Byeong Hee Monologue

Ever since Anno of Acquiring Korean started posting Korean Drama Monologues I’ve been a “fan” of such monologues from Korean dramas. It’s really a fun way learning Korean while following the monologues of your favorite actors and/or favorite dramas.

I recently joined a new gym so I was trying to create a new playlist I can listen to while working out. Last night I was rummaging through my old music files when I came across a short mp3 file I captured from a scene – a monologue from What’s Up Fox?. I realized it’s been a long time since I last listened to it so I played it and I was very surprised that by merely listening to the audio file I can now understand 90% of the entire monologue. Maybe even 95%? It literally gave me goosebumps and if only it was not past midnight I probably would have jumped around my room.

I’m glad What’s Up Fox? is uploaded in MBCClassic’s channel in youtube AND that the particular monologue I’m talking about is on an entire separate cut!!! ^_^

I remember the reason why I captured this particular scene was because of the background song 늦은 시작. Since I’ve watched this scene, and until now it has always been my most favorite Kdrama OST.

I also remember many years back  I was trying to mimic Byeong Hee (Go Hyun Jung’s character) while this was playing as part of my playlist and a good friend laughed so hard because she found it quite amusing. I was just mimicking it then without any idea what Byeong Hee is talking about. But listening to it again for the first time in years was a totally different experience for me. I can’t believe I’ve already improved THAT much. ^^

At the same time I now have a better “understanding” of this scene. Back then, even though I’ve seen this drama thrice (or more?) and with English subtitles, of course, I realized never really understood this scene. I only like it because of the background music… but now it’s a totally different story… 이제 철수의 마음 잘 이해 할 수 있어. 내가 철수랑 너무 비슷하나봐. 그리고 그 사람이 병희랑 비슷하더라! 이 장면은 우리 불쌍한 첫 사랑 이야기야. Ah, makes me want to re-watch this drama! It looks like this drama’s going to be back on my Top 10 list. I’ve removed it from the list because I’ve been liking more and more dramas but it looks like it’s going to find itself back on the list.

Here’s the transcript that I got from THIS BLOG.

거기 있니?
그 날… 미안했다 철수야.
난 너 좋으라고 그런 건데 생각해 보니까 내가 좀 심했어. 미안해.
그리고 그날 말 안한 게 있는데.
실은 너… 무지 매력 있어.
나한테만 남자가 아닌거지 사실 너 얼마나 멋지고 괜찮은 녀석인데.
너 공고 가야 한다고 그랬을 때, 나도 뭐 승혜랑 같이 반대하긴 했지만, 나 너 대단하다고 생각했다? 나이만 어렸지 줏대 있네.
누가 뭐래도 넌 너 하고 싶은대로 하면서 사는 것 같애.
여행가서 소식 없을 때도 걱정은 했지만 나 네가 얼마나 부러웠는데.
나도 너처럼 세계여행 하는게 꿈이지만, 알잖냐.
나 저지르지 못하는 거.
…그니까 내 말은 너 참 괜찮은 녀석이라는 거야.
야, 어쩜 내가 10살만 어렸어도 너한테 반했을지도 모른다. 진짜야.
근데 어쨌든, 난 지금 이렇잖니.
야, 어떻게 생각하면 네가 나 좋다는 거, 미안하기도 하고 고맙기도 해.
나이 들어서 추억하면 마음이 참, 좋을 것 같애.
근데 너한테 참 못됐다. 그치?
…그니까, 어쨌든 철수야, 난 나한테 어울리는 사람이 있고 너는 너한테 어울리는 사람이 있는거야.
시간 지나면 나같은 거 별게 아니게 되니까 너무 그러지 말고.
야, 밥은 먹었니? 내가 김밥 사왔거든?
나 좋아하는 소고기 김밥이야. 야, 좀 받어. 철수야.
야, 그런다고 밥도 안 먹으면 어떡하냐, 이 바보야.
니가 이러면 내가 너무 미안하잖아. 내가 뭐라고 밥도 안 먹고…
철수야. 미안해. 미안해, 철수야…
김밥 놓고 갈게, 알았지?

(철수) 걱정하지마. 그냥 며칠 쉰 거야.

그랬구나. 잘 쉬었어?

(철수) 어. 김밥 잘 먹을게.

그래. 내 김밥은 평생 사줄 수 있다.

(철수) 평생?

어. 평생.

(철수) 고마워.

별 게 다 고맙다. 나 간다.

(철수) 누나. 누나도 꽤 괜찮은 여자야.

알어.

(철수) 모르는 줄 알았지.

나 간다.

After reading the transcript I can say I now understood it 99%; however, I’m not sure now whether it’s really because my Korean has improved over the years… or simply because I’ve heard this same (almost exact) bullshit words from 그 사람. ㅠㅠ

거절해주는 사람들이… 왜 그렇게 비슷해? 한국에 거절 학원이 있어? 진짜 있으면 병희와 그 사람도 그 학원 좀 다녔나보다. 같은 반 (아마 ‘자기보다10살어린고백해준사람에게거절해주는방법’ 반). 똑같은 대사로 따랐잖아. 미안한다고? 고맙다고? 그리고 걱정해주는 척했어? 웃기시네!

Anyway it looks like What’s Up Fox? deserves a full re-watch. And this time from Chul Soo’s perspective.

Revisiting When It’s At Night

Recently, one of the Kdrama blogs I follow, The Fangirl Verdict, posted something about re-watching Kdramas (read it here: What Makes Drama Crack Stay Fresh / Turn Stale). Coincidentally it was also when I was in the middle of my When It’s At Night re-watch.

I’ve been wanting to re-watch this old Kim Sun Ah drama for ages. I’ve seen it live and I have paused-rewind-play-rewind-pause-played it hundred of times while we were subbing it. And probably have watched it once with my mom. God knows how many times I’ve attempted a good re-watch for the past few years but was only able to manage to watch until Episode 2 or 3 the most. Could be lack of time or lack of motivation. Or both.

If I were to rank all of Kim Sun Ah’s post-My Name Kim Sam Soon dramas, When It’s At Night would fall on the last spot. Although some Kim Sun Ah fans (and non Kim Sun Ah fans as well) would think otherwise, most of her fans would share the same opinion as mine.

I used to think that this drama lacks on many things. It is not as engaging as many other K-dramas. The chemistry was awesome but it lacks the over-the-top romance. The main topic of cultural properties is quite boring. The beginning was promising but it wasn’t able to sustain its charm. Cho Hee was not as feisty as I thought she’ll be. Etc, etc, etc.

Those things may still hold true even if I rewatch it 10, 20, a hundred times more. But for some reasons, my feelings towards it have changed.

I’m thinking maybe I had very high expectations for this drama before. It was, after all, Kim Sun Ah’s comeback from a 3-year hiatus. It was her comeback project after her phenomenal My Name Is Kim Sam Soon. It was a struggle for her (and the staff too, perhaps) to sustain THE Kim Sam Soon’s charm and at the same time veer away from it. It was also a struggle for me not to compare it with Kim Sam Soon and not to expect it to be something as awesome as Kim Sam Soon. So when When It’s At Night didn’t reach the phenomenal level that Kim Sam Soon reached, I was disappointed. I also think that the marketing strategy didn’t match what the drama is really all about. I was on the look out at every news and whatever bits of information that came out that time because I was so excited to finally see Kim Sun Ah active on television once again. It was marketed as something sexy and feisty at the beginning so I was waiting for something sexy and feisty. When it didn’t come, surely I was disappointed. And now that there are no more marketing hype clouding my head, I was able to take a look at, and appreciate When It’s At Night’s beauty as it is and was able to see something precious about it.

