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The songs featured during the recap: The Blue Night of Jeju Island by Park Eun-bin and Unanswered Questions by KOOW.
The legal case centered around a 3,000 won admission fee to Hwangjisa Temple, and how it raises questions about cultural heritage law and public access.
The real-life filming location of the fictional Hwangjisa Temple: Gwaneumsa Temple on Jeju Island, including its architecture, templestay program, and serene atmosphere.
The blurred gwaebultaeng painting of AvalokiteΕvara (Guanyin) and how it symbolizes the unseen spiritual essence in Korean Buddhist traditions.
Attorney Jung’s health deterioration and emotional unravelling, including his poignant reflections about his failed marriage and the impact of overwork.
How Jeju Island acts as a backdrop for both a court case and an emotional retreat for the Hanbada team, revealing character backstories and personal struggles.
Lee Jun-ho's awkward attempt to introduce Woo Young-woo to his sister and brother-in-law, leading to a painful confrontation overheard by WYW.
The layered misunderstandings and hurtful comments about WYW’s relationship with Lee Jun-ho, especially from his skeptical sister.
Kwon Min-woo’s unexpectedly supportive behavior toward Choi Soo-yeon and what we learn about his family obligations and financial pressures.
More insight into language and social dynamics, including the respectful and familiar terms used between family members and toward WYW.
The filming locations of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, including Deoksugung Stone-wall Road, the real-life gimbap restaurant in Suwon, and the hackberry tree in Changwon.
References
Hi Joanna & Sunghee, firstly, thank you for the shout out.
ReplyDeleteRewatching this episode reminded me how much I actually enjoyed it. And yes, the Jeju trip definitely feels like an excuse to showcase the island’s beauty! I remember loving the side case (which becomes more prominent in the next episode) even more than the main one. I’m still not buying Min Woo’s sudden character shift or the forced love line with our dear spring sunshine. If I were Su Yeon, I wouldn’t even give him a glance.
I also commented on Joanna’s Instagram post about watching Signal with his son — that’s one series I really wish I had you guys to listen to. I had to rewatch it multiple times just to fully grasp everything. And as someone who’s not usually a fan of multiple seasons, Signal is the rare exception — I need a Season 2!
Hi Irma! The Jeju trip is ridiculous, but hey, we get to see Jeju and it's probably a big ad for people to come visit!
DeleteMy son is LOVING Signal! I am enjoying watching with him and my husband, and enjoying the dinner conversations about the the intricacies of each episode. We just watched the pivotal episode 8 tonight and wow! I had started Signal before but had to stop because it was too scary to watch on my own. Now I have two strong boys to watch with me.
Irma, Ellen Sullivan here. I’ve been hoping that they would cover Signal, because Season 2 with same returning writer and cast comes early in 2026! And Min Woo’s “love for a good woman” character transformation is shaky for me too.
ReplyDeleteWhat I love most about this show is something I’ve always struggled with myself; the reminder to avoid jumping to conclusions until you know all the facts. It’s especially difficult for passionate young people to wait before passing judgement. So in this case, I’ll give Min Woo the benefit of the doubt, for now!
Hi Ellen, oh wow, another vote for Signal for Season 13! My family is LOVING this show!
DeleteYou are right about this show showing us again and again not to jump to conclusions. Actually, if you think about it, every single K Drama demonstrates this. You always have the first episode that sets up the characters and you *think* you know them. Then, over the course of however many episodes, and through flashbacks and reveals, you learn that all is not what you first thought. The slow reveal is such a K Drama thing!
We could start a list of common Kdrama proverbs, starting with “Don’t judge a book by its cover”.
DeleteI strongly disliked this episode, and the next one. Bottom 2 episodes by some margin.
ReplyDeleteIt looked as if the creative team, or the Network suddenly realised that there are only 4 episodes left, and they started to go through a list of some Kdrama cliches.
Let’s send them on a trip. Let’s start the redemption arc. Oh! We also need to get the second leads together. What else? What else? Oh! Yes! We need to give a major character an illness.
Can we squeeze something else? Sure!, but let’s wait for episode 14.
Seo-yoon line in particular is very disappointing and outright very bad, and goes against the philosophy of the series. What makes it absolutely terrible is that she knows him. Has been at odds with him for months over serious issues.
But few tiny and flimsy gestures change her mind? What is the message here? Ladies! No matter how accomplished you are, and no matter how morally dubious the guy is, if he carry your shopping bag for you, he is the one.
I am honestly dumbfound at such staggering level of shallowness. I can’t believe it is by the same writer.
