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Finally watched the last episode! Cuteness overload really! The parallels. The PARALLELS AND THE DETAILS ARE EVERYTHING! I went and made a big list of every single parallel/detail in the last episode, as a way of saying goodbye to the drama. That's how I fangirl. 1. "His/Her's beauty is out of the world, so it is hard to capture it." - DM for Si An vs RG for DM. 2. Eom fangirling over Si An when she hated her daughter for it. Crazy development! 3. The way DM's contribution is acknowledged by RG in the morning - stark contrast to how Eom/the guest dismissed her work during the first ep! 4. Taking photo of Si An with his nearest and dearest, vs. taking photo of Si An from a distance using telescopic lens! 5. Fangirling over videos of Si An in the cafe to fangirling over actual Si An right in front of them! 6. DM's mom waited all night at the playground to meet RG's mom and they are finally having a conversation in the temple. 7. "I think she's asking about your birthday" DM said about their mothers vs that for marital compatibility that DM's mom pestered her for and she told RG! 8. DM's dad started his hobby of collecting stones after he lost his son. RG's mom stopped painting after she lost her son. 9. DM asked him to read up on his Korean when he didn't get her sarcasm(that yeah, as if he'd refrain from drinking) when she sarcastically said "of course you do". He teased her by saying that when she said she looked good in yellow! 10. The bridal style picking up and putting to bed, was in contrast to how she brought him home when he had drunk a lot in the first staff dinner. 11. Ryan not shaking hands with anyone, but readily doing so with DI(he got over his trauma of cold hands). 12. DM's promotion got replaced by RG coming from USA and now she's getting a chance to work in USA. 13. RG being horrified by her terrible taste(when she tried to get LS painting from him in the China auction) vs. him completely trusting her taste right now and coming out of retirement. 14. Eom making RG director to RG making Eom director. It's hilarious. 15. DM sneaking as SJ's husband to see her during childbirth vs the lesbian couple RG imagined them to be + cross dressed RG playing Latte. 16. THE KISS THE WALL KISS. DM was glowing. I love this so much. I can't breathe. That parallel with 'do you want me', and then that kiss. Dead, deceased and buried. Notes: 1. I loved the fact that she asked him to come with her/be supported by her if he's "jobless" - they made it a joke, and it didn't even faze Ryan(being raised in USA really did him well). This drama really went there with its gender equality - DAMN I LOVE YOU WRITERS! When can I see something like this again in a drama? It feels like it was really ahead of its time.. 2. Eom really missed her husband for like three seconds and hugged him, but then started pestering him. She won't change! Even Bo Ra looked marvelous with her toned-down lipstick - it just changed her aura(vs the second curator who became a little bold!). 3. HJ ended up fangirling SA and then joining EG's classes and then ended up with him - she got a separate hobby, a person she liked, and a job she loved. WHAT CHARACTER GROWTH! YES! @heoimajeossi - that screen cap collection was amazing! Especially the way they switched the color of their outfit +the position between the fake and the real kiss...they know exactly what they are doing. The cordis need a bonus!! I haven't seen better themed outfits in kdramas for a long time. I can't tell you how much I adored DM's styling - I am not into feminine dresses, but if I wore, her closet for his drama would be what I would make mine look like, haha! Maybe I will get into that look someday. PMY was absolutely gorgeous in that last scene. I can't stop spazzing over her. WHAT A BEAUTY! This is my favorite drama ever. I came here looking for a romantic comedy. This drama had to do one thing: deliver a rom-com, and it went far above and beyond my expectations, by being so inclusive, having great women characters, balanced relationships, mature and intelligent leads, strong characterization. Ray Bradbury said that "Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations." That's all I live by, and so I end this drama with no complaints whatsoever. I hope the DVD/BR is within my budget(USD120) - I will definitely buy it! Also, I will really really miss this show, and this wonderful forum. Talking here with everyone, sharing theories, perverted thoughts, gifs! You all were so sweet and positive and nice, and it was when I was going through a slump in real life - so this forum + this drama really kept me floating until I came out of it. Thank you so much to all of you for giving me so many things to be happy about. I hope we all become successful fangirls and fanboys! Love you all so much! Regards, Anna

I reckon that the writer of this drama had a couple of dramas which they were heartbroken over because it used the drama tropes to create tension, resulting in break-ups and stupidity of the leads ruining everything. So they created this webtoon/drama out of spite to show how the same tropes will be handled differently by people who use their brains - and by the characters who are worth their salt. They swore they were going to use every available plot device and trope, but without the frustration - and yet create a very sweet and interesting story. I am so glad to say they succeeded. This drama displaced Marriage not Dating from the position of my top rom-com (I still adore that one though!).

