[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구

[Far^away]

1 hour ago, lclarakl said:

 

I'm torn when it comes to JWS. I was under the impression that he really cheated on her. However, as this drama has progressed, it's become pretty obvious that he loves her. I would like to think that he was pretending that he cheated on her, but in the first couple of episodes I didn't get the impression he was pretending. Not only that, I don't know what he would have gained from doing so if he really loved her at the time. Could be he wanted to set a caged bird free, but I'm not sure.  I think over the years after seeing her take a failing hotel and turn it around and make it profitable, he probably realized what he lost. When his mother mentioned to him that she would like for them to get back together, it was like she planted this seed in him. He also thought that she would never go with another man just because of her personality; however, he now has competition.

 

I have a feeling that our leads will separate for a couple of years. I hope they separate because I need to male lead to become a "man"; someone that she can lean on; someone who can protect her. Right now he seems like a young kid; I want to see a confident man.

 

I’m torn about JWS too. Watching him so far up to episode 6, he was most pitiful when he bumpes into CSH while trying on a new suit. 

 

For the viewers, it is very telling that the picky woman he was referring to was CSH but for her, it wasn’t the case. Her facial reaction is silently violent, since it reminded her that their marriage collapse because of a 3rd person. 

 

In my opinion, she tried her best (in her own CSH way) but he choose the easy way out to let her go instead of fighting together.

 

remember KJH said lets allow the feeling inside them fight and she was like... fight? She was lost in thought for a bit then agrees to “some” relationship. 

[khxy]

I haven't watched episode 6, but judging from the comments, i reckon it is another fantastic episode.

 

Let me share a bit about the article written few days ago https://m.entertain.naver.com/read?aid=0010518014&oid=001

 

I do not have time to translate the whole article but the jist of this article is that 'Boyfriend' is not a Cinderella but a Don Quixote's story.  One of the main reasons why there are a lot of negative noises surrounding this drama is because unlike Cinderella story, Don Quixote story is perceived as unrealistic and unfamiliar to many. In reality, Cinderella story can happen to anyone including you and me, that's why despite being repeated many times, it is still well sought after. The journalist encourages people to watch because it is a rare drama that teaches us the importance and to be grateful of the small and simple things in life. 

 

I love how every lines, conversations even art pieces serve as a purpose and bring about connections. One scene that leaves a deep impression on me is when both the leads were at the tea house. Jin Hyuk says' the tea you steep the 2nd time, tastes the best' For me, that is a subtle way of Jin Hyuk in telling Soo Hyun to let him in, let him be the 2nd man to enter her world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jemrie]

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

DC

 

[nikir]

2 hours ago, lclarakl said:

 

I'm torn when it comes to JWS. I was under the impression that he really cheated on her. However, as this drama has progressed, it's become pretty obvious that he loves her. I would like to think that he was pretending that he cheated on her, but in the first couple of episodes I didn't get the impression he was pretending. Not only that, I don't know what he would have gained from doing so if he really loved her at the time. Could be he wanted to set a caged bird free, but I'm not sure.  I think over the years after seeing her take a failing hotel and turn it around and make it profitable, he probably realized what he lost. When his mother mentioned to him that she would like for them to get back together, it was like she planted this seed in him. He also thought that she would never go with another man just because of her personality; however, he now has competition.

 

I have a feeling that our leads will separate for a couple of years. I hope they separate because I need to male lead to become a "man"; someone that she can lean on; someone who can protect her. Right now he seems like a young kid; I want to see a confident man.

Yes CSH behaves too much like a teenager in first love.. anticipating a time jump where he mans up both in work and in person..

[icyphoenix]

2 hours ago, lclarakl said:

 

I'm torn when it comes to JWS. I was under the impression that he really cheated on her. However, as this drama has progressed, it's become pretty obvious that he loves her. I would like to think that he was pretending that he cheated on her, but in the first couple of episodes I didn't get the impression he was pretending. Not only that, I don't know what he would have gained from doing so if he really loved her at the time. Could be he wanted to set a caged bird free, but I'm not sure.  I think over the years after seeing her take a failing hotel and turn it around and make it profitable, he probably realized what he lost. When his mother mentioned to him that she would like for them to get back together, it was like she planted this seed in him. He also thought that she would never go with another man just because of her personality; however, he now has competition.

