Jang Mi approaches a horrified Ki Tae and Mom seated. She carrying some makgeolli. They scream, “No!” as Jang Mi hurls it all over them. Then she hysterically cackles as she thinks, “People don't change.”
And back to the clothes all over the floor from the night before. Jang Mi gets up to go to the bathroom, wearing Ki Tae’s shirt. Mom is standing in the apartment. They see each other. Jang Mi tries to pull the shirt down so it doesn’t look so bad. Ki Tae emerges, pulling on his robe, squinting. He’s shocked, too, to find Mom in his apartment. All he can do is say, “Mom,” and try to get his robe tied closed.
Mom turns around, without a word, and leaves the apartment. Jang Mi furiously tries to get on her underwear as she yells at Ki Tae to hurry up and get dressed! Her underwear is not cooperating. It’s because it’s Ki Tae’s underwear, which he points out. Roll on the floor funny scene of them trying to get their clothes on. Jang Mi pulls on shorts first and takes off running after Mom. Ki Tae quickly follows.
Mom stops when Jang Mi calls her name. Mom turns around and asks Jang Mi how many times it is. First, a crazy girl comes announcing marriage. She made up her mind to accept Jang Mi and then they say it was all an act. What’s this that's happening right now?! Jang Mi responds that she didn't want to tell the parents, so that no one would get upset. Mom asks Ki Tae the same question, asking if he really wants to get married now?
Mom looks back at Jang Mi and says that she really doesn't understand Jang Mi. Jang Mi keeps shocking her. How is she supposed to accept Jang Mi? Legitimate question. And this seems like a much more reasonable Mom right now. Jang Mi pained, apologizes. Ki Tae tells Mom not to worry. They’re not rushing things. They’re only going to date and not get married. Jang Mi looks at Ki Tae surprised.
Mom is, of course, shocked. “She won't be your daughter-in-law, so butt out?” Ki Tae won’t meet her eyes. Mom says that it’s another shocker. Nice little bit of sarcasm there. Mom turns around and leaves, with Jang Mi and Ki Tae watching her go. And I don’t think that Jang Mi liked Ki Tae telling Mom that they were never getting married. Jang Mi looks at Ki Tae and asks what they should do. He tells her not to worry too much about Mom.
Later, at work, Jang Mi is sitting with Hyun Hee. She asks how she can *not* worry about Mom. Hyun Hee tells to just not worry. Jang Mi says that when Ki Tae said that they’re only going to date, that it was strange, but she felt sad. She’s the one that said that they should just date. Hyun Hee asks if Jang Mi wants to get married. That’s not it. Yeo Reum, who’s been listening, chimes in. Jang Mi wants to be acknowledged. She wants Mom to know she’s good enough to be with Ki Tae, right? Jang Mi nods.
Hyun Hee declares that it’s not necessary. She has no choice but to suck up to HDM because Hoon Dong isn't competent. But Ki Tae is competent. Why worry about Mom? Jang Mi replies that it’s because it’s the mom of the guy that she likes. Hyun Hee clucks at her, asking how two women that love the same guy can get along. Jang Mi sighs.
Ki Tae has headed over to the house. They’re in the living room, sitting across from each other, Mom boring holes in Ki Tae’s head while he doesn’t meet her eyes. Halmeoni and Aunt are laughing, with Halmeoni saying that she knew it! Aunt declares that she didn't catch it at all. The two are so good now. Ki Tae looks at Mom, who has her arms crossed, and apologizes for not telling her. He had his reasons. Mom stops him and asks what they would be. If she found out, she’d break them apart, so he didn’t want to complicate things? Ki Tae answers that that was one of the reasons. He knew she'd do that. They look at each other.
Ki Tae clears his throat and declares that he’s not there to fight with Mom. He’s serious about Jang Mi. He wasn’t doing things to shock Mom. Mom asks if Jang Mi is serious about him. Ki Tae confidently says that she is. As far as he knows. Mom asks why Jang Mi is working with Yeo Reum. Ki Tae looks at Aunt, who apologizes for Mom finding out that one. Ki Tae replies that they're just business partners. Jang Mi started the partnership with his permission. He says that he understands Jang Mi’s situation. Mom is being surprisingly reasonable right now.
