[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

I have not seen episode 15 yet; however, I did read the recap and I am so angry with JH's mom.  She isn't really thinking about JH, she is acting on her own personal biases.  I am peeved, I am pissed,  JH is hurting; SH is hurting and she has no remorse. 

I am still amazed, and I have been watching k-dramas for years, the first one was "Wide as the Earth, High as the Sky", I think it was that drama in which the mother made the son and daughter-in-law divorce because she did not get pregnant in the time frame she thought she should get pregnant.  All these years later, the dynamics still have not changed.   How do you arrange your lips to tell someone else to break-up with your child...and that is supposed to be love?  I am not Asian and do not fully understand the Asian culture; therefore, I do not pass judgement on the customs and practices, except on this issue.  When we have children, we nurture them, provide for them, protect them, and instill morals and values in them. Our job as parents are to prepare them to become productive and valued citizens in society,  loving spouses, and great parents.  Our job is not to guide (interfere in) their entire life from cradle to grave. Once they've reached adulthood,  the parents become a sounding board if needed, an adviser if necessary and a supporter.  Because, as parents, were blessed to have children, does not mean you meddle in their lives once they've become adults.  As JH's father said, JH's Umma  really does not know her son.  I do not think JH will ever look at his Umma the same.  Therefore, my question is was it worth it? Was breaking them up worth losing the love your son had for you?  A love where he smiles when he speaks to you on the phone, a love where he always thinks of you and worries about you...the only other person he loves as much as he loves you is SH.  JH's mother knows that both SH and JH are hurting, but it doesn't faze her, she has this delusional holier then thou, I know what is best attitude.   What she should do is to go to SH and tell her, "I was wrong." "JH loves you enough to weather any storm; therefore, do not break up I will support you." 

Please excuse any misspellings or grammatical errors, I am so peeved at this episode that I will wait until the weekend to watch it, after episode 16 is subbed.  If I find out that they did not get back together, I will skip both episodes. 

[[Drama 2018-2019] Memories of the Alhambra | Recuerdos de la Alhambra, 알함브라 궁전의 추억]

I loved this drama because of its originality...that is until episode 16.  It was one of the worst k-drama endings  I have seen.  The only thing they had to do is to have her run up the steps and they embrace and I would have been satisfied, not ecstatic, but satisfied.  This ending was awful.  The ending did not just leave me hanging but frustrated and confused.   

 

What I could not understand is why JW would possibly be deleted? 

If he was no longer human, but had become a part of the game, when did he die?

Who killed him?  That part of the story left me confused.  All of the other images, when the bug was removed, they were deleted and ended up in a pile of powder, but there was not trace of JW after Emma stuck the key in him. Before he gave the key to Emma the last time, he said that he was afraid, he did not want to die.     

The first time, when Yoo Jin-woo gave the key to Emma, I was surprised that she stuck it into his heart; however, I thought that was he was in game mode, and she was trying to eliminate the bugs in the game, not that he was dead. ( I am going by the statement made when he gave Emma the key the second time).  Can someone explain it to me? I also would have like to know how and why the game killed. How was that possible?   Another K-drama ruined by a rushed ending with unanswered questions.

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

6 hours ago, gigivillaceran said:

My God since the drama start till end im crying what is going on do i have to prepare myself cos i think there will be no happy ending, Jinsoo the mother's is evil, now how can i start my day tom if the episode tonight stuck in my head and thinking if we have a happy ending i have no energy right now Soohyun can i borrow your sleeping pills pls

I have not seen episode 14; however, I do not think Jin-Soo's mom is evil...misguided, yes...evil, no.  She is from an older generation that thinks everyone should stay in their place. 

Although she worries for her son, she did not have the right to go to Soo-Hyun and tell her to break up with him, because he might get hurt. 

