[Drama 2015] Answer Me 1988 응답하라 1988

[hushhh]

6 hours ago, theprincessw said:

If Taek can tell JH likes DS just by looking at his eyes (and the way he looked at her).. he would definitely be the first one to know who DS likes as well.. just by looking at her eyes.

And since he's so innocent and humble, I'd say if he thinks DS likes JH he would gladly step down and allow his friends to be happy. Unless, if he thinks DS doesn't like JH, due to his competitive sense, he would definitely try to win her heart.

TaekDS rigger here

But it seems to me that seeing who DS focus on would clarify the situation, except . . .

Taek wasn't investigating who in the group was interested in DS, he discovered JH interest accidentally. Since Taek watches DS  if her gaze gave away her romantic  interest he would have known who she care for once SW pointed out watching was a give away of interest.

DS ability to take care of Taek and Taek's needs to be taken care of was a concern at first because I dreaded DS being stuck in a relationship with an infantilized man who was perpetually in need of care; Taek's action around the restroom flasher indicated that he was intuned with DS needs and would meet them in the relationship. That made it easy for me to board the Taek DS schooner.

[carolinedl]

4 minutes ago, hushhh said:

DS ability to take care of Taek and Taek's needs to be taken care of was a concern at first because I dreaded DS being stuck in a relationship with an infantilized man who was perpetually in need of care; Taek's action around the restroom flasher indicated that he was intuned with DS needs and would meet them in the relationship. That made it easy for me to board the Taek DS schooner.

 

True. I had forgotten about that part. But what about DS? It's not like her attitude changed much towards him after that incident.

Gosh I feel like it is the same question all over and for everyone.... what about DS?! Damn PDnim!!!!

[aurora1205]

@carolinedl   Why we would get you wrong? It's truth. Just like you can't see what you expected from a relationship looking at DS mothering Taek,  I also don't  see anything  worthy   once you take away DS's lovey dovey approach to Junghwan ^^  

[callmegiggles]

@carolinedl Yeah, I'm curious as to what DS is thinking. I think the drama has been good at telling us what JH and TK are feeling but we don't know much about how DS feels. We learnt who DS is as a person - how she is as a daughter, sister and friend - but we are not given much insight to how she thinks/is feeling. We're not even given much scenes of her, like I dunno, staring at the gloves at night or something. Well, except for her thinking about university. Good job girl. But I'm interested to know about her thought process even with university issues. I want the focus to be on her in the upcoming episodes.

I love all the Ssangmundong families (Ra Miran singing and dancing skills OMG) but I'm rather distracted by the main love triangle to enjoy all the gags from the families. I kinda want all the parents to be shipped off to their hometowns for one episode and have one episode dedicated to the kids. Don't get me wrong. I love the family heartwarming, tear jerking and laughter inducing stories but... gimme more JH-TK-DS and the rest of the kids pls. (Edit: And when I say kid focused episodes, I don't only mean the romances. I wanna know everything about them.)

As characters on their own, I love TK and JH equally. But for the pairing I ship JHxDS because of the tension and sparks between them. That's not the only reason but it is high on my list. But watching the BTS I ship Hyeri-Bogum in real life. Gosh, so complicated!

And thanks @shooastrid for writing up about Baduk and relating it to the drama. Nicely written  and keep them coming!

[ILYSM08]

more of all parties move on, focus on their career and time skip, reunion and there goes the love line when they will realize their true feelings with each other JH-DS-TK 

oh wait we only got 20 eps how will they insert that, seems like 20 EPs will not be enough with the pacing now,  I wonder if there would be an extension.
 

[sheza]

3 hours ago, MrsSoJiSub said:

About the pink shirt, I wasn't going to say anything because talking anything close to ships when comes to this franchise can be a chore but I feel a disservice is being done to Deok Sun's character (and in turn the writers) so here are my thoughts on that.

 

1. The pink shirt was very thoughtful on her part. The first time her always strapped for money family has money to spare she asks for cash (if you look at it her dad was only giving Noeul spending money and Deok Sun charms hers) not for herself. She doesn't want it to buy new shoes she desperately needs (them shoes been dead lol) or to eat dubaki, fish bread, or treat herself and her friends to a meal or snacks. She asks for it to do something for another.

 

2. She didn't have to get Junghwan a separate gift at all. The group had already pulled their resources (even if most of it was from Taek) and get him a soccer ball. That was enough. For Taek's birthday the group (mostly Junghwan's money) gets Taek a tape. That's it and no separate gift from her. The group didn't even bother to do something for Dong Ryeong nor Sunwoo's birthdays. The show is telling you something when they highlight the birthdays of the two boys in our "triangle" and show you the similarities and differences of how it all goes about and ends (Junghwan forgot his own birthday, Deok Sun was instant he have the party, and sweet Taekie stays for as much of the party as he can even though he has a competition). The fact that she (Deok Sun) even got him a gift is thoughtful. 

