[Drama 2017] The Package 더 패키지

[mayarlin]

Spoiler

Back story on the mysterious couple.  As been predicted by many, they are father and daughter.  He has never married since his late wife died, nor has the urge to marry until recently. The reason why he has the habit of leaving the bathroom door open?  He has acquired that habit ever since as a single dad he wanted to make sure he could always hear his young daughter outside.  I did waver a bit over their parent-daughter's relationship when he uses the bathroom without closing the door - what father does that?  Yeah, old habit dies hard, but he should definitely close his bathroom room door now that she's a grown woman. Besides wanting to keep the viewers in suspense, there is no reason why in real life they didn't introduce themselves to their tour group as father and daughter.

 

Regardless, he is such a caring dad, but too indulgent though as he sure spoils his little girl rotten. He even got down on his knees to beg the PTA (Parent-teacher assoc. committee) not to expel his daughter for something she did wrong (some forbidden filming of sort) but never told her of his begging.  Aside, not sure what'he deal is with his girlfriend and her towel clad male friend.  

 

I'm so glad I was wrong with my guess on how Maroo and Soso's reconciled. Maroo, you're the man.  He waylaid Soso and assertively insisted on having a heart-to-heart talk with her, regardless. See, how easy it is to clear up misunderstanding if you just communicate with each other? There is a lesson here for everybody: Don't just assume,  communicate your concerns and other issues to avoid and prevent unnecessary misunderstanding. Kudos to director for not going down the cliche draggy melodramatic route to resolve the otp's misunderstanding.  

 

Yong Hwa has said that of all his drama characters he has portrayed, Maroo's personality is closest to his, specifically Maroo's positiveness and his cheerfulness and resilience.  I would add Maroo's assertive, decisive and mature way of resolving issues with the other party is similar to Yong Hwa's personality too. ( based on a reality show, FT Island leader, Choi Jong Hoon, commented on Yong Hwa's effective leadership, on how he leads and resolves matter without having to raise his voice.)

 

No kisses but Maroo and Soso's scenes were so sweet. I appreciate that Maroo, unlike many kdrama leading men, did not indignantly grab Soso's wrist from behind to stop her from leaving but keeps a respectful distance from her while attempting to explain himself to her, without raising his voice at that.  

 

Soso disparages Maroo for jumping to conclusion so quickly, when she belatedly realizes she herself too has jumped to conclusion over the extra pair of shoes.   She is so mortified she can't look Maroo in the face.  These two are so sweet.  Oh, talking about being clueless, Maroo actually thought that Soso was mad at him because he bought her a pair of too small shoes that pinched her feet, and that's why she threw away the shoes.  It didn't even occur to him that she was mad at him because she presumed the other pair was for his girlfriend.  So, the misunderstand sprung from them both thinking that each  other was a player.  lol! 

 

 

 

Watching episode 9 now. 

 

Eta more thoughts on the episode

 

[solucu]

4 minutes ago, mayarlin said:

From above screencaps, my guess is that the 2 gay lovers have a reconciliation celebratory dinner at some fancy restaurant and Soso is invited to join them - hence her fancy dress. Somehow,  Maroo is in the same restaurant (sc) and somehow figures out that those 2 guys are gay lovers not Soso's boyfriends per his fertile imagination.  Hence, the whole misunderstanding is cleared including why Maroo has 2 pairs of exact shoes in different sizes.  

 

Thank you so muuuuuuuch! 

 

[0ly40]

OST part 6:

preview ep10

clips ep9

 

Spoiler

 

 

[luvtokki]

I've only watched the raw for episode 9, but what a relief!  It seems Ma Ru and So So resolve the misunderstandings between them and are back on together again.   I was hoping for a make-up kiss, but we finally got a hand hold at thr end.   There's a lot of talk between them again, I'm dying for translations now.

 

We finally get what many have expected all along, the 'affair couple' is really Dad and daughter.  The back story looks very sad and dramatic.

 

And "7 year couple" looks like they hit it big at the casino - or not.  Can't tell by their final scene.

 

Still loving this drama - I read it moved up to no. 5 in the ratings for last week -- not bad, but I wish it was more!   

