[Drama 2001] Beautiful Days 아름다운 날들

[rubie]

BD REQUEST

Does anyone have the capture or image of the birthday cake in episode 23, that Minchul bought to celebrate his father's birthday but unfortunately Yeonsoo fainted on it.

Thanks in advance.

[rubie]

March 2, 2008

[THE HIGH TIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(17)] Korean dramas carve a niche in Japan

The full force of the Korean Wave hit Japan in 2004. Four years later, the phenomenon known here as "hanryu" has succeeded in creating a comfortable niche for itself in the Japanese TV and music world.

In November, 2004, the initial frenzy clogged Narita Airport, as thousands of Bae Yong-joon fans flocked to welcome him to Japan, ten people were injured as the crowd outside his Tokyo hotel scrambled to get a peek at him. Today, the hanryu boom has evolved into a calmer, sustained and widespread interest in Korean pop culture that has increased the Japanese public's desire to better understand the customs, lifestyle and cuisine of their closest neighbor.

Of course, not everyone has rushed to ride the Korean Wave, but it has succeeded in widening the perceptions and perspectives of many. Here on the northern island of Hokkaido, where Korean TV dramas are especially popular, signs of the hanryu presence are everywhere. Ladies gently jostle each other out of the way to get at the wide array of hanryu magazines at the local bookstore, and TV commercials remind us that the new "Winter Sonata II" and "Spring Waltz" pachinko (pinball) machines will be out soon. At the local music store, a large box containing a 30-centimeter Kwon Sang-woo doll decked out in the priestly robes he wore in the movie "Love So Divine" is propped up against shelves full of Korean drama theme music collectors' boxes and DVDs from John-Hoon and Rain.

In Hokkaido, five to six Korean TV series are shown each week on terrestrial TV, mostly on weekday mornings and mostly without Japanese voiceovers. Not only have many Japanese TV viewers discovered they love Korean dramas, but they have found that they are just as happy watching them in the vernacular with subtitles. That would have been utterly unimaginable even a few years ago -- an indication of the amazing effect the hanryu boom has had. Add in the plethora of dramas offered on Japan's dozens of satellite TV channels, and those of us who have never been to Korea could easily spend everyday there vicariously, if we like.

Nor is the exchange all one way. While Japanese TV tourists flock to Seoul, several Korean dramas have featured Hokkaido locales. This February and March, director Kim Jin-min has been in the port town of Otaru filming a new TV drama starring Lee Dong-wook and Oh Yean-su that will air on MBC in May. Otaru is hoping it will be good for local tourism, too.

The big question, of course, is just why has the hanryu boom been so successful? Mutual profit, timing and quality seem to be the answers. The entertainment industries in both countries quickly recognized the lucrative potential of the pop culture exchanges, and have actively promoted them. It would be difficult to even try to estimate the reverberating economic impact that all the hanryu spin-off industries, from publications and tourism to language study and licensing, have produced.

The cross-cultural entertainment world influences are now so great, it's hard to imagine that this all took off just four years ago with one memorable TV drama -- "Winter Sonata," starring Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. NHK, the national public broadcaster, decided to try it Saturdays at 11:10 p.m. in a time slot usually reserved for U.S. and British fare. Like all the Korean dramas shown on NHK since, it was broadcast with Japanese voiceovers. Japanese TV viewers, especially middle-aged women, quickly were carried away by the sensitive love story. Soon, glasses and wool scarves were fashion statements. Yong-sama, as he affectionately became known, was being carved in ice at the Sapporo Snow Festival, and tours to the filming locations became all the rage. NHK quickly followed up with "Beautiful Days," "All In," "Spring Waltz," and the historical dramas "Damo" and the very popular "Daejanggum," which NHK also later ran in animated form for the kids. Asian dramas have occupied the Saturday 11 p.m. time slot ever since. Those desperate for "Desperate Housewives or "ER" now have to wait until 1 a.m. As an added bonus for those who stay up even later, "Himawari" with Lee Byung-hun airs at 1:50 a.m.