As I stated about WS's mother, parents should stay out of their grown children's decisions.  Talk to them as Jin Soo's father did, counsel them if necessary; however, the final decision has to be the "grown" child's.  If they get hurt in the process, be there for them, offer a shoulder to lean on.  People learn when they make their own mistakes, follow their own hearts and make their decisions, good or bad.  The parent's job is to be there for their children if they fall.  Jin-Soo's mom for all her good intentions, let her fears and insecurities get in the way of Jin-Soo's happiness.  Actually, she is the one that hurt him.  The people on the outside mean nothing to him; however, he loves his mother and yet she could not see pass those jealous people in her small circle to embrace her son's decision.  

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

On 1/11/2019 at 2:43 PM, bebebisous33 said:

I loved your analogy. Great analysis.

 

I have been thinking about this: JWS even said that he had no idea how to manage Donghwa hotel, this would be new for him. So once CSH decides to quit as CEO with no regret, JWS will become the new CEO of Donghwa hotel and has no idea how to do it. It would be great if the D. hotel faces another crisis because JWS made the wrong decision: building a pool instead of keeping the garden in Cuba... JWS is definitely someone who has no idea about treasuring something, love of the past... he would expect that a grand hotel has a swimming pool. 

Thank you.  That means a lot coming from our chief analyzer. 

 

@htk9207  .... I'm sure a lot of women are interested in him. But he knows his mom. No one would be good enough. And friends? I'm sure he has plenty of acquaintance but no real friends. So I could imagine that for someone who's used to women fawning over him, he couldn't believe or accept that SH was not susceptible to his charms. And now seeing her with someone, who for him, is just an ordinary guy. His pride and ego couldn't accept this reality. He is in serious denial. Worse, I don't think he was ever in love with her in the first place. He is his mother's son after all. Unfortunately, I don't find him boring. I find him creepy with his persistence in insisting that he's trying to protect her and the hotel. He's giving me scary vibes where it not this drama labeled as melodrama and not psycho thriller, I swear I could imagine him pointing a gun at her and still swearing he wants to protect her. He needs help seriously. 

 

I apologize for cutting your post short.  I agree with you except for one point.

I think he does love her in the only way he knows how.  However, he made the choice to set her free, he should stand by his decision and let her be free.  His problem is that he cannot accept that she, as a successful woman, would fall in love with someone he is considers common and beneath them socially.  Therefore, she must have "lost her mind" and needs him to guide her back to the right path.  JWS is arrogant and lonely man.  What he should do is find a "commoner" that knows how to live to make him smile and teach him to love.  Whereas CSH needed love and attention to give her courage, JWS needs to find love so that he can have a discover his heart. 

I have one thing to say that has been gnawing at me, I know that this drama is speaking to the issue and I am happy.  It galls me to no end that a man can have a much younger woman; however, if a woman falls for a much younger  man, then something must be wrong with her and somehow he has bewitched her.   Part of JWS and many members of the Board's problem is that not only is the person she loves not on her "level" socially; but he is younger.  I bet is she showed attention to some of those old men, they would be falling all over themselves to be apart of her life, if you get my drift. 

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

I have so many thoughts about episode 12 and I have not watched it fully subbed...with this drama, everything is nuanced; therefore, the subs are important.  If I ramble, please bare with me and forgive me.

 

The main question I have is what would make some of the shareholders think that the hotel was in trouble...don't they read their financial reports?  So what if CSH have a love interest, I am sure many of the board members have mistresses.   If my investment is doing better under new management, why go with someone who has no experience?  Does JWS think the former hotel leadership will help him when they were a part of the decline of the hotel?   What I don't like is: 

1.   JWS looks at CSH as property and not a respected human being;

2.  JWS has no confidence in CSH abilities to make informed decisions although she took a failing hotel and made it five star again...how arrogant.

 

Why is it now that JWS decided to step up to the plate?  When he had her, he did not protect her from his mother.  I will use this analogy.  Many times a kid will get tired of a toy and put it way in the toy box and forget about it until another kid decides he/she likes the toy and want to play with it.  The kid who owns the toy, had no interest in the toy; however, once another child likes the toy and wants to play with it, then all of a sudden, it's mine...I want to play with it, you cannot have it.  It is the same with JWS, he was not interest in getting back with CSH until JH showed interest in her and she in him.  Now, "stay away from my woman."  Really, you have your chance and squandered it.  If JWS really loves CSH, he would let her go and wish her happiness.  I would not say that JWS is evil yet, but I will say that he is petty, childish, and arrogant. 

