♬ From you ♬
♬ a flower name is emitting ♬
Shot of Mom sitting on the couch of a bridal salon. Jang Mi think how Mom called her name like a flower. And Mom sweetly says, “Jang Mi,” which means rose in Korean.
♬ Like another thorn ♬
♬ You maybe ♬
♬ resemble a rose. ♬
Mom is hard at work, scrubbing out the refrigerator. It already looks spotless, but she’s scrubbing just the same. She pauses as she thinks of Ki Tae yelling at her that he’s not okay with what they’ve done and how Jang Mi can never be alone! Mom starts scrubbing more furiously. Halmeoni comes up and asks if Mom is okay. Mom pauses her scrubbing. Halmeoni tells her that she’ll make herself sick. Did something happen that made her upset? Mom finally replies that she thinks that she lost… That Ki Tae is serious about Jang Mi. Halmeoni gives her an ‘I told you so’ and asks what she plans on doing now. Mom dejectedly says she can’t do anything else but let them marry. Halmeoni really likes that idea. Mom adds to herself, “if it can be done.”
Phone rings, waking Jang Mi, or rather half-waking Jang Mi. This does not look like her apartment. Jang Mi mumbles a ‘hello.’ She answers that it is Jang Mi and asks who it is… it’s Mom. Mom? She answered Ki Tae’s phone! Mom is smiling as she says that she called Ki Tae's cell and since Jang Mi answered, she must be with him. Mom doesn’t seem the least bit upset. Why isn't she upset? Mom says that she’s right downstairs and will be right in. Jang Mi tries to sound happy as she responds, but Mom has hung up the phone. Jang Mi wonders why she’s slept in Ki Tae’s bed. Aw, he moved her in there so she would be comfortable. And so she wouldn’t spend the night snuggling with Yeo Reum. Heh.
Out on the couch – sorry, had to pause because it’s really funny – Ki Tae is sleeping. Yeo Reum is sleeping next to him, with his leg wrapped over Ki Tae, and they are sharing a blanket. Probably not what Ki Tae planned when he moved Jang Mi. And from the smile on Ki Tae’s face, he’s probably dreaming that the embrace is by Jang Mi. Jang Mi rushes out of the bedroom and stares with a disgusted, horrified look on her face at the two sharing the couch. It gives her the willies, especially when Yeo Reum snuggles Ki Tae a little closer. She cautiously walks over and starts poking Ki Tae to wake him. No response. Pokes Yeo Reum. No response.
Jang Mi shakes both of them and Ki Tae wakes up first. He is horrified to see a man’s arm draped on him and shoves Yeo Reum off the couch in his hurry to sit up. And let the yelling begin! Ki Tae moans, “Not again!” and Jang Mi has to wonder what he means by “again.” We know it’s because Yeo Reum doesn’t have any problem platonically sharing a bed with Ki Tae, for warmth’s sake. Like Ki Tae’s his real hyung. Ki Tae covers his chest like he’s been violated. Yeo Reum looks at Ki Tae and says, “It was you?” Jang Mi just looks at her boyfriends like they are weird. Yeo Reum looks up at Jang Mi as he says that it’s weird. He thought he was sleeping with Jang Mi.
Flashback of Ki Tae picking up Jang Mi and dumping her on his bed. Then he tucks her in properly.
Yeo Reum realizes what happens and tells Ki Tae he was jealous, which Ki Tae completely poo-poos. Ki Tae protests that the girl should sleep in the bedroom. Yeo Reum nods and says the sick one sacrificed himself. He reaches up to feel Ki Tae’s forehead, which Ki Tae cringes at – but doesn’t pull away – and Yeo Reum adds that because he held Ki Tae tight, at least the fever went down. Ki Tae rips Yeo Reum’s hand off his forehead at that, protesting for Yeo Reum to get off.
Jang Mi yells that they don’t have time for that! Do they know who's outside? Keypad beeping. Jang Mi protests that Mom’s here! Everyone starts freaking out. Crazy running around the apartment, with Yeo Reum getting shoved in Ki Tae’s room. Heh. I love this show's physical comedy. As Mom enters, Ki Tae and Jang Mi regroup and stand there hugging each other. I wonder if they’re still going to do that when they’re a real couple. It’s only been since they kissed that I remember them doing this. So maybe they will. Ki Tae clucks at Mom for not ringing the doorbell. She replies that she called as she was coming in; right, Jang Mi? Jang Mi nods vigorously.
Ki Tae takes a look over at the bedroom. Like Mom’s going to go in there. She thinks you guys are a couple. She’s not going to want to see your messed up bed. Mom smiles and says that they’re together all the time, eh? As in live together. Jang Mi starts to say ‘no,’ but Ki Tae smiles and says that they don’t want to be separated from each other for even an hour. He is such a cheese ball.
Mom heads over to the kitchen, where the mess from last night – including the *three* bowls of pasta are sitting – and declares that it's a mess. Ki Tae says that Oma sent over some chicken and ginseng stew and thanks to it, he’s totally recovered. I wonder if Mom knows Ki Tae’s slick voice. She has to know it, when he’s saying all the right things and not meaning any of it. Mom picks up a wine glass and asks if Jang Mi fed Ki Tae liquor when he's sick. Jang Mi laughs and says that getting a plenty of sleep, deep sleep, is the best when sick. Mom asks why there are 3 glasses. Although replying that they had a friend over with them would be completely plausible… Ki Tae says that the glass he was using got a bit dirty. Mom knows what a clean freak he is, since he takes after her…
Mom declares that she wants to see the bedroom and heads over towards it, without getting permission. The glasses made her suspicious. Ki Tae finally realizes and they hurry after her, with Ki Tae asking why she wants to see the bedroom. Yeo Reum is listening at the door, so he quickly hides behind the bed as Mom opens the door. Ki Tae and Jang Mi are right behind her, trying to spot where Yeo Reum has hidden. Mom declares that they better get new bedding... and a new mattress. Ki Tae declares that Jang Mi will will take care of it. Then he kicks Jang Mi who repeats that she will take care of it. Yeo Reum moves again since Mom’s walking toward behind the bed.
Mom asks about them needing more storage space… and a vanity table. Who needs a vanity table? Ki Tae again declares that Jang Mi will take are of it, with Jang Mi adding that she will! They position themselves between Mom and the bed, so as to hide Yeo Reum if he might be visible. Mom declares that she wants to do it for them. She repeats that she wants to do something for the pair. Ki Tae isn’t getting it. He points out that Mom shouldn’t barge in like this in the morning, with Jang Mi there and all.
Mom takes out Jang Mi’s phone, offers it to her and apologizes for the day before. The pair isn’t sure how to react to it. Mom declares that, beginning with yesterday, she has decided to stop doubting them. Jang Mi and Ki Tae look at each other. I bet they’re both wondering what they’re going to do if this is true. But thinking different things along with that question. Mom addresses Jang Mi as Joo Jang Mi-shi (Ms. Joo Jang Mi), but then corrects herself, saying that she’ll address Jang Mi more casually. She says Jang Mi’s name and again it sounds like a beautiful rose. Then she tells them to get married.