 

3. I'm not even sure if another friend suggested or picked out the gift (I thought Man Ok got my Bong the same one because he liked and wanted Junghwan's) but does that really matter. The thought and sentiment behind it is what counts. The fact that Deok Sun went to the store with friends, got their insights and suggestions on what would be a good meaningful gift that shows her feelings but not too meaningful, and probably gushed and giggled (similar to the Man Ok date informing scene) at giving him that perfect gift, his reaction, etc is thoughtful and meaningful. I can't even number the many times I've gone out with my girls and got their helping in choosing a gift for then boyfriends because I value their advice, it's a nice girls date, and the gift means a lot and I want to give the best so I want varying insights and opinions.

 

4. It being pink was thoughtful. The pinkness of it was the most important part. Are we really going to act like the pink gloves he gifted her wasn't the basis and reasoning behind the pink shirt? I can already see her and her friends squealing in the store "couples gift". The writers have Junghwan gift her pink gloves then we see his anticipation of curiosity. Did she get it? Does she like it? Do they fit? Will she ever wear them?...it's the same disappointed not met anticipation Deok Sun explained to her friends of having wanted Junghwan to wear that shirt to his birthday (it fits, it looks good on him, even though it may not be his color he likes it and it means something because he wore it in spite of that. It means something because it came from me) but he didn't (she even got that dolled up -and didn't over do her make up this time - to match the dressiness of the dress shirt.. Everyone else was in jeans and a t-shirt and she ain't doll up for other B-day parties so...) 

 

That gift was so dang thoughtful on Deok Sun's part. I'm not even going to compare it to her taking care of Taek in China because I think the lessons and reasoning of the two are different. However the gift just like China was very thoughtful on Deok Sun's part and showed/s how caring she can be towards others even when we don't think she is or expect her to be (I for one was not expecting her to get  Junghwan a gift). Again, I believe it's a disservice to her to say it wasn't a thoughtful gift (why would she be hurt by it if she didn't put much thought of reasoning and expectations into it?). 

Brilliant write up.  You had me convinced.  BTW, we still haven't seen what DS got for JH as a Santa's gift have we?  Or is it lumped together with the birthday gift as she has no money?


 

[toera]

I think Taek's character is an homage to the actual baduk player, and maybe the writer's way to draw attention to the game. Is baduk the same game as go? (if it's not too silly a question)

[hushhh]

On 12/28/2015 at 5:31 PM, carolinedl said:

 

True. I had forgotten about that part. But what about DS? It's not like her attitude changed much towards him after that incident.

Gosh I feel like it is the same question all over and for everyone.... what about DS?! Damn PDnim!!!!

I have no idea about DS.

Some folks have been wondering when will the fluttering heart and breathlessness begin.

Usually that is a component of the beginning of love romantic love.

But sometimes love sneaks up on you in that you are so busy doing love that you don't realize until later that you are feeling love. Look at Taek's Dad and SW Mom.

There is a saying that love isn't a feeling so much as it is an action. Love comes from doing. [I know folks can refute that, and I'm not advocating for the saying--I'm just saying there is a saying.] Also the more you do for someone the more your love grows [or your resentment, I suppose].

DS owns Taek.  She gets into his inner sanctum in ways that the others don't.  His Dad turns to her to convince Taek to do stuff. I think as non-verbal as Taek and his Dad can be, they are very insightful, especially about each other.  No one got it when Taek's Dad asked DS to go with Taek to China because they did not see what he saw 1) DS will know Taek's needs without being told, 2) Taek will comply with DS's guidance because he wants to comply with DS. 

Someone mentioned that it is important that JH carries DS picture in his wallet and Taek's picture with DS is too large to carry around in his wallet.  But does Taek even carry around a wallet.  What is the significance of his wallet to him.  I suspect he doesn't have DS picture in his wallet.  I suspect it is in that locked draw where his Dad says he keeps the things that are important to him.

I don't know who DS will end up with. She like most girls her age is in love with love. Being in love with love  is fun.  It helps pass the time until love itself happens.  I don't predict K-drama outcome, I just analyze what I've seen from my own Western perspective.  

