Evaluation: Household By Alternative – The Fangirl Verdict

THE SHORT VERDICT:

Household By Alternative is a beautiful, compact little household drama that manages to ship fairly massive on the feels, contemplating its comparatively brief size of simply 16 episodes.

Present serves up a complete lot of feels within the discovered household realm, with a pleasant little bonus of romance, on the aspect.

Sure, it’s a remake of c-drama Go Forward (assessment right here!), however you don’t must have seen Go Forward, to like this one. Conversely, simply since you’ve seen Go Forward, doesn’t imply you gained’t get pleasure from this one too.

Present does really feel a little bit truncated in spots due to its shorter size, however the feels are robust and genuine sufficient, that it doesn’t actually matter, within the larger scheme of issues.

Completely suggest, in case you get pleasure from household dramas &/or discovered household tales. 🥰

THE LONG VERDICT:

The most important factor I wish to inform you guys about this present, is that I cherished it instantly.

The truth is, inside simply a few episodes, I discovered myself already feeling wistful, that I’d ultimately get to the tip of this present, and haven’t any extra episodes to look at.

From fairly early on, I discovered myself watching the episodes slowly – like, taking breaks each chunk of quarter-hour or so – in an effort to attempt to make the episodes last more, simply to place off the inevitable. 🥲

I by some means needed issues to maneuver sooner and slower, with this present, if that makes any sense. Like, I needed extra, and shortly, however I didn’t need quickly to come back too shortly, as a result of that meant that I’d be that a lot nearer to the tip.

That occurs very hardly ever, to me, and based mostly on that alone, I think about this to be a fairly particular drama certainly. 🥰

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Right here’s the OST album, in case you’d prefer to take heed to it when you learn the assessment.

Total, I discovered that I loved the music very effectively, although I can’t say that any of the tracks actually stood out to me as being further particular.

I’ll say, although, that each time I clicked on an episode, the opening credit, which makes use of Monitor 1, “Us In These Days,” actually perked me up. That’s my decide for favourite monitor, due to that. 😁

Right here it’s as effectively, in case you’d favor to take heed to it on repeat, as you learn the assessment. Good-click on the video and choose “Loop.”

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll speak about methods to handle your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens can be most useful.

After that, I speak about stuff I favored and didn’t like a lot, earlier than I give the highlight to chose characters and relationships, in a separate part. Lastly, I spend a while speaking about my ideas on the penultimate and finale episodes.

If you happen to’re concerned with my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the assorted Patreon members’ feedback through the course of our watch, you would possibly like to take a look at my episode notes on Patreon right here.

WAS THIS REMAKE WORTHWHILE?

I do know that opinions are considerably divided on this adaptation, with some viewers preferring the c-version, however I’m firmly within the camp that claims that this adaptation works, and works effectively.

I’ve heard some of us say, based mostly on simply Present’s early episodes, that Present is only a duplicate of the c-version, and.. I hafta say, I don’t see that as being the case, from the place I’m sitting.

I really feel that Present does a very nice job of constructing a parallel story world that’s not simply Koreanized from its Chinese language supply materials, but in addition, really diverges from the supply materials in some particular situations, in an effort to make its shorter runtime work higher.

Now, I don’t sometimes take to remakes all that effectively, particularly if I’ve seen and cherished the unique (like A Time Known as You (assessment right here!), which is a remake of Sometime Or One Day (assessment right here!), for instance).

So the truth that I’ve hearts in my eyes for this remake of a present that I cherished, says rather a lot, I do assume. 😁

I feel that for people who like household drama feels, however don’t just like the size of the everyday household drama, and the dedication that goes with, that this may very well be a very good choice.

SOME PROS AND CONS

The unique is 40 40-minute episodes, and that is 16 one-hour episodes, so we’re coping with rather a lot much less story time.

To me, there are execs and cons to this.

On the upside, sure, it’s much less of a time dedication, and we get the large vital beats with out having to take a position the time and endurance to get there.

And, would possibly I say, I do assume that Present does a really stable job of giving us an excellent taste for our story, our characters and their relationships, regardless of cramming about.. I dunno, I’d guess 10 authentic episodes price of story, into our first two episodes.

That stated, the draw back to this, is that whereas Present accomplishes all that in two episodes, the inspiration when it comes to my emotions for these characters and their relationships, is just much less robust, as a result of all of it obtained a quickie basis as a substitute of a basis constructed over time.

After I’d spent that (nonetheless a guess) 10 episodes with our characters, I couldn’t assist however get a deep sense of their bond, and what sort of wounds they maintain of their hearts, and the way valuable the discovered household is, to every member of stated discovered household.

In two episodes, I get a good sense of it, however there’s simply no substituting precise time spent with the characters, for my part.

That stated, I’m not mad at what Present serves up.

Since we solely have 16 episodes for this story, then that is an method that I absolutely endorse and help, as a result of this manner, we get the inspiration established, with highlighted milestone moments given a little bit bit of additional time, earlier than we get to the meat of the story.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Listed here are some issues that I feel can be useful to bear in mind, to maximise your enjoyment of your watch:

1. This isn’t romance-forward

There are a few lovelines on this, however by and enormous, Present focuses extra on the discovered household feels, in addition to the person journeys of our characters.

Adjusting your expectations round this, helps.

2. Time passes quick on this drama world

What I imply is, we’ve solely obtained 16 episodes to inform this story, which spans fairly a couple of years, with our younger characters rising up into adults.

This essentially implies that sure parts of our story will get glossed over, as a result of there merely isn’t sufficient time to go deeper into the constructing of sure relationships, for instance.

I don’t see this as a flaw on Present’s half, as a result of it’s simply working with what it’s obtained, in any case.

I do assume that adjusting your expectations round this is able to be useful, although.

STUFF I LIKED

How Present handles itself, as an adaptation

I’ve stated it earlier than, however I do assume that it’s price restating, that this remake actually works for me.

It’s clearly largely aligned to the supply materials, nevertheless it’s additionally daring in making this story its personal, a lot in order that the watch expertise feels recent to me, although quite a lot of the unique drama’s particulars are fairly recent in my head.

On this spoiler part, I discover among the methods Present is analogous and but additionally, totally different, from its supply materials.

Be at liberty to skip this, in case you’re not acquainted with the supply materials; I feel this is able to principally curiosity of us who know and love Go Forward (once more, assessment right here!), on which this drama relies.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I’d say that our characters principally really feel fairly just like their c-drama counterparts, however are inclined to even have their very own taste, if you’ll.

For instance, our two dads are, like their c-drama counterparts, like an cute outdated married couple, with one dad being the gruff policeman, and the opposite dad being extra like a mother.

It’s freaking cute, and I adore it.

But additionally, I do discover that Policeman Dad right here, has a softer vibe to him, which I truthfully actually like. I like that little beat, of him washing the dishes and asking Mother Dad, if he did an excellent job. SO CUTE.

And I additionally discover that Mother Dad, on this story world, is a tiny bit much less Mother-like, than his c-drama counterpart, which I feel works effectively for the place I feel this story goes.

As for the youngsters, I feel the most important distinction I’m seeing, is in Ju Received, who’s rather a lot much less boisterous than her c-drama counterpart.

(Can I simply say although, that the casting of Oh Eun Search engine optimisation to play younger Ju Received, is ideal; I like the innocent-cheeky-willful vibe that Oh Eun So brings to the character. I assumed it was completely incredible. 🤩🤩)

I can respect that Present would possibly wish to make its feminine lead extra female, and I do assume that it does an excellent job of retaining the “loopy” scenes, by having it’s one thing that Hae Jun coaches her on, to cope with the naysayers claiming that she’s not their actual sister, relatively than one thing that’s a part of her personal character.

I assumed that was a pleasant compromise, truthfully.

As for Oppa San Ha, I feel that he’s much less broody (and maybe subsequently much less smoldery) than Music Wei Lengthy, his c-drama counterpart.

Regardless of that, I do really feel like Hwang In Yeop is doing a pleasant job of being the accountable Oppa who has an enormous smooth spot for Ju Received, and who occurs to be the item of many ladies’ crushes, in school.

Like, I’d purchase that lotsa ladies wish to give him love letters. 😁

After which there’s Hae Jun, whom I discover to be much more of an endearing pet than his c-drama counterpart, who was performed by Zhang Xin Cheng.

Possibly it’s simply Bae Hyeon Seong’s candy face (he all the time offers me Park Bo Gum vibes, for actual 🥰); I discover myself having an nearly prompt smooth spot for Hae Jun, that I didn’t fairly have, for his c-drama counterpart (sorry, Zhang Xin Cheng).

This makes for an fascinating dynamic shift right here, as a result of I discover myself extra invested in Hae Jun in the mean time, than in San Ha, and that was the opposite means round, once I watched Go Forward.

I’m positively curious to see how this performs out, as a result of the way in which Present has arrange its characters, has my feelings already being distributed considerably in another way. 😅

As a secondary instance, there’s additionally the way in which Present is approaching the scenario with Hae Jun’s mom.

Within the authentic story, Mother had disappeared, and there hadn’t been any indication given to the viewers, that she maybe had run into issues, and maybe hadn’t needed to vanish.

I do assume that that method gave me, as a viewer, a better vicarious expertise as to how her son may need felt, being left behind like that.

Nonetheless, on this model of the story, we get to see that Mother had run into hassle of some type, and hadn’t needed to go away the way in which she did.

I do really feel that the explanation for this totally different method, is that we solely have 16 episodes to work with, and there may be subsequently much less time for Present to interrupt down our acceptance of her, after which construct it again up once more.

That’s in all probability why Present is permitting us to have a extra sympathetic view of her, proper from the start.

As for San Ha’s mother, effectively, what can I say; if you would like a dysfunctional mother, then Kim Hye Eun is completely forged. 😁

Ah, that does carry me to the scene the place she leaves, and tells Ju Received that sure, she will have San Ha.

This was the one space the place I assumed that Present’s presentation of the scene paled compared to the unique.

Within the authentic, Ju Received’s counterpart Jianjian, had danced round San Ha’s counterpart Ling Xiao, with tears in her eyes.

On this model, Ju Received doesn’t achieve this, and I do assume that that makes a world of distinction, in how the scene lands.

On this model, it had merely appeared like Ju Received had been relatively clueless as to how tragic the scenario was, that San Ha’s mother was giving him away.

