[Drama 2020] It's Okay not to be Okay, 사이코지만 괜찮아

[floweroad]

2 minutes ago, stella77 said:

 

Yes, KT has yelled and vented his anger out on MY by saying some cruel things but in ep 11 - she totally called him out on it and I think he is aware and he apologized to her. So I think he is trying but like a bad habit, it takes time. It only happened again in ep 12 re KT thinking it’s MY’s mom killing his mom. So it was a both a defense and act of protecting her. Although he yelled at her, it was asking her to leave not with intentionally cruel words. 
 

There’s a tone to the online comments that since these MY, ST and KT have issues, they shouldn’t be in a relationship. I totally disagree. Human connection and relationships are important and they can help people over come and grow. Also - EVERYONE has some kind of issues it you want to be real. In the end, it is a drama and for me, it is about the context. 

 

thanks for the response! i definitely agree with you. it was bad that he yelled at her but like you said it was just for her to leave. he needed space. his volume and tone made it harsher but there was no malice behind those words unlike the ones he spoke of at the beach scene. it was unfair to MY to be treated that way but its also unfair to condemn KT for just being human. he was barely holding it together himself, as we saw when he completely broke down right after she left. the boy is trying his best. 

 

the online comments are definitely treating this very black and white. they are expecting too much from KT tbh. Given what he had found out, his response by showing up to the photoshoot actually shows great character development. they're just seeing the locker scene without considering the whole picture and how far these characters have come. yes he didn't verbally say "sorry" (might i add yet) but his actions (i.e deciding to pull his safety pin by passionately kissing her, telling her about his past and showing up to the photoshoot), tell us (and MY) that he doesn't mean his words. KT isn't going to be perfect overnight, he's allowed to still be flawed much like MY and ST. MY is still allowed to be impulsive and bold e.g. when she made a little scene at the shops and pizza store, so why can't the same understanding be applied when KT is frustrated especially after he has just found out his girlfriends mum maybe killed his mum... i.e. the reason behind his 20 years of constant pain and running away. 

[lebeaucouple]

I understand most viewers pity MY when KT yell at her in the hospital room, because most of us are coming from the women point of view. 

To be honest, men are strange animals, if we are too close or too sticky to our loved one, and always appeared or ready for him, he may not treasure you much, especially when he is not in good mood or under pressure.

 

To deal with our love one, especially in the early stage of relationship, we must act smart and know when it's the appropriate time to show up in front of him, too clingy in the relationship may not help, will only be worsen. A smart strategy is required in dealing with the love one,  one of the best move is to give him more space and work on the trust issue. I have done a simple research before,  men like women that are high in confidence level. 

 

For MY, of course, she got lots of things to learn, such as trust issue, (she got jealous with the "female ants" in pizza shop, though it was funny), need to build up her confidence level , focus more on herself like writing the book, manage her anxiety, etc. 

 

I can understand why the writer gave such a scene that KT shouted at her is because MY is  constantly needing an attention from him, and needs  to touch her partner, even as a reassurance that they’re still there, it can be problematic in the long run unless they communicate early what they feel likes and dislikes . Some people may feel physically held back or reserved if they are touched too much, so make sure we are respecting our partner’s boundaries. Eg. during the BTS, practising their script, I noticed few times from KSH that he had withdrawn the touch from SYJ when she was being too touchy. The small body language could tell that your partner does not like it.  (KSH is aquarius horoscope, so i know he needs space, same as me, LOL)

 

In order to let KT chase after her probably towards the ending, MY should complete her story book, because by enhancing her self-love, and self-confidence that will less likely to cling to others as a way of validating herself.  

 

There may be a time jump for the next few EP (??), but no matter how, i noticed on EP12 that there were some hits given that the ending may be a positive one, such as MY will complete her book with the happy ending, and ST will eventually overcome his fear by painting the butterflies on the hospital wall. For KT, he may probably get promoted, or lucky to have two loved ones beside him in a family. The last scene on last EP may appear the same (shown in ST drawing) , three of them out for a trip, sitting on a jeep - Bravo !!!