This is what I've seen so far. Taek feels joy in DS presence. He feels safe enough to be vulnerable with her which is why he asks her for permission to lose his match. He needs to know that losing at what he does will not change who he is to the person he loves. DS presence rejuvenates him--that's why he collapses on her shoulder after he'd back for a grueling competition. DS is important to Taek and he expresses it (and his need for her) to her in a language she has not yet begin to understand.

The clues are there but DS is busy looking for love expressed in French that she cannot understand it with it is expressed in ASL.  It will be interesting to see if she puts the clue of Taek's affection together BEFORE either Taek or HJ say it in Korean.

For instance will DS understand why Taek needed to smoke in bathroom passage way after her run in with the flasher.  Will she understand why he brought her back the "ugly vase" [aka his trophy] from his trip abroad. Will she recognize that she never pretends with him, and as he is vulnerable in her presence (which I'm sure she doesn't recognize because she doesn't see his sharing his truth with her as dangerous) that she also allows herself to cry in front of him.

Look she will probably marry JH and Taek will meet a pop star and live happily ever after but that's how I see things so far.

[hushhh]

7 hours ago, athie_aza said:

Hi there! Its my first time comment here. I always thought maybe taek step back and leave ssangmundong like u know the one who came last always go first and then time will jump and they reunite on 1994.

Always on junghwan team but believe that taek is the husband. God! i start to believe what im not believed

Sorry for my bad english or my bad keyboard.

Your English is fine.

Your keyboard may be related to mine. Naughty, very naughty from time to time.

 

[Nikkaquarian]

6 hours ago, sheza said:

That would explain the reason for the adult scenes?  

yes it would, im still wondering the reason why they're getting interviewed, they're the only adult reply adult versions that are being interviewed, the other ones are reunions. so this is obviously planned and not arbitrary. I wonder if its either one of them who gets to be known or the both of them

[MrsSoJiSub]

2 hours ago, onlysb1 said:

@carolinedl   Why we would get you wrong? It's truth. Just like you can't see what you expected from a relationship looking at DS mothering Taek,  I also don't  see anything  worthy   once you take away DS's lovey dovey approach to Junghwan ^^  

But isn't that lovey dovyness the very thing that separates friendship from relationship/loveship? Like if there wasn't that attraction to dress up for his birthday, buy him a gift, fake an injury to hold his hand, insist he be the one to go to a concert with, wake up early to ride the bus together (where you end up sleeping on his shoulder, not talking but being close is still enough), etc; what would separate what she has with Dong Ryeong, and Sunwoo and (imho only) Taek which is friendship, with what's been going on with Junghwan since episode 3 or 4? 

Love is friendship set on fire. Jeremy Shane 16th Century British Clergyman

I know people say they are confused by Deok Sun and what she's thinking and what are her feelings, etc. But I think where words have failed her, her actions have been pretty damn clear and distinct. 

@carolinedl I too get annoyed with the way Deok Sun treats Taek and he allows her to. Sometimes I want to slap the boy and ask him if he really does like her and he ever wants her to see him as a man/more than friends/ puppy we must protect. Their interactions remind me so much of how I behave with my 3 and 8 year old nephews. I played that exact food steal and finger in your mouth game they were playing on the beach with my one year old goddaughter. I so badly wanted Taek to bite her finger like mama Kim did to papa Kim or put a stop to it (but not in a way that makes it awkward) and let her know he's not a little boy and that he's always been on to her and it's time they stop these games. Open her eyes to all real man he's become. Like the fact that she's okay with Junghwan and the rest reading porn (even if she calls him a beast) because that's what normal teenage boys do. But throws a beat down when Taek does it because they are corrupting his young innocent mind and "teaching him bad things" is telling. I could go on listing reasons but I'll stop (I hope I haven't stepped on any toes).

The major reason I can't get behind the two is that it feels so one sided. Nothing of Deok Sun's actions tells me that she likes Taek as more than a friend.The fact that she smiled comfortably in the picture with Taek but looks like a deer caught in the head lights (and constipated LOL) in the picture with Junghwan gives it away (again just my humble opinion). There's this scene in R94 when Oppa-ya simply lays his head in Najeon's lap to read and you can see the internal freak out she has at the action. The same came to mind when Junghwan draped his arm around Deok Sun and she froze. I don't know. For me, you can be that nice, that loving, caring, and attentive to someone and just do it because you are an awesome friend and they are a nice and good person deserving of such care. Like there doesn't have to be a deeper reason of wanting to be with them or liking them as something more than the friend they are in your eyes. You aren't doing it to look good to them and attract them to your heart or want something more than friendship come out of it. This is what I see when I look at Deok Sun and Taek. 