And Oh! His difficulties are no license for his behaviour. Also, he picked on WYW. He didn’t pick on the really privileged colleague. It simply doesn’t add up. This was nothing more than forced pairing. And the irony of it all, they probably have done it for the audience. Yet, this was probably the biggest complaint by viewers.
The visit to the sister was a good line, and I loved the discussion on the podcast. I am more with Joanna on this one. I think Junho should have warned them.
But, even this one, they didn’t execute it well imo. WYW might not get the context and nuances, but she is not THAT clueless to say “It is great interior” while standing in the garden. I mean, she is very logical person.
She was borderline the butt of the joke.
Started watching “Typhoon Family” on Netflix. One week only so far (2 episodes). Promising setup, and strong leads (lee Jun-ho & Kim Min-ha), but the writing is mediocre. Hopefully it picks up.
Seven Seas, you are right about the Jeju episodes being ridiculous because of the trip, the second leads maybe falling for each other -- so many cliches! We love to hate Kwon Min Woo and like Sung Hee and you, I'm not buying his redemption arc. You know that I"m a cynic when it comes to redemption arcs. I didn't buy it in When Life Gives You Tangerines!
DeleteThanks for agreeing with me that Lee Jun Ho should have prepped his sister AND Woo Young Woo! C'mon, dude! Do better!
I am about to dive into Typhoon Family. I'm interested in this time period AND this show is a candidate for Season 13 because of the time period, the storyline and the actors. Bummer about the writing. I'll try to watch a couple of episodes this weekend.
I agree with Seven Seas about this episode. I feel like this is when the show really jumped the shark – or the whale? Or the dolphin?! (1,000 Bonus Points if you know the origin of “Jump the Shark”)
ReplyDeleteThe idea that four attorneys, including a partner, and a paralegal are going to go to Jeju Island for a 3,000 won case is absolutely ridiculous. What would have made sense was to make it a class action lawsuit and sue on behalf of every driver who traveled that road but didn’t visit the shrine. Either way, the case makes no sense, but at least they are on Jeju.
Did you know that Seoul to Jeju is the most traveled air route in the world? And it’s not even close. There are over 88,000 flights per year with 15.6 million passengers making the trip with an average of 226 daily flights. There is a flight leaving for Jeju almost every 10 minutes! (2,000 Bonus Points if you can guess the next most traveled route). https://simpleflying.com/jeju-seoul/
As for Kwon Min-woo and Choi Su-yeon – don’t even get me started! I will admit that I am suffering from a bout of Sung-hee-itis (I don’t remember how this show ends!). But even a glimmer of attraction between these two makes my skin crawl. One thing I don’t care for in K Dramas is a redemption arc – unless its really well done. Seems like Min-woo’s redemption arc is just his parents are sick and he’s not rich?! And he carries the beer for Su-yeon?! THIS IS THE BARE MINIMUM!!! Also, why aren’t you bringing the beer back to the people who are waiting! Ugghh. This guy’s the worst!
I agree that Jun-ho should have done more to prepare WYW and his sister for that visit. Somewhat relatedly, I had an ex who was such a picky eater that she would only eat chicken or well-done steak. It was a nightmare when she came to my family’s house because my mother would only want to make chicken. I said, absolutely not, lets have lobster, fish, lamb, veal, etc., like we always do. But my mom would always make her a separate grilled piece of chicken so we could properly enjoy our meal, like she was a five-year-old. One of many reasons she’s an ex…..
Joanna and Sung-hee – be glad you are not attorneys! For many, many, many reasons, but in particular, this show would be infuriating for you as someone trained in the law. It’s why I did not care for it on my first watch. This second time around its more bearable because of the podcast and because I am trying to focus more on the personal stories and ignore the ridiculous legal plotlines. You would be pulling your hair out if you spent each episode breaking down the legal aspects of this show.
Park Eun-bin was great in Castaway Diva. I really enjoyed that show, and I think it would actually be a good show for a future season. There’s a lot going on plot wise to discuss. And it has a great OST. And Park Eun-bin does sing! Here are two great clips of songs from the show.
Dream Us:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKKyQ28dvZk
Someday:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0md_0EGdLQ
Thanks for the shoutout to all the commentators! I love that there is this little community of people who comment on each episode with their likes, dislike, and opinions – and what they are watching. I look forward to the comments almost as much as I look forward to each episode each week. If you are a regular listener and a reader of the comments, don’t be shy and drop in and leave a comment. I know that Joann and Sung-hee love to hear from their listeners.