 

I have a feeling that our leads will separate for a couple of years. I hope they separate because I need to male lead to become a "man"; someone that she can lean on; someone who can protect her. Right now he seems like a young kid; I want to see a confident man.

I like this scenario very much.. I still think he was loving CSH all the way.. He might have tried relationship with other girl.. But seeing the wallpaper on his phone it seems he was always struck on CSH!! .. He has that two sides where he checks out KJH's tie n feels assured that CSH might have not given him tie.. But he knows the truth but still He wants to thing sorts!!.. I want to know more n more abt him to give judgement abt him.. He came Two times n saved KJH knowing his relationship with CSH.. I don't know whether it's to help CSH or he has a big heart!! I m actually very confused by his behavior.. I can understand CSH's condition in marriage!! 

[kingkong72]

I just finished watching E6. This episode is all about establishing a demarcation line.

 

The first line were established by Congressman Cha against CSH's ex-mother in law. Congressman Cha I think is now politically savvy that he can now shield himself and will no longer bow to the wishes of CSH's ex-mother in law. A lot of pressure will eventually be thrown against Congressman Cha but I think he now knows he can defend himself in the political battlefield. 

 

The second demarcation line was established by CSH herself. With all the media present at the party and all important hotel officials and guest around, she announced her relationship with KJH. With that announcement, all the intentions of the evil people including MIL, CSH's mother, the Board of Director who planned the question came crashing down. The announcement this time around is no longer about friendship with KJH but it has now evolved into a serious relationship. It's like CSH telling everyone to stay away from her relationship. I was smiling like a cheshire cat looking at the faces of Secretary Jang, Mr. Nam,  CSH mother,  the announcer, the MIL, the Director and CSH ex-husband. The line has been drawn. I'm happy for both CSH and KJH

[ahdrianaa]

Popular korean makeup YouTuber Haneulina who is a big fan of SHK uploaded a makeup tutorial for CSH’s look. Great production value, she even got the real $900 Avouavou red dress.

 

 

[bohmi]

Spoiler

 

 

cr. tvN

 

 

[dukesa1122]

6 hours ago, Far^away said:

that muffler scene... that necktie scene... cemented how small gestures seemed like leaps and bounds for them.

 

I love this line alot.

 

This is the first time I'm going to comment about JWS. Mainly because I was trying to understand him.

 

I think the reason is simple. He said so himself. He, like CSH, knows the feeling of not owning your own life. When they got married, he might have seen that CSH has been pushed too much to the side or pressured by his mother and it reached a point where he cant stand the person he loves being stifled like that anymore, especially by his own mother. That might be the reason why he made up the outrageous "wanting to marry the other woman" alibi just to get Cha divorced and out of his family. He has been at cross with his mother twice and he never failed to remind his mother that CSH is not a thing. He did not however expect CSH to be involved with another man especially after the signed divorce contract that hinders CSH to ever be involved. So I understand the hesitation from his part in doing anything upfront like what KJH is doing.

 

MIL played her part well and because of that i hate her. Not as much as i hate CSH's mom. At least MIL has a reason deeper than just being selfish and chaebol. At least she's almost doing it to CSH because she knows his son loves her. CSH mom however, she's pure evil, selfish! argh

 

[utkim]

 

dc

 

 

[utkim]

 

 

I really hope SH and ex husband can be friends later episodes. He seems to love a lot, but then he should be more true fully about his feelings for her in the beginning. He could done differently when they were married, now it’s just too late for him, he can’t get the time back. I don’t think SH hate him or anything by now,  even if she was angry at him because of his cheating at that time, it should be bygones. She wasn’t in love of him In the first place, so.  A divorce was like a deliverance.