However within the authentic model, it had appeared like Jianjian understood how tragic and painful this was, however was making a contented present of it, as a strategy to console Ling Xiao, that he was nonetheless needed, although his mother may not need him anymore. 😭

With Ju Received’s finest good friend Dal having a crush on Hae Jun as a substitute of San Ha, not like her c-drama counterpart, who’d nursed a crush on Large Oppa, I’m pondering that maybe Hae Jun will get his personal pleased ending, romance-wise?

That’s not an unappealing thought in any respect, so I’m pleased to see the place Present takes this.

[END SPOILER]

How Present serves up the feels

One of many issues I’d seemed ahead to essentially the most, in anticipating this present, was the feels that I believed Present would serve up, and Present doesn’t disappoint.

The truth that Present nonetheless managed to persistently hit me within the coronary heart, although I used to be already acquainted with the broad beats of this story, says an amazing deal, I feel, about how natural and genuine this story manages to be.

There’s some angst and poignancy within the combine for certain, however there may be additionally a heat that runs undercurrent, that almost all usually comes from our hodgepodge household being a discovered household, and all of it provides as much as what looks like a multidimensional expertise for the guts, if you realize what I imply. 🥲

Despite the fact that Present does must omit sure issues and truncate others, in an effort to match its shorter runtime, it doesn’t skimp on the feels in any respect, and I depend that as an enormous power. 🥰🥲

The kid actors

I simply needed to give a shout-out to the kid actors who play Ju Received, San Ha and Hae Jun.

Oh Eun Search engine optimisation, Shin Search engine optimisation Woo and Choi Jae Yoon play our core trio, and they’re fairly darn glorious, I felt, notably since there are some emotionally tough scenes, notably for Shin Search engine optimisation Woo.

Very properly achieved certainly. 🤩🤩🤩

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Hwang In Yeop as San Ha

Total, I’d say that Hwang In Yeop does a stable job of delivering San Ha as a personality.

Whereas I do assume that Hwang In Yeop manages some tough scenes very effectively, I’ve to admit that I did want, at factors, that he might have added extra layers to his supply of San Ha.

That stated, San Ha as a personality tugged on my heartstrings a lot in idea, that my perceived minor shortfall in Hwang In Yeop’s supply, didn’t have an effect on my sympathy for the character in any respect.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. These episodes, Present introduces the concept San Ha’s nonetheless traumatized by his reminiscences of his sister’s dying, and my coronary heart actually goes out to him.

I’m certain there’s some self-blame at play, although San Ha hints, in his dialog with Hae Jun, that it hadn’t really been his fault, and had maybe really been his mother’s fault.

With that as context, it makes Mother’s return even worse, notably when she tells San Ha that she’s right here to forgive him, for what had occurred.

Like, excuse me??? She’s horrible; how might she say that about her son, not simply 10 years in the past, when the wound was nonetheless recent, however nonetheless, 10 years later???

Now, after she’s remarried and had one other baby, and has had a full 10 years to rethink her place on the matter, how might she nonetheless, whereas in a sober mind set, blame San Ha for his sister’s dying???

UGH. I hate her, no exaggeration.

I used to be with Cop Dad each breath of the way in which, when he loses his mood and yells at Poison Mother within the restaurant, calling her out for her horrible conduct. Like, YES, you inform her, Ahjusshi!! 😤

However backing up a bit to when San Ha first units eyes on her when she seeks him out in school, I’ve to provide credit score to Hwang In Yeop’s supply of the scene.

I might really feel such a tightness in his expression as he confronted her, and on the similar time, I felt like I might see all these streaks of emotion seeping out via cracks within the tightness, that he didn’t need seeping out, however couldn’t assist.

Very well achieved, I assumed. 🥲

I absolutely supported the phrases that San Ha bites out to Poison Mother, that he doesn’t need her to point out up once more, and that he hopes she lives an excellent life (ie, away from him).

E7-8. My coronary heart actually went out to San Ha, with every little thing that’s taking place round his mom and the accident.

To start with, there’s the guilt that will routinely kick in, due to what Mother had stated to him, in a match of pique at his refusal to see her or take her calls, that he’d possible solely see her if she’s bedridden and dying.

Oof. Being the great child that San Ha is, I consider that that will possible have been one of many first issues to hit him, and hit him exhausting, on the information of the accident.

It makes full sense to me that he wouldn’t solely rush to the hospital, which is in Seoul, but in addition, supply to stick with So Hee, not less than till Mother regains consciousness.

Like Mother’s alluded to earlier than, I do assume that San Ha does see a shadow of So Jung in So Hee, and that will positively trigger him to have a smooth spot for her, no matter how terrible Mother has been to him.

Plus, I do assume that in San Ha’s thoughts, it’s not So Hee’s fault that any of that is taking place, and as her massive brother, he possible looks like he ought to do what he can, to make issues as simple for her as doable, given the circumstances.

After which, when Mother wakes up, it’s additionally not shocking that she would virtually lose her thoughts at how her life’s out of the blue modified, what along with her husband out of the blue passing away, and herself out of the blue unable to stroll.

We’ve been advised a number of occasions already, that Mother isn’t a mentally robust particular person, and I can think about how this is able to be extraordinarily overwhelming for her, which is why we see her have that full meltdown within the hospital room.

It’s simply so exhausting on San Ha although. I really feel so unhealthy for him, that he’s being pressured to be the grownup within the scenario, as a result of there’s actually nobody else who’s ready to take action, except for Uncle, who doesn’t really dwell in Seoul.

It’s poignant to see the remainder of our discovered household ready for San Ha via all of it, from the second he leaves for Seoul, to get information of how Mother’s surgical procedure goes, after which afterwards, to get updates on how she’s doing, and when he’s coming dwelling.

E7-8. San Ha’s simply not the type of one that would depart Mother alone in her second of want, it doesn’t matter what she’d achieved to him up to now, and I can perceive why he would really feel that it was his rightful obligation, to point out compassion, endurance and kindness, on this actually harsh season in her life.

Add on the truth that Uncle says that there’s actually no different means, and that Mother doesn’t have the power of character to work exhausting for her finest restoration within the care of strangers, and it mainly turns into a given, that that is San Ha’s solely selection.

E9-10. I respect that Cop Dad tries to cease San Ha from leaving, as a result of that’s what I’d like as effectively, however when San Ha frames it as not having the ability to dwell with the potential of shedding one other member of the family, it’s exhausting to refute that, y’know?

E9-10. When it comes to San Ha’s scenario, it actually looks like there’s a ticking time bomb simply ready to explode in his face, with the way in which Poison Mother continues to be attempting so exhausting to cling to him, even whereas she thinks that he’s simply again in Haedong for a trip and a few relaxation.

Simply wait until she finds out that he’s obtained a job there, and an condominium and a automobile, and is able to calm down there for good. 😬

I can’t think about that that will go down effectively in any respect, and it looks like that is one thing that she would discover out before later, eep. 😬😬😬

E11-12. I consider Cop Dad’s intuition 100%, that Poison Mother should have achieved one thing to San Ha that’s so horrible and hurtful, that San Ha doesn’t wish to speak about it, for worry of upsetting Cop Dad.

We don’t know for certain, however I’m guessing that the treatment that San Ha’s hiding, is for anxiousness, since he have to be beneath a lot stress from Poison Mother, on high of the stress that will naturally come from being a medical resident.

I actually really feel for San Ha, as a result of simply the considered probably calling Poison Mother for her birthday, appears to trigger his total physique to tense up. It actually makes me surprise at how a lot he’s suffered, during the last 10 years, dwelling along with her. 💔

[END SPOILER]

Jung Chae Yeon as Ju Received

Personally, I loved Jung Chae Yeon as Ju Received very effectively, and I actually do assume that that’s as a result of I accepted early on, that Ju Received is just not as boisterous or as tomboyish as her Chinese language counterpart, Jianjian.

I assumed that tweak labored very well for the character, as a result of regardless of her being extra female than Jianjian, Ju Received’s nonetheless bubbly, cheerful and enthusiastic, which I really feel are the core traits of her character.

I additionally cherished Ju Received’s deep sense of loyalty, notably in direction of her discovered household. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. The moment pet love type of vibe between Ju Received and Jun Ho (Yoon Sang Hyeon) can be fairly cute, however the kicker, for me, is when her efforts to let all his quirks slide involves an abrupt halt, the minute he begins to innocently insinuate that her household background is just not so good, as a result of she needed to develop up with no mother.

The factor that strikes me most, is that, for Ju Received, this isn’t nearly defending her personal honor; it’s about defending the distinction of her total household, together with San Ha and Hae Jun.

And so, she drops Jun Ho like a sizzling potato, with no second thought, as a result of he’s had the audacity and poor judgment, to not solely overlook how particular her household is, however to pity them.

I truthfully kinda love how all of her girlish fantasies about courting a cute boy prompt cease being of significance, when her household’s honor comes into the image.

I discover her fast, unhesitating option to be very heartwarming. 🥲

E7-8. It’s actually unlucky that San Ha and Hae Jun would each want to go away on the similar time, which leads me to really feel actually sorry for Ju Received.

As a result of, we all know how a lot this discovered household means to her, and the way a lot San Ha and Hae Jun imply to her, and now, there’s even this new insecurity that’s crept in, about how she’s not San Ha’s actual sister, whereas So Hee is.

What makes it worse is how San Ha’s leaning into the “unhealthy” interpretation, and refusing to phrase it higher, like Hae Jun desires him to.

Truthfully, I discover it actually heartbreaking to look at, as a result of to my eyes, that is San Ha feeling actually horrible about it, and refusing to permit himself to make excuses for a choice that he feels he has no selection however to make.

I really feel like how exhausting he’s leaning into this hurtful model of occasions, is how a lot he’s beating himself up for it, and that’s simply heartbreaking, truthfully. 💔😭

It’s completely comprehensible that Ju Received would see this as the 2 of them selecting their bio households over this discovered household, and really feel damage and rejected due to it.

E9-10. It actually was exhausting to look at the boys prepare to go away; it’s so clear to see that neither of them actually desires to go, however they simply really feel like they must.

On the similar time, I can think about how Ju Received should really feel; this beloved household of hers, that she’s fiercely defended for the previous 10 years, appears to be breaking apart earlier than her eyes, impulsively, and that have to be actually exhausting to take.

In any case, it’s not like she’d had any prior warning that this was coming, sure?

I’d be actually upset too, if my entire world as I knew it, was out of the blue torn aside, particularly if I felt prefer it was preventable – which I’m fairly certain Ju Received feels that it’s.

I think about that she should really feel like Hae Jun and San Ha each have a selection within the matter, ie, they may simply select to not go, and are each subsequently betraying their household, by selecting to go away.

