[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

Thanks @mademoisellesia!

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

1 hour ago, liltash85 said:

In Netflix version there is, that is why I don't feel lost with all this time jump. 

I watched on Netflix too but I guess I wasn't paying attention enough lol 

 

One thing I don't get about the king is if he made his young son a crown prince so he can be king longer, why does he let the ministers make decisions then? I mean if you want to be king longer, then you must want a monarchy so you can make more decisions. What's the point of being king if ministers like Nam Jeon will get to do what they want to grow their own power.

 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

1 hour ago, liltash85 said:

'6 years later, year 1398'. Unlike before it was not stated and we only realized it for a while (and after go thru wikipedia) that there is a time jumped.

Oh there was a text stating the time jump? I didn't see that! That's why it took me a while to realize what happened lol. It was only when I saw the adolescent guy dressed as the crown prince that I realized... oooooh we're years ahead. 

 

I agree with your points that Seun-ho is a complex character. He is. If he manages to let go of all the paint and resentment he suffered because of how Nam Jeon raised him, he'd be better off because he'd be less ambitious but I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.

 

At this point in the series, it's interesting to watch how Hui-jae will influence the flow of the story. I'm also hoping that Seun-ho's going to work with Hwi and Bang-won to take down the King and Nam Jeon but I know I'm being too optimistic here. 

 

Also, I got my wish of the field medic being a real army doctor. His scenes especially the ones with Hwa-wol crack me up. Overall, it's nice to see the stories of the secondary characters grow. 

 

 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

26 minutes ago, rocher22 said:

She and Sunho were not a romantic couple, but their scenes were somehow 

warm and lively.  

I was actually rooting for them to be a couple in the future because I think Seun-ho may eventually grow to love her as he's already protective of her. Also, among everyone else, it is Yeon who sees the good in Seun-ho and actually calms him down in a way. Seun-ho is the kind of person who needs someone who believes in him so he doesn't completely go over to the dark side. Yeon does that for Seun-ho so it's sad that what happened to her.

 

I just watched the rest of Episode 9 and yes, I agree with everyone. Sun-ho's face when he learned that Hwi is still alive is grade A acting. 

 

Also, I agree with everyone else who thinks that Seun-ho should have left his father and gone over to Bang-won's side along with Hwi. However, his character is written such that he's full of resentment over his entire life that his sole goal is to gain power to make up for those ill feelings he's always had. He won't be able to accomplish his goal without his father who is close to the king. Remember when he told Hwi not to destroy his family? I think it's because Seun-ho's family name will help him gain power. Without Nam Jeon, Seun-ho would just be an illegitimate son and he will be treated like Hwi. He doesn't like being treated like that anymore so he wants to be in power. 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

1 hour ago, reddragon said:

I have one issue regarding the female lead and this is personal. Is she afraid of crumpling her stiff face? She displays just one expression, brows furrowed slightly, tight lips, wide eyes. That's all you get from her. Whatever emotion she's supposed to display, what you get is her stoic face.

I agree but I've stopped myself from commenting about her acting because she's from a girl group and others may say the criticism is just hate. But yes, I agree. It's one of the reasons why I'm not that invested in the romantic relationship. There's something lacking there - a depth in emotion, a deeper understanding of the character? You can tell she's acting when in the case of other actors, it's like they're living and breathing the characters they play. Anyway, I think it's good that the story is great because it carries everyone. You don't distance yourself from the show as a viewer just because you can't connect with one character because the story is great, it makes you want to watch more of it. 

 

I started watching the new episode early morning and I must admit I slept mid-way. I'll continue watching it now but based on posts here, it seems there's going to be a sad ending. 

 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

1 hour ago, melp said:

Because I can understand why he does the things he does. And he is so lonely.

Sun-ho epitomizes the saying "hurt people hurt people." 

 

As for me, I'm not that invested in the romantic relationship. I'm more into Hwi and Sun-ho's "bromance" but what interests me in Hwi and Hui-jae's relationship is how her position as an adviser to the queen may affect Hwi. I want to see how that plays out. Will it help Hwi? Will it put her life in danger? 

 

I'm about to watch the new episode. 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

4 hours ago, lu09 said:

HS is serving a poisonous cat food while the father is burning down places and possibly a serial killer.

And what if joker is a different person? 

 

4 hours ago, lu09 said:

PS: Why did they had to do the childhood trope lol? .

I also don't like it and in other dramas, I would have rolled my eyes but I didn't because this drama is just so good, it's forgivable, easy to brush off. 

