We start the episode slightly after the end of the last, violins playing ‘Moon River,’ with Gun Woo romantically saying:
Everything that exists here is for you. Do you know how much I looked forward to this moment? Right there should have been the clue. I hope you like it.
We see Jung Joo staring into Gun Woo’s eyes and he smiles and pours the wine.
And then... Here, *Ji Won.* Sound of glass breaking. Dead Face smiles – smugly, since she has Gun Woo right where she wants him, not focused on another woman. It's the only reason she bothered to come over in the first place, because she saw him with another woman. Otherwise, she would have still left him hanging. Gun Woo and Dead Face clink glasses as Jung Joo exhales to not explode. Dead Face is eating her dinner! With the abalone *she* bought!
Jung Joo, the third wheel. She’s sitting, arms and legs crossed. Restraining herself from hitting Gun Woo. At least that’s why I would be sitting that way. To further boost her ego (and probably rub it in Jung Joo’s face): Dead Face points out how she came without calling ahead... did he really have everything prepared for her? Gun Woo says that it was telepathy. A noise from Jung Joo. I gagged a little. At least he's having some wine with that cheese. A look from Gun Woo for Jung Joo not to blow this for him. He continues that he just wanted to light a candle for no reason. What if Dead Face had come a little late, after he had eaten all the food with Jung Joo? Jung Joo can’t believe that he just said that. I can’t either. Not only did you totally snake Jung Joo’s meal for this woman, but then you joke about it? Urg!
Dead Face asks if Jung Joo is a co-worker. Jung Joo answers that she is. Dead Face says that she thought she heard that Gun Woo works with a guy he met on a trip overseas. Gun Woo says that she’s thinking of Poong San. I wonder what the story is behind that? This is Jung Joo, Lee Jung Joo. They started working together recently. Dead Face ‘smiles’ – and obviously is annoyed that Gun Woo is so friendly to a woman that’s not her. She introduces herself to Jung Joo as Gun Woo's friend. Der. He just fed you food. She adds that they’ll be seeing each other often now. Oh, you're planning on coming often? Since when?
Jung Joo is squinting at Dead Face. Haven't they met earlier, at the resort? Dead Face pretends to think about it and then says that she’s not sure. That does not compute. I get it – Dead Face is a robot! Jung Joo continues that Dead Face spilled coffee in front of the elevator. Dead Face’s face says that she remembers, but Dead Face pretends that she doesn’t: Did she? She’s a bit clumsy, so those kinds of accidents often happen with her. Gun Woo punches Jung Joo in the arm like she’s being rude. Pointing out one of Dead Face’s short-comings. The nerve of Jung Joo!
Dead Face tells Jung Joo that she ended up stealing Jung Joo’s enjoyable time after work by coming there. Then she tells Gun Woo that she thinks his friend will hate her. I'm starting to grind my teeth. That witch! That’s not manipulative at all. Jung Joo coughs because she’s thinking the same thing. Gun Woo assures Dead Face that that’s not the case at all! Jung Joo knows full well that he’s been setting up there, waiting for Ji Won. Wow, tell Dead Face that you’re desperate, dude. Oh, Gun Woo, you’re so frustrating. Jung Joo looks at Gun Woo, like she can’t believe he just said that. I can’t either, girl. Gun Woo continues that Jung Joo bought this abalone so that he can cook it for Dead Face. I can't believe that he just said *that.* He smiles widely and thanks Jung Joo, slapping her arm like she’s a buddy.
Then he tells Jung Joo that she can go now. He did not just dismiss her. Go? Yes. Now? Right now. (In English.) Jung Joo’s smile says that she’s going to kill him later. Gun Woo tells her that he’ll stay with Dead Face and clean up before he leaves -- like she works for him instead of the other way around. Dead Face rolls her eyes because this girl won’t leave. Jung Joo debates momentarily, clears her throat and then politely tells Dead Face to have a good time. Then she walks off. It's obvious that she is not happy. Gun Woo chuckles awkwardly and tells Dead Face not to worry about Jung Joo.
Dead Face asks if Gun Woo is staying on the second floor. Smiling widely, he says that he does. Then he notices that Dead Face doesn’t really have warm clothes on. Why did she come there dressed so lightly? She must be cold. He’ll bring her a blanket immediately. As he hurries into the Warm and Cozy, Dead Face’s face says that she can’t believe how things are playing out. Or maybe she just has gas. It's hard to tell.
Jung Joo is inside, chugging water, stewing over how Gun Woo was acting. She fans herself with her shirt, notices the necklace around her neck and rips it off, asking herself why she bothered. Gun Woo enters, whistling, looking for a wool throw. He's having a great time. Testily, she asks if he’s that happy. Obnoxiously, he says he is. He asks about her leftover conch. He wants to make some porridge for Dead Face. Jung Joo declares that she sold them all.
Jung Joo starts to walk upstairs, but Gun Woo stops her. Where is she going? She can't go upstairs! He told Ji Won that he lives there. She'll get the wrong idea if Jung Joo goes upstairs. I would tell him, ‘too bad, so sad.’ Jung Joo can’t believe that he’s asking her to leave. He tells her to take a walk around the neighborhood. She can go exercise on the machines behind the pavilion. Jung Joo says that it's really cold and dark outside. Gun Woo replies that he was super cooperative when her co-workers were there. He cooked them all the abalones that he saved for Ji Won. Jung Joo should cooperate, too!
Jung Joo agrees to leave. She tries to take the throw, but Gun Woo won’t let go. It’s for Dead Face. Jung Joo can go upstairs and find her jacket. That does it. Jung Joo snaps that he should forget it! She starts to stomp off. Gun Woo yells at her to wear her jacket before she goes! He’s been telling her to dress warmly. Why is she wearing something so light? She snaps that she’s not cold at all and tells him to forget it!
Switch to the townsfolk. Mayor says good night. They ask if he’s busy. He says he isn’t. Jong Bae asks if that’s because he’s going out on dates? Jong Bae heard Mayor was on an arranged date at the noodle soup place. Mayor tries to clarify that he did eat there, but it wasn't an arranged date. They don’t believe him. Does that mean their flower boy mayor is getting married this year? Flower boy? He's not that cute. Or maybe I misunderstand the flower boy reference. Stewing and head scratching from Mayor.
Yoo Ja notices Jung Joo walking. She must be going to the beach to have a drink alone. The rocks are slippery there. It'll be dangerous if she falls. Someone should tell her to be careful. They look at the Mayor, like he should do it.
Jung Joo is indeed drinking by herself. And muttering because it’s cold. She gets a text from Gun Woo. Is she cold? She mutters at it that he was the one that told her to leave. Gun Woo texts that she should stay in the area. Don't go too far. If she’s cold, run for a bit. Wow, that’s helpful. And so considerate. She grunts and flips her phone over so she won’t see any more of his texts.
Mayor arrives. Mayor clucking at Jung Joo. He tells her that it’s better not to drink alone; they should drink together. Jung Joo snaps that if they drink together, don't they have to get married or something? He takes her over to drink with Jong Bae, Yoo Ja and Bok Nyeo. In JD, Yoo Ja notes how, unlike other inlanders who just hang out by themselves, Jung Joo seems comfortable sitting with them. This young lady is pretty outgoing. Mayor asks (in JD) that when Jung Joo says hello now, please say hello back to her. Of course they will.