Yeo Reum’s mouth drops open at that order. Jang Mi’s eyes look like they’re going to pop out of her head. Mom says that she wants to see them get married soon so they should get the parents together on the weekend. Side note: love that my subber used the phrase 'on the weekend.' Totally legitimate British Empire English. Jang Mi and Ki Tae look at each other, Jang Mi still looking shocked and Ki Tae looking like Mom has punched him in the stomach. Even though you know you like the girl! Ki Tae weakly agrees and Jang Mi smiles her ‘for-Mom’ smile.
Mom is in the car with Aunt driving. Aunt is practically dumb-founded that Mom is going to let the pair to get married. Mom replies that the couple will decide whether or not to get married. Mom says that she will do her best for their wedding. Work hard! Mom adds that Aunt knows that she’s serious about something when she does her best. Aunt agrees that that is Mom’s character. Aunt adds that she also knows how scary Mom’s best can be. And I laugh. Mom adds that the scariest thing is when the prospect of the marriage becomes real. Which both of the kids already know, looking at the train wrecks that are their parents’ marriages. Aunt realizes that Mom isn't just rolling over. Aunt asks what Mom has planned and Mom just smiles.
Jang Mi sinks onto Ki Tae’s couch, stunned that Mom has given her permission. She asks what she’s going to do now, since Mom really wants them to get married. Yeo Reum sits down beside her and declares that it sounded like a death sentence when Mom said it... scary. Jang Mi scruffles her hair in frustration and yelps. She moans that she dug her own grave. It's getting deeper and deeper and she doesn’t think she can ever get out of it!
Ki Tae is sitting in the kitchen with his back to them. Jang Mi looks over at him and asks what he’s planning on doing. He has no response; he’s thinking. And probably thinking that the idea of marrying Jang Mi isn’t such a bad one. Jang Mi declares that an official meeting of the parents is out of the question. It would give her parents such high false hopes. How would they take care of that later? She doesn’t want it to get that far. Ki Tae looks over at the soup pot and – almost sadly – says, “okay.” Like he liked having Oma care about him like that.
Ki Tae nods and says that he understands. Jang Mi is surprised. Ki Tae says that he doesn't want to drag her parents into this any further. He looks like he feels really bad with how they’re going to get hurt in all of that. Jang Mi asks him, what about him? Yeo Reum looks over at Ki Tae and looks like he feels bad for the guy. Ki Tae doesn’t answer, but lets out a large sigh and drinks his coffee. Aw, he’s going to go back to being alone. Just when he got used to them being there.
Ki Tae is at Bon Café, deep in thought. He picks up the phone and after a moment of internal debate, calls Oma. She answers the phone, calling him Gong son-in-law! Immediately, she asks how he feels. She’s happy to hear he feels better. It makes her slaving in the heat worth making the stew. We don’t hear his part of the conversation. Oma says that, of course, she should take care of him. He’s their son-in-law for real now. Mom just called her about the official meeting between the parents.
Now we get to see Ki Tae’s reactions… Ki Tae is surprised that Mom already called. He inwardly groans and tells Oma that he’d like to speak with Oma about something regarding that. Ki Tae says that he’d like to visit Oma. Oma declares that Ki Tae’s too busy for that, so she’ll stop by his office. Ki Tae tries to shoot that idea down, but Oma hangs up the phone. Ki Tae sighs.
Yeo Reum brings a drink for Ki Tae. Which he probably didn’t order. He tells Ki Tae that he did well. Jang Mi is so soft-hearted, it made him (Yeo Reum) sad to see her being dragged here and there. It's good that Ki Tae’s cutting it off. Yeo Reum adds a ‘thanks, hyung.’ Ki Tae replies that he didn't do it for Yeo Reum. What's it got to do with Yeo Reum, anyway? Yeo Reum replies that he’s grateful because now he can date Jang Mi in public.
As soon as the word ‘date’ registers, Ki Tae jumps up out of his seat and sputters, “Da… date?” Yeo Reum says that there’s so much that he’s wanted to do with Jang Mi: watch movies, ride bikes… hold her hand in the street. Aw. The thought of that last one makes Yeo Reum smile, which Ki Tae doesn’t miss and it doesn’t make him happy. As Yeo Reum’s thinking about it, he decides that he should make plans with her right away. He immediately pulls out his phone and excuses himself to call her. Ki Tae can only watch with concealed horror.
Yeo Reum calls – and at first says that it’s him. Then he has to identify himself. Heh. But that doesn’t bother him. He asks Jang Mi to a movie on the weekend, since now they don't have to worry about other people’s eyes. Ki Tae watches with a face that looks tortured. I can hear him internally going, “Come on, man! Don’t! Don’t!”
Oma is now at Ki Tae’s clinic. They are looking at each other. Ki Tae isn’t saying anything and his face still looks like he’s struggling with the idea that Jang Mi has a date with Yeo Reum. Oma asks him about what he wanted to say. Ki Tae sighs and says that he doesn’t know how to tell her. Mom comfortingly puts her hand on Ki Tae’s and tells him to just tell her everything. Ki Tae swallows loudly.
Jang Mi is at work, worrying about Oma’s reaction when she finds out. Hyun Hee walks up and asks when the first official meeting of the families is happening. Jang Mi is immediately defensive. Hyun Hee plays the: ‘Don't you want to tell me?’ like Jang Mi’s the one with a problem and isn’t being a good friend. Hyun Hee assures Jang Mi that she’s okay. Jang Mi can be obvious with her happiness. Hyun Hee says she hates it more when Jang Mi distances herself. Jang Mi feels bad and says that there’s something she wasn't able to tell Hyun Hee. Then Jang Mi gets a text, which obviously freaks her out. Jang Mi quickly apologizes and runs off. Jang Mi sighs.
Jang Mi heads over to Ki Tae’s office, where he’s chilling on the couch. She demands to know what he did to Oma. He smiles and says that he didn’t do anything. Jang Mi pulls out her phone and shows him the text from Oma telling her to pick Oma up from the hospital since she’s having surgery today. Pained, Jang Mi asks if Ki Tae put Oma under his knife. Using a snipping motion, he says that he just got rid of the skin underneath her eyes. It was a simple 20 minute procedure.
Jang Mi groans and asks why Ki Tae decided to do it out of the blue? She protests that Ki Tae said he was going to quit the fake marriage! Ki Tae asks when he said that he was going to quit the fake marriage. They just have to prevent the official parents' meeting. Jang Mi is confused. She looks at Ki Tae and he winks at her so she slaps him in frustration.
Oma is happily chilling with a bandage wrapped around her eyes. Jang Mi bursts into the room, asking if Oma is okay. Of course she is. Thanks to Jang Mi, she’s getting free surgery. Ki Tae arrives to take off the bandages. With a shook sound effect at the end. Goofy. Jang Mi is surprised. Oma asks how she looks. Ki Tae declares that since Oma’s a natural beauty, he only cut a pinch off under her eyes. The results are fantastic. On the wedding day, people are going to think Oma is Jang Mi's sister. Jang Mi can’t believe what she’s looking at.
Ki Tae passes Oma a mirror and she is upset about the bruises and swelling. Well, what did she think was going to happen? Ki Tae assures her that they’ll disappear soon… in about a week, with ice packs and lasers, of course. Oma asks about the parents’ meeting and Ki Tae dramatically acts like he completely forgot! Jang Mi makes an irritated face at Ki Tae and he smiles smugly. Oma declares that she can’t do the meeting like that!!! Ki Tae declares that they’ll need to postpone, then. Ki Tae gets called out for another patient. Oma moans on how she’s going to feel inferior from the get-go because of this, but they can’t push back the meeting! Jang Mi says that she’ll explain to Mom. Oma doesn’t want Jang Mi to mention the plastic surgery and Jang Mi replies that she’s not that stupid.