[hyolee143]

18 MILLION WONNNNNNN!!!  

 

lmao best part of the episode!

 

also, called it w/the 2nd pair of shoes *brushes nonexistant dust off shoulders*

 

edit: I watched it at http://kissdrama.club/watch-online/the-package/episode-9 if you're still looking for english subtitles.

[luvtokki]

I really enjoy the conversations between Ma Ru and So So.   From the beginning they seem like the kind of conversations a real young man and woman would have as they're trying to determine if the other person could become their lover.  Straight up, thoughtful and to the point on love and relationships, condoms, sex, the roles that men and women should/should not play and what makes a good partner in life.  In most cases, Ma Ru is getting trained on love and relationships by So So who is a lot more worldly than Ma Ru due to her exposure to French culture and customs.   Ma Ru, although open-minded, is still stuck in the uptight cultural norms of South Korea "the world he lives in".  I give him points for at least being open-minded to So So's more sophisticated views on the roles on men and women, love and relationships.     

 

Ma Ru's best killer line was the one when they were sharing the wine bottle under St. Michael's feet.  The one about "Even if you don't believe in fate, you'll meet a cool man - because you're a cool woman!"  Damn, what a line.  Of course a woman would think about kissing him after hearing that!    

 

I like the fact that So So, even though she is disappointed in life and love is still a strong and intelligent woman with good insights into life and love.    The 'pillow talk' bed scene where she is talking to herself, trying to get Ma Ru to say that he has broken up with his girlfriend in Korea while the clueless Ma Ru babbles on about his friend, work, his military service and so on was hilarious yet so true!   Men don't have a clue what is important to a woman in a relationship.  She wanted to hear him say he no longer cared about the other woman and wanted only So So.  He babbled on about everything else.  She wanted a commitment after giving herself to him, and he could only offer vague answers.

 

I can see parallels with how So So treats her brother and Ma Ru.  She loves cares and supports both of them, but she also tries to lead them into making better life decisions.  Men can be thoughtless and clueless sometimes. It often takes a good woman to guide them in the right direction.  I know, I am a 40+ year-old man with a family.  Without my wife's support and guidance I would not be half the man I am today.  Without good women in this world, we would all still be hunter-gatherers cooking meat over a fire in a cave.    

 

But I'll have to give it to Ma Ru for chasing her down and forcing her to talk to him.  Even extending himself to be made to look like a fool, he told her he liked her wasn't fooling around with her and that she wasn't someone he wanted to pass on.   It was a passionate speech.  He laid his heart out to be stomped on if she wanted to, but he wanted to impress on her the seriousness of his feelings for her.  I was like cheering "Go Ma Ru, tell it like it is!"

 

I am totally enjoying this drama,  It's frustrating to see the ratings being so low, and the sad thing is there seems to be a lot of people who don't want to watch it because they've been disappointed in Yong Hwa's and Yeon Hee's acting in the past.  I think this is their best so far.  They really seem to have made a connection in this drama.  Yong Hwa even said he felt the most comfortable in Ma Ru's skin and that the directors and film crew have complemented him about his comedic chops.  I find Yeon Hee enchanting, classy and elegant.  Depending on how this ends, I would wish for a "package 2"!        

 

[mayarlin]

Episode 10 is the best one yet, but then I said that of every episode when done watching but truly episode 10 is daebak. I need to collect myself from watching such an emotional episode of pathos. Anyway, get ready the tissues for unbidden tears. 

 

Afterthought: Can 2 people from two different 'worlds' (Western mentality vs Eastern mentality) maintain a long-term love relationship?  So far, Maroo is open minded to Soo Soo's different povs and accepts them when presented to him,  but can Soo Soo do the same for Maroo's concerns too - i.e. be open minded to his concerns for her,  and not be so prickly and defensive to his pov? 

 

Aside, generally one tends to be more open-minded to different viewpoints when confronted in a different society away from one's own hometown/country, but once back home or back in familiar environment, one's own upbringing and old habits revert. No? Meaning, will Maroo be as open minded as he was in France when he returns to Korea or will he conform to social norms?  