Bok Nyeo offers Jung Joo some of their Makgulli. Jung Joo takes a sip and everyone is watching her. I’m surprised that she didn’t turn to the side... but then she does. Jung Joo turns to the side and chugs the rest of it. Everyone is impressed. They’re also impresses that she eats raw conch.
Back at the Warm and Cozy, Dead Face is complimenting Gun Woo on his restaurant. It's really pretty. It's exactly the kind of restaurant she imagined. I laugh because Gun Woo is distracted by Jung Joo’s lack of response to his texts. He looks up from his handphone and smiles. Is it? Back to his handphone. Dead Face says that it'll be comforting to come there whenever she feels lonely and beat down. Gun Woo texts “Where are you!” and groans to himself because Jung Joo isn’t answering. Dead Face adds – to the idea of being there whenever she feels lonely and beat down – “Just like you, Gun Woo. You'll always be here whenever I come by, right?” Yeah, ready for me to use, right?
Gun Woo realizes Dead Face has stopped talking. He looks up, smiling widely – it’s that same smile he uses when being polite to the Mayor – and says, of course he’ll be there. Where else would he go? Dead Face asks whose call he’s waiting for. He says – like it’s nothing – that he texted his friend, Jung Joo, but he’s not getting a reply. Dead Face doesn’t look happy. I’m guessing, since it’s hard to tell. She says that Jung Joo must've gone home. Where else would Jung Joo have gone? Gun Woo says that Jung Joo is weaker than she looks. So he’s worried if she got home okay. Annoyed face from Dead Face.
Gun Woo notices that Dead Face finished her meal. Was it good? She says it was. She suggests that they have one more glass of wine. Frozen smile from Gun Woo. Since he was hoping to get this over with so he can go make sure Jung Joo is okay. Dead Face asks if Gun Woo has champagne, by any chance. Gun Woo thinking of an excuse. He says that he does want to have one more glass with her... but soon he doesn't think he can call for a designated driver. Since it’s the countryside... a driver can't come in five minutes like when you ask for one in Cheongdam-dong. After 9 p.m., the drivers don't take passengers in this neighborhood. Dead Face isn’t happy, but she can’t think of a counter. Gun Woo says that he call a driver before it's too late. He’ll make a call now. And he escapes before Dead Face can argue.
Gun Woo calls Jack-of-All-Trades Jong Bae, who is the dispatcher for the island’s designated drivers. Jung Joo hears the call. She mutters that they must have both had a glass of wine. The wine that she picked out. Mayor asks if it’s her former colleagues. Jung Joo clarifies that it’s Baek Gun Woo's friend that's over there right now. It’s obvious that Jung Joo isn’t happy. Mayor takes note.
Gun Woo puts Dead Face in her taxi. He tells her to call him when she arrives. She is definitely not happy to be leaving. As soon as she’s gone, he tries calling Jung Joo. On her drive home, the designated driver hands Dead Face a card and says to call whenever she wants a driver. They work all night. The card says 24-hours. Heh. She’s really not happy now. Even though you can’t tell by the actress’s dead expression. My freeze of the frame, if you didn’t know the context, she could be breathing, in a daze, having indigestion, about to fall asleep. Annoyed is really not one of them.
Gun Woo is hunting for Jung Joo now. Gets startled by a dog. I love that dogs are becoming more of a normal way of life in Korea that they show up on dramas. Hyung has one, too. Finally he makes his way to where Jung Joo is sitting with the Mayor. He sees that they’re drinking together. He is not happy that she’s enjoying herself while he’s been worried. He calls her. I love how she answers: Jung Joo answers ‘Why?’ Indignant, he asks where she is. She replies that she’s drinking. With whom? With the townspeople. Which townspeople? Why does he need to know? Gun Woo can’t believe this girl. Especially because it's his nemesis, the Mayor! She’s coming now, right? Should he come and pick her up? She tells him to forget it. She'll take care of it. Huffy, he says, “Okay, fine.” She hangs up.
Gun Woo watches as Mayor offers Jung Joo more makgulli. He’s annoyed that they're so friendly together. He went around looking for her for nothing! He starts to walk off and slips on a rock. Lucky he didn’t stub his toe, since he’s wearing sandals. He kicks the rock with frustration and then decides to throw it at Jung Joo and Mayor. It doesn’t go as far as he expected, but makes a big splash. Everyone notices but can’t tell who threw the rock. Gun Woo hides his face and then runs away. Jung Joo thinks that it’s him. She decides to go home.
Mayor asks if the guest she clear out for, did she depart earlier than Jung Joo thought? Jung Joo replies that it appears that way. He tells her not to go. She’s surprised. So am I. What's he thinking? He stumbles but explains that she should finish her drink before she goes. Jung Joo asks why. Mayor asks if she didn't just play hard to get when Gun Woo asked her to come back? If she was told to leave when it's cold out and got mad at him, she should hold out for at least five minutes. True. Jung Joo takes his advice.
Gun Woo is pacing, waiting for her to get home. When the door bell rings and he sees her enter, he scrambles to look like he was busy. He sits at the vanity and does his face regimen. It cracks me up that he has a face regimen. Is she back? Did she have a good time drinking with the townspeople? She must've become friendly with the townspeople already. She says that it’s thanks to the mayor. Gun Woo doesn’t like that, but he pretends like it doesn’t bother him. Did she have a drink with the mayor?
That reminds Jung Joo of something she and Mayor talked about. There are a lot of settlement programs for out-of-towners. Town events, cleaning up the neighborhood... And Gun Woo’s never attended any? He only pays fines all the time. Gun Woo annoyed. Guilt trip voice: Did she talk behind his back while drinking with the mayor? He was worried that she’d be cold and shivering somewhere so he even sent Ji Won home early. Then he went out to look for her! But she just had a drink with the mayor and talked badly about him?
Jung Joo protests that she didn't talk badly about Gun Woo... As she was talking with the mayor, she learned the reason why Gun Woo feels excluded there. She's just telling him to not be that way... He stands and tells her to forget it! He's the outcast of Sorang Town! So don't hang out with him! Just hang out with the powerful mayor Hwang Wook! He ‘puts’ at her and stalks off to bed, angrily closing his curtain. Ah, he makes me laugh. Why am I not still mad at him? I think it's because she's made him suffer in appropriate revenge.
He lays down with a mask on his face. Jung Joo pokes her head through his curtain and wants to make up. He rolls over so his back is to the curtain. She says, humbly, that she thinks that he misunderstood what she said earlier. She notices his clothes on the hanger and asks if he, by any chance, came by the Sorang Fish Restaurant earlier? No. Why? Some crazy jerk threw a rock in front of where they were drinking. If it's not him, then forget it. Jung Joo starts to sneeze, so she leaves Gun Woo alone. Her sneezing and coughing makes Gun Woo worry that she caught a cold.
When she gets back from her shower, she finds a steaming cup of tea on her bedside table. She smiles as she picks it up. She asks Gun Woo what it is. From behind his curtain, he says that it’s mandarin tea. She should drink it before she goes to bed. It was cold when she was outside. That's why she’s sniffling and coughing. She answers that she’s doing okay. She takes a sip and it’s good.
Gun Woo tells her not to drink too much. She answers that she just had one drink to become friendly with him. She didn't have that much to drink. He opens his curtain so he can see her. He’s indignant when he says that he gets that she wants to become friends with a government official and make connections. But a town mayor? He's not someone who has authority or who can back you up. Jung Joo answers that the ajummas say Mayor is Jeju governor material. Gun Woo replies that that’s the same as a parent calling her child a great army general material! Jung Joo acknowledges that the town elders treat Mayor like he's their own son.
