Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 2 of See You In My 19th Life, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Shin Hye-sun as Ban Ji-eum, Ahn Bo-hyun as Moon Seo-ha, Ha Yoon-kyung as Yoon Cho-won, Ahn Dong-goo as Ha Do-yoon, and Cha Chung Hwa as Kim Ae-gyeong. We discuss:
The songs we heard during the recap: “Yellow Spring” by Choi Yu Ree and “Piece of Cake” by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee.
The sisters’ risky decision to switch lives again after many years, and how quickly they realize adulthood makes this far more complicated than before.
Mi Ji’s chaotic first day at the office, highlighting her bold personality and complete lack of awareness about workplace dynamics and past conflicts.
Director Choi’s ambiguous behavior, especially in assigning Mi Ji a seemingly simple but actually impossible task.
The stubborn restaurant owner who refuses to sell, and how this echoes familiar “holdout vs. development” narratives seen in books and other shows..
The significance of chicken giblet stew as humble, nostalgic food tied to Korea’s past, and what it reveals about the restaurant owner and her customers.
The symbolic meaning of salt in Korean culture, and how the restaurant owner uses it to reject and “ward off” Mi Ji.
Mi Rae’s experience at the strawberry farm, where being paid to do nothing becomes its own kind of psychological test of character and integrity.
Ho Soo’s moral conflict as a lawyer who successfully wins cases for unethical clients, and how this begins to clash with his conscience.
The revelation that Ho Soo may have played a role in Mi Rae dropping her complaint, adding emotional weight and tension to their relationship.
The episode’s ending reveals: key people (the grandmother and Ho Soo) begin to see through the sisters’ deception, raising the stakes much earlier than expected.
The background and career of Park Bo Young, including her rise to fame, career setbacks, and reputation as a rom-com queen.
The filming techniques used to portray twin characters, including body doubles, sync acting, and the technical challenges of stitching scenes together.
References
Yellow Spring by Choi Yoo Ree
Wish by Choi Yoo Ree from Hometown Cha Cha Cha
Chicken Offal Soup (ë‹ì•Œíƒ•(ë‹ë‚´ìž¥íƒ•) / Dagaltang (Dangnaejangtang))- VISITKOREA
Preventing Bad Luck the Korean Way: Throwing Salt, Avoiding Broken Mirrors, and more
K Drama Chat is a weekly podcast where we take one Korean (K) Drama each season and and recap and analyze each episode. K Drama Chat is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.
My first thought on hearing 'The Error Note of the Perfect Score' is that it refers to a musical score, and a wrong note in the performance of that score.
ReplyDeleteSo maybe Miji and Mirae 'appear' perfectly the same, but their performance of each other doesn't chime perfectly. They each hit a wrong note.
For example, Miji finds it difficult to (literally) 'walk in Mirae's shoes' (which are in close-up when Miji climbs out the window -- why is she wearing shoes inside? Anyway...) while Mirae struggles to make her way in Miji's world on Miji's bike.
Doremi,
DeleteI like that take on the title.
It could also be something along the lines of "Achilles heel".
Although they appear perfectly the same, their personalities will give them away.
It's something like that, for sure, Seven Seas. I checked the Korean for 'musical score' and it's a different word entirely from the score referred to in the title, so my analogy is wrong, but I like it anyway. :)
DeleteI mean when *Mirae* climbs out the window!
ReplyDeletePark Bo Young is such a remarkable actress, especially in roles like this. This is my favorite series of hers so far, and I’m really happy to be rewatching it—especially with the episode-by-episode deep dives and the community’s thoughtful commentary and insights.
ReplyDeleteJoanna & Sunghee, I’ve also started Perfect Crown. I rarely watch K-dramas live since I prefer to binge, but with all the spoilers going around, I had to keep up in real time. I’m also really looking forward to We Are All Trying Here by Park Hae Young, my favorite writer from My Mister and My Liberation Notes.
Irma, thank you for commenting. Yes, we agree that Park Bo Young is amazing.
