned about gaining power in the Co. sherlesinWed, 22 Feb 2012 07:02:33 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052538,from=rss#post2052538Yes, since I haven't seen the K-version of Ren yet, my perception of the Ren character so far has always been that of a really high-strung, angry, and sort of gloomy guy. Maybe it's because of the actor and how he is portraying him in the Japanese remake. I'm curious to watch the Korean original now and see how Ren is portrayed there. It sounds like he was more of a balanced character in that one. Here, they've given all the balance to Shu and made Yuki the comic relief. Shu seems a little too calm sometimes! I agree, Japanese dramas are usually really big on the comic relief/slapstick humor, but sometimes, maybe this doesn't go over all too well with Japanese audiences—especially those who viewed and enjoyed the Korean original. Combine that with disgruntled feelings about the three actors portraying the Japanese A.N.JELL, and I guess you get the "horror version!" LOL! It'll be interesting to finish watching this drama (I think we only have a few episodes left) and then check out the K-version. That way, I can see just how different the remake was from the original.Hiroshi66Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:29:16 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052537,from=rss#post2052537SuperRookie, I'm watching KBS world from California, Cox cable. In the past, with the exception of occasional channel surfing, I only watch KBS world because of their many sub programs not only dramas, but others like Screening Humanities, Korean Dining. Since KBS world changed schedule, the Guide seemed to be messed up too. The listing sometimes not coincide with the actual programs. These days life is so busy that I hardly have time to watch anything on TV, so when I have a moment to catch up and found the recording not there, I thought, OK, maybe I'm destined to just watch my Korean dramas online, and Roku sounds very tempting right now. This drama, Gwanggaeto, the savage nature of the people or battles of ancient times made me cringe and fast forward, but what really sadden me is the depicting of the very dark side of human being, what greed, revenge, and ambitions blind powerful men including Damdeok (his ambitions), resulting in the lost of lives, relationships, friendships. Damdeok's ambitions though noble, also resulting in much human suffering each time he set out to invade another territory. As kind as he was on top, his troop, the conquerors, probably would not be kind to the people they invade. Ko Un character now is like Darth Vader, he had completely gone to the dark side. At this time, someone probably wanted to tell me "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen, get over it and stop making depressing remarks about what deemed to be a very good historical drama." So, I should stop sounding so ... depressing. I've read about the Moon Embracing the Sun, a very high rating drama, I probably will try to watch this. About Oh Ji Eun, I was very surprise that she was able to take on the daily sitcom. However, because her appearance has been so minimal in Gwanggaeto, that I thought it would be manageable. But your comments made me realize that the filming of Gwaggaeto was mostly outdoor so she possibly had to travel to the country side for filming most of the time. That would be very hectic, especially in the cruel world of Korean filming industry, based on what we read and heard so far. By the way, I have been watching Live in Cheongdam Dong whenever I can; its my daily comic relief. Too bad that it is not sub, because it seems like a very good one. The entire cast is great, Oh Ji Eun and Lee Bo Hee are proven to be very versatile actresses. Even without sub, the episodes are very hilarious. Oh Ji Eun's character is very bold and daring presenting many sides of the character she plays. MKanaWed, 22 Feb 2012 06:01:48 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052536,from=rss#post2052536Mr & Mrs Na will fight a battle w/each other and poor Unchan will be in the middle. Unchan overhears Dohui saying if Unchan is hired Doyeong will lose her job. What will Unchan do now? I'm sure he'll still end up working at Mirae. Seojun is really turning out to be a manipulator, just like Ms. Na. I think his ambition is much greater than his so called love for Trot. He thought Trot would be good as his wife and he'd end up with the company. He figured she'd be obedient and easy to 'handle'. nsheldonWed, 22 Feb 2012 05:56:42 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052535,from=rss#post2052535Good drama but way too heartbreaking. Hard to watch. nsheldonWed, 22 Feb 2012 05:40:15 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052534,from=rss#post2052534Just watched the final episode. Somehow the ending seemed to appear too quickly, too briefly. After all the gut wrenching stuff for an hour, all of a sudden there is a one-minute ending... or so it seemed. Obviously some years have passed and Seo-yeon has died, because we see Ji-hyung and his daughter (8-9 yrs old?) visiting her grave. Beside her grave, Ji-hyung says that he is "still Seo-yeon." Meaning, I suppose, that he has not lost his love and devotion to her memory, since he had poignantly said years earlier that he is Seo-yeon as she is Ji-hyung... they are one. One good thing about the ending, it rather adroitly circumvents all tear-jerking parts—no scenes of putting her in a care facility, nor of her death, or funeral. We are left with the essence of the story... a great love, the decline of one into a frightening world of mindlessness, one whole person, the other an empty shell until even that is gone. Sad subject but a very good drama. Superior acting, good production quality. A well-done glimpse into the world of both Alzheimer's patients and those who love them. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 23:20:18 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052533,from=rss#post2052533Thanks, SuperRookie. I'm glad to know the general and specifics of the Japanese and Korean movies. Just a term like "Asian Extreme" gives me the willies. I'll just happily stick with those films that are innocuous to my sensitivities. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 23:00:52 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052532,from=rss#post2052532According to the cable programming grid of the info Sundance Channel provided, it's rated as TV-MA. What that means in the context of this film though, I don't know... since that could mean anything from some violence to really distrubing. Most of the movies Sundance channel picks up from Japan or Korea tend to be TV-MA by the cable rating standards. They call their asian block "Asian Extreme." Most of these films or the ones I have seen on Sundance or the sister channel, IFC tend to have stronger content than most. I remember IFC usually picked up mostly horror flicks in the past, those had mostly bloody or violent content, while Sundance has been known to have more risque content of the other variety. I am not sure why there are so many Korean and Japanese films, at least the ones that make its way out west are usually the ultra-pretentious ones or have so much graphic content. After seeing Old Boy... I don't think I can be shocked any more. LOL Brilliant film, but very disturbing and shocking in many ways. I'll post some comments about Tazza after I see it.SuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:01:05 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052531,from=rss#post2052531Thanks SuperRookie it was the cache... And just in time - I would've missed Gye Baek... Ducky111Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:48:20 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052530,from=rss#post2052530 class blockquote Ducky111 wrote: When I click on the MBCD schedule, I just get the same schedule from last week...Your browser might be loading an old cache. When you're on MBC's homepage and or the link to the schedule click reload or F5 to try to refresh it. If that doesn't work, you might have to clear your browser cache (don't delete your saved passwords! option). When I checked yesterday, the old schedule for last week was still there, but upon the MBC America announcement today, when I checked their site, a new schedule was available. As far as what was changed... no idea, but it looks like there's a Presidential Live Press conference and a few special programs moving the shows throughout the week (in yellow marker). It looks like most of the shows affected are the encore re-airings, like today's GyeBaek is an hour or something earlier (hard to tell from the schedule time grid) due to the Presidential conference, and on Friday I notice I am a Flower Too is a few minutes earlier than normal.SuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:20:12 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052529,from=rss#post2052529I'm curious about where this would fall in the American film rating system. I've watched several K-movies that were unexpectedly graphic both in violence and sex that wasn't mentioned in reviews. After that, if it's an award-winning, 'artistic' movie, I'll pass on it. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:13:12 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052528,from=rss#post2052528What I found funniest in that blog was the Japanese fan who asked, 'What is this? The horror version?' LOL! Well, it has to be remembered that most of the Japanese (and other fans) are mostly females who have the hots for the K-stars. Bringing in a cast of different types is always a big disappointment to them. The way I look at this re-make is that it's really a fundamentally different sort of production. While the story details may be very similar, there's a whole different flavor in the comedic bent. It's almost like apples and oranges. I must admit, though, that when I saw Jang Geun Suk in the previews, it instantly brought a smile to my face just seeing his alive, expressive eyes and smile. That's what I felt was lacking most in the J-Ren. He always looks angry and dark, there's no captivating spark in him. That is counterbalanced by the zany and warm Yuki. Shu is sort of in between—the best parts of both Ren and Yuki. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 15:02:04 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052527,from=rss#post2052527When I click on the MBCD schedule, I just get the same schedule from last week... And our Chicago station KUBS 24.5 doesn't have its own schedule. Does this have something to do with soccer and soccer news/highlights being on 24/7?Ducky111Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:58:13 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052526,from=rss#post2052526Ganghun is certainly his own worst enemy. But I have to admire his sticktoitiveness (looks like this word could be a cousin to German). He can tackle anything, such as the storage room cleanup, with the same gusto and energy with which he does everything. I would hate to have seen all the sighing and lethargy the other 'boys' would have demonstrated under such circumstances. Arrggh... I can't stand that new Associate Professor, Junseok. A mediocre person in the wake of Ganhun's superior mind and ability. Junseok may think he's got the upper hand, but he's the perfect example of the incompetent rising to Peter Principle heights. Ganghun's only current power over Junseok is psychological and he easily wields that power to really mess up Junseok's mind. Unfortunately, Jihye has overheard the conversation and looks as though she's taken it at face value, rather than realizing that the paranoid Junseok practically invited Ganghun to wipe him out with words and Ganghun was only too happy to accommodate. I hope Psycho Chick steps in just at the right moment to save Ganghun from destruction. Hopefully, she will come out of this not being too heartbroken. But with the recent turn of events, maybe Jihye will ignore Gangchun and turn more towards Junseok, while Ganghun might use his Psycho Chick connections to survive in this dog-eat-dog hospital/academia environment. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 14:47:14 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052525,from=rss#post2052525Fixed! For some reason it put the url closing tag outside the quote tag, when it should be inside.SuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 13:13:33 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052524,from=rss#post2052524The hot link isn't working for me, though cut and paste does. Must be a little something extra accidentally typed into the link.nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 12:38:57 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052523,from=rss#post2052523Aigoo... what an episode last night. (Tonight is the final ep.) There is a time jump—Seo-yeon had to have the baby by C-Section and now the baby girl is 7 months old, or so. Seo-yeon is in an unending state of depression and malaise, her memory deteriorating. She doesn't hold the baby, afraid she will drop it, or hurt it somehow. The brunt of the work and baby care is shared by Ji-hyung (now working only half-days), Aunt, and Ji-hyung's mother. What a sad, but excellent, portrayal of Seo-yeon's slipping out of reality into the hit and miss mind workings of a disintegrating brain. Seo-yeon wants to talk with Hyang-gi and won't let go of it. So, Ji-hyung finally talks with Hyang-gi, asking her to do him the favor of coming to visit his wife. He thinks she wants to apologize to Hyang-gi. Hyang-gi is her usual kind, loving self during her visit. Seeing the melancholy state Seo-yeon is in, Hyang-gi is sensitive to the sadness of the mood. Seo-yeon is sorry for the way life has turned out for them all, eventually suggesting to Hyang-gi that if she still has feelings for Ji-hyung after SY is gone, it's okay to get back together... that Hyang-gi is the only person who understands Ji-hyung even more that does Seo-yeon. Hyang-gi tries to tell her that she is over everything now and is okay with her life. In another scene between the mothers, Crazy Mom tells Soo-jung that Hyang-gi continues to go on blind dates that Mom sets up but rejects each man. The problem is Hyang-gi is looking for another Ji-hyung. Seo-yeon is so upset with her mothering fears that she finally tells (and insists) that the baby be sent to live with Ji-hyung's parents. Ji-hyung doesn't want to do this, but the situation is getting impossible for all the caretakers. Aunt is working and worrying herself to death in daily taking care of her niece and the baby. Seo-yeon keeps firing all the nannies (3) that Ji-hyung has hired, etc. Now, we see Seo-jeon's deterioration escalating. During the night she takes a stool out on the balcony and stands up as though she is going to jump. She falls off the stool and returns inside. The next morning Moon-Kwon sees her slippers and the stool at the edge of the balcony... he goes into a panic, knocking on Ji-hyung's door that Seo-yeon has leapt off the balcony. However, she is asleep in their bed. Ji-hyung hires workers to install iron security bars across the balcony. Seo-yeon is livid that Ji-hyung is making the apartment into a prison. Finally, Ji-hyung has to tell her what she did and that's why he is protecting her. Not remembering the incident, Seo-yeon is mortified, thrown further into her mental abyss. Another time, Moon-Kwon finds her sitting in the bathtub fully clothed. She gets up, marches out dripping water all over and throws herself down onto her bed, wetting all the bedding. Very sad episode. The only ray of hope is that perhaps, in time, Hyang-gi and Ji-hyung might get back together. Hyang-gi certainly would be both the perfect wife to Ji-hyung and mother to his baby daughter. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 12:34:24 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052522,from=rss#post2052522From MBC America: class blockquote Just to give all MBCD (LA18.3, Chicago24.5, LV47.8, Atlanta47.5) viewers a heads-up: the schedule this week is a little different (particularly today) due to a special live broadcast in Korea. For more information, check the schedules uploaded onto our website. http://www.mbc-america.comSuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:51:29 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052521,from=rss#post2052521It was funny how Unchan 'neutralized' Gramps by grabbing hold of his cane and not letting go! LOL The swing project was a great idea. I was wondering what sort of "warm," meaningful project Unchan would come up with. That swing is a sight for sore eyes in that decrepit, depressing yard at the workshop. Seojun - What a snake. He's a good match for Mrs. Na. They both are smart, scheming, and have a minimum moral compass. Seojun has to put on the good act now, so he can try to get Gunghwa back... or he can kiss good-bye his dream of taking over Mirae Architects. And how about Mrs. Na? That last girl she pressured in her office, isn't she Doyeong's co-worker in Dohui's office? Mrs. Na is spinning a large web of spying and control. It won't surprise me if Doyeong loses her job there. Gachan seems destined—at least for a while—to have only woes in his life. If he's embarrassed and losing face by staying with his MIL now, how will he feel if Doyeong loses her job and they are supported by MIL? I also don't rule out that Doyeong will become Mrs. Na's agent in working against Unchan in order to keep her job. The biggest counterbalance to the 'bad guys' is the union of Young Ik, Gunghwa, and Unchan—a formidable force for Mrs. Na and Seojun to overcome and defeat. nchristiTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:45:57 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052520,from=rss#post2052520Last night's episode 11 brought back the excitement of the OR drama with Ganghun being asked to fill in, given the lack of available surgeons - but in typical Ganghun fashion, everything is always a struggle with him, he has to have everything HIS way and only HIS way. As much as I like Ganghun as an interesting and complex character, I think if I were a superior, dealing with someone who is impossible to reason with (even if a patient's life may be at stake due to arrogance - medicine and skill is not a 100% science, when it comes to all the uncertainties and mysteries of health and the human body, it has its limits), I believe it would be exhausting to deal with someone like that on a daily basis. The scenes between Ganghun and Prof. Kim are almost always stellar, last night was no different. I especially liked the scene, after the surgery, where Ganghun tells Prof. Kim of why he is so adamant about this, due to the