*from here on out I really will keep things in the shipper threads*

[Vannyah M]

When someone likes somebody they dont feel or act comfortable around them ( or maybe they do and something changed since i liked someone last time and become delusional). The way DS treats TK leads to nothing more than friendship ( well the way I see it he`s been familyzoned not even friendzoned). I`ve been in similar situation , I had 4 friends and acted all playfull and comfortable around those 3 I did not like as man, but whenever that 1 got closer or did anything I frozed immediately. People really need to watch plot rationally and if you claim that you aren`t biased act like that then,

Dont get me wrong I have nothing against TK/DS shippers or TK and PBG. I actually love PBG and I`ve watched all of his works but I would be crazy to  fall for DS/TK non existent love line, There is only one good thing about dragging the story in R88 and that is not hurting shippers who would definitely give up on drama after their ship sinks ( like they did back with R94, well i did that too).

You should watch plot carefully and enjoy in it. At the end its not important who will get the girl coz she will chose whom ever she likes, Lets be real neither of as will get anything if she ends up with some of them. Its not like that we are DS.

[Leena Dramasaranger]

TV: 'Reply 1988' hits high of 18% viewer ratings

 

Spoiler

TV: 'Reply 1988' hits high of 18% viewer ratings

Article: 'Reply 1988' hits viewer ratings of dreams, highest of 18%... will be opening fan signing

Source: Mydaily via Nate

1. [+1,244, -15] Amazing... a cable drama hitting 18%... even hitting 2% is considered successful for cable

2. [+1,103, -15] Wow 18%... that's seriously daebak ㅋㅋㅋ

3. [+1,014, -15] How can a cable drama get this high? I'm astonished

4. [+78, -4] The fact that it's a family drama with teen romance combined with the discovery of unknown actors and the veteran skills of senior actors all came together for this.

5. [+76, -2] The 'Reply' series is definitely the top when it comes to popularity

6. [+66, -2] For a cable drama to hit 18% is basically the equivalent to a public broadcast drama hitting over 50%, no?? Hul~~~ amazing indeed

7. [+63, -1] Shows that you don't need makjang to be successful. When are the public broadcast dramas going to wake up?? So pathetic

8. [+57, -2] I bet if this was public broadcast, it would've hit over 40%. So sad that public broadcasts are still fixated on affairs and other makjangs instead of producing dramas like this.

-

Article: 'Reply' Viewer ratings go up but so do the viewer complaints

Source: Mydaily via Daum

1. [+505, -45] So why make Taek cry? The drama is hopeless when it comes to the love triangle

2. [+418, -85] I'm tired of the story about Taek appa and Sunwoo umma's wedding story. Shouldn't they just have gone something with Taek checking Duksun's reaction after he tells her that he likes someone and is going to confess to her soon?

3. [+230, -51] Nah, even if some of the stories are dragging on, I'm still attached to the characters. Don't nitpick where it doesn't deserve it, the drama's still way better than public broadcast dramas.

4. [+200, -33] I find the scenes with the parents the most fun.

5. [+189, -49] The drama's fun but I feel like the drama's becoming more makjang with all the viewers wanting this and that. I wish those people would stop watching if they don't like it.

6. [+174, -39] I'll be honest, it's getting a bit slow...

7. [+153, -33] Stop telling the drama what to do! People will watch if they enjoy it.. if you don't like it, don't watch.

8. [+149, -40] I bet people will complain if the plot starts centering around Duksun, Junghwan, and Taek's love triangle. It's fine the way it is right now.

9. [+71, -8] I'm not complaining but I am a bit nervous about the ending ㅋ I feel like it's going to leave a strong impression. Each episode is such a work of art, sad to see that it'll eventually end.

10. [+62, -2] There's only so much you can convey about a relationship between high school students, what more do people want? They're not the teens of our generation. I'm sure the producer knows what he's doing~

-

 

Credits : Netizenbuzz

[13infamyss]

6 hours ago, MrsSoJiSub said:

About the pink shirt, I wasn't going to say anything because talking anything close to ships when comes to this franchise can be a chore but I feel a disservice is being done to Deok Sun's character (and in turn the writers) so here are my thoughts on that.

 

1. The pink shirt was very thoughtful on her part. The first time her always strapped for money family has money to spare she asks for cash (if you look at it her dad was only giving Noeul spending money and Deok Sun charms hers) not for herself. 