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

12 hours ago, stardustvoid said:

But back in Seoul, it seems like this is the first time they are lying in bed together. So boomboom town did not happen in Cuba? I know it sounds so trivial, but I need little details like these in my drama LOL

 

If it didn’t happen in Cuba, then why was JH sleepy the morning after in the airport?

 

I hope this makes sense LOL

Good point.  Yes they knocked boots in Cuba. 

I believe the "Boom-boom" did happen in Cuba.   Sometimes, we just have to use our imagination.  There is no way that those kisses were that steamy on the hotel balcony and nothing happened.  I think  that is why JH was comfortable in suggesting he spend the night.  While JH was laying next to SCH in bed,  and she told him to go, JH said something to the effect ... and I am being so good.  Which I took to mean, there was a time in the past "Cuba" that he was very bad. 

I think SCH is more constrained  because they are back in Korea.  SCH is aware that someone could be watching her house; therefore,  she was reluctant to have him stay because she did not to risk a picture of him coming out her house on social media.  

 

I am wondering about her thoughts the next morning that he was more of a stimulant...just saying.  

 

I have to watch episode 12 again with the full subtitles, before I make too many comments. 

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

On 12/23/2018 at 10:05 AM, larrysouth said:

It is also written: "The woman came out of a man's rib.  Not from his feet to be walked on.  Not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal.  Under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved."  I think KJH's love has spoiled her from ever going back to JWS. 

I never heard this saying before but I love it.  Thank you so much.

This sentiment explains this drama.  KJH is younger; however, in actions, he is more mature the JWS.  KJH treats CSH as an equal, he is considerate, loving, and protective.  What else can you ask for from a man, regardless of age.  I feel sorry for JWS, not because CSH does not want him, but because he was broken down by his mother and he does not know how to be a man.

Attention overprotective mothers:  You do a grave disservice to your sons and daughters.  Adults need to be able to think for themselves, make their own decisions and mistakes. If JWS could learn how to stand up to his mother, then losing CSH would be worth it.

 

I have not read all the many post yet; but I have to respond to this saying...profound in its simplicity.

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

2 hours ago, dukesa1122 said:

5 hours ago, bebebisous33 said:

And now this caught my attention again 

As you can observe, this little scene justifies why CSH is totally different from JWS.

 

I seem to not have any recollection about this scene. At which part is this and which episode? 

Thank you for all the insight, btw bebebisous. This thread is so lucky because we have historians and artists. 

 

As I read everyone's posts, I thought what a great group of posters watching this drama.  I have not posted much because you are saying everything that I would say.  I am just enjoying reading the opinions, thoughts, perspectives and analyses.  You are all fantastic.

 

I cannot thank the writer enough for giving us a great script, the directors for their vision and the actors for their skill and professionalism. The pace is perfect, the actors timing is perfect and the story is so sweet and moving.  It brings back so many memories of falling in love.  Sometimes their actions may seem a little over the top; however, those actions help to convey how the characters are feeling.  All of us who have been in love may not realize it but we smile more, we are happier, (sometimes annoying so), and whatever the problem, we feel we can solve it. 

 

This story proves that love can work with an older woman and a younger man.  It shows us that it is not about age, but about maturity, attraction, and commonality.  One might assume that because they are from different backgrounds they have nothing in common; however, they both love art and poetry.   Although CSH is older, KJH is smart, well read, responsible, kind, and a diligent, thoughtful worker. The most important aspect is that he allows CSH to be herself.  He is not pushy and does not impose his ideas on her.  With KJH, CSH can be human; she can play in the sand, go to the movies and eat at Subway.  Things she could not do growing up, as a chaebol's wife, or a CEO, she can do with KJH. For the first time, she is enjoying life, living and loving.  This is her first real love also. 