wrongs he has caused his mother, especially with his research being so closely connected to his mother's condition... Prof. Kim asked him if he knew that he was doing all this, as much for himself as for his mother - Ganghun conceded, but said, he wants to do everything he can. LOL! Professor Ko is such a slime bag, but he amuses me, highly. He's always up to something shady and the way he behaves... I was cracking up big time when Ganghun paid him little mind LOL! - but then Prof. Ko had to fire back and "mistakenly" had to go to Junseok's father's office, so he and his new lackeys (Junseok and Gagnhun's former assistant) can all accidentally run into Ganhun. It seems like a lot of the time, Newton's Law of Motion is in effect for Ganghun: For every Ganghun action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction. Every time Ganghun does something, it comes to bite him in the behind. This time he published his study and angered Prof. Ko, who at one point blocked Ganghun in returning as Prof. Kim's assistant for the research. Prof. Kim eventually hires him under many conditions to temper Ganghun's arrogance, but he's making him work with Junseok... hmm what is is plan? It seems like he testing Ganghun's ability to work for the greater good vs his own personal ambitions and pride, something which he has lectured Ganghun for before when Ganghun was fighting for credit rather than the study. But, now he's Junseok's lackey as well - not an easy position to be in. Well, at least now he'll get to work more closely with Jihye. Enjoyed the earlier scene outside the hall between Ganghun and Jihye. After things got heavy between them and she pretty much admitted her feelings to him, she read the medical journal upside down, and Ganghun had to reverse it to proper reading order - a cute and light moment. In another earlier scene, on the bike ride home, when the car lights flashed on Prof. Kim's face, it seems like he had a flashback to that operating room, the same scenes we saw in relation to Ganghun's father, it seems... but he still doesn't seem to know the scope and context of what he's remembering... Looks like Ganghun will have some explaining to do, when Jihye overhears him was talking about her like she was his plaything just to get at Junseok. Looking forward to tonight's episode 12.SuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:31:24 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052519,from=rss#post2052519     Yikes this show just leaves me dumbfounded, just when I want to compose my post for the last episode my recall is confounded by a new twist I'd just recalled from that last episode. OK so Seojun wants Ms. Na to go along with letting Gunghwa go as per Unchans condition for taking the intern position with the company than Ms. Na held only for Gunghwa. But no sooner has Seojun put his plot into motion we watch good-old Ms.Na go right back to using threats against Unchan's sister-in-laws who work under her control. You know that's going to blow back on Seojun's plan and on to Ms. Na's face!      And whats the deal with Ms.Na and her friend Seojun's Mother...? are they related? are the just close friends from childhood? I was guessing that Seojun was going to take Ms.Na's family name so that the company would remain in the family after he would wed Gunghwa. But the way he was talking in one episode with his mom, the plan is for him to take the company away for just themselves!TomCatTue, 21 Feb 2012 11:21:58 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052518,from=rss#post2052518Looks like both your guesses on Unchan's motivations were right! It was good to see he had good intentions behind them, still struck me really odd and audacious though. If I were Trot's parents, I'd definitely think very little of him, it's not his place to make such a request. nsheldon I had the same reaction as you on Trot's mom. She's definitely starting to get really evil... now it looks like she's found Dohui's weakness and will go after Doyeong after she rejected the offer. It looks like Mrs. Na is poised to become this series' big villain. It'll be interesting to see what Dohui does next after Mrs. Na's threat though - I hope Dohui calls her bluff and fights against her tyranny. I very much enjoyed the scene between Unchan and Gramps last night. nsheldon you used the word affectionate before, it's a good way to describe what's under Gramps' harsh facade. He's like the lovable grampa when he shows his caring side. Someone please take that cane away from him though, sooner than later. LOL! Very much like the dynamic between these two characters now that they are both bonding more and more.SuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 10:39:25 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052517,from=rss#post2052517Glad to hear from you! I've been in marathon mode over the weekend! But I still have over 8 hrs of shows behind that I haven't seen yet... I've been falling behind badly in the last 2-3 weeks with being busy and work that they've piled up. Are you watching KBS World on Satellite or on the east coast? There have been a number of issues with KBS World this year, with contract disputes between them and a few carriers in the east coast, then on satellite there was a schedule shift (hantaejun's post). Sadly I agree with you about Oh Ji Eun's character. She's one of my favorite young actresses of this series, but her character has been very diminished in terms of her role. It sounds like it's because she has less time for the shooting, since she recently had the very heavy time demands of a daily sitcom, Live in Cheongdam-Dong. With K-Dramas being under such tight production schedules, it's pretty hard for her to be in multiple places around the country in a short time period. I wonder if korean netizens forced the production team's hand when they had to expand the no-love/singular love story into more of the korean taste for love triangles and complications to the story. Whether or not she took the new role because her character had less film time or she asked for less film time to take on more work, I don't know, perhaps a combination of many factors. You're right, a lot of these epic long dramas... the weight and intensity of the storyline often becomes sadder and sadder (there are some exceptions like the uplifting Jewel in the Palace). When Emperor of the Sea ended, the way it ended, many of us were devastated by its powerful finale. It's a nice change of pace from the many fluff generic K-Dramas, but at the same time heavy series like these can be very emotionally tasking. There are more lighter fluff and fun historicals too though, a year ago there was the excellent KBS series, Sunkyunkwan Scandal. I think I've recommended that to you a while back, it's a very good period, love story - charming, fun and uplifting. One of the seeming lighter ones coming up that I'm really excited to see is from the author of Sunkyunkwan Scandal, The Moon Embracing the Sun, it's on MBC America now and will be coming soon to the MBC Digital carriers in the next few months. More later when I watch episode 60 and 61...SuperRookieTue, 21 Feb 2012 10:20:33 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052516,from=rss#post2052516Sherlesin, what episode are you up to? So much is happening on this drama. I am ahead of you so I wont reveal anything. But trust me, you are in for many surprises. This is working out to be a very good drama with lots of surprises. Eun-Chae looks plastic sometimes, but as her role develops she is turning out to be one of the most liked and interesting characters on the show. I like her acting abilities, she says her lines with such conviction, it's like it just flows from her brain/heart to her mouth. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions on this show, Sherlesin.crash254Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:31:28 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052515,from=rss#post2052515Glad Unchan was trying to help Trot when he said she would have to be fired before he'd go to work at Mirae. Oh that Trot's mother is nasty. Now she's threatening Doyeong's sister... Doyeong will be fired if Unchan comes to work.. Mom is using her position to manipulate everyone around her to get her way. How is Unchan going to survive that? Will Doyeong really be fired? As long as Trot tries to keep an upper hand she may be able to stop some of her mom's actions. Looks like Trot's boyfriend is going along with Trot to try and secure his own plan, to marry Trot. He doesn't want to anger her right now so he's trying to appear neutral. Even though Gachan refused to be manipulated by Ms. Na, Doyeong would have jumped at the opportunity... and Gachan is still on my idiot list. nsheldonTue, 21 Feb 2012 06:55:27 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052514,from=rss#post2052514Only two episodes behind? You're actually doing very good consider the number of dramas that you're currently follow. I only follow one drama on tv but I am still behind one episode. I was watching on KBS world, but a couple of weeks ago they changed the schedule. I wasn't home to watch them, the DVR recorded this drama in a different time slot but it actually was Ojakio Brothers. The guide listed some old dramas on Gwanggaeto regular time slots. The DVR still record Gwanggaeto from the local station, so I am now back to the local station schedule. KBS world has never been like this; only the Arirang and MBC cable would do this, listed one show and actually shown another show. Anyway, back to Gwanggaeto country......the events are taking a very depressing and shocking tone. Yes, ep. 59 was very excited and eventful. I was shocked that the writer brought about the death of Sagal Hyeon. All of his men are great, but I got a feeling that Sagal was Damdeok's favorite. I still haven't gotten over this shock, then Damdeok saw Doyeong. I was very happy and relief that maybe there is a chance....Then came ep. 60, now I am finally convinced that this will never happen, well never say never, but close. I think Oh Ji Eun's agent should negotiate for her to leave this drama and soon. Her character is languish in nowhere land and her character is now becoming like an accessory where one only takes out on occasion. I hope she is not getting paid by screen time, because she only appeared a minute or two every third episode or so. And about your wondering why Doyeong still following Asin around? Because she is still very new to Baekje, she has no money, not even jewelry to sale. I believe given time she will settle somewhere away from Asin. Her character is just too strong to be depending on Asin. Right now she is like an exchange student of modern day following the sponsor everywhere to learn of the new country. The only thing strange to me, is the level of attention a Baekje lord would give to a woman of an enemy nation. Other than his instant affection for her, did he ever worry that she may be a spy? I don't know why Yakyeon cried when she overheard Damdeok found out about Doyeong. This is not the case of Hysuk and Kim Jun of Smile Again. Here, Yakyeon's place is cemented, no one can take that away, her children will be heir to the throne. I doubt very much she would do any thing to interfere, her character is not evil, also because ,,, I watched ep 60 already. Also, she should be happy that since Damdeok found out, he would never know that she also had knowledge of Doyeong and did not tell him. But either case, Damdeok has been portrait as a very kind, forgiving king, he would have forgiven her anyway. Damdeok's acting is becoming very solid and impressive in many ways. Even his face does have resemblance to some of the images of the Great King that I saw at various places on the internet. One event in ep 60 shocked me and also depressed me even knowing things like this happened often in history of all countries, especially in ancient times. Historical dramas are true to its nature. As the drama goes further along the battles are getting bloodier, the events are become more twisted. The characters are getting bolder and crueler in achieving their ambitions, even the kind Damdeok are getting too aggressive in his plans for my liking. All of a sudden I am not so brave any more to venture further in Gwanggaeto country, afraid of what shocking events will enfold, who will die next on behalf of the Great King. So far, his brother, his mother, his trusted man, who is next..... I have a feeling that when the smoke clear, Damdeok will have a much smaller group of his original men. MKanaTue, 21 Feb 2012 06:46:21 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052513,from=rss#post2052513I'm up to episode 6 on this one and it looks to me like a mini reunion of the cast of Giant. I like the leads, but I don't like the reshuffling of actors I've been seeing a lot of lately. It looks as though there's a shortage of supporting actors in Korea lately, which I know isn't true. I like the premise of the drama and will watch till the end. I'm always happy to see Lee Bum Soo. I haven't seen Jung Ryu Won for a while and its good to have her back. So far, so good.smoochie1Tue, 21 Feb 2012 06:32:01 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052512,from=rss#post2052512Ahh, so Jang Geun Suk played "Ren" in the original Korean version! How interesting. From the previews, it looked like he was speaking in Japanese to the "Ren" character, so it looks like he may know how to speak Japanese, as well. How interesting to see him make a cameo appearance. I wonder what he thought of the Japanese remake!? Nchristi, thanks so much for the link to that article! Now I want to view the Korean version more than ever. I guess the Japanese producers knew how popular the Korean original was in Japan, so they wanted to capitalize on that and make a Japanese remake. Little did they know that the Japanese fans were expecting something as good as (if not better than!) the Korean version, so when they didn't get that, they were disappointed—which equals low ratings. I guess it would be like making a Japanese remake of a drama like Winter Sonata—the original was so popular that no Japanese remake could ever measure up. I agree, perhaps bringing in the original "Ren" was a last ditch effort to increase ratings before the final episodes. I do love this drama, though. It's just been so interesting, and I've been able to hold my interest for every episode so far. It has just the right mix of zany comedy, romance, and suspense. If the Korean version was better, I can't wait to watch it! I'll be tuning into that as soon as this Japanese version ends—or if I have some free time, I may check out the early episodes of it even before this one finishes! Mio's "pig nose" gesture — Nchristi, thank you so much for mentioning this! I was afraid I was the only one getting really irritated with this. I thought it was going to stop, but when we had Mio doing it four or five times per episode, for the last three episodes, I thought I was going to scream! LOL! The writers were going for a zany running gag, but after a while it just gets so ridiculous to watch. Now that everything is out in the open I hope Mio will stop! LOL! Another thing I can't stand is Nana—anything and everything about her! LOL! Especially when she says "Ren" in her really fake voice and goes up to him, slipping her arm through his (while Ren has a disgusted look on his face. That's always hilarious. LOL!) Yes, interesting about Big Boss's expletive not showing up in the UTB e-subs. If I remember correctly, I think it did show up in the MySoju e-subs, but I might be wrong. Can't wait for next weekend! Hiroshi66Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:07:36 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052511,from=rss#post2052511HA! fogetaboutit... I'm currently hooked on Australian rules football (rugby). bwahahahahaha... talk about a wacky crazy game.... Damn you, MHZ Network, for making me adddicted to watching this non-stop action fest, with incomprehensible rules, and mind-blowing "oval field". bwahahahahaha.. My gawd!, make them stop showing this evil evil game... a game I cannot stop watching... Now, if only they could make a KDrama about Australian rules football (rugby).... I would be in heaven! bwahahahahahaa (oh yeah, I'll probably skip "boxing girl's" show, as I need to catch up on some past shows I've missed). So little time, so many cliche shows to watch. LOLhantaejunMon, 20 Feb 2012 21:06:30 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052510,from=rss#post2052510Despite being from UK I am only interested in soccer when it is two top class teams playing. Then you can see it as it should be played and following the ball and the action is much clearer. However, my game is tennis and I adore Rafael Nadal. I have a friend and she lives about an hour away from me and we are on the phone daily when there are any tennis games on TV. I also liked cricket and field hockey when I was in school. Wasn't quite as good at lacrosse but we all had to play it and hope for the best. Don't think I have ever seen main leads paying tennis in a kdrama as part of the plot.PeggyMEMon, 20 Feb 2012 20:23:02 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052509,from=rss#post2052509Thanks nchristi appreciate your thoughts. lex07 This has subs, but yeah unfortunately it's on MBC Digital which I don't believe Charter carries? If you're unlike me and can watch shows online (I hate watching shows on my tiny computer screen LOL), MBC's shows are legally available on the Hulu MBC America link I linked above or at DramaFever.comSuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 19:42:37 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052508,from=rss#post2052508Not a baseball fan, in the least, and with my and Korea's passion for soccer, wish they would focus a drama on that...but this drama sounds really original & interesting!! Definitely sounds like it's worth a look!!lex07Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:36:34 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052507,from=rss#post2052507Just realized...this drama doesn't appear to have english subs & is not on KBS, right? Oh well...have to back out on this one then lex07Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:29:57 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052506,from=rss#post2052506Interesting...think I'll check it out!lex07Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:26:44 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052505,from=rss#post2052505Sounds interesting...unfortunately, missed the first two episodes but will catch it next weekend. Haven't seen a weekend drama since "My Love By My Side"!lex07Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:18:11 