 

I do care for his character and hopefully he could find his own happiness. 

 

JH get himself to SH’s apartment already . What’s next ?

 

 

[caileysmiley]

Encounter sold to 100 countries!  This is good news indeed

Spoiler

So Encounter beats sageuk drama Jewel In The Palace in terms of buying the copyright to broadcast to their network from different countries! 

--------

 

 

Following its initial broadcast in South Korea, Dae Jang Geum was syndicated in over 60 countries around the world, under the titles Jewel in the Palace and The Great Jang-Geum

 

Source Wikipedia

 

[dukesa1122]

@utkim yeah.. they took a selfie together!

 

@caileysmiley was DOTS sold to 100 countries as well? just wondering

[0ly40]

preview ep7

 

[Carmarie]

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

 

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

I am hoping for a happy ending.   

[redbeanbuns]

Aaahh at last I already finish watched epi 5-6..my laptop thank u for coming back alive 

 

Wow what a roller coaster feeling that I have right now..happy (I'm literaly grinning ear to ear,watched sweet scene that sweeter than sugar ),angry,sad arrrghh every emotion came out at once. Shk x Pbg give their character a soul;I'm falling in love with their eyes n smile especially,so masmerizeme..eyes really important I guess to convey someone feelings..totally LOVE it..oh n the actor whose role is ex husband,jang seung jo his quite good too,potraying the lonely n miserable ex  n handsome one to add haha

 

For me this is my TOP/FAVE scene in epi 5-6 (although I like it all,but yeah I have my own fave):

*When SH saw JH in a cafe all by himself,lifeless n suddenly became a ball of happiness after he got a message from SH n their art date

*Cute bickering between JH hyung dae chan n sec jang

*Convo between sec jang n SH in the car, n SH crying

*The way JH hold SH arms to look at him at the ending of epi 5

*Riding bike scene

*The scarf n holding hands scene

*Neck tie scene n the ex hubby saw it

*JH confrontation with the ex hubby n ex MIL

* SH worried face n wanting to interfere when JH being bullied by the ex MIL

*N of course the ending of epi 6 

 

@utkim do we have same thought,after JH find a way to come in SH house,what next?I will let my wild imagination take over 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bebebisous33]

The importance of nature in „Encounter“

 

This drama is really interesting because each episode starts and ends with a drawing. Each pictured scene doesn't just serve as an introduction to the main topic of the episode, but also helps to understand the characters and their situation. While last week, I analyzed the different drawings in order to present CSH, JH and their respective situation, this time nature will be my main focus. Why? The presence of nature is increasing each time. 

Spoiler

 

credit to @Jemrie 

CSH is the CEO of Donghwa Hotel and she has just opened a new resort close to the sea. Striking is that she explained how she developed the hotel. She wanted her future clients to rest by having a view of the sea. As you can see, she perceives nature as something positive which can help someone to relax. Now, if we connect this to her trip on Cuba (her desire to watch the sunset at a certain beach), the viewer can realize what nature means to CSH. For her, nature is beautiful, can help people to relax and enjoy their time. However, CSH lives in a different world, far away from nature: the drawings show her living in a castle or pavilion, surrounded by people or by a fence or even attached to a building or trapped by a window. To conclude, she lives in an urban world that is suffocating her and she can usually only escape from it through her paintings. The paintings function as a window to a different world where her fantasy and her feelings are not contrived, however it is not enough, since her biggest desire is to be close to nature or she likes observing nature (sunset). That's why she was so determined to reach the beach in order to watch the sunrise, no matter what (broken taxi, no money). We shouldn't forget that CSH is determined to renovate the hotel in Cuba without changing the garden, even refusing to put a swimming pool. She even outlined that the strength of this property was the garden. As you can see, she values the hotels based on natural elements:  garden, sea. She wants people to feel close to nature through her hotels. Notice that after watching the scene where JH was looked down by her ex-mother-in-law, she was standing in front of a huge window looking at the sea. At some point, you could sense that looking at the sea had a positive effect on her: she was calmer. For her, nature is a source of strength.  