 

Keep the great post coming.  I might not respond often, but I will come out to read your posts.  I can't wait for the next two episodes, until then, I will watch episode 10 again.

 

I will recommend this drama to all my k-drama friends that are not already watching.

 

 

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

It is a little early; however, this drama has just moved to number one on my romantic drama list.  I don't see two people with an age gap, a class gap, or a wealth gap, I just see two people falling in love.  JH is very mature for his age, and although CSH is older than he, because she has always been told what to do in her personal life, CSH is on the same level as JH when it comes to love.  I am so impressed with the level of writing, the direction and the cinematography.  Encounter is a joy to watch.  It makes me reminisce and reflect on when I first fell in love.  That stage of a relationship is so special and this drama captures it perfectly. Some thought the kiss should have been more, I thought the kiss was just right for a first kiss.  Most people are a little hesitant about their first kiss, and under these circumstances, I thought the kiss was just enough, I loved the way it was filmed with the close-ups, the panning out, the party in the ballroom and their encounters... it was a wonderful kiss that left something to our imagination. (I can imagine the after party and the next morning)  

 

All of the actors are outstanding even the evil m-n-l and the pushy mother.   I am not always happy with the outcome, but I am always left feeling satisfied that I have watched great episode where all the actors rose to the occasion.   This is a first class drama, good work from all involved.  Thank you. 

 

@rdturbo  I am glad you joined our conversation.  I used to post on other sites; however, I found many of the posts on those sites were personal attacks on the actors and other nasty irrelevant nonsense that did not move the conversation forward or add insight to the topic. I am glad I found Soompi.  Most of the posts here are about the drama and characters.   We do not always agree, but for the most part, everyone is respectful of others opinions, analysis and critiques.  

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

1 hour ago, myneighbortotoro said:

I find the samples you listed really interesting, because they actually also support why a conservative society would oppose SH and JH’s relationship. None of the couples listed produced any children during their marriage. And if there are children, they are either from the woman’s previous relationship or adopted.

 

Of course NOT saying a marriage must yield biological children to have purpose and meaning! But I can see how “continuing the bloodline” would be a vital consideration for elders in the family, especially in a socially conservative society. 

 

 

 If the woman was of child bearing age, although she was older, having children would not be a problem.  The ages of these two characters are 34 and 27, there is not reason why they could not have children.  

 

 

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

I have not had a chance to read all of the posts; however, I would like to make a case for older women marrying younger men with the following list:

1) French President Emmanuel Macron's wife is 24 years his senior.  

2) Tina Tuner's husband is 16 years her junior

3) Hugh Jackman's wife is 13 years older than he.

4) Carol Burnett's husband is 23 years younger than she is.

 

These two characters are only 7 years apart.  CHS and KJH can have that happy ending.

 

I understand that they have more than an age gap to overcome; they must also overcome the wealth and "class" gap.  However, it would be nice for them to overcome those obstacles and have a happy ever after.  They are sole mates. Are sole mates determined by age?    What CHS needs in her life, now is someone who cares for her solely.  That fact that KJH is not from a prominent family or a wealthy background is a plus, his focus is on CHS, what makes her smile, what makes her happy.  Up to now CHS has lived for others, and what is expected of her.  She is successful in her own right and does not need a man's arm to be recognized.  It is time for her to start enjoying life and I think KJH is the one who can fill that role.  

 

Side bar:  Do you realize what a heady experience it is to have a younger man think you are cute, sexy, and is falling in love with you and want to jump your bones?  CHS, don't let anyone come between you and your chance to have a happy life...go for it.  If her ex-husband not only fell in love with a women of humble means, but one older than he...it would not only drive his mother insane but kill her.  

