Our episode starts with Min Woo asleep. Birds are chirping outside as he wakes up – indicating that it’s morning, because birds don’t usually chirp in the afternoon. He rolls over and the bed is empty. He calls for Ji Sook – louder as he gets no answer – and starts to get worried. He jumps out of bed – fully clothed in the clothes he was wearing the day before, minus overcoat, which means that they still haven’t done anything where Ji Sook might be pregnant – and quickly exits the bedroom door, slamming it behind him. Starting to pant with panic, he grabs his coat… and Ji Sook enters with a smile on her face. He sighs with relief and immediately hugs her.
Ji Sook is surprised and asks what’s wrong. After hugging her a moment, he lets go and asks where she has been; adding that he was worried. She smiles and says that she went out to get something that will make him handsomer. She touches his whiskers and says that they grew out this much just in one day.
Instead of Min Woo shaving himself, Ji Sook is going to do it. His cheeks and chin now covered with shaving cream, he asks if she’s sure she can do this? She’s confident. Hasn’t he seen her with knives when she was cooking? Not really. Just the one time, since the maids freaked out that she was doing it herself. But okay. She picks up the razor and he warily looks at it. She asks if he’s scared. Looking at her and then the razor again, he says, “Of course not,” in a voice that isn’t convincing at all. Ji Sook laughs. She lightly shaves him. And they are doing this in the living room instead of the bathroom where normal people shave. They smile at each other, enjoying this intimate moment.
They prepare to leave and Ji Sook takes the time to button up his shirt more. It makes it feel like more of a goodbye. She says that she’s all done and they should go and he tells her to hold on. His voice is thick. Very sad music plays. She smiles but there are tears in her eyes. He cups her head in his hands and there's twitching in his face as he tries not to cry. Such a good job by Joo Ji Hoon. They smile at each other.
As they drive, both look sad. Ji Sook reaches over and holds Min Woo’s hand. He pulls over to the side of the road. He asks if she can’t stay. She says that it won't take long. She’ll be back soon. Min Woo says that they should just run away to a faraway place. What's the point of doing this now? I agree. What’s the point? They should just run away and live together. Just the two of them. In a place where no one could find them. And he has enough money that they can do that. Unless his accounts have been frozen, being a fugitive and all. She asks about their families. How are they going to pay back for all the pain they've put them through? She can't just disregard her wrongdoings and live happily with him. He knows this as well. He says that he knows. But doesn’t like it. The pain of being good people.
Family meeting. Dad, voice stern – his voice is almost always stern, like he’s never happy about anything – asks Seok Hoon if he’s found Min Woo yet. Seok Hoon says that he’s still looking. He vows to find Min Woo before the police does and try to convince him to confess. Why would he need to confess when Ji Sook isn’t dead? And he ran because the police didn’t believe him when he got the phone call from her and said that she wasn’t dead. Mi Yeon can’t believe that Seok Hoon is going to make Min Woo confess? She and Stepmom are sitting across from him, with their arms crossed. Stepmom looks especially sour as she looks at him. Seok Hoon says that he can convince Min Woo. Mi Yeon sighs and her eyes flutter as she thinks about this huge lie that Seok Hoon is perpetuating.
Dad asks why in the world Min Woo ran away, anyway. Seok Hoon says that if he was in Min Woo’s shoes, he would want to, too. Remembering that you killed your wife with your own hands would be hard for anyone to handle. You can see Mi Yeon fume. Dad asks if Seok Hoon thinks that Min Woo really did it. Seok Hoon answers that his opinion doesn't really matter. What's important is that this is what the police think. Everything will be revealed soon.
Stepmom calls Seok Hoon, “son-in-law,” to get his attention. When he gives it, she remembers Mi Yeon telling her that Sister-in-law is Byeon Ji Sook. And Seo Eun Ha is dead. The person behind this scheme is Seok Hoon. She tells Seok Hoon that she hopes that he exposes everything, with his own hands. He says that he’s got it. Like everything is great.
Later, he asks Mi Yeon what she’s told Stepmom. Why does Stepmom keep acting this way towards him? She asks if he’ll stop if she tells him. Will he stop what he’s trying to do? Or, will he make some other plan to stop Stepmom from telling everyone? Seok Hoon says her name in a tone which tells her to stop. She asks what happens after Min Woo becomes a murderer who killed Eun Ha? If she’s getting in the way of his plans, does she need to disappear as well? Is that it?
Seok Hoon tells her not to say that. And his voice sounds almost hurt. It’s weird. Is he actually finally developing feelings for his wife? Mi Yeon declares that Min Woo is her younger brother. She can't just stand by and watch him frame Min Woo as a murderer. Seok Hoon declares that it’s a fact that Min Woo killed Eun Ha. There's proof. And they both know that’s a lie. Mi Yeon smiles and asks if he means the proof that he’s fabricated. She looks at him, not smiling, and tells Seok Hoon to stop right here. If he doesn’t, she’s going to expose everything. And her face says that she’s not kidding.