The moment they started taking time to show each and everyone's story, I kinda knew there wouldn't be a major time skip. This couple was so delicious though. As it seems, it is like they spent an year in NY together - which turned another trope round its head. Both went to USA(with DM supporting RG lol) Their supposed fake relationship started from the walls - and they ended at the walls. DM also looked so mature and graceful in her get up(so much different from the loud get up she imagined back in the first episode!) - with DM asking "Do you want me?", and RG replying "Yes." - this is it. EG/HJ together as second leads - what are they doing with the tropes?! They are taking each one of them, turning it round its head and then putting it back. Director Eom fangirling over Si An...haha I am so sad it ended... It ended so well, and I am still unsatisfied. I am just...heart broken because I won't get to see them again.

I can't believe I was dreading this ep when it turned out to be such a blast! As usual - the stuff I LOVED: 1. The pillow talk to dressing up - I was feeling like a third wheeler but I enjoyed it so much. The way they flirt is just oompf. When DM called RG a "Shy Boy" for keeping their "night" a secret from the staff, he asked her to wear HIS clothes(flustering DM because that'd mean her clothes got torn or something - my dirty dirty mind! TMI for sure) - They are such a quirky couple - I haven't talked about it much but I love how DM never lost her sarcasm throughout the series. Just. The. Best. Couple. Ever. 2. Si An is the gift(parallel with selfies!) - can only be given by someone as mature and understanding as Ryan(how great is he? how amazing is he supposed to be? Is there ANY limit?) Planning out in order to keep SNG a secret, and being such a sweetheart. He's impeccable. Protect him, love him, hug him, nurture him. 3. DM is still an expert photographer/editor - and I am so glad they still kept her true to character with Ryan's childhood photos. The way even Ryan's arc didn't let her fade into the background - such brilliant execution, really. 4. Ryan being so comforting to DM when she was overwhelmed - the quiet, reassuring "It's okay" means a lot. "It's okay - It's okay." Just listening to it comforted me as well. He can put his past beyond him, be thankful for little blessings, and comfort people who have hurt him. He's too kindhearted a soul to exist. 5. Cindy calling EG a pushover was freaking hilarious, but also apt. Also her mom panicking and checking the family registry lmao!!!! The way she screamed "Hyo Jin is MY daughter" when DM's mom called Cindy, her daughter - it was so damn funny! "Why do you keep calling her your daughter, she's mine!" - it was precious. Beyond all pettiness and pride, I guess Eom So Hye is a very insecure mother. Cute! 6. There's even parallel in closing eyes - who's the scriptwriter? Or were all these in the webtoon? In any case, I will die to see more from them! Our tastes match! 7. DM is repeating that the painting is "perfect" thrice, when RG was so nervous about it! I will miss them so much. The absolute bond they have...they are completely perfect for each other. He called her more precious than the paintings... and to think they called each other crazy the first time - we have come so far, and in such a healthy way. They don't even need a wedding at this point of time - they've become closer than I've seen actual couples be. Time skip is the way to go, writer nim. Time skip with little lion cubs. 8. I am glad they didn't forget...that DM has a career to follow too! There were some things she wasn't able to do, and now she can finally move on and work on them - giving the female leads, their career aspirations attention, not as a plot device(for the separation of doom), but as an important part of character growth. (that was one thing that really put me off in PMY's last drama) Sad stuff under spoilers because no: Lastly, @tinymel thank you for your defence of childhood lovers trope. Reading your writings, it made so much sense. And I completely agree the writer is trying her best to keep them balanced and equal - with ages, competency, professions(if not a world renowned critic, at least DM was a de facto director till Eom was the formal one), amnesia - she did all she could to keep them at equal ground and that's the biggest reason why this drama is such a pleasure to watch. That's probably also why she would end with DM going to USA and finally becoming what she has wanted to be, and also standing shoulder to shoulder with RG on the world stage. A perfect match in every sense of the word. About comparisons with WWWSK: Please recommend me more stuff - novels, webtoons, dramas, anything from this particular writer! I love her. I absolutely love her.