The historical dramas and lighter Korean romantic comedies broadcast on satellite TV and available for sale or rental on DVD have insured that hanryu fans now include both sexes and all age groups. The appetite of the most dedicated fans has become insatiable, and has stimulated interest in Korean movies, music, musicals and tourism.

A Hanryu Cinema Festival featuring 14 films, mostly starring actors who are familiar to Japanese TV fans, is running again this year in Tokyo and Osaka from March to May. (Check http://www.cinemart.co.jp/han-fes2008). The spring 2008 travel brochures advertising Korean destinations are offering tickets to the popular musicals "Nanta (Cooking)" and "Jump," besides promoting all-in sights on Jeju, "Daejanggum" locales and dining experiences and, for the die-hard Bae Yong-joon fans, a Yong-sama "mo ichido" (once again) tour that even includes his college campus. JTB also sponsored special tours to the open sets used in "Jumong" in February and March. And the list of Korean actors and musicians coming to Japan for concert tours, fan meetings, dinner shows or to release albums here grows longer by the day. March promises Big Bang concerts and the release of the first SG "Wanna Be + Japan" album.

The desire for ever more information on the activities of Korean entertainers has led many big-name Tokyo publishers to issue an impressive array of hanryu magazines, directories and the glossy photo-heavy, magazine-style books known in Japan as "mooks." Those who want even quicker access to the Korean entertainment scene news can get up-to-the-minute bulletins on their cell phones.

With all the dramas and information now available, Japanese hanryu enthusiasts are becoming increasingly knowledgeable. The latest directory of Korean stars includes the profiles of 780 actors, directors and scriptwriters. Truly dedicated hanryu fans can even test themselves on how much trivia they have amassed.

"Kentei" (proficiency tests) in all sorts of subjects, from languages to local history, are popular in Japan, and the first introductory-level "hanryu kente" (a project done in conjunction with JTB) is currently underway. Those who pay for and successfully complete the test on-line will receive certificates of proficiency and be eligible for special TV tours to Korea. An intermediate-level exam is already planned for May. Those who think they have watched enough Korean dramas to qualify may want to try the mini-test at http://www.k-x.jp, with sample multiple-choice questions like: Amnesia is a recurring theme in Korean dramas. Select the drama which did not deal with this theme.

Few fans take their fascination to this level, but even occasional and casual TV viewers will recognize the names of the stars of those first few NHK series -- Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo, Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Shi-won and Lee Young-ae -- and their works -- "Winter Sonata," "Daejanggum," "Stairway to Heaven," "Beautiful Days," and "Hotelier" -- which top a list of the most popular Korean dramas in Japan, according to a survey of 1,600 Japanese, mainly women in their 30s, done in 2007 by the TV Asahi program SMAStation. Hosted by SMAP's Shingo Katori, the program unfortunately has had to compete with these dramas in the Saturday, 11 p.m. time slot. And even Japanese TV scripts have begun to recognize the hanryu presence as a part of the modern 21st century Japanese lifestyle. In the recent Japanese TV series "Hatachi no Koibito," the heroine's colleague is a devoted Lee Byung-hun fan who reads hanryu magazines on her breaks, and rushes off from work to attend his fan meetings.

This brings us to the second important aspect of the hanryu success: the timing was right. Had the Korean Wave arrived five or 10 years sooner, when Japan's own TV dramas were at their peak and bringing in average ratings of over 30 percent, the hanryu boom might have faced a more difficult challenge. But, for the last few years, Japanese dramas have been weathering a considerable slump. Although two dozen series are launched each quarter, it has become extremely difficult for most to get anywhere near 15 percent ratings, and few top that figure. Only dramas starring SMAP's Takuya Kimura have been consistently capable of climbing up over the 30 percent mark in the new century. Irritating or inconclusive endings, predictable dialogue and a trend away from serious romances have discouraged viewers, and created a vacuum that the quality Korean products have very conveniently filled. Serious drama fans have taken refuge in the parallel hanryu world with its overall high quality, straightforward and sincere style, freer expression of emotions and romantic leading men.

Hanryu dramas might even be able to help enliven the Japanese prime time lineup, now heavy with variety shows and trivia quizzes, if given a chance, but foreign TV series have been unable to significantly break through into the 8-11 p.m. market. Since 1990, I can recall only one foreign drama that was able to crack that barrier and be welcomed into the Japanese prime time schedule -- "The X Files" in 1995.