 

Spoiler

The main focus is on the father-daughter's past and present situation and relationship. Father's love for child knows no bound vs Father's patience for child is tested and stretched to maximum. Both uttered words in the heat of the moment they will regret. Their scenes triggered my tear ducts - sob, sob, sob.  The daughter shot a satirical video (which won 1st place for some school contest) mocking the government for its law prohibiting the purchase of condoms by minors. What's this hangup on condoms in this series? lol!  Their discord lead to her slamming the hotel room door and stomping out.  Apparently, this is the first time father has ever raised his voice at his daughter, much less blurts out he hates her.  oooh...hurts!

 

Old couple - Nothing is what is seems so don't judge a book by its cover.  Again both said unkind things to each other. Old man cares so much for his wife but can't put his concerns into spoken words, so he ends their argument in anger as he slams the hotel room door and stomps out.  

 

The lovers - The only couples who manage to spend the night together in their hotel room - though the ambiance is uneasy. So-Ran finally extracts a reluctant promise from bf that he will try to keep the same job for at least 10 years straight, when she presented him her card holder wallet. 

 

Maroo & Soosoo - Out on a romantic date but the night is strained when Maroo tries to persuade Soo Soo to return home to Korea.  Soo Soo is upset that Maroo is being presumptuous as to micro-analyze her feelings and takes it upon himself to tell her what to do with her life.  She says she brought him to her favorite place but he spoils it for her with his unrelenting query as to why she doesn't want to return home. She tells him straight up to just back off. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[0ly40]

preview ep11

clips ep10

Spoiler

 

 

[luvtokki]

I want closure at the end of this drama.  I want Mar Ru and So So to find happiness together, I want the 7 year couple to resolve their differences and be happy together, I want the father-daughter couple and his girlfriend to come together as a family and I want the old couple to find peace and comfort while dealing with her life-ending cancer.

 

I don't want an ambiguous ending that leaves all the answers up to us the viewers.  I want Ma Ru and So So to come to a mutual understanding between So So wanting to remain the free-thinking and worldly individual that she has become while living abroad in France and Ma Ru's needs for her to follow traditional Korean beliefs on how a Korean woman should live her life.

 

The main theme in this drama seems to be challenging your beliefs.  Challenging the status quo of where you come from vs. the way people live in other parts of the world.  Ma Ru has to decide if he wants to be a company pawn or to follow through on what he thinks is right.  So So has to decide if she wants to continue on her current  path or find love in Korea, but then subjugate her newly found freedom she found while living in France.

 

There are many conflicting forces pulling on all our characters.  I hope they navigate them all and find happiness.     

[1bin]

I don't see it as out of line for Maru to talk about her brother's pursuit for her to go home, etc, cause I think he's asking about the future of their relationship in a less direct way.  I doubt he wants "what happens in vegas, stays in vegas" fling. Because he is a rather observant guy.  He knew she was sad/lonely/crying on the merry-go-round.   He knew the elderly lady was sick.  He knew the father was crazy worrying about where his "girlfriend/daughter"  was.  He isn't a surface level player/one night stand.  But I think SoSo is still too deep in her shame.  Unfortunately she gets triggered so easily about her past.  Why does she even hope he's the guy under the angel's feet then if she doesn't get why he asks if she will return to korea?  It's not like Maru has the means to stay in France and date her there.  The couple is sweet together, and I would like a happy ending, yet SoSo isn't encouraging enough for me to think it will happen. 

[hyolee143]

Seems like MaRu wants to bring SoSo home with him though, and who can blame him. With regards to the ending, if I were a betting person I'd guess the ending scene is going to be at yoon soo soo's wedding with the two of them just starting their relationship outside of a vacation fling, after maru leaves for korea and her staying, and the relationship being in a state of uncertainty. I bet his ex gf shows up at some point too.

[gavi]

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[crimson09]

Hi all! Can someone tell me what song they play in this clip? Please, please, please... 

 

 

[fallentenshi]

I really enjoy this drama atm. Glad to have picked it up (wasn't planning to at the beginning). I like how each couple had their own stories and problems to resolve. Also how they actually meet one another before but never realised it.