I used to dislike Cho Hee. Again, with the image of Kim Sam Soon overshadowing her, I was looking for a feisty character. But I get to appreciate Cho Hee more this time. She is not meant to be as funny as Kim Sam Soon, nor as cute as Shin Mi Rae (City Hall), nor as powerful as Hwang Ji Ahn (I Do I Do). She is meant to be her. A hurt daughter hoping to find her father while raising a younger brother. A dedicated worker. A woman falling in love and being loved in return. That’s her. She is not meant to be somebody’s hero. And I now appreciate her character.

Of course I love Kim Bum Sang and Chief Kang. And Gyoon! These three characters, I think, are the drama’s strength.

I also find the love story satisfactory this time. I used to complain the lack of romantic moments between the leads after reading the final episode’s original script. But I guess what was shown in the drama is good enough. I’m actually glad the director didn’t push it too much because it may not match the ‘feel’ of the drama anymore. Romance was not the focus of the drama after all. But I still find it heart-fluttering-worthy many times. I like the mature approach on romance. And I love the sensible attack on one-sided love and love-triangle – a far cry from the cringe-worthy approach of Gentleman’s Dignity.

Also, I am more interested now in Korean cultural properties than I was 5 years ago.  Before, everything were just babbles of different kinds of celadon vases, incense burners, old painting and ancient books that doesn’t mean anything to me. Knowing a little bit more about Korean history and culture and having visited a number of museums in Korea myself, it’s now more engaging for me to  watch a drama dealing with issues concerning cultural properties than, let’s say, uhm… stilettos (*ehem*).

Well, yes, to be honest this drama may still find itself at the bottom of my Kim Sun Ah’s drama list. But it is no longer because I don’t like it. But simply because I like her other drama’s a little bit more.When Is At Night is no longer my “obligatory” Kim Sun Ah drama. I used to say “When It’s At Night is not THAT bad” but now I can confidently say “When It’s At Night is NOT bad. In fact it is good.” Yes, yes. There are many loopholes. It has many shortcomings. But it is a simple heart-warming drama I can enjoy. I’m glad I did a re-watch and was able to find something precious about it. I’m looking forward to more re-watch in the years to come. 🙂

[드라마] Faith: Princess 노국

I have no plans of watching Faith but a very good friend keeps telling me about it (the same friend who influenced me into watching Arang and the Magistrate too). I actually just fell in love with one of the soundtracks first, 그대니까, and eventually got curious about the drama.

At first I have confused Faith with Time Slip Dr. Jin. Gah! Why so many time-warps dramas? And later realized it was a different drama. And I’m loving the story so much.

Last night I was watching Episode 4 and I’m simple amazed with Princess Noh Gook and her fluency to Goryeo Language (Korean). Princess Noh Gook is a Yuan Princess, thus speaks Chinese (Yuan language? I don’t know). However she is very fluent in Korean (then Goryeo) that the King himself initially thought she is a Korean (from Goryeo country). Warrior Choi Young asked her when did she learn Korean since she only married their King for 2 years and she is already very fluent.

최영: 먼저 한 가지 여쭤도 되겠습니까? 고려말은 언제 배우셨습니까?
노국공주: 8년이다. 8년 전 한 사람을 보았다. 고려사람이었다. 그에게 말을 건네보려고 말을 배우기 시작했다.

Choi Young: But first, can I ask you something? When did you learn Goryeo language.

Princess Noh Gook: It’s been 8 years. 8 years ago I met someone. Someone from Goryeo. I started learning the language in order to communicate with him.

Awww, that was sweet! Learning a language to be able to communicate with someone she likes/loves. Although technically I started learning Korean just to be able to register to Kim Sun Ah’s fancafe, I continued learning because I also want to communicate with people – my Sunaforever family (including Kim Sun Ah herself). And as years go by, I met more and more Korean (not just Koreans) people that I want to communicate well in Korean.

8 years! So I still have 2-3 more years to, hopefully, reach Princess Noh Gook’s fluency? Hahaha.

I Do I Do Episode 5 Preview

Is it that simple?

Ji Ahn was astounded to find out that she is carrying Tae Kang’s child.

Jun Hee advised Ji Ahn to get rid of the baby and to keep everything a secret to Eun Seong.

Suddenly Ji Ahn’s parents came to her company looking for her. Tae Kang was showing them around. The employees find it odd that Ji Ahn suddenly changed and became listless.

Nari begged Madam Jang on her knees and was caught by the employees in such a helplessness situation.

Meanwhile, following Jun Hee’s advised, Ji Ahn went to the ob-gyn…

———————————————————–

What???!!!!! Oho! Right from the start I hate this Jun Hee!!! What kind of a friend are you???? Well, I won’t go into women’s rights and all… but really advising your friend to get rid of the baby AND keep everything a secret to Eun Seong?! Woah, you are really some friend here!

[드라마] I Do, I Do Episode 2 Ramblings

A fellow I Do watcher commented on ockoala’s blog that watching I Do I Do is like reading a novel. And I agree. That’s exactly how I feel when I watch this drama. But wait! Of course it feels like a novel. It was a novel to begin with.

Watching episode 2 live was very tiring for me because mom is beside me and have turned me into her personal simultaneous translator!!! It was already difficult for me to understand it, and I have to translate it real-time for her! I gave up halfway through the episode and suggested that we just watch it peacefully. After my live viewing, I felt that the episode was nice, but I was too tired, I slept right away. I had to rewatch it in order for me to appreciate it more.

First, I’m glad that Hwang Ji Ahn didn’t throw her shoes to catch Tae Kang. 1.) she’ve done that oh so many times on her previous dramas and 2.) it’ll be inconsistent with her shoe-loving character.

I love how Ji Ahn knows her stuff so well, enough to catch Tae Kang lying. And her knowledge about shoes reminds me so much of Kim Sam Soon’s love and passion for cakes. So yes, I’m sold with all these passion over shoes.

“Alright, forget about yourself. Just think of you father.”

I also like the fact that she showed a teeny-bit of concern towards this kid whom she had spent one depressing day with. She’s even brave enough to brought up his father. If we are on a different drama realm, she would probably think twice before mentioning anything that connects to the day when she had a one night stand with the kid sitting in front of her and will try to pretend that that unfateful day never existed. But she didn’t bat an eyelid when she mentioned his father. So is Tae Kang. He also didn’t budge when he mentioned her issues with her parents as his defense against Ji Ahn. Because without her knowing it, she has touched something sensitive . Tae Kang is, in fact, doing this for his father. Anyway, I love how mature they both handle their one-night stand.

