The songs featured during the recap: the instrumental version of “Inevitable” by Suzy and “We Are the Hanbada Crew” by Daniel Ri.
Our special guest, attorney and longtime listener Malcolm, joins us to provide legal insight and commentary. We call it Extraordinary Attorney Malcolm!
The legal case involving the town of Sodeok-dong, a new road project, and the government’s use of eminent domain in both Korea and the U.S.
The town’s head, Choi Han Su, and his struggle with anomic aphasia—a real neurological condition—and how his assistant helps him communicate.
The significance of Sodeok-dong being a greenbelt area, which impacts compensation and development.
The attorneys’ field visit to Sodeok-dong and how the town, the residents, and their culture deeply move them, especially Attorney Jung.
The Hackberry tree as a central, emotional symbol for the town’s identity and unity.
The dramatic court scenes, especially the entrance and argument strategy of Tae Su Mi, and the use of video game-style graphics in court.
The escalating romance between Woo Young Woo and Lee Jun Ho, including the touching moment when she asks for permission to touch him.
The evolving relationship between Choi Soo Yeon and Woo Young Woo, from rivalry to heartfelt support and guidance.
Kwon Min Woo’s bitterness and his anonymous post on the Hanbada bulletin board accusing Woo Young Woo of nepotism.
Woo Young Woo’s realization that she may have gotten her job due to personal connections—and her confrontation with her father about it.
The tense exchange between Woo Gwang Ho and CEO Han, and the possibility that Woo Young Woo is being used in a power play involving her biological mother, Tae Su Mi.
Cultural and linguistic elements, including sikhye, jjimjilbangs, hwamunseok mats, and the use of formal Korean speech and honorifics.
What we’re watching now!
References
Malcolm! It was great to hear your voice!
ReplyDeleteI don’t have a lot to say about the case itself. I think the subject matter is very real, legal stuff aside, and the source of great debates around the world. In some places more than others though.
Hmmm...I found myself at odds on few issues with you guys, especially the use of connections. I know almost everyone in the world do it, I have done it myself, so I am not better. But, I still think it is wrong, and unethical. It is unfair advantage. Those less fortunate who don’t have connections are no less capable or qualified. Sometimes more. Getting that opportunity is not a small thing. It is actually a big deal.
In the West it is a bit better, because the recipient of that advantage must have the bare minimum, but in Asia it is considerably worse.
MinU. I think he is a very good character. To avoid any misunderstanding. It is the character, NOT. I repeat, NOT the person. Yes, he is very unlikeable person, but he is a character that poses interesting questions.
If anyone represents the society, or at least part of it, it is him in my opinion.
The society is prejudiced against Autistic people, and he has been asking those questions ,from first episode ,that people are saying “Is she pretending to gain advantage?”, “Why we should care about her?”, “She is getting the job because of connection” (while ignoring the discrimination against her in the first place). That last point in particular is an excellent point and very realistic.
He is in many ways the proverbial mirror.
I like he is not a moustache twirling villain. He often seems reasonable and asks fair questions on the surface. I have no doubt whatsoever that many agree with him. Some might even argue that he is treating her more equally than Jun hoo and Choi Sun. He is in short provoking a debate.
And the writer is trying to refute a lot of his assertions.
I wish WYW was an ordinary lawyer. The Autistic person doesn’t have to be exceptional to warrant fair treatment. In many ways this is the same polemic of the “perfect victim”.
But, baby steps.
I finished “One Spring Night”. I really liked it a lot. Still not sure about final evaluation, but it is one of the top 3 of this year watch with “Red Sleeve” & “Tangerine”. Still not sure about ranking though.
“The Red Sleeve” would have been clear winner if it didn’t have one particular disastrous plot-line in my opinion. I have been trying to force myself to forgive it for months now. I am just unable, because it is at the heart of the story and message.
Maybe I will message Joanna.
I decided to drop “Bon Appetite”. At at 80mins per episode I feel I am not getting value for time. It is certainly not bad at all, but I am finding it mediocre.
Seven Seas, thank you for your comments!
DeleteWe had a lively discussion about connections. You are right. It's a grey area, for sure. As an employer, I really like referrals because the people are at least somewhat vetted. But here's the thing: anyone can give me a referral, including my team members, clients, etc.
As for Kwon Min Woo, he's easy to hate, but he represents an opposing and valid viewpoint. Like he said, Woo Young Woo isn't weak, she's beating them. But in many ways, she is weak. It's so nuanced!
I loved Red Sleeve, didn't love Something in the Rain, and am enjoying Bon Appetit. Bon Appetit is just candy for me. I love the cooking scenes and the scenes that show how food can transport you to places in your mind!
Definitely message me re: Red Sleeve! I'm here for it!
Seven Seas. Glad you liked One Spring Night. It's one of my favorites. I think you and I have similar tastes in K Dramas. I'd recommend giving Bon Appetite Your Majesty another chance. I am coincidently watching Mr. Queen again with my sister. BAYM is not the same but there are similarities. I think Yoona is so charming in this K Drama.
DeleteJust wanted to comment on the lovely song, “Inevitable”, both the Suzy and instrumental versions; and I’m playing it constantly! Since many others have loved it too, I nominate this for Kdrama Chat Podcast Song Of Season 12, which I think we should vote on each season!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with Seven Seas about Min Woo’s complexity, which rings true with troublesome people we’ve all known in real life, at work, in families, and even in public figures. They’re not bad or evil exactly, but unable to see things other than their own perspective. They’re loudly hypersensitive to any perceived injustice to themselves, but blind to injustice to others. They just don’t see it, and look at you like you have two heads if you try to explain.
