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The songs we featured during the recap: Blue Night of Jeju Island (instrumental version) and Whale Is by Roh Young Sim.
How this episode focuses more on the personal journeys of Woo Young-woo and Attorney Jung, rather than the legal case itself.
The powerful contrast between the Hanbada legal team’s adversarial view of justice and the abbot’s serene, non-materialistic Buddhist philosophy.
Attorney Jung’s emotional and physical crisis, as he reveals he has stage 3 stomach cancer, and what that diagnosis means.
The heartbreaking breakup between Woo Young-woo and Lee Jun-ho, and her running away mid-conversation after receiving legal inspiration, leaving him devastated.
The parallel between Lee Jun-ho’s heartbreak and Attorney Jung’s failed marriage—both men feel neglected by the women they loved.
The impact of the abbot’s wisdom and presence on Attorney Jung, who is inspired to propose a foundation to help the temple become financially self-sustaining.
The discovery of Haengbok Noodles' original owner and the delicious soup that he made for the Hanbada team.
The ongoing transformation of Kwon Min-woo, who shows restraint and surprising kindness toward Choi Soo-yeon.
A possible romance brewing between Choi Soo-yeon and Kwon Min-woo, with awkward but sweet tension and a Noraebang interruption.
The deepening mystery surrounding CEO Han and her Machiavellian use of Woo Young-woo’s identity to potentially destroy Tae Su-mi.
The shows we’re considering for Season 13 of K Drama Chat.
References
Hi everyone, I’m going to jump in first this week, since I listen to podcasts for awhile when I first wake up, and on Fridays, it’s this one for sure. I sure am not buying Min Woo’s change of heart. He may be inspired to do better, but his modus operandi of deceptive and unscrupulous means to an end, and his ability to rationalize cowardly acts aren’t spots that can be removed. They’re inherent character flaws. When I was younger, I fell for a very bad guy, a white collar crook, basically.
ReplyDeleteOnce I realized who he truly was, the red flags I had ignored (of course, he was very good-looking), the “love” I thought I felt just vanished. And I didn’t hate him, I just no longer cared if he was alive or dead. The person I thought I was with was only a mistaken idea, not an actual human being. Like Soo Yeon , I was pretty enough to get a guy like that, and like her, I wanted to convince myself that he was OK. I did learn my lesson indeed, and bad guys were a thing of the past after that. But it’s painful to watch and a flaw in an otherwise great show.
On my November trip to South Korea, is there anything anyone wants me to check into while I’m there? I’m definitely going to check out the script books.
Ellen,
DeleteDo you read Korean novels?
Ellen, do NOT get me started on Min Woo!! The guy has done nothing to redeem himself.
DeleteSo jealous you are going to South Korea. Will you go to Gyeongbokgung Palace and dress in costume?! IF so, what costume?! I am sure Koreans think it is totally cringe, but I would totally do it! The two places I definitely plan to go to are the Deoksugung Palace Stonewall Walkway and the Cheonggyecheon Stream. And of course I would eat tons of food and drink soju at a bunch of pochas!
Will you be posting any photos of your trip? I'm sure we would all love to see them.
Back to the Ellen Sullivan problem. Malcolm I wish you were going too, so we could knock back some soju at the pocha tents together! I’m going to ALL the palaces, the Stream, Namsun tower at night, the full day DMZ tour, etc. I’ll have eight full days, so there’s time for more too. I want a photo of me in a hanbok, so I’ll do that too.
DeleteEllen, have an amazing time in Korea!!!! From my limited knowledge, my impression is that Koreans don't think its cringey that people dress up in hanbok. From what I gather they're flattered that people want to experience Korean culture.
DeleteI also wish that we could all go to Korea and do all these things together. I'm thinking more and more seriously about retiring, which will open new possibilites for that!
Also, I agree that Kwon Min Woo has not done nearly enough to redeem himself, certainly in our eyes, and not enough to make himself worty of Choi Soo Yeon!
Ellen, I'm with in not being convinced of Kwon Min Woo's redemption arc.
DeleteLike the rest of the world, I'm jealous of your trip to Korea! Have the most amazing time. Maybe we organize a zoom, invite some folks, and you can share photos and stories!
I will refrain from another long rant, but I want to point out two things.
ReplyDeleteFor the first time in the show I felt that WYW was the butt of many jokes, and if anyone laughed, then it was on her expense. I have no doubt whatsoever that this is not intentional. It was just badly judged by the writer.
As Joanna mentioned in the podcast, WYW was acting very out of character in this episode. And, the worst example was the break up scene. WYW who always gives explanation (often needlessly long and detailed) couldn’t say anything to Jun-ho.