Another memorable scene for me was the the first face to face encounter of Na Ri and Ji Ahn. It  was epic! I knew the moment Na Ri sweet-talked her way into getting Ji Ahn’s ultra-cool office that we’ll be dealing with a biatche here (Urgh, drama! Can’t you wait like a couple more episodes first before ousting Ji Ahn on the nice office? I haven’t had enough of the fabulous sight of Ji Ahn on that office yet! ㅠㅠ). I started getting a bit sad knowing that the person meant to anihilate Ji Ahn has arrived. I forgot one thing. Will there be anyone more biatche then our Ji Ahn? Ha! I love how honest Ji Ahn was. Saying how horrible she feels being ousted from her ‘throne’. It’s not very usual, especially in Korean culture to say something like that to someone you’ve just met and whose position is higher than yours. I guess Ji Ahn doesn’t need us anymore. She can very well take care of herself. Oh very-Samsoonish! Ji Ahn-ah, we’ll just cheer for you then! Go Ji Ahn!

Nonetheless I hate the biatche! Na Ri, that is. Seems like she’s someone who doesn’t give up easily. I suddenly want to wear heels and step on her foot. Biatche! Who cares whether she studied MBA in the states, she’s still a 낙하산! Biatche!

Oh, I love Kim Sun Ah’s acting! I can almost see smoke coming out of her nostrils – her anger is seeping out of my laptop screen. I’m wondering though if it was the scene that a staff from I Do I Do once mentioned when the extras got scared of Kim Sun Ah after the take. Darn! The way she threw that stupid menopause prevention pamphlet – woah! No wonder our Kim Sun Ah was dubbed as the ‘queen of nuance’.

And thankfully Ji Ahn’s using a blackberry (not a galaxy note for god’s sake!) and the most boring ringtone on earth!

And woah woah woah! I’m loving where this 맞선 is going. If only… if only our Ji Ahn is not carrying Tae Kang’s child I would really love for this two to end up together. Well, on second thought, although they seem compatible and it looks like they’re going to understand each other, I guess it will be difficult for them to be together. How will they find time to see each other? Do they have to book an appointment for their dates? And kids. If they’ll have some. If they’ll have time to have some. What are they going to do with them? Maybe compatibility doesn’t equate perfect match. Nonetheless, I am loving these two. More than Ji Ahn and Tae Kang. In this episode at least.

Aww, I was a bit disappointed that Tae Kang sold Beyonce. 1.) a motorbike with the name Beyonce is just epic 2.) I want to see more of Kim Sun Ah riding a motorbike 3.) I was wishing Tae Kang would sacrifice Beyonce for Ji Ahn. Apparently he did sacrifice Beyonce, but not for Ji Ahn, rather for his dad. Which is equally, if not more sweet. Anyhow, I think it is also good because noona + a virgin dongsaeng + a drunken one night stand + a motorbike is so What’s Up Fox?-ish

“How am I supposed to know when will we finish?”

I so can relate on their office situation. Though I don’t have a husband, I have a mother and I have friends and I’ve used “How am I supposed to know when will we finish?” a number of times. In the working world – at least in Ji Ahn’s and mine, there’s only a start time, but there will never be an end time. I feel for Team Leader Ma. I also remember a similar scene… either from Dalja’s Spring or On Air… or was it Worlds Within?

“Tell her I have dismenorrea. No, it needs to be something more severe. Ah, irritable bowel syndrome. Aw, just tell her I died!”

And although the way they all cancelled the dinner with Ji Ahn is very funny with the EA (I’m assuming she’s an executive assistant or simply an assistant) taking down notes and all, I can totally relate to this scene as well. God knows how many times me and my former co-workers have done this to escape from work or from overtime or to avoid dinner or luncheon with a boss that we hate/fear – and we all end up just saying, tell him/her/them I died. Now I feel for my previous bosses. Did they feel the same way as Ji Ahn when we made alibis just to avoid being with them?

“Korean Time!”

Oh! There’s such a thing as Korean Time too? I’m wondering what is Korean Time? I thought Koreans are almost always on time. (edit: found THIS 코리안 타임은 약속시간에 일부러 늦게 도착하는 행동이나 그 버릇을 이르는 말이다.)

And I love the entire “alone” moment of Ji Ahn. Our poor Ji Ahn. No one to call. No one to have a meal with. It’s so depressing to see such a powerful, capable and strong Director like this. Just like what Tae Kang would say later one, “I can’t even look at you because you are too pitiful”. My only consolation is that I/we know that literally she is not alone anymore for at that time her baby is with her already. Now, I’m just not sure if that’s something Ji Ahn would be happy about.

I also like that in the midst of Ji Ahn’s quest for company, her feet brought her to Chae Boong’s 식당. Probably because it was the first and, maybe, the only place where she was able to open her heart out and, maybe, for the first time someone was with her, sharing her pains and frustrations, even caring for her.

And I love how consistent the writer is to Ji Ahn’s character. Despite her being on yet another vulnerable moment here, she is still on her fierce no-one-can-mess-up-with-me-even-if-i’m-depressed attitude. I so love her reaction when Tae Kang banged her table. I was thinking she’d scoof or something like any other typical kdrama girls out there. But she didn’t budge and simply stared back at Tae Kang, must to his amusement thus he ended up scoofing instead.

And when Ji Ahn picked up the bottle of soju, I wanted to warn her not to! But thankfully, as if on cue, Tae Kang started pissing her off once more, and she ended not drinking any. Is Tae Kang already protecting their baby as early as now?

“How am I supposed to eat this ramen without any kimchi?”

And I so love the entire sequence when we all entered Ji Ahn’s house accompanied by the song I Do. The entire sequence was very powerful. Without any dialogues, but we were all introduced to Ji Ahn’s personal world. And it’s just so heartbreaking! The sight of Ji Ahn’s awards with flowers that have wilted already. A high class, yet very messy house with packages, boxes, bags, magazines, empty beer cans, undisposed instant ramen bowls and chopsticks, an almost empty fridge with rotten fruits, two bottles of water and a bowl of kimchi with molds, unwashed dishes on her back. Aww, tears are running down my cheeks just by typing this. I want to hug Ji Ahn now. I’m just not sure if she’ll allow anyone to do that.

It’s just sad. Too sad. Especially the spoilt kimchi. It only doesn’t mean she’s always been away from her apartment. It also shows she hasn’t visited her hometown for a long time. Because if she did, her mom would’ve definitely packed not just kimchi but a whole bunch of side dishes for her to take home and store on her fridge. But doesn’t mom even visit her? Or maybe she doesn’t allow her to.

So, with no one to eat with and with nothing to eat, she just ran into her sanctuary – her amazing shoe closet. That’s probably where she feels most safe and secured at – being surrounded with shoes – exactly just like what Tae Kang told her. But it’s still sad because again, just like what Tae Kang said, shoes are just shoes no matter how many they are.

The entire sequence was too powerful though that I barely noticed Tae Kang and dad moments which are also good too.

And the song I Do is really a good one. Forget the engrish, I just so love it – both lyrics and melody. It’s has a slight trace of pain, but is trying to be strong and hopeful. I’d say very Ji Ahn. And the mixture of that whiff of pain and the warmth of a strong hope is enough to make me cry whenever I hear that song – as much as I cry with Kim Sam Soon‘s Inside My Heart.

Now I’m really really curious as to how OSTs are made. I’m assuming the song writers discuss the story and the characters with the writer or director (or both). OSTs, especially the character “themes” are almost always a perfect match to the characters. OST song writers are very lucky then to know the drama stories in advanced. 🙂

Now every moment Biatche appears, I’m always on the edge of my seat. Somehow I’m thankful she’s there and she doesn’t give up. Giving Ji Ahn more reasons to smash her down.