E9-10. I respect that apart from her goodbye with San Ha, Ju Received has her personal little goodbye with Hae Jun, with him providing her all these snacks as a farewell present, and her selecting his on a regular basis belongings, like his clock and his watch, saying that he gained’t want them anymore, within the US.

I really feel like, in her personal means, Ju Received has her personal goodbyes with each boys, and that’s why it’s not so unhealthy, that she doesn’t see them off, after they go away.

And I really feel for her too, when she tells Mother Dad afterwards, that the explanation she didn’t see them off, is as a result of that will make their departure really feel too actual.

E9-10. I like that Ju Received softens in direction of San Ha and Hae Jun, little by little, as she begins to understand that issues hadn’t been simple for both of them, up to now 10 years.

I assumed it was candy of her to provide Hae Jun her bank card, in order that he might purchase himself a pair of correct sneakers, in order that he wouldn’t look so shabby.

I additionally like how she takes particular notice of the truth that San Ha says that he hadn’t eaten any ice pops whereas in Seoul, although he believes that they’re obtainable. I feel that’s sufficient to provide her an concept that San Ha hasn’t been having a simple time in Seoul, all these years.

She does care, although she doesn’t actually wish to say so. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Bae Hyeon Seong as Hae Jun

I’ve to admit that Bae Hyeon Seong as Hae Jun stole my coronary heart, hook, line and sinker; he was simply so, SO good. 😍

Bae Hyeon Seong offers Hae Jun a really endearing, puppy-like high quality that grabbed me instantly.

Not solely that, I’m actually legitimately blown away by the type of emotional depth that Bae Hyeon Seong injects into his supply of Hae Jun.

In his palms, I felt like I used to be aware of the ocean that was Hae Jun’s coronary heart, and all of the angst, ache and insecurity that he hid in that ocean. 🥲

Due to Bae Hyeon Seong’s earnest portrayal of Hae Jun, I discovered myself having the most important smooth spot for Hae Jun, although I hadn’t had fairly the identical smooth spot for Hae Jun’s Chinese language counterpart Ziqiu.

Can’t lie; Hae Jun was my favourite. 🥹

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. In episode 3, Hae Jun’s bio dad (Lee Jong Hyuk) makes his presence recognized, and principally, my coronary heart simply goes out to Hae Jun, via all of it.

Previous the preliminary surprised response, you’ll be able to see that it’s instantly a really emotional time for him.

I’m certain there are numerous questions on his thoughts – certainly one of which he asks instantly, which is, why is Bio Dad in search of him out now? – however truthfully, from the very second Hae Jun realized that the person in entrance of him was his start father, I felt like I might sense that he was fearful, deep down, beneath all of it.

I really feel like there was an prompt, reflexive worry, that he can be pressured to go away the household that he’s recognized and cherished for the previous decade, as a result of now he had an official guardian to whom he belonged.

To Present’s credit score, and to Bae Hyeon Seong’s credit score too, that is solely dropped at the floor in a while, however the rapid glimmers had been nonetheless clear to see, for my part.

Within the meantime, there are numerous significant layers at play, which add as much as a really advanced emotional panorama for Hae Jun, which feels becoming, as a result of it should really feel very sophisticated to be in his footwear.

First, there’s the factor that he has to course of, that he has a start father, and that Bio Dad is aware of of his existence.

After which, based mostly on what Bio Dad says, Hae Jun deduces that he’d been needed as a baby, as a result of Mother had needed him, from the very starting.

The truth that he consoles himself with that thought, is, in itself, very poignant, as a result of as we all know, Hae Jun has an enormous Mother-sized gap in his coronary heart, and he nonetheless longs for her, although he tries to not present it. 🥲

E5-6. Issues aren’t really easy for Hae Jun, and we see that extra clearly, these episodes.

I do know that Aunt (Min Ji Ah) means effectively, and that her phrases come from a spot of wanting Hae Jun to understand the love and kindness that he’s acquired from Mother Dad, nevertheless it turns into more and more clear, that that is doing extra hurt than good.

Not solely does it stress Hae Jun out, as a result of it makes him really feel that he ought to be adequate, and do effectively sufficient, to pay Mother Dad again, nevertheless it additionally reminds him that he’s probably not Mother Dad’s son, and that has to harm.

E5-6. I really feel very unhealthy for Hae Jun, although, on the finish of those episodes, as a result of he lastly finds out that Mother (Baek Eun Hye) is round, and inside attain; that she’s been to see Aunt, and even to see Mother Dad – however she hasn’t been to see him.

Oof. Poor Hae Jun; that’s obtained to harm, a lot. Poor, poor puppyyy. 😭

E7-8. My coronary heart goes out to Hae Jun, as a result of he actually goes via rather a lot, these episodes.

All of it begins together with his mother coming to see Mother Dad, and return the cash she’d borrowed, however not asking to see him.

Poor Hae Jun. He tries to place up a powerful entrance, and even tells Mother Dad that if she comes once more, to inform her that he doesn’t wish to see her anymore.

However how might my coronary heart not break for him, after we see him cry beneath the covers later, whereas in mattress, on their lonesome. 💔

Our pet’s lived with the hope of seeing his mom once more, all these years, and he’s been consoling himself that she have to be delayed as a result of she doesn’t have the cash – and now, he doesn’t have that excuse to console himself with anymore.

Augh. My coronary heart. 😭

Hae Jun simply doesn’t have the guts to let Mother Dad destroy his well being, whereas attempting to supply for Hae Jun, and so of course Hae Jun would select the trail that will take away himself as a burden on Mother Dad.

E11-12. Whereas all his inside battle about not having a legally acknowledged relationship with Mother Dad is occurring, Hae Jun continues to really feel deserted by his mother.

AUGH. Hae Jun has my coronary heart, on this factor alone, as a result of he all the time has this layer of stricken pet to him, although he works exhausting to be vibrant and cheerful.

The truth is, I’d say that the very fact he tries so exhausting to be vibrant and cheerful, when he’s actually nursing all this ache, rejection and confusion on the within, makes my coronary heart exit to him all of the extra. 💔

E11-12. I really feel horrible for Hae Jun, another time, when he receives that textual content from Aunt, and rushes over to his mother’s hair salon, solely to see her trying like she’s fortunately dwelling her finest life with out him.

Oof. That’s gotta damage, and the way is Hae Jun to know that the explanation Mother’s smiling, is as a result of she’d seen him from afar, not too way back? 😭

I actually want Mother wouldn’t be so cussed about not assembly Hae Jun, however with the reveal that we get these episodes, that she’d killed an individual, I really feel like I can perceive the place she’s coming from.

From this assertion, we will deduce that she’d possible gone to jail for her crime (I’m certain that it hadn’t been homicide, and had possible been achieved in self protection or one thing comparable), and that’s possible why she’d out of the blue stopped calling Hae Jun, with out warning.

Given that there’s a lot of stigma in Korea (that we’ve seen performed out in lots of different dramas) round youngsters of murderers, I can think about that Mother in all probability thinks that it’s higher for Hae Jun to not have a mother in any respect, than be labeled the son of a assassin.

Ack. That’s a tricky one, and I do consider that Mother is sincerely doing what she feels is finest for Hae Jun, even when it means not having the ability to see or discuss to her personal son, for the remainder of her life.

I do respect Ju Received’s outburst although, the place she tells Mother simply how a lot Hae Jun has suffered with out her, all these years, as a result of Mother ought to know this too.

And hopefully, that can assist weaken her resolve, to not see Hae Jun. 🥹

[END SPOILER]

The trio collectively

It type of goes with out saying, that I simply cherished seeing our core trio collectively.

I lapped up each little bit of proof that indicated that they knew, understood and cared about each other very, very deeply.

I simply cherished each scene that they shared collectively, whether or not they had been squabbling like actual siblings, or speaking issues out and baring their hearts, or just sharing meals as a way of consolation – like so many Asian siblings do. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E7-8. I’m relieved that Ju Received and San Ha mainly power Hae Jun to come back clear as to why he appears upset (and yay that they’re able to inform, at a look, that one thing’s improper), as a result of I’m certain that Hae Jun would have tried to maintain every little thing to himself, and that will have made it a lot worse.

It’s so poignantly endearing, that each Ju Received and San Ha routinely tear away half of their very own purple bean buns, and provides these halves to Hae Jun, to consolation him. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

San Ha and Hae Jun

I used to be actually very pleasantly shocked by the quantity of depth and nuance that we get, within the relationship between San Ha and Hae Jun.

They do care about one another very a lot, nevertheless it isn’t so simple as that; their particular person histories and totally different shades of emotional baggage, typically result in battle and misunderstandings.

I discovered it actually fascinating to delve into this, and I actually respect that Present makes time to discover this brotherly dynamic.

Listed here are some highlights that I appreciated, particularly. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I couldn’t assist however discover that San Ha is aware of and understands Hae Jun so effectively, that Hae Jun doesn’t even must say something, for San Ha to know that one thing’s bothering him, although Hae Jun is attempting to cover it.

On that notice, I needed to say that the conversations between Hae Jun and San Ha are loaded with many advanced feelings, and I discover all of it very on-point.

It is smart that they might each establish with what it’s prefer to be deserted by a guardian.

On the similar time, there’s this layer, the place Hae Jun’s consoling himself that he didn’t do something to make his mother abandon him – which inadvertently hits San Ha the place it hurts essentially the most, as a result of his personal mother had deserted him, for one thing that he’d supposedly achieved.

But, it additionally is smart that Hae Jun would possibly really feel a reflexive jealousy in direction of San Ha, only for the truth that San Ha’s mom has come again for him, whereas his personal mom hasn’t contacted him within the final ten years.

So there’s this entire multi-dimensional battle between them happening, which strikes me as making quite a lot of character sense. I assumed this was very properly achieved.

E3-4. Regardless of their very own tensions, San Ha and Hae Jun are immediately united, in terms of defending Ju Received’s honor.

The best way they nook Jun Ho to query him about what he’d stated to Ju Received, about her household, was very endearing, truthfully.

E5-6. Despite the fact that I knew in my intestine that San Ha and Hae Jun would make up sooner relatively than later, I used to be nonetheless bummed to see them at loggerheads with one another for an excellent chunk of those episodes.

It actually has rather a lot to do with Hae Jun’s personal Mother points, and the way a lot he longs for his personal mom.

On the similar time, we be taught this week, that it’s additionally rather a lot to do with the truth that Hae Jun doesn’t perceive what San Ha’s mother is like, and that’s why it’s simple for him to really feel like San Ha’s being overly harsh together with his mother, and likewise, ungrateful for the truth that he even has a mother who’s come to see him.