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052504,from=rss#post2052504The ending of last night's episode was really a surprise to me. O-mom loves Jaeun so much that she seriously threatens O-dad that if he doesn't keep all this info secret, and let Taehui & Jaeun see each other for the time being, she will leave O-dad! The look on his face is priceless. As an actor, he has such a funny face, with expressions to match. Love the scenes with Taepil and Yeoul. They have such a good chemistry between them. But I think it is mostly Yeon Woo-Jin (Taepil) who is loaded with the charisma. He's great in this role. nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:24:36 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052503,from=rss#post2052503Yes, I know how you feel about talking to yourself. I've done that a lot in the past, too, trying to stimulate some interest, hoping someone else would come along and join in. But you know what, SuperRookie? Even though you feel alone, I always read what you post and find it interesting and useful for future reference. That means there are others, too, who are enjoying your posts but not participating. nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 18:08:46 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052502,from=rss#post2052502Glad to hear your thoughts, it'll be a nice change of pace to have a MBC thread with some discussion going on - sometimes I'm just talking to myself. LOL! It sounds like episode 2 will be worth seeing. Looking forward to seeing it on tomorrow's encore re-airing of ep.2.SuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:48:13 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052501,from=rss#post2052501 class blockquote SuperRookie wrote: I don't watch variety or entertainment shows so I'm not really sure, but was [Lee Si-Young] the co-host of EW maybe 5-6 months ago? She was the host for about a year, so I would imagine the female host 5-6 months ago would have been Lee Si-Young. class blockquote Baseball ... the game itself was as interesting as watching paint dry....LOL! Exactly how I feel about watching soccer. Baseball, on the other hand, I really enjoy. (Though not as much as a good NFL game... nor anywhere near as exciting and fun as watching Jeremy Lin of the NBA!). I don't know why, but I particularly like watching K-drama involving baseball. Maybe because watching guys who can 'do stuff' has always fascinated me and most of the K-actors in baseball stories have some experience at it in their personal lives. There's always one who looks very natural and professional in the way he prepares his stance, loosens up for an at bat, etc. In this drama, I'm looking forward to seeing Wookie (Lee Dong-Wook). This will be the first time I've seen him since he completed his military service. I loved his performance in Bittersweet Life/La Dolce Vita. Wild Romance is just the opposite—more of a comedy romp. It will be interesting to see him in this role. nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:43:28 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052500,from=rss#post2052500History of the Salaryman Trailer (YouTube link) This seems totally oddball! I like it. The premise is unique and not your usual K-Drama. I very much like what I'm seeing on the trailer link above and of what I've read. With Lee Duk Hwa, and (a Super Rookie reunion of sorts) with Kim Il Woo and Lee Ki Young, I'm definitely going to watch this. The next few months seems like it'll be an amazing Monday and Tuesday night line up: with the excellent Brain and the upcoming buzzworthy Dream High 2 after that on KBS, then this one on SBS, then on MBC Digital I'm very much looking forward to the fresh, Lights and Shadows. Where to find the time to watch all this!? LOL!SuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:38:50 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052499,from=rss#post2052499Reminder — This drama concludes tomorrow night (Tues.)nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:20:04 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052498,from=rss#post2052498SBS 2012 Comedy. Mon–Tue from 9:15p–10:30p. Station LA 18.1. Begins Monday, February 27, 2012. Eng Subs (Replaces: A Thousand Days' Promise) Also known as: Salaryman     Episodes: 20 Director: Yoo In Sik Screenwriter: Jang Young Chul, Jung Kyung Soon (정경순) Homepages: AsianMediaWiki; SBS/Korean   SYNOPSIS (AsianMediaWiki) class ul During the cover of night, Yoo-Bang (Lee Beom-Soo) enters a dark villa with a flashlight. Yoo-Bang finds a man Ho-Hae (Park Sang-Myeon) dead, slouched over on a chair, and a woman Yeo-Chi (Jung Ryeo-Won) hiding behind a curtain. At Ho-Hae's funeral, detectives enter and arrest Yoo-Bang and Yeo-Chi for the murder of Ho-Hae. Three months earlier... The president of Chunha Group, Jin Shi-Hwang (Lee Deok-Hwa), orders his granddaughter Yeo-Chi to take business administration training. The grandfather doesn't believe his son Ho-Hae is good enough to run the company. But, Yeo-Chi isn't interested in taking business administration or running a company. Yeo-Chi is arrogant and doesn't care about other people. Chunha Group has been developing a new medicine and it is now in the trial testing stage. Meanwhile, the president of Jangcho Company, Oh Ji-Rak (Kim Eung-Soo) hears that rival Chunha Group is developing the new medicine. In order to steal information on the new drug, a director from Jangcho Group, Hang-Woo (Jung Gyu-Woon), goes undercover and applies as a candidate for the trial drug test. Yoo-Bang graduated from college, but he can't find a decent job. While working part-time jobs, Yoo-Bang continues to send his resume to big companies every year. When high level executive Ho-Hae from the Chunha Group enters a room salon that Yoo-Bang works in as a waiter, Yoo-Bang begs the man for a letter of recommendation. To get this letter of recommendation, Yoo-Bang is told he has to take part in a medical drug trial test and then steal information on the new drug. Yoo-Bang is to look for a piece of gum that will be placed discreetly on a toilet at the drug trial tests and chew the gum immediately after taking the drug. Thirty applicants are on a bus ready to be taken to a secret location where the medical drug test will take place. Chief Researcher from Chunhha Group Woo-Hee (Hong Soo-Hyun) boards the bus and takes the applicants' cellphones for security reasons. Once the 30 applicants arrive at the secret laboratory, they will be shut off from the outside world for 10 days (the number of days the experiment is to take place). During the drug trials, Yoo-Bang notices a suspicious act done by Hang-Woo. Yoo-Bang and Hang-Woo stay in the same room during the tests. Hang-Woo attempts to steal the medicine from the drug trials, but it's extremely difficult due to the heavy level of security used. Suddenly, Yoo-Bang begins laughing and can't stop. The other applicants also begin to show abnormal behaviors. Researchers conclude that unusual behaviors are a side effect from the new drug. The director of Chunha Group Jang Ryang gives an order not to let the company president Jin Shi-Hwang know about the strange side effects. Meanwhile, Hang-Woo records the strange behaviors with a video recorder attached inside his eye glasses. One day, one of the guys taking part in the drug test discovers the special gum on the toilet before Yoo-Bang can get there. The applicant chews the gum and leaves the bathroom. Yoo-Bang can't find the gum, but when he leaves the bathroom he sees Chief Researcher Woo-Hee chewing a piece of gum. Yoo-Bang thinks maybe she is the one leaving the gum on the toilet for him and takes the gum from her mouth and chews it. An employee spots transparent tape covering a cctv camera. The employee stops all the applicants from taking the medicine, but the employee finds an applicant chewing a piece of gum and takes the applicant in for questioning. The medical test is stopped, which prevents Yoo-Bang from stealing information on the new drug. Yoo-Bang keeps calling Ho-Hae, but Ho-Hae doesn't answer. Yoo-Bang leaves a text message that he will wait for Ho-Hae at a hotel coffee shop. Meanwhile, Yeo-Chi also meets her boyfriend at the same hotel coffee shop. Her boyfriend tells her he wants to break up with her. Meanwhile, Yoo-Bang talks on his cellphone, while twirling a red thread around his finger. Yoo-Bang doesn't realize the red thread is from Yeo-Chi's red dress. When Yeo-Chi is about to leave the coffee shop she notices all the stares she is getting and then looks down to see her skirt becoming shorter and shorter. She follows the thread from her skirt and sees Yoo-Bang talking on his cellphone while wrapping the thread around his hand. A Christmas tree is about to fall on Yeo-Chi, but Yoo-Bang saves her by pushing her into a water fountain. In the hotel Hang-Woo is also there and watching them ... CAST & CHARACTERS (Dramawiki) class ul Lee Bum Soo as Yoo Bang Jung Ryu Won as Baek Yeo Chi Jung Gyu Woon as Cho Hang Woo Hong Soo Hyun as Cha Woo Hee Extended cast Kim Suh Hyung as Mo Ga Bi Lee Duk Hwa as Jin Si Hwang Kim Il Woo as Jang Ryang Yoon Yong Hyun as Bun Kwae Lee Ki Young as Park Bum Jung Yoo Hyung Kwan (유형관) as So Ha Yang Hyung Wook (양형욱) as Han Shin Kim Eung Soo as Oh Ji Rak Park Sang Myun as Jin Ho Hae Jang Hyun Sung as Cho Hang Ryang Lee Joon (Cameo, Episode 1) nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:17:08 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052497,from=rss#post2052497I saw Sunday's episode. Missed Ep. 1... probably a good thing after reading your comments, SuperRookie! Doesn't sound like I missed much and coming in on Ep. 2 didn't leave me in any confused state about the family set-up, the relationships, etc. I notice the International English title for this is "A Thousand Kisses." I wish the titles wouldn't be so different from the International English titles. On the other hand, "Hooray for Love" is the literal translation, so I guess KBS America is more accurate in this case. The cast is interesting. The actress playing Jae-mi's mother (Bae Jong-Ok) has lost weight and looks younger now at 48 than she did in some previous dramas. Her red dress was especially pretty and flattering on her last night. Then there is Lee Bo-Young (Jae-mi). Years have flown by... it seems only yesterday that I first saw her. The character she plays in this one is a little different from past roles. She does this slightly off-kilter character quite well. I have a little culture shock in seeing her cheating husband played by Jin Lee-Han. He does look like a perfectly no good, cheating husband, I must admit. But I remember him from a past Daily where he was a 'good guy,' so it takes a little brain shift to get used to him in this one. I like Lee Tae-Sung (Dong Woo, the lawyer), though I sometimes confuse him with Park Si-Hoo (Queen of Reversals). Maybe I'll finally be able to separate them in my mind's eye from now on. What a strange conglomeration of interwoven characters in this one. Still, I enjoyed last night's episode, and the location. Sometimes I wonder how these writers can keep coming up with different situations and stories, but they frequently come through for us. nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:51:49 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052496,from=rss#post2052496Thanks for the info nchristi. I don't watch variety or entertainment shows so I'm not really sure, but was she the co-host of EW maybe 5-6 months ago? If so, she looked good looking from what I remember (this hair-do really does not suit her at all LOL!)... but it does seem to fit the role called for in this context. I'm not familiar with Lee Si Young, I saw her briefly in Mischievous Kiss (but right when her character showed I gave the series up due to lack of time), and didn't really see her in Poseidon since I dropped that - I have seen too little of her to have an opinion of her as an actress. Peg, I used to be huge into sports BIG time - especially World Cup and before NFL Football (not as much as of late). ESPN was my channel of choice! Baseball was one sport I never got to enjoy either, the game itself was as interesting as watching paint dry, at least on TV. Maybe watching it live in the atmosphere and excitement of a stadium would be very different? But for some reason, I love baseball theme films and shows! Weird huh? LOL! I especially love Japanese baseball storylines in manga and anime. I like sports themes in dramas, I'm glad there's more and more of it in K-Dramas as of late... it's at least something new to break the usual mold. Japanese do the baseball thing so well though, my favorite sports themed manga and anime were baseball themed. I wish I got to see Glory Jane/Man of Honor to the end before my DVR lost the recordings. I'll probably check it out once I get a streaming device for TV.SuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:15:47 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052495,from=rss#post2052495Yes, indeed! Jang Geun Suk is the original Korean version of "Ren." I was so surprised to see him in the previews. I can hardly wait till next week! Jang Geun Suk is a huge star in both Korea and Japan. You're Beautiful (Korean title) was immensely popular in Japan, too. I was reading about the Japanese fans' reaction to the Japanese remake and it wasn't good... disappointments about the casting and lack of creativity in the remake. I wonder if they brought in Jang Geun Suk as a ratings booster? Here's a link to a Soompi article on the remake vs. the original. As for last night, Nana is so disturbing! Just looking at her, or hearing her voice, gives me the creeps. LOL Thank goodness Ren finally found out about the 'pig nose' thing. Maybe it's just me, but I find that is the most repugnant gesture. To see Mio do that is really a huge turnoff to me. I was also surprised to hear the Big Boss using the expletive sh*t, which of course did not show up in the e-subs. I recall this isn't the first time I've noticed him using English words that are out of place in a family hour drama over here. Cultural difference... nchristiMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:13:15 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052494,from=rss#post2052494I watched today's encore repeat of the episode 1 premiere from this weekend (there's another encore re-airing tomorrow morning at 2:30am if anyone needs to record it)... At first I was going to give up again, as I did when it aired on MBC America late last summer. The opening giving birth scene, as well as the later scene of Jae Mi's mother running after the father and got hit by a passing car... it was just so melodramatic and cheesy that I began to think this one isn't for me. As it forwarded to the present time, it got a lot more interesting with the set up surrounding the main character, Jae Mi. Only in a K-Drama could these disparate families, linked by Jae Mi's cheating father could end up on the same island and on the same flight! LOL! The world is indeed small in K-Drama land. The men in this series are a piece of work though. Jae Mi's father a cheater and ends up marrying the psychotic younger woman who was going to kill herself when he broke up with her... then Jae Mi's husband too is cheating... and then Dong Woo... I'm at a loss on how to describe him too. LOL! I love seeing Kim Soo Mi in this one - she was awesome in Marrying the Mafia! She's so good at being fiery and fierce at one moment, yet on another, able to add a comedic touch to her performance - A great actress. I'd hate to have a MIL like her though, she totally emasculates and dominates Jae Mi's father - I'm surprised he or her husband hasn't cracked and gone nuts against her ironfisted rule. By the end of the episode, I wanted to see more. It'll be interesting to see what happens in Guam when Jae Mi and her mother see the father. Edit - accident clarification SuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 16:08:32 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052493,from=rss#post2052493sherlesin, there were suppose to be only 50 eps but they extended it to 58 eps. I always wonder whether they can can keep the momentum going when they add that many eps. I have seen dramas that added more eps and found that they would have been better off with the original eps instead of adding more. I love this drama and hope the addition is worth it.HawnGirlMon, 20 Feb 2012 15:06:58 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052492,from=rss#post2052492Just started watching the last 2 weeks. Most of the characters aside from Eun-Chae are not very sympathetic. I think the posponed wedding will take place but the two families wealth and status will be more even than before. sherlesinMon, 20 Feb 2012 12:06:12 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052491,from=rss#post2052491Now Jaeun`s father has to reappear to clear his name in the hit and run. Don`t know how many episodes remain,but we must be close to the end. sherlesinMon, 20 Feb 2012 11:57:03 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052490,from=rss#post2052490Episode 7 I watched this episode on MySoju this morning because I was having some antenna reception issues last night on UTB, but boy, am I glad I watched it online! That way, I could press pause during the suspenseful scenes, or when I couldn't believe my eyes/ears! LOL! Another excellent episode full of surprises. This is definitely going to be on my list of "Favorite J-Dramas"—a list that hasn't been updated for quite a few years! LOL! The actions of the three members of ANJELL are all misunderstood—except maybe for Yuki. Yuki - Well, when he found out Mio was really a girl, I guess it really cleared up some things for him! LOL! He knows Mio isn't a guy, but it's still not clear just how he feels about her. Right now, all we know is that he was more preoccupied with making sure Mio moves out of Ren's room! Instantly! Shu - I do feel bad for the guy, I do. Although I've found myself firmly in the "Ren + Mio" camp I do feel bad for Shu. Every time he tries to do something nice and romantic for Mio, his plans are ruined—Mio usually doesn't show up or gets distracted because she has run into Ren! Also, when Shu tries to give Mio advice (usually a hint about his feelings for her) Mio turns it around and somehow reaffirms her love for Ren! Interesting that Shu sort of played along and acted surprised that Mio was a female, even though he knew the whole time. I guess it was just easier if he pretended he didn't know anything. Now, Shu has sort of attracted the intense attention of the press, who are hounding him and trying to find out the identity of his mystery "girlfriend." I should say that while I'm in the "Ren + Mio" faction, Shu is probably my favorite ANJELL member. Ren - His actions are also misunderstood, usually