I also love how this short scene in an aesthetic spa revealed so much about Ji Ahn. Based from their conversations, she doesn’t flaunt with her money even if she has plenty (and doesn’t act like a chaebol). And even if she hated the Biatche who gave her the gift certificate, she used it and didn’t throw it away. She also don’t accept free treats from her rich friend because she said she can take care of herself. Did I say I’m loving Ji Ahn more and more?

As for the friend… I’m not yet sold. Yes, thanks for being with Ji Ahn. Thanks for giving her company. Thanks for being someone she can talk/chat with. But girl, how much do you really know your friend? How she really feels, how much she’s hurting and how she is just putting on a strong mask all this time. You were not even there when she needed you the most. On the other hand, maybe we can’t really blame her for Ji Ahn’s the type who doesn’t easily open her heart out to anyone.

And another hilarious moment! Our Ji Ahn is starting to get a little bit nicer to Dr. Jo, because he persistently sends her text messages thrice a day at exactly 8 in the morning, 12 noon and 11pm. Without fail. Right on the dot. The Ji-Seong  (or Sun-Hyeong in real life) shipper in me is starting to get my hopes up until friend burst her bubble telling her there’s a smartphone application for that that even her little daughter Min Joo knows. Isn’t it fun to see our Ji Ahn is also a bit naive? And Dr. Jo, you’re busted!

And who could Min Joo be? I’m also a sucker for Korean child stars, but my favorites have all started growing up. I hope Min Joo is someone who’s very smart and cute and I wish there will be a few Min Joo Ji Ahn moments in the future – something like Kim Hyang Ki and Shim Eun Kyung in Bad Couple.

And hooray for the first signs of pregnancy! My weakness has always been pregnant characters and here is Kim Sun Ah getting ready to be one! Can’t wait for the next episodes! Maybe not the next yet… maybe it’ll be revealed towards the end of Episode 4? Unnie, how can you act being nauseous so naturally?

Ji Ahn’s parent’s visit to Dr. Jo is one heck of an epic sequence! The elders are THAT curious to know who the lucky (?) and equally strange guy who their daughter finally “likes” and who oddly “likes” their daughter back. At last! Their only daughter who ditches all the 맞선s finally found a match. They must meet this guy, even if it means pretending to be patients – much to Dr. Jo’s amusement!

Now we get to learn more about Ji Ahn’s dad. An old-school Korean patriarch I must say. Not that strange in Korea (I guess), especially if you are not a Seoulite. And the clash of successful career woman Ji Ahn and old-school traditional father is just too scary for me. It’s obvious that Ji Ahn loves his Dad. If not she won’t give a damn when he threatened to remove her from the family registry. And it’s obvious too that Dad loves his only daughter very much and is just concerned about her. But they are extremes of each other. It’s scary and sad.

And I love the scene (sorry if I have to start every other paragraph with “I love”, would you be able to put up with me until the next 14 episodes?) when they were choosing the winners for the Shoe Reform Contest for many reasons. 1.) We again see how consistently honest and straight forward our Director Hwang is, 2.) it shows how Biatche has very little knowledge about their products (darn, stop acting all-knowing! even if you are the vice-president, you are just new, and obviously you don’t share the same love and passion towards shoes as Ji Ahn. learn how to humble yourself biatche!)! Ha! Ha ha ha! 3.) it makes me grin to the fact that Ji Ahn is actually unknowingly praising and defending the last person she wants to praise and defend. I wonder how she’ll react when she finds out that she actually made Tae Kang the winner and even made him “closer” to her. I know she (and him) is casual about their one-night stand and, quoting Shin Mi Rae, is not a 20-something who hopes there’s more to a one-night stand. But I’m sure she also doesn’t want to spend everyday of her life with Tae Kang (at least at this point). But I do hope that Tae Kang knows Ji Ahn is all praises to his work.

“Why are you here?”
alodia:  Uhm actually Unnie, it’s all thanks to you!

And the last sequence was epic as well! First our Ji Ahn is soooooooo sexy! Darn! Suna Unnie and her legs!!! And for all we know Ji Ahn is already what, maybe 3 weeks or a month pregnant? Then Tae Kang, smiling like that? Tae Kang good job in making me forget Dr. Jo for a bit. 🙂

I love the episode! I love episode 1 and I love this episode more. I wonder if there’s still place in my heart to love the next 14 episodes more!

I also love and laughed so hard at the preview. Especially during the photo opt session of Ji Ahn and Tae Kang. Those faces. Epic!

Some may think that she’ll find out that she’s pregnant on the next episode. But I think otherwise. Too early, I think. Maybe it will be revealed by the 4th episode? Hopefully a cliffhanger of episode 4 to kill all of us while waiting for episode 5! o.o

Episode 2 has loads stuff and has a very subtle balance of comic and sad scenes it’s giving me a My Name Is Kim Sam Soon feel. And was it because they are both novels originally? I’m simply enjoying this show so much!

Tae Kang – the male Shin Mi Rae?

While watching this episode, I can’t help but see Kim Sun Ah’s character in City Hall, Shin Mi Rae, in Tae Kang. And to my surprise, when I was re-watching it with my mom (with subtitles this time), my mom said the same thing that he is very-Shin Mi Rae. As I’ve said last time, Ji Ahn was more of a kdrama hero while Tae Kang is more of a kdrama heroine. Just like Mi Rae he has practically nothing to be proud of – he doesn’t have money, he only have a high school diploma. Yet he is full of determination. It seems Mi Rae and Tae Kang are trying to beat each other out with the numbers and kinds of part time jobs they’ve had in their lifetime. And when challenged by Jo Guk, Mi Rae dashed forward giving her 200%, so did Tae Kang after being challenged by Ji Ahn. And both of them succeeded with flying colors.

Ji Ahn’s Miranda Moments

“In 30 seconds, explain to me how did this happen.”

I watched The Devil Wears Prada all because it was said that Kim Sun Ah’s character in this drama is somehow patterned/pegged after Meryl Streep‘s Miranda Priestly. Kim Sun Ah was even called Korea’s Meryl Streep on some news articles. And to my surprised, more than loving the movie, I fell in love with Miranda Priestly (and I eventually became a Streeper). I can’t explain because there’s practically almost nothing nice about Miranda, but I was simply in love with her. Quoting Andrea on the movie, “If Miranda were a man, people wouldn’t care about her sadistic ways, only what a great job she does”. Maybe it’s seeing a woman being so in-charge that makes me love Miranda. Or maybe me imagining Kim Sun Ah doing the same things makes me love her.

Miranda and Ji Ahn are quite similar. Successful women. Feared and respected in the industry they are in. Shows passion. Execute excellent outputs. But they are very different too. Ji Ahn is actually nice. Just don’t mess up with her. Strict, yes. Sarcastic, yes. Blunt, yes. But you can see she has a good heart. Miranda is… well… a devil. Unreasonable, sadistic, black-hearted. Though I must say, deep down inside I believe Miranda has a heart. I think women with such talent and passion can’t possibly be devils. There were very few moments in the film when we were able to glimpse at Miranda’s private life and smell a faint whiff of pain. It’s just that it was not tackled that much on the movie. Ji Ahn, being a drama character has plenty of room (about 14 hours longer) to reveal her true self.