Mom laughs as she declares that Ki Tae is really cool, isn’t? Ki Tae looks down, uncomfortable. Then Mom says that Ki Tae learned it from watching her and Dad. Again being reasonable. This is weird. Mom declares that Jang Mi seems to want to live like them, too. Differentiating someone you love and someone you need. Ki Tae doesn't want to lose either, does he? Halmeoni clears her throat, uncomfortable.
Ki Tae leaves the house, thinking, and Jang Mi calls. When she asks where he is, he lies about being at the hospital. She asks him about going to visit Mom. He tells her not to worry again. She sighs and says that she feels so uncomfortable. She wants to go and give a proper apology but Ki Tae tells her not to. They can just live their lives and not let their parents control them. Jang Mi blinks. And she’s thinking about the whole acknowledgement thing.
Back at the house, Halmeoni declares that Ki Tae has really changed. Aunt doesn’t know what she means. Halmeoni says that before, if he got caught sleeping with a girl by Mom, he wouldn’t have cared. But this time he came and defended Jang Mi. She smiles as she says that he's started being considerate of others. Halmeoni says that Jang Mi, obviously– then she quickly adds Mom to the equation – caused it. Aunt agrees and says that Ki Tae has become mature. Mom tells the pair not to get their hopes up. Ki Tae and Jang Mi said they won't get married. They'll only date. Shocked reactions.
Mom wonders why Jang Mi is hiding behind Ki Tae. Halmeoni asks if Mom is disappointed that Jang Mi hasn't come by. Mom sighs and unconvincingly says that it’s not that. Halmeoni quickly has a plan for feeling Jang Mi out to find out if she really has no intentions of getting married and will continue to hide behind Ki Tae. Mom looks at her, interested.
Oma opens another letter from Appa. It says that it's hot, it's raining. She puts down the postcards and sighs. Jang Mi enters the house. Oma asks where Jang Mi has been. Does she want to fry chicken forever? When is she going to get a job? Jang Mi sits and admits that she opened a restaurant with her friends, a fusion bar. Oma’s not familiar with that term. Fusian bar? Jang Mi says that they sell pancakes and pasta. But they're not common items; they’ve their own creative dishes. Oma asks if they sell alcohol. Mom’s not happy when Jang Mi says they do. Jang Mi says that it’s not just regular rice wine either. Ginseng, omija, blueberry…
Oma starts to yell at Jang Mi. She’s seen how Oma lived. The smell of liquor, drunkards… She’s hated everything about liquor, but she couldn't get away because of Appa. Jang Mi tries to reassure her, but Oma brings up the divorce. Jang Mi can testify that their marriage is a failure. Jang Mi sadly tells Oma that she might be a failure to Oma, but she was never embarrassed of Oma and Appa’s lives. What's wrong with selling liquor? People laugh and tell their true thoughts. They can forget about their pains for at least a short while. Jang Mi declares that Oma might hate it, but Jang Mi’s going to do it and succeed. She gets up and goes to her room as Oma tries not to cry.
Jang Mi is lost in her thoughts at work. She burns a pancake. She’s worried about them not having any business. Yeo Reum says that it’s normal, but this is really a question of the kimchi in the pancakes. The kimchi has to be good. He asks where Jang Mi got the kimchi from before. She says that it was Mom’s. Yeo Reum sighs as Hyun Hee declares that they’ll never be eating that again.
Aunt hurries in, looking a little frantic. Upset, she says that Halmeoni is sick. After Jang Mi leaves, Yeo Reum calls Ki Tae to tells him that Aunt said Halmeoni was sick. Ki Tae is confused, since Halmeoni was okay the day before. Yeo Reum says that she’s become disoriented and keeps asking for Jang Mi's pancakes. Ki Tae cringes and declares that Halmeoni is obviously feigning illness to get Jang Mi to come over. Yeo Reum laughs, because he knows it’s a lie, too. He says that Aunt’s acting was really awkward too. Ki Tae can’t believe it, especially because he knows that Jang Mi bought it. Yeo Reum says that she did; she ran over to the house crying. He thanks Yeo Reum for the call.
Jang Mi is at the house, sobbing next to an ‘unconscious’ Halmeoni. When Jang Mi has her eyes closed, Halmeoni sneaks a peek. It’s really funny. Jang Mi sobs that this is all because of her, right? She shocked Halmeoni so many times! Halmeoni makes a face in Aunt’s direction to get her to get on with it. Aunt says that Jang Mi seems to really care about Halmeoni. Halmeoni says Jang Mi’s name really weakly and Jang Mi tells her not to talk. Mom arrives in the doorway as Jang Mi declares that this time, she’s really serious. She really likes Ki Tae. Jang Mi sobs that she didn't know it would shock Halmeoni like this.