THIS DRAMA IS IT. I haven't seen a better drama. This drama literally is the best thing ever. This author's love for parallels is going to kill me someday!!!!! 1. We wanted to see Ryan paint DM. We got it. 2. DM's intense fangirling - we got it. 3. Eom So Hye being the insecure mom is the loveliest thing I have seen. Fight between her and DM's mom was incredible. 4. The reason that DM's family became one of fanatics is probably because they tried to cope up with the loss. 5. The childhood story ended up being a red herring - it was there to troll us into thinking we'd go to the normal kdrama route but we were in for a pleasant surprise. 6. RYAN GOLD IS PERFECT. He got Si An as her birthday present(I fricking called it) 7. What am I seeing here: DIxSA|HJxEG? WTF? 8. SA is the perfect dongsaeng - thanks for this yes! 9. The SELFIE WITH SI AN!!! What a pleasant parallel. 10. The little family celebrating the birthday of their daughter in law KILLED ME. So sweet it was! @Ondine I agree, I was so anxious when they weren't holding hands and walking - coupled with bad stream, I was shouting at my laptop screen because I thought it's going the typical way. I tried streaming but the stream was so pathetic that it would load two frames in a min with no audio whatsoever. A pain! Thank you all live recappers and screenshotters(is that a word? lol) I will never be able to watch another romcom after this it has ruined me! ALSOOOO! If they are going to USA, and it obviously won't be filmed, WE WILL GET A TIME SKIP! AN EPILOGUE! YES! Hopefully with kids too! This is brilliant!!

At this point, if I die alone, blame Ryan Gold - this man is way too perfect for real life. I need him and no one else.

DM will not leave RG's hand with his voice trembling like that because: 1. If Deok Mi repeats Ep 8-9 breakup thing - I will be severely disappointed. It makes no narrative sense for the OTP to get closer over and over and then DM going back and doing the same thing. If I am the author, I would probably show the parallel between the two "break up" points - one in which DM/RG had their issues and insecurities and second where they are back stronger and will not fall apart. Going by the script writing and the author's love of parallels and avoidance of conflicts, noble idiocy route is impossible imo. 2. She's not at fault in her mom's case because she lost her own memories too. She is angry at her mom, and sorry towards RG. In this case it makes sense that RG & DM should be distanced from her parents and her parents need to make amends, not OTP with each other. There comes a time in your relationship when you and your spouse are a team while dealing with both set of parents - I am expecting that to be played out here, since it was played out at the time of RG. Parallels are the key. 3. DM's mom needs a redemption point - like everyone in this drama, and therefore, her apology towards RG, her daughter and explanation needs to be provided - will that be given when RG/DM are together or to sort out issues between RG & DM? Will she hit DM(broken up scenario) back into sense - which she has "lost the right to" considering she lied to DM/hid things from her. Therefore, DM's mom will explain things to the couple while they are together - not separated. 4. The hands would be really nice to hold - how can anyone deny those beautiful hands. She's a fangirl, she can't be that big of an idiot. Just my two cents on why it would make zero sense from a writer's point of view to go through the noble idiocy route. Sleep well, guys - they can't betray us like this. ALSO, the birthday present is Si An, isn't it? It has to be!

Sorry for riding your question meant for @jd50, but I was lurking so I thought I should clarify: 1. The author who had the photographer as his lover. The hatred he faced because of his father, and the fact that he could not acknowledge his love until his lover died and even after that - because this society never allowed him to. The relief he found when DM told him that the photographer probably knew about his love even without declarations, the wholesomeness of it all. LGBT relationships are needlessly sexualized but they are normal relationships that are formed on affection and bonding, just physical intimacies don't need to be emphasized all the time. To find a sweet tragic love story in such a circumstance, while weaving it into the whole narrative was really sensitive and mature. 2. The fact that Ryan believed SJ and DM were a lesbian couple trying to find some time intimate together and tried his level best to protect them as a social minority group in a conservative country - that's how he started the fake dating scene. It did not make fun of the situation in a sexual way, but it did highlight how an American and a Korean look at the same thing differently. Yes it was awkward and drove the story forward, but these are the little things that slowly build a more accepting culture in the general public towards the community in my personal experience. This drama touched it so well considering SK is a conservative Asian country.