Jang Mi calls Mom and tells her that Oma had to have hemorrhoid surgery. Which would be very painful. Hemorrhoids are no fun. Mom is fine with postponing the meeting, since Oma’s health comes before such formalities. Mom suggests visiting Oma, but Jang Mi quickly nixes that idea, saying that Oma would be embarrassed. Mom understands. But from the look on her face, it looks like she thinks that they’re procrastinating on purpose. Which they are, but this is not Jang Mi trying to get out of it…
Appa arrives with his board. He tells Oma that she’s pathetic. Nice. Mom calls. Oma’s shocked that Jang Mi told Mom, although she doesn’t realize that Jang Mi just said surgery, not plastic surgery. Mom asks if Oma is okay. Oma replies that she’s just a bit swollen. Mom wonders about sitting but Oma says that the embarrassing part is showing other people. Mom isn’t sure how to take Oma showing other people the results of her hemorrhoid surgery. Oma declares that if Mom waits just a bit, she'll be able to show Mom with confidence. Mom is still a little shocked.
Mom’s at the flower shop and says that she’ll come visit Oma. Oma says that it’s pretty ugly right now. Mom assures her that she won’t look at that area of Oma. Oma tries to get Mom to not come, but Mom asks if somehow she or Ki Tae made a mistake, which is why Oma won’t see her. Oma tries to assure Mom that it’s not that, but Mom puts on the guilt trip: Oma postponed the meeting and now she’s refusing Mom’s visit. It seems like Oma doesn't want Jang Mi to get married. Oma groans inwardly and declares that the official meeting is back on. Even when Mom mentions Oma overexerting herself, Oma is determined. After she hangs up, Mom doesn’t buy the bouquet, but asks for a refund of her money. Even though the florist had to put it together especially for Mom.
Oma’s planning on going to the meeting wearing sunglasses. Jang Mi protests. Appa isn’t any help. Yeo Reum calls and Jang Mi apologizes but she has the parents' meeting. She hangs up leaving Yeo Reum standing with popcorn and sodas at the movie theatre. He sadly says to himself that he thought it was over.
Family meeting. Nice hanbok, Halmeoni. Mom is wearing a white dress. So is Aunt. Ki Tae arrives and asks what happened. Mom tells him that he’s late. Halmeoni tells him to sit. Ki Tae protests, asking how they could set the date without consulting him. Mom responds that he communicates with Jang Mi better than he does with her; she thought Jang Mi would've told him. Ki Tae wants them to postpone it, but Dad chimes in – finally – that Halmeoni is there. Mom innocently asks Ki Tae if he doesn’t want to marry Jang Mi anymore. Jang Mi and family arrives.
Opera soprano as Jang Mi and her family enter, with Ki Tae cringing. Silent communication between Ki Tae and Jang Mi where they argue over what's happening. Oma’s still wearing the sunglasses. Halmeoni doesn’t know how to take that. Awkward greeting each other. Time to sit. Mom has brought a special donut cushion for Oma, who is confused by the gesture. The families sit.
Halmeoni asks if it’s a little dark for Oma. Oma says that she's fine. Halmeoni isn’t. She tells Oma that it’s uncomfortable because they can’t see Oma’s eyes. Halmeoni nicely asks if Oma to take the glasses off. Oma smiles and says that they must not have been told about her eye surgery. Jang Mi hides her face with her hand for a moment, mortified to get caught in the lie. Oma explains about Ki Tae and the surgery on her eyes before she realizes that Mom didn’t know. Oma demands to know what Jang Mi told Mom. Jang Mi cringes. Oma gets what the pillow is for.
Oma quickly throws the pillow away and assures everyone that she’s very, very healthy there. Jang Mi covers her face with both hands, completely embarrassed. As I would be. Please stop talking Oma. She's like Mrs. Bennett in 'Pride and Prejudice.' Aunt, Dad and Halmeoni try very hard to not laugh. Appa apologizes for his wife, says that Oma is flustered right now. Aunt’s failing at not laughing. Jang Mi smiles uncomfortably and looks over at Ki Tae, mouthing that she’s going to kill him. He squirms.
Everyone is eating. Or almost everyone. Ki Tae is picking at his food. Dad makes a show of giving Mom some food, which irritates Oma that her husband is not like that. Oma tries to get some food, but the glasses cause her not to be able to really see, so she makes a big mess. Appa clucks at her. Mom nicely declares that she shouldn’t have been in such a hurry to set the date. They’re just eager to have Ki Tae married. Mom says that she’d like the marriage to happen in two months. But what about consulting the horoscope? So that it’s a favorable day? Jang Mi, Ki Tae and Halmeoni all cringe at that suggestion. Halmeoni for a different reason, of course.
Oma replies that that will make the preparations tight. As Oma adds that she’d like to take time for the proper procedures for her only daughter, Ki Tae and Jang Mi look at each other, her asking him to do something. Mom replies that Oma doesn’t have to worry about anything. She'll take care of everything. Oma and Appa are shocked by that. Mom goes on to say that Ki Tae’s house is sufficient for the two of them. The furniture and electronics are all new. Anything else, Mom will go shopping with Jang Mi to pick up. Ki Tae is not happy – probably because Mom is indirectly implying that Jang Mi’s family is poor. Oma starts laughing with glee. Appa starts to protest, but Oma pokes him quiet. Mom nicely tells them that they’re sending their precious daughter, after all. She asks Jang Mi if that’s sufficient. Jang Mi just smiles awkwardly and claps like she’s excited.
Driving home, Halmeoni finally bursts out laughing. Aunt joins in. Then Dad. Mom wants to know what’s so funny. Halmeoni replies that Jang Mi’s family are great people. Plus, how long has it been since the family has looked at each other and laughed together? Mom replies that she didn't laugh. Dad tries to get Mom to lighten up. Didn't she have a fun time too? He tries taking her hand, but she pulls it away. Which I understand. You made your own bed, dude. Mom says that it wasn't fun at all. Halmeoni tells Mom that she has lots of hard work ahead of her. Aunt declares that Jang Mi's door to suffering is wide open now, too. She and Halmeoni quietly laugh again.
Jang Mi’s House. Oma is crooning about the nice and bright future that Jang Mi’s going to have. Dad thinks that it’s weird, Mom being in such a hurry. There's no such thing as a free lunch in life. Oma replies that they just love Jang Mi is why. People are not all calculative like Appa is. They’re so sophisticated. Appa agrees that Ki Tae’s family is totally different from them, each action, each word was gentle and refined, while Oma was making a mess like a kid. Oma grouses at Appa, comparing him to Dad’s affectionate manners. Which we all know is an act. The conversation just devolves from there. At least they’re talking instead of writing to each other.