 

3. I'm not even sure if another friend suggested or picked out the gift (I thought Man Ok got my Bong the same one because he liked and wanted Junghwan's) but does that really matter. The thought and sentiment behind it is what counts. The fact that Deok Sun went to the store with friends, got their insights and suggestions on what would be a good meaningful gift that shows her feelings but not too meaningful, and probably gushed and giggled (similar to the Man Ok date informing scene) at giving him that perfect gift, his reaction, etc is thoughtful and meaningful. I can't even number the many times I've gone out with my girls and got their helping in choosing a gift for then boyfriends because I value their advice, it's a nice girls date, and the gift means a lot and I want to give the best so I want varying insights and opinions.

 

4. It being pink was thoughtful. The pinkness of it was the most important part. Are we really going to act like the pink gloves he gifted her wasn't the basis and reasoning behind the pink shirt?

 

That gift was so dang thoughtful on Deok Sun's part. I'm not even going to compare it to her taking care of Taek in China because I think the lessons and reasoning of the two are different. 

 

Let me share what I have in mind of the phrase "it's the thought that counts":

We say this phrase every time we give someone a gift that is of lesser price value, but it's the time and effort we put into to get that present is what matters in the end.

Duk Seon's strapped for cash shouldn't even be of issue here because Jung Hwan is a boy who doesn't expect someone to get him grand things. They were both of the same class before his family won a lottery, so he would never expect anyone to give him luxury stuff. What Duk Seon should have bought of the little money she had was contemplate on what Jung Hwan would have liked. She was shopping with Mi Ok and getting ideas from her on what to get. When Mi Ok suggested to get him a pink shirt, she should have said "Okay I'll get him a shirt, but not pink, he doesn't like pink." Instead she let Mi Ok picked out whatever Duk Seon could afford with her budget. We just finished the Christmas gift shopping season and it's been always a stressful season for us because we try to find things that will make the receiver of our presents appreciate our gifts - no matter what the price value was. I, for one, would not let my girlfriends dictate me what I should get for my boyfriend. Advice/Suggestions, yes I will take, but I won't let them pick out his present themselves. We've dated for 3 years, I should know better what to get him that will make him appreciate my present. Duk Seon has known Jung Hwan all her life. She, of all people, should know little things like, his favourite colour, the kind of shirt he would wear, or would he prefer a keychain of soccer ball instead, or should she rather give a movie/singer poster of his favourite. Like, these stuff are inexpensive and his preference should have been thoroughly weighed by Duk Seon as she was shopping for his gift.

In episode 9, we saw Duk Seon painstakingly waited in line outside the restaurant to buy Taek his favourite food - the fish bread (Sorry, not sure what they are called). She was freezing while waiting for her turn to order the food. I assumed she purchased that with little pocket money she had. She could have given him left overs from the dinner she had with the reporters, but she knew Taek would never eat any of that. Instead, she went all the way to a Japanese restaurant and got those fish bread that she knew he would eat. Now, this is where I think the phrase "it's the thought that counts" would mean something. It's the effort and time she spent on getting that food he liked best however inexpensive it was.

I mean when we look at it on the surface, it's sweet that she got him something for his birthday. Jung Hwan is the guy she likes, of course I'd expect her to have a separate present for him that especially came from her. It just falls short, in my opinion, in the effort and time she spent in thinking of what she could have given the guy she liked. It doesn't have to be grand - other girls do handmade presents and Duk Seon could have done that if she really didn't want to spend money. The pink shirt in exchange for the pink gloves was a cute idea (I loved matching colours too for couples), but on a larger scheme of things, it's not a colour that Jung Hwan particularly likes. Jung Hwan picked out those pink gloves because Duk Seon specifically said she wanted those. Jung Hwan bought those pink gloves keeping in mind that she would like them. Did Duk Seon do the same thing when she was gift hunting for Jung Hwan? It shouldn't be that hard to find him a gift that he will appreciate. (And Jung Hwan liking anything because it came from the girl she likes is somehow a weak argument. I'm sure anyone of us would have appreciated a present more if it was something we liked, and that included Jung Hwan's preferences). I wish we were given scenes like the ones in Ep 9 where we saw Duk Seon went out of her way to get Jung Hwan something. I wish I could have seen her excitement while shopping for him, so I wouldn't have lingering questions like this that keep bothering me.

 

+++

I like dissecting and analyzing each and every scene that the main love line has. I wanted to see how far I can interpret the little things they do - they don't do, so I hope you guys don't mind me sharing what I think of particular scenes. I enjoy discussing parts of the drama with you guys because who else understands the scenes that I`m talking about other than you guys who are fans of this drama! So hopefully we can all freely discuss what we agree and/or disagree with in certain scenes.

[ihate0ni0ns]

@shooastrid Hi, thank you so much for all the information regarding baduk and since you've offered to teach us a thing or two about baduk, I just can't let that opportunity pass, can I?