 

It was so funny to watch Ma Roo mistaken the guys to be her lovers.. lol... I mean come on, they looked like a couple! 

But I do agree with double standards. MR still got his "girlfriend" back home and yet pursuing So So and declaring his love for her in France.. hmm.... 

 

France places looks amazing. I do note that during their first eps in Paris, there were literally no black people in the background at all. That's not the real Paris. One thing I've noticed in Paris is that  tourist places are full of them, selling you stuff. Esp in Eiffel and Sacre Coeur.

 

[luvtokki]

What the heck, Ma Ru and So So overcome their mutual misunderstandings and go to the beach holding hands.  But only long enough for Ma Ru to upset So So off again with his constant questions about what she wants to do with her life.  So we're pretty much back to the 'friend' zone for Ma Ru and So So.

 

Ma Ru and So So are both strong personalities.  I don't see how they can resolve their differences and both be happy. Ma Ru wants to know if So So will go back to Korea with him.  He wants to know what their future will be after The Package ends. 

 

So So likes her life in France and doesn't want to return to Korea and face the harsh judgement of her parents, friends and relations in Korea.  She also appreciates some of the freedoms she has found in French society that aren't available to her in Korean society.

 

Ma Ru is a typical Korean male.  He probably believes So So should give up her life in France and go with him "if she loves him".  That's a big IF.  I haven't heard either one of them mention the word love.   They like each other, sure.  They are still not talking to each other using banmal (informal speech), so how close can they really be?    They have had an intense relationship for a few days in romantic locations.  They certainly care for each.  I think they will go their separate ways because their beliefs in how a relationship should be for a man and woman are too far apart.

 

I think this is the way it will end for them.  Either that, or one of them will have to give up their beliefs on how they want to live and love, and I don't see that as a viable path for their relationship.

 

It will be interesting to see how the writers will conclude their relationship.  I hope it is a believeable conclusion and not too contrived where one or the other in this relationship gives up their beliefs for the other.              

[mayarlin]

9 hours ago, luvtokki said:

What the heck, Ma Ru and So So overcome their mutual misunderstandings and go to the beach holding hands.  But only long enough for Ma Ru to upset So So off again with his constant questions about what she wants to do with her life.  So we're pretty much back to the 'friend' zone for Ma Ru and So So.

 

Ma Ru and So So are both strong personalities.  I don't see how they can resolve their differences and both be happy. Ma Ru wants to know if So So will go back to Korea with him.  He wants to know what their future will be after The Package ends. 

 

So So likes her life in France and doesn't want to return to Korea and face the harsh judgement of her parents, friends and relations in Korea.  She also appreciates some of the freedoms she has found in French society that aren't available to her in Korean society.

 

Ma Ru is a typical Korean male.  He probably believes So So should give up her life in France and go with him "if she loves him".  That's a big IF.  I haven't heard either one of them mention the word love.   They like each other, sure.  They are still not talking to each other using banmal (informal speech), so how close can they really be?    They have had an intense relationship for a few days in romantic locations.  They certainly care for each.  I think they will go their separate ways because their beliefs in how a relationship should be for a man and woman are too far apart.

 

I think this is the way it will end for them.  Either that, or one of them will have to give up their beliefs on how they want to live and love, and I don't see that as a viable path for their relationship.

 

It will be interesting to see how the writers will conclude their relationship.  I hope it is a believeable conclusion and not too contrived where one or the other in this relationship gives up their beliefs for the other.              

 

 

You have raised some valid questions that I too have pondered over.  Unlike you, I'm quite optimistic about their relationship precisely because of their (strong) personalities, in that they will resolve the differences in their convictions and beliefs.   

 

“If the direction is wrong, the speed is irrelevant!” – A Gandhi quote on life.  Uni student Maroo counters that quote with:  “life’s answers can be found in the prohibited direction… will I be able to find them?”  Thinking thus, he jumps off the tall building as he rappels down its wall. More than anything, this dare-devil stunt gives an inkling to Maroo’s free-spirited character, and depicts him as a free thinker who seeks out answers thru his own actions. One can also ofc dub him reckless.  But even as a child, he possessed an open and inquiring mind (humidifier vs dehumidifier), who saw beyond the surface and sought out answers.  Similarly he sees beyond So So's strong personality and independence, and zooms into her heart to see her loneliness and homesickness for her family.  Or one can argue, he's just being presumptuous. 