Mom tells Jang Mi to stop. Jang Mi looks at Mom, pitifully. Mom says that Halmeoni is faking it, getting a glare from Halmeoni. Mom walks away. Jang Mi looks back at Halmeoni. Aunt sputters that she’s sorry. Jang Mi can’t believe it, that Halmeoni would joke about it. Halmeoni sits up and declares that she was so mad about their con act that it was her revenge. Halmeoni tells Jang Mi to make them some pancakes. Jang Mi starts to cry, saying that she thought it was real.
Ki Tae is driving. He sighs and asks why Jang Mi keeps getting sucked into that black hole?
Jang Mi is making Aunt and Halmeoni pancakes. They like them. There’s some kimchi on the table. Mom enters the kitchen. Halmeoni yells at Mom, with her mouth full, for Mom to sit and join them. Mom declines. Jang Mi invites her, saying she has something to tell Mom. Halmeoni and Aunt tell Mom to hear Jang Mi out. Mom sighs. Jang Mi gives up her seat. Mom tells Jang Mi to go ahead.
Jang Mi says that she knows that this is really shameless. Halmeoni poo-poos that, saying that people should always talk things out. Jang Mi declares that she’ll muster up her courage to ask Mom for a favor. Aunt says that Mom is quite open-minded. Really? Jang Mi swallows and asks Mom to sell Jang Mi her kimchi. Everyone is surprised. Jang Mi explains that they sell cheese kimchi pancakes and their kimchi is no good. They need her kimchi.
Mom laughs with disbelief and asks Jang Mi who she thinks she is. Jang Mi’s running the place with that guy. How dare she ask for Mom’s kimchi? What does Jang Mi take her for? A pushover? Jang Mi says that she knows very well what she did and how much she hurt Mom. That's why she was so careful. Mom responds that Jang Mi’s careful, so she'll only date Ki Tae? Jang Mi wants her to mind her own business? Mom says that Jang Mi’s careful, so she’s still two-timing with that guy. Aunt eats a piece of pancake. Mom says that she heard Jang Mi’s seeing Ki Tae. Why does she keep spending time with that guy?
Jang Mi replies that it’s so she can be acknowledged by Mom. Mom is shocked by that answer. Jang Mi answers that Mom is not an easy person. Jang Mi says that she wants to be acknowledged by Mom. That’s why she needed that work. Halmeoni feels bad for Jang Mi. She wanted to show Mom that she’s good at something and worthy of being with Ki Tae. Halmeoni and Aunt nod to each other that that’s what they thought.
Ki Tae arrives to hear Mom ask Jang Mi that she dares try to suit her taste? Mom sighs and tells Jang Mi that she better be ready. Ki Tae yells Mom’s name in a ways that says ‘Stop!’ He enters the kitchen and sees the spread on the table. He grabs Jang Mi and says they should go, but Jang Mi pulls out of his grasp. He tells his family not to ask Jang Mi to come there without letting him know from now on. Halmeoni says that she was the one who asked Jang Mi to come, so she could talk with Jang Mi. She adds that Mom has the right to hear her out, too. Ki Tae protests that they should talk to him if they have something to say! Nobody likes that. Ki Tae grabs Jang Mi and pulls her out of the kitchen. Aunt wonders what Ki Tae’s problem is. They’re not going to bite her. Halmeoni sighs.
Once outside, Jang Mi pulls free of Ki Tae’s grip and asks what he’s doing. He asks her why on earth she came there. Jang Mi protest that Halmeoni was sick. He can’t believe she was that stupid to believe that one. Jang Mi replies that Halmeoni wanted to see her. Ki Tae asks if Jang Mi forgot what happened before? His voice sounds definitely worried that Jang Mi’s going to get hurt again. He declares that anything could happen! Jang Mi protests that they deserve to be scolded!