So on epi 12, I can't help but noticing the game TK lost.

TK played with black stone.

His opponent played with white stone.

And then this happened.

TK played with white stone?

From what I remember, player usually takes stone from the stone bowl to play and takes opponent stones (that he "ate"? I'm sorry I don't know the correct term for this ^^;) from the board and put them on the lid. But TK did otherwise, is that why he lost? Or is this some kind of baduk moves to let your opponent know that you've given up?

Thank you so much in advance :). And please enlightened this pour soul that only knows Baduk from manga (yes, I've read Hikaru No Go, but it was very long time ago though...)

[minibunny]

@MrsSoJiSub I'm sorry if i may join the discussion.. I just want to give my two cents..

for me this is the beauty of shipping.. What you see and what I see is completely different.. The way I see, without the lovey dovey between JH-DS, there's almost nothing there..I don't see the deep connection between them.. DS acts towards him just a teenager crush.. I might think differently if DS acted sweet/nice towards him without anyone tell her.. What she did towards JH is almost the same when she likes SW.. And she just back to normal again after the pink shirt accident.. Makes me wonder, is she really likes him or not.. 

Different when she's act towards TK.. Especially in ep 16.. She doesn't want him to see she's burping or she disappointed when he canceled their date or she waited his phonecall, without anyone told her that he likes her.. The way I see it, she starts to see TK differently.. And without the lovey dovey scene, they almost can't be separated.. they growth together as the characters..and recent episodes, he developed into a man, TK starts to take an action, like he accompany her in toilet or gave her medicine.. It might seem simple things but that's their actions towards each other.. Not grand romantic gesture but small simple gesture that pile up into something big named care.. They care towards each other as simple as that.. And this connection makes me want to root for them.. If they're not the end game, I'm okay with that because JH is a great guy.. 

But again, It's your opinion and I'm not going to force mine.. Agree to disagree right? Hehe

[hailaft]

9 minutes ago, 13infamyss said:

 

I mean when we look at it on the surface, it's sweet that she got him something for his birthday. Jung Hwan is the guy she likes, of course I'd expect her to have a separate present for him that especially came from her. It just falls short, in my opinion, in the effort and time she spent in thinking of what she could have given the guy she liked. It doesn't have to be grand - other girls do handmade presents and Duk Seon could have done that if she really didn't want to spend money. The pink shirt in exchange for the pink gloves was a cute idea (I loved matching colours too for couples), but on a larger scheme, it's not a colour that Jung Hwan particularly likes. Jung Hwan picked out those pink gloves because Duk Seon specifically said she wanted those. Jung Hwan bought those pink gloves keeping in mind that she would like them. Did Duk Seon do the same thing when she was gift hunting for Jung Hwan? It shouldn't be that hard to find him a gift that he will appreciate. (And Jung Hwan liking anything because it came from the girl she likes is somehow a weak argument. I'm sure anyone of us would have appreciated a present more if it was something we liked, and that included Jung Hwan's preferences). I wish we were given scenes like the ones in Ep 9 where we saw Duk Seon went out of her way to get Jung Hwan something. I wish I could have seen her excitement while shopping for him, so I wouldn't have lingering questions like this that keep bothering me.

 

I think it's established that DS likes the idea of romance, so for me it's easy to see why she chose that pink shirt. She want them to have what other couple have. I think that's enough reason why the gift was special to her. And there was a scene that showed DS excitement though? She was so excited when she told NE she gave Junghwan's gift already (after she put on a dress and put on make up for his birthday party, no less). As for Junghwan, yes, he may not like the pink shirt. But he treasured it nonetheless, because DS gave it to her. 

[13infamyss]

^But that's the thing that disappointed me the most though. She didn't choose the shirt. Her friend did. 

And that's why I said, that Jung Hwan will like it no matter what because it was from the girl she liked. I just wished there was more to it than just "a present from the girl I liked." (ie. "She got me what I liked"). There's a reason why we, the viewers, were told that Jung Hwan didn't particularly like that kind of colour, instead of letting us come to a conclusion that both Duk Seon and Jung Hwan are into pink.

Also, I meant I wanted to see the excitement she had while shopping for Jung Hwan. The expression she shows and effort she makes when she buys something for the guy she likes.

[MrsSoJiSub]

1 hour ago, 13infamyss said:

 

Let me share what I have in mind of the phrase "it's the thought that counts":

We say this phrase every time we give someone a gift that is of lesser price value, but it's the time and effort we put into to get that present is what matters in the end.