I think Joanna & Sung-Hee were valiantly trying to find a reason for her action. But, in my opinion, it was just badly written scene where the plot (we need to break them up) took precedence over natural exchange between these two.
As for Min-woo, it is not that it is impossible for a person to change, but changes usually take long time.
I have, regrettably, put “Typhoon Family” on hold. There is nothing terribly wrong with it, but there is a series of small things that are annoying me. Added together they lower my enjoyment.
But, just generally speaking, I am not vibing a lot with the writing.
As part of LFF, I have attended “No Other Choice”, the latest Park Chan-wook film. Wow! It exceeded my expectations.
It is dark comedy/satire with clear messages about Capitalism and society. The film is really funny with so many laugh out loud moments. There are also many gorgeous camera shots. Music is great. Acting is stellar. I have seen it compared a lot to “Parasite”. While there is certainly some overlapping of themes (not exact), they are different movies.
Personally, I think “Parasite” is better. I also think his “The Handmaiden” is also better (I still haven’t seen Old boy), but it is still a very good movie that jumped immediately amongst the top of my Korean films, and also found a place amongst my all times favourites.
Yeom Hye-ran has a small, but important role. She almost stole the film with her performance. Absolutely wonderful.
I was very happy to see many reviewers discovering her, and some Americans thinking she should be at least nominated for supporting actress, if not outright win it.
I thought to myself ”Yeah! If you people have only watched Kdrama, you wouldn’t have been asking who is this great actress”
I think the film is on wide release in January in USA. My one advise. DON’T watch the trailer (I literally close my eyes and ears when they are on. They give away too much), it will ruin a lot for you, and deprive you from experiencing them cold.
As for next season. I am going to suggest something unusual. Once this season ends, there will be 8 weeks left in the year.
One week will be with Ellen. Then, I suggest “The Sound Of Magic” (Ji Chang Wook & Choi Sung Eun). It is on Netflix, and only 6 episodes. I admit that it will be a risky choice. It is Musical, and I don’t know how many people will like it. Personally, I liked it.
And then, there will be one week left. That would be reserved for a wrap up of the year, where you can share highlight and give awards. And, we will join you on the blog.
And then you can start a new season with the new year.
Other than that, then, I am voting for “Because This is My First Life”. Of course I am always up for My Mister, but I feel this needs some kind of fanfare lol. Maybe your 15th season?
Hi Seven Seas,
DeleteI’m for Signal, but I would love My Mister, especially to honor the acting of the ML.
I haven’t yet read any Korean novels, but I would if they were translated. I want to go to bookstores while I’m there anyway, so tell me what to look for!
On WYW giving no reason for her not giving him her reasons for breaking up, I think she took his sister’s comments to heart, agreed with some of them, and didn’t want to cause family trouble on top of being a problem for him. She should have given him a reason, but that’s a bit complex, and easy for her to not know what to say, so stick with nothing.
There are lots of good options for next season. I would be up for "Because This is My First Life" - it was very well written and Jung So Min was great (I started "Would You Marry Me" because she's in it). "My Mister" is still my top Kdrama. I haven't seen "Signal" but would finally watch for sure if it's covered next season. They should both be done at some point and I have no idea when they'll leave Netflix but they probably won't be there forever. For the teen boy recs - I think "Moving" is a good choice as was mentioned. And what about "Gyeongseong Creature"? I heard there was a good podcast on that as well ;-)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteEllen,
Delete*While I agree that WYW did take the sister’s comment to heart, I am not convinced that she wouldn’t have answered, or said anything. It is simply against everything we have seen so far, including in this very same episode.
The issue being too complex, so I won’t say anything sounds much more like a neurotypical/avoidence behaviour. WYW operates differently. She would have at very least said something along the lines that she was thinking the previous night.
I firmly believe this was nothing more than putting the plot (we need to break them up) above everything else.
*As for novels, a bit hard to recommend without completely knowing your taste. Also, I have read only 10 translated Korean novels, so I don’t have vast pool to recommend from. I actually was hoping that you read, so I get tips from you :)
All that said, I have recently read one that I enjoyed a lot. It is a semi-biographical by one of the biggest authors in South Korea.
The Girl Who Wrote Loneliness (I don’t know why they have this title. The original is “A Lone Room” much more apt) by Shin Kyung-sook. I have also bought her most famous novel (at least in the English speaking world) “Please, Look After Mother”, but I haven’t read it yet. I am also looking to read “Human Acts” by Han Kang at some point.
************************************************
As for next season. My Mister is my favourite drama full stop. I just think it deserves a “better slot” than straddling two years. But, of course I can talk about it anytime, and anywhere lol.
