The songs we heard during the recap:
Horo by Go Go King
Star by Colde
How we rewatch the first few episodes of a show to truly understand the show.
Comments from listeners on the blog.
The differences between transmigration, regression and reincarnation.
We wonder why Ban Ji-eum says her 18th life is her most memorable and why she remembers her memories from her previous lives
How Ban Ji-eum finds Moon Seo-ha in trouble, grabs his hand, tells him to run and then later asks him to marry her; she does this as a 9 year old and now as a 24-year old.
The 3 proposals in the show: 1 by Moon Seo-ha and 2 by Ban Ji-eum
We learn a lot about the relationships between the character through Lee Ji-seok, the son of the Daehwan Group Chairman.
Why Moon Seo-ha ultimately gave Ban Ji-eum a job at the hotel.
How Moon Seo-ha remembered Ban Ji-eum from his past and how he kept the handkerchief that she had used to tie up his bleeding hand.
How Ha Do-yoon seems to be a spy for Seo-ha’s father, the Chairman of MI Group.
The many encounters between the sisters in this episode and how Ban Ji-eum wonders what Yoon Cho-won’s feelings are toward Moon Seo-ha.
How the MI Grand Hotel CEO Jang Yeon-ok was having an affair with Seo-ha’s father when his mother was sick!
When Moon Se-ha lays the flowers at the grave of Yoon Jo-won, Ban Ji-eum, for the first time, realizes the pain of the people she has left behind during her many lives.
The many K Drama elements in this episode, including the many flowers we see and the wrist grabs.
Our 2 new elements: the gay teasing element, and the long wait for love.
The amazing Park So-yi, the young actress who plays a young Ban Ji-eum; we love her!
References
I enjoy how surprising Ban Ji-eum is in her actions and words. It made this episode unpredictable which was fun. It reminded me of Episode 1 where she found the young Seo-ha surprising. I think I just assumed the younger sister had a crush on Seo-ha because of the wine scene earlier in the episode before I knew she was the sister. Your commentary saying it’s unclear if it’s a crush or not will have me keeping an open mind the next episode. I also appreciated the surprise that she is the sister. I didn’t assume that when we first saw her garden.
ReplyDeleteHi Dorothy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
DeleteI agree that Ban Ji Eum being so unpredictable and unconventional is a breath of fresh air. She has absolutely no hesitation in saying what she wants and no embarassment when she gets rejected, completely the opposite from so many of us. She is such a free spirit, maybe because she's liberated by knowing that her present life is just one of many.
Dorothy, thank you for your comments! I agree that Ban Ji-eum is unconventional and fabulous, and that's why we love her so much! Shin Hye-sun does an amazing job with this character!
DeleteI fell in love with Park So Yi while watching this series, she was even more amazing in Atypical Family.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to have to watch Atypical Family soon, after hearing how wonderful Park So Yi is in that show.
DeleteThanks for your recommendation!
Irma, thank you for your comment! I started Atypical Family when we were considering shows for Season 10. I watched two episodes, loved the show, and then put it down, but it's on the list. Especially since you say it's great!
DeleteAnother excellent episode.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, I don’t see what Ban Ji-eum sees in the adult Moon Seo-ha. He’s a bit of a sourpuss. Granted his mom and best friend are dead and his dad and step mom are pretty awful, but still... And he might not like Yoon Cho-won in the way she likes him, but he is being pretty rude by ignoring her calls and straight up refusing to see her. That being said, if I see you turn up at my own grave with flowers, I might have a change of heart!
Good job by Sung-hee catching that Seo-ha said do you want to come in for raymen and it just being translated as do you want to come in. I recently noticed in another K Drama that “do you want to die?!” (jugeullae) was translated as “are you kidding me.” Which literally loses something in translation. I find I much prefer the translations on Viki compared to Netflix as they will translate more literally and even provide you with context for certain dialogue.
The long wait for love is a good element. Really, a long wait for anything seems to be a K Drama element. These shows do not hesitate to throw in a big long time jump! As for the gay teasing, I think that is pretty standard in most film and tv. (“not that there’s anything wrong with that!”) IYKYK. I will remind you that in Season 2 of the podcast Jen pointed out that K Dramas often like to throw in some questions about certain characters sexuality.
Finally, I do not for a minute believe that Joanna was more interested in what Seo-ha was thinking in the shower - as opposed to his wet muscular back! 😉
Hi Malcolm, I'm glad you're enjoying the show!