Still, the hanryu phenomenon has become secure enough in its niche that it has been able to make some dents in the barrier in two ways: Japanese remakes of Korean hits, and appearances by Korean stars in Japanese dramas. In 2006, Tokio's Tomoya Nagase starred in a successful remake of "My Boss, My Hero," the Korean comedy about a gangster who goes back to high school that was among the top ten-rated Japanese TV dramas that year. A Japanese remake of "Hotelier" was less successful, even though it featured a cameo guest appearance by Bae Yong-joon. SMAP's Tsuyoshi Kusanagi and actress Reina Tanaka will appear in "Ryokiteki na Kanojo," a remake of the 2001 hit Korean movie "My Sassy Girl" beginning in April, 2008.

Korean stars who have tried acting in Japanese dramas have faced a bigger challenge. Choi Ji-woo starred in "Rondo" in 2006 and Ryu Shi-won co-starred with Japan's top actress Yukie Nakama in "Joshi Deka (Lady Detective)" in 2007, but the latter reached only 54th place in the year's drama rankings. Both series met with only moderate success, in part because the Korean stars were not given ample opportunity to display their talents.

While hanryu fans in Japan might idolize the Korean stars, and rush to their fan club meetings, what they are really buying is the whole Korean drama package -- the excellent camera work, the passion, the direction, the perkier dialogue and plots, the detail regarding fashion, and the beautiful background music that make them a distinctly Korean commodity. Thus, Korean stars might want to think twice before accepting roles in Japanese series.

Korean actors who want to try their hand at Japanese dramas may find it educational, but it is also a career choice fraught with peril. Their popularity on the archipelago may be more secure if they continue to star in domestic Korean dramas with export value, and only pop across the sea for periodic personal appearance tours, rather than getting caught up in the slumping continuing-drama-series crunch in Japan.

Although Ryu Shi-won's week-long guest appearance on the 2007 NHK morning serial "DonDon Hare" significantly helped spike ratings for that series, just look at what he faced in one romantic scene with Yukie Nakama in "Joshi Deka:" In the scene where she is so distraught that she hasn't eaten all day, what does the script call for -- a kiss, a hug, empathy, sympathy? Not even some concerned and caring Korean drama-style wrist yanking (which makes one wonder if repeated strain wrist injuries are an occupational hazard for Korean actresses who have to rehearse scenes like that all day).

No, Ryu Shi-won has to tell her to close her eyes. Then he leans over and pinches her nose while shoving a morsel of food into her mouth. Ridiculously unromantic and a waste of his talents. And the Japanese networks wonder why their drama ratings are plummeting, while the public craves serious romances. As long as Korean dramas continue to fill this void, the hanryu boom should continue to be a lucrative niche industry in Japan.

The next bounce will no doubt come from "Taewangsasingi," starring Bae Yong-joon. Already running on NHK's satellite channel, it will be broadcast in NHK's lucky Saturday 11:10 p.m. terrestrial time slot from April 5. Japanese actor Masato Hagiwara, whose own career got a boost when he did the Japanese voiceovers for Yong-sama in "Winter Sonata," will be back to give voice to the hero again.

For now, it looks like the hanryu TV boom is here to stay and will continue to bring the peninsula and the archipelago closer together through couch-potato diplomacy.

By Kathleen Morikawa (Writer's Profile)

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/

[rubie]

March 4, 2008

Ryu Si-won Commended by Ministry of Finance

Singer and actor Ryu Si-won received an award from the Ministry of Finance on the 42nd National Taxpayer's Day. The award was in recognition of the actor as a model tax-paying citizen by the Seongdong district tax office.

On National Taxpayer's Day last year, Ryu Si-won was appointed as honorable section chief for the day at the Seongdong district tax office, where he received hands-on experience. Ryu announced that he was happy to have received an award this year and "proud to be a tax-paying citizen."

His management agency, RS Company, stated, "Ryu Si-won is admired by fans across Asia and he was commended for showing responsibility as a national taxpayer through all his work abroad."