Sure, she is a princess in the eyes of many, yet there is one person who perceives her differently. This is not a coincidence that in the episode 5,  secretary Jang compared our protagonist to a flower. He explained to CSH that no one can stop a flower from blossoming. As you can see, CSH is like a beautiful flower who has been "put behind a glass" by her mother and ex-family. A flower needs fresh air and water in order to live and that's what JWS is not able to understand. He realized that in their marriage she was suffocating, hence he released her. In reality, he just created a bigger cage for CSH: Donghwa hotel. 

Spoiler

That's why I am suspecting that JWS knows about the special clause of the divorce contract. 

Don't forget that JWS is always filmed indoors, in suffocating rooms with no windows so that you have the impression, he is living in a prison. However, in his mind, this beautiful flower needed a protector that's why he is helping her behind her back. She is like a flower with JWS as a gardener who ensures that she doesn't get hurt. Donghwa hotel can be perceived like a greenhouse, where everyone can look at CSH and even gossip about her. He is just the gardener protecting her. By doing so, he feels that the flower sooner or later will realize what he has done to her so that she will smile beautifully to him like a flower.

But let's go back to the drawings... they have all something in common: nature is always present, in the beginning (picture 1, 3, 4) less, but the more episodes were aired, the more nature prevails. The reason is simple. First, nature plays a huge part in CSH's life. Only when she is surrounded by nature (like drawing 1), she can feel free. Cuba is such a place. It has also become a meaningful place for her because she could do anything she wanted without being in the center of the attention. If we look at the first picture, you can see that the trees are black and without leaves indicating that this is winter and nature is sleeping. We can interpret this scene as if her passionate nature was sleeping, oppressed. In her dark world, where she is so small and powerless, she is also like a flower that is sleeping or has not bloomed yet.

 

In my opinion, JWS and his mother represent the opposite world. Wealth and their social status are associated to civilization and modern world which are symbolized in the drawing 1, 3 and 4 (castle, pavilion, street lamps, windows, fence, wheels aso). That's why CSH can never be happy with them. This is not random that JWS is always concerned about his image and appearance (he went to the shop because he wanted to impress a picky woman, his ex-wife), as he believes this matters in order to seduce someone. He even bought an expensive dress for CSH. Appearance is linked to artificiality, the opposite of simplicity and naturalness. As you can see, image means a lot to JWS, but it is different to CSH. JH could move her heart because he wanted her to feel comfortable: the shoes, the jackets, the scarf. He always tries to give her his clothes. He always worries that she might get cold or hurt. A person obsessed with appearance would never accept such gestures because it wouldn't look good but CSH is not thinking like that.

 

On the other hand, our hero JH is linked to nature in the different drawings. He is often shown in a green environment, standing next to the sun. If he is not represented, he is symbolized by the red butterfly (image 4). The red butterfly has an important signification: it is an omen announcing huge changes in someone's life. From my point of view, when the red butterfly touches CSH's head, it was as if it brought back life and feelings to our protagonist. But don't forget that in the story itself, JH introduced himself to CSH as fruit seller. In the same episode (1), CSH compares him herself to a fruit saying that he was like a white grape. To conclude, our hero is often associated with products coming from the nature: butterfly, grape, sun and fruit. 

But if I include the drawings from this week now, I can notice three points in common:

1. Our heroes are outside, surrounded by nature
2. There is no longer any black. However, there are still dark colors, like dark blue or deep purple.
3. The civilization has not entirely disappeared: the paintings and the boat are linked to the modern world.

Striking is that this reflects the evolution of CSH's situation and her relationship with JH. She has freed herself, she is no longer captive like in the picture 3 and 4. She is also not surrounded by enemies, like the snakes in the episode 4 (picture 5). Her emotions have changed as well. She is no longer cold, no sleeping flower. She is warming up, her emotions are starting showing up. As conclusion, nature symbolizes here liberty.