Duk Seon's strapped for cash shouldn't even be of issue here because Jung Hwan is a boy who doesn't expect someone to get him grand things. They were both of the same class before his family won a lottery, so he would never expect anyone to give him luxury stuff. What Duk Seon should have bought of the little money she had was contemplate on what Jung Hwan would have liked. She was shopping with Mi Ok and getting ideas from her on what to get. When Mi Ok suggested to get him a pink shirt, she should have said "Okay I'll get him a shirt, but not pink, he doesn't like pink." Instead she let Mi Ok picked out whatever Duk Seon could afford with her budget. We just finished the Christmas gift shopping season and it's been always a stressful season for us because we try to find things that will make the receiver of our presents appreciate our gifts - no matter what the price value was. I, for one, would not let my girlfriends dictate me what I should get for my boyfriend. Advice/Suggestions, yes I will take, but I won't let them pick out his present themselves. We've dated for 3 years, I should know better what to get him that will make him appreciate my present. Duk Seon has known Jung Hwan all her life. She, of all people, should know little things like, his favourite colour, the kind of shirt he would wear, or would he prefer a keychain of soccer ball instead, or should she rather give a movie/singer poster of his favourite. Like, these stuff are inexpensive and his preference should have been thoroughly weighed by Duk Seon as she was shopping for his gift.

In episode 9, we saw Duk Seon painstakingly waited in line outside the restaurant to buy Taek his favourite food - the fish bread (Sorry, not sure what they are called). She was freezing while waiting for her turn to order the food. I assumed she purchased that with little pocket money she had. She could have given him left overs from the dinner she had with the reporters, but she knew Taek would never eat any of that. Instead, she went all the way to a Japanese restaurant and got those fish bread that she knew he would eat. Now, this is where I think the phrase "it's the thought that counts" would mean something. It's the effort and time she spent on getting that food he liked best however inexpensive it was.

I mean when we look at it on the surface, it's sweet that she got him something for his birthday. Jung Hwan is the guy she likes, of course I'd expect her to have a separate present for him that especially came from her. It just falls short, in my opinion, in the effort and time she spent in thinking of what she could have given the guy she liked. It doesn't have to be grand - other girls do handmade presents and Duk Seon could have done that if she really didn't want to spend money. The pink shirt in exchange for the pink gloves was a cute idea (I loved matching colours too for couples), but on a larger scheme, it's not a colour that Jung Hwan particularly likes. Jung Hwan picked out those pink gloves because Duk Seon specifically said she wanted those. Jung Hwan bought those pink gloves keeping in mind that she would like them. Did Duk Seon do the same thing when she was gift hunting for Jung Hwan? It shouldn't be that hard to find him a gift that he will appreciate. (And Jung Hwan liking anything because it came from the girl she likes is somehow a weak argument. I'm sure anyone of us would have appreciated a present more if it was something we liked, and that included Jung Hwan's preferences). I wish we were given scenes like the ones in Ep 9 where we saw Duk Seon went out of her way to get Jung Hwan something. I wish I could have seen her excitement while shopping for him, so I wouldn't have lingering questions like this that keep bothering me.

 

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I like dissecting and analyzing each and every scene that the main love line has. I wanted to see how far I can interpret little things they do - they don't do, so I hope you guys don't mind me sharing what I think of particular scenes. I enjoy discussing parts of the drama with you guys because who else understands the scenes that I`m talking about other than you guys who are fans of this drama! So hopefully we can all freely discuss what we agree and/or disagree with in certain scenes.

That was a lot to read LOL. I enjoyed it. It gave me somethings to think on. I pondered and I respectively disagree. You're right in that we weren't given a scene of Deok Sun and her girls shopping for the gift so how much thought, discussion, opinions, and thinking went into the shirt and her choosing the color are and I'm assuming you are saying it wasn't much; are assumptions being made by both you and I so I won't argue that. I'll just take her shown disappointment at him not wearing the shirt and her hurt and anger of thinking he carelessly gave her shirt, her birthday gift to his brother as a sign or small hint of the thoughtfulness and meaning of the gift. 

As for appreciation of the gift on Junghwan's part, I'll take the shown scene of him not having given the shirt to my Jungbong nor kept it in his drawer or chucked it in the back of his closet with all other shirts as sign of his seeing the thoughtfulness in the gift. The fact that they showed me the shirt ironed and hung in its own little area where he has a clear view of it as he lays in his bed are enough for me to interrupt the appreciation, importance, meaning, and what other ever or nothing of the shirt on his part. 