Nonetheless, I’m thrilled every time Ji Ahn has these “Miranda Moments”. I have two favorites from this episode. When she asked her store employee to explain to her, IN 30 SECONDS, why the gold labeled shoes were up for sale. And when Dr. Jo called her but she was pissed because she found out that she almost fell for the automatic text messaging function of his smartphone – instead of ignoring his call, or rejecting the call, she picked up, let him say “Hello”, then hangs up. Awesome! I wouldn’t be surprised if later on it’ll be revealed that Ji Ahn is Miranda Priestly’s long lost younger sister. 😀

Father and Son

And I particularly love the father and son relationship of Tae Kang and his dad. He is harsh. No, they are both harsh towards each other. But they deeply love each other! It gives me a feeling similar to Yeon Jae and her mom’s relationship in Scent Of A Woman – bickering all the time, can’t stand each other, yet at the end of the day loves each other deeply. Gee, I told you, Tae Kang is playing this drama’s heroine!

I also love how dad seems to treat shoes as if human, calling them innocent shoe(s). I can’t wait for Ji Ahn to meet him. It would be really complicated. 1.) He imitates her shoes (and that’s something she hates to her heart’s content) but 2.) he shares the same passion and love towards shoes the way Ji Ahn does and 3.) he is an excellent shoe maker. 4.) and he’s going to be her father-in-law. Chaos!

And right, right, right kdramas. Enough of the girl and guy spending the first few episdoes continuously bickering over little silly things. Let’s just try rubbing each others wounds with salt instead for a change, shall we? Again, I love the “maturity” of this drama, despite the fact that we have our 15 year old looking (and acting) Tae Kang here. It’s refreshing to see these two adults who doesn’t bicker like elementary school kids, but rather poke each other exactly where it hurts most.

It seems they have revealed too much of themselves during that one night that it seems like no one in this world know them better than each other. And for this I’m willing to forget Dr. Jo whose admiration for Ji Ahn may only be superficial. He may be the “perfect” guy, yes. I would love him for Ji Ahn, yes. But he was not there on Ji Ahn’s weakest day/s. He may be able to understand career woman Director Hwang and will be someone who will not throw a tantrum over overtime works and cancelled dates. But, unfortunately (for Dr. Jo and me who root for him), if was not him, but Tae Kang who knows the woman Ji Ahn, the daughter Ji Ahn. Dr. Jo will not be able to help Ji Ahn heal her wounds because he have no idea what she’s going through. She was only able to reveal her whole self to Tae Kang on that night. Tae Kang, you lucky little rascal!

Episode 2 also made me more and more curious about Ji Ahn’s motivation and reason behind her passion over shoes. And her relationship with her dad when she was younger. When will it be revealed, I wonder?

I also can’t wait for Ji Ahn to find out she’s pregnant. I can’t wait for Tae Kang to find out he impregnated her. I can’t wait for Ji Ahn’s dad to find out she is pregrant and who the father of her baby is. And I can’t wait for Tae Kang’s dad to find out his son impregnated someone and who that someone is. I also can’t wait for Dr. Jo Eun Seong to find our she’s pregnant. Sigh. Dr. Jo, what should we do? I can feel that in the end you’ll just be Ji Ahn’s good friend (*cough* Dr. Chae Eun Seok *cough*). Then… can I just have you? ㅎㅎ

I really can’t wait for episodes 3! Thank god it’s Wednesday tomorrow. But god knows I’ve been having bad withdrawal syndromes since Friday (I didn’t even know it was possible to have withdrawal syndromes even if a drama hasn’t ended yet).

NEW WORDS

(not too many because I think I was more into watching it this time)

지적 재산권 – intellectual property rights
빡빡하다 – to be tight, to be intense
야근을 하다 – work overtime (at night)
회식

I Do I Do Episode 3 Preview

더이상 누나 앞날에 방해되지 않을게요!

From now on, I will not meddle with Noona’s affairs anymore!

지안은 구두 리폼 컨테스트에서 대상을 받은 태강이 지니킴에 입사하려하자 이를 비웃고, 태강은 사람들 앞에서 지안을 난처하게 만들고 사라진다. 

Ji Ahn grits her teeth and scoffs at the fact that Shoes Reform Contest Grand prize winner Tae Kang attempts to enter Jinny Kim (Shoe Company). Tae Kang embarassed Ji Ahn in front of many people and disappeared.

한편, 태강이 지안과 미묘한 관계라는 소문을 듣게 된 나리는 디자이너 명단에서 태강을 발견하고 회심의 미소를 짓는다.

Meanwhile, upon hearing the rumor of Tae Kang and Ji Ahn’s “complicated” relationship Na Ri grinned mischievously and put up Tae Kang’s name on the roster of the design team.

[노래] I Do (English Translation)

*I love love love this song to death and I also love the lyrics. Attempted to translate again, but this is extremely difficult than 꽃보다 그녀 so I may have dozens of mistakes here… don’t trust my translations!

I Do

Park Ji Yoon 박지윤

I Do I Do OST part 2

거짓말처럼 아플거래
Like a lie, they said it’ll hurt.
얼마못가서 두 손 든대
They said soon I will give up.

이상하지 더 힘이 나
But strangely, it gave me strength.
같은 꿈을 꾸는 너만 보면
When I see you who’s dreaming the same dreams.

때되면 나을 감기같은걸
Just like a common cold, it will get better soon.
뒤돌아 한숨 쉬진마
So don’t turn back and sigh.
내 눈물 봐도 모른척해
Even if you see my tears, pretend you didn’t.
널 믿고 약해지지않게
Without hesitations, I believe in you.

그래 I do 나답게 I do
Yes, I do. I’d say I do.
내 가슴이 아직 뛰잖아
My heart is still racing.
세상 보란 듯이 넌 날 옳다 말해줘
Letting the world see, please tell me I’m right.
날 믿어줘 Say me I do
Believe in me, tell me “I Do”

막다른길이 보인데도
Even if I reach a blind alley.
뒷걸음치진 않을래
I will not turn back.
슬픈 기억도 언젠간 끝날
Sad memories will end too.
훗날 함께 웃게될테니
Someday, together we will smile.

그래 I do 나답게 I do
Yes, I do. I’d say I do.
내 가슴이 아직 뛰잖아
My heart is still racing.
세상 보란 듯이 넌 날 옳다 말해줘
Letting the world see, please tell me I’m right.
날 믿어줘 Say me I do
Believe in me, tell me “I Do”

부디 흔들리지마
Please don’t waver.
잡은 꿈을 놓지마
Don’t let go of your dreams.
값진 삶이니까 괜찮아
Because life is precious. It’s okay.

널 위해 영원히 I do
For you, forever I do.
아파도 후회는 없어
Even if it’s painful I have no regrets.