Source: KBS Global

http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/enterta...1281_11692.html

[Guest zoeve]

I'm not sure if this has been posted before but I just want to share a video I found in youtube.

Click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcxC80aFVLk

Its a fan-made video with clips from the series, including one of my favorites -- the window wiping scene between MC and YS, and clips from a concert wherein LBH sung the song in a concert. :blush:

[rubie]

^ Thanks ZoEve for highlighting the wonderful clip, anything BD.. will definitely check it out.

Just misses the series even more. :blush:

[Guest zoeve]

BD REQUEST

Does anyone have the capture or image of the birthday cake in episode 23, that Minchul bought to celebrate his father's birthday but unfortunately Yeonsoo fainted on it.

Thanks in advance.

rubie - here's the yummy cake that was wasted when YS fainted. Its a bit blurry but hopefully its ok.

I think I need to learn how to create those thumbnails.

[rubie]

rubie - here's the yummy cake that was wasted when YS fainted. Its a bit blurry but hopefully its ok.

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/z...isode23cake.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg259/z...sode23cake3.jpg

I think I need to learn how to create those thumbnails.

Wahhhh! Awesome cake.. I mean.. capture, thanks zoeve! Really appreciate it very much.

What a yummy cake.. those fruits are just mouth-watering.. must say that Minchul has quite a taste, huh. :blush:

Hope this helps..just quote this posting to see how thumbnails can be created. Simply follow the basic rule with the "th". That's all it takes.

^ just the capture in thumbnail, refer the "th" added in the filename

^ this is a clickable thumbnail, that we can click into its actual size. Just look at the "th" and how the links appear together.

Btw, if it's just one or two pics, there's no need for thumbnails as the forum format will auto-adjust the size. But for lots of pics, it's good to practise using the thumbnails.

[Guest zoeve]

Wahhhh! Awesome cake.. I mean.. capture, thanks zoeve! Really appreciate it very much.

What a yummy cake.. those fruits are just mouth-watering.. must say that Minchul has quite a taste, huh. :blush:

Hope this helps..just quote this posting to see how thumbnails can be created. Simply follow the basic rule with the "th". That's all it takes.

Btw, if it's just one or two pics, there's no need for thumbnails as the forum format will auto-adjust the size. But for lots of pics, it's good to practise using the thumbnails.

Glad you like it.

Thanks rubie! Appreciate the info much!

I thought the pictures would be too big but its still handy to know in case i need to post more pictures next time. Thanks again.

[Felicia Soh]

I was trying to find the pictures requested by Rubie (oops...you've already digested the cake) ....and instead.....I found this pair of romantic lovebird in their sleeping mood. If these are repeated pics, please let me know....

Don't know whether this has been posted before...warm greetings from the cast of BD.

Source from trulyjiwoo

Credit to original poster

[rubie]

I was trying to find the pictures requested by Rubie (oops...you've already digested the cake) ....and instead.....I found this pair of romantic lovebird in their sleeping mood. If these are repeated pics, please let me know....

LOL! Caution.. cakes are not safe here.. especially when it's related to BD!

aWw.. Felicia, so good to see you stopping by at BD.. :blush: .. what a sweet surprise. Thank you so much for the Beautiful Days captures.. no matter how long they've been around.. no matter how many times they've been posted.. no matter what.. those are our most favorite around here. Obviously. We'd always have great moments reminiscing the series.. little details we find, again and again. Truly a beautiful romance, excellent acting, perfect chemistry.

Love the morning-after pics of the newlyweds :blush: .. Minchul is simply being himself, seeing this beautiful woman by his side.. feeling so blessed and very lucky indeed, finally marrying the love of his life. Who would have thought.. he is now a married man.. something that he never dreamed before but now.. it's all happening and nothing brings him so much happiness & bliss than being Yeonsoo's husband.

Always the best time, sharing about BD.