 

Prior to his ethical dilemma, Maroo had conformed to society norm as an obedient and hardworking employee. His free spirit seemed broken when he gave in to pressure when he agreed to return to Korea.  Meeting So So has stirred up that currently subdued free spirited thinker in him.  

 

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Ma Ru and So So are both strong personalities.  I don't see how they can resolve their differences and both be happy....Ma Ru is a typical Korean male... He probably believes So So should give up her life in France and go with him "if she loves him

 

 

 

 

 

To me, Maroo is not your typical Korean (per kdrama) male who believes (by your definition in this scenario)  that "So So should give up her life in France and go with him "if she loves him"".  I don’t believe Maroo thinks that. 

 

Maroo has repeatedly demonstrated his perceptive and his non-judgmental personality in his interactions with So So, and also with his handling of the hotel eviction'scene of ahjumma and her husband.  

 

Ofc, Maroo wants to know the future of  his and Soso's relationship, but that is not the reason for asking Soso whether she will return to Korea.  He asked the question  because he honestly believes that So So is actually homesick for her family but that she cant get past her guilt.  Soo Soo's desperate attempt to get his sister back home to her family got to have touched Maroo's heart.  He believes that So So should at least visit her family if not to stay, then as a first step to reconciling with her family.  Given the glimpses in his character, I'm pretty sure Maroo is not urging So So to return to Korea for his sake if she loves him, like you said.

 

In the closing scene, see how focus Maroo is watching So So as he listens attentively to her.  Maroo has always been a good listener to So So but in this scene, he is totally in tune to Soso's vibe, his posture upright and unyielding. He sees right thru her flippant "ofc I'm happy" response.  Maroo has said he could tell her fake smile from her real because love strips away the facade.  

 

Maroo counters: “Is that why you are not going back to Korea?”  So So’s smile gets tighter as she controls her composure by the very question she has asked herself a thousand times over.  Maroo: “You’re just hanging there even though you want to go back … follow your heart before it is too late”.  Contrast the Maroo's stillness with So So's fidgety, his earnestness with her rising indignation and defensiveness. Ofc, Maroo is being presumptuous to tell her what to do when they are practically strangers, so I can totally relate to So So’s displeasure especially on a sensitive subject to her.  Anyway, Maroo his question set off a emotional rant from her about the close-mindedness of a Korean society. 

 

He listens quietly as he absorbed So So’s emotional tirade.   Maroo knows exactly where So So is coming from, as he immediately apologizes to her. The pain in So So’s voice is reflected on Maroo’s face as he looks on at her with compassion. One thing I like about Maroo is that he listens quietly, truly listens without much interruption, or trying to change her mind but instead tries to process what she just said. 

 

Anyway, like  her younger brother say, So So is her worse enemy and that nobody hates her but she herself.  If anyone can chip away that chip on her shoulder, it would be Maroo – didn’t he change her mind on fate?  Maroo will give her space and time to dismantle the prison walls of guilt she has built around herself. I’m optimistic they will end up together. Fingers crossed. 

 

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...They are still not talking to each other using banmal (informal speech), so how close can they really be?

 

 

 

I think Maroo speaks banmal as a show of respect to her, not as an indication of their closeness. Just because they have slept together doesn’t mean he should act familiar with her.

 

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...I hope it is a believeable conclusion and not too contrived where one or the other in this relationship gives up their beliefs for the other. "...I think they will go their separate ways because their beliefs in how a relationship should be for a man and woman are too far apart…...I think this is the way it will end for them.  Either that, or one of them will have to give up their beliefs on how they want to live and love, and I don't see that as a viable path for their relationship.