I needed to chuckle ruefully, a little bit bit, to see that when Hae Jun realizes what Poison Mother is like, he’s fast to vary his personal stance about how San Ha must behave in direction of his mother.

As a result of, irrespective of how nice your mommy points are, nobody would want Poison Mother on anybody, amiright? 🤪

Within the meantime, although, I used to be suitably amused that irrespective of how aggravated they felt in direction of one another, they’d drop every little thing right away, the second they assume that Ju Received may be at risk.

Like the entire SkyBike factor.

First, I used to be fairly amused at how the fangirls turned out in full power, simply to ooh and aah at how good-looking and sizzling San Ha and Hae Jun are, hahaha. It’s so exaggerated, however I nonetheless get a kick out of it.

After which, I couldn’t assist however smile, when they can’t assist however smile, at the truth that Ju Received’s working so exhausting, simply to provide them an opportunity to make up with one another.

Afterwards, after they begin combating once more, and Ju Received goes off in a huff, telling them to go dwelling on their very own, they drop every little thing and runnnn, as soon as that classmate mentions that these bullies are approaching Dal, as a result of they know that Ju Received’s on her strategy to meet Dal.

They are surely like siblings, on this regard; irrespective of how a lot they struggle, they’re fast to place up a united entrance, after they understand an enemy threatening certainly one of their very own. 🥰

E5-6. I’m so relieved that San Ha manages to set Aunt proper, however within the kindest, gentlest means doable, by telling her that he and Hae Jun aren’t on totally different ranges simply because Cop Dad contributes to the dwelling bills; they are surely the identical, in Mother Dad’s eyes, and that Aunt doesn’t want to fret.

Aw. I like San Ha for having the knowledge and kindness, to let Aunt down gently like that. 🥲

And, I’m so glad that Hae Jun will get to witness this second, as a result of that is the second that he and San Ha lastly make up, for actual.

[END SPOILER]

San Ha and Ju Received

I.. truthfully have blended emotions about this loveline, and I do assume that the loveline itself isn’t a spoiler, since Present begins teasing from fairly early on, that San Ha possible has emotions for Ju Received.

The truth is, I favored Present’s dealing with of the early emotions stage finest, in terms of this loveline.

The best way Present performs it, I felt like I might get behind this loveline and root for San Ha to win Ju Received’s coronary heart.

Sadly, I felt that Present didn’t do as good of a job, when it got here to the precise minting of the connection, and the eventual development of the established relationship.

The minting of the connection had felt relatively rushed to my eyes, and afterwards, it had felt unnaturally swift and clean, how San Ha and Ju Received simply type of.. fell into the rhythm of being a longtime couple.

This felt removed from natural, and actually odd to my eyes. I didn’t like that a lot.

Nonetheless, listed below are some highlights, from this loveline.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. Despite the fact that San Ha strives to place up a powerful entrance, we will see that this assembly with Poison Mother has actually messed him up. I imply, simply have a look at how he nearly walks into the trail of a Truck of Doom! 🙈

I’m fairly struck by that second afterwards, although, when he simply appears at Ju Received, and tries to behave all like a gentle Oppa, however we will completely see the tears in his eyes; I can really feel that he’s attempting, so exhausting, to be robust, however is struggling.

On the similar time, you’ll be able to see that he’s grateful to have Ju Received nagging him like this, as a result of it implies that he’s not alone on the planet.

I assumed this was very well achieved. 🥲

It’s candy and fairly poignant, the way in which he then takes Ju Received to have burgers adopted by cake, and he appears content material simply having her chirping fortunately in entrance of him.

On this second, I actually really feel like Ju Received’s presence brings consolation to San Ha, and has possible introduced him consolation, all these years, ever since Poison Mother left. 🥹

E3-4. I really favored the inclusion of the arc about Ju Received’s secret admirer; that hadn’t been a part of the supply materials, however I do assume that it matches in properly within the story.

This provides me a recent however becoming type of really feel (so alliterative, am I 🤭), which I like.

For followers of the unique, I assumed I’d point out that Ju Received’s massive announcement about being able to fall in love, is to take the place of Jianjian’s massive announcement about getting her first interval.

I feel it’s a good swop-out, that manages to nonetheless accomplish the milestone marking her changing into all grown up, which does seem to additionally give San Ha a little bit of a tamped-down-but-still-visible wake-up nudge.

As a result of, although he tries to cover it, doesn’t he look a little bit unsettled-disgruntled in response to the concept Ju Received’s able to date? 🤭

E3-4. Via all of it, it’s fairly key, that between San Ha and Hae Jun, Hae Jun is the one one who seems to love the concept of Ju Received courting somebody.

San Ha is distinctly displeased by the concept, and I feel it’s protected to say that San Ha may be harboring some emotions for Ju Received, whether or not he realizes it or not.

E5-6. These episodes, Present’s teasing the potential loveline between San Ha and Ju Received, and I simply needed to say that it’s doing a pleasant job, on this entrance.

Whereas I’m a fan of the supply drama, and was properly on board with the equal loveline, I did assume that the supply drama might have achieved a greater job of making ready the viewers for the potential romance to come back.

I really feel that because of this a bit of viewers discovered the loveline exhausting to get behind; they’d simply gotten so used to seeing the 2 characters in a sibling-esque kind of house.

Since kdramas do are inclined to know methods to deal with romance effectively, I did have expectations that Present would, 1, zoom in on the loveline as a foremost arc, given the smaller episode depend, and a couple of, do a greater job at getting viewers to just accept the concept of the loveline, within the course of.

And I’ve to say, I’m happy with how Present’s going about it, from planting early seeds that San Ha doesn’t see Ju Received as a sister, to having the 2 of them being mistaken for a pair, in episode 5, to dropping hints that San Ha has emotions for Ju Received, to sprinkling varied loveline-adjacent kind moments into their interactions.

All of it comes collectively such that I discover myself fairly primed to root for this loveline. 😁

I imply, isn’t it such a boyfriend-type factor to do, to pick a pleasant pair of footwear for Ju Received, whereas they’re searching for Hae Jun’s birthday current, after which put them on for her, and even promise to purchase her prettier ones subsequent time?

After which, in fact, we have now that closing scene, the place Ju Received complains to San Ha, that Hae Jun’s clueless as a result of he can’t see that Dal likes him, and San Ha’s pointed response, is that Ju Received is clueless too.

..Which is precisely when Ju Received falls proper on high of San Ha, in an nearly falling kiss type of means.

Maybe this can lastly plant the seed of an concept into Ju Received’s head, that San Ha may very well be greater than an older brother to her? Like, the opposite type of Oppa? 🤭

E7-8. It’s unhappy to see a distance begin to set in, which I really feel comes throughout most clearly, when Ju Received sneaks to Seoul to go to San Ha, however is so shocked by how she feels just like the outsider on this scenario, that she turns round and comes proper again dwelling once more with out really seeing him.

I feel a part of additionally it is how she looks like So Hee is taking her place, as San Ha’s sister, and the way So Hee has extra of a proper to name him ‘Oppa’ although So Hee’s solely simply met him.

It truly is heartpinching to see San Ha attempt to name Ju Received, throughout this tough time, however be unable to achieve her. That solitary tear that springs from his eye, when he realizes that he can’t get via to Ju Received in his second of want, actually hit me within the coronary heart. 😭

If solely he knew that Ju Received had simply spent her total day navigating her strategy to him, and had actually been inside his line of sight, simply hours in the past. 💔

E9-10. A scene that actually tugged at my heartstrings, is the one the place San Ha finds Ju Received sitting with these truffles slices on the cake store, they usually lastly discuss.

The tears in each their eyes; the way in which Ju Received talks about not remembering something about her mother, and the way issues had modified when San Ha and Hae Jun had come alongside; how she’d thought that they’d dwell like that ceaselessly.

After which there’s the way in which San Ha takes her hand, and guarantees that when he comes again, he’ll do no matter she desires; that he’ll go to throughout holidays, and if he can’t go to, that he’d name her day-after-day.

Augh. My coronary heart actually pinched for them, watching them cry whereas clasping their palms collectively like that.

E9-10. San Ha’s lastly beginning to act on his emotions for Ju Received, what with shopping for her earrings for her birthday, and likewise, becoming concerned and possibly additionally jealous on the thought that she may need a factor happening with another man.

I consider that’s why San Ha confesses his emotions for Ju Received, as we shut out episode 10; as a result of, if he doesn’t inform her how he feels, then there’s no context for his request, that she not go to fulfill that different man.

Whereas this confession would possibly really feel prefer it’s out of the blue for Ju Received, as a viewer, I’ve been prepared for this confession for some time, as a result of I really feel like Present’s achieved an excellent job of letting us in on the truth that San Ha has favored Ju Received for a very long time – and completely not as a sister.

And naturally I’m very curious to see how San Ha’s efforts to court docket Ju Received go, now that he’s lastly established how he feels about her.

E11-12. I knew, coming into this present, that issues would pure transfer alongside sooner than the supply materials, as a result of that is a lot shorter, when it comes to total display screen time.

I’d assumed too, that this meant that we’d focus extra on the romance between San Ha and Ju Received.

What I hadn’t fairly ready myself for, is the truth that this interprets into rather a lot taking place in simply two episodes, and with Present being as efficient as it’s, in partaking the guts, regardless of the shorter run-time, I discover that after watching a pair of episodes, my coronary heart feels relatively overwhelmed, prefer it’s out of breath and desires a second. 😅

That’s precisely how I really feel after watching these episodes, and I additionally really feel like I would like to determine how I really feel.

Particularly, I’m referring to the truth that San Ha leans in to kiss Ju Received, proper after she tells him that she solely desires him to be a brother to her.

I recall that this was equally dealt with within the supply materials, so it’s not like that is writer-nim’s fault completely, however.. it does really feel like a fragile scenario, since Ju Received had made her stand, and San Ha had acted in a means that didn’t respect the stand that she’d made. 😅

I feel this goes to point out how far kdramas have come, since I’ve gotten used to romances the place our male leads actively ask for the feminine lead’s consent, earlier than approaching for the kiss (like in King The Land, for instance).

The factor that makes it nonetheless work – or so I inform myself – is the truth that San Ha approaches the kiss very slowly and gently, which implies that Ju Received had the time to cease him, &/or extricate herself, if she’d actually needed to. Which she doesn’t. Which could be very important. 😁

Earlier than this level in our story, I do assume that Present does a fairly good job of demonstrating that Ju Received could be very a lot flustered by San Ha’s confession, and that when he’s close to her, he does have a relatively discombobulating impact on Ju Received. 😁

Sure, a few of it’s the awkwardness that she feels, as a result of he’s stepped out of the psychological field that she’s assigned to him, and he’s positioning himself as her suitor now, and never her massive brother.