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

I love this drama.  I am on a wonderful ride with these two.  I think that the K-drama has finally grown-up to air a drama portraying two individuals, an older, divorced, well accomplished woman, and a younger, well read, mature man, falling in love.  I am loving the journey from strangers connecting in Cuba to their "some" relationship.   Their chemistry makes my heart do somersaults.  I am 100% in their corner regardless the obstacles.   I do feel sorry for her ex-husband, but not enough for her to be in a relationship with him again.  I would love to see him embrace her decision, move on and wish her happiness.  It would be nice to see him find someone to love, someone of a humble background so that it would drive his mother insane.  

 

How do I describe it?  The plot is fast paced; however, the story line is slow.  I have watched how they've moved from phase to phase in their relationship and not have had that out of breath, rushed feeling. The walks in-hand, the bicycle ride, playing in the sand on the beach, and thinking about each other smiling, makes me reminisce about when I was falling in love with my mate; the I can't wait to see him again feeling, smiling when I thought about him, and not being sure if I wanted to entered into a more permanent relationship with him.   I applaud the writer and the directors for  one of the most beautiful K-drama love stories I have seen in years.  Even the poems and illustrations are perfect. 

I am hoping for a happy ending.   

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

On 12/12/2018 at 10:10 AM, icyphoenix said:

On 12/12/2018 at 10:06 AM, tlireal said:

I don't understand what went wrong in the marriage. She seemed to try to make the best out of it.

I felt the same.. I guess communication was the failure in this relationship.. Her husband also seems to be loving her n she also did try for pleasing him.. I want to know more n more abt their relationship too.. I loved all the flashbacks in today's episode as it showed more abt CSH n KJH!! 

Ultimately their parents (mothers) might have had something to do with the failure of their marriage.  Even when you love one another the first couple of years, (if you have not lived together before) are the hardest because you are really getting to know each other.  With those two mothers, I can imagine it make things much harder.  Hopefully we will be given more insight into the break-up of their marriage.

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

5 hours ago, mouse007 said:

I, too, think that ex-husband really did love Cha Seo Yoon even though it was an arranged marriage. Unfortunately, she felt as though she was "sold off" by her own mother and so she probably just endured it and wasn't open to reciprocating the ex-husband's feelings. If she was cold and distant through the entire marriage, I can understand why the ex-husband cheated. Maybe he thought that by cheating on her, she would feel jealous and prompt her to want to hold on to him. I do feel somewhat bad for ex-husband because he seems to really care for her and is doing what he can to help her behind the scenes. What I don't understand though is why he didn't fight for her when they were still married. He knew that his mother wasn't nice to CSY so why did he let her go through it alone? If he had fought beside CSY during those times, she may have seen his intentions more clearly.

I agree with some of what you've surmised but not all.  CSY because of how she was raised, would not have walked out of the marriage just because her husband had an affair.  She asked him why hadn't he remarried.  She said that she only let him go, because he said he could not give up the other woman and wanted to marry her.  I think CSY, although she felt as if she was sold off, would have stayed in the marriage had he made her feel loved and important.  I do not know why he cheated; however, I think he came to the realization after the divorce that he let a dynamite woman go and that he actually loved her.  When they first married he could have also felt resentment for having to marry someone whom was forced on him and his way of rebelling was to have an affair.  

I do agree that if he had fought beside CSY during those times, she may have seen his intentions more clearly.

[[Drama 2018-2019] Memories of the Alhambra | Recuerdos de la Alhambra, 알함브라 궁전의 추억]

This story is visually exciting, engaging, and tantalizing.  I love the story line, it very different from many other K-dramas I have watched  It is a step up with the on location filming.  This drama is appealing on many levels.  It appeals to  gamers, those who love thrillers, mysteries, and action dramas and of course millennials.   

[[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구]

I have watched the first two episodes and I am loving this drama.  I found myself wishing that I had waited to watch it because this is a drama that I would love to marathon.

 

I think complete strangers first meeting (especially under her circumstances, stolen pocketbook, no money) would be a little awkward towards each other.  Therefore, their reaction towards each other and their awkwardness were spot on.  Some have stated that this drama reminds them of a movie, and I have to agree.  I think both actors are doing a fantastic job and their emotions are realistic and fit the situation.                   