[cenching]

I didn't know there are some comments online that said since there are not good to each other then they shouldn't be together??? How wrong is that!!! The 3 are dysfunctional, damaged and came with lots of extra baggage but they are completing, repairing and helping each other in a way that "normal" people can't understand.

 

The process isn't pretty and painless but they are going there. Even us the "normal" ones aren't perfect, we made lots of mistakes and blunders. This 16 episodes drama is their journey in healing. As we can see, MY is improves a lot she started to feels empathy and tolerance to her surrounding. She learns that love is NOT selfish. GT learns how to be a regular Joe and ST is became a real Hyung and a care taker to others not only being taking care of.

 

The only elephant in the room since the beginning for us viewers is Mommy vs Mommy. I would think that Writernim is going to the direction of our biggest fear, Moon Mommy is murdered by MY's Mommy. Because this drama isn't about how to avoid problems by running away from it BUT how to face the biggest fear in your life, overcome it, heals from your bruises, get on with your life and be happy with people you love the most.

[pad-hari]

Ok, I saw this video on YT saying the head nurse is the culprit and why?  Can somebody who knows Hangul give a gist of the video.  Thanks

Cr:as tagged

[xchoco lilac]

16 hours ago, yourinnerstar said:

We also recall the hospital director telling GT something to the extent (forgot exact wording) "Be patient, one day ST will be the one healing / saving you." Perhaps ST will be the ultimate healer in the following episodes for both GT and MY - maybe he is the key to

> Helping GT learn he *can* and *should* share the burden, versus just keeping it to himself

> Helping MY fight her trauma head on

> Getting MY (and perhaps his too) father get past his dementia and recall the memories to piece together the family history before he passes away. 

 

I agree with you. I think ST will be the one that stick them together.

 

14 hours ago, JungRok said:

2. GT and ST mother is hired as caretaker to MY/as a caretaker of the mansion, given the hint by "My daughter/ I will come late at night, so go back with GT/I got a new job with a good person

 

I also agree with this one. Because If you pay attention to the bag that Sangtae wears that night, it's some kind help center(?). So I guess yes, Ko Dae Hwan hires the brothers' mom through ths center.

[chickfactor]

This is a few days old so it may have been posted here before, but I enjoyed reading it:

 

https://www.laineygossip.com/obsessing-over-seo-ye-ji-her-character-ko-moon-young-its-okay-to-not-be-okay/66710

[Helena]

https://k-communities.com/2020/07/27/k-netizens-reactions-to-its-okay-to-not-be-okay-episode-12/
K-netizens’ reactions to “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” Episode 12
July 27, 2020

Seo Yeji and Oh Jung Se’s morning fight! Kim Soohyun don’t know where to go..

Original post: Naver TV

[+1,576,-4]Sang Tae shighing after Moon Young said she kissed Kang Tae is hilariousㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+1,463,-5]While my best friend burned 8 pieces of bread ㅋㅋㅋ I did the laundry and cleaned everything while you were falling sleepingㅋㅋ

[+1,124,-3]’It tastes terrible how can I eat it all by myself’ㅋㅋㅋ Sang Tae-oppa is so smartㅋ that was so funny!

[+798,-3]What’s up with the chemistry between Moon Young and Sang Tae ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ it was seriously so funㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+703,-3]’You were fast asleep’ ㅋㄱㅋㄱㅋㄱㅋㄱㅋㄱㅋㅋㄱㅋㄱ I like Sang Tae the mostㅜㅜ

[+631,-3]These two are like real sibling ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ their bickering is hilarious ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+497,-3]Now the three of them are living like normal human beings..ㅜㅠ

[+447,-5]It’s like Kang Tae’s raising two kids^_^

[+412,-2]Moon Young is seriously so pretty…..ㅠㅠ

[+367,-3]Moon Young and Sang Tae’s bickering is so cute…♡

 

 

Seo Yeji shooting ‘Cooperate’ in the middle of the market

Original post: Naver TV

[+1,401,-11]Souting “I love you” Souting “Let’s have a baby”ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋThe deer’s singing styleㅠㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+1,039,-9]I really hope both of you have a baby and live happily for a long time

[+990,-6]Moon fox, why won’t you cooperate?