Gun Woo gets to his point: Exactly! If Jung Joo stays with him, the town elders will treat her like their daughter-in-law! And why would that be a bad thing, Gun Woo? It’s not like you like her or anything, right? Don't be so friendly with the mayor. Okay? Jung Joo chuckles and says that she’ll take care of it. She thanks him for the tea and he tells her to sleep tight.
They both go to bed happy.
Next day, Noona and Hyung are having breakfast. Noona announces that she’s done what she’s been told and not answered Gun Woo's calls, like Hyung said… So her funds aren't frozen anymore, right? Hyung stresses that she should give Gun Woo access to his. Nice (sarcasm). Hyung holds the purse strings for everyone. At least it seems like he has his sibling’s best interests in mind. Noona assures him that she won't! She has lots of things to spend money on these days. Hyung asks if that’s because of the young golf player she’s dating. Noona marvels at Hyung’s ability to gather intelligence.
Golfboy is on a tour in Jeju Island. Hyung asks if it doesn't hurt her pride to follow Golfboy around like that? Noona answers that she’s the one who really misses him, so what can she do? Even when they’re apart, she can see him as if he's right in front of her. That sounds familiar. Noona says, “Who cares about pride?” What matters is following him and seeing him.
Hyung considering what she’s just said. He's out on the golf course with colleagues and Hae Shil’s there, in her wet suit (of course), holding up some lacy underwear. He’s touring the pool area of the resort and she’s swimming in the water. He tries splashing the water to get rid of her (and looking really weird). He's at home, in his bathrobe, reading the paper, and she’s swimming through the air like it's underwater.
Trying to sound hypothetical, Hyung asks Noona how bad it would be if someone keeps appearing in front of you? Noona declares that it means that you miss her like crazy. If Hyung keeps that inside, he’ll really go nuts. Makes me think of that scene from 'The Mirror Has Two Faces' where Jeff Bridges wigs out and 'redecorates' the apartment because he misses Barbra Streisand so much. Hyung nods and says that it’s a matter of willpower. Noona teases him, asking if he’s missing someone so much that she keeps appearing in front of him. Hyung is indignant! Noona says that even if Hyung did like someone, he’d be very good about keeping his emotions in check. He’s a man with clear boundaries. Hyung declares that, yes, everything is a matter of willpower. Sure it is.
Noona says that even if Hyung’s hard-core with his boundaries with everything else, Gun Woo is their younger brother. Hyung was too harsh in taking away Gun Woo's funds from his building. Noona says that it has to be bad because Gun Woo texted her to lend him a check card to pay for gas. Hyung answers that Gun Woo won't need money for gas anymore. He has to fight the smile on his lips.
Switch to Hyung’s driver handing keys to an electric car to Gun Woo, saying that Hyung wants him to use it for a while. Gun Woo is not happy. Major pout going on. Jung Joo is all smiles. She claps, happily. She declares that it’s great. Gun Woo won't need money for gas anymore. Gun Woo protests that he’s never driven anything else besides a sports car! (Korean for sports car is ‘sports car.’) Gun Woo is about to hand the keys back and decline when Jung Joo stops him. She tells him to just drive this. More Gun Woo sulking. Jung Joo says that she’ll give him half of the gas money as his allowance. Less Gun Woo sulking.
Jung Joo tells him to look at how cute the car is. It will be much more convenient when he goes get groceries, too. Gun Woo looks at her and asks if it’s really better for her? She vigorously nods ‘yes.’ A beat and Gun Woo agrees to the new car. Hyung’s Secretary is surprised. He reports back to Hyung that Gun Woo didn't resist much about having the car taken away. He seemed to follow the words of the lady he works with. Hyung says that when a woman's words start getting through a man, that means he's growing up. That’s a good sign. Hyung thinks Gun Woo’s starting to grow up.
Secretary says that he obtained a list of a few of the lady divers in Sorang Town. Race track sound effect. Immediately, Hyung tosses what he was looking at aside and grabs the list. He tells Secretary that he may leave. Hyung vigorously flips through the list until he finds her.
Switch to the Diving School’s application period. Lots of people are in line to deliver their applications. Jong Bae – the resident everyman – and Hae Shil are accepting them. Hyung calls her. When she asks who it is – because she doesn’t recognize the voice – instead of just identifying himself, Hyung says that he's the man that she recently picked up from the sea… the black pearl. Hae Shil acts barely interested. Hyung doesn’t notice – because, of course, she’d be interested in him! He says that he’d like to express his appreciation, as he mentioned before, so please come right now. Wow, Hyung is really used to people coming at his command.
Hae Shil says that she doesn’t need his show of appreciation. Hyung suggests she decide that after she actually sees it for herself. She might regret it. He starts to give his address when she cuts him off and says that she doesn't need to see it. She’s busy right now, so she has to go. And she hangs up. He can’t believe she hung up on him. How busy can she possibly be to hang up on him?
Hyung has decided to go see Hae Shil. He’s got an envelope with 30,000,000 Won in it. Dang! Why can’t I be that lucky? He arrives at the diving school and pushes his way to the front of the line. When Jong Bae corrects him: Can't you see that there's a line? Hyung announces that he’s not here for the same reason as these people. He came to see Hae Shil. He addresses Hae Shil and says that when she said she was busy, he wondered how important it was. How can she hang up on him over nothing? Wow, Hyung. Way to belittle her job, something she takes pride in.
Hae Shil can’t believe that he came all the way there. Hyung wants to talk. She looks at him and asks if he can’t see that she’s busy right now? He looks around and asks who's in charge of what she's doing right now. Where can he call so that she can take a break from this important business? The Jeju City Mayor? The Governor? Jong Bae stands and says that the school is under the jurisdiction of the township. The town mayor, then? He pulls out his phone to start dialing. Hae Shil tells him to forget it. Sarcastically (but with a totally straight face) Hae Shil says she’ll text the governor and tell him that she'll take a short break. She tells Hyung to go outside.
Outside, Hyung offers the envelope, for her help the other day. She said she doesn't need it. He won't put his hand down. Does he have to do this to feel at ease? Hyung says he has to. Ever since that day, he’s only thinking about her. He’s sure that it’s because he couldn't pay back his debt that she’s lingered in his mind and bothered him. She knows she’s not going to get rid of him so she agrees to take it. Is he happy? Yes. She tells him that they won't have another occasion to see each other, so he should have a good life. She gets up and starts to walk away. Hyung blinks, for some reason, not satisfied.
Hyung stands and watches Hae Shil go, telling himself that this is the last time. She won't appear in front of him again. He told himself that he’d end it after seeing her in person just one more time. Now, he just needs to go back. This is a matter of Song Jung Geun's pride. He starts to walk away, but can’t pull his eyes away. She, on the other hand, doesn’t look back... not once. You, go, girl! As she starts to go out of sight, Hyung thinks of Noona’s words about ignoring pride and following someone. Hyung takes off running after Hae Shil. He catches her and makes her stop. Hae Shil asks if he still has business with her. Hyung says that since he also ate her abalone, so he should treat her to a meal. Hae Shil frowns but knows that there’s no point in arguing.