Episode 14 BEST(+happy) moments: 1. RYAN CALLED DM EVEN when he was falling apart because he wanted her to go to sleep and he knew she'd be awake waiting for him - that's true love, folks. Also, DM running to meet RG late at night and knowing he'd be in the gallery was just cherry on top - and the way she scolded him - at this point I don't even know who I love more out of the two. The wake up scene was excellent, I LOVE CINDY. 2. (future) Sister in law-brother in law duo working to bring Ryan and his mom together - this is one tag team I NEED in the future for EVERYTHING. SA knows SNG. I will say it again. 3. PMY's english, just like her pronunciation of Ryan, was extremely pleasing to me for some reason. Also how she solved things for Ryan - I love you writers, you did a fine job at keeping her relevant (so she didn't fade into the background). Ryan's past had to be resolved anyhow, and so I am glad they kept DM as an important key/support throughout. She has matched Ryan's affection, understanding, patience...measure for measure. She's a life partner in every sense of the word. 4. Ryan's mother can't drink coffee...I love the little touch they added. Also Lee Il-Hwa...what a seasoned actress. 5. KJW portrayed Yoon Jae so well.... The tremor in his voice, the whispers, the intonation, voice cracks... I was heartbroken. 6. Hyo Jin calling DM's mom "mom" - I can't believe she's becoming my favorite character. Also the gallery staff getting disgusted by their PDA was funny af. 7. The way they create parallels, and match everything scene for scene - seductive teasing, the team dinner, coffee kiss, sandwiches, giving space, "Made in 1987"... I am so in love with the narration. Pretty sure they will give us more parallels like SA/LS actually acknowledging DM for her contribution to the exhibition when it was denied before. 8. I LOVED THE LAST SCENE. Hear me out. Yes, it was not sexy or explicit or daring, but the the last scene was so much more emotionally intense than ep9-10 kiss. The first is something you do after being apart from your lover for too long and you need to feel them as much as you could, but this scene was something that tells you that they will be just as unbreakable for as long as they live. The slow fall of her hair, him taking out the brush from her bun - it seemed to convey the union more beautifully than an actual explicit scene would. Think about it this way: bun signified DM was hiding things, and then she let her hair down when her identity was revealed. The fact that Ryan let it down himself, meaning she is allowing him to enter the guarded walls she has kept around herself as a woman at his free will/own initiative, after mutual declarations of love seems to convey intimacy of consummation without the need of an explicit bed scene. The direction is magnificent. The fact that they both seem quite conservative towards these activities(Ryan never stays back for the night as long as he can manage to etc.) - it, like first night of a newly wedded couple, holds immense significance. I don't know how to explain it well but I think people with slightly conservative values might understand? We might get to see them stumbling into the room locked in an embrace, but this action was the crux of it all.

(apologize for not recapping this week, I couldn't see the whole episode, only the last few mins because there are elections in my country) Two things: 1. DM WAS WEARING RYAN'S SHIRT WHEN THEY SLEPT TOGETHER. Something happened. Alright, Something happened but was censored to save the population of fangirls. TAKING THAT HAIR STICK OUT OF THE BUN WAS SO HOT I DIED. How can that small a thing be so sexy? 2. Can I cry because I love Ryan and Deok Mi so much, she's so good for him, she knows how much to push him and how much to love him. RELATIONSHIP GOALS! My sentiment is: Self gloating that doesn't matter because this is a romcom and not a thriller but I called it, the last painting will be of Ryan, Si An knows DM is a fangirl, there will be a car accident - knew it!