Jang Mi says that a scolding won't kill her. Ki Tae asks if she got in trouble. Did she get scolded? His voice sounds concerned. He asks what happened before he came. Jang Mi asks if Ki Tae was worried about her. Why won’t he just say ‘yes’? Ki Tae says they should go, but Jang Mi refuses to get dragged off, saying that she’s not done talking with Mom. Ki Tae protests that there’s no more to talk about. Jang Mi responds that Mom will understand if she tells Mom. Ki Tae adamants says that Mom can’t. Actually, she won't. She'd never understand and he doesn’t need her to. Ki Tae says that if Jang Mi and Mom can't understand each other, it's best to keep their distance. Jang Mi wonders what Ki Tae is so afraid of. Instead of more talk, Ki Tae grabs Jang Mi’s wrist and drags her away from the house.
At Run, Yeo Reum says that Ki Tae is scared he won't be understood. Jang Mi sadly says that Ki Tae said that he didn't care, but he wanted Mom’s understanding more than anything. Yeo Reum agrees. Ki Tae cares about it so much that he doesn't want to care. Yeo Reum says that not having a mom is so sad. And he speaks from experience. He chuckles softly and says that you can't help worrying about your mom. Jang Mi knows that’s true. Yeo Reum asks if Jang Mi working with him is the problem. Jang Mi loudly denies it. Which means that it *is* the problem. Yeo Reum tells her that she’s just like Ki Tae. Now he’s worried even more.
Switch to Bon Café. Ki Tae and Hoon Dong are talking. Hoon Dong declares that of course, it's something to worry about. Ki Tae doesn’t understand why. Jang Mi’s the one who said they should just date! Hoon Dong asks him if he really thinks that Jang Mi meant that when she said it. She said that because of the rude guy who insisted on staying single. He adds that Hyun Hee thinks the same thing. Ki Tae is surprised that Jang Mi really does want to get married.
Hoon Dong remind Ki Tae that he knows how much she wanted to get married and that dream was ruined by who? Ki Tae. Ki Tae frowns because he knows that’s true. Hoon Dong looks at Ki Tae and says (in English) “Welcome to my world.” Welcome to the craziest love triangle in the world. Ki Tae is baffled? What love triangle? Hoon Dong says its him, Mom and Hyun Hee. He’s been squashed between two women and wanted to cry so many times.
HDM arrives. Ki Tae, of course, politely bows. HDM is not happy that Ki Tae is the only customer again. HDM asks where Hyun Hee is. Hoon Dong says that HDM told her to stay home. HDM can’t believe that Hyun Hee is lazing around at home when he’s this mess? Hoon Dong responds that HDM told her to stay home! HDM smiles and thinks about Hoon Dong is right about his situation.
Jang Mi is closing up shop and locking everything up. Ki Tae arrives and asks why she’s there alone. Where is everyone else? Jang Mi replies that she’s in charge of closing up. They start walking, with Jang Mi holding Ki Tae’s arm. Jang Mi says that Yeo Reum has to buy groceries in the morning and Hyun Hee is married. Ki Tae says that he doesn't want Jang Mi to be out alone at this hour. She tells him not to worry since her cool boyfriend comes to pick me up. He smiles and puts his arm around her instead.
He asks if she wants to eat something. She proposes the mind-numbingly spicy rice cakes and he’s all for it. The couple at home eating and playing at the same time. Snuggling. Brushing their teeth together. Her asking for a massage and Ki Tae obliging. She starts to bring something up, but he talks instead, saying that she was very patient, but the girl shouldn't say that first. She’s not sure what he means. He puts her leg aside and says that she wants to get married. He brought it up first so she can just be honest. She smiles at him. She answers that, honestly, she wants to get married. But not yet.
Jang Mi tells him that he already knows this, but she got burned by marriage several times. She proposed, became a stalker, her mute parents lived like a zombie couple and now they're filing for divorce. Ki Tae adds that his parents are a couple for appearance only. She says that she wants to be careful with committing to marriage until she’s really sure. How are you not sure about Ki Tae? Ki Tae asks why Jang Mi’s worried about Mom. He says that he was worried about her. She tells him not to worry. She's had enough experience with her that now she knows how to deal with Mom. Plus, they're serious now. Ki Tae replies that that’s what makes it more difficult. During the fake relationship, Jang Mi could say whatever she wanted to. And when did Jang Mi ever really do that?