[+837,-5]I want your cooperation..

[+712,-2]Writer-nim, I really wanna see Kang Tae and Moon Young have a baby and live happily, please……

[+704,-2]No ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Why didn’t she shout ‘Let’s get married’ instead of ‘Let’s have a baby’ firstㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋSeriously, Ko Moon Young is driving me crazyㅋㅋㅋ Moon Kang Tae on the other hand, looks nervousㅋㅋ

[+483,-3]Moon Kang Tae, cooperate right now!!

[+429,-2]It would be nice to have a son who looks like Kang Tae haha

[+365,-3]Kang Tae looks so cute when he’s flustered ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+318,-2]ㅋㅋㅋㅋKang Tae’s voice is shaking ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

Seo Yeji and Kim Soohyun’s drinking game result ☞ a sweet drunk kiss♡

Original post: Naver TV

[+1,718,-9]Ah sh*** my head f***ing hurts why am I freaking dizzy f*** … If you wanna do this why do you keep beeping out the words

[+1,346,-5]The beep sound was so accurate, it didn’t miss any wordㅋㅋ

[+847,-5]What am I gonna do when the show ends cause I wanna keep hearing Ko Moon Young cursing,, I miss it alreadyㅋㅋㅋ

[+814,-2]Moon Young cursing is so refreshingㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Also, Kang Tae is so sweet,,,♡

[+653,-1]The kiss was so heart-fluttering ㅠㅠㅜㅠㅠㅠ Moon Kang Tae might die from illness….

[+618,-2]Why am I smacking my lips again when they’re kissing?

[+609,-2]She challenged him and got drunk right awayㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Just how charming can Moon Young get?

[+461,-3]Moon Young curses even when she’s drunkㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[+373,-2]That beep sound was so funnyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ My head f***ing hurts

[+350,-4]Moon Young said she wouldn’t curse, but she can’t help itㅋㅋㅋㅋ
 

 

Kim Soohyun shows up in a suit to take a family picture with Seo Yeji and Oh Jung Se

Spoiler

Original post: Naver TV

[+4,500,-12]Kim Soohyun showed up instead of Kang Tae…?

[+3,381,-11]Let’s be honest, no one expected him to style his hair up, right?

[+2,812,-9]Moon Kang Tae is a little fox… Who’s this big and cool dude?…. Who the guy in front of us?..

[+2,242,-7]Look at how Moon Young and Sang Tae’s expression changed, they look so happy! Also, Kim Soohyun’s beauty is driving me crazy!

[+2,104,-12]! It was just like when he showed up in “Miss Granny”s ending!!

[+1,913,-7]Woah… What’s up with that face…

[+1,541,-8]Kim Soohyun looks so good in that suit…

[+1,382,-8]I thought this was some kind of wedding…. The Moon-kang family is so prettyㅠㅠㅠ

[+1,234,-4]My eyes brightened as soon as Kim Soohyun showed up wearing a suit… Woah… I’ve always thought he looked handsome wearing just a plain shirt, but I’m blow away by him with a fancier style… Woah…

[+1,039,-4]Kim Soohyun is seriously driving me crazy… I was so surprised by how handsome he looked when he just came out, I’m still amazed by his face now that I’m looking at it for a second time

[+966,-8]Crazy! Crazy!! Kim Soohun with his hair up is really handsome…

 

——————

 

https://zapzee.net/2020/07/27/fans-stand-in-awe-of-kim-soo-hyuns-perfect-visuals-in-the-recent-episode-of-its-okay-to-not-be-okay/
Fans Stand in Awe of Kim Soo Hyun’s Perfect Visuals in the Recent Episode of ‘It’s Okay to Not Be Okay’

by krishkim

 

Spoiler

Kim Soo Hyun showed off his amazing visuals in the recent scene in tvN drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.

Kim Soo Hyun is currently starring in drama It’s Okay to Not Be Okay as Moon Kang Tae. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is a depicts a fantasy fairytale-like love story of Moon Kang Tae (Kim Soo Hyun), a psych ward community worker who refuses to love under the weight of heavy life, and Go Moon Young (Seo Ye Ji), a fairytale writer who doesn’t understand love.