 

• Official Statement from Kang Jong-ryeol

"In light of rumors circulating and the possibility of false information being released to the public about my family life, I am breaking my silence. As it is a personal matter separate from my career, I would have wanted to deal with it in private. However, to avoid false rumors from spreading, I prefer that you learn the truth from me. 

 

Yes, I have fathered a child with a former girlfriend. I didn't know about it until x months ago. At present time, the child's mother and I are trying our best to find an amicable solution so we can co-parent our child. My son and his mother have already been through enough and I wish that you respect their privacy. I will take legal action against individuals who will spread false rumors or harass my son and his mother. 

 

My current wife knows about it and any issue between us is a different matter altogether."

 

 

And prior to the press statement, Jong-ryeol should request private time with Dong-baek and Pil-gu during which they can sort things out, come to a clean agreement, and reassure Pil-gu that he can continue living his life normally as Jong-ryeol will protect his and Dong-baek's privacy, and that whatever people say, he is loved by both his parents plus 1 second parent in Yong-sik and that he has their support always. 

 

 

... is how I wish Jong-ryeol would have resolved the matter but we're dealing with a hot-headed person so.

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

Episode 14

 

Favorite Scenes

• Ms. Kwak's history. It was sad but also satisfying to see that she was bold even then. She deserves the "boss of Ongsan" title. Also, her long history with Dong-baek. 
• Future governor of Ongsan Hong Ja-yeong enjoying the clean air and sunlight. #freedom This cracked me up.  Also, she's getting the house. Yes.
• Gyu-tae's reaction when Yong-sik said the stain on the steering wheel looks like blood.  Oh Jung-se is really something else. I'd definitely watch his future projects. 
• Gyu-tae helping with tracking the phone. 
• Gyu-tae air pedalling 
• Yong-sik basically announcing to everyone in Ongsan his plans (that sound like date night plans). I mean he says it in front of the doctor knowing Ongsan is a small town. 
• Preview: Gyu-tae asking future governor of Ongsan Hong Ja-yeong for help 

 

Thoughts

• Jung-ryeol doesn't get it, does he? To make the issue go away, you can't resort to violence and threaten press people or pay them off. Just come clean to everyone. Jung-ryeol is covering up his family situation partly because of Dong-baek. I don't know about Dong-baek but if I were in her place, I'd rather Jung-ryeol tell the truth. She can't change the fact that Pil-gu's father is a public figure. It's better to come clean and just get it over with than keep on hiding and face problems like (a) being hounded by the press, (b) being paranoid someone's taking photos or tailing you, (c) being blackmailed by people who know about it, or worse, (d) having false rumors spread which is more difficult to handle once it's out. Also, the issue may go away if he gives the interview but only for a while. It will emerge again in the future. Better handle it now and people will forget eventually. At least the difficult part is over. Pil-gu is smart. He's a good boy. Adults should trust he can handle it. 
• Dong-baek thinks her mom came because she needs something from her but I don't think so. I think the paper her mom sneakily had Dong-baek sign while she was asleep is a form that states Dong-baek won't donate her kidney when her mom is in critical condition. Or a form allowing Dong-baek to inherit her savings or insurance when her mom dies. It's just because her mom had the form signed when Dong-baek was worrying about money.
• Jong-ryeol thinks Dong-baek returned to Ongsan because of him but I think that's wrong. She returned because it was where her mom met Ms. Kwak. To be honest, I find it a stretch that suddenly Dong-baek and Yong-sik had a long history, thereby, making them fated for one another like they do in other dramas that push the narrative of "lovers destined to be together since childhood", but I'll let this one slide because it's not that big an issue compared to the quality of this drama.

 

Big revelation again, this time about the joker, in the first few minutes of Episode 14 and many of you guessed right. 

 

 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

18 minutes ago, Whisper2 said:

i always thought she was consulting about her pregnancy, but did she visit with plan for abortion?

I don't know where everyone else is watching. I watch from Netflix and if I remember correctly, Dong-baek was only consulting about her pregnancy. Maybe other clips have different translations? Not sure about that.

 

18 minutes ago, Whisper2 said:

What damaged Jessica's car? Why did JR specifically want to wash his car trunk separately? Did they both witness something?

This hasn't been fully revealed yet, I think. Maybe in tonight's episode your questions will be answered. 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

2 hours ago, chickfactor said:

YS's two older brothers are cameos from "Baek Hee," so it was a treat to see them.

Oh interesting! I'll definitely check this out. Thanks for the link!