[Guest kdramafanusa]

March 2, 2008

[THE HIGH TIDE OF THE KOREAN WAVE(17)] Korean dramas carve a niche in Japan

Few fans take their fascination to this level, but even occasional and casual TV viewers will recognize the names of the stars of those first few NHK series -- Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo, Lee Byung-hun, Ryu Shi-won and Lee Young-ae -- and their works -- "Winter Sonata," "Daejanggum," "Stairway to Heaven," "Beautiful Days," and "Hotelier" -- which top a list of the most popular Korean dramas in Japan, according to a survey of 1,600 Japanese, mainly women in their 30s, done in 2007 by the TV Asahi program SMAStation. Hosted by SMAP's Shingo Katori, the program unfortunately has had to compete with these dramas in the Saturday, 11 p.m. time slot.

SmaSTATION!!

Japanese choose 10 best Hanryu dramas

Participants: 1600 Men/Women in their 30's.

Each participant chooses 3 favorite Korean dramas. First place gets 10 points, 2nd place gets 5 points, 3rd place gets 3 points.

RANK / DRAMA / POINTS / CAST

1. [Winter Sonata] - 6688

- Bae Yong-joon, Choi Ji-woo

2. [Jewel in the Palace] - 5746

- Lee Young-ae, Ji Jin-hee

3. [stairway to Heaven] - 2932

- Kwon Sang-woo, Choi Ji-woo, Shin Hyun-joon

4. [beautiful Days] - 1611

- Lee Byung-hun, Ryu-shi Won, Choi Ji-woo

5. [Hotelier] - 1464

- Kim Seung-woo, Bae Yong-joon, Song Yoon-ah, Song Hye-kyo

6. [sad Love Story] - 1181

- Kwon Sang-woo, Kim Hee-sun, Yeon Jung-hoon

7. [All In] - 1099

- Lee Byung-hun, Song Hye-kyo

8. [summer Scent] - 1060

- Song Seung-hun, Son Ye-jin

9. [Autumn in My Heart] - 1017

- Song Seung-hun, Song Hye-kyo, Won Bin

10. [Lovers in Paris] - 750

- Park Shin-yang, Kim Jung-eun, Lee Dong-gun

Source: SmaSTATION!!

[rubie]

You know.. looking at the captures of the newlyweds.. there's no comfy king-sized bed with silk beddings or whatever.. just a simple matress on the floor for the two of them.. yet they looked so cozy and very intimate together.

It's obviously would not be the same if Minchul was still the director at Victory.. assuming that they still get married (the first time).. but everything that happens, happened for a reason. They might just be living in a small, compact apartment with tiny bedrooms but nothing is short of true happiness for them. They might not have the fancy Benz anymore.. but like Minchul said.. it's so much more romantic going on the bus together and especially walking home hand in hand.

[rubie]

Another capture of Minchul and Yeonsoo in their love-nest but it's so obvious to see the 'troubled heart' in Minchul's eyes. I love BH's intense yet very controlled emotion, just awesome. How he'd worry about his wife, who's so happy and eager with the blood-testing by Saena.. he worry that the (unwanted) result might crush her hope.

Capture credits to PlanetBH0712

- - -

Btw, thanks so much to kdramafanusa for the list from SmaSTATION that was directly related to the recent Korean Herald article, truly appreciate the sharing. :blush: It's so good to see that BD after 7 years .. is still very much loved and appreciated by the ardent fans in Japan. Indeed a beautiful love to cherish.

Also to wrblee for the wonderful BD caps, always!

[Guest LINDATSUI]

Another capture of Minchul and Yeonsoo in their love-nest but it's so obvious to see the 'troubled heart' in Minchul's eyes. I love BH's intense yet very controlled emotion, just awesome. How he'd worry about his wife, who's so happy and eager with the blood-testing by Saena.. he worry that the (unwanted) result might crush her hope.

Hi Rubie and Felicia

I love those two bed-scenes...

The beautiful couple are just so sweet with each other in the morning after scene. Min Chul is so cute when he pushes Yeon Soo back to bed, would not let her go until she gives him a big big smile which she had promised him on their wedding day. Yeon Soo in return can't help but plant a loving kiss on his face before leaving.

The other one when they share a pillow talk about Sena's blood test. Yeon Soo is so excited but Min Chul still worries about the unknown result. The scene shows Min Chul's undeniable love to the woman of his heart.

