[Drama 2018-2019] Encounter / Boyfriend, 남자친구

[larrysouth]

Ok, I have the following hopes for tomorrow's episode.

• There must be at least a one year time jump
• We must see a scene where CSH & KJH met as children
• We must find out that somehow CSH & KJH are fated to be together for eternity
• Either CSH or KJH must sacrificially give up on the relationship so that the other will be able to survive
• One or the other of our OTP will turn out to be a cyborg, android, spy or have magical abilities of some sort

The reason I hope we see these things is that they are plot devices that are either never or rarely used in KDramas.

 

 

[rckchvls]

Can't wait for tomorrow!!!!!

 

 

[gumtaek]

English Subbed Part 1 of the Making

@dukesa1122, @rosiepeonie188: Chinese fans in weibo compiled in the video I posted all the imges presented at the start of each episode. That could be  a good material for analysis...as it points to the series of events that led to and deepened the Encounter of our JinSoo Couple and it could explain why the drama was entitled NamjaChingu.

 

@ahdrianaa: Sorry, I didn't quite get what you were referring to when you tagged me about SHK and the word "alone"

 

[rosiepeonie188]

 

 

Jin Hyuk always make sure Soo Hyun eats well.. He's a keeper.. keep him tight Soo Hyun-ah.

 

My fave JinSoo date is the Ramen date!! 

There's no eating date on their second Cuba trip, guess they're busy quench their thirst of each other 

[gumtaek]

And the fan's Filming Location Tour continues!

 

[NongpeeP]

1 hour ago, htk9207 said:

I just read a beautiful review of Encounter in Couch Kimchi. Not sure if this was already posted here. I'm posting the link below. 

 

http://couch-kimchi.com/2019/01/10/week-3-to-5-highlights-encounter/

@htk9207 Thank you so much for your recommendation, I wanna post it in this forum. (not sure anyone used to post this here or not)

I like Couch Kimchi's esp. her PERSONAL THOUGHT indeed because it explained my feeling when I watched Encounter.

I do not believe in love with gaps in life but when I watched Encounter, the idea of love the best during being in love can overcome the belief of love with proper features to ensure safe result. 

 

 

============================================================

 

BY LEILA108  ENCOUNTER, REVIEWS AND RECAPSJANUARY 10, 2019

WEEK 3 TO 5 HIGHLIGHTS: ENCOUNTER

The long wait was worth it! The second half of the story is shaping up so well. I’m a happy camper.

What I come to love the most about Encounter is the fact that they were able to execute my personal thoughts and opinion with regard to being in a relationship and managing problems. Finally! They have addressed the issues that needs proper solutions. Going away and breaking up isn’t always the best. Staying together is. Kudos!

 

That being said, I’ll keep on using Encounter instead of Boyfriend for this show. Coz, the former describes it better for me. There is always something special whenever Jin Hyuk and Soo Hyun meets! I’ve always thought why the weekly ending always shows them meeting up. And it made sense to me why they always do! The ambiance of finally meeting the person you love couldn’t be expressed better than whenever their eyes lovingly gazed at each other. The longing, the love, and the emotions feels so warm and joyful.

Let’s savour it more!

 

CHARACTER FOCUS:

 

JUNG WOO SUK

His character isn’t structured like a typical second lead, where evil plans are always at bay. He isn’t like that, and it’s refreshing! He is forthright. I love his conversation with his mother and Director Choi. The only thing that is common as a second lead is the fact that they will always be hurting. How many times should we see them look at kiss scenes, and feel the opposite while we jump for joy? There is always two sides in a story.

 

Woo Suk is a pitiful character. If there is someone whose gonna teach you about LOVE, the best one would be your parent. Since his parents are busy making money and valuing power as a means to an end, he does not know love. How is he supposed to express it with Soo Hyun? I feel sad whenever I see him struggle to write his own feelings, like he doesn’t even have a word for it! Who asks a secretary for words that you should know yourself?! It is absurd. Bringing romance without understanding its essence, sometimes lose its value.