 

2 hours ago, chickfactor said:

Is it possible to love Ja Yeong more?

She's one of my favorite characters in the series. Maybe even next to Yong-sik and Pil-gu. It's a joy watching her story unfold. As I've said before, it's like watching a mini drama in a drama. Ja-yeong and Gyu-tae's story can stand alone. The writer is really doing well no, weaving all these intricate stories together happening at the same time in one town. 

 

56 minutes ago, 40somethingahjumma said:

I am wondering now if the Hyang Mi's killer is a different individual to the Joker. Just so as to confuse us yet again

Yes! I've also thought of this because the Joker's pattern is to kill after four arson incidents right? But Hyang-mi died after only two, so it doesn't fit the profile. Maybe it was the pimp? Also, I was thinking the cat killer may not even be the joker. It's just a psycho killing cats. 

 

About the mom's bruises, maybe she's ill. I don't know which disease leads to bruises but maybe cancer? I don't know, and she leaves every evening for treatment? Or she may be working for someone else who's abusing her? I bet we'll know soon because if the preview is to be trusted, they're revealing a new character, a man, who's related to Dong-baek's mom.

 

56 minutes ago, 40somethingahjumma said:

but it's no good constructing your entire identity around your spouse and fickle public opinion

This is true. It's sad that in real life, some people behave this way and build their lives around what other people are saying and tie their identity to their social media persona. 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

3 minutes ago, 40somethingahjumma said:

The dementia is probably a facade. I don't know what she's up to and there are moments I wonder if she's actually the Joker... I'd say no but I did wonder for a bit during the episode.

I did wonder too especially when she told Dong-baek Hyang-mi isn't coming back. But it can't be her. It's just the writer making everyone look suspicious. Also, Dong-baek has been through enough I don't think she deserves to suffer more for the rest of her life being branded as a daughter of a serial killer. As for her illness, I think she has dementia but it's in the early stages. 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

By the way, although I'm not actively thinking about who the joker is, one thing that stood out to me in this episode is the mention of sawdust in the fire. It was also noted in the arson case in previous episodes. What if the joker is working somewhere with a lot of sawdust and this is what's causing the coughing? 

 

 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

Episode 13

 

Favorite Scenes

 

Spoiler

• Yong-sik's eyes when he's determined. 
• No Gyu-tae telling his mom that the future governor of Ongsan Hong Ja-yeong's level is way up there. 
• The neighborhood ahjumas protecting Dong-baek from the journalists/paparazzi. Because how dare them eat the ahjumma's rice cakes when they're not free samples cause she's not running a charity. 
• The ahjummas telling the journalists/paparazzi that Dong-baek's husband is a homicide detective.
• Also, it's nice to hear them say they may treat their younger sisters like Dong-baek that way but they don't like it when outsiders do it too.
• The journalist/paparazzi feeling like he just got mugged after talking to the neighborhood ahjummas. 
• Yong-sik's brothers!!! And one of them is the actor playing the army medic in My Country. 
• "People who grew up being loved never seem to have a problem dating anyone. But for me, it's always all or nothing. I always try not to fall in love because I'm scared I might get hurt." - Dong-baek serving some relatable truths
• This is an intense scene and I don't like how Yong-sik's brothers react to him dating Dong-baek but I cracked up when his older brother said, "I'd rather have you go around catching beetles!"
• Ms. Kwak defending Yong-sik and telling his brothers not to be hard on him because unlike them Yong-sik didn't meet their father. Yong-sik's cry-face watching his mom defend him. 
• "Let's just get married." 
• Yong-sik's line about sharing his luck with Dong-baek reminds me of Ma Hoon  from Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency.

 

Thoughts

• Spoiler

   

  • How dare Gyu-tae tell Ja-yeong he'll make her the first lady of Ongsan. Dude, she's going to be THE GOVERNOR of Ongsan. At this point, I'm no longer liking the idea of them reconciling. Just get divorced because I want to see Ja-yeong happy. 
  • The mess Hyang-mi caused. See, this is why it's difficult to like her. She cares about Pil-gu but she visits Jung-ryeol, thereby, drawing the attention of the journalist/paparazzi to Dong-baek and Pil-gu. 
  • Dong-baek's mom is right about the flowers and Yong-sik's naivety and why the issue with Ms. Kwak needs to be resolved.
  • If the Joker tried to kill Dong-baek after the fourth fire at the market, does that mean he didn't kill Hyang-mi? Because there's a pattern right? 

   

   

This episode shows who Hyang-mi saw by the bus. 