Seok Hoon evaluates that face for a moment and asks what she’s going to expose. Setting the villa on fire. Trying to kill Byeon Ji Sook by drowning her in the lake. And trying to put the blame on Min Woo. She's going to expose everything. She asks if he thinks that she won't be able to do it. Seok Hoon swallows and says that he said that that's all a misunderstanding. He sounds nervous. I’m enjoying Seok Hoon being nervous. She tells him to just kill her instead, with his own hands. Dang! That’s how serious she is about protecting her dongsaeng. I’m glad she’s finally getting her sanity back. If he doesn't, she’s going to expose everything.
It is a little scary that she's giving him this much a bold challenge. Does she think that he won’t kill her? Or is she coming from that place she was when she was drunk, where she supposed that only in death would he actually give her the time of day? In either case, she’s telling him how serious she is about protecting her dongsaeng. I’m glad that good Mi Yeon is back.
Police find Min Woo’s car. Min Woo is not in it and it’s locked. He and Ji Sook are actually riding in another car with Chang Soo. He’s ‘yelling’ at Ji Sook for making him worry. Does she know how shocked he was when he heard that she was dead? He hasn’t slept in days. She apologizes. He turns to Min Woo and says that Min Woo should should have called him sooner. He really should have. Min Woo says, “hey,” in a tone that says to cut it out and adds that Chang Soo is the first person he called. He verifies that no one in the family knows that Chang Soo came out here, right? Chang Soo says that Min Woo told him to come discreetly, so he did. But did you tell your girlfriend?
Chang Soo asks if they need to go to the police now. Min Woo’s false charges will be cleared now that Ms. Seo is alive and he assumes that everything will be resolved. No answer. Ji Sook tells Min Woo that before she goes, she wants to see her family for the last time. She needs to say goodbye to them before she leaves. Min Woo sadly agrees. He says that he’ll prepare everything so that Seok Hoon can't find a way around this. He has a perfect plan in mind. Uh-oh. Perfect plans are always dangerous. And of course, he doesn’t share it with us.
Seok Hoon has entered an underground garage. He’s meeting Min Woo. When Min Woo asks, Seok Hoon says that he came alone so Min Woo can relax. Min Woo sighs like he’s following that advice. Seok Hoon asks if Min Woo had a change of heart while he was on the run? Why did Min Woo want to see him in secret? Min Woo says that it’s because he wants to go back home. Seok Hoon was right. Byeon Ji Sook ultimately died because of him. If he had jumped into the lake a little sooner. He corrects himself. No, if he hadn't have met Byeon Ji Sook in the first place, she wouldn't have died.
Seok Hoon asks if Min Woo feels responsible for it and now wants to confess everything. Min Woo says that he doesn’t. He can't return home if he does that. He wants Seok Hoon to prove that he's innocent. Why he had her blood on his hands and why he was found 10 kilometers away from the villa. Seok Hoon says that the police think that Min Woo took Byeon Ji Sook to the lake and because of him, she fell into the lake and drowned. Min Woo replies that he’s asking Seok Hoon to prove that's not what happened. Please defend him in front of everyone's eyes. Only then can he come home.
Seok Hoon asks why Min Woo’s asking him to do this. Min Woo replies that it’s because only Seok Hoon is the one who can resolve this. Which is totally true, since he’s the one who manipulated everything in the first place. Min Woo says that he’ll give Seok Hoon everything he wants. Do Seok Hoon want his shares? Or should he give Seok Hoon their company? Seok Hoon says that what he want is... for Min Woo to come back home.
Seok Hoon declares that he’ll prepare for a press conference. With everyone watching, he’ll prove that Min Woo’s innocent and has every right to everything that he possesses. He’ll prove it to everyone. If that's what Min Woo really want. He's practically smirking. I wonder what he’s got planned now. What does he mean ‘Min Woo has every right to everything that he possesses?’ His smirk is like he’s going to stick it to Min Woo for some rationale that only he understands. And he’s going to enjoy destroying Min Woo, too. Seok Hoon chuckles and smirks just a little.
Ji Sook visits her family. Papa mentions the news report that Min Woo drowned her in a lake. She tries to assure him. Ji Hyuk asks if this is the only way to do things. She shrugs and says that it just turned out this way. She tries to change the subject to her cooking for them. Papa instead asks if she’s done with everything now. Can she finally come home? Ji Sook says that it will take some time. There's something else she needs to take care of. Papa just has to accept that. Ji Hyuk says that he’ll do the cooking. Papa’s enthusiastic about that idea. They’ll make Ji Sook her favorite, seafood tofu soup. Oh, sounds good. For yummy-sounding recipe, go here (KoreanBapsang.com). This website has awesome recipes.
They head into the kitchen and Ji Sook looks around the apartment. Ji Sook chides him for not keeping the place clean. Ji Hyuk rolls his eyes and complains about her nagging. Ji Sook thinks about the family together (Mom included). Mom had dreams of opening a a fancy restaurant. In the present, Ji Sook enjoys the food and suggests that they open a restaurant that the three of them could run. What about Min Woo? He already said that he’d leave with her and live with her family. Ji Hyuk likes that idea and tells Papa that they should come up with new recipes.