 

He is a lost character. I hope the path he is walking now leads him to the right direction. I don’t think he’s going to turn evil. But don’t quote me on this. Anything is possible, but I’m clinging to my hope that he won’t be just your stereotypical lead where he’d meddle to destroy a lovely relationship just to get his own happy ending. Otherwise, I’d eat my words. Don’t make me do that, show.

 

NAM HYUNG SIK & KIM HYE EUN

If there is anyone who needs to be a couple ASAP, I hope it’s them. Nam ahjusshi has been playing cupid since Day One, and I want him to have his love too! It is such a relief when Soo Hyun pointed out and mentioned Hye Eun as the “woman that got away.” But, heck with that! There is a reason why she had a divorce. Mr Nam should have been the man for her, but fear and self-pity got in the way.

 

The timing couldn’t be more perfect than NOW. Those late nights that they spend at a convenient store better produce something. Hear me on this!

 

JANG MI JIN & LEE DAE CHAN

I’m not gonna lie, I’m excited about this pairing! I’m also telling my heart to stop beating so fast! I feel you, Dae Chan. LOL

 

Aren’t they adorable? The flirting they had on New Year’s Eve pretty much describes their relationship in a nutshell. They are both wearing masks, and they are more attracted on the unseen. Gets? It almost feel like a magnetic fusion exist in their presence that keeps pulling them in. It was already a random encounter when they found each other on an online dating app, amidst thousands out there. But what I love the most is how differently they think, and yet the contrast produces something beautiful. Both are searching for love, and I hope they will stop coz love is already present. They just need to think less of their standards (maybe this message is more for Mi Jin), and just love. Period.

 

The heartbeat feels real. Dae Chan, don’t make it stop! We are having fun seeing you feel it.

 

CHA SOO HYUN

This woman emanates what an ideal life should be — living the way you want it. But not all of us will be fortunate to live that life. We struggle to make it happen. Her boldness to pursue it in her life is inspiring and she makes it possible. When you start to gather courage to live your own life, in your own terms, and not allowing problems to hinder you from achieving it, you bloom. Its beautiful to witness.

Soo Hyun’s life growing up with the public is something she endured. She is used to holding back what she feels because she isn’t allowed to express it. But everything changed when Jin Hyuk came into her life. She can freely cry too, with joy and with pain, knowing Jin Hyuk is there for her.

 

KIM JIN HYUK

Whenever I look into his eyes, I don’t doubt he is in love. His eyes sparkles so naturally. I believe everything he say is true.

 

We promised to overcome it with our good memories, but you were worried that I wouldn’t be able to persist. That made me upset. I’m getting so many texts these days. Kim Jin Hyuk is a gossip topic among my old classmates, and my family is worried. So many different reactions are gusting towards me. So, do I want to hide from it all? Or am I hesitating because I’m startled? I don’t intend on doing that. I don’t have a solution but I am determined to resolve it. But maybe I looked weak. – Jin Hyuk

 

What a man! I love every word he said. I have been waiting for a long time to hear this. He has the tenacity to endure, no matter what. It takes a man to handle difficulties and still manage to have the strength to go on. We don’t have a solution for everything but the determination to resolve problems makes a difference. Jin Hyuk defined that man for me. He is honest about what he feels, and he doesn’t hesitate to say it. Although he endures on his own to unburden people he loves. He is brutally honest with Soo Hyun, though he is also careful with his words.

 

Most of the time, Jin Hyuk spoke of words that are too cheesy for my taste. But damn, I can’t believe I’m at a stage again that I can let it pass!! Hearing every word doesn’t sound cheesy, but sweet. Really. Its about the honesty and how he expressed those words that I don’t mind hearing it over again. Words of affirmation is very strong in their relationship too. Since he is a man who loves to read, he is well versed with lines to make a woman fall for him. But if those lines are said with a sincere heart, it elevates every word to more than just to flutter a woman. It becomes true. I love hearing these words spoken that way. I don’t feel my heart flutter, as if a man is just teasing. But I hear a man’s heart that speaks the truth. Not everyone can do this. I’m glad that Park Bo Gum is one of those rare men.