And now WMW:
DeleteGenie, Make a Wish on Netflix – I finished this show this week and boy am I disappointed. This show started so great with a funny, unserious approach, with classic rom-com enemies to lovers banter. But after about episode 9, it completely changed to a dark, serious, exploration of the mythical back story which was no fun at all! Apparently, they changed directors halfway through, and boy can you tell. This was shaping up to be one of the best K Dramas of the year and it went downhill fast. What a waste.
Confidence Queen on Amazon Prime – This show wrapped up this weekend and I loved it. It also kinda went to a dark place with the last few episodes, but it was still a lot of fun. AND there will be a season two. And it will be amazing – because Park Min-young will be back! ❤
First Lady on Viki – This one is just ok. A lot of political intrigue. The newly elected President wants to divorce his wife, the First Lady to be, for reasons that are not entirely clear. I have a theory, but I won’t share as to not spoil the show. If you like those types of shows where you are always trying to figure out people’s motivations and what is going on, you will enjoy this.
Ms. Incognito on Viki – I am quite enjoying this. It’s got a bit of a Kindergarten Cop vibe to it (3,000 Bonus Points if you know where that movie was filmed). The FL is in hiding from her new cheabol in-laws and is living as a kindergarten teacher in a small rural village. Its not amazing, but it’s enjoyable.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty on Netflix – I had some extra time (living alone is great for K Drama watching!) and decided to give this a watch. It’s an interesting premise where the FL gets a ton of plastic surgery after high school and before entering college. It really explores the issues of insecurity and beauty in Korena society. It also has one of the more interesting “villains.”
Typhon Family on Netflix - The first two episodes were this weekend. This is a historical drama set in the late 90’s during the IMF crisis. Yes, I just described a show that takes place during my lifetime as a historical drama! It’s got all the historical drama elements – beepers, pay phones, rotary phone, fax machines! It also has a great retro OST. The story involves a rich kid who has to join/take over his father’s company during the height of the IMF crisis. I’m enjoying it so far. Let’s see where it goes.
OK, off to cook a big Korean meal without gimbap!
Malcolm,
DeleteI must admit that "Confidence Queen" is not high on my list. But, I do like genre if it is done well. I used to watch "Hustle" many many years ago.
Two questions: Is this episodic? Sometimes I am tired, and just want some fluff without lots of concentration or investment.
You mentioned one of my biggest repellent: 2nd season. Does that mean it ends on some kind of cliffhanger?
Seven Seas. Yes, the show is episodic. Each con is two episodes. There is also a bit of Park Min-young's back story that they address a bit in each of the episodes and is the basis for the last con. Frankly, I did not care as much for that because it was darker and not as funny or lighthearted as the rest of the cons. Or maybe I just don't like to see my dear Park Min-young suffer! And there is no cliff hanger. The very end of the last episode has Park Min-young turn to the camera and say "Confidence Queen will be back." ;-)
DeleteMalcolm, I am indeed glad I'm not an attorney! I'm sure this show would be just awful to watch. Remember how Sung Hee couldn't get past episode 2 of Trauma Code? Haha! Thanks for sticking with us!
DeleteAs for a senior attorney, three junior attorneys, an investigator, a personal chef and a friend going to Jeju for a $2 case - yep, it's a GIANT stretch. I'm not an attorney but many of my staff bill by the hour, so I would never have let this happen!
Thanks for always sharing what you're watching. I can always count on your for recommendations. Like you, I was disappointed in the ending of Genie, Make a Wish. This show was SO FUN. I actually like the mythology and the back story, but the ending was just nonsensical. Ugh, these actors are so great and their chemistry was off the charts!
I didn't know Sung-Hee couldn't make it through Trauma Code! Malcolm definitely deserves extra credit. And us readers now know what "Heresay!" means. I enjoy these dramas since I don't know anything about the professions. And I'm safe since haven't seen any cell biologists showing up in Kdramas ;-) Also I'll continue on with Genie - I think I last saw Kim Woo Bin in The Heirs but that was a long time ago and he's better in this.
DeleteWell, SDguy, I actually just finished Trauma Code. I figured that if attorneys could watch EAW, I could go back to Trauma Code. After lodging my official complaint on the treatment of anesthesiologists in this show, I actually did enjoy it. If there are ever any cell biologists in Kdramas, please feel free to weigh in!
DeleteDefinitely agree with the podcast/comments that Lee Jun Ho really blew it on not prepping both his sister and WYW. Where's the nunchi?! Before introducing my spouse to my parents, I consulted with my sister on what pictures to show, what to wear, gift to bring.... you get the idea!