Malcolm, this seems like this would be a fatal flaw for an attorney, if you can’t see the other side. How could you advocate for your side if you can’t comprehend the other side?
"They’re not bad or evil exactly, but unable to see things other than their own perspective. They’re loudly hypersensitive to any perceived injustice to themselves, but blind to injustice to others."
DeleteI love this, Ellen. Well said!
Ellen, thank you! Well said! Min Woo can't see past his own sense of being robbed of opportunities. He also has a zero-sum mentality. If Woo Young Woo is winning, he must be losing!
DeleteHi Sunghee, Joanna and Malcolm,
ReplyDeleteMalcolm is right—both of you put in so much work to create such thoughtful deep dives into our favorite K-dramas. I really appreciate what you do.
I’m actually rewatching CLOY (for the nth time) because I just can’t seem to start a new series right now, and of course, I’m listening to Season 8 alongside it. I just finished Episode 4 with Malcolm as a guest, and to my delight, he’s also on this episode. It feels so fitting to have a real lawyer join the discussion!
This particular case wasn’t as engaging for me, as I found the personal side stories more compelling. Still, what an introduction for Tae Su-mi as a top lawyer. I also agree with Seven Seas that the show benefits from having a character like Kwon Min-woo—someone we “love to hate.”
After hearing Joanna and Malcolm’s discussion, I might start Beyond the Bar. I’ve decided to skip Trigger for now, as I’ve heard it can be, well, triggering, and I don’t need that at the moment.
Irma, there is nothing wrong with rewatching Crash Landing! I actually just rewatched parts of Past Lives and re-listened to our episode because it meant so much to me!
DeleteI'm enjoying Beyond the Bar. Episode 9 took my breath away. Malcolm and I are waiting for Sung Hee to finish watching episode 9 so we can discuss it! I'm actually thinking of holding special zooms to discuss specific episodes of random shows! You'll have to join!
Oh this would be awesome, do count me in!
DeleteIrma, so funny you are getting a double dose of me this week! As I said on the podcast, I actually know more about North Korea than South Korean law! North Korea is such an interesting (and tragic) place. I recently watched the movie The Spy Who Went North. Not a great movie, but it is based on real events. It includes collusion between the ruling party in South Korea and North Korea to influence the election. Really interesting stuff - at least to me!
DeleteI'm watching The Uncanny Counter season 2 and just wanted to mention that the villain is none other than the understanding senior attorney, Jung (Kang Ki Young). It's really quite a stretch to see him as a psychopath, but he's a good villain! (The drama revolves around people called, Counters, a kind of Grim Reaper, who have supernatural powers and the job of separating evil spirits from the people they are possessing. Both seasons have had very good villains. And, if there are any Alchemy of Souls fans, two main actors are in season 2 as Counters. I should mention there's a lot of fighting so if you're not good with staged violence this is not for you.)
ReplyDeleteI also want to recommend Suspicious Partner with Ji Chang Wook, who plays an attorney (who used to be a prosecutor) who might have some autistic tendencies. This drama is about a subordinate of his who is suspected of murder, an innocent young attorney, who was framed for a murder. She spends a lot of time working for Ji Chang Wook's character and trying to clear her name. Like a lot of dramas, there's a serial killer, but the majority of the drama is concerned with their cases and a few romances.
Alice! Thank you for these recommendations. I love, love, love grim reapers! And I love Ji Chang Wook! I think I have my next shows after Beyond the Bar and Bon Appetit finish up!
DeleteHi Alice, I have seen Uncanny Counter 2, and yes Kang Ki Young was an excellent villain. Oh the range of acting these actors have, it's amazing.
DeleteOne more thing, Malcolm! You were just great, knowledgeable and funny! Where else would we hear about the unrealistic courtroom bathrooms on this show?
ReplyDeleteAlso Irma, how was Park Bo Young at the fan meet?
And Alice, you’re so right about Suspicious Partner! I had messaged Joanna about it too, complete with its superior OST.
Ellen, thanks for the recommendations! I can't wait to dive into Suspicious Partner!
DeleteEllen, Park Bo Gum is such a sweetheart. He made all the fans feel he's seen all of us. He went around the venue waving to everyone several times, enough for each one of us to have an eye contact with him. The fan meet was almost 4 hours, and I didn't understand a single thing as it was in Korean and Thai. I tried Google Translate but it couldn't keep up. Thankfully, Bo Gum knows English and he would speak them a few times.
DeleteThanks Ellen. It was really an honor to be on the podcast. Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteGreat job, Malcolm! I enjoyed the episode. We call him "The Perry Mason of K Drama Chat Weekly!" LOL
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeff! I'm glad I could use my professional knowledge to the podcast!
DeleteFirst of all, a huge thank you to Malcolm for joining us on this episode. We enjoyed having you on the show, it's always great to converse with you, on the blog as always, but even better in person. It was especially apt, given your inside knowledge of the legal profession, though I do agree that it is a shame that you were not there to join us in a deeper discussion of Ha Yoon Kyung. We love her too!
ReplyDeleteIt is a testament to our listeners who provide such thoughtful comments.
Seven Seas, I think you're right, that in a perfect world, connections would not play such a big part in how people get ahead. But we are all human, and human relationships do make a difference.
And your and Ellen's perspective on Kwon Min Woo is appreciated. This is a very realistic depiction of feelings and attitudes many people hold, and might not say out loud.
I've started Beyond the Bar and I'm enjoying it, though I can't say I always understand the legal details involved in the cases.