I was trying to stop myself from believing DM's mom abandoned RG...but here we are. Anyway, if I have to theorize, let me put things into perspective. I will hide my very inaccurate theories of the past under the spoiler tag, and future without. For the rest of the story? 1. DM's mom has a lot of explaining to do, but I really hope we come out unscathed and we can love her character just like before. 2. I don't think we will get the noble idiocy arc - DM gave RG 12 hrs to sort out his mind, and might demand the same from him but large level conflict seems out of the picture. She's a victim in all this too - her memory was lost when she was a child and she was probably lied to/didn't have stake in this, so "leaving RG" when RG has explicitly mentioned he wants to move on would be completely out of character. We have spent a lot of time on her character development, so will she again refuse to trust RG's heart? No, it makes no narrative sense. 3. Let's also remember that RG didn't think/remember his birth mother once, until he saw the painting three years and started searching for her, so he had an warm and loving home in USA, and never felt like he was in need of anything - even if they don't show his foster parents now. This is important because even if DM feels bad/guilty because of her mother - her mother had her own compulsions and RG didn't have a bad childhood, he grew up with good education, was able to pursue a field he liked, and excelled in it as an artist and director which he might not have otherwise, kudos to his foster parents for that. 4. It would be hard on both the leads in ep 14 and 15... but the last few mins of ep 13 have me believing that DM would be the person who would be able to sort things for RG and her mother in law his mom in the next episode, after which the focus should shift back to DM where she confronts her own family 5. It's both a good thing and a bad thing that they have too many things to wrap up in the last three episodes, so we would not get any break up trope to further buy time - we have a number of side stories, about SJ, outing SNG in front of SA at least, the variety show, EG&DI, the workplace romance between the curator and YS, and finally Cindy's career growth to resolve. They can't fit this drama trope stuff anywhere without losing out on anything else. I have been so badly scarred with dramas that I am paranoid about the last two episodes. 6. Lastly, lets talk about some happy things which are the reason i watch the show: a. DM's small moments of fangirling where she was so giddy to see SA around, almost shouted his name on phone and teased RG by pretending to leave! The fact that he trusts her to sort things out with RG...she's one successful fangirl! b. DM wouldn't be stupid enough to let go of RG now that her bias' has the chance of becoming her brother in law lol - and SA would get an adoring older sister, his biggest fansite, all his life haha. The girl has consistent taste though, SA & RG...both her favorite men! c. One small detail...the fact that the two leads say thank you to each other instead of sorry. So if RG tells DM his past and it hurts him, DM doesn't say "sorry for making you tell me" - she says "thank you for telling me, I am grateful". Similarly for RG, he thanks her for being there, for listening, for telling him about EG...he isn't sorry to bother her, he's grateful that she considers him so important. This dynamic will probably save the day against of drama tropes lol - like if the story would have led to: "I am sorry for being such a terrible memory for you/hurting you back in childhood, I won't hurt you anymore by reminding you of it and so let's break up", it is converted into "I am really really thankful you are still here by my side even when you are in so much pain because of me; thank you for loving me so much." (hope this also reminds the lurking writers that we won't accept stupid actions by our leads) d. DM's BIRTHDAY! "Do you have another boyfriend?" Ryan's pouty face was the cutest thing ever. The little kisses, flirting, suggestive directions and all are lovely to watch. Bed scene would be extremely tame though, considering they don't want us to die. e. I NEED MY EPILOGUE WITH KIDS OR I AM NOT FORGIVING THE DIRECTOR/SCRIPTWRITER EVER. THERE ARE STILL 8 DAYS OF SHOOTING LEFT. DON"T DISAPPOINT ME!