다시 I do 매일 I do
Again, I do. Everyday I do.
어제보다 가까이 왔어
I am a step closer today than yesterday.
우리 한 곳만을 보다 이뤄지는 날
A day will come when we’ll both be together.
꼭 안아줘 Say me I do
Please hold me tightly, tell me I do

[드라마] I Do, I Do Episode 1 Ramblings

This is the first time I’m gonna do this for a drama. Not a recap. Not a review either. Just my thoughts transferred into a virtual paper. It’s just that I have so many random thoughts whenever I watch a drama, especially a Kim Sun Ah drama, that I feel the need to put it into words (else I’ll go crazy talking to myself). I regret that I didn’t do it on Scent Of A Woman (as if I have time to do so then!) because I’m curious to know what were my thoughts when that drama was airing. I usually post in soompi but it’s difficult to track all the stuff I wrote there. So might as well try doing it here on my blog. I hope I’ll have enough time to do this until the last episode.

Enough said, off to Episode 1.

Just like any other Kim Sun Ah dramas since 2007 I watched I Do I Do live. Now, if I had written and published this post right after watching the first episode live I would’ve just simply said I think it’s fun but I didn’t like it that much. Yes, my still limited Korean is a big factor. But still, I didn’t feel anything special on the first episode yet. I felt like something was lacking and I was only able to pinpoint it after re-watching the first episode – twice.

I needed time to get acquainted with the characters.

I was still on Rooftop Prince withdrawal when I watched episode 1. My heart still cries for 저하 and 박하 and I forced Ji Ahn and Tae Kang in. I don’t know them well yet and the drama showed me loads of happening between the two of them – two total strangers in my eyes. Yes, they are funny. But since I am not attached yet to the characters, I couldn’t connect with them yet.

But after re-watching the episode (and watching episode 2 live), I finally get more comfortable with the characters, so when I re-watched episode 1 again (for the third time) my heart changed and I find the first episode really awesome – full of fun and heart warming moments.

I’ve read many positive news and comments about my Sun Ah Unnie’s new image in this drama. I’m glad that many people liked her “new” image. But it was nothing new to me since I know she is indeed cool and chic. She is always gorgeous and fashionable on her CFs, endorsements, pictorials, public appearances, even on fan meetings. It’s just that she always play the typical average girl since My Name Is Kim Sam Soon. Nonetheless, it’s refreshing to see her like this ON A DRAMA (And please news articles, stop saying it’s the first time she cut her hair this short! She did so in 2006/2007!).

I must say Lee Jang Woo is awesome and insanely cute!!!! This kid! How old is he again? 15? 17? Hahaha. So adorable I want to reach out inside my computer screen so that I could touch that cheek! I was actually surprised with Lee Jang Woo because I only managed to watch one of his previous project, a one episode drama Human Casino. He was good then, but it was quite typical and serious. I was surprised, at the same time happy, that he was able to pull off the Tae Kang character I’ve imagined – a young man cutely acting like a baby… happy go lucky yet full of determination… and with a warm heart… trying to be a mature man, but still a 15 year old kid – without being annoying. My hats off to Lee Jang Woo!

I think they are both perfect for their roles. I can’t imagine a different Tae Kang, nor can I imagine a different Ji Ahn! I’m a very very happy girl! I love how solid their characters were right from the start. Well, we’re still 15 episodes away, so I’m just gonna keep my fingers crossed.

Will you run out from my funeral too?

And I just found myself crying 20 minutes after – the confrontation scene of Ji Ahn and dad. Honestly I was not moved when I was watching it live. I was even a little bit annoyed with Dad making a big deal out of his daughter running out of his birthday party. I mean, it’s just a birthday party. And your daughter just had to face and solve a big problem at work. Anyway your daughter prepared your party really well, Dad. But after re-watching, I finally caught the word 장례식 (funeral) and it hit me big time.

I remember saying I’m afraid I might not be able to connect to Hwang Ji Ahn as much as I was able to connect to Kim Sam Soon, Shin Mi Rae (City Hall) and Lee Yeon Jae (Scent Of A Woman). I was not expecting to find a connection this early. I may not be as rich as her, I might not love shoes the way she does, nor am I a director at a big company. But I work. I’ve worked in many companies. I study while I work. And many times, just like Ji Ahn, I disregard personal or family matters (like birthdays or some special occasions) because I am ‘needed’ at work (or school). I could relate 100% to Ji Ahn that very moment. She felt like she doesn’t have a choice. Her work called her. No one else can fix the problem aside from her. If she didn’t come to the fashion show their company will be screwed. And she can’t let it happen, more so be blamed for it. But here’s Dad, who barely see his daughter, and on a special occasion, they are finally spending time together, she run away for work. Ji Ahn, I feel for you! Come, let me hug you!

And one thing I truly love about the show is how it was able to transition from drama to comedy in a smooth way, all thanks to our cute Tae Kang. Just like Ji Ahn, I was caught off guard with his unpredictable action. Seriously, you give a crying girl a piece tissue not for her to wipe her tears away but to show her the list of things she needs to pay for. Come on boy! Ever since Scent Of A Woman I started doubting all shows that were labeled rom-com, but it seems I Do I Do is living up to its genre. I hope they will be consistent towards the end.

I also love the entire drinking sequence. I can rewind it over and over and never get tired of it. It started funny, then it became a bit sad, then it became funny again, then it became heart-wrenching sad, then it became heart-warming, then it became happy. Wonderful!

Tae Kang: Your rough speech is the reason why you can’t get a boyfriend.
Ji Ahn: It’s not that I can’t. I just choose not to.

And man! Finally we have a 30-something lead girl who is not crazy over getting a boyfriend, having a relationship, getting married and having kids! I sooo love her answer to Tae Kang. I just don’t get it why a lot of our Korean drama characters believe that their happiness depends on finding the right guy. Even my dear Kim Sam Soon whom I truly adore is crazy over finding her Mr. Right. Alright, so Ji Ahn may not be happy. But she doesn’t think that her happiness depends on a guy. And I find it really ‘epic’ how she criticize men in general while swishing a green chili pepper! Chili peppers symbolizes a man’s genitalia, right? Show, you are quite brave (but really, what’s the matter, it’s just a drunk lady who loves spicy stuff that’s why she’s holding a green pepper!)!

To many Kim Sun Ah fans, the drunks-on-the-street scene is quite reminiscent of My Name Is Kim Sam Soon – the guy assist the girl who can barely walk straight, girl started talking to the guy thinking of him as a different person (Sam Soon talked to Jin Hun as if he was her ex-boyfriend, Ji Ahn talking to Tae Kang as if he’s one of her employees), guy can no longer stand drunk girl and leaves her alone. But I must say it is a better version. Again, finally, no piggy-back rides (thank you very much).

However, why does Ji Ahn have to live in Gongju… not… uhm.. Gwanju. 😦 I already know from the news and behind the scene photos many weeks ago that Ji Ahn is not a Seoullite and her hometown is somewhere outside Seoul. I was hoping against all hopes that it’s gonna be Gwanju… but… it’s Gongju. That was close (not distance wise)!

Anyway, I am really REALLY REALLY glad how they executed the entire sequence from the moment it started to rain, to Tae Kang leaving Ji Ahn alone in the rain, to Ji Ahn’s heartbreaking monologue, to Tae Kang heartwarming return with his big umbrella and all, until our delinquent son and daughter decided to stick together. Aww, I have repeated this scene almost a hundred times already!