by Mio. She likes him, but whenever he tries to do something that will help her out (like telling Nana he doesn't like her so she will get off Mio's back) Mio takes Ren's words/actions literally and gets hurt. Ren comes off as being a straight shooter and so Mio probably hasn't realized (until the end of the episode, at least) that Ren can be a little more deductive than she thinks. What he says isn't always what he is truly feeling inside. We are starting to see some cracks in the Ren-Shu friendship. Ren was not happy with Shu's behavior in this episode! Nana - She is testing my patience with every episode! When her evil plans so awry, she jumps right back up and tries to create more commotion. Like, when she manipulated the make-up artist to dress Mio up and then get Shu at the scene—so she can show Ren how much Mio loves Shu. Good thing her plans failed... again. But she just keeps trying and won't give up! The mystery with Ren's mother continues. Just who is this mystery woman? She looks at the picture of Mio and Miko at the end and comments about wanting to see "her twins" or something to that effect. Is she their real mother? Was the composer never married with anyone else? I guess we'll have to wait and see. I'm also curious about what the aunt is planning. Very sweet scene with Ren and Mio at the end. I guess now everything is out in the open with them, now that Ren has realized that Mio does really like her. Things are getting interesting! That scene with the crazy glue and Mio's glued fingers was hilarious. The next-episode previews showed some kind of a Korean star entering the picture. Out of curiosity, did he star in the Korean original? How ironic if he was the Ren actor! Episode 8 airs next Sunday.Hiroshi66Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:06:38 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052489,from=rss#post2052489Ahh, yep, I almost forgot to mention Yo Oizumi! I think someone over at UTB is a huge fan of his. They've been airing his Hokkaido travel short for quite a few years now, and something tells me that the only reason they even chose to air these particular four shorts was because two of them 'starred' Yo Oizumi—even though he was only in this one for all of a minute. I bet we've seen more of Yo Oizumi on UTB than Japanese viewers do in Japan! LOL! Personally, for some reason, I'm not a really big fan of his, but I guess he must be quite popular. I'm honestly a little glad that these shorts are over. After the second week or so, all the plots sort of started to mix in my head, and as I look back on them now, they all have the same identical premise, don't they? It was a break from the Taiga, but now that it's over, I must say that I'm ready for the new Taiga more than ever! Even in this one, while I enjoy some of the actors, the characters aren't really likable or memorable. The stories don't really hold my interest much, either. I guess this is a bit nostalgic of me to say, but I really do miss some of the great dramas/programs UTB used to air back in the day. Some of the most memorable Japanese programs I've watched aired back in 2004-2006. We're still lucky now (the Taiga, Partners, He Is Beautiful) but it feels like finding a good drama is like finding a needle in a haystack! The part I did enjoy the most was the scenery of Hokkaido, though. Nchristi, thanks for the info about Otaru! I guess the culture of Hokkaido is not only becoming popular in other parts of Japan, but in other Asian countries, as well! The "snow culture" and interesting traditions of the people of Hokkaido are fascinating to look at. I think I could watch many documentaries about the island and never get tired of it! Hiroshi66Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:20:20 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052488,from=rss#post2052488Tazza the Movie is airing on Sundance Channel this weekend, Saturday February 25 at 2:00AM. All In is one of my favorite K-Drama series, and reading the info on this movie kind of reminds me of All In, so I'm looking forward to checking it out. Has anyone seen this movie or have any opinions of it?SuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:52:43 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052487,from=rss#post2052487Tazza: The High Roller Movie: Tazza: The High Rollers Hangul: 타짜 Revised Romanization: Tajja Director: Choi Dong-Hun Writer: Choi Dong-Hun, Huh Young-Man (comic) Producer: Seung-jae Cha, Min-hee Kim Cinematography: Young-hwan Choi Release Date: September 28, 2006 (South Korea) Runtime: 139 min. Production Budget: US$ 5.5M Studio: SidusFNH Distributor: CJ Entertainment Language:South Korea Country: Korean Webpage Info Links: AsianMediaWiki; Wikipedia; Sundance Channel Synopsis (Sundance Channel) One of Korea's biggest cinematic hits, filmmaker Choi Dong-Hoon's stylish and entertaining psychological thriller chronicles via flashbacks the saga of Goni (Jo Seung Woo), an uneducated young factory worker who transforms himself from a naïve victim of card sharks into "tazza," a master gambler at the height of his powers. Assisted by an old pro (Baek Yun Shik) and a mysterious femme fatale (Kim Hye Soo), Goni learns the ruthless rules of the game to enact his revenge and find his destiny. "Totally irresistible" - San Francisco Chronicle. (AsianMediaWiki) Goni is a man with a problem. More than a problem, really. Goni has an addiction, hard and fast, to gambling in general, and specifically hwatu, an old-as-the-hills Korean card game played with a deck of tiny, flower-blazoned cards. This wouldn’t be such a problem if Goni weren’t so embarrassingly bad at it. Cleaned out of his life savings, Goni steals more from his family and loses that too. What’s a poor kid to do? Well, when this poor kid realizes that he’s just been swindled by an organized ring of cheaters, he sets off on a quest to track them down and beat them at their own game, having first apprenticed himself to a wise old hwatu master. Enter the world of Tazza, a world where the hand is faster than the eye, where deception is the name of the game and where neither friendship nor enmity last forever. Cast and Characters Cho Seung-Woo as Go-Ni Baek Yun-Shik as Pyung Gyung-Jang Kim Hye-Su as Madam Jung Yu Hae-Jin as Ko Kwang-Ryeol Kim Yun-Seok as Aw-Kwi Ju Jin-Mo as Jjakgwi Kim Sang-Ho as Park Mu-Seok Baek Do-Bin as Kwak Kwon Tae-Won as Ho-Ku Kim Kyeong-IkSuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:49:10 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052486,from=rss#post2052486Finished episodes 58 and 59 last night. The excitement and power of this series is ramping up again! Amazing episode 59! Muji's strategy is implemented as the Generals themselves go to him and enact the plan. I adored the scenes where they were scaling the cliffs while trying to enter Gwanmiseong. KBS series have these amazing outdoor action location shots for their warrior dramas with valorous and brave moments more than the others do. Loved it. The cinematography in these scenes were also great, often in K-Dramas, especially long ones where budget and time is at a constraint... we get a lot of cloudy or foggy location shots... in this one, for the scenes of great significance we got this lovely orange tinged sunset/sunrise and with the eclipse to further add drama to the moment.... Sagal Hyeon, first, is heavily wounded by Asin's men, and eventually sacrifices himself as Damdeok's shield against the spear aimed at Damdeok. Sagal Hyeon dies in brutal and bloody fashion. I am greatly saddened that one of my favorite characters is no more. What powerful moments, I think the director did a fantastic job with the lead up to this (my heart was racing as I felt something ominous was going to happen) as well as the actual moment and the after moments. I found Lee Tae Gon's acting for these heavy scenes when he was upset the Generals agreed to Muji's plan, and the big moments with Sagal Hyeon... LTG's acting was just terrific in these scenes in my book. I found myself totally immersed in his anger and sadness, I was wanting nothing in that regard. As if that wasn't enough, as Asin was escaping - several of them see Doyeong! MKana your question earlier proved true, Seol Ji confirmed at the end of episode 59 that she saw a Baekje man take Doyeong. She explained it as she didn't want to say anything given she didn't have much proof in the midst of her still lacking the trust of Damdeok's men, given some viewed her as a spy... but when she gave him the big report in that pivotal scenes when Doyeong was nearby and right before Damdeok wed Yakyeon... by then Seol Ji had his trust and could have mentioned it. As if the drama wasn't heightening enough, as Seol Ji and Damdeok's men tell Damdeok that Asin may have her... the newly-found pregnant Queen Yakyeon overhears them... now that she has fallen hard for Damdeok and has a child to think about, will her jealous side and one trying to protect the future of her child give rise to darker intentions? It will be interesting to see how Damdeok handles her if the truth comes out that Yakyeon knew all along and hid the truth when Doyeong was in the city and when Damdeok was in grief. Another question... why is Doyeong constantly following Asin around? (Other than obviously this is meant to heighten the drama) LOL! Couldn't she just live a quiet and invisible life in the countryside? Somewhat of a rhetorical question. LOL! It looks like we're heading towards a climactic moment between Damdeok and Asin, not only for the Baekje rivalry, what happened to Sagal, but Doyeong too. I can't wait to watch this past weekend's episode 60 and 61, and to be caught up. SuperRookieMon, 20 Feb 2012 09:24:18 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052485,from=rss#post2052485I remember Lee Si-Young mostly as the co-host of Entertainment Weekly (until recently), and that she's a champion female boxer. I guess she's perfect for the role of a judo expert. Here's a blurb from her profile on Asianmediawiki: class blockquote Lee Si-Young is also a champion level female amateur boxer. On March 17, 2011, Lee Si-Young won her third amateur champion title at the "7th National Amateur Boxing Championships" held in Andong, South Korea at the 48kg class. She lead the match thoroughly and eventually won at a "RSC" (Referee Stop Count) in the third round. Lee Si-Young has also won the 50kg weight class at the "9th KBI National Lifestyle Athletics Boxing Championships" in December, 2010 and 47th "Seoul Amateur Boxing Match" on February 17, 2011. nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 22:02:09 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052484,from=rss#post2052484I am not a fan of Lee Si Young as well as her hair in this drama. she does not seem very feminine to me and I never could see her as the heroine in a romance. I will start on this because I do like Lee Dong Wook and he is a pretty good actor. I hope there is not too much in the way of baseball. Not really into that game at all.PeggyMESun, 19 Feb 2012 21:13:29 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052483,from=rss#post2052483In some ways after viewing the movie for a second time, my impression overall, was a better one than initially - the hour flew by and I was mostly satisfied. Perhaps it's because my expectations were gone and I knew exactly what I was in for this time. My main criticism though from my initial post, on second viewing, was one that became even more entrenched. Now that I was paying more attention to this part, I must say, the performance numbers in the movie were way too lackluster and really, nonexistent, compared to their cool music videos. The only good one, The DJ is Mine, plays at the end credit roll. If the viewer didn't sit through this credit roll, then I think this movie, on this front is one that was severely lacking. I think I've had my share now, and probably will never watch this again. Probably... Would be interested in a sequel (hopefully better setting, location shots, story and better performance numbers that really showcase the talent that is Wonder Girls) or maybe another movie that features another Korean group. SuperRookieSun, 19 Feb 2012 20:49:26 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052482,from=rss#post2052482Still plugging along, and just finished Feb. 5th's episode 57. I'm surprised of Asin's ability to foil Damdeok's strategy. I quite enjoyed the battle scenes and leading up to Asin's blockade (setting the dry fields aflame to block Damdeok) and the siege scenes. It was also nice to see Asin try - in his limited capacity (limited by General Dae's presence) - to save the peasants who had spread the rumors. Muji's ultimate strategy at taking Gwanmiseong is a potentially risky plan that could sacrifice all the soldiers... What? When Damdeok quickly rejected, Muji was upset as if Damdeok didn't consider it. Did he expect any leader to willingly agree (without debate) a plan that dangerous? It'll be interesting to see the scale of this plan and how it's tied to the eclipse rumors Muji had spread earlier. LOL! Murong Xi's continual inability to surpass his brother (now that Ko Un is becoming the brains of the operation and his brother's servant) continues to delight me. It's hilarious how his contempt and jealousy of Ko Un (and his brother) is slowly starting to show in the court. Let's see if the time gods will aid me tonight in finishing an episode or two. LOL! After tonight's episode, I'll currently be 4 episodes behind the KBS America schedule.SuperRookieSun, 19 Feb 2012 20:26:23 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052481,from=rss#post2052481Hmm, another baseball themed drama, right after the last one? That's surprising. (Really wish my DVR didn't fail and I missed Man of Honor, sounds like I missed a good series). I must admit, when I initially saw the graphic, I wasn't that excited about this series. Decided to check out the trailer though and may give this a few episodes. Hopefully it turns out better than expected. KBS World Wild Romance Trailer (KBS World YouTube) I'm not a fan of Lee Si Young's hair and get up on this one, at all. I'm generally quite forgiving in this regard, at least in my mind.... LOL!.... and am not dismissive on series on looks or actor/actress alone... and I guess on some level it makes sense given the character called for, but her character does nothing for me aesthetically. SuperRookieSun, 19 Feb 2012 19:56:39 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052480,from=rss#post2052480That bothered me when Unchan made the request for Trot to be fired. It just wasn't a 'Unchan' thing to do... He never would... So I agree w/Nchristi that he wanted Trot to be free to pursue what will make her happy. Still don't care for Gachan and believe he will cave and get a job through Trot's mother. That family, I guess including Doyeong now, is all about themselves. Dislike the entire family. nsheldonSun, 19 Feb 2012 18:12:07 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052479,from=rss#post2052479I'll be glad to see the beginning of the new Taiga, as well. While thinking about these four drama 'films,' it seems to me that they are all the same theme, just located in different parts of Hokkaido. Miserable, sometimes unlikable people running away from life, being forced to return to Hokkaido for familial obligations, rejecting it and causing lots of angst for the rest of the family, then an acceptance of sorts. And they lived ...... ever after. Four Blossoms - Who those were I'm not quite sure. Mom and her three daughters? Bait and Switch advertising... that's how I felt about the role of Yo Oizumi in this one. What? Did we see him all of 1 minute? Actually, he was one of the high points... the only normal guy in the program! My favorite characters were the mother and Shinji, the poor soul who loves and lives with Mizuki, the emotionally-dead horse. The pregnant sister and her husband were a breath of fresh air, too. The other sister, unmarried and working, was a very nice person—but pitiful. She's in a relationship with a married man who essentially puts in his order for her 'services' with a tacky little piece of paper on which is written: "Saturday 7pm." When she finally sells the family farm and is moving to another city, the guy still wants to "meet up,' but she says it's over and that he should give his attention to his wife and son. Thank goodness for that. I hope she didn't waste the rest of her life on such a degrading relationship. Maybe the pickings are that slim in Otaru.... Speaking of Otaru, the Korean drama Bittersweet Life/La Dolce Vita had major, story foundation sequences shot in Otaru in the dead of winter. It was beautiful but life is not all that easy in such heavy snowfall. They have winter snow festivals with sculptures, igloos, tunnels, candles inset in the snow banks along the walkways, fireworks at night, etc. Quite fascinating. They also filmed in a rather large traditional Japanese inn, from mountain outcroppings, and so forth. It was quite a thorough exposure to winter in the Otaru area, both pleasant and unpleasant... including some scenes at the water's edge. The freezing, near gale force winds and seas made me shiver just seeing it on the screen! Still, I was fascinated by the locations, not to mention the drama story itself. nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 17:56:59 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052478,from=rss#post2052478My gut reaction to Unchan demanding Gunghwa be fired was that it was a silly, unreasonable request. Young Ik is supposed to like Unchan more than he likes his own daughter? Come on, now. But the underlying motive I suspected was Unchan wanting Gunghwa to be free to pursue what she really wants in life before her mother gets her planted in concrete within the company, within Mom's vicarious dream. When Unchan and Gunghwa were alone, they talked about what they wanted in life and Gunghwa told him she never wanted to be in her parents' company, to take over. Her heart is somewhere else. Unchan is not a vengeful, petty person. To ask such a huge, unfathomable demand is not in line with his character. There has to be a much deeper reason that what we see on the surface. nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 17:12:45 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052477,from=rss#post2052477I find it very interesting that Knothead is so upset over the split-up. She talks a big and loud game, but when it comes down to getting what she thought she wanted, she is now miserable... stuffing herself insatiably with food ('medicating' against emotional pain), totally depressed and aimless in her day-to-day activities. Compromise and cooperation are what make a solid relationship. I'm glad to see Taebeom making this effort, just as Suyeong did in the first half of their relationship. One of these days they will both be on the same page and find happiness together as a family. But I suspect it will take quite a while, with lots of detours (i.e. Gong). Yikes! Baek In Ho being the killer of Taehui's father (if, indeed he was the driver) is really a huge obstacle. Revenge and respecting what has happened to deceased relatives is such a huge part of the collective psyche in that culture. Even if Taehui feels greater love for Jaeun than hatred for his father's killer, there is the huge hurdle of social impropriety in marrying the son/daughter of the wrongdoer who harmed your family. I can't imagine Jaeun continuing to live with the O's, both because of Taehui being in the same house, and also the dreadful news about the hit and run death of Taehui's father. Well, maybe the car belonged to Baek In Ho but was driven by someone else that fateful night? Time will tell. I loved the deleted scene with Jeha and Taehui at Bong Manhui's restaurant. Jeha has a lot of good abilities and qualities. Too bad Taehui couldn't appreciate them before he messed up Jeha's efforts at getting info from Bong. I hope those two draw closer and closer until Taehui can see Jeha as a brother. Of course, there is no blood tie between them, since we learned Jeha was adopted by Taehui's mother. Still, I want Jeha to have a semblance of family in this world... who better to begin with than Taehui? nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 16:57:54 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052476,from=rss#post2052476Ep. 44 (Sat) - Part 3 of 3 The restaurant is empty. Taesik and Misuk sit at a table eating and having soju. He once again is wearing Misuk‛s spare pink pants he had to borrow before when his pants were wet. ‛I was pathetic, right?