 

They will compromise on their beliefs, and respect each other’s convictions as all relationships should. Like I’d said Maroo is not your typical Kdrama leading man -  he has a mind of his own and is open-minded.  But I’m more concerned about So So’s stubborn personality and her defensiveness or shutting herself down to new love.  But Maroo will win her over! And he definitely can handle strong woman, after all, he dated his female boss. In all fairness, Maroo has never imposed his own belief on So So, nor has he tried to change her belief to his. What has going for them is their honesty with each other,  and their willingness to speak their minds,  and work from there.  Can't wait to see how their 'ruined' date turn out in the end.  

[luvtokki]

@mayarlin - your arguments are well thought out and explained well.  I actually like your ideas on how they will end up in this drama better than mine!

 

I'm hoping for some kind of compromise.  And it would be best if they find some middle ground that doesn't change who they are as a person.

 

When I said Ma Ru is a typical Korean male I'm referring to how he was brought up and how he has lived his life in the strict confines of Korean society.   His beliefs are shaped by this.  The whole condom discussion points this out.  He was taken aback by So So carrying condoms around.  Why would she need one?  He obviously must have left birth control and protection from STDs completely up to his Korean girlfriend - as her responsibility.   When So So explains the difference between French and Korean culture, he reflects on it and it changes his thoughts on this issue.  He then explains to So So that his ideas come from the 'world he lives in' vs. the world So So has experienced in France.

 

I see your point.  Ma Ru listens to So So carefully, processes what she says and then adjusts his ideals/feelings accordingly.

 

Ma Ru is also a problem fixer.  The way he handled the old couple's problem with the French hotel, the way he organized the search party for the missing daughter, even how he initially protected Ma Ru from her brother at the beginning shows he listens, understands the problem and then develops a solution.   Hopefully he can fix So So's problem with her guilt, embarassment and pride and get her to resolve her issues with her family.

 

And to So So's credit, she is the only one to tell Ma Ru he did nothing wrong in his morally correct actions toward his company.  She is the only one who has supported him.    

 

Hopefully this will guide their future in this drama to a good conclusion!  I'm patiently waiting for episode 11.  Maybe we'll see if their "ruined date" turns out to be another good understanding between them.      

[luvtokki]

On a different note, even though The Package did not get a high viewer percentage of the Korean market, the reviews and responses I've read on many of the streaming sites (Dramafever, etc.) and even Dramabeans have been for the most part very positive.

 

Yong Hwa brings with him a very strong fan base.  But then there are those shipper fans who only want to see him with Seohyun or Park Shin Hye and are therefore critical of Lee Yeon Hee.   An unfair critique, because I see them being more comfortable together than either of the above.   In the BTS they seem to be comfortable and close.  LYH is often smiling or laughing at JYH's antics or jokes.  She seems to help him a lot - leading him through scenes.  She is the more experienced actor, but their closesness in age probably helps.  LYH seems to be a cool woman, just like So So.

 

Yong Hwa said in an interview Ma Ru is the closest to his own personality/character.  If you've seen him in concerts with CNBlue or on variety shows (like Running Man) this is so true.  He is always making people laugh and he enjoys the challenges on game shows - often winning.  He is, like Ma Ru a man of action.

 

LYH said she has traveled to Paris often on vacation and that she even practiced her French so she could actually converse with the French actors in The Package. She also said she would one day want to live there.  She said that on one of her trips she was impressed how charming their guide was and wondered if she could one day play a guide in Paris.  Then along came The Package (like fate) and she got her wish.   The Package was her first drama after being away from acting for 2 years.

 

It seems The Package was a good fit for both of them and as a result it shows in the final product!         

[Ethereal Y]

@luvtokki @mayarlin Great reading your insights on epsiode 10. I haven't got the chance to watch it yet since I'm not ready to say goodbye to the drama this week.They were a couple of interviews released yesterday about Yh's interview for The Package and it's very well-received with the press and media outlets.

In the preview of ep11, Maroo drove Soso all the way to Mont Saint Michel from Paris and brought her under the angel feet. For sure it's going to be a sad parting between them and soso said that maybe fate bring them together again. If she decided to return to kr and reunite with her family, i hope she will return to france since there's where her home is now and maybe bring maroo along after all the mess in kr.  

 

I love how playful they are irl. I hope to see them work again for a project or a duet together.

 

 

 

[0ly40]

clips ep11

Spoiler