Papa tells Ji Sook that everything will fit into place once she returns home. She smiles – but it’s not convincing to me. Ji Hyuk doesn’t look convinced either.
Ji Sook says goodbye after the meal. She tells them that they don't have to come out. It will make things harder on her. Papa reluctantly agrees. Ji Hyuk reminds her that they’ll always be waiting there for her. She promises to be back soon.
As she leaves, she’s grabbed by Loan Shark and Goon (and Mi Yeon). Mi Yeon tells her not to scream and says that she wants to talk in private. And her face doesn’t look at filled with anger and hatred toward Ji Sook as it usually does.
Seok Hoon is sitting in his office with Lackey, who is shocked that Seok Hoon wants to have a press conference to prove Choi Min Woo's innocence? Still smirking, Seok Hoon says that Min Woo will be proven guilty. Once Min Woo becomes a liar, everything he says will become a lie. In true villain fashion, he stares out in front of him and talks with one eyebrow raised. He says that everyone who claims that he’s tried to kill Choi Min Woo and that video clip. He could turn all of them into a lie. Lackey nods like he totally buys this.
And I think I know what Min Woo is going to do. Seok Hoon just said it, himself. If someone becomes a liar, everything he says will become a lie. He’s going to get Seok Hoon to set him up and then Ji Sook will appear alive and make Seok Hoon a liar.
EHDad arrives at the press conference. Seok Hoon smiles to himself. EHDad and Dad practically glare at each other. Stepmom looks nice. Dad asks Seok Hoon what the press conference is for? And, of course, all the photographers have their strobes going… in a well lit room, where they could have balanced for the light before everything started. Seok Hoon says that it’s all for Min Woo. Min Woo agreed to this too. Dad just needs to wait and see. Stepmom says that since it's for Min Woo, she’ll cheer him on, too. She adds that she hope it goes well. Seok Hoon says that he’ll do his best.
Loan Shark and Goon are standing guard while Ji Sook and Mi Yeon talk. Mi Yeon repeats that once Ji Sook leaves, everything will be resolved. Ji Sook asks if anything got resolved, while she was gone. Mi Yeon can’t say anything. Ji Sook says that Min Woo became a murderer involved with her death and Min Seok Hoon is planning other things. Once she disappears, does Mi Yeon think Min Seok Hoon will stop? How can she be certain that he won't hurt Min Woo once she disappears?
Mi Yeon says that she said that she’ll stop Seok Hoon. Ji Sook asks what she’ll do if Mi Yeon can’t. Adamant, Mi Yeon declares that she will. She will do anything to stop him! Ji Sook declares that Mi Yeon can't stop Seok Hoon. Isn't that why she’s come this far? How many more people will have to be sacrificed to stop him? They look at each other and Mi Yeon quietly says that Ji Sook is right. She can't stop him. Bad things will keep happening. More people may die. Just like how Seo Eun Ha died. Mi Yeon asks if Ji Sook wants to hear how Seo Eun Ha died? That's right. Ji Sook must already know… How she killed Seo Eun Ha.
The press conference is about to start. Min Woo is waiting with two policemen. Mi Yeon hurries in and says that they need to talk. She asks for 5 minutes in private. The police agree and step away (but not out of the room). In a gentle voice, Mi Yeon tells Min Woo to be honest with her. What is he going to say at the press conference? He replies that it is about what people need to know. He tells her not to try and stop him. He won't go back on his decision. She asks if he’s made up his mind? He has.
He adds that Noona should confess everything too. About what she’s done. Tell them everything. She saved Ji Sook from drowning in the lake. She’s a good person. She's just done those bad things because of Min Seok Hoon. Confess everything… About killing Seo Eun Ha and what you did to Ji Sook's mom. Tell them everything. He asks his Noona if she’s going to live the rest of her life with this burden on her? It's only a matter of time until her secret gets exposed. She can't keep it a secret forever. She replies that he’s right. It's a matter of time. Her secret will be exposed some day.
Mi Yeon takes his hand and, eyes glistening, apologizes for everything. Min Woo asks why she’s saying this all of a sudden. She tells him to tell Ji Sook that she’s sorry. She lets go of his hand and walks away. She doesn’t come back when he calls her name. He tries to follow, but the police stop him.
Press conference starts. And Min Woo is wearing that blue suit that looks really good on him. Min Woo enters. With a smile, Seok Hoon introduces himself and says that Director Choi of SJ Group is here today to prove that he isn't responsible for his wife's death.
Mi Yeon is in a stairwell on the phone. She tells Caller that this will be their only way. She tells Caller that she won't regret it and to please prepare for it.
Seok Hoon says that Director Choi didn't purposely murder his wife. During his unstable condition, he unintentionally killed her through an unfortunate accident. Murmuring among the reporters. Seok Hoon holds up an envelope and says that he has documents to prove this. This shows that Director Choi has been continually treated by a psychiatrist. Since Min Woo was young, he suffered from somnambulism and there was an incident where he had no memory of his wife drowning in the pool. That's what happened with this case as well.