DeleteI am caught up with Perfect Crown. Started out slow but fun. Episode 4 is when it got really good. Please, please, I hope they keep up the good storyline and energy.
Irma, I was so impressed with Park Bo Young in this that I immediately wanted to watch another one of her dramas. I watched Oh My Ghost, which was fun and charming. Can recommend!
Delete*As I mentioned previously, I didn’t buy the premise. You can’t really pull this off. With extreme suspension of disbelief I might allow for MiJi’s line to pass since she has little interactions at work, and seems to spend most of the time either alone, or onsite.
ReplyDeleteHowever, there is no way MiRae can pull this off. In MiJi’s case people will wonder, but in the village people know the twins, and even if they don’t pick up on it from first incident, they should get it fairly quickly.
People are not just look. The personality and mannerism is huge giveaway, especially when they are almost the opposite.
I am completely aghast at the suggestion that the Mom ( and to a lesser but still very unbelievable degree Ho Su’s mother) can’t tell them apart. Even if I allow she can’t do that based on physical appearance. I am sorry, but this is BS.
I might look as petty and pedantic here. I can hear people saying, just let it go. Roll with it. The problem is that an integral part of the journey is what MiRae hears what close people around her say about her.
Now, if this was a comedy, I wouldn’t give it more than few comments, laugh at the whole thing and just have fun.
Here it is not so easy. This is an introspective series, and it matters.
I never fully managed to get over it, but learnt to keep it at the back of my mind, so I could enjoy an otherwise really good series.
*Whistleblowers rarely, if ever, are rewarded.
* I can identify in some aspects with MiRae. One time, I was completely burnt out at work. I resigned without a job. Also, the burden of responsibilities.
*Hair extensions: First time I have seen those when I was at University and had some friends from Africa. I watched them doing this for hours. It takes around 5 hours to do.
*Joanna: the minute you mentioned the throwing of salt I thought”Red Sleeve”. I smiled when you also mentioned it.
*Park Bo Young is great actress. One of the first Kdrama I have watched was “Oh! My Ghost!”. I didn’t have a clue who she was, but I was impressed (Shin Hye Sun also caught my eye despite her being only supporting role). She doesn’t play two people, but she gets possessed in and out. So, in effect she was portraying very different personalities.
She can do grumpy/tired and sunshine equally well.
I also really liked her in “Light Shop”, but that series was an ensemble.
Unfortunately, I didn’t click with “Doom at Your Service” and “Strong Girl Bong Soon”, but I stuck with the series far longer (before dropping them) than I would have if she wasn’t there.
One day, I am also planning to watch “Dose of Sunshine”
*I haven’t started anything yet. I am still thinking and reading about “You and Everything Else”. Today started probably my most anticipated Kdrama of the year” We Are All Trying Here”. I must say that I am lukewarm about the cast, and mainly the director, but I hope Park Hae Young script will make the series at least a good one.
Also, YAEE was a heavy series, and I expect WAATH to be such as well. So, I am taking a short break, and currently just re-watching some lighter stuff (Mr Queen :) )
Seven Seas, I think we just have to accept that most dramas, not just K Dramas, have unrealistic storylines. Coz, it turns out, real life is kinda boring and slow. Haha.
DeleteOur Unwritten Seoul has so many layers and I'm looking forward to diving into them. We are seeing bullying, sisterly love, sister rivalry, long lost friendships from childhood, first love, mother's love, and so much more. I think Season 14 is going to be great!
Seven Seas, I agree that the premises does require a bit of a suspension of disbelief, but I think its worth it for what we get out of this series. I think MiJi can pull it off at work both because, presumably, no one there knows she is a twin and they don't give her any meaningful work. As for MiRae, I agree that the villagers will quickly see through her because she is emotionally incapable to "act" like MiJI and not herself. It made me think that if my sister and I were twins, could we switch places. No way she could do my job, but I bet I could fake my way through here job! LOL (I can say that because she does not read this blog or listen to the podcasts!)