On the similar time, there are particular hints that she’s beginning to see him in another way, like when she instinctively facepalms, when she realizes that she’s answered the door and spoken to San Ha whereas trying all raveled and groggy.

I feel the truth that she even needs that she’d seemed extra presentable, says one thing, sure?

In fact, there’s additionally the lengthy second of hyper-awareness on the hospital, when San Ha treats Ju Received’s sprained wrist; it’s clear that she will’t get that second out of her thoughts, and that she’s very a lot affected by San Ha being all tender and smoldery in direction of her.

PLUS. When Ju Received sees Hee Ju getting all handsy with San Ha on the hospital, there’s a particular jealous taste about her disgruntlement, I’d say. 😁

Placing all of that collectively, it’s not shocking in any respect, actually, that Ju Received would yield to San Ha’s kiss, when it will definitely comes, sure?

The truth is, I’m a little bit shocked (extra pleasantly so than not) that this OTP will get minted so shortly, and San Ha and Ju Received fall into a pair type of mode with out an excessive amount of fuss.

As in, there may be little or no awkwardness between the 2 of them, like they should get used to this modification of their relationship.

Quite, they appear extra targeted on whether or not folks would possibly see them, after they maintain palms, or act coupley in different methods.

I assumed that was fascinating, and likewise type of odd.

[END SPOILER]

Search engine optimisation Ji Hye as Dal

I simply needed to say that I actually discovered Dal very likable and endearing, although we don’t spend a complete lot of time on her backstory.

More often than not, she’s concerned in our story in relation to our core trio, and I feel that that’s simply the sensible narrative selection, given our comparatively brief runtime.

I’m glad that Present does give us some context for Dal as a personality, as a result of that positively helped to floor my affection and sympathy for her.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. We get extra perception into Dal’s relationship along with her mom (So Hee Jung), these episodes, and I do actually really feel for Dal; poor woman should really feel so suffocated, being her mom’s daughter.

Primarily, it simply looks like Mother has actually excessive expectations of Dal, and it actually doesn’t appear to be Mother’s aspirations for Dal, are Dal’s aspirations for herself.

Not solely that, Mother’s pushing Dal to attain higher and better than what Dal might possible comfortably obtain on her personal strengths, and that’s only a actually harsh strategy to dwell.

Worse, we see that Mother’s additionally nitpicky about how Dal carries herself socially, so even Dal’s hesitance in ordering meals at that restaurant, will get picked on by Mother.

I do know that Mother sincerely desires one of the best for Dal, however my coronary heart actually goes out to Dal, for having to dwell this sort of suffocating life, the place she all the time looks like she’s not adequate for her personal mom. 💔

It’s true that we see Dal deceive her mom very often, in an effort to spend time with Ju Received and her brothers, however on this case, I really feel like I can’t blame Dal an excessive amount of, as a result of the poor woman’s simply looking for a strategy to breathe, y’know?

I’m glad that San Ha offers Dal that little bit of perception on the seashore, that her intuition to assist others, is a greater qualification for her to develop into a lawyer, than a capability to talk effectively.

Aw. That’s actually sort, and I really feel like that is one thing that Dal actually wants to listen to. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Dal and Ju Received

Present doesn’t handle to spend a complete lot of time on this relationship, however I simply needed to state, for the file, that I actually favored the concept of Ju Received’s friendship with Dal.

It’s nice that they speak about girly issues collectively, and get all secretive and squealy in terms of speaking about issues like crushes and secret admirers, and it’s additionally nice that they stick collectively via to maturity, and even develop into flatmates.

Simply because Present doesn’t handle to dedicate quite a lot of display screen time to discover this friendship, doesn’t imply that it’s not vital; it’s like a powerful silent rock, in a means, offering vital anchorage to Ju Received outdoors of her household context. 🥲

Dal and Hae Jun

From the get-go, Present teases a possible loveline between Dal and Hae Jun, by establishing Dal’s hearts in eyes for him.

I favored this very effectively, and felt that this was a pleasant deviation from the unique supply materials, the place Dal’s Chinese language counterpart had nursed a crush on San Ha’s counterpart as a substitute.

It’s all very sluggish burn, definitely, however I felt that it labored, even when it meant Present enjoying up Hae Jun being sluggish on the uptake a little bit too exhausting, typically.

That stated, I like the concept Hae Jun and Dal develop nearer over time, and that Dal’s in a position to discuss to Hae Jun in a means that everybody else isn’t in a position to. That basically made me really feel like these two made an amazing match. 🥲

Plus, I do exactly merely assume that they make an cute couple 😍 – which is why I rooted for this loveline, from begin to end. 🥰

[SPOILER ALERT]

E7-8. I discover myself rooting for Dal and Hae Jun, as a result of I feel they might make a really cute couple, if solely Hae Jun woudn’t be so clueless in terms of Dal’s emotions for him.

I imply, c’mon, she’s even crying for him, on the story of how his mother got here to pay again the cash, however didn’t ask to see him. I assumed that will absolutely clue Hae Jun in, however no, it doesn’t; not so long as Hae Jun has it in his head that Dal likes San Ha, anyway.

E11-12. I’m actually glad that the connection between Hae Jun and Dal appears to be rising stronger, although Hae Jun stays blithely oblivious to the truth that Dal does have emotions for him.

I do love how they’re speaking extra, and that they’re opening up to one another, and that Dal’s being so efficient, at being Hae Jun’s confidante and adviser.

It’s all as a result of Dal places it to Hae Jun in a means that he can relate with, that he decides that telling Mother Dad about his want to purchase Mother Dad a constructing, is best than merely shocking Mother Dad with a constructing.

E11-12. I can’t assist noticing that Hae Jun’s exhibiting fairly a little bit of concern for Dal from afar, as a result of he’d overheard her on the telephone along with her mother, and it was clear that Dal was upset in consequence.

I actually hope that Hae Jun will acknowledge his rising fondness for Dal, as a result of I feel they’d make an cute couple. 😍

[END SPOILER]

Choi Received Younger as Mother Dad

Sure, I do know that calling Ju Received’s dad “Mother Dad” is a little bit of an oxymoron, however the factor I like most about him, is his mom hen type of high quality, and I in a short time started pondering of him as “Mother Dad,” in our hodgepodge discovered household.

I like that he’s so motherly in direction of the youngsters, a lot in order that it actually looks like he’s such an excellent mother, that it makes up for the truth that the youngsters don’t have mothers of their lives, for various causes.

He’s such an enormous softie more often than not, that I discovered myself loving it further, when he exhibits a little bit of steeliness – however in fact, that steeliness is 100% within the context of him nonetheless being a mom hen; this time, fiercely defending certainly one of his personal. 🥲

Gosh, I like Mother Dad, a lot. 🥹

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. I hafta say, I’m so happy with Mother Dad, for talking up for San Ha, to Poison Mother.

I imply, he’s as sort and respectful as he all the time is, however you’ll be able to completely see that he’s mainly doing his mom hen factor, and placing himself on the market, able he usually wouldn’t, as a result of he feels compelled to guard his younger. 🥲

All the things he says to Poison Mother, is clearly out of concern for San Ha, from saying that San Ha’s in his senior yr in highschool and making ready for his exams, and maybe couldn’t she not carry up his youthful sister till after his exams.

I like much more, that when Poison Mother reacts huffily and says that San Ha’s solely develop into this impudent as a result of Mother Dad’s been too smooth on him, Mother Dad tells it like it’s; that it’s as a result of she’s out of the blue proven up and appearing all pleasant, after not contacting him for 10 years.

And, he additionally goes on to level out that if Poison Mother had requested San Ha what he needed, San Ha wouldn’t have spoken so harshly.

AND, that she’d hit him within the coronary heart first, after which questioned why he’d put up his guard towards her.

Yesss. You inform her, Ahjusshi!

Truthfully, I don’t know if Poison Mother even takes any of Mother Dad’s phrases to coronary heart, however not less than there’s somebody telling her the reality, as a substitute of tiptoeing round her simply because she’s fast to lose her mood and lash out.

It actually offers me a way of satisfaction that Mother Dad isn’t frightened of her.

[END SPOILER]

Choi Moo Sung as Cop Dad

I assumed Choi Moo Sung was completely forged as Cop Dad; he’s far more gruff than Mother Dad, however there’s a softness about him that peeks via occasionally, and also you simply know that he doesn’t love the youngsters any much less, simply because he’s not as expressive and delicate as Mother Dad. 🥲

Specifically, I actually favored how Cop Dad navigated this case in episodes 5-6.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. I actually hate each time Poison Mother opens her mouth, however that factor that she says to Cop Dad, in that flashback, that So Hee is San Ha’s second likelihood, as a result of she appears a lot like So Jung, does appear rooted in good intentions.

I used to be so afraid, although, that Cop Dad would drive San Ha proper over to Poison Mother, to facilitate that therapeutic, after which I used to be SO RELIEVED, when as a substitute, he drives San Ha to go to So Jung’s area of interest on the columbarium, and tells San Ha, that it’s by no means been his fault.

I like that Cop Dad tells him that he doesn’t must push So Hee away, or be extra sort to her, simply because she’s his sister, and that each one he must do, is observe his coronary heart.

Aw. I assumed that was very well-handled by Cop Dad; the reassurance and acceptance, and the kindness, all come collectively very properly. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

The 2 dads

I simply love the dynamic and relationship between our two dads, as they arrive collectively to lift the household that they’d made by combining their damaged households into one massive entire.

I assumed it was so cute, that they mainly perform like an outdated married couple, with Cop Dad being the primary breadwinner, and Mother Dad being the mom hen who takes care of the home and children. ADORABLE. 😍

Past that, although, it actually hit me within the coronary heart every time we get to see them open their hearts to one another, about their children. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E9-10. After the boys go away, there’s a lot pathos within the scene the place each dads sit collectively on the desk, one already drunk, and the opposite simply beginning to drink, as a result of they miss their sons a lot. 😭

[END SPOILER]

Our discovered household

In fact, certainly one of my favourite issues about our drama world, is our central discovered household. They’re the entire motive I signed up for this present within the first place, in any case. 🥰

I simply love-love-LOVE the concept of those folks coming collectively, and parking their hearts with each other, and rising a household collectively, undaunted by the whispers and quizzical stares from individuals who couldn’t perceive them.