I just so love their drunken moments… too bad it looks like it’s never gonna happen again since Ji Ahn will be preggers soon…

And yes, another well executed scene – the ‘morning after’. Kudos to the writer and the director. I love their treatment towards the ‘morning after’. First it was very sexy (역시 우리 김슷하이다!). Second, it was very ‘mature’ I must say. Yeah drama, enough of the blame game. They are two adults (although one looks and sometimes acts like 15) who got drunk, checked in a motel, and did the deed. It maybe a mistake but I’m glad no one blamed the other for taking advantage of her and no one blamed the other for seducing him/her. I also love that they spent a great deal of time on this scene, from self-introduction, to pleasantries, to I-can’t-remember-a-thing (which I bet are all lies!), to who gets up first, to handing throwing over an underwear, to dressing up. I love LOVE LOVE this scene!!!

And say what? It was Tae Kang’s first time? Oh ho! I’d say What’s Up Fox? anyone? I was a bit worried too that it might be too close to What’s Up Fox? but while watching Episode 1, I never see any What’s Up Fox? here. I’d say I only saw I Do I Do. Similarities? It can’t be helped especially if your premise is quite similar I’d say. Anyhow, I’m excited to see Ji Ahn’s reaction when she finds out that Tae Kang lost his virginity to her. I’m just so glad he already finished military service sparing Ji Ahn the embarrassing moment of having to send the father of her baby to the army (that would be too much for her).

And here goes my Miranda Priestly (Devil Wears Prada). And although Hwang Ji Ahn was, somehow, pegged after Miranda Priestly, and even though I loooove Miranda Priestly I think I’ll love Hwang Ji Ahn more. She seems like a Miranda with a slightly bigger heart. She is not as scary, as cold and as unreasonable as Miranda (I’d say asking your employees to come in 2 hrs earlier despite having to render overtime is still more reasonable than asking an employee to book you a flight on a drizzling stormy day and also asking your employee to get the unpublished manuscript of Harry Potter book 7). But she is respected, feared – yes, smart and very passionate towards her work. She’s actually nice, but she’ll easily snap once provoked. And if Miranda has her trademark “That’s all”,  our Korean Miranda snaps her finger every now and then (aww, I love how Kim Sun Ah does it *snaps fingers*).

I’m not really into shoes and i only have a pair of sneakers but I must say the shoe closet is AWESOME (but, is it just me or can we really see the same shoe that Tae Kang submitted to the contest on Episode 2 there on her shoe closet? Near the 15 mark? Mr. Production Designer and Mr. Art Director, please tell me I’m just seeing things)!

Now I don’t know if the scene on the clinic was intentionally meant to be a what… parody (?)  of Scent Of A Woman mashed-up with What’s Up Fox? but I swear I cringed when Ji Ahn asked 많이 심각해? (Is it very serious?) and almost expected to see Dr. Chae Eun Seok’s face instead telling her her stomach is full of stools. Seriously, I was afraid it’s gonna be another What’s Up Fox? wherein she’ll have some sort of tumor on her ovaries and it needs to be removed. Or worse, cancer ala Scent of a Woman. I’m glad it’s an early menopause, but I just don’t get why does the doctor needs to be overly dramatic?

I like how the scene revealed how busy a woman Ji Ahn is (ouch!). And I also like her very casual reaction towards it. Yet it was also revealed, that somehow, she is a bit (just a teeny bit) concerned/worried about it too.

And another ‘epic’ and unpredictable scene – the blind date scene. At first, just like everyone I guess, I was disturbed with the “my mommy” banter of Dr. Eun Seong, but it turned out to be quite a cool blind date for both of them.

And here I am with my second-lead syndrome. The cute Tae Kang or Dr. Jo Eun Seok who is capable, a seemingly perfect match to Ji Ahn, and not to mention handsome? God help me! This is just Episode 1 and my heart is torn between these 2 guys. Actually I am more biased to Eun Seong after this scene. Him and Ji Ahn clicked right away. And it would actually be perfect for Ji Ahn. Her parents approve of her. He’s a doctor. They are of the same age, same social status. I mean, just imagine how complicated things will be with Tae Kang? A high school graduate Tae Kang. A shoe imitator Tae Kang. An immature Tae Kang. A young Tae Kang. Lead guys, why are you so complicated? And why do you keep making the lead girls cry? Why the second leads are always perfect? I can sense a heartbreak for me in the future… because I know that Ji Ahn and Eun Seong will never EVER end up together… Kdramaland doesn’t permit that. 😥 But the thing is, this looks like the drama’s going to be more and more interesting. It’s not a matter of who will Ji Ahn choose, the father of your child that you love (I bet she’ll love him in the future) or a perfect match guy that you don’t love that much? because we all know who’ll end up with her anyway. But it’s the fact that it’s going to be difficult for Ji Ahn to chose between the two guys. Sigh. One minute I was spazzing over Tae Kang and his cuteness overload. And the next I want to hit him for impregnating Ji Ahn because that would make Ji Ahn and Eun Seong impossible.

Overall it was not just a fun and hilarious episode, but it’s also very touching. I also like how the plot moved and how “full” the first episode was.

많이 아프지?

많이 놀랐지?

I love the parallelism of Tae Kang’s love for his Beyonce and how Ji Ahn loves her shoes, treating them as human… talking to them as if they were little kids. Is this an indication how they will be towards their child in the future? I was worried that they’ll be the craziest parents in the world, but seeing how they are capable of loving a motorbike and a high heels this way, then I’m feeling a bit more at ease in their parenting abilities. I’m also thinking, will there come a time in the future when they would have to sacrifice those things that they truly treasure for each other… or for their future baby?

Who says only my guys (Hyun Bin, Cha Seung Won, Lee Dong Wook) can have a shower scene?

And I specially love our Ji Ahn and it’s not just because I am a Kim Sun Ah fan. I love how she resembles a typical Kdrama guy more than the typical Kdrama girl. She is rich and successful. She is ditching blind dates. And she fatefully met a guy very different from her world. I love how smart and witty and strong she is. Reminds me so much of Kim Sam Soon’s don’t-you-dare-mess-with-me attitude which is, somehow, quite rare in Kdramaland. I love how Ji Ahn is in control and is not some damsel in distress (that’s overpopulation Kdramaland) that needs to be saved. And even if the way she ran out of her father’s 70th birthday party is a ‘Cinderella moment’, I don’t see a typical Cinderella here.

I also love how we are all aware already of what’s gonna happen to Ji Ahn making us engaged on the show. It makes me want to warn the characters in advance, especially Ji Ahn, “Hey your life will change drastically. Get ready.”

This is the 4th drama of Kim Sun Ah that I am watching live. Still, I can’t understand the entire drama yet while watching it live, but I can say I’ve improved especially if I compare it when I was watching When It’s At Night or City Hall. I can somehow understand what’s happening and what they were saying now, but there are still a lot of new words that I don’t know, and when missed, could entirely change my understanding of the drama. Sigh, I realized I still have to study a lot… hopefully on Sun Ah Unnie’s next drama, I would understand it better. For the meantime, I’ll learn as much as I can as I watch I Do I Do.