‛ he asks. He tells Misuk that he did a lot of thinking about what she had said before and she was right. He looked at a tree he couldn‛t climb... she was right to think he is nothing. Misuk disagrees, saying she was just angry yesterday and said things she shouldn‛t have. He looks at her. She continues... ‛To be honest, you‛re very charismatic... It couldn‛t have been easy to take Guksu into your heart, but you did it well... now I see Hwang Taesik differently... You‛re really a great man, like the way kids say you are the best.‛ Taesik‛s response is ‛It‛s all thanks to you... If not for you, I would have jumped into the river that time... When I think about it, there are a lot of favors I got from you... If it weren‛t for you, I wouldn‛t know what I should do... I couldn‛t stand on my own feet.‛ Their eyes meet... ‛Thank you, Misuk.‛ He says he hasn‛t done anything for her... should he take her out for a nice meal? She says that isn‛t true, pulling out from her handbag the rose headband that Taesik had bought for Hana. She puts it on, he tries to adjust it, their faces are close... Taesik leans over the table to kiss her... such a stretch! At the critical moment, Misuk‛s phone rings... It is Hana. Then Taesik calls Guksu.... Taebeom at work, sees that Taehui has called him twice. He texts back that he was in a meeting and couldn‛t answer... but everything is okay. His workmate gets a call that someone has fallen down the stairs and is in the hospital. Taebeom goes running out, knocking down people on his way. Hyeryeong watches him running. Outside, Taebeom hails a taxi, saying his wife is sick and he‛s in a hurry. He runs into the emergency hospital and sees Suyeong sitting there talking on the phone. In a panic, Taebeom wants to know if she‛s hurt... is she okay?... why is she still wearing high heels? Just then a nurse calls for the guardian of Jang Eun-shi. Suyeong answers. As he is relieved that the injured person isn‛t Suyeong, the taxi driver comes in and gives Taebeom his cell phone... he was in such a hurry that he left it in the taxi. Taebeom goes into the men‛s room to tidy himself up. Looking at himself in the mirror, Taebeom realizes what he feels. Back at the TV station, he runs through the building looking for Suyeong, finally spotting her going down some stairs. He stops her. ‛I... If I love again I‛ll love like tomorrow is the last day of the world... I believed that is the feeling of love... That it is hot as if your heart would burst and fall for someone crazily... That‛s why no matter how much I worried about you, missed you, liked you I thought that it wasn‛t love... I didn‛t fall crazy for you... ‛Stop talking,‛ Suyeong says. He continues, ‛So, at that time, I didn‛t recognize... Cha Suyeong, to me you are so warm... now I know... now I can answer you... I love you. I love you!... It doesn‛t matter if it‛s a hundred or a thousand times I can answer you... I love you... I love you Cha Suyeong.‛ Suyeong looks at him, still hardened. ‛It‛s late... I‛m leaving.‛ As she walks down the stairs, Taebeom yells after her, ‛It isn‛t late... I‛ll prove it!... We are not over.‛ Suyeong doesn‛t look back and walks out. In the attic, Jaeun is dressing up for the big GF reveal tonight. She walks downstairs... at the table, Granny is upset why Taehui‛s GF hasn‛t arrived yet? Did they have a fight? Just tell us! Taehui smiles... ‛Yes, in fact, she‛s already here.‛ They all look around in confusion. ‛It‛s Jaeun,‛ Taehui tells them. They‛re all in shock. ‛Yes, it‛s me,‛ Jaeun says shyly. Suddenly, Mom and Granny start laughing happily. So does Taesik, congratulating them. Taepil asks Granny if she‛s satisfied with the future grand-daughter that Taehui brought home? Granny asks when all this started? Everyone is laughing and teasing. Then O-dad comes home. Granny tells him the family has great news! Taehui‛s girlfriend is Jaeun. ‛What?‛ he exclaims, his mouth dropping open. The women start discussing the wedding date... Granny wants it in spring, Taehui is thinking more like next autumn. Mom asks Jaeun if she‛s okay with autumn? Dad blurts out, ‛Don‛t talk nonsense... What is this about marriage? Who says he can get married!‛ he bellows. He tells Mom not to say any more about it, either. They all look at one another... ‛What‛s going on with Dad?‛ ‛How old is Taehui to get married,‛ demands Dad. Granny replies that he is 31. Dad objects... ‛How can you get married casually?... Marriage is not something you can do just because you feel like it.‛ The family can‛t understand what‛s wrong with O-dad. ‛Honey, how can you be like this?‛ asks Mom. He yells back at her, asking why she doesn‛t listen to him?! Didn‛t he tell her not to overwork herself on the duck feed?... What did you do going to someone else‛s farm?‛ He turns to Jaeun...‛What exactly were you thinking... are you stupid or brainless?... Taking a sick person around to another duck farm... Can you take responsibility if she gets sick again?... How long exactly do you plan to order Mom around because of farm matters?!‛ Mom tries to speak to Dad, but he gets up and goes outside. Granny turns to O-mom, asking what this is all about? What has happened? Mom goes after dad to talk with him. Taehui looks sick as he watches Jaeun, how devastated she is. Outside, Mom demands to know why Dad is acting this way... what has happened.... tell me... Why did he yell at Mom that way?... Everyone was embarrassed. Mom is frustrated at his silence... why has he become like this these days?.. Without any problem or reasons you just say to move out... You scolded Jaeun and didn‛t even let her lift up her head... Jaeun didn‛t ask me to go down to that farm... I dragged Jaeun with me... Tell me! Don‛t let people wait here anxiously wondering. Finally, Dad speaks. ‛The one who killed our Chang Hun is In Ho.‛ ‛What? What did you just say?‛ ‛The man who killed Chang Hun was Baek In Ho... Baek In Ho killed our Chang Hun... Jaeun‛s dad, Baek In Ho! He killed our Chang Hun.‛ Stunned, O-mom stumbles to the ground. Fadeout... __________ Ep. 44 (Sat) - End of Part 3 of 3 nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 16:39:57 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052475,from=rss#post2052475Ep. 44 (Sat) - Part 2 of 3 Granny is walking Guksu home from school, neighborhood women whispering as they pass. She gives them a withering look and the women scurry off. Then Granny overhears some others gossiping about Taesik and the trouble he has caused... having a son with a Filipina woman. Guksu has stopped, having heard the women. Granny comes back to him, asking him to come on. Guksu looks at her soulfully but seems afraid to associate himself with Granny so Granny won‛t be hurt by his skin color scandal. Granny extends her hand to Guksu... ‛Take Great Granny‛s hand.‛ He interlocks his fingers with hers. Granny stops and releases the grip. ‛Hold my hand once again,‛ she tells him. Again, he interlocks his fingers with hers. Granny is moved emotionally, holding his hand to her heart. ‛Let‛s go. It‛s cold.‛ They walk off together. Deleted... class ul Taehui waits for Jeha in the movie building. ‛Why did you come all the way here to meet me?‛ asks Jeha. Taehui asks for the list of car owners. ‛Ahh, for that.‛ Jeha sounds disappointed, then says he will give it to Taehui, with one condition—that Taehui allow Jeha to share in the investigation. ‛Why? What do you have to do with this case?‛ ‛Why not?... It‛s related to my mother... how indignant she felt all her life... If you don‛t like it, then never mind.‛ ‛Fine... but if you cause trouble you‛ll be kicked out right away.‛ Jeha then suggests that they start today. They arrive at Bong Manhui‛s restaurant. He has nothing to say and asks them to leave. Taehui doesn‛t want to know much... just anything that Bong might remember. Then Jeha pulls out his cellphone and calls someone associated with the movie company. They‛re having a celebration today and Jeha tells them to patronize Bong Manhui‛s restaurant. Both Jeha and Taehui wear aprons and serve as waiters, too. The place is chock full of customers, Bong very happy at all the money he is making. Jeha has the guys order more beer, even telling them to order take-out soup for their parents. Taehui is rather in awe watching Jeha at work. Then Jeha talks with Bong... ‛Am I helpful for your business?‛ ‛Of course!‛ Bong replies, asking what Jeha‛s name is again? Then Jeha starts talking about the hit and run accident on Cheong Dong road... was there really no evidence? Bong tells Jeha of course, there was a decisive piece of evidence. Taehui can‛t stay out of it and starts asking questions. Bong, remembering his promise to O-dad clams up... ‛That‛s all for today,‛ he says and returns to work. Jeha is a little perturbed with Taehui.... ‛Really... didn‛t you see the atmosphere?.. the bird was almost in hand and then flew away.‛ Taehui knows he messed up. Jaeun and O-mom visit the duck coops of a successful duck farmer. Jaeun compliments the woman on how healthy the ducks look. Mom says, of course, these ducks are well known for their taste in duck soup, that they are like honey. Jaeun asks if the woman can tell them what she puts in her feed? Mom then notices there is a strong smell of pine. The woman is impressed with O-mom‛s ‛daughter.‛ Mom claims Jaeun as her daughter, saying that she works hard to make her tuition money. Next we see O-mom and Jaeun eating hot soup in a restaurant. Mom asks if Jaeun would like to be her real daughter? ‛No,‛ she replies. Mom is disappointed and says to forget it... she‛s just asking. Mom asks again. Jaeun starts to explain but Mom doesn‛t want to hear it. Jaeun then notices that Mom has a new, red leather handbag. She flashes back to eating with Taehui... telling him to buy his mother a bag as a present because her bag is too old. Jaeun is pleased that Taehui has given his mother this gift. Dad goes to visit his brother‛s memorial at a columbarium. Dad feels guilty that they didn‛t catch the killer 26 years ago, that he (Dad) was too weak. He laments if they had caught the killer, then he wouldn‛t have been meeting with Baek In Ho all those years. ‛How could you let me live on the farm given by the man who killed you... even in my dreams you should have come and told me... I shouldn‛t have lived on that guy‛s farm.‛ Just then Granny walks up, having come to visit her son‛s memorial, too. Granny has come because she has a lot of things to tell her second son... that Taehui has a girlfriend... and about Guksu, too. Guksu? Dad is surprised. Granny tells him that the way Guksu holds her hand is exactly the same as Chang Hun did. She cries as she talks of Taehui getting married, that she hopes to hold on until his marriage, then she can go to be with Chang Hun. Deleted... class ul Taesik walks into the duck restaurant as Misuk sorts silverware. They see each other, then look away... awkward since their argument with the children. The owner asks why Taesik is so early? For Misuk‛s ears, Taesik replies that he is unemployed... he has nothing he can be proud of. Taesik asks the owner if he can be a full-time employee now. ‛Fine,‛ replies the owner. Taesik smiles at Misuk, who is still disgusted with him.Later, horror of horrors, Taesik‛s former supervisor at the hospital comes in with the nurses for lunch and Taesik is assigned to serve his table. Taesik acts well, but the supervisor comments that he wondered what Taesik is doing now. The supervisor gives his order, then condescendingly takes out some money and asks Taesik to go buy him a package of cigarettes. Misuk saves Taesik by rushing over saying this a non-smoking restaurant and that they do not run errands for customers. The supv. tells Misuk to butt out... he knows Taesik well and their relationship is good. Then the supv. really crosses the line, telling Taesik to keep the change and give it to his ‛Filipino son.‛ Misuk is incensed. She yells at the supv that Taesik can‛t do the errand so why is he doing this to Taesik? Supv. gets angry, too, yelling at Misuk for mistreating a customer. But Misuk yells back for supv. to get out... we don‛t serve racist people like you! Get out now! Supv. stands up, challenging Misuk, raising his hand. Taesik gets in between. As the supv. struggles, he falls to the floor, accusing Taesik of pushing him down. They grab each other‛s collars and struggle back and forth, crashing into things. Misuk pours a pitcher of water on Supv, stopping the fight. The owner yells at the man to get out of his restaurant... they don‛t need his money! __________ Ep. 44 (Sat) - End of Part 2 of 3 nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 16:38:55 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052474,from=rss#post2052474Ep. 44 (Sat) - Part 1 of 3 Jaeun running through the subway area where the news reported on the homeless men seeking shelter from the winter. She desperately looks for her father, running after a couple of the men only to see that it is a stranger. Deeply disappointed, she hunkers down and sits there. At the farm, O-mom is on Dad‛s case for being so angry with Jaeun, treating her so harshly. If she‛s made a mistake she deserves to be scolded but why did Did have to crush Jaeun‛s self-esteem that way? Dad gets angry at Mom... ‛I said to move out. Why do you not listen to me?!‛ Mom knows Dad is not telling the whole story of what really has him so upset, but he keeps on with the story that he didn‛t want to live here like this, etc. Then he tells Mom that because she (Mom) won‛t listen to him, he is angry with Jaeun. Knowing this is baloney, Mom tells him to clearly explain himself so she can understand... What‛s the real reason he is so upset? ‛I am the head of the house... if the head of the house says to move... why can‛t you just listen to me without talking back? Why, just this one time?‛ ‛Did something happen to you?‛ Mom asks quietly. ‛Don‛t tell me you caused trouble again?... Tell me... What is it?... You only have to say what the problem is, then I‛ll consider about moving out or not.‛ Dad can‛t handle discussion about this... ‛Never mind... just act as if it has never happened,‛ is his retreat. Mom stares at him wondering what is going on with him. Dad yells at her that ‛Nothing is wrong... there is really nothing wrong.‛ Taehui is running through the subway area looking for Jaeun. Finally, he sees her sitting on some steps, her head buried in her arms. He sits down beside her... ‛Baek Jaeun...‛ She looks up and smiles, glad to see him. Why is she sitting here like this? ‛Because I have no strength... but now I feel better... seeing you, ajussi, I feel that I can live... I felt like I was dying a while ago.‛ ‛Did something happen?‛ he asks. Jaeun tells him she saw her dad... it‛s possible that it was only someone who looked like him... but she lost him... so she couldn‛t be certain... But she still wanted to hold on to the chance... She‛s waited here for a while, but he hasn‛t shown up again. ‛He should still be alive, shouldn‛t he?‛ she asks Taehui. He nods ‛yes,‛ and tears come to her eyes. Taehui picks her up, holds her in front of him by her shoulders and tells her he alive for sure. Jaeun says she misses her father... she hasn‛t even told him ‛thanks‛ or had time to say farewell. She cries... ‛I still want to see my dad very much... even if it is the very last time.‛ Jaeun cries as she tells Taehui all the things she wants to have told her father. He wipes away her tears as she sobs, then holds her in his arms. Jaeun has fallen asleep in Taehui‛s car at the water front. He knocks on her car window to awaken her, and asks her to get out for a little while. He has set up a tent. They sit inside and talk, a plate of cake and fruit with lit candles before them. Taehui wanted to celebrate the New Year while listening to the bells but this will do. It has been a difficult year for both of them... he wants to throw away all the bad memories and forget about them. ‛Next year you will be 25?‛ he asks... ‛Is there anything you want to say?‛ Jaeun talks about the sad events of the year, losing her father, coming to the farm, meeting the O‛s... meeting Taehui... it wasn‛t a bad year after all.‛ They agree they will both have a better new year. Jaeun tells Taehui that if, one day, they decide to break up, they must say their farewells fully... not be like her father who left without saying anything. They both promise, then before blowing out the candles, Jaeun asks him to sing a song. Taehui sings a beautiful song to her. (very nice voice) Taesik at home doing paperwork at his desk, Guksu packing his bag for school. Taesik flashes back to the argument with Misuk, that she knows he is jobless and should be worrying about himself, not who she might date. They go upstairs for breakfast. Mom, not knowing Taesik lost his job, reminds him that he has not given her his living expenses for this month. Taesik pretends he forgot but will deposit it into her account today. Then he asks if Granny will pick up Guksu from school today? ‛Me?