Poong San and Gun Woo are harvesting conch. Or at least Poong San is. Gun Woo is stretching. Like he’s about to go running. A lot of stretching. Poong San get annoyed and asks why he’s stretching for so long! Gun Woo protests that he’s so tall that squatting is physically challenging for him. Whatever. Everyone is rolling their eyes, including Poong San. Hey, what if he gets varicose veins? Poong San asks why he came there, if he didn’t want to work. Gun Woo says that if they don’t step up, Jung Joo said she'd come out. She was coughing last night. Poong San tells him to squat down and dig then. Gun Woo says he will… and then pulls out some hydrating mist for his face. And I shake my head.
Poong San enters the Warm and Cozy, muttering about how Gun Woo didn’t do anything. Poor Poong San. Jung Joo, because the visit from her old co-workers produced a good profit, has decided to call other old co-workers and invite them there to eat. Trying to find a phone number, she dumps out her purse. Poong San spots the Oxycodone bottle and remembers Gun Woo asking about it. He asks Jung Joo if it’s hers. Is she really sick? These are really strong painkillers. Jung Joo is surprised. She says that she found the bottle and put the mints she usually eats in there. Poong San tries one and believes her. Jung Joo’s totally not even paying attention. She heads upstairs in search of a business card.
Poong San says to himself that Gun Woo must have been really shocked. Gun Woo enters, carrying a much smaller basin and hitting at his sore back. He pours his measly take into Poong San’s basin and tells him that they each dug up half of this bunch. Slacker! Poong San calls Gun Woo’s attention to the pill bottle. Gun Woo, appalled, immediately checks to see if Jung Joo saw. Then he asks if Poong San told her that he knew and quickly commands Poong San not to make it obvious that he knows. Jung Joo doesn't know that Gun Woo knows about this. Lightbulb for Poong San.
Hyung, you think... that Jung Joo is really sick, don't you? Gun Woo reminds Poong San that he said that it was for patients in their final stages of cancer. So that’s why Gun Woo said he’d lend Jung Joo the Warm and Cozy until she dies. With an intensity similar to hitting Poong San, Gun Woo asks, "Who’s dying?" His Jung Joo is doing perfectly fine! Poong San is surprised at Gun Woo’s intensity. Gun Woo tells Poong San to watch his mouth! Poong San steps back a little when Gun Woo accentuates that last sentence with the conch tool.
Later, Gun Woo has gone outside. He looks like he feels terrible (emotionally). Poong San comes and finds him and asks if that’s why he’s been so nice to Jung Joo. Gun Woo tells Poong San that he should be nice to her, too… And don't let her pick up on the fact that he knows! Poong San asks if that means that Gun Woo won't sell Warm and Cozy as long as Jung Joo's there. Of course! And Gun Woo will continue to work there? Gun Woo says that he’s so worried that he can't really leave. Aw.
Jung Joo comes outside and says that she’ll wash the conches. Gun Woo refuses to let her. When she objects that he won’t them properly, he protests that he’ll wipe them until they shine. Gun Woo starts vigorously washing the conches with Jung Joo clucking at him. Poong San looks at the bottle and says that the side effect of this medicine is... Warm and Cozy. And from the look on his face, he’s going to encourage this mistaken idea… because it makes Gun Woo work and keeps the restaurant busy.
Hyung and Hae Shil are at a restaurant. Hyung pushes some side dishes away, declaring that he can't eat things like this and this. Hae Shil looks at him and asks if he’s still a picky eater at his age. She accommodates his finickiness by giving him dishes that he likes. Hyung starts scrubbing at the skin of the fish. She rolls her eyes and gets some of it for him. Hyung asks if she always feeds abalone and gives fish to just any man? She answers that she doesn’t do it for anyone. So is she showing him special treatment? He tells her that he’s a good judge of character. An ‘Are you for real?’ stare. He repeats that he’s a black pearl. Hyung seems very pleased with himself.
Hyung says that he could go on in detail about who he is and what level he’s at, but she might cling onto him, so he won’t. He plans to pay back his debt and end it. She is totally not buying his story. Hae Shil replies that she’s grateful that she’s getting a free meal on top of things. He asks why she hasn’t checked the envelope to see how much money is in it. Or did she already check it on the sly? Is that why she deboned the fish for him?
Hae Shil’s had enough of his bragging. She tells Hyung that she supplied the restaurant with what she catches while diving. There are three things she caught at this table. Pointing with her chopsticks, she says that the octopus is pretty fresh and the conch is also doing well. She waves her chopsticks, pointing at Hyung, and says that this one still isn't quite good... He scoffs and tells her that she didn’t check! She's doubting his condition because she didn't check! She answers that she supposes he must being doing okay. She wondered about that.
Hyung says that he’s a man who doesn't need anyone's concern at all. How does he think that that’s attractive to anyone? ‘I don’t need anyone,’ which means that you don’t need her, either. She answers that there isn't anybody out there who doesn't need someone to worry about them. That's all for show. Hyung doesn’t like that, because he knows that she’s right. Hae Shil adds that it might just be because she saved his life, but he’s been on her mind, too. She's wondered how she might help him. Hyung is smiling. I guess he missed the last part about her doing it because she was wondering what she might do for the guy who was so desperate that he tried to kill himself. He only concentrated on the ‘she was thinking about me’ part.
Hyung asks how Hae Shil plans on helping him. She asks if he wants to try diving. She takes back over to where the school is. He’s shocked that she’s suggesting he become a guy diver. She says that he can learn to dive at that school. The application deadline is 6 p.m. on Friday, so think about it until then. The competition is tough and here are a lot of young people, too, so it's also possible that he may not get in.
Hyung laughs like she’s being insulting of his skill. He used to enjoy diving among the stonefish in the Indian Ocean. Hae Shil responds that if he already knows how to dive, it should be easy for him, then. Is it really necessary to learn how to dive and fish? Can't you just dive in some dozens of meters, pick up a few things and rise to the surface? It's not worth learning. And I would be done with Hyung if he was that insulting to my job.
In response, Hae Shil reaches over and plugs Hyung’s nose and mouth so that he can’t breathe. She tells him to stay like that and hold his breath for at least a minute. A lady diver is someone who can make a living by holding her breath. You put your life in the hands of the Grim Reaper when you're in this line of work. The moment you feel like your heart has stopped and you finally come out of water and take your first breath. Then your mind goes completely blank as if it stopped working.
She releases him and he gasps as he stares at her. She asks, “How is it? Does your head feel empty?” She tells him not to cast it aside and say it's no big deal! He made a mistake in saying that! She starts to walk off, but he stops her. She also made a mistake! He’s trying to put an end to his feelings, come to my senses, and move on! Why did she make his mind go blank again? Yes, it's *her* fault. He was definitely going to end things after he saw her there for the last time! But! He rifles through her pockets and finds his envelope. He takes it back, declaring that it won't do anymore. If he shows up in front of her again, it's all her fault. Wow, Hyung’s logic is astounding. Then she’ll have to take responsibility for him since she picked him up. So, she should pray that he holds out with his ironclad willpower! Pray that he never has another occasion to see her! He stuffs the check dramatically in his jacket pocket and storms away. Hae Shil looks at him like he’s crazy.
Assistant is with the rest of the PR team. They’re discussing the upcoming opening. Assistant tells Dead Face to tend to the celebrity invite list. Dead Face notes that a lot of actors from JJ Entertainment are on the list. Assistant explains that the director of JJ Entertainment is President Song's younger sister. Dead Face refers to her as Hee Ra Unni. Assistant is surprised that Dead Face is friends with Director Cha Hee Ra, as well. Like Dead Face didn’t want to name drop or anything. Dead Face explains that her father was a physician for Hyung and his family. Assistant understands and says that the PR team should have a welcoming party for her. Dead Face is all for that, this Friday.