Min Woo just sits there as Seok Hoon talks.
Seok Hoon says that based on the route shown on his car's navigation and the analysis of the blood samples from the clothing he had in his hand, it is a clear fact that his wife died because of him. However, as they can see from his medical records, he didn't intentionally commit murder. Therefore, Mr. Choi Min Woo doesn't belong in jail, but in a hospital.
He finishes and exits the stage, walking over to Min Woo. He tells Min Woo that this is the best he could do. He had to at least save him from being charged with a murder. Min Woo looks at him but doesn’t saying anything. Min Woo heads to the podium.
Min Woo introduces himself. And please bring the hammer! As Min Woo says that he would like to tell them about the things he's done wrong at the villa, Seok Hoon can barely contain his smirk. Min Woo says that that day, a large fire started in the house and he… was found with a piece of clothing that had his wife's blood. His voice sounds emotional, like he’s guilty. Flashing of cameras increases. Min Woo says that his unconscious wife was put in a car and taken away and then she was thrown into the lake. Because of him, his wife probably spent hours being terrified of death. This is all his fault. He drops his head and apologizes. Dad and Stepmom looks shocked. Seok Hoon smirks.
After a moment, he adds for not finding my alive wife sooner. For losing consciousness and not protecting his wife. Seok Hoon’s face says, “say what?” For unconsciously lying in the back seat while someone drove his wife and him to some place. For ripping a piece of clothing from his unconscious wife’s dress and for not waking up when someone put that piece of clothing in his hand. Minion is also at the press conference. He looks over at Seok Hoon.
Min Woo continues: For helplessly lying by the lake while his wife was drowning in the lake facing a terrible fear of death. He again drops his head and sighs. He says that this is everything he wanted to apologize to them about. And the person responsible for all of this… He looks over at Seok Hoon and says that it’s that man. Min Seok Hoon. Hahaha! Yes. Please let Ji Sook walk in now. Photographers start snapping pictures of Seok Hoon.
Seok Hoon quickly walks over to the podium and pushes the mike away. He tells Min Woo that this will make things more difficult for him. All evidence proves that he’s killed his wife. Min Woo scoffs at the word ‘evidence.’ Does he mean the one that Seok Hoon manufactured? Seok Hoon sternly says that if Min Woo keeps denying the truth, he can't help you anymore. Unphased, Min Woo says that he has proof, too. Seok Hoon laughs at that.
Doors open. On cue, Ji Sook enters with Maid. Shocked noises from the crowd. Yes! I was hoping this would happen. Min Woo is smart. She introduces herself as Choi Min Woo's wife, Byeon Ji Sook. She just used her real name. EHDad hurries over to her and asks Eun Ha if she’s all right. She apologizes and says that her name is not Seo Eun Ha. It's Byeon Ji Sook. She says that she’ll tell him everything right now. She heads over to the podium. Seok Hoon backs away from her, his face trying not to look horrified. She looks at him for a long moment. Min Woo stifles a smile.
Flashback to Ji Sook’s conversation with Mi Yeon, where she confesses to killing Eun Ha. The day Seo Eun Ha visited the house, she ordered a maid to put something in Eun Ha’s wine. She knew that Seo Eun Ha never let anyone else drive for her, so she was hoping that Eun Ha would get into a car accident and hurt herself. Or, more likely, kill herself and some other people. Mi Yeon never considers the worst case scenario. If she did, she would slam on the breaks like she did when she almost ran over Ji Hyuk but couldn’t because she doesn’t want to kill anyone. But... She ended up falling in their pool and dying.
Her eyes wet with tears, Mi Yeon tells Ji Sook to go tell them at the press conference about everything that she’s just heard. Ji Sook asks why Mi Yeon is telling her this? Mi Yeon answers that if you have a place to return to you can't leave. Now, that’s telling and very self-enlightened. Noona is a good person after the crazy.
Back at the press conference, Ji Sook concludes that that is how Ms. Seo Eun Ha died and she’s been posing as Eun Ha all along. Ji Sook says that she will, of course, accept the consequences for what she’s done. Dad stands up and demands to know what she’s saying right now? Is she saying that Mi Yeon killed someone? Maid bows and apologizes. She put pills in Eun Ha’s wine that day. She is so sorry.
Ji Sook says that throwing away her own identity and living as Seo Eun Ha was very painful for her. She had to lie to the world and to herself. She had to lie to the people she loves and let them suffer. She looks at EHDAd as she says that to Ms. Seo Eun Ha's loved ones, she was doing wrong as well. EHDad is crying.
Ji Sook continues that this made her feel extremely guilty. To everyone who was hurt, from her being Ms. Seo Eun Ha, and to Ms. Seo Eun Ha who has died, she sincerely apologizes. She’ll atone for her wrong doings for the rest of her life. The news sinks in with Dad and EHDad.