DeleteI don't mind the mixing of the highly improbable with the introspective in Our Unwritten Seoul, Seven Seas, but I get where you are coming from. I haaaated the ending of Queen of Tears, for example. Apparently they changed it to appeal to their audience. Spoilt it for me.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on both points. I was sooo disappointed with the endi ng of QOT.
DeleteJoanna - I'm loving Phantom Lawyer, especially Yoo Yeon-sook's 'possessed' acting. This week though. My heart. :(
ReplyDeleteYes! Phantom Lawyer is great! Didn't you love You Yeon Seok possessed by the idol? Wow, just wow!
DeleteMy cousin's husband and his twinbrother deceived their closest relatives for years. The parents and grandparents could not tell them apart. Only their younger brother was able to tell them apart, but he never snitched on them. The ruse ended when they were 19 and my cousin's husband had an accident and broke his nose. Now it's easy to tell them apart.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the premise is improbable, but sometimes people are so busy wirh their own problems, that they don't pay close attention to others. Neighter the grandmother nor Ho-Soo are fooled.
That's amazing, Naf! My brothers have been mistaken for each other, but not by anyone in the family. (Except my toddler niece, before she got used to her 'matching' uncle. Didn't take long at all.)
DeletePark Bo Young's performance in this wonderful drama is just extraordinary. I hope she will be rewarded at the Baeksang Arts Awards. In a way she actually plays four roles: Mi Ji, Mi Rae, Mi Ji as Mi Rae and Mi Rae as Mi Ji.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful for all the drama recommendations. I'm on episode 11 of You And Everything Else and loving it. It's heavy fare but profound.
As I have said many times, I don't have regards, or respect for literary/arts awards. HONESTLY they mean absolutely nothing to me. I have many reasons, and this opinion was formed through the years. When I was in my early twenties I cared a lot about them.
DeleteBut, I can't ignore them, or ignore their importance. Also lots of people value these awards, and consider them as mark of quality.
The best actress category is the one I have seen all of them. I will refrain from going on the longest rant in the history of this blog, and just say politely that I don't believe Yoona belong in that category.
It is VERY tough to choose from the other 4. But, considering that it is a bit unfair to give it to only one of 2MC in You And Everyting Else, and they also will probably split the vote, I see it as a toss up between Park Bo Young, and Shin Hye Sun.
Personally, I hope Park Ji-hyun wins it. All the other ones are already big stars, and it would be nice if she is recognised, and gets opportunities for clear leading role.
If Yoona wins, I will tell my browser to block anything with the word Baeksang lol.
Hey Seven Seas didn't you know they grade you on a curve relative to yourself? Hence the Yoona nomination! Seriously I would have nominated Go Youn Jung if they were looking for a 5th. It makes sense that both FL from You and Everything Else got nominated - the complexity of the relationship worked so well because they were both fantastic. But I think Park Bo Young takes it. Agree with Naf that she has an extra complex role with the switch.
DeleteSDguy,
DeleteSo, you are saying Yoona's nomination is like when you give the prize to the kid who went from 0 to 2 instead of the one who went from 8 to 9? lol.
For the record, I have nothing against Yoona. I don't know her. In fact I know very little about actors as people. My moto is to know as little as possible about artists.
Oh! I totally agree that both lead in You and Everything Else deserve equal recognition. I was only saying that it is a bit unfair to give it to only one of them. They elevated each other. Also, in the majority of cases like these none win, because they split the vote.
I think that is why producers do this weird thing in the Oscars and submit one as main and the other as supporting. I don't know how things work in the Baeksang.
Despite my low opinion about these awards, I have to say that I would have also nominated the other 4, but instead of Yoona I would have gone for Jeon Yeo-been (Our Movie).
By the way, does anyone else here also mix Jeon Yeo-been & Kim Go-eun sometimes?