DeleteAs for Mun Seo Ha, I have to agree with you that he's a bit of a grouch. But I think Ban Ji Eum is drawn to him because of the deep connection she had with him in her previous life with him as well as the promise she made to him then. Also, I'm thinking this will be a case where she will draw him out of his shell with her natural exuberance and he might be a bit more cheerful later. We'll have to see if love conquers all.
I agree with you about the Netflix translations. From my limited understanding of the language, I can still tell that they often gloss over the actual meanings of the lines. When we covered Mr Queen in Season 5, Mr Queen was actually available on both Netflix and Viki and I always watched the Viki version. Also, since I'm working on learning the language, I often rewind scenes several times, watching them with both the English and then the Korean subtitles to try to figure out as much as I can as to what they're really saying. I don't invite anyone to watch Kdramas with me since it's a long and arduous process.
Malcolm, you are the best with your comments!
DeleteI'm thinking we have two tsundere characters, don't you think? Moon Seo ha and Ha Do yoon. I agree that Moon Seo ha is being cruel to Yoon Cho won and it's because he can't see past his own grief. I sort of want to shake him and say "Be nice, why are you being so mean?"
I'm grateful that I have Sung Hee to point out the flaws in the Netflix translations and to draw out the nuances of language. When she points something out, I go back to the scene, turn on Korean subtitles, slow down the scene, freeze it, and try to read the Korean. I know, I'm crazy.
And as for Moon Seo ha's back, guilty as charged! I am a back gal! I love a toned and muscle back. I'm a sucker for great arms as well. Big, bulging chests, not so much!
Thank you for another episode walkthrough!
ReplyDeleteI’m glad the "truck of doom" is finally getting some recognition! I’m voting for this to become an official element! About the "gay teasing moments"—I’d recommend calling this bromance instead, in case it becomes an official element. It’s a more common term and fits better, especially when it’s about two guys who are BFFs or close to each other. I’ve seen discussions before about how, from certain perspectives, this can be seen as queer-baiting. It's a very thin line to cross and I’m not a big fan of some people making everything romantic or amorous. Can’t it just be a cute moment, one clingy and the other just being such a cold human? T_T
I don’t know if it’s just me, but there’s this pinch in my heart watching this Kdrama. There’s something deep that reaches out, grabs my heart, and twists it while I’m watching. This feels even more painful than Mr. Sunshine, IMO. The idea that you could live another life, in the same lifetime as the people you love yet never truly be the same person to them, or have the same bond. It can be confusing on both sides as well, like do you love them as they are right now, or do you love the idea you have of them? Uugghhh. Looking forward to the next episode! (will finish watching it on this weeks break lol)
Btw, Happy Holidays everyone!
Tina, you are amazing, thank you!
DeleteI LOVE the idea of calling the element bromance. That has such a nice ring to it and speaks of closeness. We definitely don't want to be see an queer-baiting because that is not our intention at all! I am going to have to do more search on this element.
As for this KDrama pinching your heart, yes, yes, yes! That's why we chose it! See You In My 19th Life has so many nuances to it, and so many moments that take your breath away. And in those moments, Shin Hye sun's acting really shines. So it's already been amazing to slow down and relish this show.
Thank you for your wonderful comments!
Hi ate Joana!
DeleteAm really glad you guys started this podcast and now I have someone to talk to about these stuff <3 I am a big fan of SHS, I and my bff even call her 'mama' (after what she's called in her character in Mr. Queen).
About bromance - looking forward to you sharing your research on this!
I can't wait for us to continue discussing this series! Can't wait to cry again as well lol
Tina, it is so fun being in conversation with you about K Dramas! Thank you! I actually started this podcast so I could have someone to talk to about K Dramas. And now look at us, chatting away on this blog, on Instagram, and via email. Love it all!
Delete* I am not going to lie, I wasn’t too much into this series, and the only reason I finished it was SHS amazing acting, and her dynamics with her sister (best part of the show for me), and her “court lady Choi” from Mr. Queen.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest problem of the series, imo, is the male lead. He has close to zero chemistry with SHS, and that is a serious thing when it comes to romance. If you don’t buy them as a couple, it is tough to enjoy their romance. The brain starts to take over, and all the ridiculous stuff you let it go when you are into the couple start to hinder your enjoyment.