Ji Sook says that she wishes to report someone, right here, right now, to stop things from going any further. All of this started from that man, Min Seok Hoon. He looks up at her. And I chuckle, because they are totally sticking it to him. Everyone looks at Seok Hoon. Ji Sook says that starting with the abduction of Ms. Seo Eun Ha's corpse, Seok Hoon has committed many wrongdoings. Chang Soo and another man enter and start passing out handouts. Ji Sook asks if the reporters would please take a look at what's being handed out right now. Seok Hoon chuckles, because he knows that he’s sunk.
Ji Sook says that, using the car accident she was in, Min Seok Hoon framed her with
a false murder charge and he murdered Kim Jung Tae because Scumbag knew about the switch between the two of them. I used the name ‘Scumbag.’ Ji Sook didn’t. She says that there’s more. He attempted to murder my husband, Min Woo, on several occasions. After hiring a man, he tried to kill Min Woo with a gun. When this had failed, he made the lighting fall during another event and planned to kill Min Woo.
Ji Sook says that Min Seok Hoon's crime continues on. Stock manipulation, criminal disposal of a corpse, murder, bribery, and blackmailing! Her voice has gotten very indignant. Min Woo declares that they have proof of all of this. Seok Hoon looks over at Min Woo through slitted eyes. Prosecutor and his gang enter. It looks like Seok Hoon is starting to squirm a little. I am enjoying that.
Min Woo says that he’ll hand all of the evidence over to the Prosecutor. All the other details will be exposed through law. They will announce the result of the investigation later. Seok Hoon sighs and straightens his tie. Dad looks like he wants to hide someplace… or he’s constipated… or about to have diarrhea.
Prosecutor and police approach Seok Hoon. Seok Hoon stands and looks like he’s going to go with them. But then he runs and Minion tosses over a table to block the group from chasing them. Chase ensues – with the momentous music playing. Min Woo and Ji Sook look at each other. Did you think he *wasn’t* going to run?
Out in the corridor, Minion stops and starts hurling chairs and things at the group. He yells at Seok Hoon to run. Wow, I didn’t expect he’d be that loyal. Are they childhood friends or something? Seok Hoon does, but Minion is grabbed. Seok Hoon runs into the parking garage. Mi Yeon drives up and tells him to get in.
Back at SJ Group, Lackey is feverishly trying to shred documents. Word travels fast. He’s too slow – partially because of problems with the shredder. Cops enter and arrest him for the manipulation of documents and embezzlement.
Loan Shark is feverishly trying to pack up all his money. Cops enter and arrest him and Goon for assault, blackmailing, and kidnapping. Cop asks what money this is and orders his people to take it. Loan Shark screams and cries that they’re taking his precious money.
In the car, Seok Hoon is freaking out. His phone keeps ringing. He throws it, with frustration, onto the floor of the car. He mutters that this can't be happening. She looks at him and says his name. He realizes: The person who saved Byeon Ji Sook was... was it perhaps Mi Yeon? She answers that she couldn't make him become a murderer. Even though he already *is* one because he killed Scumbag?
She makes her tone light and tells him that they should just disappear. They should go to some place where nobody knows them. She already has their plane tickets and passports ready. They can just leave from here. He asks if she wants him to stop there? Does that make any sense? She pulls over and says that she told Byeon Ji Sook everything she did. There is nothing they can do now. They have no choice but to leave. She... has nowhere to go back to.
He looks at her and tells her to leave. Ouch. She just gave up everything for him and he doesn’t care. Go to some place where no one can find her… far away. He says that he can't come with her. Absolutely not. She asks what he’s talking about. He says that there’s something she doesn't know about. The reason why he married her and moved in with her...
They’ve gotten out of the car. Seok Hoon says that His father worked very hard, day in day out, for Dad’s company... Even after he had an accident at the factory where he got his fingers severed, Abeoji worked very hard. But does Mi Yeon know what he got in return? Abeoji was fired. Without his fingers, his productivity was down. He was protesting on the rooftop and fell. He's still paralyzed.
Because of that shock, his mother... she passed away. Seok Hoon’s head drops and he sighs deeply. His eyes are wet now. Seok Hoon says that at his mother's funeral, Dad came by. He gave them the compensation money. He had his pictures taken by the reporters. And then he turned around and... he smiled. When my family was destroyed... Lives of people like them must have meant nothing to him.
Tears in her eyes, Mi Yeon grabs his arm. She says that she apologizes on behalf of Dad. She will do more for him. Again, she pleads with him for them to just disappear, shall they? He wrenches his arm free and declares that he made a promise that he'd have his revenge on Dad. As long as he lives, he can't stop. Now, that is sad. If Abeoji was there, he will tell Seok Hoon to stop and go to the woman who loves him, regardless of his sin. Seok Hoon says that this is why he can't come with her. I originally read that as ‘come to her,’ which is even more profound. Mi Yeon cries and gives up.
She tells him to go. She will let him go. If he can't come with her, she still wants him to leave. But... don't ever get caught. And don't let her see him kneel down. She tells him to take the car and don't ever come back. He nods and starts to go. She can’t take it and asks him to wait. He turns around.