Their love for each other permeates this complete story, so I’m simply selecting two examples of after we see the entire household come collectively, out of look after certainly one of their very own; it’s so touching, actually. 🥹

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. Y’know, Poison Mother simply has a knack for being extremely annoying and hurtful, with out even attempting.

Like the way in which she turns round and blames San Ha, when So Hee falls down these stairs operating after him.

Ugh. It’s the identical factor another time, isn’t it?

Poison Mother had been the one to go away So Hee on her personal, and that’s how So Hee had managed to run after San Ha, and that’s how she’d fallen down the steps, and now it’s San Ha’s fault??

Similar factor with So Jung, proper? If Poison Mother hadn’t left the youngsters alone at dwelling, maybe then a little bit child like San Ha wouldn’t have been the caregiver to So Jung, and maybe then So Jung wouldn’t have died??

How does a mom have it in her, in charge her personal baby for her personal faults, and regularly??

I’m so glad that Ju Received speaks up on San Ha’s behalf, and mainly offers a complete listing of explanation why San Ha’s their fortunate star, and solely good issues occur, when he’s round.

Aw. I actually am glad that San Ha’s not alone on this, and I’m glad that he is aware of this. 🥲

I did really feel very unhealthy for San Ha, when he withdraws into himself and avoids the entire household, after that main blowup with Poison Mother, the place she actually accuses him of inflicting his sister’s dying, in entrance of everybody.

Ugh. Nobody ought to must dwell with that type of guilt, not to mention a baby; San Ha’s now carried this burden for greater than half his life, and it’s simply so heartbreaking. 💔

I’m so glad that Ju Received goes to get him when it rains, and that San Ha lastly is available in to eat with the remainder of the household.

The best way he can’t maintain again the tears with every chew, whereas Hae Jun and Ju Received fake to not discover, actually tugs so exhausting, at my heartstrings. 😭

Additionally, it was so heartwarming, to see everybody take turns to nurse San Ha, when he falls sick with a fever, that very night time, from being caught within the rain.

E7-8. The entire thing the place Ju Received will get all excited on behalf of San Ha and Hae Jun, as a result of it’s the day of their massive exams, and prepares candies and playing cards for them, and will get all excitable about them not doing any “unfortunate” kind issues like stepping over thresholds, is so endearing. 🥰

After which, seeing each boys tuck into the lunches that Mother Dad had ready so lovingly for them, was so heartwarming. 🥰🥰

[END SPOILER]

Hae Jun and Mother Dad

Augh. These two. 🥹 If I needed to decide simply OTP for this complete story world, they might be it.

From begin to end, Present saved me fully invested within the relationship between Hae Jun and Mother Dad.

There’s simply so, a lot love there, and a lot wistful poignance on each side, as they yearned to be every little thing to one another, after which some. 🥲

Truthfully, this was THE most satisfying relationship arc in our story, over and above the assorted romantic lovelines. 🥰

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. Via the entire thing of Bio Dad making his look in Hae Jun’s life, I really feel very a lot for Mother Dad, as a result of he loves Hae Jun a lot, and considers him his personal son, and now, out of the blue, he’s apprehensive that Hae Jun can be taken away from him.

On that notice, I simply needed to speak a little bit bit, in regards to the varied beats the place Ju Received calls him out for giving particular meals to Hae Jun and San Ha, however to not her.

You possibly can see that Mother Dad is responsible as charged, although he makes excuses to Ju Received, to clean issues over.

I wish to say that I don’t assume that he’s favoring the boys over Ju Received; the way in which I see it, he sees the boys as puppies who’re hurting, as a result of they’ve each been deserted by their moms, and he’s simply loving them further, to make it as much as them.

Kinda like how you’d favor your pinky finger in case you’d sprained it, however that doesn’t imply that you simply don’t care about your 9 different fingers anymore, y’know?

So yeah, for my part, he doesn’t love the boys greater than Ju Received; it’s not favoritism; it’s an effort to make up for the shortfall of affection of their lives, a little bit bit.

However like I used to be saying, he actually does see Hae Jun as his personal son, and so, his worry of shedding Hae Jun, is absolutely poignant to see.

That scene when Mother Dad sits down with Hae Jun to speak issues via, was so filled with emotion.

You possibly can really feel that he’s attempting to not overstep his boundaries, as a result of he’s not Hae Jun’s bio dad, however but, he can’t cease the tears when he tries to precise that he want to maintain cooking for Hae Jun, and ironing his faculty uniform, for just a bit longer.

After which Hae Jun tells him, tears spilling out, that he’d been afraid that Mother Dad would inform him to go away, now that his start father needed him again.

That hug, that Mother Dad kneels down to provide Hae Jun, completely had me tearing up. 🥲🥲

Augh. The feeeelsss. I simply need this dad and son pair to be collectively foreverrrr. 🥹🥹

E5-6. The factor that actually hit me within the coronary heart essentially the most, is how affected Mother Dad is, by the stress that Aunt places on Hae Jun, to be grateful.

It’s simple to deal with Hae Jun and take into consideration how he’s affected by Aunt’s phrases, however when Mother Dad will get drunk and begins spilling all his emotions out, it turns into actually clear, that it hurts him, that Aunt retains speaking like this, as a result of it reminds him that Hae Jun isn’t actually his son.

Oof. Poor Mother Dad. 💔

E7-8. On high of the burden already on Hae Jun’s pet coronary heart, there’s additionally the rising realization, that the entire motive Mother Dad’s pushing himself so exhausting, to the purpose of exhaustion, such that he even collapses, is as a result of he desires to provide Hae Jun one of the best.

Bio Dad’s so sneaky-smart, to point out Mother Dad all these brochures of these colleges within the US, the place Hae Jun would have the ability to get so many basketball associated alternatives that he wouldn’t have the ability to get in Korea.

Ack. I imply, clearly Mother Dad’s doing it out of affection, and wouldn’t ever maintain it towards Hae Jun, however how might Hae Jun know this, and simply permit Mother Dad to run himself ragged, on his account, proper? 😭

The one silver on this entire factor, is that it’s clear to see that Hae Jun doesn’t really wish to go away, and is selecting to go away, in an effort to lighten Mother Dad’s burden.

That’s some comfort for certain, as a result of I’d hate for Mother Dad to assume that Hae Jun didn’t want him anymore, as a result of he’s now obtained Bio Dad.

E9-10. The boy’s departure is absolutely exhausting on each dads, and I particularly really feel unhealthy for Mother Dad, due to what his restaurant assistant says, that he ought to be prepared for the chance that the boys gained’t come again, as soon as they’ve left.

I do know she means effectively, however I actually really feel unhealthy for Mother Dad, who should really feel so keenly, the truth that he’s not Hae Jun’s bio dad, and that’s why he must be ready for the chance that Hae Jun may not return. 💔

E9-10. The goodbye I really feel essentially the most keenly, is that between Mother Dad and Hae Jun.

There’s simply a lot love and wistfulness there; it’s so, so clear, that these two don’t wish to be separated from one another.

First, there’s the flashback, the place we see that the entire motive Hae Jun had labored exhausting to get higher at basketball, was as a result of that passerby had remarked that he was good at basketball as a result of he took after his dad.

Aw. Hae Jun had needed to show that principle proper, as a result of he needed a lot to be Mother Dad’s son, and that’s how he obtained so good at basketball?? Oof. 😭 That simply hit me proper within the coronary heart.

After which there’s the scene the place Hae Jun guarantees, with tears shining in his eyes, that he’ll develop into profitable, after which come again to maintain Mother Dad and Ju Received.

How lovingly poignant, that Mother Dad says that Hae Jun doesn’t must be profitable; that that’s not the explanation he’s sending Hae Jun away; that he simply desires Hae Jun to have the ability to do the issues that he likes, and so Hae Jun shouldn’t really feel like he must do something that he doesn’t wish to.

AUGH. That’s so superbly loving, whereas being totally wistful and unhappy. 😭😭

E9-10. Hae Jun’s suspicious conduct at Ju Received’s bakery, resulting in a go to to the police station, is as foolish because the supply materials, however all my instincts to roll my eyes melted away, the second Mother Dad will get that hood off him, and we get to see Hae Jun’s tear-filled pet eyes.

You possibly can simply really feel how valuable it’s to him, that he’s again dwelling now, and that plaintive notice in his voice, as he goes, “Appaaa!” and burrows his head into Mother Dad’s embrace, is simply essentially the most affecting factor. 🥹🥹🥹

E9-10. As for Hae Jun’s harm, I’m glad that San Ha blurts out the reality when he does, as a result of whereas I perceive that Hae Jun doesn’t wish to fear everybody, they do need to know.

The best way Mother Dad can barely maintain again his tears, is so affecting to me. 😭😭😭

Mother Dad instantly feels that it’s his fault for wanting Hae Jun to go to the US within the first place, and it’s so heartbreaking, actually, that he cries. 💔

That scene that quickly follows, of Mother Dad asking Hae Jun if it had damage when he’d injured his leg, is so poignant.

Hae Jun, attempting so exhausting to be robust and cheerful for Mother Dad, assuring him that he’d solely labored more durable as a result of that’s what he’d needed to do, and Mother Dad, tearfully permitting himself to just accept Hae Jun’s rationalization, almost certainly as a result of he is aware of how exhausting Hae Jun is attempting to make issues sound positive, for his sake. 🥲

When Mother Dad takes Hae Jun’s hand and rubs it, saying that he’s been via rather a lot, it looks like a balm for Hae Jun’s soul, which I’m certain Hae Jun’s coronary heart has been hungry for, all this time. 🥲🥲🥲

I’m so glad that the 2 of them hug it out; that’s a hug that I do know each of them have been ready 10 lengthy years for. Sniffle.

E11-12. My coronary heart actually goes out to Hae Jun, these episodes.

First, there’s the factor with Mother Dad, the place Hae Jun grapples together with his place, as Mother Dad’s son.

When he tells San Ha throughout that drive in San Ha’s automobile, that he’d struggled with the query of whether or not he even had the precise to come back again to Haedong, provided that he’s not Mother Dad’s organic son, my coronary heart actually ached for him.

How a lot should it damage, for Hae Jun to not really feel like he has a spot the place he really, rightfully belongs, on the planet? 😭

I do really love Hae Jun’s want to shock Mother Dad with a constructing; in my head, they might open a restaurant collectively, in that constructing, and simply get pleasure from one another’s firm as the most important perk of this association.

I respect that Hae Jun’s concept to marry Ju Received lasts a really brief time, and that his coronary heart, when he checks it (due to his good friend who guides him via it), could be very clear that he doesn’t have romantic emotions in direction of Ju Received.