Jang Mi puts her hands over her ears not to hear and sadly goes and sits in her room. She gets a text from Ki Tae, asking to see him outside. He has a present from his parents. Jang Mi mutters about the gift meaning that Ki Tae’s sorry. He gently asks how things are going inside. Okay? Jang Mi replies that of course they’re not. Her parents fought as soon as they came home. Jang Mi says that it wasn't even real, but she feels weird. Ki Tae swallows and says that he’s sorry. Aw. I like this Ki Tae. He promises to take care of Oma’s wrinkles for the rest of her life. Jang Mi laughs and jokingly thanks him for his generosity, which makes Ki Tae smile. This is why they're meant for each other, because they can look at something like this and see the humor in it.
Jang Mi worries about the future and the storms that are coming. Phone call. It’s Mom. She freaks and meekly answers it. Ki Tae should have just answered. Mom sweetly says Jang Mi’s name, with the echo effect again. Like a rose.
Bedding shopping at the department store. Jang Mi’s reluctant to get a nice set. She says that she wants a simple blanket that she can throw in the washing machine. She adds that she and Ki Tae can get it, since they’re using it. Mom responds by saying that she just wanted to get them something. Can't Jang Mi just accept it? And let me dig the knife in more. The sales lady croons over how there could be a mother-in-law like Mom. Usually they inspect the furniture from the bride like hawks. Mom modestly smiles. Wow, she really can play this part well. Sales lady tells Jang Mi that she’s very lucky. Mom hands over her card and as sales lady rings it up, Mom adds that she needs good bedding, since that’s where the precious Gong descendent will be made. Heh. She is evil.
Later, Jang Mi is sitting down to eat. Mom calls. I wouldn’t answer, not when I’m about to eat. Jang Mi, on the other hand, does. Even though she’s not really dating Ki Tae. Again the rose ‘Jang Mi’ sound affect as Mom says her name. Mom takes Jang Mi out shopping for family gifts.
I wasn’t familiar with this part of Korean culture: buying gifts for the family. In America, you buy a small gift for each member of the bridal party and sometimes a gift for the parents, but she’s talking about gifts for other family members, so I thought I would do a little more research to broaden my understanding. Most of the webpages I found talked about the gifts exchanged on the wedding day, but there were a few that talked about this part of the gift-giving: gifts for the family or purchased for after the wedding. Basically the breakdown is this:
Groom Side:
Wedding Ceremony (50%), Honeymoon (50%), Apartment/Housing (100%), Yemul (wedding gift for the bride)
Bride Side:
Wedding Ceremony (50%), Honeymoon (50%), Furnishings for Home (100%), Yedan (wedding gift for the groom)
Here’s some good links:
Seoulistic.com’s “Want to Marry a Korean? Here’s 7 Things You Should Know!”
The Korea Times article, “Couples Prefer Simpler Weddings”
My Sister’s Bigger, Fatter Korean Wedding
The Korea Guide’s article on a Korean Traditional Wedding
Suna in Wonderland blog post about her wedding in Korea
NY Times article, “In South Korea, tying the knot has plenty of strings attached”
Blog post about money as gifts in South Korea
So the short of it, since Mom said that she would take care of everything, she’s helping Jang Mi pick out the gifts for the groom’s family. Way hinky, from everything I looked at, for Mom to be doing this. Even hinkier that Oma is letting it happen.
Jang Mi, of course, feels uncomfortable. Mom ‘humbly’ tells Jang Mi that she doesn’t want a nice present, so long as the rest of the family gets something nice. Jang Mi hadn’t even thought about this. Mom clarifies that Halmeoni is a given (in the gift department) but she hope that Jang Mi will take care of the aunts as well. The ones who so quickly trash talked her family? Sounds great. Or Aunt who constantly is spying on her and threatening her? Even better! Jang Mi pauses and then declares that she’s sorry, but it's too much for her. She can't do it.
Oh, you knew this was Mom’s plan all along… Mom leans in and sweetly asks Jang Mi if she means that she can’t get married. She is so… aaah! Ki Tae so has her number! Jang Mi protests that she means that it's a wedding between the two of them. Mom cuts her off to add that it’s for them. Mom asks if Jang Mi thinks that she can survive the Gong family with just their love for each other? And since Jang Mi knows what kind of life Mom has with the Gong family, so oi! Jang Mi swallows loudly. You would think that she’s really getting married to Ki Tae with how she’s acting. Hmmm.
Switch to Jang Mi on the toilet, trying to go. Guess the stress must be making her constipated (see: ‘Flower Boy Ramen Shop’). Mom calls. Why Jang Mi answers now, especially because she doesn’t *want* to answer… Mom sweetly says Jang Mi’s name, with the echo effect again. Like a rose. Jang Mi tries to say that now is not a good time, but they end up television shopping, for a TV that costs 3,255,000 won. Jang Mi tries to mention how Mom keeps showing up when she’s working, but Mom asks when Jang Mi’s planning on quitting her job. Jang Mi’s reaction is mine: what? excuse me? Mom tells Jang Mi that she wants her to quit right away. She has tons to teach her about cooking and housekeeping. Even though Ki Tae knows how to do all these things. Plus, she can learn them *after* the marriage, if she wants to… but Mom is determined. Jang Mi’s face clearly looks freaked as Mom adds that she hopes that Jang Mi doesn't think that she'll have time to do things besides her duties as the Gongs' only grandson's wife. Wow, she’s a secret EMIL. And just because she made that choice, as the Gongs’ only son’s wife, doesn’t mean that Jang Mi has to make the same choices. Eagle screech.
Jang Mi is at a hospital, wondering why Mom asked her to come there? Mom says Jang Mi’s name, with the echo effect again. Close up on Mom’s lips as she says it. Jang Mi stops, as if frozen by the sound of her own name. Or at least how Mom says it. She slowly turns around to see a smiling Mom waving sweetly at her. Jang Mi thinks that before Mom called her name, she was nothing but a mere motion, barely a human gesture. The dreamy music plays again and Jang Mi smiles and waves. Slow motion of Mom waving and Jang Mi smiling, walking towards Mom. Jang Mi’s voiceover says that when Mom called her name, she went to Mom and…
Switch to Jang Mi in stirrups at the OB-GYN. Jang Mi’s voiceover declares that she got screwed! Jang Mi exits the exam room – still wearing the exam skirt rather than her cute shorts – to confront Mom, saying that she doesn't think what’s going on is right. She’s not a hen that lays eggs, nor a cow that births calves! Mom says that Jang Mi is someone who will give birth to a child. Isn’t that why she needs to be more careful? Jang Mi protests that Mom is only thinking about this future baby instead of her, the one who has to sit there with her legs spread open! Jang Mi says that she feels like her personal privacy has been beaten into the ground!
Mom answers that OB-GYN checkups aren't that embarrassing. Hasn’t Jang Mi ever gotten a check-up before? She’s 30. Mom declares that Oma seems to be a bit careless concerning her daughter's health. Nice. Jang Mi can’t believe that Mom’s not getting it. She tries again, saying that the OB-GYN exam isn't the issue here. The issue is that she came there with Mom, when she doesn't even come there with Oma. And before the wedding at that!
Mom says that Jang Mi needs to get pregnant right after the wedding, plus second and third child, with 2 years apart, so that she can be done by thirty-five. What? Really? When did Ki Tae agree to that? Plus, Mom sure didn’t keep up her end of the bargain with that one. (Or maybe it was Dad’s fault…). Mom says that it’s dangerous for the mother after that. They have to get checkups and surgeries because they can't get pregnant. Maybe when they’re 50. Mom declares that there's no time to lose.