Hyung enters the hotel and tells Secretary to fill up his schedule until 6 p.m. on Friday evening, not leaving out a minute, or even a second! Fill it up so that he won't have time to think about anything else! He's quite adamant about being busy. He comes across Dead Face. Politely, he asks how work is going. After she answers that it’s a lot but fun, Hyung tries to move on, but Dead Face stops him. They’re going to Gun Woo's on Friday. Will he come with them? Now, that’s appropriate. The president of the hotel hanging out with a department, rather than the department heads. After he hears that the dinner is at six on Friday, Hyung agrees. Assistant can’t believe that Hyung will be joining them! Dead Face innocently asks if it’s going to make everyone uncomfortable. Of course not! I hate her name-dropping face!
Gun Woo is working in the kitchen. His hands are totally dirty and then his phone rings. He asks Jung Joo to help him. She hurries over and looks at who’s calling. It’s Dead Face. She hesitates, but Gun Woo tells her to hurry, so Jung Joo answers it. She holds it up to Gun Woo’s ear. Gun Woo asks Dead Face if she ate. He’ll make her everything she wants to eat if she comes there. Annoyed Jung Joo, partially because of his conversation, partially because it’s really uncomfortable for her arm to hold the phone like that. She flexes her shoulder, which gets a scolding look from Gun Woo because it pulls the phone away from his cheek.
Dead Face has called to tell Gun Woo about the welcoming party the PR team is throwing her. Gun Woo can’t wait to prepare it for her. Gun Woo starts to say goodbye (in a long, drawn-out way) when Jung Joo hangs it up. He yells at her for hanging up when he’s saying bye! She protests that he *did* say bye, but he counters that his 'anyong' should be stretched out so that it leaves a lingering feeling that he’s really sad to say good-bye to her. Jung Joo sarcastically apologizes for her mistake, but the sarcasm is lost on Gun Woo.
Gun Woo says that Dead Face is coming with her colleagues on Friday evening. Jung Joo tells him that even if she is his girlfriend, it can't be free since she's coming with her colleagues. Gun Woo says that Hyung is coming. And since Hyung will pay for everything, he should prepare everything that Dead Face likes.
Jung Joo has to leave the restaurant. Outside, she sadly asks no one if Gun Woo really likes her that much? Dead Face’s definitely that rude wench. A black guy gets her attention. She quickly, in broken English, tells him “Restaurant open. Welcome! Welcome, welcome!” In great Korean, he says that he’s not there to eat. He needs directions. Jung Joo is impressed with his Korean. And so am I. It's nothing like the stilted 'Engrish' that 'native speakers' will speak on the show. His acting presence is very subdued, rather than over-the-top like the surfer dude in 'The Heirs.' Man is looking for the lady diver's school, but his phone battery is dead.
Jung Joo takes him there and tells him that she didn’t even know it existed. Man says that once you graduate from the school, you can become a lady diver. Since he’s a man, he’ll be a guy diver. Jung Joo asks if you can get in as a foreigner and a man? Of course! He gives her a polite goodbye (he'll leave first) and heads inside. Jung Joo looks at the banner which says that applicant qualifications are healthy in mind and body and an interest in being a lady diver. Jung Joo gets a vision for herself.
When Man (whose name we later find out is Sam) drops off his application, Jong Bae tells him welcome in English. Sam answers in Korean, “How are you doing?” Jong Bae is very surprised (and impressed). Jung Joo turns in her application. Mi Ra’s blog says that the lady diver school is open again in Sorang Town this year. Once you graduate from this school, you can become a lady diver or a guy diver. Scenes of the school in action. Hae Shil is in her element. Mi Ra says that the teachers are the charismatic lady divers of Sorang Town. After the training, they have an after-party with the flower-boy town mayor. Again, flower-boy?
Okay, this Flower Boy thing is bugging me. Did I completely miss the term? I decided to investigate:
My Drama List's discussion of the evolution of the Flower Boy in the Korean psyche.
Simon and Martina's take on Flower Boys (and shiny suits).
UK's Daily Mail article on Flower Boys in everyday Seoul life.
Beyond Hallyu's article on the history of the Flower Boy (which dates back to the Shilla Dynasty)
Everything I found concurred with my impression: Flower Boys are men who are more what Westerners would call feminine-looking, aka pretty, and are very stylish in their appearance. The Western term is 'metrosexual.' I don't consider the Mayor a Flower Boy at all. But maybe, that's just me.
But, back to the drama... And who is reading the blog? Hyung, of course. Blog asks, “Who will become the new students of the lady diver school this year?” He looks at the [2015 Sorang Lady Diver School Application.
Jung Joo and Sam are leaving after turning in their applications. They’re surprised about the turnout and that competition is higher than they thought. Mayor sees her and is surprised that she was there.
Mi Ra asks: What kind of relationships will they build this time? She’s very hopeful. Her husband brings her some tea and looks at what she’s writing. There’s a picture of Hyung and Mi Ra says that he’ll definitely be going. A picture of Mayor, staring after Jung Joo, but you wouldn’t necessarily know that, unless you knew that he was looking at her... Mi Ra wonders if Mayor will be getting married this year. Husband laughs. Maybe he will, but it won't be to Jung Joo. One of Jung Joo's friends needs to move to Jeju and Mayor can fall in love with her...
Jung Joo and Gun Woo are out at the market. He says that too many things are not in Jeju. He wants her credit card so he can go to Seoul and buy the things that he needs. Plane tickets must not cost very much, since Gun Woo can just jet set back in forth like it's nothing. For someone whose assets are frozen. She tells him to just buy them there, since he said that the concept was to cook with local, seasonal ingredients. It tickles me that when he’s buttering her up, he wears a big smile, but the minute she says ‘no,’ he starts to sulk. He protests that he has to go to Itaewon to buy spices that Dead Face likes. And he has to get his hair done, too. I have to laugh again. Does Jung Joo want to go together? Because she’s been persuaded, of course. She said that she keeps thinking about the dukbokki (spicy rice cakes) in front of the Seoul Station.
Jung Joo sighs and asks why she would go all the way to Seoul to eat dukbokki? So Gun Woo will bring it for her. They should just go! He has to get his hair done! And he is cracking me up. I think it’s the first time I’ve heard a guy protest that he needs to get his hair done! Gun Woo is definitely a Flower Boy, with his facial regimen and urge to go to the salon to get his hair done. Gun Woo is starting to whine. Jung Joo tells him to go to Olle Salon. She heard that the owner is good. And like a 5-year-old… Gun Woo declares, “Never!” He hates it! Jung Joo shrugs and says that if he hates it, he should grow it long. Then she turns to one of the stall owners to ask about a spice shop.
Gun Woo’s handphone rings. I like his jeans. Of course it’s Dead Face. Dead Face asks where Gun Woo is. He tells her that he’s gone to the market to buy ingredients for her welcoming party that evening. She tells him that she has high hopes. Jung Joo calls for Gun Woo to come over to her and Dead Face hears her voice. Is it Lee Jung Joo next to you? He has to admit that it is. Face from Dead Face. She asks if he wants her to come over now. She’s wanted to go see a morning market in Jeju Island. Gun Woo loves that idea! He’ll show her around! They hang up.
Jung Joo comes over and says that she found the location of a spice market. Gun Woo says that he’ll look for it and she can go home. Jung Joo wants to stay and help, since it’s a lot to buy. He says that it’s fine! It'll take a long time to look through carefully. Plus a maintenance guy is coming, so she should go wait for him. Jung Joo reluctantly agrees.