I have said this before, but since there are lots of new faces, I say it again. I am not in favour of series that revolve around detective mystery. I don’t believe they are a good material for Kdrama Chat type of podcast. While I am sure there will be other themes, ultimately they are predominantly about investigation, procedurals, and guessing who done it. And, when the series is completed and probably most of us going to binge it once we start, what is there to discuss?? If the series was 6-8 episodes, maybe we can try it.
So, no matter how brilliant the series is, it is just not fit for purpose, and that is why I don’t think Signal should be chosen, even though, I have no doubt whatsoever that it is great series. Maybe we can schedule it as one off episode after next season?.
Kdrama Chat format needs material for discussions, not a puzzle show (I don’t mean that derogatively, I enjoy those as well) .
Hence my suggestion.
Because This is My First Life has lots of topics. Through the lives of three female friends we get to examine different stages of relationships and different strains affecting relationships, different ambitions, various difficulties facing women in modern society, discussion on family and obligations. But, it also has quite quirky characters, and lots of humour. So, it is not heavy.
Seven Seas, I love how you executive produced our episodes through the rest of the year. Sung Hee and I want to do My Mister, BUT we agree with you that it's too important and too good to straddle two years, and be overtaken by the holidays, so we are holding off. Still haven't decided, but we are loving all of the recommendations.
DeleteI think there will be plenty to discuss if we do Signal because there isn't one bad guys. The bad guys are almost accessories to the interwoven plot and the characters. It's brilliant writing.
I enjoyed The Sound of Magic and am intrigued by the idea of doing a show with just six episodes. I think Soundtrack Number 1 had even few episodes!
As for books, I appreciate your recommendations. Will add them to my list.
You and I are on the same page that WYW was acting out of character and was overdoing it, it wasn't her! But there's method to the madness, I guess.
Thanks for the book recommendations, Seven Seas!
DeleteI think I realized why I wasn’t so keen on this series when I first watched it. It wasn’t because the legal plotline we’re so inaccurate. It was because the shipped my lovely Choi Su-yeon and that nasty Kwon Min-wo! Ughh. It gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it!
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I agree with most of the commentators here that WYW was uncharacteristically silent when she broke up with Jun-ho. But a late season breakup between the two leads is a trope that is hard to resist.
As for the legal case, I’ve said it’s the dumbest one yet and I stand by it. Frankly, there was no need for a trial. This is case that would be decided based on written submissions. There were no facts that were actually in dispute. But whatever – we got to see Jeju.
I was a bit surprised that the monks don’t do the cooking at the Temple. But this might be another plot device. And how come WYW was the only one who could put two and two together and think to check the cook was the same guy from the noodle shop?! Also, I wonder how CEO Han Seon-Young feels about Attorney Jung going around offering free or low cost legal advice to everyone on Jeju!
Finally, am I the only one who thought Attorney Jung was more in love with those noodles than his wife?!
As for a show for next season….. I feel like I should just give up because my shows are never picked! Of course, my vote goes to SOMETHING IN THE RAIN! The greatest K Drama of all time! But that’s as likely as Sung-hee remembering an entire K Drams she’s watched! 😉
I’ll throw one wild card in there: Can this Love be Translated. This is a new K Drama on Netflix that I think will premier on October 31 or sometime in November. Here is the description and the trailer from Netflix:
In “Can This Love Be Translated?”, Kim Seon-ho portrays Ju Ho-jin, a multilingual interpreter fluent in English, Japanese, Italian, and more. He becomes the personal interpreter for Cha Mu-hee, a top actress played by Go Youn-jung. Despite their differing views on love, their interactions brim with comedic misunderstandings. As they spend more time together, their rapport deepens, paving the way for delightful conversations and moments of mutual understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8f48xtqYS0
Obviously, I can’t vouch for it. But I love it when Joanna and Sung-hee don’t actually know what is going to happen in the upcoming episodes (Well, I guess just Joanna).
As for WMW:
DeleteA Hundred Memories on Netflix – This series wrapped up last weekend. I’m sorry to say that this show went a bit to Argan -IYKYK – and it diminished an otherwise amazing series. I still enjoyed it but wish it could have stuck the landing.
First Lady on Viki – This is one confusing drama where you have no idea what is going on. It seems like there are several main characters who are all trying to do the right thing but are all at odds with each other. Not my favorite, but I will keep watching.
Ms. Incognito on Viki – This is pretty good. There are some evil villains trying to track down Ms. Incognito who is hiding in a remote village as a kindergarten teacher. It’s got a bit of Kindergarten Cop vibe to it if you remember that movie.
Typhon Family on Netflix – Four episodes in and I’m not totally sold. Not buying the impending romance or the trading company trying to survive the IMF crisis plotline. Let’s see if it picks up.