In the recent episode, Go Moon Young suggested that her new family, Moon Sang Tae and Moon Kang Tae, take a family photo. The next day, Moon Young and Sang Tae headed to the studio first as Kang Tae was in shock of the shocking news.

But the moment the two were about the take the pictures, Kang Tae showed up in a black suit with his hair all styled. He walked into the studio, asking, “I’m not late, right?”

After the broadcast, fans showed hot reactions to Kim Soo Hyun’s perfect visuals.

“OMG. I literally screamed when he walked in.”

“He is the definition of handsome.”

“His eyes are crying. Poor Kang Tae.”

“Wow. Just wow.”

“Looks amazing with his hair down. Looks even more amazing with his hair up.”

 

Source (1)

 

[Not Me]

filming pic

ST & KT kinda look sad?like mourning for something, maybe mom's grave?

 

KT looks hot from the back BTW 

 

credit to owner _{(sorry cannot find credit for the pic)}

[strongtower]

^^

 

Isnt that Jaesu on ST's right side?

[Not Me]

10 minutes ago, strongtower said:

^^

 

Isnt that Jaesu on ST's right side?

 

it looks like KT at first, but now you said it's JS, i cannot unsee 

[bkng]

Hi all, I have enjoyed this drama as well as all the insight/discussions all of you have shared.

And I would like to pay my tribute as well.

This drama has all I can ask for: social issues, family values, friendship, romance, dark fantasy and thriller with the spin/twist from fairy/folk tales we are familiar with, which makes this such an enjoyable and brilliant watch.

And the plot flow dictated by the director is superb. I am glad that the director has insisted on his unique artistic way of setting the tone and pace of the drama as he deemed fit. It has enable the viewers to embark on a self learning journey alongside with the 3 leads.  

I will go as far as to say that the director, PD and writer have challenged the maturity of the viewers to take a serious contemplative look at the unconventionality in Moon Young's interpretations of the tales she wove and the dark complexity in the 3 leads' background. Plus the subtle hints thrown in between takes. And these are really what has kept me adequately intrigued to continue watching in pursuit of the truth. Up till the latest episode 12, I do think the acts are all put together very nicely indeed.  

To add on, there's enough dose of drama to lighten up the seldom poached topic of mental health. Like all of you do, I enjoy researching on the next fairy/folk tale theme too, which helps to set the stage for the upcoming episode and challenge us to see its relevance in the episode's plot. Something interesting to take the mind off the mundane routine of working from home daily.

As for the characters, I am more blown away by Oh Jung Se's and Seo Ye Jin's portrayal of Sang Tae and Moon Young respectively.  It's so refreshing to hear their POV and see from their perspective -- so blatantly honest and unpretentious and not bound by the social norm.  

My respect for Oh Jung Se climbed many notches up by his acting versatility. Wow.. He really brought Sang Tae to life, loved the innocent naivety he breathed into his role. He's just so believable as Sang Tae.

And Kudos to Seo Ye Ji who has the guts to take on such an outlandish character not commonly seen in Kdrama world. She knows and has discerningly shared in the press conference, that the role of Ko Moon Young is not going to go down well with viewers, at least in the beginning. The character's sociopathic tendencies could be a major turn off for some viewers (if they are quick to judge her). She nailed the role splendidly, and judging by the recent roles she has taken on (eg. Save Me), it goes to show that she is a serious actress out to challenge herself and create her own niche. I look forward to seeing more great works from her and Oh Jung Se.

I am super glad that in today's digital era, such great works can transcend borders and be shared globally. It gives lots of creativity space for film and drama makers to explore diverse genres for the international viewers and not just to cater for their local in-country viewers. The KPI for films/dramas have definitely change dynamically in current 21st century.

Last, I am keeping my fingers crossed that till the end, this drama like a Pandora’s box, will have its dark secrets unveil and most importantly with Hope found within the box for the 3 leads.

[Dramafreak]

13 hours ago, Not Me said:

Director Oh, and he will be the one who told MY the whole possibility that MY mom is a killer.