‛ she asks. Uncomfortable, Guksu says he can come home by himself. Then Mom speaks up and says if Granny doesn‛t want to, she will pick up Guksu. But Granny agrees to get him... she has nothing else important to do... she will consider it as exercise. All the while Dad is silent and gives an occasional sour look at Jaeun, as when Jaeun pats Guksu on the head. Again Granny asks Taehui when he‛s going to bring his GF home... she can‛t eat or sleep in anticipation. Taehui then asks if he can bring her home tonight? Jaeun‛s eyes get wide. Mom wants to know if Taehui already asked the girl? Taepil interrupts and says the girl already knows. Mom asks if Taepil knows who the GF is? ‛No, I‛m just guessing,‛ he answers. Jaeun‛s eyes meet Dad‛s... he glowers at her then looks away. Jaeun is distressed at Dad‛s change in behavior towards her. Suyeong leaving her house for work. Gong is outside and calls to her. Why is he here? He is awkward, telling her he left for work too early, was just driving around killing time and found himself at her place. He tells her to get in his car... he will drive her to work. Taebeom in the dorm room, turns off his alarm. He is miserable. After dressing, he sees Gong and Suyeong at the elevator. She looks at Taebeom. Gong sees him, too. Taebeom turns and walks away. Suyeong and Hyeryeong alone in the conference room. Hyeryeong apologizes... she feels she‛s done something wrong towards Suyeong. If she knew that Taebeom‛s wife was Suyeong... Suyeong interrupts... ‛Not any more... we got divorced. There‛s no need for you to feel sorry to me.‛ Knothead at home is stuffing herself with fried chicken and a whole table full of other things. Dir. Cha tries to get her to stop, but she won‛t. He takes her shopping for clothes, but she‛s not interested in anything. She aimlessly walks about and picks up several shirts/tops. Over at Yeoul‛s store, as she watches Taepil working, she flashes back to the department store game, Taepil saying what he wants to say now is that he loves her. At the same time, Taepil is also spacing out, remembering when Yeoul answered with "I love you." Both have trouble keeping their eyes off the other. Yeoul goes into the back room to collect herself. Suddenly in walks Taepil. She jumps all over him for ‛crossing the line... I am the boss, you are the manager...‛ He smiles to himself and takes some clothing packages from the shelf. Then he says, ‛Director, are you imagining something?‛ He leaves. In the front door walks a well-dressed man asking to look at hiking supplies, but he doesn‛t want help from Taepil. Just then Yeoul comes out from the back, sees the man and stops in her tracks. She looks scared and drops everything in her arms. The man looks at her... ‛Nam Yeoul?‛ He walks quickly to her, asking when she returned to Seoul... why didn‛t she contact him? ‛It‛s been a long time,‛ she replies, not looking at him. He gives her his card... ‛Please contact me when you have time... there are misunderstandings that we should clear up... Could I invite you for a meal?‛ Taepil watches as Yeoul keeps looking down, speechless, not accepting the man‛s card. The man puts it on the desk. ‛Let‛s keep in touch...‛ he leaves. Taepil goes to Yeoul, who is fighting back tears. Taepil wants to know who is this man? But seeing that Yeoul has started to cry, he softens up as she answers ‛Just someone I know.‛ As she tries to go back to work, Taepil stops her... ‛I want to know who he is... your ex-husband?‛ She tells him not to cross the line... it‛s none of his business. He lets go of her arm. She leaves the store. __________ Ep. 44 (Sat) - End of Part 1 of 3 nchristiSun, 19 Feb 2012 16:37:19 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052473,from=rss#post2052473nchristi, I very much like the actress playing Gunghwa for this role. She has a very fun screen presence, and exudes a very lively, energetic and pure personality that is fun to watch. It does not hurt that she's cute too. Just finished the past 2 episodes... wow, I too am surprised that Doyeong fell for the bait by Mrs. Na so quickly. I don't blame her too much though, desperation can bring to surface one's true colors, but also temporarily or permanently change someone. Given Doyeong's recent difficulties at home and her zeal to want to have her family under one roof, I kind of didn't want to blame her given all that she has gone through recently - at least she's not as shameless as Bokchan. LOL! I was also surprised that Gachan didn't fall, as of late he has been perhaps an idealist rather than pragmatist (much like Dohui), even if it has created a gulf between him and others (sticking to the filial duty ahead of his wife's needs)... ideal yes, realistic... not to easy as we are seeing unfold. It was interesting to see Doyeong play the role of a temptress like Eve though. But I'm glad to see both her and Gachan remember what they did to Unchan at the police station in episodes past, and ultimately, Doyeong rejected Mrs. Na's offer. It was surprising that Unchan demanded Gunghwa's firing as part of the condition of him working at the company... seems like excessive idealism (that theme again)... just to heighten the drama and tension of this story. More of that social-class warfare of the little guy fighting for justice against "The Man." As much as I like Unchan, if I were running a family company, I'd view his request as beyond absurd. Regardless of reason, I don't think any of us would appreciate a friend trying to get us fired either (if we were in Gunghwa's shoes). This is out of Unchan's character, he's very upright yes... but why would he want to create this kind of distraction and potentially hurt Gunghwa's feelings? Does he perhaps think if he gets her out of the company that Gunghwa and her mother will mend their relationship? It'll be interesting to find out what his rationale is. Glad to see Gachan and Bongja resolve the recent drama with the recent split living arrangements situation and all the drama that lead up to that - it was pleasant to see the love between mother and son and vice-versa on a seemingly triumphant note, at least, for now. The couple (Gunghwa and Unchan) continue to be a treat to watch - loved the temple scene and the car scene (Unchan trying to brush her hair aside when she was asleep, without getting Gramps' attention who also nodded off), and the later shopping scene.SuperRookieSun, 19 Feb 2012 14:51:36 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052472,from=rss#post2052472Watched this week's premiere episodes 1 and 2 last night on DVR. I'm not sure what to make of this series yet. It has a huge oddball factor, but something interesting beneath the surface too. On one hand it's extremely quirky - MBC seems to do these quirky comedy/romance dramas like none of the other broadcasters can - in some ways this reminded me of why I got into K-Dramas, with MBC's other quirky series years ago like Country Princess, Ruler of Your Own World and Prince's First Love... But on the other hand, I haven't been able to get into this one yet - the chemistry and storyline has been slow to build, I found most of the scenes a bit disjointed. The ending scenes of episode 2 got me more and more engaged as we learned more about Lee Ji Ah's character's depression and her recognition of it (getting out of denial)... so I'm looking forward to the potential of this series. I got a kick out of seeing the amazing Jo Min Ki in this goofy role. In the past we have seen him in extremely serious and powerful roles like YoungMin in Flames of Ambition and Shin Tae Hwan in East of Eden, respectively... to see him in this goofy and off-color role is quite fun and humorous! Only in a K-Drama can a valet park cars for a business, at a police station parking lot and get away with it! Good eye candy for the guys in this one. Lee Ji Ah with her not-so-feminine cuteness has her all coming up roses in this one! There is a mysterious quality to her looks and her character's character traits and backstory that makes her appealing. And Han Go Eun's sophisticated and glamorous look is easy on the eyes as well. Very much like the vibe, youthful sensibility in the dialogue and trendy production in this one. I hope the story and presentation start to gel sooner than later though...SuperRookieSun, 19 Feb 2012 13:45:39 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052471,from=rss#post2052471The roles are reversed now between Suyeong & Taebom. He is now the one groveling in front of Suyeong. He should not do that. He should just give up on this fake marriage and not orce himself to get along with her awful family. The romance between Psycho detective & Jaeun is now going to hit a snag with the discovery that her father was the one who ran over Taehui Dad. I wonder how Taehui will react when he finds out about this unfortunate accident ithat killed his Dad?slantyeyeSun, 19 Feb 2012 10:33:45 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052470,from=rss#post2052470Peggy, yes, I find myself enjoying this program a lot, too. I've learned quite a lot about lifestyles in different countries across the world, and I find it both educational and fun to watch, as well. Thanks for your comments about the UK! I think that was in last week's segment about the teenager who is aspiring to be a Formula 1 racer. Hiroshi66Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:12:28 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052469,from=rss#post2052469Four Blossoms Out of the four films we saw, I think this is the one I enjoyed/connected with the most. That being said, it did have the same problems as the other three—characters being sort of brought in out of the blue, no real direction to the story, not enough time to develop a story, etc. But out of the four movies we've seen so far, I think this one did the best job at attempting to bring the story to some kind of a conclusion. At least that's how I felt after watching it. With the previous three ones (especially last weekend's!) I felt that nothing had really been concluded. This time, though, it was nice watching the family on the hill overlooking the city and ocean, having a picnic lunch. The main actress who played Mizuki (the daughter who had left for Tokyo) looked very familiar. I think we've seen her in quite a few dramas over the years, though I can't recall what the titles were. I think one of them we watched in the video club, starring Kimura Takuya. I think she played the role of a lawyer or paralegal. She's a great actress, and I think she did a nice job in this role. It was nice to see the family connect again at the end. Through various circumstances, and due to the mother's illness, they were brought together again. It made me realize that sometimes, estranged family members only come together after some kind of emergency—like an accident, illness, death, etc. At least the mother is gradually recovering and will have a chance to enjoy her daughters (and grandchildren) now. The setting of this segment was Otaru, Japan. It's in Hokkaido facing the northern end of the Sea of Japan. Beautiful views and scenery. This has probably been my favorite part of these four films—the location and scenery that is showcased with each episode. Here is a Wikipedia page with more information on Otaru: Otaru, Hokkaido Episode 1, Part 1 of the new Taiga (Kiyomori) airs next week. I miss Gou but I am looking forward to the Taiga starting again. These four films have been a nice "break" from the Taiga but I can't say I enjoyed all of them. I think the second one (about the family on the farm) and the fourth one (this one) are tied in first place, the one with the summer camp for hospitalized children came in a close second, but last week's (about the fishing village) was probably the one I enjoyed the least. Overall, it was a nice change of pace, but I think I am ready for the Taiga! Hiroshi66Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:50:04 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052468,from=rss#post2052468Nchristi, thank you so much for your comments about the episode! When I caught the ending on Friday, it didn't make much sense to me, but after reading your comments about the case, everything I saw made much more sense. This does seem like quite an interesting episode. I will definitely have to look out for it when it is shown again later this year. That's a fascinating point about how skilled the Japanese are at this sort of theater—with men impersonating women, and vice-versa. Maybe it's because they've had a chance to perfect this art form after doing it for centuries, with the kabuki theater and men impersonating women on stage. I think women impersonating men on the stage has become quite common in recent years, as well, and I guess last night's episode reflects that. It really is interesting to watch, and due to the traditional connection with kabuki theater, I think even modern-day Japanese have some sort of a deep connection with/appreciation of this interesting art form. The cause of death does sound very complicated! I guess after doing this for seven seasons, the writers are trying to look for really odd situations, which is why we get these sort of skeptical/farfetched type of stories. I think I'd still take these kinds of episodes over the "political scandal" ones, though! At least there's some actual conclusion to the case, as opposed to the political stories where even if one or two people get arrested, the real "bad guys" are still at the very top. I agree, seeing Ukyo in rather dangerous situations alone makes me miss Kame even more! It's not that I don't like Ukyo. I do think he can handle the case/show by himself and has some funny scenes, too. But it always feels like there is something missing! Like we've always said, Kame is the perfect match for Ukyo—he sort of balances out his strong personality and always helps take Ukyo down a notch in whatever situation. Now, we don't have that. Ukyo and Kame have also been in some dangerous situations over the years. If one of them hadn't been there to rescue the other, who knows if either of them would still be around now!? Now that Kame's gone, Ukyo is pretty much on his own, so it causes me to feel a little uneasy with all of this, too. I am a little apprehensive to see who Ukyo's new partner will be, though. If it's a brand-new character, I'm wondering if he will be as loyal to Ukyo as Kame was. He has some big shoes to fill, that's for sure! Thanks again for the summary, Nchristi! Hiroshi66Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:31:17 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052467,from=rss#post2052467 class blockquote nchristi wrote: Ukyo's connection was attending a performance with Mrs. Ex-Ukyo, a fan of the Teito Theater group. I was amused that Ukyo and Tamaki were out together again on a "not a date" date. This was one instance where Kame is missed. He would have started the ribbing and everyone else would join in teasing Ukyo about his date night. dunedanSun, 19 Feb 2012 09:09:45 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052466,from=rss#post2052466Last night's episode was very good. I cannot believe that JM and Aunt left her alone. We all knew that was trouble the minute they shut the door behind them. That was the most believable crack on the head I think I've ever seen. It was a relief to see Ji Hyung finally break down. He's been such a rock through it all. Funny that HG didn't even get rest up before Mom planned a date for her and even better that he was in love with someone else At least the combative crazy mom has some other woman to scream at. The labor scene was also heartbreaking. Poor JH - so scared for her.  captivaSun, 19 Feb 2012 07:22:02 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052465,from=rss#post2052465"I'm sorry that I am leaving you" . . . oh, break my heart. I'm really worried about the baby. http://www.dramabeans.com/2011/12/thousand-day-promise-episode-18/bbstlSat, 18 Feb 2012 23:38:55 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052464,from=rss#post2052464This really is a good show Greg. I have caught it by chance several times and they have always been in Europe in Italy or in Spain etc. The last couple of times I was delighted to see them in UK and I was sure it was Chester. they did a marvellous job with showing all the Tudor buildings and The Rows where they have shops on a second story with a roof overhanging a walkway. It was lovely. The next town I could not pinpoint but it was with a canal where houseboats were moored of the long canal type. Very interesting. I think it was more down south than up in the Midlands. It was not in the Welsh canals. It's a special kind of camera they use, holding it on the shoulder, and there is a special way they do the narration.PeggyMESat, 18 Feb 2012 16:45:25 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052463,from=rss#post2052463This was quite interesting. I've often seen productions with men in drag, but this was the first time I've seen an all-woman theatrical company. They were totally fascinating, especially the lead character in our story, who is the main "male" star of the company. Ukyo's connection was attending a performance with Mrs. Ex-Ukyo, a fan of the Teito Theater group. Later at her restaurant, Ukyo's ex-wife commented to him that women are big fans of this theater and the male audience is also growing. I had to totally agree with her. I found it fascinating, the most believable of gender bending I've ever seen. The best in the past was Victor/Victoria, which was a well-done movie but seeing Julie Andrews as a weak Fred Astaire imitation was a little bit of a stretch. The Japanese seem to be particularly astute in doing this sort of theater. The men who present themselves as women are excellent at it. And so are the women who specialize in these role reversals, apparently. I was a little skeptical about the cause of death of the victim, though. She had a heart condition and having come out of the shower she was not to have a fan blowing on her because it might bring on a heart attack. Really? Well, maybe because Asians are so big on having neither extreme heat or cold on or in their bodies, plus they are usually so thin, I guess it must be true. Ukyo (or someone?) did quote some Japanese statistics on how many people die of this cause annually. At first, the death was not seen as a murder, but merely as a result of the victim sitting in front of the fan. But Mr. Forensics discovered that rose pollen was on the victim's robe. The roses were not between the fan and the victim. How could the pollen be blown onto her? Ahh... A circulation fan on the side table against the wall was directly behind the roses. However, this fan was pointed upwards towards the ceiling. The mystery was, who wanted to kill the