Ki Tae pauses and then says that there will be worse things when it's serious. Jang Mi replies that they should give it their all then. Then they'll have confidence too. Right? If you just sit and wait, you won't hear bells ringing in your ears or see a halo above each other. Isn't that proof? She tells him to get along with Mom. He says they should stop talking. She doesn’t want to get married right away either. There's no reason to get Mom involved between us. Jang Mi starts to softly argue, but he says that he just wants to be with Jang Mi, not Mom.
They lay down on the bed and snuggle. Ki Tae says that he only needs her. Aw. Being like this feels so good. He’s so happy. Jang Mi thinks that this would've sounded so sweet in the past. It sounds sad now. Will they be happy just by being together? Don’t worry, Jang Mi. You guys will figure it out.
Halmeoni is chowing down on Mom’s kimchi. She declares it the best in Korea. Aunt gleefully chews and says that they are so lucky. Mom replies that she knows. Not anyone can have it. Halmeoni sighs, rolling her eyes, and says that Jang Mi just wanted Mom to acknowledge her. Why not give Jang Mi a chance? Not a flicker of acknowledgment from Mom.
Dad rushes into the dining room with a huge smile on his face. He announces that he passed the committee screening. Halmeoni’s disappointed that it’s not something else. She begrudgingly give her congratulations. Dad sits down and puts his hand on Mom’s. She looks at it as he calls her ‘Yeobo’ and says that it’s all thanks to Mom. He just needs the chief director's approval. Then he has the nerve to ask Mom to meet with the wife and have Ki Tae give her a laser procedure. The selfishness of this man amazes me. Halmeoni about throws up. She sets her spoon loudly down on the table and leaves. Aunt does the same with her chopsticks and leaves with a disgusted look at Dad. Mom follows shortly afterward.
But Mom does it anyway. It kills me that she does. Chair’s Wife is with Mom at Ki Tae’s work. So he at least got some business! CW is happy with how Ki Tae got rid of her age spots. CW tells Mom that she is so lucky to have a son like Ki Tae. Mom invites CW to lunch and includes Ki Tae in the invitation. He says that he’s fine, until Mom says that they’re planning on going to Jang Mi’s bar. Why would she be taking CW there? Unless it’s to screw Dad over and then I mightily approve.
Flashback. Mom calls Jang Mi and asks if Mom can trust Jang Mi with an important guest. Jang Mi is confident that she’ll be able to do it. Mom declares that Jang Mi better be ready to suit her taste. Jang Mi nods and says that she’ll be waiting, ready for Mom.
Back to present. CW remembers Jang Mi's name: the future daughter-in-law from the wine meeting? A smiling Mom replies that it is. She opened a restaurant. CW smiles and says that she really liked Jang Mi. CW tells Ki Tae that she wanted to see Jang Mi. The ladies leave and Ki Tae swallows. He calls Jang Mi and says that Mom is on her way over. Did Jang Mi know? Jang Mi, of course, did, because Mom called with reservations.
Ki Tae asks why Jang Mi took the reservation. She replies that she wanted the business. He asks if she knows what Mom’s intentions are. Jang Mi thinks that Mom must want to brag about her. Then she teases Ki Tae by asking him if he’s ashamed of her because it's a liquor business. He inwardly groans and tells her, “Never mind.” He asks if she’s really going to be okay. She says she wouldn’t be so confident if she was alone but she has a reliable dream team.
Ki Tae ends up joining them. And it looks like the suit he had on in the beginning. In fact, I think Mom’s outfit’s the same, too. Uh oh. CW likes the restaurant and warmly greets Jang Mi. After they are seated, CW says that she was wondering why there wasn’t any wedding news. It was because Jang Mi opened a restaurant. Jang Mi declares that she owes it all to CW. CW is surprised. Jang Mi says that CW’s review of the chef’s quatro kimchi pancake was what encouraged them. CW can’t believe that it’s the same chef. And Yeo Reum is doing something flambé. CW wonders if she should try it again and Jang Mi is all for that. Even though their kimchi isn’t nearly as good as Mom’s.
First course: CW loves it. Second course: She loves it. Third course: She loves it. Ki Tae and Mom are very happy. Quatro Kimchi Pancake: CW tries it and says that it’s not the same as before. Jang Mi apologetically says that it won’t taste the same, since before they used Mom’s kimchi. Mom is surprised: her kimchi? Jang Mi says that it all started with that. Jang Mi deeply bows and brightly says “thank you” for the opportunity to serve the guests who gave her inspiration. CW loves Jang Mi’s positive energy. And I am not sure why Ki Tae is squirming at the moment.