 

Jin Hyuk struggled so hard these past few episodes that only showed me what kind of man he is becoming. He might think he’s weak, but he’s only human. He is allowed to feel afraid, anxious and in utter disbelief. But in those times where he also felt confused, his love for Soo Hyun proved to be stronger. So when he said “Saranghae”, he meant it. And I felt it.

 

I can’t blame Hye In for falling for Jin Hyuk. She was able to notice what kind of man he is, growing with him all these time made it clear. Seeing those flashback, I’d fall for him too. But why is it not reciprocated? Sadly, Jin Hyuk didn’t see her the way his heart spotted Soo Hyun. Hye In is part of the friend zone club from the very start. It is no fun to be a member of it. Good thing though, she knows where she stands. She will remain loyal too. I don’t find her annoying, either. I choose to call it for the sake of friendship.

 

OTP

I love that even when they decided on that “bet”, hence giving each other space, they managed to stay together apart. Two contrasting words but it works! How? They choose to revisit the places that reminded of them. How can you forget if you do that? The answer is clear, they don’t have the will to do it.

Their love story progressed beautifully. It was a nice pacing where they started as mere strangers in a foreign land, then as employee and boss, moving to friends but not quite, then deciding to start dating. Now after a tough time, they mutually released life is better together.

 

The trials they had is bound to make or break a relationship. Its great to know they managed to pass through it! They are being pulled away from each other, but it just gave them reason to move even closer. Love it!

 

Jin Hyuk always run towards Soo Hyun while she happily walks on her own pace towards him. It is very telling of their relationship. They each have their own pacing, and I love that they respect each others time. Problems are meant to be endured. And if you are lucky, you don’t have to be alone.

 

I am first to steer clear of Noona-Dongsaeng story. But I found myself drawn in this. I know that “age gap” is something so obvious in this drama. But I’m glad to note it isn’t the focal point. It’s not about age, it is love with no barriers, no reason. Soo Hyun and Jin Hyuk love each other, period. They are enamoured by each other’s persona, that is making them fall for each other even more. It’s a love that goes beyond age and physical appearance. What I feel is that both characters found happiness in with other, and that kind makes me smile uncontrollably just seeing them together! This giddiness is very contagious. I smile like a loony, even if they are simply walking together. Its insane like that!

 

The chemistry is not off the charts, nor over-the-moon-type that will just blow you away! I’m actually happy that chemistry can also be simple, and it still work wonders! Love doesn’t always have the be the crazy, heart stopping kind, like what I’ve felt in Oh Hae Young Again. This one, its subtle, its heartwarming, it simply feels right. I’m glad to witness this side of love too. Lucky are those who found love that makes them weak in the knees and go crazy with. This one, love feels like it elevates happiness. The authenticity of each character is shining more as they love each other while they get to know more of one another.

 

SCENE STEALER:

 

I’m not going to highlight the kiss. I know you have watched it more than I did. Instead of that, I’ll highlight my other favourites.

One. The end of Episode 5 where both of them met in front of Jin Hyuk’s favourite painting. It is their Day One too.

 

Two. All the EPILOGUE. Those were wonderful to watch! It’s nice to see another part of the story and how significant it is, even if it wasn’t the highlight. The epilogue proved that everything is planned, even before it begins. How beautiful is that?!

 

Three. The conversation Jin Hyuk had with his Dad. When he said he is a fortunate son having parents that provided for his education, shelter and food my heart felt the warmth my parent gave for me too. I am also fortunate enough to have parents who provided for my needs, and for loving me unconditionally. I can totally relate with Jin Hyuk here. This scene made me cry just by listening to them. It is beyond lovely.