They are the Korean Susan Sarandon & Julianne Moore lol
It wouldn't be a Baeksang post without Seven Seas weighing in and railing against award shows! ;-) Actually, I generally agree with you that these award shows are overrated in the sense that there is one "best" actor, actress, or film of the year. But I think they are generally harmless fun that gives people something to talk about and recognizes some of the better performances of the year.
DeleteNot sure why you are so down on poor Yoona! I'll admit, she is not the most dynamic actress. But in fairness, I have not seen her in any role that is particularly challenging or would give any actress to really show off her acting chops. Maybe she's type cast or maybe she just chooses lighter rom com type roles. I think she is quite charming in those types of roles, so at least she is sticking to what she's good at.
Hi everybody! One thing has been bothering me, but perhaps I’m wrong. I’d certainly like to hear what all of you think. It seems to me that both sisters did a poor job of preparing the other sister for the underlying issues in each of their respective situations. If I were either of them, I would’ve been a lot more angry about it than they were. In particular, Meiji had a little idea of her sisters situation at the office or why things were that way. She would’ve been a lot better off to know about the background and what her sister had attempted to do. Imagine encountering all that hostility and not knowing why.
ReplyDeleteI’m really enjoying the Show in the writing in particular. I hope it wins lots of awards, especially for screen Screenwriting and lead actress.
I also love the mysterious character of the Strawberry farmer and the way we find out about him little by little. As for what I’m watching, I love Phantom lawyers so far, I’m watching the first few episodes of perfect crown, and trying to decide on another series. As for you and everything else, which has gotten a lot of nominations, I’m skipping that for now, since it’s a story in which one of the major characters has a terminal animal Illness. My college roommate died of cancer when we were both 22 years old. Since then, I’ve never been able to watch a show like this. But that’s a personal thing. If someone on here happens to watch it, it would be interesting to hear what they think.
Hi Ellen,
DeleteHow is your hand?
I agree with your objection. To me, what you are saying is just an extention to what I have said.
I wish the writer went deeper instead of wider. They could have still switched places, but in a much simpler way and without all the secrecy.
Yes, some changes would have to be made, but it would have concentrated more on the main subject.
Thanks for asking, Seven Seas, slowly improving, but it’s my left shoulder and wrist also. Don’t want to discuss here on social media, but if you’d ever like to contact me, I would welcome it. My email is eesullivan2000@gmail.com so send me a note. There are legal issues in involved.
DeleteI forgot that this show paints lawyers in such a negative light! Ho-soo's boss does seem quite unsavory. Did he really say "overthinking gets in the way of being a good lawyer?!" Also, I spotted quite a few ethical violations in the first two episodes. First, Ho-soo lip reading the opposing counsel's conversations with their client is a total violation! Even though what they were doing was totally inappropriate. Second, Ho-soo giving MiJi the information about her whistle blowing case is a huge violation - it would be a basis for being disbarred in this country. Once you represent a client, you have an ongoing duty to protect attorney client information, even after you are done with the case. Providing her with information that she could use against his client is really bad. He's really playing with fire here.
ReplyDeleteAs for sending Ho-soo to handling the case when his boss knew MiRae was his classmate. That is not technically an ethical violation, but it is pretty scummy. If I were Ho-soo, I would have immediately recused myself the second I saw her sitting at the table. But why was he surprised to see her sitting there. He had whole report on the situation. Did he not read it before going to the meeting?! No lawyer would do that!
Didn't expect to go off on a legal rant on this show, but here I am....
One other thought - what was the salt budget for this show!?!
OK, off to make some chicken giblet stew!
Malcolm, thank you for this. I *knew* Ho Soo was being unethical, but man, after reading your descriptions, this guy is clearly not cut out to be a lawyer. And what about telling the man who got beat up by the Chairman about his legal rights? Maybe that's allowed, but doing that hurts your client, which is completely NOT what you're supposed to do. And to do it without telling his boss. Ho Soo may seem like a nice guy, but I would have fired him for acting against the best interests of the company and the client. And to think, Lee Chung Gu is painted as the bad guy here!
Delete