woman? Did someone come in, change the direction of the second fan to be aimed directly at the woman, then latter change the direction back towards the ceiling? The three main characters all had motive. The man in the black trench coat had done something behind the woman's back (she was the head of the company). She was very angry with him and told him he would not be coming with her to her new company. His motive could have been to save his job by getting rid of the current owner. Then there was the main impersonator actress. She wanted to retire from the stage and go into another related business. But the woman wouldn't allow her to. She tore up the new proposal right before the face of the impersonator and told her she would make the impersonator continue in the theater company forever. The third suspect was a woman who worked in the office for the victim's company. Long story short, it turns out this office worker used to be the main star of the theater group. But the owner wanted to get rid of her, replacing her with her new favorite, the impersonator she wants to watch perform "forever." The owner makes the stage manager leave open the lift doors in the center of the stage. During a dress rehearsal, the woman falls in and her injuries end her career. Murder by Fan was the end of a long-held grudge. Funniest scene was of the bare stage with Ukyo suddenly arising from the depths on the lift! LOL! I laughed so much seeing his head pop up then his whole body. Who else in this world, but Ukyo, would do such a thing?! I missed Kame in that performance, too. Itami had a bigger role, much expanded speaking lines, which I enjoyed. But when Ukyo appeared alone at an apartment door I got that sad feeling again. I really dislike seeing Ukyo alone in his investigations... the feeling is almost like worrying about a kid getting into trouble without anyone around to help out. Good story, and well done, too. nchristiSat, 18 Feb 2012 15:59:27 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052462,from=rss#post2052462Wow! After weeks of seeing so many different cities (both in the USA and around the world) being showcased on Global Messenger, what a treat to see LA being featured in a segment! I was quite excited when the announcer first mentioned Los Angeles, California. I guess part of the fun is being able to watch our city through the eyes of the people on its show and see the lives of real people who are living here. This segment was about the life of a former model who has come to LA to pursue a career in professional boxing. She was pretty good! Her trainer is the same man who trained Mike Tyson, and she looks quite motivated to pursue a career in this. She became very emotional at one point because she realized that she hadn't been spending much time with her parents back in Japan—they are still young, but she knows they are getting older and she wants to have a chance to spend time with them as much as she can. The present the mother gave her was a bandage with a message of encouragement written on it. This was just what the daughter needed before her very big match—a match that she eventually won. I was trying to look at the scenery and figure out where the place she trains at was, and it looked like it might have been somewhere around the Westside or Mid-City? Not too sure. The street looked pretty generic, so I guess it could be anywhere! But it was nice that the daughter has sort of made a name for herself here. It seems like she has a lot of friends at the place where she trains, and they all think very highly of her. Hiroshi66Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:26:17 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052461,from=rss#post2052461Just a reminder that the Video Club will see the final episode (#20) on Monday. However, the main K-Forum does not see the conclusion until the following day, Tuesday. It will be appreciated if discussion of the final events and ending are held until after 10:30p PT on Tuesday, February 21. Thx, everyone. nchristiSat, 18 Feb 2012 15:20:28 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052460,from=rss#post2052460Even if Kim Sangcheol is not the masked surgeon who made the fatal mistake, who removed his name and history at that hospital? Did he want to erase his past? Or, maybe it was one of the older surgeons who made the mistake then blamed it onto Sangcheol, just as Mr. Eyelash Curler blamed his surgical failure on Ganghun and made him take the fall. The only thing that seems rather certain is that Kim Sangcheol has a major, crippling psychological block whenever he is reminded of certain things. At this point, I'd have to go with 50-50 on the cause—memories so painful and conflicting with his values that he can't bear to think about it, or a physical brain trauma back then which affected his memory of the time and events. nchristiSat, 18 Feb 2012 15:15:43 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052459,from=rss#post2052459Ahh, I didn't get home until around 8:30p last night, so I was only able to catch the latter half or so of Episode 14. (I wish Partners 7 was on MySoju or something... that would help a lot!) It's a shame, especially since it looked like quite an interesting case, especially after I watched the resolution of it all. I guess I realized that just watching the resolution of the case isn't enough for a show like Partners—the interesting part is in the 'build-up' of the crime/case and how Ukyo uses subtle clues and hints to solve the entire case. It looked quite interesting and will look out for this one when UTB reairs the seventh season later this year, on Tuesday nights. While watching Ukyo wrap up the case, though, I realized how much I miss Ukyo having a "partner." It has been interesting watching Ukyo solving the cases by himself, or with other partners (especially Amemiya from a few episodes back, and Mr. Forensics Guy) but I miss having someone like Kame around, someone who could sort of balance Ukyo out and bring something new/different to the table. But since this new 'layout' is so different from what we've had for the past six and a half seasons, it's definitely interesting, too. Hiroshi66Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:13:04 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052458,from=rss#post2052458Just finished watching Tuesday night's episode 10 on my DVR, another excellent episode. Psycho-chick is back in our KBS America versions, LOL! She wasn't her usual horrible self at least and in her own way tried to help, ultimately, to little success. The big revelation is Ganghun's mother finally tells him the truth of what happened and she was indeed pregnant when she left his drunk father - Ganghun's sister is really his biological sister. The weight of Ganghun's mistreatment of her all these years is finally realized, all because of that most powerful of K-Drama plot devices.... misunderstanding! Ganghun's mother kept the truth from him so he wouldn't feel guilty of his prejudice and his mistake. Such powerful and sad moments as Ganghun recounted all the times he mistreated her because of his mistaken belief. It looks like Ganghun will swallow his pride and when he just admitted to Prof. Kim he had him mistaken for someone else, in order to save his mom (after the big revelation)... So the big question I guess for us is, why does Kim Sangcheol not remember anything of that? I don't believe he is lying... Perhaps his weird mental occurrences with that high pitched sound effect scenes have something to do with it... did he perhaps hit his head before and lost some chunks of his memory? I suppose the possibility exists he really had nothing to do with it, but with the director/writers making the Prof. Kim in past and present look so similar (at the end when Ganghun saw both eyes when he was begging Prof. Kim and the look of those eyes with the past version seemed identical)... perhaps intentional misdirection by the crew to confuse the viewers until the truth comes out... but I still believe based on all the foreshadowing, Prof. Kim has a link to that past. We'll have to wait and see how this pans out! Can't wait for monday's episode! This is my favorite new series that's airing right now. SuperRookieSat, 18 Feb 2012 11:34:19 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052457,from=rss#post2052457You don't think it was for revenge? I do. Not that her mother didn't deserve it but wouldn't it have been better just to leave that be? I agree that that MK looks like his real-life brother. We are down to the wire now. I hope that the baby makes it and we get to see a little glimpse into the future to see the JH and the baby make it after she dies. captivaSat, 18 Feb 2012 05:57:10 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052456,from=rss#post2052456So difficult to see her mother, I agree that her mother now not being able to forget her will be the best revenge (not that SY was necessarily after revenge). Poor thing, having to face meeting Dad on the same day. I love that JH Mom is really digging her heels in until everyone becomes somewhat reasonable. This is MK's brother, it's pretty amazing how much they look alike: http://www.hancinema.net/micky-yoochun-appears-in-chungmuro--38852.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+hancinema%2FAUJj+%28HanCinema+Daily+News%29 http://www.dramabeans.com/2011/12/thousand-day-promise-episode-17/bbstlFri, 17 Feb 2012 23:46:22 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052455,from=rss#post2052455This week I saw a Korean news show that had a weather report on the cold snowy conditions. Many young women had short skirts and bare legs, some without hats. Guess fashion and style wins out over comfort and health.sherlesinFri, 17 Feb 2012 20:33:12 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052454,from=rss#post2052454Yep, the commercials for the new Taiga have started airing on UTB. Judging from the commercials alone, I don't know how I feel about the Taiga just yet, but I guess we'll have to wait and see! As for tomorrow's final TV movie, I'm not really looking forward to it, but I'll still give it a try.Hiroshi66Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:31:36 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052453,from=rss#post2052453A bit off-topic, but during the commercial break in A Glimmer of Hope, it looked like they were advertising the next taiga? I heard it already started on TVJapan, the premium channel.... Oops, sorry, saw that a thread for it was already started..... maranycFri, 17 Feb 2012 14:04:00 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052452,from=rss#post2052452An odd concluding episode. A little disappointing, I felt. Maybe it's just me but I don't like the flashback summary of all the main happenings throughout the drama. Do we really forget that stuff and need to be reminded? Then, too much filler fluff that didn't seem necessary about the baseball. The only tie in about baseball seemed to be that YeongGwang and Jaein could marry only when he became the "Home run King" again. So I can see it from that point of view, but it was too much. The only part that felt like it was a continuation of the drama itself was about Incheol. Showing him sitting in the high honcho chair in the dark, feeling his private moment of glory... short lived as it was. Then Prosecutor O arresting him for embezzling funds. He looks in disbelief at his GF, who is the only person who could have provided the evidence. What are her profound concluding words? Some things cannot be forgiven. I wished the writers had come up with something a little more edgy than that. Inwu's conclusion didn't feel right, either. After all he's been through, he seemed to have reverted, somewhat, back into his old self. I can easily see him taking over the company and morphing into his greatest teachers—Evil CEO and Incheol. Then there was the guy in the hat in charge of the Sales Team. Is that all there is? His connection to Driver Kim was only a friend Kim had called when Incheol and the boys were chasing him? Well, maybe there was nothing more to reveal. He received and passed on the bloody note with the clue that eventually led to unraveling many hidden things. So, Jaein goes back to nursing. Her supervising nurse is now at the new hospital and likes Jaein. YeongGwang goes back to baseball... with the magical key pendant I guess he will become successful in baseball. Inwu is aiming for taking over the company. Evil CEO kicks the bucket. Incheol goes to prison—for a while. (Then what? Incheol rises again!) Best Actor - Evil CEO. He was terrific. Perfect all the time. He was downright scary any number of times. (Second scariest, Inwu's mother. She looked like she should have had a pointed hat and broomstick!) Jaein played her role well, too. As did YeongGwang. Inwu gave a good performance in this one, too. Then there's Incheol. I like this actor. He played a very buttoned-down character in this one, but I like how subtly he can show whatever is called for at the moment. Overall, I enjoyed this drama and thought it well done. It was a nice combination of humor, drama, terror, and supernatural whimsy. Worth the while. nchristiFri, 17 Feb 2012 13:20:06 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052451,from=rss#post2052451I was surprised that Doyeong so easily wants to get in cahoots with Gunghwa's mother. Gachan standing up against the idea was nice to see... finally something about him that I admire. I suppose that Doyeong is between a rock and a hard place though—if she doesn't cooperate with Ms. Na she might find herself without any job at all. A promotion and job for Gachan might be a more practical choice, though it's hard to stomach watching her work against Gachan... to whom she has been his best friend within the family. Sad story that Young Ik lost his mother at birth and doesn't know her name, or anything about her. He almost slipped there when telling his story to Unchan, saying that at least Unchan knows his mother's name—which he doesn't. Young Ik now realizes that he has information about Unchan's past that Unchan doesn't know. One of these days he's going to have to tell Unchan who his mother is. It would be cruel not to... especially since Unchan wants a relationship of trust between them. YAY for Young Ik! He marches into his wife's office and lays down the law about hiring Unchan. That was probably a brand new experience for Ms. Na! I'm glad to see him beginning to take a firm stand. If he doesn't, he's going to find himself pushed to the back burner until Ms. Na completely turns off the flame. Nice scenes of Gunghwa and Unchan at the temple with Gramps, examining the architecture and wood materials used. She promises the Buddha she will do 108 full bows to erase the harm to Unchan she feels responsible for. She gets to 52 and is worn out. Unchan has been watching and listening, then comes in to help her with the last 56 bows owed. He "helps" her by doing them with her, which means 28 more bows apiece instead of 56 more for Gunghwa. No wonder her legs were cramping and hurting... she still did 80 all together. I can't believe the director is making Gunghwa wear all those skimpy clothes out on the frozen locations. They could have at least had her wear some warm leggings... her legs would still be attractive. It's a little upsetting, especially since I've seen any number of entertainment shows that reveal how frozen these young actresses get in those skimpy costumes. The young women are so thin to begin with that they must really suffer through those long, outdoor shoots in the winter. The funniest scene last night was when Gunghwa was in the car and couldn't keep herself awake. When she started crossing her eyes, it was cute and funny. She is a funny actress, though. Her personality and mannerisms are definitely different from the run of the mill actress. nchristiFri, 17 Feb 2012 12:06:12 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052450,from=rss#post2052450I thought I was seeing a different drama at first when I turned on this episode. Sorry... but too much baseball for my taste,,, and what happened to the old man with all the money. He is such a big actor that I don't see why he played such a small role and then disappeared. Strange.  