 

PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

I want to share a quote from Joseph Gordon Levitt in one of his interviews back in 2009 for 500 Days of Summer. It goes: “Everything is made of love. But, I think what there is no such thing as is the love that other people tell you about. The love that you hear about from movies, or songs, friends, or from your parents. You can take what you want and leave the rest from those notions of love. But there is no love EXCEPT THE ONE YOU FEEL FOR YOURSELF. And it is different for everyone.”

 

This drama is not teaching me about love, nor redefining it. This drama is actually validating what love means for me, what I know and believe to be true.

 

It’s refreshing to feel this way! It’s not about finding the meaning of love, but really understanding it the way it is. This is not a fairytale-ish love either. I know it may have that picture, with all the animation. But I see and feel something deeper amidst all that. The characters are realistic enough to think that gossip exists and it can give negative vibes in any relationship, depending on how you deal with it. So far, they have handled everything with love in mind.

 

I am living vicariously through Mr Nam, as of the moment. I feel him so much, I’m cheering the JinSoo couple the way he does. And I smile crazily like he does. LOL. Mr Nam is too cute for words.

 

I love it whenever a story goes back to basic. The writer surely knows how to make a love story work. I’m happy to note that she is not changing nor redefining love. This K-drama feels more like refining love to its maximum potential. Breaking cliche and K-drama norms is making me love Encounter even more. I hope it stays true to its structure, until the end.

.

 

 

 

[luvhollandlop]

7 hours ago, bebebisous33 said:

@ahdrianaa Well, my problem with CSH's mother is that she is not admitting any wrongdoing, while the father has...

 

I totally agree with you on SH’s mum. For me, the most annoying character in this series is SH’s mum.

 

She is a very immature, whiny, vain, spoilt brat of a woman. She whined, threw temper tantrums when things didn’t go her way. When nobody gave in to her wants, she issued threats and threw insults. SH and her dad should be given a Nobel peace award for enduring her antics for so many years. 

 

It was so painful to watch that scene when SH’s mum scolded SH for being selfish and told her off for destroying her dad’s political career. What a laughable attempt to cover up her covetous need for fame and power. As if she truly cared for her husband’s career or well being. She was clearly livid that SH was in her way of getting fame and power. 

 

Her punishment came when WS’s mum humiliated and insulted her when she kneeled down before her.

 

She will definitely throw a fit and break down when her husband announce in public his refusal to run for office.

[jl08]

I need to bask in our OTP's sweet moments.....found these beautiful FMVs

 

Credit: A Cup of Tea

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

#CUBANBALCONYKISS

[stardustvoid]

OMG @jl08 

Spoiler

That 50 shades of Jin Hyuk is really something! 

 

[thistle]

1 hour ago, larrysouth said:

Ok, I have the following hopes for tomorrow's episode.

• There must be at least a one year time jump
• We must see a scene where CSH & KJH met as children
• We must find out that somehow CSH & KJH are fated to be together for eternity
• Either CSH or KJH must sacrificially give up on the relationship so that the other will be able to survive
• One or the other of our OTP will turn out to be a cyborg, android, spy or have magical abilities of some sort

The reason I hope we see these things is that they are plot devices that are either never or rarely used in KDramas.

 

 

 

Excuse me but you forgot to ask for the White Truck of Doom to be seen heading right toward WS.

[larrysouth]

9 minutes ago, thistle said:

 

Excuse me but you forgot to ask for the White Truck of Doom to be seen heading right toward WS.

 

I also forgot to mention that one of the characters should be either an alien or comic book character.

[NongpeeP]

20 hours before Encounter ep.13 is coming.

 

I am rerunning and found some observations which I missed on my first watching.

 

- KJH might think from the age logic so he mentioned he will be by CSH's side untill the day CSH takes her last breath. KJH thought he might die later than CSH. 

KJH's eyes expressed his love with whole heart. CSH loved with appreciation to what KJH did to make her feel secure. 