Jang Mi wants to know why she has to live by Mom’s plans. Which is why you should talk to Ki Tae about this one. Jang Mi declares that her body is HERS. Mom replies that such an egotistical attitude cannot be accepted from someone about to enter her family where progeny is so precious. Jang Mi can’t believe Mom’s response. Mom gets up and leaves, letting a smile escape from her lips. She knows she’s totally doing a number on Jang Mi. Jang Mi can only scramble her hair in frustration.
Yeo Reum is at a restaurant, presumably waiting for Jang Mi. He puts off ordering and tries calling Jang Mi, but she’s been dragged to an acupuncturist. As she goes to answer, the acupuncturist commands her to wait. She lacks energy and blood. Her garden is cold. Glancing over at Mom, Mom asks how Jang Mi feels now. Are her human rights recovered now?
Yeo Reum’s still waiting. Not ordering. Smiling at the waitress. Holding up the table, much to his embarrassment. Jang Mi starts to text him an apology and that she’ll be late, but the acupuncturist tells her to put down her cell, so she has to just endure her ‘treatment.’
♬ Inside the square bus ♬
♬ I faintly hear a well-known song ♬
♬ At some point (falling into you) ♬
♬ What’s there to think about? ♬
♬ Wanna walk together now? (boy) ♬
♬ You know but pretend you don’t, I fall in love ♬
Yeo Reum’s given up the table and is waiting outside the restaurant. So much for being a player, Ki Tae! It’s sweet. Jang Mi finally arrives after the restaurant is closed. She’s mortified that it’s closed and that he had to wait. He initially looks hurt/upset, but as he stands up, he smiles and holds up a bag. He got it to go. Aw. Such a good guy. Jang Mi smiles with appreciation.
They go back to Ki Tae’s apartment, where Jang Mi plops down the two boxes of herbal medicine that she’s lugged from the acupuncturists, muttering that it makes the cold garden fertile or whatever. Ki Tae’s looking at her, his mouth hanging open as he asks if she just accepted it. She glares at him with a face of disgust. She replies that it’s actually the result of a compromise thanks to her arguing! Pointing he asks if those are the results of negotiation, too? Jang Mi looks at the wedding presents and groans.
Jang Mi declares that Mom has some weird supernatural powers. When she come to her senses, Mom’s already got her! And doesn’t Ki Tae know that one. Do a better job, Ki Tae, in helping Jang Mi out! Ki Tae sighs. Jang Mi remembers and pulls a receipt for the thermal bed (12,800,000 won) out of her purse, asking him to reimburse her. Ki Tae can’t believe it. She points out that it’s a wedding gift. He asks her if she’s crazy. Jang Mi mumbles that Mom’s supernatural powers got her. Ki Tae just stares at her. Because he *knows* what Mom’s powers are like. This whole thing has made me understand him so much more and be so much more sympathetic regarding how he treats Mom.
Yeo Reum can’t help but overhear. He frowns but continues to unpack the to-go food. Not taking his gaze from Jang Mi, Ki Tae gets Yeo Reum’s attention and declares that Jang Mi must really want to marry him. Heh. Yeo Reum stops what he’s doing and looks in their direction. Jang Mi glances over at him and then whines as she tells Ki Tae that she’ll take it back and get a refund. Yeo Reum tells Jang Mi to come eat the pig’s feet. He also invites Ki Tae. Because he’s a great guy. Ki Tae looks over at Yeo Reum and barks that he said no stinky smells! Jang Mi makes a face at him and walks over to the table, mutter that it’s all because of him!
As Jang Mi sits down she rants about how Mom keeps popping up unexpectedly all week long, going “Jang Mi? Jang Mi?” She can’t have a normal day, let alone a dating life! Yeo Reum’s just letting her rant as he goes about getting things out of the refrigerator. Jang Mi complains that she can't use the restroom properly. Ki Tae comes over to stand by the table with an indignant look on his face. Jang Mi says that this fake marriage is messing up her real life! She stuffs some food in her mouth.
Yeo Reum’s grabbed some beers and he starts to sit next to Jang Mi, but Ki Tae pushes him out of the way and takes the chair instead. Which I find really funny. Ki Tae asks who told her to get dragged around by Mom? As Yeo Reum takes the seat across from Jang Mi, Ki Tae tells her that no one can win over her talent: throwing a fit and causing a ruckus! Jang Mi mutters something with her mouth full that is completely incomprehensible. Yeo Reum passes her a beer. She takes a swig and declares that she’s never going to be dragged around by Mom again. She’s just going to plow right through Mom. Ki Tae nudges Jang Mi and says that she should have done that from the beginning. Yeo Reum is not enjoying watching their conversation.
Jang Mi lists what she’s going to say: "Cooking and housekeeping, I can't do crap like that! When I marry, I'm going to make Ki Tae do everything!" Ki Tae encourages her. "I won't even have kids because I’m too young for it." More Ki Tae enthusiasm. They clink beer cans, smiling. Yeo Reum is not smiling. “Wedding gifts, my foot. I'll cut all ties with my in-laws!" Ki Tae is laughing, enjoying the idea of that scene. Everyone takes a swig of beer.
Jang Mi tells Ki Tae to eat the toes. He still thinks they’re talking about sticking it to Mom, until he realizes what she said. He chokes on his beer and has to go grab a towel because he dribbled on his shirt. Jang Mi is making his wrap. Yeo Reum quietly tells Jang Mi that she and Ki Tae look excited. It’s making him jealous. Aw. Good man to be real. She tries to play it off like it’s no big deal. Jang Mi waves Yeo Reum in closer and softly says that the department store is closed tomorrow and she took the next day off after that. Yeo Reum understands and suggests that they run away to somewhere far. Jang Mi nods in agreement. They share a smile.
Ki Tae returns and sees it. They pretend like nothing has happened. Ki Tae asks Jang Mi what they talked about. Jang Mi shrugs and shakes her head, saying that it was nothing. She stuffs her mouth full of a wrap so she can’t talk. Yeo Reum gives a big smile. Ki Tae knows he’s missed something.
Yeo Reum is at Bon Café, packing up the food for their get away. Chef arrives and demands to know what Yeo Reum’s doing. Yeo Reum replies that he’s not doing anything wrong – he probably brought all the food and prepared it there. Chef grumbles and Yeo Reum tells him to go talk to Hoon Dong if he wants. This is nothing compared to the ingredient funds Chef took. Chef can’t say a word, but yells at Yeo Reum to stop. Yeo Reum turns around with a smile and says that he’s taking a couple days off. He wishes Chef good luck, with a wink.
Jang Mi arrives at Bon Café on her bike. Yeo Reum greets her with a smile. Ki Tae walks up and demands to know what they’re doing and where they’re going. Not jealous at all. Jang Mi says that it’s none of his business. Ki Tae replies that they shouldn't be seen together in broad daylight. She’s a future bride. Jang Mi squints at him in irritation and declares that this stressed out bride-to-be needs some time off! Yeo Reum ignores Ki Tae. He hands Jang Mi the picnic and goes to get his bike. Ki Tae can’t help to notice what’s in the bag.