I got the impression that a different writer wrote this dialogue for the last episode and even a different director. For me, the loose ends were not all tied up neatly. I thought it fell apart once the evil CEO died.A t least he was the same all the way through with 'no regrets' Wow.PeggyMEFri, 17 Feb 2012 11:41:35 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052449,from=rss#post2052449SuperRookie: Totally agree that Unchan and Trot make a really cute couple. I think they are adorable and perfect for each other. Ms Na is letting her position go to her head. She thinks she can control everyone and everything around her. Now she's basically threatening Doyeong. And, given that Unchan's family are all out for themselves, I believe her and her stupid husband will give in to Ms. Na.... as long as THEY are benefitting. I would hate to have those people (all of them) in my family. There is no way Unchan will end up being the son of Mr. Na.. unless it turns out that Trot isn't his bio daughter. Trot and Unchan have to end up together so they can't be related... :OnsheldonFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:06:10 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052448,from=rss#post2052448I started a bit late on this one. AND, it was opposite Glory Jane, so ... Anyway, I like it too and think I'll start from the beginning online to watch it. I love the actor playing the Captain. He was so funny in 'He Who Cannot Marry' (something like that). This is the only other time I've seen him. nsheldonFri, 17 Feb 2012 10:01:45 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052447,from=rss#post2052447I am kinda enjoying this drama. I think the acting of the lead actress is not that great, but I don't thinks it is that bad either. The one who irritates the h*** out of me is the Captain. Does he not know how to crack a smile?????? He has got to be the most unhappy Captain I have ever seen. I am going to stick with this one to see what happens.maryorngFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:48:33 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052446,from=rss#post2052446They really didn't clear up that evil CEO wasn't the one behind the kidnapping. I mean, he never denied it, even though it was obvious that it was Incheol who had the kidnapping done... why would he do that anyway? Evil CEO said he had no regrets. What a horrible terrible person he is to say such a thing. Someone as cruel as he was (to family and to his staff) should have had a junkyard full of regret. Lived a jerk, died a jerk. They started off with baseball and then it was all about the business. Ended up making baseball a big deal...??? I could see how a 17 yr old could become a monster under the roof of that evil CEO. Had he ever been shown love or kindness I think he would have been a much different person. nsheldonFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:15:31 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052445,from=rss#post2052445Watched last night and still can't get past the lead girl and her acting. Her whole act is being a sassy girl who giggles non-stop and is way over the top in her obnoxious way of dealing wih everyone she mistakenly sees as her enemy. When is someone going to say that her father was responsible for her mother's death? The unprofessional way she deals with her superiors is also a bunch of bull. Such an annoying girl. When is being cute going to be not enough to cast her? She's Gukwha in a tailored uniform. Such a bad actress.smoochie1Fri, 17 Feb 2012 07:01:43 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052444,from=rss#post2052444That was so great! She deserved it. I had hoped that JY would punch the brother but they stopped it. I think it's funny that the nutty mother is so concerned about "appearances" but she makes a scene at their country club? We didn't see anyone else since they were in a private room but everyone in the building must have heard her. captivaFri, 17 Feb 2012 03:44:44 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052443,from=rss#post2052443  Ooooo! yay mom! Wouldn't you have loved to throw that glass of water in crazy mom's face yourself?!! Very teary episode ... the one bright spot.laarsFri, 17 Feb 2012 03:14:09 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052442,from=rss#post2052442  he's only 20? that's very funny. I guess all the 28-yr-olds are in the Army. Mom AJA AJA FIGHTING! Finally! Crazy Mom deserved much worse. http://www.dramabeans.com/2011/12/thousand-day-promise-episode-16/bbstlThu, 16 Feb 2012 21:42:21 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052441,from=rss#post2052441I decided to give it another try this week and found that I do like the storyline in this drama. It's not the best drama but it certainly is not the worst. Would have chose a different lead but it is what it is.. Will continue to see it through the end.HawnGirlThu, 16 Feb 2012 20:30:14 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052440,from=rss#post2052440Okay, I give up. I won't say any more about this drama. nchristiThu, 16 Feb 2012 17:17:26 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052439,from=rss#post2052439I loved last night's episode. Surprises to the end. It's also interesting how the bad guys' human side is shown... to a degree. It's almost as though Evil CEO is being painted as less evil than Incheol... his only regret is that 'fate' had him saving Driver Kim instead of Il Gu (Jaein's father). So, I guess we can blame it all on fate that Evil CEO lived the life he chose to live. Phooey. As for Incheol, as he said, since he moved into Evil CEO's house at age 17, he ceased being a 'human' (or even treated like a human), that Evil CEO used him to accomplished all his evil desires. Frankly, I find Evil CEO's actions (so far) to be more reprehensible than Incheol's. Though tonight may show us a different picture all together. It won't surprise me if Evil CEO is now absolved of everything, while Incheol is the devil incarnate. I don't know what to expect.... except that YeongGwang's sister (Incheol's GF) has now overheard Incheol using her brother as a pawn, then basically ordering him killed. She will be the one to bring down Incheol in as skullduggerous way as he has always employed with others.  nchristiThu, 16 Feb 2012 17:11:33 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052438,from=rss#post2052438 I thought it was funny that Dad acted like his son wasn't even there and then he addressed him with honorifics Bro is too relaxed for that family. I thought he'd be feisty like his mother. It was very sad when she had to quit work I did a little research because it was still bugging me that they were trying to portray Moon Kwon as a 28 yr old. I Googled to see how old he really was. He's 20, but the really interesting part is that he is the younger brother of Mickey from DBSK. We just watched Hero from DBSK in our last drama! They are everywhere  captivaThu, 16 Feb 2012 16:49:25 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052437,from=rss#post2052437bwahahaha! nearly burst out laughing last night when I heard the Sales Team # 1 woman say the classic Eugene line... "OK Buddy!." Brought back memories of "I Really Really Like You". LOL Big finish tonight (finally, after all that melodrama last night). Whew!.... lol so we know who the real evil guy was, only question is who gets the girl? batboy or spoiled rich kid? Ooooohhhhh! the suspense is killing me. lol Oh wait, Wild Romance with "ajumma haired" boxing girl follows this drama... meh! slim pickins' on KBS this month.hantaejunThu, 16 Feb 2012 16:43:01 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052436,from=rss#post2052436I very much like Gunghwa and Unchan and them together. Last night's episode reminded me what a cute couple they are together, or at least the potential of that possibility when they were sitting next to the fire outside. My impression of Mrs. Na continues to get bleaker by the episode. Last night, her phone conversation (with Seojun's mother) and the way she talked down Young Ik and her plans for the future for Seojun... she is unrelentingly controlling and now seems so cold hearted and all-business. I felt bad for Young Ik, this is what, the third time he's heard his wife either planning his future or trying to hide big developments from him, and about him... it must be a great injury to his pride or whatever love he thought they had. Happens right after he defended her to Gunghwa no less. OUCH! I wonder if she is haunted by what Gramps told her some weeks ago about YI's potentially questionable past... still, I find her behavior rather cold, regardless of any past circumstances. It seems to me like she's in the driver's seat of the relationship and work anyway. LOL! I was amused by the scene with Gachan and Unchan tonight, on top of the more comedic build up of him recognizing his Sister in law's comment of his recent situation - when he went back home and Uchan was trying to drink, every time Uchan filled the soju glass, Gachan would take it and drink it. This reminded me of comedy skits from older American films from the 30s-50s that I had seen some years ago on AMC or TCM. The actor who plays Gachan was also in Lie To Me a few months ago, I thought he displayed a rather humorous comedic sensibility in that one. class blockquote sherlesin wrote: Some of the same actors from Smile Donghae,and although roles have been changed,I sense some of the same themes. Now that Mr. Na realizes what his wife is planning,he`ll start to oppose it. I wonder if he thinks there is a possibility he might be Unchan`s father, or knows it`s impossible.Good points sherlesin. I was thinking of something similar a few nights ago too, in terms of recent trends... in many ways Gunghwa reminds me slightly of Eunnim from the last drama, in terms of sometimes doing whatever they want. I wonder if this is a theme that is being further explored as of late to reflect the changing of the modernizing Korea - though of course the theme of young and old viewing life and things from two different angles and experience points isn't completely new - but it is interesting to see it more and more visible in recent series by "good" girls versus the rebellious troublemaker. I don't believe in out of control independence, or the opposite of too much suppression, in that sense I find myself appreciating and accepting Eunnim and Trot's tempered independent streak, when needed, especially considering their intentions behind them are good.SuperRookieThu, 16 Feb 2012 15:23:19 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052435,from=rss#post2052435After some time staying away because of the lead actress, I returned to the show last night about half way through so I did not see her drunk scene. To me her acting is either a silly giggle or an angry scowl without much facial variations. When she stands with her hands in her uniform pockets, she either stomps or stands in a very masculine pose. I don't know if she believes this is how a female airplane captain should stand, or she has been directed to stand and walk this manner. This is the 4th TV show I have seen her in, and she still leaves me cold as an actress. However, the lead captain always gives a good performance although this may not be the best character he has played. I would rate this show my least favorable show with BRAIN and A Thousand Days as the best on at this time because of the acting, writing and production values.paliThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:56:08 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052434,from=rss#post2052434I've resumed watching this drama and am enjoying the acting and character being developed by Koo Hye Sun. I see a lot of growth in her acting over these years—but then I never disliked her as "Gukhwa," either. (I thought she played Gukhwa very well.) Koo Hye Sun's natural personality quirks do not annoy me. I like them. In last night's episode I was impressed by how realistic she was in the graveyard scenes and the aftermath of her drinking alone. Also enjoyed the actress playing Ji-won, her 'enemy.'    Neither of the two male leads (Ji Jin-Hee and Lee Chun-Hee) does much for me. Ji Jin-Hee looks the part of a captain but I wasn't at first comfortable with him playing opposite Koo Hye Sun's character. The more I think about it, their opposite-ness probably becomes the main draw. Han Da-Jin is also much older than my first impressions of her in Ep. 1, so a relationship between them seems more plausible. The little girl playing her little sister is so cute... really liking her. nchristiThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:29:05 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052433,from=rss#post2052433I think Young Ik worries (but isn't sure) that he is Unchan's father because he knows he was seeing Unchan's mother back then and she came to him pregnant. He can't figure out, yet, how Bunam figures in the picture. That's why he's asking his assistant to find out what was Bunam's relationship with this young woman. Why did Bunam claim Unchan as his own, taking him home to his wife and family? On the one hand, Young Ik probably hopes, and would be relieved, if he is not Unchan's father. On the other hand, Young Ik has only one child, Gunghwa, and would probably like to have a son like Unchan—especially since they particularly hit it off well together. Young Ik must feel very torn now that he is picking up on the fact that his daughter likes Unchan. As for Unchan's feelings and course of action, they will depend on Young Ik's answer to Unchan's question in tonight's episode... Did Young Ik know, or not know from the beginning if the candidate selection was rigged before the selection was made and announced? Unchan, like Gunghwa, is very honest and upright. Young Ik will definitely fall off of Unchan's pedestal and shatter if he finds Young Ik betrayed him, played him for the fool when he honestly and trustingly gave the competition his all. Bokchan continues to amaze me. She certainly has a very short memory! She accepts a bunch of money from Doyeong's mother, then when she delivers the dumplings to her she's already bad mouthing and being rude to In-suk. Being petty, resentful, jealous, and greedy seems to be the main personality traits of Bongja's children. It gets tiresome to watch. On Young Ik asking Unchan if he wants to come work for him, I'm wondering if Unchan won't bring him in as a personal assistant of some sort. Young Ik can't very easily hire Unchan as a regular employee, especially with his wife having so much power... unless he takes a big stand against her and she backs down not wanting others to know there's 'in fighting' going on. This will be interesting. Especially since it has finally solidified in Young Ik's mind that his wife not only is really serious on getting him out the CEO position, but also has a definite plan in place to bring in Seojun. nchristiThu, 16 Feb 2012 13:41:33 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052432,from=rss#post2052432Thanks for that recap Nchristi. I'm really proud that Trot has her principles and isn't going to let this go. Of course, I think it turned out to be a good excuse for her to get out of the engagement anyway. She cares for Seojun but is not in love with the guy. I really like Trot. She may be a spoiled rich girl but she does know right from wrong and she doesn't like to see anyone unfairly treated. She's more like her father and granduncle. Speaking of her father, it seems he isn't the bad guy I was starting to think he was. But of course, now that his wife is pulling the rug out from under him, I'm really curious how he will fight back. I guess a start is ... now he's offered Unchan a job. How in the world will his wife deal with that? She wants as much distance as possible between Trot and Unchan. WOW...nsheldonThu, 16 Feb 2012 13:36:12 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052431,from=rss#post2052431^^^Yes, it is. Both Dramacrazy and Mysoju's Ep 63 have been blocked. This is really dumb! But why would they block #63 and not #64?? Guess I'll watch Ep 63 without subs... TaeWang PyeHaThu, 16 Feb 2012 10:53:44 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052430,from=rss#post2052430SuperRookie, My wife and I are currently watching The Moon... on &tv, a internet/cable subscription service. It is quite interesting and has elements of a fairytale nature--it is strictly fiction, of course.TaeWang PyeHaThu, 16 Feb 2012 10:46:16 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052429,from=rss#post2052429This series premiered last night! Was such a long day that when I was about to watch this on my DVR last night, I fell asleep. LOL! More later when I check out the first episode. If you missed it, the encore repeat episode 1 airs today at 4:50pm on MBC Digital and LA18.3!SuperRookieThu, 16 Feb 2012 09:10:57 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052428,from=rss#post2052428 class blockquote smoochie1 wrote: And now she's in Live in Style and don't ever forget Nara in Bizarre Bunch, where she took evil MIL to a whole new level. She's great and works non-stop.I wish I got a chance to see BB, given how much people loved that series. At the time didn't have access to the channels with dailies. How is Live in Style? We only get 1 of the SBS shows here on our local channel for most of this board's users per day/per weekend - If Tomorrow Comes. She's one of my fave veterans that's for sure, I hope to see her again sooner than later, hopefully on a series we get here out west!SuperRookieThu, 16 Feb 2012 08:40:54 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052427,from=rss#post2052427Hot on the heels of this series, MBC has another big budget and huge Warrior themed historical drama slated for this year, Warrior (Soldier, God of War). Another one they have coming up soon that will appeal more to a wider audience and less war themed, is the blockbuster hit based on the book of the same author of the charming KBS hit, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, The Moon That Embraces the Sun. This series is now on MBC AM and MBC America's official Hulu channel for those who can't wait for it to air on MBC Digital. This to me is the most interesting K-Drama of 2012 based on the trailers and cast I have seen and the new series I want to see the most. Can't wait for this to get on MBC Digital. Between these and Gwanggaeto, I'm looking to be a very happy historical fan in 2012. SuperRookieThu, 16 Feb 2012 08:38:10 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052426,from=rss#post2052426 class blockquote TaeWang PyeHa wrote: How dumb! KBS seems to have blocked access to Ep 63, but not to Ep 64! What's up with that anyway? Is this the DC stuff that links to YouTube? In my experience, YouTube is sometimes very random in what they take down with DMCA requests, sometimes I wonder if YouTube has an automated removal engine. Luckily for K-Drama fans, Korean companies are way behind the ball on this - either lack the staff or time resources. I used to do some YouTube stuff with Japanese media, and even though I'd upload legal content approved by American partners, Japanese media companies who have much stronger legal arms in this regard would flag my content or have some kind of YouTube auto removal (even though they were legal trailers and perfectly fine to upload on YouTube for media sources)... and some of the stuff I uploaded were immediately removed within minutes! As far as KBS, I do think of the other 2 broadcasting companies, they tend to be stricter in taking down copyright material, given their broad outreach with KBS World and they are trying to promote their online VOD subscription site, http://www.mvibo.com Been rather busy in the last week so I've fallen behind this series and Ojakgyo Family... more sooner than later I hope once I watch some of the recent episodes.SuperRookieThu, 16 Feb 2012 08:29:23 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052425,from=rss#post2052425How dumb! KBS seems to have blocked access to Ep 63, but not to Ep 64! What's up with that anyway? TaeWang PyeHaThu, 16 Feb 2012 08:13:09 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052424,from=rss#post2052424PeggyME-- So sorry you're not enjoying the drama, but what would a Korean period drama be without the court intrigue? It's natural that the Queen and the Royal Consort would vie to get their respective sons to be named Crown Prince. It reflects the political power of the Crown Prince's mother, whoever she is. The Queen's problem is that she has the power but not the political acumen to go with it.TaeWang PyeHaThu, 16 Feb 2012 08:10:34 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052423,from=rss#post2052423Some of the same actors from Smile Donghae,and although roles have been changed,I sense some of the same themes. Now that Mr. Na realizes what his wife is planning,he`ll start to oppose it. I wonder if he thinks there is a possibility he might be Unchan`s father, or knows it`s impossible.sherlesinThu, 16 Feb 2012 06:49:56 UTC http://bcjkdramasincalifornia.runboard.com/p2052422,from=rss#post2052422And now she's in Live in Style and don't ever forget Nara in Bizarre Bunch, where she took evil MIL to a whole new level. She's great and works non-stop.smoochie1Thu, 16 Feb 2012 06:47:03 UTC