*But, all that said, the first couple of episodes were good as they explored beautifully the theme of those left behind. I will hold on to next episode, which was probably my favourite and left me in tears, so more next week.
* Park So Yi. I have same opinion like everyone else, she is such an adorable child, and good actress. I would say only Yuna (The Kidnapping day) is a better child actress.
*Flamenco origin: I think one of the biggest influences of the dance, and maybe even its roots is probably the Moorish influence. An occupation that lasted 700 years in southern Spain left its marks. I am sure over the years things changed and were other influences. But, even today, there are several collaboration between Spanish & Arabic bands. The structure of the Flamenco performance as well resembles many traditional Arabic songs & dance ( start with soulful, slow, without music, singing/poetry, then you follow it up by a gradually faster tempo)
* White truck of doom: I am pretty sure even the writers and directors have joined the viewers by now in the joke lol.
* I also like to second TinaChoi about Bromance. I am honestly sick and tired from turning everything romantic/sexual. Why is it so hard to believe that people can be just friends?
Apart from the one season format, this is my favourite thing about Kdramas. They give us so many stories about friendships and family.
*Finally, translation. That is a tough one. I have done some freelance translation, and there are few school of thoughts. My personal view is that you have to make the target audience your priority and try to sacrifice as little as possible of the original.
I can’t compare because I don’t have Viki, but I am not huge fan of long subtitles, because that hinders the experience by making you read more.
What is important is to convey the essence of the scene.
Also, you have to translate with the assumption that this is the viewer first Kdrama.
So, I would say “Are you kidding me?” is not bad translation. Sometimes even better than the literal “Do you want to die?”.
When I started watching Kdramas, I didn’t find it that difficult, because I am also originally from a country in Asia, so I had cultural context.
But, I have seen tons of American and British newcomers who felt there are a lot of over the top responses.
Translation is tough, and I bet these translators have lots on their plate, and coming up with creative way to say things require time that they don’t have.
P.S: My comment about Bromance was NOT directed towards you ladies, but about the general conversations about TV shows/Movies that try to turn every relationship into romantic one.
ReplyDeleteSeven Seas, thank you for your thoughtful comments!
ReplyDeleteI will share a secret with you! When I first watched 19th Life, I was not a fan of either the Moon Seo ha character, nor the actor who played him. I felt like he was a colorless character and Ahn Bo hyun was a pretty boy who couldn't act. BUT, after seeing him in Itaewon Class, I changed my mind about him! And I'm seeing his character in a new light this time around.
I think we all agree that Park So-yi is amazing! I need to watch all of Atypical Family to more fully appreciate her!
And yes, episode 4 is emotional, so I'll look forward to your comments.
I LOVE what Tina suggested as the Bromance element! I actually really enjoy the friendships in K Dramas, between the male characters and between the female characters. It's awkward that there are these gay teasing moments; why not just have the male characters be really good friends to each other, the way the female characters are great friends? Think of the two fencers in 25 21; I LOVED their friendship so much! And of course, the sisterly friendship between Ban Ji eum and Yoon Cho won is really special. I like Bromance - we will go with that!
Interesting comments about translation. I agree that it is an art form and I bet it's really hard to capture the meaning AND the tone when translating. When my husband and I watch Japanese anime, we often have discussions about the translations because I often end up with a difference sense of the story! I'm generally happy with the Netflix translations, but also appreciate the Viki translations. Sung Hee says sometimes closed captions end up with a different translation than what you get with subtitles, so take your pick, I guess!
Thank you for your thoughtful contributions to the conversations. I love the discussions we now have about the episodes!
I have watched Itaewon Class in 2022, and I thought he was good there. I don't think he is bad actor. I think the two don't have chemistry. It is really the casting director fault imo. BUT, I admit that chemistry is intangible thing, and therefore it dpends on each person.
Delete2521 friendship is an awsome one. Top 10 (maybe even top 5) favourite relationships in all Kdramas.
Did you listen to season 4 of our podcast? We recapped and analyzed 25 21. I LOVED that show and that season. The very last episode of Season 4 is with Enable Demillo, who was a reporter in New York during 911. She added so much to that episode. It's a LONG episode, but oh so fun and such great insights from Sung Hee and Ernabel. And somehow, after discussing the in depth for several months, I was satisfied with the ending this time around. 25 21 is in my top 5, for sure!
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