Would you Mary Me on Disney/Hulu – The first two episode were this week. I think this airs in Korea on the weekends but comes out on Wednesdays. This is a fake marriage drama. It stars Jung So-min and her lips. ❤ Also, Choi Woo-sik (Melo Movie and Our Beloved Summer). And Shin Seul-Ki, who you will ALL remember from season two of Singles Inferno! It’s fun. Its light. It’s got ALL the tropes. Highly recommended.
Escape on Netflix – This is a movie I watched based on Sung-hee’s recommendation. It’s about a North Korean soldier trying to defect. It’s a bit far fetched and unrealistic. But you do get to see Bang Gu-Ppong take a villain turn!
Pretty Crazy on Viki – Another movie. This one stars Yoona who was last in Bon Appetite Your Majesty. She is possessed by a demon and night, and her new neighbor is tasked with making sure she does not get in trouble during the night. Not much of a plot, but fun to see Yoona switch up from her sweet lovable self to a demon.
That’s all for this week. Off to whip up some bejikun.
Malcolm, I'm sure this legal case made your teeth hurt. It was a ridiculous case, and yes, I said I was amused by attorney Jung throwing out free legal help to the Temple, and how does a small restaurant owner afford a law firm like Hanbada?
DeleteI'm surprised attorney Jung's ex-wife is still around. They divorced five years ago!
Thank you for your recommendations re: shows to do for Season 13, as well as your reviews of current shows.
I'm also excited about Can This Love Be Translated. I have a reminder set on Netflix. The plot looks interesting and I adore Kim Seon Ho.
Can't wait to have you on next week!
Start Up is one of my top 5 favorites, so I’d love for a season on that! Also, I loved the recent Our Unwritten Seoul. I thought it had clever and heartfelt story writing - I enjoyed how it unfolded and loved the characters, so that would be my other suggestion.
ReplyDeleteLove Our Unwritten Seoul as well!
DeleteSo do I, a hidden gem!
DeleteMy other suggestions:
-39(stellar female cast/ sad, but relevant topics)
-twinkling watermelon(timetravel)
I loved Startup too! I agree with others that Signal (my personal favorite, which I’ve watched multiple times but could still use help with 😂) and Because This Is My First Life are also great candidates for next season.
DeleteKaren B, TK, Naf and Grace, thank you for your recommendations. Love all of the shows that you mentioned.
DeleteI have a special place in my heart for Startup because one of the earliest K Dramas I've watched and because it's about a tech company with a woman CEO. I think the AI connection is also really relevant. And talk about second lead syndrome!
39 is wonderful. Signal would such a wonderful, meaty show to discuss. And Our Unwritten Seoul was terrific. Imagine being able to see and hear how people really feel about you! Still haven't decided, but we will soon. Thank you for chiming in!
In this episode, I thought the moment at 5:30 where they exchange how to find them, through a game "up or down", that is called different in each region. Just a lighthearted, quirky scene.
ReplyDeleteI can't help thinking Hairy and Su-yeon (Young-Woo's friend and colleague) would make a great couple! But I guess after their botched date that's not going to happen... I'm hoping that will happen in season 2.
My recommendation for next season's show would be:
ReplyDelete- Hospital Playlist (sorry, will mention forever) for it's upbeat vibe and theme of friendship
- Romance is a bonus book - romance, overcoming hardship, booknerds. Just one of my favourites and rewatched it twice already.
- If you want to cry: Thirty-nine
- Tastefully Yours for the foodies
- Since you want to be able to talk about many different aspects and themes: Little Women? Because it has a lot of suspense and plot twists. And quite some Korean culture in it I think, along with some controversy. Loosely based upon Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women". Too much thriller for me, but may be suitable.
TK, you must be a big Jeon Mi-Do fan! As am I. I didn't really care for 39 as the "lead" romance felt pretty flat. But Jeon Mi-Do was soooo good in her role.
DeleteIf they do Hospital Playlist for next season we will all be halfway to become doctors between the show and Sung-hee's explanations of the medical issues!
Ellen Sullivan here. Sung-hee, an early tech writing job of mine was writing for a blood gas monitor company, and I worked with anesthesiologists on the project. Would love to chat about that sometime with you. I learned how these devices revolutionized surgery, and the project meant a lot to me.
DeleteTK, terrific recommendations, thank you. Sung Hee, Ernabel and I LOVE Hospital Playlist. It's the rare show where both seasons were equally good.
DeleteI loved 39 as well. I did not finish Romance in a Bonus Book, Little Women is on the list. Aya! Too many shows to watch. But what an amazing problem to have! Keep the comments coming!