Hey!

 

If someone is to reveal that MY's mom is GT's mom's killer, it will not be director oh... because GT tells him he doesnt want MY to know.

 

But the camera pan ends with taking us outside the room! Was someone listening?

[floweroad]

Haven’t commented on the theories yet so here are my two cents!

 

theories 

 

1. I dont think ST and MY are siblings. It feels too late to introduce that into the story with only four episodes to go and there wasn't enough foreshadowing. it just also feels like another big blow for KT to find out his whole life has essentially been a lie. ”like hey KT, ST is actually not your brother, he’s MYs brother. ALSO MYs mum killed your mum.” It just seems way too much for a healing drama with only 4 eps to go. Not sure how ST would handle this news as well and there’s not enough time to really flesh out this story line and wrap it up. I also think the mum is dead because at this point if she is still alive, there is just too much baggage to close up. judging by the quality of the show and brilliant writing so far, i just dont think theyd do that. if mum is alive, we'd have too many questions that need answering like is everyone gonna find out she is a killer? whats the proof?? if so, is she going to go to jail and atone for her crime?? is she going to continue to haunt MY and the brothers for the rest of their life?? those are a lot of things the writers will have to address so instead of all that, i think the mum is really just dead. 

 

2.  I don’t think MY’s mum killed ST/KT’s mum. it hasn't been 100% confirmed (KT only thinks MY's mum killed his atm) but the show seems to want us to think this and thats why i believe theyre just trying to mislead us. I think if she really was the killer, they would have dropped that bomb and confirmed it without a doubt. the fact theyre leaving it up in the air makes me think its just to mislead us. it would feel less impactful and anti-climatic now if it's confirmed she is the killer since KT already kinda believes so? It’d be a bigger blindside if her mum is NOT the killer. either way, i think this storyline is just a way to strengthen KT/MY's relationship and develop the characters in their final arcs. KT as we saw, will fight to still be with MY despite thinking that her mum may have killed his. MY will think her mum killed ST/KT's mum and thus she will walk away, finally putting someone else above herself. Its the final hurdle our leads must overcome. so regardless of whether or not its true, MY is ultimately not her mum and KT/ST know that and i think thats something they'll all choose to overcome in order to be together. they are not their parents. 

 

3. i think POR and head nurse are somehow in this together. Head nurse maybe the mastermind behind all of this, manipulating POR to do her dirty work. Maybe those notes KT found, are instructions head nurse leaves for POR (potentially even pretending to be MYs mum to manipulate POR). I think it will either be POR or head nurse who will show up in those black clothes with the butterfly clip. A theory I've got is that someone comes to OK hospital and smears over ST's mural, revealing that MY's mum is the killer or that she will come for ST??? some kind of threat or secret is revealed on the mural. Alternatively, POR dresses up as MY’s mum and acts out a traumatic scene at the hospital (since she is a an actress and thats why she’s been practising her lines?). that's why in the preview we see everyone looking at something and is shocked, then MY runs away. might not be who's there but what's being shown instead. the clip of the lady driving might be POR or nurse driving away from the scene they had just created at the hospital dressed as mum. 

 

maybe its the optimist in me hoping for these above scenarios but yeah we shall see in a week what happens! happy waiting frens! ^__^ 

[superbigcat]

I'm so happy as soompi forum is coming back on time and I can read your post again chingu ah~

 

Here is a FMV from user Jessica Taimi about our OT3 and it's so heart warming that portraits the family vibe. 

 

 

[Alice Wonderland]

 

Very impressive that the opening book of The Boy Who Fed on Nightmare could pass along from one to another through the episodes. And I guess the ending that MY made is kinda open ending and the trip on camping car will be the final sequel? Probably.  It's like becoming a lucky charm to those who read it. Telling you how to deal with your trauma and overcome it. I was wondering why is that ahjussi admitted into the hospital. Episode twelve gives a slightest backstory of him. Feeling so sad knowing how he has to deal with such enormous guilt. Hope he gets some peace too at the end of the day. 