Mom suggests that CW try the rice wine. It’s really good. Jang Mi looks over at Ki Tae. Now it’s obvious that he’s really trying hard not to beam with pride. He gives Jang Mi a thumbs up and a wink. Everything is wonderful.
Dad is walking down the street with Trollop. Oh, no. Oh, no. I see where this is going. They’re so happy and giggly. And I want to throw up. She tells Dad that she heard that it’s really good. Calling Dad, “Oppa,” she says that it’s the popular restaurant. Dad stops smiling when he sees the name. He tells himself that it can’t be. They go in, arm in arm. Busted!!!
Mom, Ki Tae and CW see Dad with Trollop. She’s not smiling now. Dad tries to leave before he’s recognized but CW says his name. She asks what brought him there. Dad lies and says that Ki Tae called him to join them. Ki Tae says that he never called Dad. I love that Ki Tae is not even helping his dad. CW notices Trollop. Dad lies and says that Trollop is his sister. Bet she loved that. Mom sighs at the lie. Trollop reluctantly bows a greeting to CW, with a look of distaste on her face. Nice. Mom is steaming now.
Dad declares that his ‘sister’ told him that Run is really popular these days. A smiling Jang Mi arrives with the makgeolli and sees them. No more smile. Dad stops smiling. And Trollop actually looks afraid of Jang Mi. Heh. CW is confused since his future daughter-in-law is the owner. Dad changes his tune to say that he’s so proud of Jang Mi for opening a business like this. He laughs nervously.
CW invites Dad and ‘Sister’ to join them. I feel sick when Dad calls Trollop 'Mi Jung' (Aunt's name). He's such a sleaze. Dad laughs and says that it might be uncomfortable. That doesn’t make any sense for CW, since it’s his Sister. She's family. Mom is sitting there frozen. Ki Tae looks nervous and Jang Mi is looking at Dad, not believing he’s going to be this humiliating of Mom. Dad awkwardly takes a seat next to Mom. Trollop just stands there. Dad asks what Trollop is doing. She should come and sit down. Awkward looks and CW realizes something is off.
A fuming Jang Mi. She’s plotting revenge. Then she shakes her head and says that Mom is watching. She’s been doing well so far. Pleading for it to continue, Jang Mi says that she really didn't want to make another scene. And then she walks forward and gives Dad a bath in the makgeolli. And I roll. So deserved! Horrified looks. Jang Mi starts to profusely apologizing for slipping. She can’t stop laughing.
And that was a fake out, because it was just what Jang Mi was imagining she would do. She decides to go for it. But before she can, Mom ‘accidentally’ dumps her water bottle all over Dad’s pants. She looks up Trollop, calling her agusshi, and tells her to take Dad out. He'll have to change. Trollop quickly, nervously agrees. They leave.
Mom looks up at Jang Mi and Jang Mi has to stifle a smile of pride. CW asks Mom if that’s the one she fought with at the department store, right? Mom looks at CW, surprised. CW says that she heard the rumor and wanted to confirm it with Mom. CW wonders if Mr. Gong is qualified to be an educator. Mom clears her throat and replies that it was her fault. She’s the fussy type, after all. She says that she tries to control her family under the guise of being the perfect wife and mother. She doesn’t let even tiny mistakes go by. Dad must've needed someone to talk to.
Mom sighs heavily as she says that Dad’s sister makes others feel comfortable, unlike her. More throat clearing. That’s why Dad badmouthed her. She took his side. Ki Tae sighs because Mom is humiliating herself for Dad and he doesn’t deserve it. Mom says that she couldn't be understanding. She ended up pulling ‘Sister’s’ hair. That's what had happened. And the hurt is evident on Mom’s face. CW says that she should believe Mom since that's what she saying is what happened, for Mom’s sake, not Dad’s. And everyone feels bad for Mom. Ki Tae looks like he’s fuming. CW is very kind and gracious, and she knows what's what.