Trying to sound bright again, she says that, for the last time, can he tell her one thing? That he loves her? It's okay even if it's a lie. It'll be their last time. Just that, please... He softly says that he doesn’t love her. In order to have his revenge on her father, he used her. And I wonder if he’s lying again. She cries some more. He walks away.
After the press conference, reporters are asking EHDad if he knew about the shocking truth about his daughter? Will he give up running for the President because of this? EHDad says that he still can't accept what happened to his daughter yet... But it won't affect his decision to run for President. That’s all he has to say. Reporters jostle Dad and Stepmom. Maid walks behind them in handcuffs, between two police men.
Outside, Ji Sook and Min Woo say their goodbye. Smiling, Ji Sook says that if you wear a mask, you can't be happy. She says that she thinks that Seo Eun Ha was right. She feels so good right now. She will be able to sleep well tonight. He tells her to do that. Surprisingly, he feel good, too. He says that they should meet again happy. Why do I feel sad right now?
Seok Hoon is in the airport, waiting for his flight. He’s covering his face with his hand. Flight attendant announces a flight heading to Havana, Cuba. He pulls out his ticket and finds a letter from Mi Yeon. She says:
Seok Hoon. By the time you are reading this letter, I wonder where we will be... Are we on the plane or are we already in Cuba?
As her voice over continues, we see that Mi Yeon is at the cliff where Eun Ha died. And I really hope that she doesn’t kill herself. I am now really concerned that she will.
Do you remember the town called Cojimar in Cuba? We went there for our honeymoon. Let's sit at the beach and go fishing like we did at that time. Let's drink the Mojitos Hemingway enjoyed. If we feel good after a few drinks, we will dance together and lie down at the beach and sleep in all day. Nobody will nag us for sleeping in. You won't have to go out in the middle of the night for work. Let's laugh all day like we did at that time. I'm happy just thinking about it. Let's start over there.
Mi Yeon steps forward.
Seok Hoon, from the moment I first met you until now... I've always loved you. I will always love you. Thank you for being my husband. I love you, Seok Hoon.
There are tears in Seok Hoon’s eyes. He closes the letter. He realizes that he loves her. He quickly runs to a payphone and calls her. Someone answers the phone, but we don’t hear what they say.
Mi Yeon’s funeral. So sad. If she’d waited just a little longer… Stepmom asks why her Mi Yeon had to go like that. She collapses and weeps. Seok Hoon slowly walks toward them. His face says that he’s destroyed that she’s dead. Stepmom asks how he dares to come there. He cries and doesn’t say anything. He bows. As he weeps, he says that he’s sorry. Stepmom starts to beat him with her fists. He killed her Mi Yeon! All he can do is look at her picture and cry, because he knows it’s true.
Dad tells him to get out. Min Woo punches him. As Seok Hoon sits on the floor, Min Woo tells him to, if Seok Hoon cared about his sister even a little bit, go take full responsibility for the crime he committed. Tears stream down Seok Hoon’s face.
Min Woo and Dad sit. Dad says that he never thought Mi Yeon would leave them like this. It's all his fault. What's a big deal with his company? He made the two of them compete and fight against each other. Min Woo replies that she was never interested in the company. It's because of him. He wanted to take over the company. That's why he was fighting with her. Dad says that he raised Min Woo that way.
Dad puts his hand on Min Woo’s shoulder and says that it must have been very hard for Min Woo when he moved in alone when he was little. Dad wants to clear up a misunderstanding about Oma’s death. Min Woo says that he doesn't want to hear about it. Dad says that he didn't even know that Oma gave birth to him. When he heard that he had a son, he wanted to come see Min Woo. That's why he asked them to bring Min Woo over. But Oma didn't understand and thought he was trying to take Min Woo away. So she ran and had the accident. Min Woo, it was indeed an accident. How could he possibly kill Oma? Min Woo says that even if it's true, nothing will change. The bottom line is that Dad couldn't protect Oma. Min Woo says that he’s different from Dad. He will live his life protecting his loved ones. Dad puts his hand on Min Woo’s shoulder and nods.
Prison. Ji Sook gets a letter. It actually looks like a pretty nice cell, more like a community rec room. It’s a letter from Min Woo.
Are you eating well? Do you sleep with the blanket over you? You're not sick, are you?
Ji Sook smiles.
Ji Sook’s letter asks if he’s having his juice every day. He reads it while pouring himself the juice.
Do you exercise every day? You don't suffer from nightmares at night, do you?
Min Woo sighs and mutters that because he told her not to, she worries about him even more.
Ji Sook writes:
I wonder how everybody is doing. Everybody is doing well, right?
Min Woo smiles as he writes that
Every day is the same, you know. There is nothing special.
Chang Soo puts some headphones on Yun Soo. They’re the fancy kind that have Bluetooth so that you can play stuff off your phone. He starts to play ‘Love is All Around’ by Wet Wet Wet.
And, trying not to sound nervous, he asks what she thinks about having that song for their wedding. She’s listening to the song and says that she likes it and then it sinks in what he just says. She stutters as she asks what he just said. He pulls out a ring and says that they should get married. Aw, it’s a nice ring. Wow, he saved his money. Yun Soo gasps. She asks if he’ll really marry her. He nods and says yes. She bites the ring and asks if it’s real. He says that it is.