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

Okay,  I watched episode 16 and the venue was all of that and then some...it was gorgeous...every woman's dream.

 

 It was so nice to see the mother-in-law (more on the in-laws shortly) embrace her daughter-in-law and genuinely like her.  I liked the line, (paraphrasing)  I was so jealous of my friends, I only had two sons, now I have a beautiful daughter to go shopping and eat delicious food with.  I was all smiles. I loved the fact that she wanted to shower MS with gifts because she was fond of her.  

 

The In-Laws were so nice and down to earth, yes, they have tons of money; have an opulent home, and live a lavish life style, but their money  is not who they are. I loved the fact that they could apologize to their children and treat them well, ...no hitting, throwing things, or name calling...loved it.  Even SY ended up being someone that I could understand and like.  I like the fact that even though MS's family do not have money, they were not looked down on, but made to feel welcomed.  Thank you writer!

 

Here I go again, one of my favorite scenes, was when YJ could not stop his knees and hand from shaking while waiting to be married.  Although we did not get the I do...what we got was even better...the kiss.  I loved the flashbacks.  This drama was written, directed and produced so tastefully. It will be one of my favorites for a long time....It might even bump my number one or two...City Hall and My Name is Kim Sam Soon. 

 

Thank you cast, writers, directors, production staff, stylist and crew for a great drama from episode 1 to episode 16.

 

GREAT DRAMA!

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

1 hour ago, stroppyse said:

This drama is definitely a good straight-up romance, kept from being too rote by the subversion of tropes, not to mention the excellent acting, assured direction, and appropriate production values. This drama was always going to live or die by the chemistry and acting of the OTP's, however, and for once both members of the OTP really delivered on their characters and their romance.

 

I also wanted to chime my agreement with @ck1Oz that PMY's stylist has been really superb in this drama.

You wrote exactly how I feel about this drama all I can say is ditto.  The drama progressed at a nice pace, the dilemmas were resolved fairly quickly.  The cast was great, the acting top notch, chemistry between the OTP's was "hot" and I like that everyone had a happy ending... nicely done. This drama had just the right amount of everything. Thank you screen writer, director and production manager for a job well done.  I will watch this drama again.

 

I also agree with you and @ck1Oz that the stylist was great in this drama.  I loved the clothes and the fact that they were not ill fitting.  The characters were styled one would expect a real Vice Chairman and his assistant to dress.

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

I have not posted much during this drama; however, I love it.  The cast is phenomenal, YJ and MS's wardrobe is  nice, no crazy, outfits.   I think I read somewhere that Park Seo Joon said he owned one suit, and I can see that; however, he wears suits well.  I like that the jackets fit just right, and the pants do not need to be lengthened.  Park Min Young looks professional in her beautiful blouses and skirts.  I cannot say enough about this drama, it was the whole package. 

 

The things I liked the most...(it is hard to choose.)

1) I liked the fact that they did not draw out the kidnapping saga too long, it was resolved early enough that we could appreciate the family healing process; therefore, when YJ and MS get married, the family togetherness will not feel forced.  

2) each character grew, especially YJ.

3) NO LOVE TRIANGLE, when SY found out that he was not the one that was kidnapped, he backed off.  

4) NO OVERBEARING MOTHER TRYING TO BUY OFF MS.  Although, YJ would not have allowed it.

5) The supporting cast...It was refreshing to see MS co-workers taking up for her.

6) For all of of YJ idiosyncrasies, when he found that one love, he did not let go, but made changes he needed to make it work.

7)The bromance between YJ and PYS.  Some of the advice was really good.  

8) I loved the bulldozer line.

9) The ROMANCE,  Park Seo Joon is a great actor, his conveys many different emotions with his face and eyes.  The YJ character shows great tenderness with MS, the kisses are gentle and sweet, and at the same time very steamy. 

 

I am going to stop here, because I realized so far, I have enjoyed every episode, the plots, and all the characters. 

This drama has made it to my top 10 romantic comedy list along with Because This Is My First Life, My Secret Romance, and Something about 1%. 