We shouldn't forget that nature can also be dangerous. Notice that once CSH has escaped from her cage, she always has to face enemies and adversities. And in nature, her enemies are represented by the snakes and waves. As you can see, nature is also connected to negative aspects. Nonetheless, this underlines that the problems and enemies CSH and JH have to face are natural phenomenons. This is nothing special but on their journey (drawing from the episode 5 and 6), they need to be together and work together. At the end, the sun has never shone so brightly. The MIL, the director Choi, her ex-husband are symbolized by the waves but since CSH didn't give up and remained firm, the waves disappeared. JH always serves her as a guide, he is her strength because he is the sun that warms her so that the flower can blossom beautifully. 

 After the disappearance of the dangerous waves, fish start flying towards CSH and JH indicating that after the fight, they will experience something good.   

Okay, that's it for now. Let me know what you think.

@celebrianna @alekaonu @icyphoenix @sassylove @nubianlegalmind @USAFarmgirl

[mouse007]

On 12/13/2018 at 10:55 AM, stroppyse said:

It seems that JH is coming very aware of the extraordinary pressures that SH has to accept as a matter of fact in her life, and how she has coped with it. In order to protect herself and her emotions, she has deliberately emotionally stunted herself. And, while it may be easy for him to say things such as "It won't be so bad if you can smile" to her, that is actually the naive point of view of youth that haven't had to deal with consequences as yet. He's been blessed to have grown up with a close, loving family, though perhaps he has a sunnier disposition than most.

 

So, it seems that this story is not just of SH being able to step out of her cage, but also of JH having to grow up about the world some during their relationship together, regardless of the length of the relationship. It's clear that they have both already affected and changed each other already, with more to go.

 

 

 

On 12/13/2018 at 11:15 AM, stroppyse said:

 

What they are doing rather well, however, is crafting an OTP that I want to root for, despite their insurmountable odds at actually being able to be together. It's like the choice that SH is potentially going to be facing of choosing either JH or basically her whole world, including her job and her family. When one has so much, it is very hard to leave everything behind to go to a subsistence living situation.

 

It's still not clear to me whether this drama tends to take the more realistic ending of having the OTP part at the end, or to keep it in a more fairytale realm and allow them to stay together.

 

 

@stroppyse sorry for cutting your posts.. I totally agree with you here. I'll be honest, I have a feeling this drama might not give us a happy ending where they end up together. Rather, it might be the type of drama that shows us how two people meet unexpectedly and have a profound effect on each other's lives. I really like that poem and the thought behind the painting they viewed under the bridge.. it's like JH and SH have no control over meeting each other and they keep bumping into each other repeatedly and they don't know what it all means and whether they should be together or not. But they do know they're drawn to each other.

 

I think episode 1 seemed somewhat slow because it lingered on scenes where JH was exploring Cuba and I think that was done on purpose to give us an idea of what JH is like - he is young, carefree and is the type who lives in the present and knows how to take it all in and enjoy the moment. He has an appreciation for what is happening right in front of him. SH on the other hand has lived a pretty confined life. We can see it in the way she spent her time in Cuba. She only went to the places she needed to go and wouldn't have ventured out on her own until she was encouraged to do so. 

 

Yes, there's an age gap between the OTP but I think we aren't really meant to focus on that gap. I think this show is doing an amazing job at showing us all the complexities of their relationship beyond the age gap. 

[dukesa1122]

Let me cut in and just say...

 

I love how rich the discussion in this thread is.

 

Beyond the heart flutters we obviously feel inside, we talk more in depth discussion about the show.

 

Keep them coming !

[utkim]

Well, honestly this drama doesn’t give me any feeling that it will be a sad ending. I just have this strong feeling we will have a happy ending 

dc

 

as I am not good in analyzing arts, can only see if it’s beautiful or not, I dun understand their language  , I’m thankful for your help to make me appreciated the drama even more. Thanks