Jung Joo goes to the bus stop. Then she calls and discovers that Poong San is already at the restaurant, so she decides to go back and help Gun Woo. Not knowing that he was trying to get rid of her since Dead Face is coming. Jung Joo hustles back to the market and spies Gun Woo. She starts to get his attention when Dead Face walks into view. It’s obvious that they’re together. I hate watching him smile like that at Dead Face, to try to persuade her to love him. It’s not a real, at ease smile, like he has with Jung Joo. And watching this, my heart just hurt for her. I know what that’s like, seeing the object of your affection like someone else. Jung Joo just has to take it.
Jung Joo heads to the bus stop, but she’s so shaken that she misses a couple of them. She makes it back to the Warm and Cozy before Gun Woo, though. When he gets back, she’s wiping down glasses. And, of course, he’s talking to Dead Face. Hanging up, Gun Woo’s walking on cloud nine. He asks if Jung Joo got the credit card texts, right? Tapping his carton, he declares that he only bought the things he needed. He’s proud of himself. She doesn’t look at him, but keeps working. He says that she was worried that he'd go to Seoul with it, right? He’s not that kind of person. No, you're just someone who will steal a gold key and sell it. He holds out her card and she takes it and walks away, not saying anything or looking at him. But he hasn’t noticed yet.
Gun Woo has gotten dressed for the evening. It’s finally sunk in that Jung Joo isn’t her usual self. He asks himself why she’s like that again. Is she feeling sick? Then he tells himself not to worry about it. Jung Joo’s phone dings from a text. He’s nosy and looks at the pictures… including one of the Red Clay Man Mayor. Uh-oh. Gun Woo’s reaction: Daebak!
Gun Woo goes running down the stairs, super excited to show Jung Joo the picture so they can laugh about it together. She’s not in the mood, but he just thinks it’s because she hasn’t seen the picture. He shows her. She isn’t smiling even as he’s laughing. She grabs her phone and tells him that he doesn’t need to know! Gun Woo declares that Mayor is buying her drinks because she knows his weakness. She doesn’t answer. Gun Woo wonders what he should do… Should he post this on the township notice board? He tries to grab the phone, saying that she needs to send him a copy.
She grabs her phone out of his reach and yells at him for looking at her text! Gun Woo answers that it just came, so he looked. Forcefully, she tells him not to say anything about the picture. If he puts the mayor in trouble, Gun Woo will die by her hands. Gun Woo can’t believe that she’s threatening him to take the mayor's side. She tells him that she finally became friends with the mayor. He better not mess it up. She’s warning him!
Hyung is exhausted. He asks Secretary if he’s done for the day. Secretary mentions going to Gun Woo’s for dinner. Hyung checks his watch. It’s 5:30. Over at the Warm and Cozy, Dead Face is waiting with the rest of the PR team. They're early. President must be coming soon, right? Dead Face practically crows as she says that Hyung is supposed to come by six. Assistant says that thanks to Dead Face, they get to come to such a nice place. PR Guy says that he thought she only had a pretty face, but she also knows a place like this.
Poong San and Jung Joo are watching. Poong San says that Dead Face is pretty. Jung Joo responds that Women don't like that type. She guesses that Dead Face looks pretty in guys' eyes. Truer words never spoken! Poong San wonders if Dead Face is she done with playing hard to get and has really started dating Gun Woo. Jung Joo answers that, of course, they're dating. She even brought her colleagues to introduce him. Gun Woo’s probably thinking that, too. Poor guy. And the answer is, ‘no.’ She went there so that Hyung would join them. Gun Woo is a means to an end.
Hae Shil checks her watch: 6:12. Hyung must not be coming. She starts to go… when he arrives. He's no longer in a suit but is now in jeans and a blue oxford shirt. He frowns and clears his throat. She points out that he said they’d never have another occasion to see each other, but there Hyung is. He answers that he packaged himself as a strong person his whole life. He pretended that he could control himself with iron willpower, but it was only for a show. He is weak. He pulls his application from his satchel and holds it out to her and announces that he’s Song in the lodging business. She takes the application and looks at it. [Reason for applying - To live, since I couldn't die...] Heh. Clever. He tells her that since she made him come there in this shape, she should take responsibility for him. Because she *made* him that way… Dude. She answers that since she picked him up from the sea, she’ll help him.
The Warm and Cozy. Dead Face checks her watch. Ten til Eight. Dead Face is no longer smiling. Heh. Just a little embarrassed. Good job, Hyung! Dead Face gets a call from Secretary Jang, who tells her that Hyung isn’t going to make it. She has to tell the group that Hyung has some other business. Gun Woo brings out some wine. They marvel that it’s so expensive. Gun Woo says, with a big smile, that it’s his treat to ask them to take good care of his Ji Won. They’re impressed that it’s a rare vintage. Thanks to Ji Won, they get to taste a very high-end vintage wine. Begrudging smile from Dead Face, like she hates that Gun Woo’s doing something to impress them.
Assistant tells Gun Woo that he doesn’t look much like President Song. PR Guy wonders why Gun Woo doesn’t have the same name. Assistant pinches guy’s arm for his rude question. Gun Woo tries to seem like that question is no big deal. He answers that they have the same mother but different fathers. Dead Face looks like she wants to roll over in her grave for being associated with someone like Gun Woo. She just makes my skin crawl. I’d like to think that it was that she actually felt bad for Gun Woo, that she has a soul, but she doesn’t. It’s because it could reflect badly on her, that’s why she doesn’t like it. Gun Woo be damned. PR Guy says that he *thought* it was odd that a wealthy man would run a restaurant like this. Gun Woo replies that Hyung is the wealthy one. He doesn't belong in that family. That hurts just hearing him say that.
Assistant asks what Chef Baek’s relationship is with Dead Face. PR Guy asks Dead Face if Gun Woo isn’t her boyfriend. Dead Face replies that, no, they aren’t not involved like that. Gun Woo’s smile wants to disappear, but he acts like nothing’s wrong. Right, Gun Woo? They're friends. Make it clear for them that they’re just good friends. She’ll be in a really awkward position if her colleagues have a misunderstanding. As she keeps talking, the smile goes farther and father away. I have groaned loudly now, as my heart is breaking for poor Gun Woo. He is crushed and trying not to act like it. There’s no more smile in his eyes.
Gun Woo looks at Dead Face, eyes pleading, but she looks away. There’s a pause and Gun Woo says what she wants him to say: He opened such a great bottle of wine, so her colleagues must have taken it in a wrong way. He opened the cheapest one from his collection, so please don't put Ji Won in an awkward position. I am trying really hard right now not to cry for him and his sad smile. PR people shift awkwardly, because they don’t buy it either.
Poong San mutters that Gun Woo is an idiot. That girl, really... I love that Poong San is loyal to his hyung. Gun Woo gracefully leaves the table and heads outside where he can try not to cry in private. Jung Joo checks on him and almost starts to cry, too. She mutters that he’s a fool… But not in a critical way.
Jung Joo goes back inside and everyone has cleared out. At Dead Face’s suggestion. I hate her! Jung Joo can’t believe that girl. She hurries out to catch Dead Face. PR team leave. Dead Face gets into her car, but Jung Joo pounds on her window. Dead Face rolls down the window. Jung Joo asks how she can leave like that. Dead Face says that she hasn’t drunk any wine; she can drive. Jung Joo answers that she isn’t talking about that! How can Dead Face just leave like that?! Dead Face snaps back, asking if Jung Joo wants her to clean up again? I want to slap her smug expressionless face. Jung Joo sputters as she declares that Dead Face *does* remember her.