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

7 hours ago, lolly84 said:

8 hours ago, kaoriharang said:

Well in the novel and webtoon, KMS wasnt kidnapped. I am not sure how the drama would go with it, but both the webtoon and novel she was not kidnapped @lolly84 @attriste am I right?

 

I don't believe she was purposely kidnapped, like the lady singled her out, I know YJ was kidnapped but not MS.

This is why her parents and her sisters don't know that she went missing,when MS asks her sisters her sisters dont remember anything because she was only gone for the night and returned in the morning, the scene where MS and YJ part way (in the flashback).

Yep, she was not kidnapped... but that event made her also as a prisoner 'cause that woman was crazy after all.

I agree that the woman was crazy; however, a prisoner is  legally contained except in cases where the person is taken captive by their enemy, such as a prisoner of war.  I have not read the webtoon or the novel; unless MS walked into the place where YJ was being held and stayed with him voluntarily, although she was not tied up, she was there against her will.   Therefore, if the lady single her out either intentionally or on a whim, MS was kidnapped because she could not leave on her own. The definition of kidnap is as follows:

 to take (someone) away illegally by force.

synonyms:

abduct, carry off, capture, seize, snatched

Perhaps in MS case, the kidnapper may have thought MS saw something and could report her, who knows.  I hope we will find out more about the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping in the upcoming episode.

 

 

 

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

Right now this is my favorite romcom. I love the chemistry between YJ and MS.  In fact, the entire cast is fantastic and have me in stitches.  I also love the fact that MS is mature and did not want any misunderstandings between her and the YJ.  Kudos to the writers for writing the script this way.

As for the kidnapping, I have not put all the pieces together yet; however, YJ was definitely kidnapped.  How did I come to this conclusion:

1.  He has scars around both ankles

2.  He is afraid of zip ties

3.  The bright light from MS's cell phone startled him

4.  He has nightmares about the woman

5.  He loves caramel candy

6. He is sensitive to the cold

7.  He hired Mi So...just because she was Mi So

For me the jury is still out whether SY was also kidnapped.  Perhaps he witness the kidnapping and did not do anything to help his brother. Perhaps he felt guilty because he sent his brother to get him something to drink and he never came back (because he was kidnapped).  The mind has various way of coping with trauma; therefore, SY could have adopted part of YJ's story out of guilt that he could not or would not do anything to help his brother.  It also could be feeling guilty because he was angry his brother never came back with the drink only to find out later, his brother had been kidnapped.   

 

I hope they keep this couple together no matter what happens that they can lean on each other and solve their issues in a mature manner.

 

Sidebar:  I love the way they dress these characters.  She wears the most beautiful blouses and his suits are professional and he wears them well.     

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

I am looking forward to Episode three this evening.  This drama is just what I need... many funny moments.

[[Drama 2018] What is Wrong with Secretary Kim, 김비서가 왜 그럴까]

Someone recommended this drama to me and I watched episode one this morning.  So far, great beginning, it made me laugh and smile, and at the same time understand what Secretary Kim is feeling.  She would like a life of her own and not be on call all the time, to take care of someone else needs and neglect her own.  As she stated she wants to get married and have children.  LYJ's solution was to offer her lifetime employment  REALLY, so out of touch, with her feelings and his.  All he knows is that he needs her.  She is like a perfectly tailored suit. 

This drama should be interesting and funny.  There were many lighthearted moments in the first episode.  Sometimes, I do not want serious, sometimes, lighthearted is just what the doctor ordered.  

[[Drama 2017-2018] A Korean Odyssey/Hwayugi 화유기]

4 hours ago, dramaalpaca said:

Read the dramabeans recaps too and though I really dig and respect javabeans' and girlfruday's analyses, I disagree that the demons that appear each episode are completely throwaway. 

While the demons don't resonate as strongly as some of the stories for master's sun, I do feel that they echo the theme of each episode, especially in terms of the key issues the OTP faces.