I feel this works, as a result of we’re seeing, greater than ever, simply what a easy particular person Hae Jun is, the place he can plausibly do one thing, with out really pondering it via an excessive amount of (or in any respect).

On the similar time, I can see that it perplexes Hae Jun, that he doesn’t have something to point out, when it comes to a authorized relationship with Mother Dad.

E11-12. I really feel so unhealthy for Hae Jun, as a result of all he’d needed to do, was categorical his love for Mother Dad, however as a result of he put his foot in his mouth by mentioning that he’d labored suuuper exhausting, as a result of he’d needed to pay Mother Dad again, that actually hit Mother Dad the place it damage.

Which is how Hae Jun will get that massive speaking to, about how a guardian by no means expects their baby to pay them again.

Oof. I hated seeing how unhappy, brokenhearted and upset each Hae Jun and Mother Dad are, due to this incident.

The entire time, my coronary heart is prepared them to cease and see how a lot they love one another, as a result of that’s the reality; these two can be solely too pleased to spend their total lives collectively, as father and son. 🥹

I’m relieved that Dal is ready to give Hae Jun that perception, that Mother Dad was greater than possible experiencing an excessive amount of heartache at how Hae Jun had suffered, relatively than precise anger with Hae Jun himself.

And, on Mother Dad’s aspect of issues, Nosy Neighbor Ahjumma lastly says one thing helpful, in the way in which she cheerfully factors out that the entire motive Mother Dad had gotten upset, was due to his personal responsible conscience, that he’s not Hae Jun’s bio dad.

You hit the nail on the pinnacle, Ahjumma!

I’m so relieved that issues between Mother Dad and Hae Jun get smoothed over fairly shortly, notably with how proud Mother Dad is, plastering Hae Jun’s modeling photos everywhere in the restaurant. Cute! 😍

[END SPOILER]

Kim Hye Eun as Poison Mother

Poison Mother takes dwelling the doubtful honor of being this drama world’s most unlikable character.

I don’t usually say that I hate characters, however I hated Poison Mother, a lot.

Which suggests Kim Hye Eun did an amazing job of the character, little doubt about it. 😅

Listed here are simply two events once I felt a deep, deep sense of distaste, for Poison Mother.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I hate that Poison Mother gained’t take “No” for a solution, and I hate much more, that she’s mainly weaponizing her daughter, to power some consideration from San Ha, as a result of she is aware of that youthful sisters are San Ha’s Achilles’ heel.

UGH. I hate her, a lot. 😤😤

E11-12. Simply that fast scene the place we see Poison Mother’s dialog with Cop Dad, is sufficient to make me wince.

Ugh. It’s terrible, the way in which her default reflex is to accuse the opposite particular person of pondering or doing unhealthy issues, like pitying her, or cursing her. I actually, actually hate her. 😫

[END SPOILER]

Baek Eun Hye as Hae Jun’s Mother

Hae Jun’s mother is the opposite absent mother in our story, and importantly, I felt much more impartial in direction of her, in comparison with Poison Mother.

Listed here are some ideas that I had whereas watching, in breaking that down.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. There’s the factor the place Hae Jun’s mother exhibits up, and provides Mother Dad a bit of cash, however then doesn’t keep to see Hae Jun.

That makes me actually unhappy for Hae Jun, as a result of boy’s solely been ready for this second, for the final 10 years, which is actually greater than half his life.

Nonetheless, I discover myself not hating her, as a result of not like Poison Mother, Hae Jun’s mother really exhibits glimmers of remorse and wistfulness, beneath the businesslike facade that she wears.

I can really feel that she’s wistful too, about not seeing Hae Jun, and I can perceive her logic, in a means, that it’s pointless to see Hae Jun, when she hasn’t come to get him, the way in which she’d promised, all these years in the past.

I feel she feels that she’d be making him much more upset, if he had been to see her, however then not get to go away along with her, and so, she’d relatively not see him in any respect, in order that she doesn’t disturb his equilibrium.

At the very least, that’s how I’m studying it, based mostly on the micro physique language cues that we’re being proven.

We nonetheless don’t know what’s been happening with Hae Jun’s mother all this time, however we have now seen that she hadn’t needed to go away Hae Jun, and had seemed like she’d had no selection however to go, as a result of one thing had come up.

For that motive alone, I really feel like I would like to provide her extra of an opportunity than I’m inclined to provide Poison Mother, for instance.

[END SPOILER]

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E13-14. Not gonna lie, I’d really been bracing myself for these episodes, my associates, as a result of that is the notorious penultimate stretch when issues sometimes are inclined to get angsty and exhausting to look at in dramas.

On high of that, there’s the truth that we’d ended episode 12 with Poison Mother parking herself determinedly in San Ha’s dwelling, and in my thoughts, no good factor might come outta that – which made me brace myself even more durable. 😅

Possibly all that bracing is the explanation that I’m popping out of those episodes fairly pleasantly shocked?

I imply, sure, there may be angst, and there are tears, in these episodes, nevertheless it’s not practically half as had as I’d imagined, so I’m calling it a win. 😁

Truthfully, I’d anticipated Poison Mother to place an enormous (and I imply HUGE) damper on these episodes, in her self-absorbed, entitled, accusing type of means, and.. it wasn’t so unhealthy, in any case.

Sure, she does do her entitled, accusing factor with San Ha, and it’s true that San Ha struggles to manage, and that it’s heartbreaking to look at.

That scene of San Ha crumpling outdoors the ladies’ condominium after that dialog together with his mother, actually gave me a way of how lonely San Ha should really feel, in that second – and the way he should have felt that means usually, via the years. 💔

And, with that thought in thoughts, I do discover it very comforting, to see that San Ha takes quite a lot of consolation in Ju Received’s presence. It reinforces much more, that San Ha must have Ju Received in his life. 🥲

I additionally respect that dialog that Ju Received and San Ha have on the park close to the hospital, the place she tells him that it’s okay along with her if he feels he must go to Seoul, to be together with his mom and sister, and he tells her to not ship him – to which she instantly modifications her tune, and says that she was simply attempting to behave robust, and tells him to not go.

The explanation I respect this beat, is as a result of this was a degree that would have been milked for noble idiocy – however Present doesn’t go there.

As an alternative, we have now our OTP set up shortly, what San Ha actually desires, and Ju Received shortly exhibiting her help of his desire. That feels wholesome and optimistic, sure?

Maybe within the curiosity of guaranteeing that none of us begrudge San Ha selecting to remain in Haedong as a substitute of going again to Seoul to maintain Poison Mother, Present makes it clear that Poison Mother’s incapacity to stroll is psychogenic, and there’s nothing really holding her again from strolling, bodily talking.

And so, in gentle of that, San Ha’s resolution to remain in Haedong, and take away himself from Poison Mother’s orbit, will be seen to be a selfless act, achieved in her finest pursuits, relatively than a choice that’s solely in his personal pursuits.

I can perceive Present’s want to make San Ha that little bit extra good and selfless, however truthfully, I’d have been positive with San Ha merely coming to the conclusion that he ought to keep in Haedong for his personal sake, and that there’s no motive to really feel responsible for it.

Particularly as a result of Poison Mother is, as we’ve seen, Toxic with a capital P. 😬

That scene the place Ju Received actually takes San Ha again from Poison Mother, whereas reminding Poison Mother that she’d given San Ha to Ju Received all these years in the past, and that Ju Received’s already been very affected person in lending San Ha to Poison Mother for ten years, is fairly pivotal, as a result of it’s after this that Poison Mother leaves.

Nonetheless, as a lot as I wish to pump my fist within the air and say, “You inform her, Ju Received!,” I really feel like this scene doesn’t fairly really feel natural to Poison Mother’s character.

I imply, based mostly on what we’ve seen of her, has she ever been one to take heed to motive from anybody??

And now, she backs off, simply because Ju Received reminds her of how she’d deserted San Ha?

The Poison Mother that I do know, would’ve had a screaming meltdown proper then and there, within the hospital, by no means thoughts that it’s a public space and other people may very well be watching.

On this sense, the scene doesn’t land as fairly natural, to my eyes.

HOWEVER. I’m so relieved to have Poison Mother out of the image (for now, anyway?), that I’m prepared to simply roll with it.

I additionally actually just like the beat the place Hae Jun determinedly breaks via San Ha’s protecting “every little thing’s positive” shell, and forces a extra real connection.

I really feel like they’ve by no means really talked about it, and so it looks like a breakthrough, for Hae Jun to confess flat-out, that he misses and resents his mom, and that he understands how San Ha should really feel, in direction of his personal mom, and that the explanation that he feels these emotions, is as a result of he loves his mom.

Aw. It’s so sweetly poignant, to see Hae Jun have such an enormous brother type of second, the place he’s the one saying the smart issues, and caring for San Ha. 🥲

It actually gratifying to see that, bonding drunken binge later, San Ha’s now extra comfy letting his household know that he’d been having a tough time, and even that he’d argued with Poison Mother rather a lot about whether or not he might come right down to Haedong for a meal.

For San Ha, who’s all the time been reserved about these items, this feels enormous, and it’s all due to Hae Jun. 🥲

One other factor that we spend an excellent period of time on, these episodes, is the state of affairs between Hae Jun and his mother.

Now that we all know extra about what had occurred with Mother, it’s simpler to know her hesitation in reconnecting with Hae Jun.

It’s not that she doesn’t wish to; it’s that she feels that she doesn’t have the precise to; she feels that no good factor might come of her reconnecting with Hae Jun, due to her felony file, and the way folks would view her, and subsequently, Hae Jun.

I actually do respect how Ju Received talks to Mother, on the high of episode 13.

Despite the fact that Ju Received has this impetuous streak to her, which makes her wish to communicate up for Hae Jun, although the scenario could be very delicate, she manages to come back throughout as  light and empathetic, which galvanized me tremendously.

Like, ah, our Ju Received has grown up; she’s talking phrases of kindness to Mother, and subsequently, her phrases have a twin impact of not solely being persuasive, however comforting too, on the similar time.

How very smart and compassionate, sure? 🥹

I do respect that everybody concerned – Mother Dad, San Ha and Ju Received – don’t attempt to exert stress on Mother, however consciously determine to provide her time and house, to reach at a spot the place she feels prepared to fulfill Hae Jun.

Whereas I can perceive the rationale behind not telling Hae Jun something whereas this is occurring, I additionally empathize with Hae Jun; it’s little surprise that he feels that everybody conserving secrets and techniques from him, and treating him like he’s silly.