Chul is in the kitchen. They look at him. He starts to cry and hurries out. Chang Soo asks what’s wrong with him and Yun Soo says that she has no idea. He's always like that. She thanks him for wanting to marry her and happily puts on the ring. Happy hugs.
Switch to Boss and Mal Ja at a restaurant. They’re meeting Manager and Worker3 for a blind date. They’re happy. Manager and Worker3 less so. Neither man should be picky because they aren’t catches either. Manager is a divorcee and Worker3 wears a bowl, for Pete’s sake. Manager and Mal Ja leave the pair alone.
Ji Sook writes:
I've been dreaming about how I'm going to live my life after I get out of here. What kind of life will we live?
Min Woo cooks and asks says that Ji Sook will enjoy his cooking and they will live happily. He has a look of contentment on his face as he watches his eggs cook and thinks about cooking for his wife.
His letters says:
Let's wait a little bit longer. Let's wait a little bit longer even if we miss each other.
Not too much longer! There’s less than 10 minutes left!!!
A little bit longer...
Ji Sook’s letter:
I hope we all will be able to become happy some day. I hope we will be able to smile again. I know my hopes are too high right now. I pray and pray for those days to come.
Ji Sook smiles as she thinks about that.
Dad and Stepmom sit, alone, at that huge dining room table. That’s sad. Stepmom puts down her utensils. She says that no matter how hard she thinks about it, it's not right. How can Dad possibly give managing the company to someone from outside the family? He looks at her and tells her not to start. She says that she will! She wants a a position at the head office. She needs to stay there. She wants to do what her Mi Yeon couldn't finish. Does Dad think she would give up the company?
Seok Hoon is in jail. So he took Min Woo’s words to heart. Too bad Mi Yeon isn’t around. I’m really hoping that she faked her own death. I know that’s kind of pathetic but I want her to have a happy ending. His cell is much less plush. He’s quietly reading a book. Guard comes in and calls him “2030.” He says that they have an unscheduled search of Seok Hoon’s belongings. Seok Hoon doesn’t argue. Guard looks through Seok Hoon’s books and finds a picture of Mi Yeon. He asks who she is. Seok Hoon sadly looks at the picture and says that she’s someone he'll be seeing soon. Is he planning on killing himself?
[Four years later]
In the last 5 minutes they do a time jump?
Ji Sook’s birthday party. Boss and Mal Ja are there. Myung Hwa is sitting next to Ji Hyuk. Dad is smiling. Yun Soo and Chang Soo light the candles on the cake. Min Woo starts the ‘Happy Birthday’ song and everyone loudly sings. Ji Sook blows out the candles. Min Woo asked what her wish is. I guess in Korean culture, it’s not considered bad luck or that the wish won’t happen if you reveal it. Ji Sook says that she wished she would always be as happy as she is right now. Min Woo smiles and says that it was a very nice wish. He tells Chang Soo to write it down.
Chang Soo pulls out his notebook and says that Mrs. Choi deserves his respect. Ji Sook tells him that he so deserve to be favored. Yun Soo taps her shoulder and says that that’s *her* line. Ji Sook laughs and apologizes. Dad thanks everyone for coming. He made lots of delicious dishes and hopes they enjoy and have a great time today.
Everyone digs into the steak and gushes over how delicious it is. And I see where this is going. Sneaky. Boss says that she’s jealous. She wants to quit her job at the department store and run a restaurant like this. Ji Sook tells them to come by any time to try good dishes. Min Woo smiles at his wife. Aw, I wanted Min Woo to be the cook and redeem himself.
Ji Sook and Min Woo are now at the park… with their little girl. So they finally consummated things. I roll my eyes. Min Woo groans and asks if they shouldn't stop her. She’s playing with dirt. Does Ji Sook know how much bad stuff is in dirt? She doesn't have strong immune system yet. Ji Sook says that children are supposed to play like this. This will help her with her immune system.
Little girl declares that the bug flying around them is a butterfly. Min Woo says that he will ask her directly. Calling her Min Sook – which is too precious since it’s a combination of their names – he asks if she, by any chance, is feeling sick or hurt? She says that she isn’t. He says that if she feels something, tell Appa, okay? Still playing she says she will. Ji Sook laughs.
Ji Sook sticks her finger into the bucket and wipes it on Min Woo’s cheek. He grunts, glares at her and touches his cheek. Min Sook copies her mom. Min Woo groans that Min Sook doesn’t have to copy such a thing. He kisses her and tells her that she doesn't have to copy that.
The three walk, with Min Woo carrying Min Sook. Lots of smiling and happiness. Ji Sook’s voiceover asks: What is love? What is happiness? What do we all live for? Where are we all headed? To climb up the tall mountain called Life, we all think about the top and struggle all our lives. But if we turn to the side a little bit there are bunch of flowers and they smell so sweet. She wanted to climb to the top in order to be happy. Now she knows she’s happy when walking with her loved ones smelling flowers. Now she knows that should be the goal of her life. She will live her life that way. She will be happy like that. She tells herself that.