Jung Joo sighs and says that since Dead Face started it, she should finish it up before she goes. Be considerate of Gun Woo's feelings! Dead Face says that she understands, so Jung Joo should let go of the car door. Jung Joo does and Dead Face starts to drive away. Jung Joo runs in front of the car to make it stop. Dead Face indignantly gets out of the car and asks if Jung Joo has lost her mind?! Jung Joo tells her that she’s a repeat offender who causes trouble and runs away. Jung Joo’s face says that she’s not playing nice now and there will be a beat down if Dead Face keeps being like this.
Jung Joo tells Dead Face that, if there is really nothing going on with Gun Woo, then Dead Face needs to pay before she goes. Dead Face can’t believe that suggestion. Jung Joo repeats herself: Pay for the wine and the food! Dead Face wants to know who Jung Joo is to tell her to pay. Jung Joo answers that she’s the owner. The restaurant is hers. Gun Woo handed it over to her. Dead Face rolls her eyes, makes a face and says that that’s ridiculous. And she is lucky I am not there, but I would have punched her right then. Hard. And hoped I broke her nose. And I'm not a violent person.
Jung Joo continues that she live there. All of her stuff is there. And Gun Woo lives there, too. But it doesn't bother Dead Face at all, since Dead Face is just Gun Woo's friend. Jung Joo says that she thought Dead Face and Gun Woo were in a relationship so she’s been careful so that there wouldn't be any misunderstanding. But she's telling Dead Face now, since Dead Face said that there’s nothing going on. And then my girl shows why she’s awesome. She calls Dead Face on her crap: Showing up suddenly at night, showing up again in the morning... Texting and calling all day, to make him go crazy... Telling him to wait for her! And there is still nothing going on? Dead Face just blinks with an eye roll.
Jung Joo says that if there is really nothing going on… even with that… Dead Face needs to pay for dinner before she goes. Pay her! Gun Woo calls Jung Joo’s name. He does not look happy. But why is he upset with Jung Joo? Why is Dead Face untouchable? With no consequences? He walks up and Jung Joo turns away. He looks at Dead Face, who looks 'upset,' and then asks Jung Joo what she's doing to Dead Face right now? Jung Joo asks what’s wrong with asking for Dead Face to pay for food in a restaurant? Gun Woo sighs, like he can’t believe she did that. The look he gives Jung Joo is that he can’t believe that she humiliated him even more.
Now that Gun Woo’s there, Dead Face goes and gets her purse. I am really trying to be sympathetic to Dead Face, that there’s some reason why she’s like this, but she’s just despicable. As if she's been wounded, she tells Gun Woo that it’s fine if she pays, right? He stops her from opening her purse, saying that she doesn’t need to. He tells her to get in her car and he’ll take her home. Dead Face wrenches her hands out of his and declares that she doesn’t need it! Like Jung Joo was totally out of like for how she’s just been treated. Such a manipulative shrew. She talks to Gun Woo but directs it at Jung Joo as she says that she didn't know she did such a bad thing to Gun Woo as Jung Joo said. She’ll never come there again. Wow, I hate her even more now.
Dead Face turns to get in her car, but Gun Woo grabs her arm. Does she mean it? She’s really not coming? She glares at him and almost with a sneer says, “yes.” Gun Woo says that he can explain it, but she will come back again? Ever stronger than before, Dead Face repeats that she said, she doesn’t need it! Gun Woo sighs and tells her okay, then, go. He lets go of Dead Face’s arm. She looks him over a few times, and wordlessly gets into her car. Gun Woo walks back into the restaurant with Jung Joo right behind him. Dead Face watches Gun Woo go.
Inside, Poong San immediately notices Gun Woo’s mood and clams up. He can tell that something big has happened, to Gun Woo and between Gun Woo and Jung Joo. He leaves for the back. Jung Joo’s body language is apologetic. Gun Woo has turned his back to her. She quietly begins to try to explain.
Gun Woo turns around and asks what she knows. Why does she jump in? Jung Joo protests that what Dead Face did was totally out of place... and... it was really frustrating that he was taken advantage of like an idiot. Gun Woo answers that that’s how it's always been with Dead Face. Dead Face is always bad, and he always takes it. He knows very well that she's bad. He knows that she's testing him and using him. But he’s willing to be a fool, so why does Jung Joo care?
Jung Joo asks if Gun Woo really likes her that much. It's obvious that it stings that he likes Dead Face like that and not her. Gun Woo answers that, yes, he really likes Ji Won! In the past, the present, and in the future, even if Ji Won becomes worse... Even if she marries another man... He’ll still like her. And I groan. Wow. Gun Woo! You deserve so much better than that humiliation. Who made you believe that you were worth so little? Jung Joo can’t believe he’s saying these things. She protests that Dead Face doesn't like him at all. With conviction, he answers that Dead Face does like him. If that’s so, then you need to run from this dysfunctional relationship. Run fast!
Jung Joo protests that she told Dead Face that they live there together and Dead Face said it didn't bother her at all. She doesn't care about Gun Woo even this much. Jung Joo pinches her fingers together for emphasis of how little it is. Gun Woo practically smiles as he says that if that were true, he wouldn't have turned out this way. Ji Won does care about him. She cares about him so that he won't turn completely away from her. Meaning that she gives him just enough attention to keep him on the hook.
Outside the Warm and Cozy, Dead Face walks up to the door and hesitates before going in. Gun Woo says that if he had hung on to Dead Face, she'd have refused him and left. But he didn't grab her, so she'll never just leave. He steps closer to Jung Joo. His voice lower, he says that Dead Face always comes back to check on him. The door bell rings. Jung Joo looks in its direction. Gun Woo puts his hand on Jung Joo’s cheek so that she looks at him instead. He says that every once in a while... he's really mean to Dead Face, too.
Dead Face comes into frame. She sees Gun Woo with his hand on Jung Joo’s face. Knowing Dead Face is there, Gun Woo leans in to kiss Jung Joo. And I want to punch him! Not only is he being totally dysfunctional, but he is totally messing with Jung Joo’s emotions right now, which is completely not fair. This is the worst instance of him using her yet. Idiot! As Gun Woo gets close to her face, Jung Joo closes her eyes and the episode ends.
[Recipe Five: Refreshing Mandarin Tea that's Great for Curing a Cold!]
- Cut a mandarin into eight wedges.
- Add brown sugar and mandarin in two to one ratio and squeeze fresh juice from one lime, then let it sit in the refrigerator.
- Take it out after two, three days.
- Add mint and drink it either hot or cold.
Thoughts
Well, what can I say with what just happened? At the moment, I’m finding it very hard to like Gun Woo very much. I have no problem HATING Dead Face, but right now, I want to like Gun Woo and I just am having a hard time remembering why I find him so likeable. I am so aghast at his dysfunctional relationship with Dead Face. And the fact that he's so aware and yet so clueless… It kills me. Gun Woo begins and ends this episode with me wanting to hit him. Both because of his stupid relationship with Dead Face and Jung Joo being caught in the middle.
But it is pretty revealing about what makes Gun Woo tick. Even moreso than last time, we see how his illegitimacy causes major insecurities for him. And even more than before, I really saw how all those smiles he gives Dead Face are him pleading for her to finally choose him, pick him, make him worth something. It’s like he’s got such low self-esteem that this abusive relationship he’s in, he’s convinced himself that it’s love.