I have read comments which criticise Min Chul's change in the later part of the drama, that he is not as cool as the arrogant Shinsangnim used to be. But I think the change is only logical and necessary. It shows Min Chul's true self when finally he does not hold his true feeling any more, that finally he is able to open his heart to those he loves and cares.

[Guest Shazee]

One of my Favorite Korean Drama Ever!!!

I still watched it from time to time and each time I watch it I always cry.

I think LBH is one, if not the best, kisser onscreen. I cannot forget their KISS inside Victory Records. So sexy and very electrifying.

[rubie]

I'll definitely be back to share & ramble more on BD. :blush:

Linda just gave me some really cool points to ponder, especially about Minchul!

One of my Favorite Korean Drama Ever!!!

I still watched it from time to time and each time I watch it I always cry.

I think LBH is one, if not the best, kisser onscreen. I cannot forget their KISS inside Victory Records. So sexy and very electrifying.

Hello Shazee! Welcome to beautiful Days! We're so happy to see you here!

BD is just the best, isn't it.. always the romance to remember with excellent chemistry and feel-good ending. Please continue to share your BD thoughts with us, would love to hear more. :blush:

Do join us at LBH thread, too.. we'd love to have you there. Lots to share & talk about. BH is indeed the BEST KISSER onscreen.. no doubt about it. Hehee..

[rubie]

I have read comments which criticise Min Chul's change in the later part of the drama, that he is not as cool as the arrogant Shinsangnim used to be. But I think the change is only logical and necessary. It shows Min Chul's true self when finally he does not hold his true feeling any more, that finally he is able to open his heart to those he loves and cares.

I don't think Min Chul's persona changed drastically in the second half of BD. It's just that he doesn't have to be the bossy, arrogant and intimidating Director Lee anymore. At first, when we all saw him.. Lee Minchul has this extreme and an incredible 'attachment' to Victory Records as it's the only guarantee he has for himself and his sister, Minji. Minchul fought and worked very hard to make Victory Records one of the most successful recording companies. He's always thinking of ways to push the business higher and higher.. even trying to find 'Zero'.. no matter what it takes until he knew who the cyber-singer really was.

Because of this determination, he had no time for love, or rather he made himself busy for anything else.. much less any contact with anyone, other than his company staff and his own sister (the reason for him to hire Yeonsoo as Minji's tutor). He doesn't care what others thought of him nor is he going to do anything for others either.. until.. he met Yeonsoo and the situation that brought them together.

In the later part of BD, when the secret is finally out.. the truth of Victory Records is finally exposed, somehow.. (I believe) that it frees Minchul from an overwhelming burden as well. Even though he had to give much of everything he had worked for.. he still has his dignity and self-confidence. He is still the same Lee Minchul, only better. And he has someone to love, who loves him back as well as his family again.. which is far more important than Victory Records.

Unless Minchul became someone who's broken down in misery, a loser or a quitter.. I don't see how he had changed in personality in Beautiful Days. In fact he became a fighter, not afraid to start over, sure of his own capability and someone who now knows the meaning of true love & appreciates it.

In other words, I agree with what Linda is saying.. Minchul is finally.. being just who he really is.

[Guest LINDATSUI]

In other words, I agree with what Linda is saying.. Minchul is finally.. being just who he really is.

Rubie, I am glad you agree with my point. You are so good with your in-sightful analysis of Min Chul's personality that you won't miss the smallest details. I was wondering how many times you have watched the drama.. My friends think that I must be insane that I would re-watch one drama numerous times because I never have any patience to follow a 20-episode drama series, but BD just hit my nerve.

[Guest kdramafanusa]

Grand Opening of Louis Vuitton Flagship Store & Party Celebration in Hong Kong on Friday March 14, 2008

- This flagship store (Tsim Sha Tsui, Canton Road) is LV's 2nd biggest in the world.

- Yves Carcelle (Chairman & CEO of Louis Vuitton) will host the opening ceremony.