China and everything that went on there from reading your post I see you and I have very different interpretations of scenes given to us and why. Comparing the two situations, a birthday gift thoughtful or not that she didn't have to get to her actually fulfilling the duties she was sent to China to do, is like comparing apples to oranges imho.  Deok Sun was sent to China to take care of Taek. Everyone including her family thought her an irresponsible thoughtless girl who would be there more to see the sights and enjoy the food than actually take care of Taek. The show fooled us all by showing scenes of her enjoying eating, looking ridiculous talking with the front help and basically making us believe that yes her parents were right in the assessment of her being thoughtless. Then the big reveal that she is infact very thoughtful, responsible, caring, and did a did do the job of taking care of Taek and did it even better than his own dad (and there is the parenting dynamic to them again) proves everything we were made to assume wrong. That's all it was.

I don't see how her laying out the clothes for the boy who can't even button his shirt right (my little puppy) amongst other things is some huge declaration on her part. I'm assuming his dad does the same when there (or perhaps I'm wrong) and she felt it was one of the many duties of taking care of Taek (her friend who she loves and values and treats the same -making sure he ate, less meds, tucking in, not getting mad about forgotten gifts because he's had a bad day- at home) which she was sent to do. I have no clue how many hours she shopped for Junghwan's shirt. How long she stood in line to pay for it. How many gifts she looked at before she choose it. I don't know so I can't compare but to me it doesn't  matter and the situations are uncompareable. However since we're comparing things that went down in that ep: the mood of the two picture taking.

One was will they won't they tension and the other was comical (but still cute and meaningful). Before Deok Sun and Junghwan take their picture we see a couple kiss on the cheek (which surprised both teens and leaves them looking awkward) then it's our two kids turn. I can't be the only one who wondered if Junghwan may also steal a kiss or something and that to me was done on purpose by the writer and PD. Now, the Taek and Deok Sun picture taking. Before it, we have the funny scene of Taek taking a picture with the bell boy fanboy of all people LOL then the humor of his not noticing and thinking his shirt looks good on her. He puts his arm around her and they both smile and that was it. The differences of the two near identical scenes tells me more than comparing China shopping lines to something we were never shown. 

There are lots I can point to to back up my reasoning but reading your posts I see that you and I are in two different camps when it comes to the main love line (we both agree there's only one right?) and we can go on and on for days, post after post and we'll both remain where we are. I enjoy a good healthy discussion as much as the next person but I'm sorry R94 being a Jeong/Oppa shipper and Trash lover, the wounds of that time (inflicted by international viewers and not the team) hasn't healed LOL (I know I'm being a bit dramatic). I wasn't even going to ship this time around. As silly as it is, past experience makes it so that I can't, no I won't do that again LOL. So I'll respect your opinions and will continue to enjoy and disagree or agree with your posts in silence (I know I keep saying that and it doesn't stick LOL this time it will). Tis been fun .

[melleri]

48 minutes ago, 13infamyss said:

^But that's the thing that disappointed me the most though. She didn't choose the shirt. Her friend did. 

And that's why I said, that Jung Hwan will like it no matter what because it was from the girl she liked. I just wished there was more to it than just "a present from the girl I liked." (ie. "She got me what I liked"). There's a reason why us, the viewers, were told that Jung Hwan didn't particularly like that kind of colour, instead of letting us come to a conclusion that both Duk Seon and Jung Hwan are into pink.

I don't see the big deal about her friend picking it, or helping her pick it.  It's what girls do.  It's what I've done before for a guy, for my sister, for my mother....  Does that mean it's not a gift given from her heart?  Not at all.  You could consider the reason behind her asking for help.  One, she wants a second opinion.  It's well established she's insecure and doesn't have much confidence.  She knows nothing about guys.  She probably wanted to impress him more than anything.  IT doesn't matter that she doesn't have to, but she did.  She took the her first allowance is probably YEARS to buy this.  She got him something trendy instead of something he might enjoy more of course, but I don't think it matters what she bought.  The fact that she spent money and bought him something is all that matters.  Maybe JH's gift was "better" and more what she liked, but she also said what she wanted. She didn't really have that luxury.  She's also a girl and maybe she wants to see her man in some bright colors.  Who knows. 

People twist this shirt issue into something negative, that she didn't pick the gift and it wasn't personal, but on the contrary I think it was really personal.  DS relies on her friends a lot and their advice is important to her.  Her friend also told JB not to tell DS that she copied the shirt idea, so she obviously did not view the shirt as something she solely picked, but DS' gift to JH.  DS is someone who has helped JB and JH pick gifts (his mother knew she picked dad's gift out), so she's obviously not incapable of picking presents for people around her.