Series ends with them planting a kiss on either of Min Sook’s cheeks and Min Sook smiling widely.
Americanese
- deus ex machina - Latin phrase that literally means "God from the machine," it's a literary term where an an unexpected power or event saves a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a contrived plot device in a play or novel. Wikipedia says that "depending on how it is done, it can be intended to move the story forward when the writer has "painted himself into a corner" and sees no other way out, to surprise the audience, to bring the tale to a happy ending, or as a comedic device." It comes from the ancient Greek and Roman drama practice of introducing a god (often by lowering him/her onto the stage by use of a crane) to decide the outcome of a play
- to stick it to (someone) - to punish someone who did something wrong earlier; for more information, see The English Language and Usage blog.
- for Pete's sake - the exact origin of the phrase isn't known, but most people attribute it as reference to the disciple, Peter, and used in the place of 'Christ' in a mild expletive. It can be translated as 'for pity's sake,' meaning to do something out of pity for someone. For more discussion, see the English Language and Usage blog, World Wide Words and the Online Etymology Dictionary.
Thoughts
How do I feel now that the show is over? I don’t know. I mentioned at the beginning of my recap for this episode that I’d been putting off watching the last episode out of dread that those dangling threads wouldn’t get resolved, and although some things were cleared up (sort of): Oma’s death was just a terrible accident and Seok Hoon’s vendetta was due to Dad smiling at him at his mother’s funeral. I still feel like there were a lot of things that were wasted. Like whether Eun Ha and Ji Sook were related? Why was Minion so devoted to Seok Hoon? Why did Doc Kim keep quiet and do all that in the first place? Was Stepmom in on Min Woo’s drugging? What were things from Min Woo’s past that make his insanity believable? Ultimately, I feel like Seok Hoon’s big plan was never actually conceptualized by the writers beyond the shell: let’s have him get his girlfriend to marry Min Woo and then kill Min Woo so that they can get Min Woo’s money. And Seok Hoon will be deluded into thinking that it’s for good him doing evil things, because he demands his revenge! His plan deserved to be more complex and nefarious, especially for the extended period of time that Seok Hoon spent drugging Min Woo to convince him that he was crazy. And given Min Woo’s murder board, Oma’s death could have been a lot more complicated and nefarious. In the end, neither were, which leaves me disappointed.
I did enjoy seeing Seok Hoon getting busted at the press conference in this last episode, but I wish that it had happened an episode before so that we could have had more of Min Woo and Ji Sook happy together. Their letters were ‘nice,’ but seeing them with their daughter was nicer. That’s what I would have wanted more of.
And like I said, I wish that Mi Yeon had faked her death, so that she could have at least finally known that Seok Hoon loved her. While Mask’s Raskolnikov got his and took his punishment, Seok Hoon didn’t end up with the girl and it would have been nice to see that. Even if he was a villain. He wasn’t a sociopath, so seeing a little bit of redemption would have been nice. Seeing his reaction over Mi Yeon’s death, I even wonder if he didn’t realize that he loved her more than he loved Eun Ha. Because he was really broken over Mi Yeon’s death and even went to jail to prove it. In the end, it wasn’t Eun Ha’s photo that he cherished, it was Mi Yeon’s which is what makes it even more tragic. Especially in re-watching their relationship, when Mi Yeon thought she was pregnant, he could have really been happy with her if he had just let himself.
I thought it was sad, Dad and Stepmom ending up eating dinner alone at that huge table. It looks like Min Woo moved out to live his own life. So Seok Hoon got his revenge in that sense.
But overall, this was a great show. It could have been amazing if they had finished some of the threads they started to weave, but it was fantastic ride and I have to give props to all four of the leads. I think that Soo Ae, Joo Ji Hoon, Yun Jung Hoon and Yoo In Young took characters that could have been two-dimensional and made them nuanced and rich. Min Woo, even when he was half-crazy, still came across as a decent man who didn’t deserve what he got. Ji Sook was a decent woman who got backed into a corner with really no choice but to choose being Eun Ha. Seok Hoon was bent on revenge, but it didn’t mean that he was unfeeling. And Mi Yeon was a woman who did crazy things to the man she loved but still felt terrible afterward. Yes, this was melodrama, but because of how the four played these characters, it wasn’t over the top and campy, which is what made it good.
I do think that Soo Ae and Joo Ji Hoon have made my favorites list. I liked Ji Hoon as Prince Shin in Goong, but I loved him as Choi Min Woo. He was fantastic. And this is the first thing I’ve seen Soo Ae in, but I loved how accessible and relatable she is. She’s a beautiful woman that you aren’t jealous of because she’s your best friend and her beauty really comes from what’s inside. They both made this drama extra special because of their performances (and their chemistry).
While I will wonder what might have worked out if the show had ended up 24 episodes, I’m happy that the network gave us twenty episodes of Soo Ae and Joo Ji Hoon awesomeness. And Yun Jung Hoon and Yoo In Young glowers, too.
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