Ki Tae looks at the smiling Jang Mi, annoyed. He glances to his left and acts shocked, calling Mom’s name. He grabs the bike as he mutters, “In broad daylight! Mom!” Jang Mi starts to freak out. Ki Tae jumps on the bike and tells Jang Mi to hop on now! He shakes the bike for emphasis. He is not… So bad! Jang Mi is so flustered that she gets on as Ki Tae mutters about what Mom’s problem is. They ride away just as Yeo Reum arrives with his bike. He is not stealing Jang Mi. I am rolling.
Yeo Reum is understandably annoyed. Even though he sees them ride away, he’s too annoyed to follow them. Hoon Dong steps out of the café and gets Yeo Reum’s attention. He wants to talk. Which means that Yeo Reum can’t follow them even if he tried.
On the bike, arms wrapped around Ki Tae’s waist, Jang Mi looks behind them and tells Ki Tae that he can stop now. No one's after them. He replies that they’re still in the area. Jang Mi asks why they’re still going. Ki Tae replies that she said that she was stressed. He tells her to hold on tight. He’s going to go really fast. Jang Mi rolls her eyes and wonders why Ki Tae’s being considerate of her for a change. She’s loosened her grip, but he makes her hug him tightly again as they pedal. This whole scene is cracking me up. Props to Yun Woo Jin for all the pedaling he had to do in this scene. He’s really on a bike instead of looking like he’s on a bike.
Jang Mi yells at Ki Tae to let her off. How far is he going? Yeo Reum is waiting for her! Ki Tae doesn’t like that, so he grits his teeth and pedals harder, all the while Jang Mi is protesting to be let off the bike. Soon he’s panting furiously and has to stop because they hit a big hill. He so wants to keep going, but can’t. Ki Tae acts like this is just where he intended to stop, announcing, “Okay, then.” Did Jang Mi want to get off? Ki Tae is panting furiously. He pries her arms off his waist – even though he put them there – like they’re an annoyance – which they weren’t when he did it. Jang Mi hops off the bike. Ki Tae stumbles off the bike and tries to catch his breath. Jang Mi can’t help but laugh at him. I can’t either. As they finish their way up the hill, with Ki Tae pushing the bike, Jang Mi laughs and teases him, asking if it’s heavy.
Back at Bon Café, Hoon Dong is looking at Yeo Reum. Finally, he calls Yeo Reum a jerk. He asks how long Yeo Reum’s going to continue to confuse Jang Mi. Yeo Reum’s surprised by the question and says that he's never confused her. Hoon Dong replies that Jang Mi is marrying Ki Tae. When is Yeo Reum going to stop butting into their relationship? Yeo Reum answers by asking Hoon Dong when he started being worried about them. Doesn't he still have feelings for Jang Mi? Hoon Dong sighs and says that he doesn't want to see her get married either, but what can he do. Ki Tae really likes her and he's Hoon Dong’s best friend. So Hoon Dong isn’t quite as shallow as he normally acts. He has some loyalty.
Yeo Reum chuckles and remarks that that’s a tear-worthy friendship. Hoon Dong snaps that if he’s going to let go of Jang Mi, it will be to Ki Tae, so Yeo Reum needs to butt out! Yeo Reum chuckles again and asks what he should do. Hoon Dong’s the only one out of the loop right now. Hoon Dong snaps back, asking what this dog poop sound is that he’s hearing! That’s so much more eloquent than “What kind of crap is this?!” Yeo Reum smiles and tells him to ask his best friend. Hoon Dong leans forward and asks if getting in between Ki Tae and Jang Mi isn’t enough. He’s trying to drive a wedge between him and Ki Tae, too? Yeo Reum has to laugh at that. Hoon Dong’s insulted. He throws his keys at Yeo Reum and tells Yeo Reum to wash his car. Yeo Reum needs to wash his mind, too!
Ki Tae is walking with the bike. And I’m wondering what’s with the suit he’s wearing. It’s the first thing that I’ve seen him wear that I have scratched my head over. He’s hot. You could take off your suit jacket. There is a basket to set it in. Plus, Jang Mi’s had to carry the picnic lunch this whole time. Instead of putting it in the basket. Ki Tae stops and grabs the picnic sack, asking if she has anything to drink. Nothing to drink, just yummy food. Ki Tae starts to dig in. Jang Mi protests and he shoves a tomato in her mouth with a big grin on his face.
Jang Mi asks why he treats her like this! She’s running all over, forsaking her work and love life! Why is he messing up her real love life?! Ki Tae picks up on the *real* love life comment and asks if Yeo Reum’s her real boyfriend? Like he’s skeptical, or at least trying to make her skeptical. Jang Mi replies that of course Yeo Reum is! Ki Tae doesn’t like that answer. He taps Jang Mi and asks – with some vulnerability – if Yeo Reum asked her to make it official. Jang Mi looks at him a minute and then laughs that he’s so childish. Sarcastically she says, “We're lovers from today on. Ready, go!” Rolling her eyes, she tells him that love doesn't start that way.
Ki Tae scoffs at her and asks if they kissed. Jang Mi doesn’t answer but thinks of the make out session at Bon Café. Ki Tae doesn’t believe it – or so he says. Ki Tae declares that guys like Yeo Reum are all the same. They make it ambiguous to confuse her and it'll be over before she knows it. Jang Mi declares that they kissed. Ki Tae stops chewing the cherry tomato in his mouth. He definitely doesn’t like the sound of that. He asks if they did. She says they did. He asks again, so Jang Mi yells at him that they did! Spring sound effect. Ki Tae spits the cherry tomato out of his mouth. He starts to yell at her about going so fast, being so easy! She tells him to stop calling her easy. She nods her head as she understands what he's thinking: because she’s being patient, he thinks she’s actually easy!
Jang Mi shoves him away from the picnic sack and stuffs it in the bike’s basket. Then she tries to get on the bike. Ki Tae grabs the bike and asks where she’s going. She yells that she’s going to take things even faster! Ki Tae replies that Mom will still be there. She looks at him and then calls him on it: Mom isn't even there, is she? Ki Tae’s face confirms the lie. She rides off, leaving him there. He’s disgusted.
Jang Mi arrives back at Bon Café right as a smiling Mom gets out of a taxi. Jang Mi can’t believe that Mom’s really here. Jang Mi quickly asks what Mom’s doing there. Mom says that the department store was closed today, so she had a feeling Jang Mi would be there. Mom asks where Ki Tae is. Jang Mi starts to try to think of something.
Ki Tae’s now on the tread mill, running. And out of that crazy suit that he actually pulls off. Not sure about this yellow jacket, though. Jang Mi calls. She’s calling from the bridal shop, where Mom and Jang Mi have gone. She doesn't get through. Looking at the dresses, Jang Mi is caught up in the moment.
♬ Just imagine ♬
♬ I know you want it ♬
♬ Stay with me ♬
♬ The way you talk always mysteriously ♬
♬ stays near my ears ♬
♬ My face grows red ♬
♬ At some point (falling into you) ♬
Shop girl holds out a dress. Mom asks what Jang Mi thinks. In love, Jang Mi says that it's pretty. Mom is happy to hear that; she chose it. Jang Mi is stunned. Shop girl walks off with the dress and Mom tap/shoves Jang Mi in the direction of the dressing room. Jang Mi glares at Mom’s back.
♬ Walking in that lane ♬
♬ Between the clouds, ♬
♬ as if it’s slippery and slowly ♬
♬ We are already walking ♬
♬ Walking in that lane ♬
Jang Mi gets decked out in the dress, the veil. She is amazed at how she looks. Then suddenly, she realizes she needs to get a grip, even if the dress is pretty. She tells herself that it’s time to plow through!