Augh. It’s heartbreaking, actually, and I actually really feel for him on this scenario.

I really feel that that is good writing, in that I can perceive each side of this coin, and but, can’t begrudge both aspect their ideas and emotions.

Realistically, Mother wouldn’t have been in a position to change her thoughts simply, and I’m glad that Present offers Mother time to inch in direction of a distinct conclusion than the one she’d held onto so fiercely for therefore lengthy.

With every one that speaks to Mother in regards to the scenario, it looks like she will get the house to inch a little bit nearer to being able to reconnect with Hae Jun.

And, I do assume that San Ha’s sharing, of how he’d realized that Hae Jun had by no means been deserted, and that he’d needed Hae Jun to know this too, could be very affecting, and I think about that this totally helped to erode Mother’s willpower to remain out of Hae Jun’s life.

Via all of it, I do take consolation in the truth that Dal is searching for Hae Jun, and that Hae Jun is open to listening to Dal’s views, even when he’s pushing his circle of relatives away.

The scene the place Hae Jun and Mother lastly come head to head, when Mother spots him outdoors her salon, is so emotionally charged; I felt like I couldn’t breathe freely, so long as Hae Jun seemed so tortured and conflicted. 💔😭

Afterwards, I’m simply so relieved that Hae Jun reaches out to Dal, and that Dal’s in a position to talk successfully, with out sounding judgmental, the chance that Mother may not have needed to chop off contact with Hae Jun.

Augh. Dal really is an MVP, isn’t she? She’s nice and I like her. 🥲

It’s due to her, actually, that Hae Jun goes again to see Mother once more, and that’s how the reality comes out, lastly, and that’s additionally how we get that very cathartic scene, the place Hae Jun sobs his coronary heart out, whereas Mother Dad holds him, and Mother holds his hand.

I assumed that was so valuable and so lovely. 😩😭

Afterwards, it feels surreal and really particular, to have Mother sit down for a meal with the entire household; this truthfully feels prefer it have to be the stuff of desires, for Hae Jun. 🥲

I additionally actually cherished that scene of Hae Jun taking the bus with Mother, and leaning his head on her shoulder, whereas they held palms.

AUGH. This, once more, is the stuff of desires; Hae Jun should have dreamt of this second hundreds of occasions, over time. ❤️😭

The opposite massive factor, in fact, is our OTP relationship, and Hae Jun’s discovery of it.

To start with, I want to state for the file that I really feel just like the speediness with which San Ha and Ju Received fall into behaving like a longtime couple, is just not very plausible.

It’s true that they’ve recognized one another for many of their lives, besides, with this modification of their relationship, going from platonic to romantic, there needs to be an excellent quantity of adjustment that they should undergo, and we barely see something on this entrance in any respect.

Sure, we get little glimmers of it, like after they get nervous about being within the condominium alone collectively, when Hae Jun’s not at dwelling, however except for this, they’re principally behaving in a really comfy, coupley type of means, and that does strike me as being relatively odd.

My guess is that we simply don’t have sufficient display screen time to accommodate this side of their relationship, since there are such a lot of different threads which might be extra urgent, and that is simply writer-nim’s means of streamlining issues.

I’ll say that I laughed out loud on the finish of episode 13, when San Ha pulls Ju Received into the ladies’ condominium for a little bit of kissytimes, with out realizing that they’re getting all cozy, proper beneath Hae Jun’s nostril.

Hae Jun’s shocked face, together with the entire scenario, made me snort fairly exhausting, no lie. 🤭

Afterwards, Hae Jun getting all upset made sense too, particularly as soon as Hae Jun articulates why he’s bothered; that he looks like he’s being pushed out of the household, with everybody having authorized and bonafide ties to at least one one other, aside from him.

Aw. When he places it this manner, my coronary heart actually goes out to him, as a result of I can completely see why Hae Jun would possibly really feel that means, given how he’s been deserted a number of occasions in his younger life. 💔

On the similar time, I actually do respect that he is aware of that he’s being unreasonable, and is ready to articulate it, to Dal.

I’m actually glad that Hae Jun doesn’t keep upset for lengthy, and that scene the place he tries to put down the legislation with San Ha as Ju Received’s older brother, was actually cute.

San Ha and Ju Received breaking down Hae Jun’s defenses with saturi-heavy aegyo could be very cute, and it was good to see Hae Jun be unable to maintain a straight face, in response to the aegyo.

Aw. I’d missed Hae Jun’s smile. 😁🥲

As we shut out these episodes, Dal’s made her impromptu, blurted-out confession to Hae Jun, and I’m actually hopeful that Hae Jun will notice how a lot he really likes Dal too.

AND, San Ha and Ju Received are additionally making their massive “we’re a pair” announcement to each Dads, and I’m additionally reaaally curious to see how this goes down, since each Dads had been beneath the blithe impression that there have been different romantic potentialities in each their lives.

I’m actually, actually trying ahead to our subsequent episodes, for the resolutions to come back, whilst I’m additionally extraordinarily wistful, that these can be our final ones; I simply don’t really feel able to say goodbye, y’know? 🥹

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E15-16. Truthfully, I’d been having fun with this present a lot, that I used to be very wistful to get to the tip. I even welcomed taking a little bit of a break from this present, to are inclined to different evaluations on my schedule, as a result of it meant that I might delay “goodbye” for a little bit longer. 🥲

Now that I’ve lastly crossed the end line with this one, I can safely say that although I didn’t love every little thing Present serves up within the finale, the nice and cozy feels that I’ve come to affiliate with this present, are nonetheless very a lot intact, and I’m typically glad with the place we go away our characters.

Largely, I felt just like the sources of narrative stress all felt type of shoehorned in, like they didn’t really belong on this drama world, however made an entrance anyway, as a result of they had been wanted, if just for some time.

The primary factor I’m pondering of, is Mother Dad’s disapproval of San Ha and Ju Received courting.

To be brutally trustworthy, this felt out of character to my eyes.

Mother Dad’s all the time been a affected person, understanding guardian, and this vehement and absolute disapproval of San Ha courting Ju Received, simply didn’t sit proper with me, even after he defined his causes for his disapproval.

The truth is, I used to be perplexed sufficient about this, that I went again to supply materials Go Forward, to confirm how the identical character had responded to the information of the youngsters courting, and simply as I suspected, there was no massive disapproval.

There was fear and concern, however that had every little thing to do with Poisonous Mother hating their total household, and nothing to do with the thought that the 2 children shouldn’t date. That felt much more plausible to me.

Not that I feel that Mother Dad ought to have had the very same reservations, however I do assume that the apprehensive and anxious stance would have suited the character extra naturally.

And subsequently, on a regular basis spent on Mother Dad’s disapproval, felt a bit like wasted display screen time, to me personally. 😅

I really assume that this display screen time might have been used on teasing out the connection between Mother Dad and Hae Jun’s mother, in order that their eventual marriage wouldn’t really feel so rushed or sudden.

I’m fairly glad with how the factor with Poison Mother is resolved, along with her altering her methods after realizing how a lot ache San Ha’s been in, all these years.

Is it a little bit handy? Sure. However do I really care to have extra display screen time spent on making this land a little bit extra organically? No, I can’t say that I’d prefer to have extra display screen time with Poison Mother.

The much less display screen time with Poison Mother, the higher, so far as I’m involved, so I used to be absolutely on board to listen to that she’d determined to go to the UK with So Hee. 😅

As for San Ha and Ju Received, they’re a candy OTP like they’ve been since they obtained collectively, and that’s about all I’ve to say about them.

Despite the fact that they do have some good scenes on this finale, with Ju Received realizing how a lot she loves San Ha, and our OTP even consummates their relationship, all of it lands as fairly bland to my eyes, sadly.

Fortunately, Present makes up for that with lastly bridging the hole between Hae Jun and Dal, these finale episodes.

Finallyyyy. I really feel like I’ve been ready for this, for foreverrr. 😅

I’d consider that it’s jealousy that will jolt Hae Jun into doing one thing about his scenario with Dal, as a result of in any other case, I’d additionally consider that Hae Jun can be fairly content material to simply grasp round Dal as her good friend and brother – so long as she doesn’t find yourself in a relationship with another person.

It’s seeing Dal smile and have an excellent time along with her blind date (cameo by Music Geon Hee!), that actually opens Hae Jun’s eyes to the truth that he doesn’t really simply wish to be Dal’s brother.

Aw. Our Hae Jun generally is a little sluggish on the uptake typically. 🥲

I do love that the favor that Hae Jun asks of Blind Date Oppa, is that he be allowed to take Dal with him that day.

That’s means higher than asking Blind Date Oppa to simply butt out, sure? It’s respectful, however offers Hae Jun his likelihood to shoot his shot with Dal.

I discovered it endearing that Dal would determine to personal her emotions for Hae Jun, by no means thoughts if he reciprocates or not; that’s one of many bravest issues we’ve seen Dal do all collection lengthy, and I’m happy with her for it. 🥲

However, yay that Hae Jun’s able to personal his emotions for Dal too, they usually begin courting, lastly. Eee!! 😍

We don’t get to see them as a pair all that a lot, however from the snippets that we do get, they’re an cute couple, and simply seeing them collectively gave me the goofy grins. 🥰

And naturally, we have now the marriage between Mother Dad and Hae Jun’s mother, which makes a becoming finish to our story.

With this marriage, Hae Jun lastly has a reputable, authorized tie to Mother Dad, and they’re now formally a household. He’s needed this for therefore lengthy, that the entire thing feels so poignant, to my eyes. 🥲

After which, with the way in which San Ha and Ju Received are completely aspiring to get married and spend their lives collectively, our hodgepodge discovered household, is effectively on its strategy to changing into a household acknowledged within the eyes of the legislation, and within the eyes of society.

I hesitate to say that this makes them an actual household now – as a result of in my eyes, they’ve all the time been precisely that: an actual household. 🥰🥲

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Heat, heartfelt and comforting; like snuggling with a smooth, fluffy cover. 🥰

FINAL GRADE: A-

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The subsequent drama I’m masking on Patreon, rather than Household By Alternative, is The Trunk [Korea].

You possibly can try my episode 1-2 notes on The Trunk on Patreon right here.

Right here’s an summary of what I’m masking on Patreon proper now (Tier advantages are cumulative)!

Basis Tier (US$1): Leisure Drop (Sundays) + the primary set notes of all exhibits lined on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Entry (US$5): +Mr. Plankton [Korea]

Early Entry Plus (US$10): +When The Telephone Rings [Korea]

VIP (US$15): +Inform Me That You Love Me [Korea]

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