Mom returns home. Halmeoni asks how the restaurant was. Mom says that she’ll talk about it later. Ki Tae arrives right behind her. He barely bows to Halmeoni before he goes after Mom. Halmeoni knows something’s up now. Ki Tae enters the bedroom, where Mom is seated on her bench. He tells her they should talk. She weakly says that she’s tired. He asks what she’s protecting. Mom says that she doesn’t want to talk, so he should go. Ki Tae replies that Mom doesn't want to talk or listen to anything. That's why she lives this way. It’s obvious that he’s upset that she’s doing this to herself. She won’t look at him. Finally Mom looks at him and he lists it all: A perfect daughter-in-law, a perfect wife, a perfect mom! She led a perfect life for others to see: “I’ve achieved this much, so don't talk about me!”
Halmeoni’s listening and sighs. Ki Tae sadly asks if Mom thinks that's cool, eh? She’s just being stubborn. Shutting her ears and mouth…She’s just being stubborn and alone. Mom starts to cry. Halmeoni comes in and yells at Ki Tae that that’s enough. Ki Tae leaves. Halmeoni shuts the door behind her as she leaves Mom alone to cry.
Halmeoni sits, sighing, wondering what to do. Aunt is looking through a magazine and finds the spread for the interview that Ki Tae did. Halmeoni is surprised. She reads his statement about being alone in his apartment for a few days when he was little and that’s why even as an adult, he feels comfortable when he’s home alone. Halmeoni tells Aunt to get the car, so she can go see Ki Tae.
At his apartment, Halmeoni shows Ki Tae the article. He says that he wishes that Halmeoni hadn’t read the article. Halmeoni asks him about remembering being there alone. Halmeoni says that he wasn’t there alone. He’s surprised. Halmeoni asks him if he really doesn’t remember who he was with.
Flashback to a sleeping Ki Tae, with Mom smiling and patting his back softly. Halmeoni says that that’s when Mom first found out about Dad's affair. She had left home with him, wanting a divorce. Halmeoni arrived to drag Ki Tae home. Mom pleaded with Halmeoni to leave Ki Tae there but Halmeoni took Ki Tae hostage. She couldn't give Mom the family's only grandson.
Ki Tae is stunned at this news. Mom stayed with Dad because of him. Halmeoni says that it’s common; lots of couples stay together for the kids. Ki Tae feels horrible. All those years of Mom being miserable was because she didn’t want to lose him. She went through all that humiliation because of him. Halmeoni says she’s not telling him it all to make him feel guilty. She just wanted to tell him that what he thinks was his happiest memory was spent with Mom. Ki Tae doesn’t understand how he remembers it being alone. Halmeoni asks how Ki Tae could have been comfortable there alone at that age. Someone was with him. Mom was with him, even if he doesn’t remember. Like air that's invisible. That's his mom.
Mom sits in the living room. Doorbell rings. Jang Mi arrives with some bags, which she holds up, crying, “Tada!” She says that she wanted to drink with Mom. She must be craving liquor. Mom laughs and they start to drink. Jang Mi says that Mom must still love her husband. Mom laughs and asks, “Love?” Jang Mi says that she’s maintaining the marriage. Mom says that it’s all she has. Her family's happiness was her happiness. Her family's life was her life. If she denies that, her whole life would be meaningless. It was a hard life. If nothing were left, she’d feel so empty. They drink again.
Jang Mi says that Ki Tae's the only person she has, too. That's why she needed to work. She thought she would lose him, if she only relied on him. She didn't want to be sad, that he only cared this much about her, when he was her whole life. She didn't want to torment him that way. So she can enjoy his company for a long, long time. They chuckle about that. More drinking.
Mom asks why Jang Mi’s doing all this, trying so hard to understand her and be understood by her? Jang Mi thinks and says that they love the same guy. They laugh. Mom declares that it’s enough drinking. Then she tells Jang Mi that it will be 15,000 won per kg for her kimchi. Jang Mi laughs and says that 15,000 won per kg is insane. Mom says that she knows what the ingredients cost and her kimchi uses special ingredients. Jang Mi shakes her head and says 5,000. Mom declares that Jang Mi *did* take her for a pushover. Mom starts to leave and Jang Mi follows her, calling out prices. 7,000. Nope. 8,000. No. 8,100. No. 8,3000. Later she calls Hyun Hee and says that she got the kimchi for 9,000 won per kg. She’s really excited.