ReplyDeleteI just finished "You and Everything Else" on Netflix - good show but have to have the right frame of mind I think. It's about two women and their very complicated relationship from childhood to 40s. This was emphatically not Na Hee Do and Ko Yu Rim. There's real tragedy underneath their story (even more than the headline). Towards the end they went far beyond triangles to squares? Pentagons? All that said, not every drama need have perfectly likable characters, and it tackled tough themes/issues and complexities in relationships. The acting was great by both leads, and also by the child actors. Otherwise I'm on episode 3 of Genie, Make a Wish. I was looking for something light after all the heaviness of You and Everything Else. I thought it was strange that in the Google reviews this show was almost perfectly balanced between people who loved it and hated it. I thought it was because Suzy's character is twisted and I was thinking "should we be laughing at this?" But now that I read Malcolm's comments the reviews make more sense. Not sure if I should finish it now!
SDguy, yes, Lee Jun Ho blew it! We gotta set up our loved ones to succeed with our families! Dude!
DeleteI am afraid to start watching "You and Everything Else" for personal reasons. Will I sob with every episode?
I think Genie, Make a Wish is worth watching. I loved the show until the last couple of episodes. Unlike Malcolm, I love the mythology and the back stories. But the resolution and the ending were just weird. But what a fantastic first 10 or 11 episodes. It reminded me a little of Doom At Your Service in that the fate of their relationship and mankind rested on her personal choices and morality. I loved Doom At Your Service.
Wow, where to begin?
ReplyDeleteFirst, I have to agree with the prevailing sentiment that Lee Jun Ho should have prepped his sister and Woo Young Woo before their meeting. Sometimes, I just can't help playing devil's advocate. But I also think it was a set up to push Woo Young Woo into breaking with Lee Jun Ho and create a crisis in their relationship.
Ding, ding, ding!! I win 1,000 points for knowing where the phrase "jump the shark" comes from. A turn for the worse in the "historic" show Happy Days, (which aired in my lifetime). Although, I do not win 2,000 points because I don't know where the second most traveled air route is. Malcolm, you'll have to enlighten me.
Seven Seas, I completely agree with your opinion that this episode crammed every plot device left over before the end of the show in episode 16. But, like Irma says, the scenery in Jeju is beautiful.
I agree with all of you that Choi Soo Yeon falling for Kwon Min Woo is completely far fetched. Maybe, just maybe, if he had done something truly heroic or self-sacrificing I could see him redeeming himself, but what we saw in this episode was very far from that. A couple courteous gestures do not change our opinion of his character and she deserves SO much better.
I agree with the positive opinions about Signal. A truly great show and starring a wonderful cast. I'll be very interested in seeing what a Season 2 might look like, especially if it stars Lee Je Hun.
I started Typhoon Family. I find this time period interesting as a "historical" piece, since the young characters are basically our generation (maybe a bit younger). Lee Jun Ho is wonderful.
I started the movie Escape, with Lee Je Hun playing a North Korean soldier who makes a dash for freedom. I watched halfway through, but stopped, mostly because of time, but also because it is SO stressful! I'm guessing that it won't be a tragedy, but even so watching it is so anxiety-provoking. Definitely not something to watch before going to bed.
Ellen Sullivan here, wish I could get my last name into the tag! Hey everybody, interesting article here on how some kdrama scripts are published in book form in South Korea and sell well! The beloved My Mister was just published in March. I’m going to look for it when I go there next month, even though I can’t read Korean! If nothing else, I’ll use it to help me learn the language.
ReplyDeletehttps://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2022/08/09/entertainment/television/kdrama-kdrama-script-korean-tv-show/20220809163753609.html
Does the book have photos of Song Hye-kyo on each page?! If so, I want a copy! π
DeleteEllen,
DeleteFor your name handle, I suggest you create a gmail account called Ellen Sullivan. If taken, you can always add a number, or tweak it somehow. Then, when you want to post a comment here, you log in into it, then when you come here it will be one the choices.
I knew about the Kdrama scripts. And, I have searched a lot for an English version of My Mister (A Korean version already exists, but maybe there is a re-print). Sadly, I couldn't find one. If one day you come across a site that sell it in English, please let me know. And, I will do the same:)
Seven Seas, thank you so much! I used Google Chrome and my freelance account and it worked. My Mister is tied for #1 with Mr. Sunshine, Mr. Queen and CLOY. Lots of other good ones too, but it was my first and still the sentimental favorite of them all. It was nice to know that many South Koreans, and you, hold it in such high esteem. If I find an English language version, I’ll buy you one too!
DeleteEllen, thank you for sharing this information! If I read Korean, I would be all over this. Like Seven Seas, if specific shows became available in English, I would absolutely buy, even though my husband is adamantly against buying physical books, movies and music!
Delete