The shop girl announces that the bride is ready as Jang Mi gets her game face on. Back to the opening, with the curtains opening. Jang Mi smiles. Mom smiles and says that it’s not bad. Jang Mi smiles and replies that she thinks it's bad. It's not her type of dress. It's a bit boring. Mom tightly smiles and asks what Jang Mi’s type is. Jang Mi heads out to the salon to pick out something hideous: the shortest dress she can find.
♬ Your face flickers before me today ♬
♬ I can’t take it anymore ♬
♬ Starting from tomorrow, we will ♬
♬ live happily together ♬
All smiles, Jang Mi hurries back to show Mom, declaring that it's hot outside and the long dress is too much. The person looking at it would be hot, too! Mom is shocked that Jang Mi wants to show all the guests that much skin. The bride? Jang Mi asks what’s so important about the guests? It’s her wedding. On that day, she’s going to stand there in her *favorite* style. Jang Mi giggles and, as she pulls up the skirt of the dress she’s in, she declares that she loves her calves. And her thighs, apparently, from the skin she’s showing.
Mom smiles and says that once she gets married, she can't just live any way she wants to. Jang Mi replies that that’s exactly why she should wear the dress, as a farewell gift to the old her. Mom replies that if she must wear it, so it for the studio photo. It's not appropriate for the wedding. It looks cheap. Jang Mi firmly declares that No! She will get married in the short dress! Mom stops smiling and the slashing noise from horror movies is played. Stare off, with Jang Mi a little uncomfortable.
Back to Ki Tae at the gym. Se Ah walks up and asks why he’s there alone. Where's Jang Mi? Without replying, he switches off the treadmill and starts to walk away. She follows him, saying that she’s sorry. She said that she was wrong. She asks him to look at her. Without complying, he replies that even if he looks at her, he can't tell what her true feelings are. She replies that he does seem confused these days about who really loves him and who's beside him as a fake. That makes him look at her. Once he does, she declares that he’s the one in her heart. He doesn’t say anything.
Se Ah says that she wants to make up with Ki Tae. She wants to be on his side. Shouldn’t have tried to blackmail him, then. How can she not get that? Her voice says that she’s very serious and Ki Tae sighs, feeling bad. Se Ah asks him if he wants to take a trip with her. She suggests they go see the ocean. Still not looking in her direction, he replies that it's vacation time. She knows he hates places with lots of people. He walks away and she tries not to cry. He doesn’t realize that he’s left his phone.
Back at the bridal shop, Jang Mi’s trying on the dress. Tying up the corset isn’t comfortable, but Jang Mi tells herself that Mom won't want her looking like this. She'll want to drop it. She’s smiling. She tells the shop girl to open the curtains and poses dramatically. The curtains open and Oma calls Jang Mi's name. And I involuntarily shrieked and scared my dog when I saw who was sitting next to Mom. Jang Mi is startled, too. Oma declares that Jang Mi is so pretty! Jang Mi asks what brought Oma there. Oma replies a taxi. She’s late because of traffic. She is so Mrs. Bennett! Jang Mi protests, asking why Oma’s there. Mom chimes in and says that, of course, Oma should be there.
Oma croons over how pretty Jang Mi is. Mom agrees. Just like Oma, Jang Mi is a natural beauty. Nice slam, Mom. Oma agrees. Mom adds that Jang Mi’s something of an acquired taste... kitschy. Another nice slam, which Jang Mi definitely catches. Man, I’d hate to have a mother-in-law who can be mean like that. Mom not familiar with the word kitschy and asks Jang Mi if Mom means kitchen. Mom supposes that it’s because Jang Mi hasn't experienced nice things. She doesn’t appreciate really nice things. Oma doesn’t miss that slam. Mom keeps going that Jang Mi will enjoy only nice things from now on, because Mom will give them to Jang Mi. Nice house, nice clothes, nice food. That's what becoming a part of her family means. Oma can only agree.
Mom says that since Jang Mi will be representing their family for the first time, Mom wants to give her the best name brand dress as a gift. Jang Mi starts to object, but Oma pipes up and says that the idea sounds good. Oma thanks Mom for her generosity. Mom sweetly asks Jang Mi to take off the kitschy dress. Jang Mi starts to argue when Oma chimes in that the dress she has on is too kitchenish… Like a kitchen maid. Jang Mi objects to Oma’s request. Mom keeps going. She asks shop girl to bring on the dresses she chose, in order. Jang Mi protests but Oma’s all for that. She shoves a protesting Jang Mi off to the dressing room. Mom loses the smile as soon as they are out of view.
Shop girl starts to get Jang Mi out of the dress, but she asks to make a phone call. And who does she call? Ki Tae, of course. But Ki Tae’s left his phone. Se Ah answers the phone. Jang Mi asks Ki Tae where he is. Se Ah identifies herself. Jang Mi asks where Ki Tae is. Se Ah doesn’t answer. Instead she says that she’ll pass on the message. Jang Mi doesn’t want to tell her, but because of her pickle… Jang Mi says that she’s in an awkward situation and he need to come quickly. Se Ah presses and Jang Mi says that Mom is choosing wedding dresses for her. Se Ah’s face is impassive as she says that she’ll tell Ki Tae when he comes out. He went in to wash up. Jang Mi is a little stunned by what Se Ah’s said as Se Ah hangs up. Se Ah realizes after she’s hung up that Jang Mi must've misunderstood, but she’s not going to call back to clear up the misunderstanding.
Jang Mi stands there, like she just found out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. Text arrives from Yeo Reum, asking where she is. They were supposed to run away together. Yeo Reum climbs in a car and checks out the app which allows him to see where Jang Mi is (just like Ki Tae has). He sees that she’s at a bridal shop. Yeo Reum sighs at how Jang Mi got sucked in again.
Ki Tae is back in the suit. He climbs in his car and Se Ah just hops right into the passenger seat. She hands him his phone as she says that Jang Mi's looking for him urgently. Se Ah says that she has an idea where Jang Mi is. She’ll show him. He just looks at her. She tells him not to look at her with those eyes. She really wants to help him. She told him, she wants to be on his side. She holds up the compact flash card as proof.
Jang Mi has a traditional mermaid cut dress on. Oma sighs about what a killer body Jang Mi has. Mom tells Jang Mi that she’s chubbier than she thought. Nice. Mom is a total mean girl! As Jang Mi puts her hands up protectively, Mom concludes that revealing dresses won't do. Oma immediately changes her tune. New dress. Oma sighs and says that it makes Jang Mi look old. Mom declares that it’s the most expensive dress in the shop. Really. I guess money doesn’t always buy the best. I don’t like the dress. It’s frumpy. Oma immediately changes her tune again. Oma declares that Jang Mi looks different. The dress suits her.
Another dress with a corset. Jang Mi sadly thinks that she had dreamt of her future wedding dress. She didn't dream of a lavish one like the ones from the movies. A simple dress would've been fine. She sighs. Another dress to display. She thinks that all she really wanted to do is stand in front of the person she loves. Mom looks and tells Jang Mi not to slouch… Pull in her chin… Watch her stomach. Oma, of course, agrees. Jang Mi sadly thinks that she just wanted someone to say that she’s beautiful.