* Partial Listing of Guests *

Korea: Choi Ji-woo, Lee Joon-ki

Japan: Nakata Hidetoshi (soccer player)

China: Zhang Ziyi, Zhou Xun

Hong Kong: Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Aaron Kwok, Shu Qi

Taiwan: Vic Chow (F4), Stefanie Sun

US & others: Kanye West, Eva Herzigova (LV's model this season)

Choi Ji-woo at Louis Vuitton S/S 2008 RTW in Paris on October 7, 2007. [image=edaily]

[rubie]

Rubie, I am glad you agree with my point. You are so good with your in-sightful analysis of Min Chul's personality that you won't miss the smallest details. I was wondering how many times you have watched the drama.. My friends think that I must be insane that I would re-watch one drama numerous times because I never have any patience to follow a 20-episode drama series, but BD just hit my nerve.

Thanks for the warm words, Linda. :blush: I just love the romance of Beautiful Days and Minchul especially. In my BD-withdrawal moment, I saw the series numerous times when the airing ended on tv as I had recorded most of the episodes (missed the first few, though) and in 2006, we had BD on tv again. Even though it's Mandarin-dubbed on ntv7 Malaysia.. I saw the whole series without fail, absorbing everything again. :blush:

I think I just love to talk about BD.. makes us see how others are taking it and a matter of agree/disagreeing with the points, rationally. Lee Minchul without a doubt the magnet pulling power of BD, the force of a classic romance.

I believe.. Minchul sets himself from being too close with anyone right from the beginning. Only with Minji, he is who he is. But at home with the family or at work in Victory Records, he puts himself directly as Director Lee and no other. It's his shield from getting too soft in the business that he had to prove himself in. Especially to the father who had unjustly favor another son over MC, the firstborn. But when he's with Minji.. he's totally different. And thinking of Minji's own good, he had to find someone suitable for her.. as a mentor/tutor of sort, that's how he sees Yeonsoo at first.

They (MC and Minji) had no relations to Yeonsoo, so it would be perfect for them. No 'strings' attached.. no feelings involved.. or so he thought.

image from nhk

Also.. I remember kdramafanusa's question before about the night at the beach.. did something happened between MC and YC.. after that incredibly passionate first kiss? :blush: I think most of us would not dispute the fact that nothing happened despite the extremely intense moment they had together. Some may say.. MC was only teasing Yeonsoo or testing her.. just because.

But.. I'm still thinking.. about it.. maybe.. there MIGHT be the tendency to go further. Obviously, led by Minchul. Looking at the situation this way.. he's a man.. she's a woman.. together ..

We've not seen MC with any other woman.. no past girlfriends, etc.. but it's not impossible, right. The only problem that keeps MC without a social life is that he's a workaholic. He thinks nothing of the opposite sex, spending all his time at the company.. day in and day out. But now.. there's this beautiful woman with him, alone. What's on his mind? I would think he's (somehow) quite interested in her. Knowing how she responded to the kiss in the car.. obviously a man like him know straightaway? :blush:

But.. I think common sense got the best of Minchul. Seeing that YS was indeed a bit hesitant when she put her hand out.. it pulls back MC of his intention (whatever it was). He remembers that this is the tutor for Minji whom he had personally chose. It wouldn't be fair to put pressure in Yeonsoo that might affect Minji in the end. And Yeonsoo is just so naive and clueless when it comes to love or feelings of such. Minchul is no saint nor is he perfect but he is someone 'grounded' with sense of responsibility.

Like zoeve mentioned earlier.. the girl doesn't know if someone is flirting with her, right at her face. What more with a heavy seduction.. which could frighten the poor soul. But MC sensed the true emotions of Yeonsoo, she will only follow her heart.. as how she responded to their kiss. I still say it's common sense that put a stop to Minchul's action.. this is the woman who dares to defy him (the phone incident) but also someone who'd give everything to him. Thinking of the complication that might occur due to hasty actions, as someone who should have knowqn better.. Minchul relied on his common sense than to follow his heart's spur of the moment.

image from miuchinyu

But.. by morning.. seeing that YS is still with him (well, where can she go ^^).. gave MC the sense of certainty that he should never let go of Yeonsoo, ever. In their own unspoken action.. two hearts have become one.

Some may not agree to this.. let's talk about it.

Happy 100 to all BD lovers.

May we reach another 100 of awesome sharing.. that would truly be Beautiful Days for everyone.