 

It was a Romeo and Julliet theme depicted the tale of MY and ST lovestory. It was bitter but it makes it more flaw and beautiful. 

 

 

Ah. I love how they unravel each layers of the past. The drama execute all the conflict so well. It is a perfect writing if I must say. The writer did so well in planning how all of these intertwined. It's kinda cliche but the moral message all well conveyed. It's the best thing of this episode. A family will never abandon you and will stick together more in the toughest moments. The three, the no sense of self guy, the emotionless princess, a guy trapped inside a box, have their trip in a camping car. The butterfly murderer will be their next weirdest and more deficient person they're going to meet. I do hope it's going to be a happy ending this time. 

 

On the lighter notes, I am so amazed of how bold and shameless MY expressing her love and desires to KT. I hope they really end up having a son like she wishes. It would make her less jealous. Lol. Oooh... someone is finding a new love. JR is being anxious waiting for the ceo. He must be very happy when he knows this. 

 

What's the preview?? No subs. Ok. You guys might have shared the one with eng sub here and I'd find it soon if anyone could tell me the page in which it posted. 

[backstreetboysfan]

I really loved the family pictures, they are so sweet.

[Dramafreak]

12 hours ago, blue_fleurs said:

Again, I wanted to “see” his thought process and be a part of his character development journey.  

I think that is just the point... he gives in to impulse when it comes to MY. There is no thought process. He cant hold back (ref episode where they are at the guesrhouse and she is sleeping while he is drunk), he tries to control himself (counts to 3 before giving in and kissing her) but cant and episode 12 he regrets it. 

Like someone said somewhere... she is his trigger and he doesnt like that he cant control his instincts.

He cares about people naturally. I am waiting for him to realise that what he feels is deep.

1 hour ago, Alice Wonderland said:

What's the preview?? No subs. Ok. You guys might have shared the one with eng sub here and I'd find it soon if anyone could tell me the page in which it posted. 

In my region netflix doesnt show this episode so i saw it on an alternate site there subs were fine for the review. Can share that via pvt message if you need the site name.

 

Youtube 35 second review on youtube has some viewer who has provided english subs in the comments section.

[blue_fleurs]

1 hour ago, Dramafreak said:

I think that is just the point... he gives in to impulse when it comes to MY. There is no thought process. He cant hold back (ref episode where they are at the guesrhouse and she is sleeping while he is drunk), he tries to control himself (counts to 3 before giving in and kissing her) but cant and episode 12 he regrets it. 

Like someone said somewhere... she is his trigger and he doesnt like that he cant control his instincts.

He cares about people naturally. I am waiting for him to realise that what he feels is deep.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your insight!  That’s very true and I’m definitely in agreement.  The “thought process” I’m hoping to see is more so after his impulsive actions - so after he realizes he acted on instincts and is facing the consequences (mural scene), how does he recover from that?  What inspires him to sit down to talk with MY, telling her ST’s backstory and laying it out that he needs her in his life but needs her acceptance that it will have to be hand in hand with ST’s acceptance of her?  To me he could have saved her from POR that night and left again.

 

Though to your point I’m starting to think there was no thought process since he couldn’t hold back kissing her and so he HAD to sit down and talk to her maturely without yelling at her and putting up a front!

[Dramafreak]

1 hour ago, blue_fleurs said:

Though to your point I’m starting to think there was no thought process since he couldn’t hold back kissing her and so he HAD to sit down and talk to her maturely without yelling at her and putting up a front!

Haha!

 

I cant help but laugh because i wonder if things are that easy to see  or analyse  when there is so much sexual tension in the room as there is  between MY and KT. He likes  her and he explains how he likes her as he would like a child (at the pizza parlour in episode 14).

 

But he is a man and because this is not a book, they  dont speak about the sexual pull he feels towards MY but cant  resist. He counts to 3 too before the kiss... why? To control his wayward emotions and  the desire to let go.

 

He is sick because he likes her but cant be with her because of his brother. He droops and feels  brain tired  when he realizes to be with his hyung  (and belong to his hyung only) he needs to give up on  MY.  He acknowledges that he  was lovesick when he recovers in a day. He recovers because  he has decided to continue seeing her and make her hyung accept her.  He has acknowledged his  desire for her.