New words I learned from this episode:

호적 family registry
수리비 repair cost
칠순 잔치 70th birthday party
장례식 funeral쪼꼬맹이
유칙하다
좀스럽다
무식하다
지방 province, district (outside seoul)
위험 danger
야 너 걸렸다! (너 딱 걸렸어!)
필름이 끊겼다 – to be blacked out
베개 – pillow
총각
외박 – sleep out
계부 – step father
폐경 – menopause
생리통 – menstrual cramps
입양 – adoption
산부인과 의사 – gynecologist

맞선

My 저하: A Rooftop Prince Rambling

I was not really planning on watching Rooftop Prince. Not that I’m not interested, but I was too busy with school and I still have tons of unfinished dramas to watch. But because of this post of Hangukdrama, I got curious. The short 헐 scene is quite ‘epic’ and at the same time it introduced me to the premise of the drama – and it caught my interest. For someone who just started on watching 사극s what’s more funny and interesting to see a Joseon prince along with his 3 minions roaming around busy Seoul, palace outfits, attitude, gestures, 말투 and all.

I thought it will be difficult to sit through the first episode because I’m already excited to see the (mis)adventures of the 4 Joseon guys thrown right in the middle of Seoul. But the first episode was really good that I actually wished that they were not transported to Seoul anymore and just continue with the murder mystery and all. Nonetheless, when the Seoul misadventures began I was hooked.

I am totally sold with the concept. And everything is so funny! And I particularly enjoy the 말투 in present day Seoul.

And I sooo love 저하. I remember telling my mom, whoever this actor playing the prince is really good. He could even level up with Hyun Bin. Only to find out later that he is DBSK’s Micky Yoochun. The Yoochun my classmates are crazy about. I only know him by name (thanks to my classmates), but the clueless-about-Kpop-and-Korean-music me only found out it was him after a few episodes. Well, well, well. Now that I know him, I’m sorry kiddos, but Unnie’s gonna snatch him away from you. 저하 is mine!

Actually 저하 is not far from the typical Korean drama lead guy – those arrogant chaebols! But this time, we have a legit reason for his arrogance. He IS a prince! So he’s used to giving orders, people following him, taking care of him, and doing what he wants. And he is go goddamn good-looking! My 저하!!! This is, I think, the first time I ever spazzed over an actor that has never been paired with Kim Sun Ah.

Oh the minions! Yes all three of them! I sooo adore them! I wish to turn them into keychains so that I could carry them around anywhere I go. They are just sooo adorable, right?

It’s also a I-promise-just-one-more-episode drama for me. The kind when you’ll crave for the next episode even if it’s 4am already. Probably the reason why I was able to finally managed to finish a series.

I also love the OST. Or should I say, I love 한참 지나서. I’ve had it on loop since the day I got a copy. And that song joined me through all of my all-nighters to finish a school paper.

If there’s anything I hate (aside from Tae Mu and his inability to successfully murder anyone and Se Na and her never-ending lies) are the kisses. Any Kim Sun Ah fan would know why (haha!). I really really don’t understand why, up to this day, I still can see Lovers-In-Paris-kind-of-kiss-let’s-just-press-our-lips-together? Well, the last kiss though was good, so I’ll let the first kisses pass.

There were some episodes, or maybe not episodes but scenes, that are a bit dragging… then I feel that episode 19 was quite fast – too fast. But it’s the kind of show that I enjoyed a lot, enough for me to forgive the its shortcomings… the lousy kisses… too much PPL… or how come the rooftop apartment’s floor area suddenly became bigger when they renovated it… and why did the writer seemingly forgot that there were two other cast members by the names of Mimi and Becky (whom I adore!).

Becky, Mimi, what happened to you girls? ㅠㅠ

And what makes the show special for me is the wonderful and unexpected ending.

I’ve always had my doubts on this show because somehow I have a 49 Days feeling over this show. It was good and it’s keeping me engaged, but a minor mistake could ruin it.

My first issue was Bu Yong in Joseon. First, our 저하 doesn’t love Bu Yong and is madly in love with her crown princess. Just look at how devastated he was over her death. Also the murder in Joseon. It kinda looks like it was Bu Yong who poisoned her sister. It’s quite logical. But of course we didn’t want it to happen because she’s our lead girl. But… how?

Then all the having-to-return-to-Joseon brouhaha and Lee Gak leaving Bak Ha with Tae Yong. I don’t want that to happen! Bak Ha fell in love with Lee Gak, not the comatose Tae Yong. I was one of those who wished that Tae Yong will be sent to Joseon instead of Lee Gak.

But I’m glad that it didn’t end up like 49 Days. I was very very very satisfied with the ending.

I love how it was actually Bu Yong whom Lee Gak was weeping for. It was something I have never imagined will happen. And I love it.

I also like the fact that the show was able to convince us (at least me), that it doesn’t matter whether it is Lee Gak or Tae Yong because Tae Yong is in fact a reincarnation of Lee Gak. After 300 years, his soul was able to find Bu Yong’s soul who is now Bak Ha. So there’s really no Tae Yong and Lee Gak; and Bu Yong and Bak Ha. Tae Yong and Lee Gak is one. So is Bu Yong and Bak Ha.

It’s just a bit sad though that Bak Ha will no longer see 저하 and his minions. And it’s heartbreaking that, although 저하 managed to find a way to communicate to Bak Ha, there’s no way for her to reach him in Joseon.

The saddest wedding in a Kdrama ever! Just thinking about this scene right now makes me teary-eyed.

It’s a kind of a bittersweet ending for me. Something that I haven’t felt in a long time after completing a drama. It kinda gave me the same feeling I had when I watched My Name Is Kim Sam Soon – poignant, bittersweet ending.

I’m glad they did not show this photo without 저하 and his minions. I would die if they did. ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

I also like the lessons from this drama. Something quite similar to My Name Is Kim Sam Soon. Not having to worry about the future and just cherish every moment.

박하: 그러니까 하자고. 우리 남들하는 대로 하자. 결혼할 사람들 100년, 200년 같이 살 줄 알고 결혼하나? 나는 하루라도 족해.
이각: 미련하게 왜 이러느냐?
박하: 저하 말대로라면 모든 결혼은 새드엔딩이겠네? 언제 헤어질 줄도 알고. 괜히 우리 먼저 헤어질 거 생각하고 아무것도 못하는 겁쟁이처럼있지 말자. 나, 남들하는 것처럼 하고 싶어. 중간에 멈춰지는 게 우리 운명이라면 어쩔 수 없는 거지, 뭐.
이각: 왜 그런 고통스러운 기억을 만들려는 게냐?
박하: 그게 왜 고통이야? 나는 너랑 결혼했었다는 추억을 가지고 싶은 거야. 결혼한다면 너랑 하고 싶은 거라고.

This drama did make it to my top10 dramas. And I would love to re-watch and re-watch and re-watch Rooftop Prince.

But unfortunately I have to let my 저하 and 박하 go right away because my Suna Unnie’s drama just started. I have a self-imposed drama ban whenever Kim Sun Ah has a currently airing drama. I must not watch any other drama and just give my full attention, heart and soul on her drama. Haha!

But in all honesty, I’m having a hard time letting go of Rooftop Prince. I still want to savor the moments and re-watch this drama over and over… and it’s probably why I Do I Do hasn’t capture my heart yet. I’m not ready to say goodbye to Rooftop Prince yet. I Do I Do just give me awesome episodes will you?

어디 있었어요?
나는 계속 여기 있었는데.

300년이 지나도…. 당신을 사랑합니다.

What a beautiful love story. *sniff, sniff* 우리 저하, 박하야, 잘 살아~

I Do I Do Correlation Chart (english)