Ki Tae is sitting in the dark in his apartment. He picks up the phone and calls Mom. He asks what she’s doing. She says that she was drinking with Jang Mi. Mom says that Jang Mi has the same sickness that she does… She'd do anything to be acknowledged by others. Ki Tae agrees. He says that at first he liked Jang Mi because she was so different from Mom, but he realizes that she's just like Mom. And it scares him. Even though her style is a bit different. Mom smiles softly at that one. They both won't mind their own business, or leave others alone and torments them. Ki Tae says Mom’s name and when she tells him to go ahead. He starts to weep. She knows that he knows. He tries to talk, but can’t. All he can do is cry. He’s making me cry.
Jang Mi arrives at the apartment, looking for Ki Tae. She finds him asleep in bed. Even though the lights are on. Jang Mi softly crawls into bed and snuggles him. She whispers that Mom finally acknowledged her. Even if it wasn’t as a daughter-in-law, it was as a business partner. Jang Mi adds that Oma doesn't acknowledge her either. Oma hates her selling liquor. She says that someone as stubborn as Mom acknowledged her. She’s so happy. She lays down next to him and Ki Tae remembers Mom laying there next to him. Jang Mi thinks that in order to be with someone, you need to be ready to accept his past and all his relationships. Ki Tae doesn’t tell Jang Mi that he’s still awake. He opens up his eyes momentarily as he processes her words and then closes his eyes to sleep in her embrace.
Oma’s gotten some more correspondence. It asks how she is. She rolls her eyes. Then he asks if she’s doing okay. She sadly laughs and mutters that Appa should have asked sooner. She mutters that he’s a jerk and starts to cry.
Appa is eating soup at a restaurant. He chokes on some of the broth and wonders why Oma won’t write him back.
Ki Tae has a really nice bouquet of roses. And he’s wearing a really nice suit. Hoon Dong sees him and orders him to stop. He asks what they are. Jang mi (roses). He asks who they’re for. Jang Mi (the person). Hoon Dong rolls his eyes and says that Ki Tae is digging his own grave, too? Ki Tae declares that he heard bells ringing in his ears and saw a halo too. Hoon Dong gets choked up.
Ki Tae offers the flowers. But it’s not for Jang Mi. It’s for Oma. He’s kneeling in front of a frowning Oma. Ki Tae says that he’s there to apologize. Oma wants to know why, since it’s all over. He says that it’s actually not over. He’s seeing Jang Mi. Ki Tae says that he wants to officially apologize and asks Oma to please acknowledge their relationship. He puts the flowers in Mom’s hands and gives her puppy-dog eyes. Plus his charming smile. And a little aegyo for good measure. Oma’s not breaking.
Ki Tae gives Oma some more aegyo and she hits him in the face with the bouquet. She starts to beat him with it, asking if he’s serious! It’s as bad as Jang Mi’s beating him during Harabeoji’s funeral. Oma yells at Ki Tae to get out and he looks at her, shocked. There are now flower petals everywhere. Oma stops to compose herself. Ki Tae spots the papers with Oma’s diagnosis. It’s fallen out of her purse. Oma has breast cancer. One of the better cancers to get. At least it was that. And Ki Tae’s a good plastic surgeon, so he could do some reconstructive surgery after the fact. Oma notices that Ki Tae has her paper. She rips is out of his hand and tries to hide it. He stands up, shocked, and asks if Jang Mi knows.
Jang Mi’s just gotten her hands on Mom’s kimchi. She is ecstatic. She treats herself to a strip of it. She yells at Hyun Hee and Yeo Reum to come try some.
Ki Tae just looks at a sad Oma as Jang Mi smiles, happy. And the episode ends.
Thoughts
Arg! Only one more episode left! It’s nice that Ki Tae’s conflict with Mom got mostly solved, which led him to go apologize to Oma, but I hate that they’ve given us only one episode to resolve so many things.
This was a big episode in terms of showing how people have changed and revealing some secrets that should have been said a long time ago. Although I don’t think anyone knew before now about Ki Tae’s faulty memory about when he was little. It’s nice to see Mom and Jang Mi settle their differences, because they both love Ki Tae and he loves both of them.
How is thing going to end? I want Dad kicked to the curb and Halmeoni and Aunt still living with Mom, because they are family, even if Dad is a scumbag. I want Oma to survive the cancer and Ki Tae to help with the reconstruction afterward. I want her to reconcile with Appa, since, despite their protests, they still do care about each other. And I want Yeo Reum to get a girl. (Not Jang Mi.)
No comments:
Post a Comment