Oh, Gun Woo!
I think it's interesting, that the Hong Sisters made this choice for a turn of events, and so soon in the series. You have to be pretty confident that your hero is well-loved to make him do something so despicable, deplorable, repugnant. I mean, they're not ones to go makjang on us, or do insane things like the writer of 'Aurora Princess' (link to an article on 'Drama Beans'). So there has to be a meaning behind the madness. And since I've liked pretty much all of what they've done, I'm going to trust that they suddenly haven't gone off the deep end (like that aforementioned writer of 'Aurora Princess'). I mean, there's two of them, so at least one of them will keep some sense.
I am mentally praying that Gun Woo doesn't actually kiss Jung Joo, because that would just be too far. I don't know if I could forgive that. It's annoying enough that he's acting like he's going to in order to piss off Dead Face. [Side note: what's interesting is, I am far more upset over him doing this than when Rain's character did it in 'Full House.' It just feels so much worse here.] I think on some level he knows that he can do this to Jung Joo. Not a mentally manipulative one, but somewhere he knows that he can do this and it won't be irreversible for her. I really can't see him doing it to someone else. It's just sad that he has to make such a mistake for him to learn from. And poor Jung Joo. She has to put up with it, because she's in love with the boy. Well, she doesn't *have* to put up with it, but it's either that, or face the world alone. She hasn’t quite gotten to the point where she’s not going to put up with it anymore, but hopefully that will come soon, as she continues to become part of the Jeju family.
I really think that it's a nice scenario that the Hong Sisters have created: Jeju is the place where they first met and it's the place that's going to give both of them the family that they've always yearned for. That family is going to show both of them that they are valued for who they are and not what they have -- because that's what the world has told them up to now -- and it's going to show them that even at their worst (in Gun Woo's case) that they can be forgiven, loved and accepted. Both of them need that and they need each other. (I just hope that Dead Face gets run over in the process. Or better yet, that she gets tossed aside as an after thought.) (And I've decided I'm renaming Ji Won again. She's not just Dead Face... She's Dead Face Harpy, or DFH.)
It's also really ironic (but not) that Gun Woo and Jung Joo bring out the best in each other. You might argue that Jung Joo is already pretty awesome -- because she is -- but she also is so used to being disappointed, trampled on, and alone, that she accepts it for the most part. Yes, she still stands up for herself, but she also is to quick to stop fighting. Being around Gun Woo has made her fight more and believe that good things are going to happen. Remember, she's hit rock bottom and he's been her main support in climbing out of that pit. He got her to see her first sunrise. He gave her an amazing restaurant. He makes her tea when he thinks she might be sick. Yes, he is also a big bonehead, but she knows that, and yet he's also so quick to be kind and to help her. I also can't remember a single time where he's really treated her like she's stupid (like some heroes like to do to their love interests). Being around Gun Woo has given her a safety net so that she can dare.
Conversely, Jung Joo definitely brings out the best in Gun Woo. Since she's been in his life, he's actually started being industrious; he has started considering others before he acts; he has actually been more concerned with her well being than his own. Yes, the boy has a long way to go -- example: making Jung Joo leave the Warm and Cozy in order to impress Dead Face Harpy and then not giving her a throw so that she stays warm -- but the boy is starting to consider someone else's needs besides his own. Most importantly, Gun Woo's begun to care... care about life, about others... She's made it safe for him to invest in something and in someone. Other characters who know him have commented in how unmotivated he is. Up to now, caring about anything made him vulnerable. But with Jung Joo (and the other people on Jeju), he gets rewarded for caring and those things that he cares about, people like him because he cares about them. What he's lacking (the family name and its influence) she/they don't care about.
Take that company dinner. If Jung Joo had been sitting there, she would have tried to steer the conversation away from Gun Woo being illegitimate, or else corrected them by focusing on how awesome Gun Woo is. She wouldn't have just sat there, or worse, told him that he's an embarrassment because he's just Gun Woo and not Song Gun Woo. And she definitely wouldn't have declared that Gun Woo was just a friend. She would have hemmed and hawed around the answer waiting for Gun Woo to say whether they were dating or not. (Even as I think about that scene, it still hurts my heart, the look on his face and his fake smile as he lies.)
That scene, the whole Dead Face Harpy party, just shows how messed up Gun Woo really is. Everyone knows who he is -- and who he isn't -- and the very people he wants to claim him, won't, because of something he can't control. People talk about it, about him, behind his back, give him looks, and his friends are his friends because of what he can do for them, not because they like hanging out with him. The one girl who seems to care is such a manipulative harpy that he has no idea what real love is like and instead it's all been twisted into this weird game that he and Dead Face Harpy play. Sad.
Jung Joo, on the other hand, at least knows what real love is. She had it for a while before her parents died. She knows what it looks like, even though she hasn't experienced it lately, and it's why she's ready to try again with the people of the island, why she's ready to try again with hoping for her life. It's that hope and determination that are making a lasting impact on Gun Woo and giving him the idea that he can be like that, too. It's also what's drawing people to her, like the Mayor.
It really seems like the Mayor is starting to take a shine to her. She caught his attention from the minute he spotted her on the island and then kept it with her underwear and her personality and her respect and courtesy for others, and her pluck. That one picture that Mi Ra caught with him staring after her.... I really think that Jung Joo's caught a fish she didn't mean to snag. Unfortunately, she isn’t going to end up liking him because he’s not Gun Woo. Flower-boy Mayor needs to find another girl. Yes, he's a very nice guy and I appreciate him, but Jung Joo's life would be too pleasant and uneventful if she settled for him. They get along so well that life would be boring.
And speaking of finding a girl… I love that Hyung and Hae Shil are the other couple in this. Hyung kills me with how confident – cough, arrogant, cough – that he is. Black pearl, indeed! I love that Hae Shil is completely not impressed. I love that they are roughly the same age instead of having a older man, younger woman happening, and she's not interested in anything material. After all, she doesn't need it, and Hyung isn't used to women (or anyone) not being impressed or cow-towing to what he thinks is best.
It’s becoming very clear to me that Dead Face Harpy is angling to snare Hyung, or at least the influence that Hyung has. Her name dropping makes me gag. I didn’t think I could hate someone more, but Dead Face Harpy keeps showing me that I’m wrong. It makes me like Hyung even more that he's completely impervious to her flirtations.
Jung Joo’s going to go to diving school – hopefully. She hasn’t gotten in, yet. I really hope that Sam makes it too, because I love that an African guy speaks good Korean. But I love that she's going for it -- again with the hope -- because it's something that's going to further enmesh her in that family she so desperately wants. The Lady Divers are a tight-knit group and she would be part of the in-crowd.
[Ironically, and they've referenced this, Jung Joo and Gun Woo have lived up to their promises back when they were 19. Jung Joo's now cool and Gun Woo's a 'roughneck' who no one really likes. We just need to find out who his father is!]
One other development: Poong San now knows about Gun Woo’s misconception about Jung Joo dying. I wonder how he’s going to play it, since he knows that the misunderstanding is benefiting everyone, including Gun Woo. He's also noticing that Gun Woo's going a little beyond normal concern. Plus, Jung Joo's feelings. I can’t wait to see how he milks that cow. (Jinyoung on B1A4 has done well as our friend, Poong San. He hasn't felt stilted at all.)
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