More from Mom: Jang Mi? You can only wear limited styles. Jang Mi fidgets. Jang Mi? Style isn't determined by the clothing, but by the attitude of the person wearing it. Jang Mi? What's more important than your size is your posture and your manner. Jang Mi wonders why, and for whom, is she standing there? Lots of Jang Mi criticisms that we don’t hear, just Jang Mi’s name said over and over, with Jang Mi getting more and more discouraged.
Jang Mi finally can’t take it anymore. She screams, “Enough!” Mom smiles with satisfaction before acting concerned. Jang Mi apologizes. She runs out of the bridal shop. Ki Tae arrives and they come across each other. They look at each other. I can’t tell at all what Ki Tae is thinking. He just stands there and looks at her. Se Ah gets out of the car and looks at Ki Tae looking at Jang Mi. I can tell by Jang Mi's face that she's hurt that he's with Se Ah.
Yeo Reum drives up and says her name. Oma and Mom exit the bridal shop. Jang Mi just looks from one person to the next. And it looks like she might just hop in the car with Yeo Reum and run off. Ki Tae suddenly tells her to wait a minute. He’ll come to her. She looks back at him. Then she runs for the car and drives off with Yeo Reum.
New song:
♬ I have nothing more to lose anymore ♬
♬ So I cry ♬
♬ The teardrop that is slipping out of my eye ♬
♬ Love, that one easy word ♬
♬ To me, it's like tears ♬
Ki Tae painfully watches Jang Mi go. Se Ah sees the look.
♬ So like a fool, it falls down ♬
♬ I can breathe (because it's you) ♬
♬ I can endure it ♬
♬ Only one person ♬
Jang Mi says nothing as Yeo Reum drives. He looks at her and then tells her that she looks pretty. She starts to sob. Ki Tae can only watch her go. He doesn’t like how this feels. At all. Episode ends.
Thoughts
Painful! Really started to feel bad for Mom and then she becomes a two-faced EMIL. Wow, she can be vicious. How she acted in this episode is so enlightening for why Ki Tae is the way he is, especially with her, and why he would *never* want to marry Se Ah, because she’s just like Mom. Oma’s behavior didn’t surprise me, but Mom really went all out. Aunt was right about the hell that Jang Mi was only just starting to be exposed to.
I love that Ki Tae ruined their date because he was jealous, even though he wouldn’t admit it. It was awesome. In fact, I love all the times when his jealousy comes bubbling to the surface, against everything in him.
I also like the fact that the only member of the Gong family who didn’t like Jang Mi’s family is Mom. It would be better – but out of character – for Mom to like them, but it says to me that how Mom acts has to do more with Mom’s issues and weird thinking than what’s actually expected of her. Halmeoni is actually pretty hands off about things and only seems to harp at Mom when she’s being obnoxious. I actually think that everything that Mom is saying about being the wife of the Gong heir is only expected by Mom and no one else. Plus, unlike a lot of Korean sons, Ki Tae doesn’t think his mother shoots the moon and would definitely side with Jang Mi against Mom any day of the week, so Jang Mi really doesn’t have to worry about pleasing her mother-in-law. Heck, Ki Tae’s willing to not live at home, against Mom’s wishes. He wouldn’t have any type of problem moving out again if Mom became obnoxious to his wife.
One of the things that puzzles me, or doesn’t in some ways, is why Jang Mi is being such a doormat with Mom. She’s acting like she’s actually dating Ki Tae, or some version of Ki Tae rather than the man who is actually Ki Tae. (If she was really dating Ki Tae, she’d know that he has her back rather than Mom’s.) So she’s going at Mom’s beck-and-call instead of doing what he told her to do, which is be rude and obnoxious. I think part of why she’s that way is because she feels bad for Mom and wants to make her happy. Part of it is trying to make her unhappy parents happy. Part of it is trying to make Ki Tae happy, because she knows that he is miserable and a lot of it stems from his relationship with Mom. The only unhappy person that she keeps ignoring is herself. And I can understand that. Childhood traumas can have a profound on your adult relationships. Her childhood fear bleeds over into her adult life, without her even realizing it. I can relate to that fear of being rejected and alone. It’s a horrible thing. I can also relate to feeling confident in so many areas, except when dealing with people. So Jang Mi is doing all this to make all these people happy and ignoring the fact that they are all making her unhappy.
I think Jang Mi’s running off with Yeo Reum is the first step in her coming to grips with her life. It’s not her declaring her independence from living to please the unhappy people around her, because that comes with actually facing the situations (instead of running) and getting what you want out of them, but it’s the first step, because it was her telling everyone that she didn’t care if they were upset, she was going to please herself.
This whole thing gives me a little insight into her relationship with Hyun Hee, because Hyun Hee isn’t happy either. She might act that way, but she isn’t, and I think subconsciously, Jang Mi knows that, so she puts up with Hyun Hee’s fakeness to try to make her happy, too. Hopefully, by the end of the show, Jang Mi will call Hyun Hee out and either kick her to the curb for not changing or have a better friend because Hyun Hee doesn’t treat her as an idiot anymore. Where last episode seemed more about growth in Ki Tae, this episode showed some major growth for Jang Mi.
I rewatched the end of the episode and it was even more painful the second time:
- Jang Mi running.
- Ki Tae gets out of the car and they see each other.
- She looks at him with hurt in her eyes.
- He looks back, stunned by what he’s seeing.
- That comment of ‘you’re beautiful,’ she's just waiting for him to say it.
- He’s practically screaming it in his head.
- Se Ah gets out of the car and Jang Mi's look changes. She looks away, thinking what an idiot she is, for even wanting him to care, for going through everything for him.
- Ki Tae’s still in the ‘you’re beautiful, my girl is beautiful’ zone.
- Jang Mi looks back at Ki Tae.
- Yeo Reum drives up. He calls her name, breaking the looks between them.
- They look at Yeo Reum.
- It registers for Jang Mi that it’s Yeo Reum.
- Ki Tae looks at her with a face that says ‘don’t go, stay with me.’
- Oma calls Jang Mi’s name and give her a ‘come on’ nod. Come on, don’t blow this. Come on, don’t make me look bad. Come on, don’t blow this.
- Jang Mi looks at Mom who stares at her with a cold, hard look on her face.
- Jang Mi looks back at Yeo Reum and he smiles at her, a smile of understanding and compassion and love.
- Jang Mi’s about to break. That’s why Ki Tae tells her to wait a minute and that he’s coming to her.
- She looks at Se Ah, the betrayal that is Se Ah. It’s only about 3 blinks later that she runs for the car. She doesn’t really give him time to go to her. But he hesitates, because he wants her to give him a sign that she wants him to come.
- She runs for the car and Ki Tae is stunned that she did.
- Se Ah watches her go, not believing that Jang Mi just did that.
- Yeo Reum and Jang Mi drive away.
- He sees her, hurt, and tells her that she looks pretty.
- She starts to cry because the one person she wasn’t trying to please is the one person that gave her what she desperately wanted: he told her she was pretty.
- Ki Tae can’t believe that she left, especially since he really knows that he wants her, wants this, wants that dress to be real now. He looks down because it hurts, she’s hurt, and he doesn’t know what to do with it all. He rubs his heart because it hurts. It hurts.
It’s so gut wrenching!
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