 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

13 hours ago, tiMadam said:

I noticed there is no longer a gathering at the bar since mr noh incident.

Also we see more of the women characters and not so much husbands.

When all of the conflicts are resolved, it would be nice to see both women and their husbands go to the bar. The ahjummas can hang out and gossip and the husbands will gather as usual. It would be nice to see Camellia as a space for everyone, not just for the husbands. 

 

9 minutes ago, faye1030 said:

If only KJR is not an idiot, I will fight for this fam to have another chance of being together. 

 I hadn't thought of it before, but yes, if Jung-ryeol is a good man, I'd be ok with them getting back together. If the writer wrote Jung-ryeol such that he's as good as Yong-sik, I'd be ok if Dong-baek ends up with either one. Good thing the writer didn't. It's easier to choose which character to root for 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

3 hours ago, Prettysup said:

I only know Bang Won is aka Prince Jeongan, his title. Who else has multiple names ?

I think it was his other brothers, or the Crown Prince who was called another name. It took me a few seconds to connect those names. 

 

3 hours ago, Prettysup said:

 

And I think BW already knew Hwi is SG’s son. He did a background check on him, no way he won’t know that by now. 

I see. I was just wondering because in their conversation, Bang-won still had to ask Hwi why he's planning to take down Nam-jeon. I thought Bang-won would assume that it's because Nam-jeon betrayed Hwi's father and that would be Hwi's motivation to target Nam-jeon. So it seems like Bang-won still doesn't know that Seo-gum is Hwi's father? Also, Hwi doesn't know that it was Nam-jeon who betrayed Seo-gum right? He only knows about the letter but not the fact that it was Nam-jeon who did something to get Seo-gum executed? 

 

 

[[Drama 2019] Hotel Del Luna, 호텔 델루나]

Netflix should have aired Hotel Del Luna when the series was ongoing. Now I wonder why Hotel Del Luna won't be on Netflix Korea? Just curious

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

On 10/26/2019 at 6:24 PM, htk9207 said:

It just isn't justified that because she is in dire need meant she could take DB's money. I still can't get over that.

Same. Hyang-mi exists in two different corners of my mind. There's the sympathetic Hyang-mi who had to work to support her family only later on to be ditched by her brother when she needed the support most. But there's also the unlikable Hyang-mi who did horrible things to people who don't deserve it. In my opinion, she could have borrowed the money from Dong-baek but she just had to do the hurtful thing of stealing it or blackmailing other people without thinking about how it would ruin them like for instance, how revealing Jung-ryeol's secret would hurt Pil-gu if the media hounds him and Dong-baek. 

 

It's just... I don't know, there are people who are stuck in a hole and need help, but they don't need to keep digging themselves deeper. 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

I'm only watching Episode 8 now.

 

• You know what's confusing to me sometimes are the multiple names they assign to some characters  You need a character cheat sheet whenever you watch this series. 
• Does Bang-won know that Hwi is Seo-gum's son? I've been waiting for this to happen since I don't know, maybe Bang-won will come to respect Hwi even more if he knew.

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

23 minutes ago, Prettysup said:

The bridge where Jeong Mong-ju was murdered, nowadays in North Korea, has now become a national monument of that country.

What a rich story. Learning this part of Korea's history must be a little complex as you'll see that Bang-won betrayed Poeun but at the same time if Bang-won didn't get to where he was, they wouldn't have Sejong the Great. 

 

Just checked a few minutes ago and the new episode isn't up on Netflix yet? Vagabond (which airs at the same time I think) is already updated but not My Country.

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

5 minutes ago, Prettysup said:

Jeong Mong-ju, also known by his pen name Poeun , was a prominent Korean scholar-official and diplomat during the late Goryeo period.

Ooooh I see! Thank you for the link!  I thought I missed something in earlier episodes. I didn't know it can be Googled. 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

When Sun-ho said he's been suffering everyday and endured the mockery and contempt to get this far, I felt that. He's been making cold decisions but I understand where he is coming from. Also, Hwi understands Sun-ho's situation but they both must do what they have to do. 

 

Anyway, sorry to ask but I think I may have missed something. Bang-won said he killed someone named Po-eun. Who is Po-eun? Does anyone know? 

[[Drama 2019] My Country, 나의 나라]

Sun-ho doesn't realize Hwi doesn't need Sun-ho to save him. It shows that although they are/were? bestfriends, Sun-ho doesn't know Hwi well enough, probably because he's primarily focused on his own goals. What Hwi needs from Sun-ho is for him to use his power to do the right thing, which is of course, also difficult considering Sun-ho's tricky position. 