 

He is worried sick about her which  is why  he hugs he after seeing the blood in the study. He  wants to go after the patient but when MY holds her hand and  says those heart  breaking lines  that he is now keeping a patient above  her, i felt a twinge and he likes her so how could he not go to her. In this situation  does one think or does one jist want to ensure that  his/loved one is not hurting because of him/her?

 

When she is angry with him before the  kiss and he asks her her to count...  and then they kiss.that  kiss is symbolic to how volatile couples have make up  s** after extremely worked up confrontations.

 

Do I make sense? 

 

I want to see KT chase her. I want their relation to be more balanced because for me it is all about MY compromising without always understanding why KT behaves erratically but she really wants him in his life. She has possibly wanted him since he came to her doorstep to give flowers when she was young. She couldnt keep him but she wants to keep him at all costs. 

KT is staying with her and gives her something but it is not all that he can, just yet. My reading of their situation. Some might argue that he is already giving more than he can afford but I do think in comparison to his relation with others barring Jaesu, he is not giving as much of can.

 

I use Jaesu as an exception because I feel that that friend is super nice but he doesnt get his due recognition by either of the brothers. That guy left his house and has been following them for 10 years... like wow! I want a friend like that

[40somethingahjumma]

Because things have been a bit erratic here, I've been posting elsewhere for fear of losing things in sudden crashes. But I'll do a bit of cut and paste here...

 

The show hasn't disappointed so far because it demonstrates a respect for its characters despite lapses of judgment here and there. When challenged to make hard choices, they often choose the long-term best after a time of angst and deliberation. After a few missteps, Gang-tae learns very quickly that he must find a way of navigating his long-time relationship with his older brother while trying to locate his blossoming romance with Ko Mun-yeong in the overall scheme of things. It is heartening to hear Gang-tae admit to his closest and oldest friend that he is finally being himself. No one is making him act outside the script. After many years of self-denial and being on the run from an unseen threat, he is gradually living the way he wants to. It's clear to the people around him that change has come to him. Dr Oh notes that he is finally showing his "true colours". These new developments aren't about Ko Mun-yeong as such but primarily about Gang-tae broadening his horizons and redefining his relationship with his brother. He has no intention of abandoning his brother as he explains to Mun-yeong but it doesn't mean that he doesn't want one or can't have a relationship with Mun-yeong. As I've said this elsewhere, his dilemma wasn't an either or situation. That was always a false dichotomy. The unpredictability of life often calls for changes in relationship dynamics which may bring about different levels of discomfort in the short-term while the negotiations take place.

 

Lee Sang-in is a bit of surprise package these days. Not only is he humorously likeable for the most part, he's demonstrating that he really does care about Mun-yeong. Maybe a change is as good as a holiday. I am particularly enjoying the way the show sets him up with Ju-ri because she needs to know the possibilities and what being liked by a man looks like. The problem with unrequited love, particularly in the way it is depicted in dramas, the person who is doing all the liking often tethers their self-esteem and identity to the object of their affections. She needs to know that Gang-tae not being interested in her romantically isn't personal...  it certainly isn't about any character deficiencies deficiencies. Because what one man can't see, is another man's delight. Lee Sang-in, if he does nothing else right in this drama proves that Ju-ri is a person well-worth liking.

 

On some level it's not entirely far-fetched to insist that Gang-tae and Mun-yeong's predicament has parallels with the Bard's most famous love story. Gang-tae can hardly be blamed for feeling distraught that the mother of the woman he loves is very likely his mother's Butterfly Killer. What is he to do? He's much too involved and has made too many promises now to do a back flip. Indeed one could blame him if he did. Except that there would be plenty of hurt feelings and Mun-yeong would feel abandoned once again. Plot wise it feels as if a typical push-pull strategy is in the air. But the show doesn't quite go there. And this is why I have the utmost respect for this show. It lurches into melodramatic territory but it never wallows in it. Gang-tae punches a wall over recent revelations (he must vent somehow) but one thing that's different now is that he has a mentor and a confidante in Director Oh. 