For episode 5, the little Japanese "demon" takes to the extreme the issue of deception, which is essentially what SOG IS. He's so used to being the constant trickster that he doesn't quite know what to do when confronted with someone who is being genuine and honest with him like JSM is. Beyond the ridiculous crossing and double-crossing that then happened in episode 6, I think the "moral" of the Japanese "demon" is that if you try to deceive others by deceiving yourself, there'll eventually still be a sticky end. Of course the fact that the grandson is that dodgy presidential candidate adds to the overall greater arch of the story too.

For episode 6, the haircutting "demon" may seem weak and have no back story; but I liked that it reflected how pain in itself has value. Especially in today's insta-society, it seems like the fastest, easiest and "free-eat" route out is always the best. But pain is there because those experience and memories meant something to the person. Keeping that pain & working through it (like how Sa Oh Jeong worked at removing that stain from the cup instead of throwing it out) is worth doing

I found this gem of a drama this past weekend and I love it.  I completed episode 6 last night and I agree with your assessment, although the demons do not seem to resonate as strongly as in other dramas, they are representative of the episode.  As for the hair-cutting  demon,   OYS did think for a moment that it would be nice to forget SOG; however, as you stated, "pain has its own value"    YS thought about the times they had together and realized, although painful, she did not want to forget OG. especially since she is already in love with him.   

The writers (the Hong Sisters)  and director are spot on.  I read this is a remake of a Chinese novel/drama.  I have not seen  or read the original novel; however, I applaud the actors in this remake they are doing an excellent job.  The chemistry between the leads are amazing and the supporting cast is great.

 

I do not think I will be posting too much about this drama, I am just going to sit back and enjoy the show.  

[[Drama 2017] Because This Is My First Life 이번 생은 처음이라]

20 hours ago, SpiritGambler said:

Personally, I think Ji Ho left for herself. She came back because she's ready to have a fresh start with Se Hee and wholeheartedly accepts Se Hee for who he is and like what she said to Jung Min before, she will wait for Se Hee. When she figured out that Se Hee had actually suffered when she left I felt that she feels guilty and felt sorry because she didn't expect him to be like that (and thankfully, he actually opened up to her even if she didn't expect it to be that fast). The morning conversation before Se Hee's outburst was kind of annoying to be honest but I still don't want to take it against Ji Ho  

 

How I wished they showed how Ji Ho suffered with regards to separation but then we were already showed how she suffered pre-separation in Episode 15.

 

The intermission I think only occurred to her after her conversation with her mom. That conversation is a key factor on Ji Ho's decision to give herself and Se Hee another chance. Because after she ended the contract and cried in her room, I really don't know if she still wants to continue with Se Hee.

Great insight.  I think Ji Ho left for several reasons, one of them was that she did not think that he could love her they way she wanted to be loved,  Also after meeting Se Hee's ex, she did not think she could measure up in his eyes.  Se Hee's ex was accomplished and sure of herself and Ji Ho still did not have her life figured out yet.  Ji Ho knew she loved Se Hee when she left; however, she was afraid to take the chance that his heart would not come to her. This was her first love and he was her first with many things, first real kiss, etc... She was afraid of being hurt.  I admit I was a little pissed that once Ji Ho found out the Se Hee was going to confess to her that she left anyway.  

However, when I listened to her conversation with SM, I understood she wanted all of him, the anger, the sadness, and the laughter and she refused to settle for less.   However, once she left she realized that even if she did not get those things from him, being with him was better than being alone. Sometimes you have to step away  to see the path you should follow clearly, that is what Ji Ho did. Se Hee knew he loved her; however,  he would not have realized how much he loved her, if she had never left.  Therefore, although, I as peeved when she left, I was overjoyed when she figured out things and returned.

 

I agree with you, her conversation with her mother was the turning point.  I loved the mother's analogy about the star pocket.  The writer wrote a brilliant dialog between the two.  That evening Ji Ho also witness ed the love between her brother and his wife, and realized that her mother and father loved each other in their own way. 

 

 

PS  Is there another drama anyone can suggest to me.   I am in withdrawal.