 

Hmmm... I'm still 10 minutes in Episode 7 but I hope this episode is as good as or better than the previous ones.

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

2 hours ago, lu09 said:

She just decided to live and come clean

This is indeed the sad part. She just decided to turn her life around and then bam! One night she decides to do a good deed for Dong-baek by delivering the food herself, it happens. 

 

2 hours ago, lu09 said:

I'm glad YS mom draw the line today and told DB that she won't tolerate her son being treated like that and he is also someone else's precious son. I know it's not DB fault with JR showing up and interfering in her and PG life but she has to draw the line herself because JR crossed the line couple of times and is not listening to logic

Right? I couldn't stand Dong-baek in this episode because of this. She can't even defend Yong-sik in front of Jong-ryeol when he's always defended her, built her up. Dong-baek and Jong-ryeol needs to sit down and settle custody, child support, visitation, with a lawyer, for everyone's sake. Dong-baek should consult our future governor with that.

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

3 minutes ago, chickfactor said:

It's just... good storytelling.

I agree. It's really solid. You get the sense that the writer truly focused on creating a story that makes sense here, not just for the sake of completing a drama. 

 

I know the writer worked on Fight for My Way, but you mentioned "both." What's the other drama she wrote? 

[[Drama 2019] When the Camellia Blooms, 동백꽃 필무렵]

Ep 12

 

Favorite Scenes

• Spoiler

   

  • When Dong-baek's mom offered Yong-sik beer because she knew Jong-ryeol's gifts for Pil-gu and the comments about him having a rich parent now must have hurt Yong-sik
  • "She's just a bald girl who poops." - Pil-gu 
  • Ms. Kwak is the boss of Ongsan. Two of the strongest women in Ongsan have titles: Hong Ja-yeong, future governor of Ongsan. Ms. Kwak, boss of Ongsan. 
  • "I'm the reason why she looks pretty."  Yong-sik is hot when he's wearing shades and saving children, but also when he's confident like this. 
  • Ms Kwak: "Don't do anything to apologize in the first place!" I mean, right?! Preach Ms. Kwak. Did you hear that, Dong-baek? Did you?! Dong-baek has a son so she knows how Ms. Kwak must be feeling about everything that's happening. Dong-baek should step up and protect Yong-sik too. 
  • Hyang-mi and Dong-baek had a nice final moment at least. Forget-me-not. 

   

   

 

Thoughts:

• Spoiler

   

  • Kind of sucks that Jong-ryeol is still doing Return of Superman even if he knows it will hurt Pil-gu
  • Hyang-mi blames other people for not letting her live a better life, but actually, she's been digging a hole for herself. If she needs money, why does she resort to blackmailing instead of just borrowing money? Can't she ask Dong-baek nicely? I'm sure if Dong-baek knew about her problem, she'd let her borrow the money Jong-ryeol gave her. So her situation is the result of her own doing plus that of others as Dong-baek said prejudice limits people's lives. It's a combination of both. Dong-baek also had to live with those prejudices but she chose to be a good person. 
  • How annoying was Dong-baek's "Why did someone steal from me?" line? Uhmmm maybe because you didn't hide the money and trust someone who can't be trusted? It's not like no one warned Dong-baek. Why be reckless and trusting when she'd cry if she lost the money anyway? I'm so sorry... but she's annoying in Episodes 11 and 12.
  • Hyang-mi's brother is an richard simmons. 
  • I'm taking Ms. Kwak's side because I understand how painful it must be to see your son have to deal with his girlfriend's ex. Why can't Dong-baek and Jong-ryeol just sit down to arrange how they'll co-parent and set boundaries? Dong-baek told him not to come but then texts him to come get the money, when she also previously said she's borrowing it and will return it to him in the future. Yong-sik is the one who's stuck in the middle because of Dong-baek and Jong-ryeol's inability to deal with whatever's going on between them. Also, if I were Ms. Kwak, I would expect Dong-baek to protect Yong-sik from everything about her past that could hurt him, the same way that Yong-sik protects her and builds her up. Instead, we see her just sitting on the table while Jong-ryeol yells at Yong-sik. 
  • But Jong-ryeol sucks here too because he's planning to take Pil-gu.
  • The joker on the phone is coughing.

   

 

 

So many annoying things in Episode 12 - Dong-baek's weakness, Jong-ryeol's pettiness, and Hyang-mi's issues.