 

 

-  When KJH's dad mentioned inviting CSH, the reaction of KJH's, KJH's little brother's, and  KJH's mom were interesting to further watch in Ep.13 what will happen in KJH's home when CSH joined their dinner with Teacher Lee. 

 

- KJH's facial expression when he invited CSH and CSH's gesture when she was invited and reminded about CSH's conversation with KJH's dad that she asked KJH's dad to keep on watching KJH&CSH. CSH is anxious but she accepted that invitation in order to let KJH's dad watch them as she asked him to.

KJH told her that he was nervous while CSH was also very nervous. 

[bebebisous33]

I think that there is another reason why JH's mother will feel uncomfortable with CSH. She has never seen JH close to any other woman, so in her eyes, JH is still a young son. The way she keeps praising JH is really telling: he is her favourite son because he still acts like a young boy around her. When the mother saw the shoes, she thought, these were for herself, although JM kind of insinuated that they could belong to another woman. So for her, it will be more difficult to "cut ties" with JH. In my opinion, the age and the social status might be just excuses for rejecting CSH, as it is difficult for her to let her son go.  

 

I hope, it is understandable what I am saying. I always felt that JH was too close to his mother for his age. 

[jl08]

2 hours ago, stardustvoid said:

That 50 shades of Jin Hyuk is really something! 

 

I thought so too, chingu.

 

Perhaps Hollywood might want to invite our #JinSoo couple to do a movie on "Boyfriend".

Bet PBG and SHK will knock them over with their superb chemistry and show them how to make the viewers flush red-hot. More likely 60 shades by then.....  

 

Both of them are definitely slaying their roles in this drama.

 

#CUBANBALCONYKISS

#SEASON2BOYFRIEND

[shaselai]

is SH's father planning to drag the chairwoman down? i feel he figures whatever dirt the chairwoman has on him (maybe she killed the reporter friend ) will bring him down so he is going to preemptively get to her first? I feel the best he can do "as a dad" is put taeyong group down, at least get chairwoman off to jail.

 

I know its a bit negative but i think jailtime is pretty much the only thing preventing chairwoman from a happy ending. Even if SH gives up the hotel business i doubt chairwoman's gonna let her go 

[caileysmiley]

Credit tvN

[dukesa1122]

11 hours ago, khxy said:

Another sighting- Shk was seen shooting outside a hospital.

 

I just read this part.

why is she filming in a hospital ?? 

 

@jl08

omg chingu! Who made that  I dont know if I’ll laugh at the 50 shades of gray parody or be insulted. 

 

Spoiler

Aigoooo not our kyo 

 

[Smudger]

Cutest OTP!

 

 

Spoiler

cr : summergum_

[yonaomi123]

I'm super late to the party, but I wanted to list my wishes for the upcoming episodes.  They're in order starting from maximum nonsense to least:

1) WooSeok to complete his take over of Donghwa and then donate all his shares too SooHyun so she becomes majority stakeholder by a landslide, for him to submit all the evidence of his mother's crimes(?) to the police, get her arrested and removed as chairwoman, and then for him to go live in the countryside as monk. 

2) SooHyun's dad give up the election, but then his party members support his nomination anyway.  Then once he wins the election, he divorces his wife so she never gets the chance to enter the Blue House. 

3) Secretary Jang to become CEO of Chan's Whelks and open franchises all over South Korea

4) SooHyun to play cupid and tell SunJoo about Manager Nam's

5) SooHyun to open an art gallery in the HongJae neighborhood, with JinHyuk as her PR manager.

 

edit:

I also want a special episode where they tell the artists of the paintings!  I'm not a very good internet sherlock so I haven't been able to find any of the pieces, but some of them I think I'd want to buy lol.

[stresseddesserts]

I just wanted to add something.. It was funny when JH's mum told his dad that JH wouldn't use the hotel voucher anyway unless he wanted to stay with them. It's quite telling that she still sees him as her little boy and not as a grown man.