I agree with you all, this drama has ruined me for all others. The problem with me is that I have started comparing all male leads to Ryan and I'm so dissatisfied. 1. Wrist grab and dragging the female lead against her will is not romantic, Ryan will never do that. He holds her hands so tenderly. 2. Surprise kiss without acknowledgement of interest? Dude no - look at Ryan, the only time he kissed her was after explicit declarations of love and mutual understanding and consent. The thumb kiss? Amazing save there. He didn't just say, I think she likes me and then proceed. He waited for her to come out and tell him. He's great. 3. Broody male lead because of tragic past who randomly shouts at the female lead? No please, she is not your punching bag, be considerate like Ryan, he apologized for ruining the mood and being grumpy even if he knew DM didn't mind. My woke hero knows she is not at fault for his family issues 4. Lack of apologies for any transgressions or shouting? My lion doesn't lead that life. 5. Treating your girlfriend/wife as someone who needs to be protected and not told stuff, more like a child than a life partner? Heck no, Ryan will tell her everything because she's supposed to know if as a long term romantic partner. 6. Overruling decisions of female lead? No, man, Ryan might have more experience but he respects DM's authority like when she recommended Cindy should handle merchandising (with an ulterior motive yes, but her hunch as a team leader/superior was on point) 7. Causing embarrassment to female lead for being wrong or making mistakes in public? Lion doesn't even know what that means. I remember the staff recalling that DM was once fired but they didn't know the reason, and then during the team dinner guessed it was because DM was too forward with her desires. Clearly, Ryan never publicly humiliated/embarassed her but I can guarantee that all other leads would have screamed all details in public view. Infact, he actively saves her from being outed as SNG. 8. Being grumpy or screaming at female lead for being caught with "another guy" and forbidding her to "smile/laugh/meet" another guy? Lol, lion ain't insecure. He was annoyed, listened to her, and also finally told her that she should not deal with EG rashly because he's important to her and he trusts that she won't be swayed. 9. Violation of privacy? Ryan can never do that. He didn't misuse Latte. His conversations with her weren't to ask for information. He told her his issues and waited for response, but didn't probe if there was someone she liked or anything. Others would have. 10. "We cannot fight in the streets. We are educated people." Enough said. So whenever I switch to any other drama, it just gets me mad and I just go gaga over how amazing Ryan Gold is once again. Same for DM, to be honest, but really, Ryan just wiped the floor with any kdrama lead I have seen so far.

Ok this will come off as weird because I'm completely obsessed with RG and DM having children and I'm saying this for the third time lol. Now this won't be canon, because writers tend to end with weddings or just final reunions(in case of noble idiocy) instead of actual depiction of their family life - something I desperately want to see considering I need Ryan to have a loving family. So whether they show it or not, my headcanon lasts for 3-4 mins and goes this way: Ryan is just done with his work and is now looking for what his kids are upto on a Sunday afternoon. He enters the room of his daughter who's completely obsessed with aquariums and ocean and aquatic life to the point that she has blankets, walls, chairs, toys, everything covered in turtles, whales, jellyfishes. He doesn't find her there so he looks for his son in the next room who's just as obsessed with space and rockets and black holes. He doesn't find him there either. And he finally looks at the nursery/playroom they have for their youngest offspring who's like 3-4 and it has all sorts of chimes and baby keyboards and sound mimicing toys. So he's perplexed and goes to the garden/terrace/porch where he finally sees them all covered in (kid friendly non toxic) paint, and having a drawing/painting session with their mom, laughing and running around. They notice him and run upto him, asking him to get involved, while DM holds up a spare apron for him, smiling and happy. Just imagining it made me so happy that I thought I should put it over here. Hope y'all find it as cute as I did.

Having established Ryan Gold is the perfect boyfriend/husband ever for 10 episodes, we got two episodes establishing why Deok Mi is the best girlfriend/wife ever. This is something I really appreciate - it took a while for RG to open up, and the delay was necessary I think(even from production's view considering it's traumatic for him), and DM was there all along, to improve his mood, to comfort him, to help him, to watch out for him - and he finally came across and told her what all things are bothering him, and she was there to hold him. My girl will never let me down, and I am pretty sure she'll come up as his biggest support in the final episodes - LEARN KDRAMA WRITERS, LEARN. The relationship isn't the conflict here, it is the relationship that is the solution to the conflicts, and if not the solution, the support that keeps you from breaking. On a side note, this is setting such a healthy example for relationships for everyone. You care for each other, you respect each other, you accept their quirks and are there for each other, and most importantly, you trust each other. You don't need to get along all the time, but you have to put your ego aside and look at what matters the most. I know there are not many young people in the forum, especially of my age(early 20s) who have just stepped in the "adult" world(I come from a conservative country) and are looking at relationships from this eye, but this is setting such high standards of how you should be if you actually love someone - and the amount of respect and space to give and accept from people... I seriously think I am lucky this drama came at the point when I am at this juncture, and as a fangirl nonetheless.

I am unable to recap because of terrible stream but: When I see guys taking care of children and playing with them, it does things to me and my ovaries tbh...and if that guy is Kim Jae Wook i.e. Ryan Gold...