 

It is part of his gradual reclamation of his own sense of self in this new dynamic that Gang-tae has the capacity to look beyond the devilish details to want something better for the three of them. Whether he is able to hold it together remains to be seen. There's little doubt that Gang-tae has been plunged into his abyss. It is a terrible secret for one man to carry on his own and yet we expect that secrets have a nasty way of coming out into the open despite all best efforts to bury them. It's not what he believed he signed up for but there's no doubting that it was. As he himself acknowledged in this episode, he is a man drawn to challenging people and situations. In all of this and other bleak moments the show continues doing stellar things with the cursed castle trio. Each is on his/her own journey of growth... to be just that little bit better than what they were yesterday. Sang-tae's drawing which has become Mun-yeong's inspiration for her next book supports that assertion that all three are going somewhere. Whatever dark truths await them... these have to be faced separately or together as is reiterated by the reappearance of The Boy Who Fed on Nightmares. Nightmares are a given in this world. Suffering and pain are par for the course so rather than avoiding them, they should be confronted head on.

 

I've been wondering for a while what it is that's brought Kan Pil-wan (the director's favourite "mole") to the facility as a patient. On the surface he demonstrates a high level of affability and functionality. But he is unable to navigate in the "real world" because of the horrors he was a party to in Vietnam as a combatant. (I had no idea that Koreans were involved in Vietnam) The real world with its sights and sounds can't hold new possibilities because he is trapped in very specific old memories of it like the boy who fed on nightmares who eventually becomes the witch's plaything. In similar fashion, Kan Pil-wan may exist but he can't live meaningfully. It is no accident then that revelation of his PTSD and survivor's guilt intersected with Sang-tae's new found confidence as "an adult" and "older brother". I thought it was delightful that he was bragging to Ms Kang about what he'd done. Instead of being just someone who needs to be taken care of, he is now someone who can care for others. It clearly must have felt good on some level to have arrived at this place as a newly minted adult. This opened the door for him to talk about his trauma related to his mother's murder because of his realisation that he is stronger than he thought. He has now attained the resilience of adulthood and can now face up to his greatest fear. For Mun-yeong to call Jae-su for his advice instead of badgering Gang-tae as she might have previously, is also an incremental step in her learning how to deal with others on their terms, not just hers. It was a visible sign of growth now that she's part of a functional family.

 

Storytelling is powerful medium of communication. Not just to instruct or to reveal truths about the human condition... as the show has repeatedly done referencing well-loved folk tales. Everyone has at least one story to tell. The telling of their stories can be cathartic... as it compels us all to reflect on life, the universe and everything in it. It can provide a door to understanding someone else's motivations. It's an ancient form of interaction that continues to provide insight but shapes the way we see ourselves in the world we live. The show wants us to see that storytelling occurs at every level of life. When someone talks about their trauma or worst nightmare... it's done in the form of a story. When Jae-su counsels Mun-yeong about Gang-tae's modus operandi, he tells a story. When Lee Sang-in talks about his monthly event to keep his dad happy, he tells a story. That's why something like The Boy Who Fed on Nightmares can be a far more effective didactic tool than counselling. And as the drama has demonstrated all throughout, storytelling is a crucial part of counselling or what we often call "therapy" today.

 

The Romeo and Juliet story in its original was a tragic tale not of ill-fate but of poor choices. Judging from what is being done in the drama, I don't think it's just me that thinks that either. It's not that the titular characters were entirely devoid of personal agency or were victims of larger cosmic forces. The reality is that human beings often do thing for short-term gains and so undermine their own long-term self-interest as well as that of their loved ones. Gang-tae and Mun-yeong can't do much about the past. That's something out of their control. It's done. But what they have is the future to reshape if they have the courage to face the past and learn the right lessons from it.

 

It wouldn't surprise me with all the foreshadowing and hints if Mun-yeong and Sang-tae are indeed birth siblings. It causes me, not for the first time, to wonder what manner of woman Do Hui-jae really was. Was she really just this amoral Maleficent  figure in the lives of all the people she touched?