Assessment: Romance In The Home

THE SHORT VERDICT:

If you happen to get pleasure from household dramas however are typically quick on time and due to this fact can’t decide to a 50-episode household drama (coz that’s the size they are typically, traditionally), then this one may work actually properly for you.

It’s just a little tough across the edges like most household dramas are typically, and it additionally manages to serve up the marginally chaotic, heat household feels that come from the kind of household dramas that I personally get pleasure from.

An funding of simply 12 episodes, to get household drama kind feels? Not a nasty deal, I’d say. 😁

THE SHORT VERDICT:

If you happen to’ve been across the weblog for some time, you may recall that I used to actually get pleasure from household dramas.

My favourite household dramas (like Life is Lovely, Ojakgyo Brothers and Father is Unusual) all gave me heat cozy vibes, and I bear in mind them fondly. 🥲

Actually, although, it’s been a scorching minute since I’ve managed to find time for a household drama – aside from c-drama Go Forward, which is the latest household drama I watched, a few yr in the past now, after I was recovering from surgical procedure and was due to this fact taking a break from running a blog.

(I cherished it, and extremely suggest it, together with its k-remake, Household By Alternative. 😍)

ANYWAY.

Like I used to be saying, it’s been some time since I’d had the possibility to get pleasure from a household drama, and so, to have this present promise these household drama vibes, however clocking in at simply 12 episodes, felt like a little bit of a deal with for me, personally. 🥰

I simply couldn’t say No. 😁

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Right here’s a playlist of the OST album, in case you’d wish to take heed to it when you learn the evaluate.

General, I discovered the music nice, regardless that I’ve to admit that I didn’t actually discover all of it that a lot, as a basic rule. 😅

The monitor that truly did depart an impression, was Neverland, which I discovered very breezy and catchy, and altogether very gratifying.

Right here it’s by itself as properly, in case you’d want to take heed to it on repeat. Good-click  on the video and choose “Loop.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

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

After that, I speak about stuff I preferred 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 finale episodes.

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

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

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

1. Present is tough across the edges

As with many household dramas, the manufacturing values lean rather less polished on this drama world. Typically Present will get just a little exaggerated too, in telling its story.

Adjusting your expectations round that, helps.

2. It’s family-forward

There are a number of lovelines in our story world to entice the romantics in our midst, however I might say that the stronger focus, is on the household itself, and the relationships inside the household.

3. Typically facet characters may be annoying

..However that is a part of the territory, within the sense that that’s simply the best way it tends to be, in household drama story worlds.

Nobody’s really hateful, although, so don’t fear about that.

STUFF I LIKED

Present’s premise

I took to the premise of this present immediately, truthfully.

The concept of Ji Jin Hee coming again within the flesh to his household, as a rich, sharp-suited landlord tickled me, and I cherished the concept of second possibilities to return.

Household reconciliations AND the potential for a mature, second-chance romance?

I used to be bought immediately.

But in addition. Did I point out Ji Jin Hee trying all good-looking in a pointy go well with? 😁

How Present navigates its story

With most household dramas that I do know of, being within the area of fifty episodes, one in every of my pure considerations, was whether or not Present would nonetheless handle to inform a great story and provides us these household feels successfully, in simply 12 episodes.

My considerations about Present’s potential to result in plausible reconciliations intensified at in regards to the midway level, as a result of it felt like we hadn’t really made important progress, regardless of being 6 episodes into a complete of 12.

Which is why I used to be so impressed, when, in episodes 7 and eight, Present makes some narrative strikes that truly result in some very significant progress in our character relationships, that also feels natural, regardless of the turning factors being so speedy.

I believed that was properly finished.

The lovelines

I’ve to confess that I’ve an enormous tender spot for romances, and so, I undoubtedly perked up on the lovelines in our story, notably the one between Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong (Son Na Eun and Choi Minho), which Present begins teasing fairly early on.

I’ll speak extra in regards to the lovelines later in a separate part, however simply wished to say right here, that the romance in our drama world, whereas not a main focus, was undoubtedly a private spotlight for me.

The parent-child relationships

One other main spotlight for me, was the assorted parent-child relationships in our story world.

From Mi Rae with every of her mother and father, to Tae Pyeong together with his father, I discovered myself actually having fun with and appreciating the concentrate on the parent-child love, and the way that may be difficult generally, and the way it may be a lot easier, if we’d enable it to be. 🥲

I’ll speak extra about every of those relationships in a later part.

When relationships are portrayed as heat and open

Relationships on this drama world aren’t excellent, and there are various cases of characters leaping to conclusions and being judgey, &/or bickering about issues.

However there are occasions when characters show actually heat and open relationships, and I loved these moments rather a lot.

This instance, from episodes 5-6, actually stands out to me, on this regard.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. I have to say, I discovered the whole manner Present handled Ae Yeon’s discovery of the {photograph} of Mu Jin and Jeong In (Yang Jo Ah), fairly refreshing.

I imply, sure, Ae Yeon does take the {photograph} along with her, and angst over it, along with her ideas going everywhere, BUT, when Jeong In finds the {photograph} exterior her store, she goes straight to Ae Yeon, and tells her the reality.

YESSS. I like that.

It feels so refreshing to have the 2 girls speak so brazenly, and I do assume that a variety of it has to do with the best way Ae Yeon had helped and comforted Jeong In, again when Jeong Iin had simply moved in, on their own and pregnant, and had been so reclusive and reticent, most certainly from the disgrace of all of it.

I did love that flashback rather a lot, I’ve to say, as a result of it felt like such a poignantly healthful factor, for Ae Yeon to succeed in out and assist and luxury a stranger who had made it clear that she didn’t wish to be approached, after which for stated stranger to break down in tears in Ae Yeon’s arms. 🥲

I can see how this is able to have constructed a robust basis for the friendship between Ae Yeon and Jeong In, and I like that open, earnest kind of vibe that we get from Jeong In, when she seeks out Ae Yeon, to inform her the reality.

[END SPOILER]

STUFF THAT WAS OK

The neighborhood of neighbors

It’s true that a lot of the neighbors are on the exaggerated facet of issues, just like the suspicious dude who thinks that Mu Jin may be an arsonist, or perhaps a assassin.

General, although, I see them as innocent and well-meaning, regardless of being nosy and gossipy.

So the neighbors weren’t my favourite factor about this present, however I didn’t discover them hateful both.

On a associated tangent, I simply wished to say that I acquired a kick out of seeing Yang Jo Ah play Jeong In, the flirty hairdresser.

I really feel like I largely see Yang Jo Ah in additional critical roles, like in The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (evaluate right here!), so to see her all dolled up and in flirty mode, on this drama world, provides me a thrill. 😁

When Present will get exaggerated

I do know it mainly comes with the territory, however Present getting all exaggerated and theatrical, wasn’t one in every of my favourite issues.

I did work to handle my expectations round this, since that is a part of the DNA of many household dramas, and I didn’t assume I ought to maintain that towards Present.

..Which is why that is within the impartial zone, for me.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. One of many issues that I discover unnecessarily exaggerated, is the competitors between Mi Rae and Mu Jin, to win Ae Yeon’s coronary heart.

Actually, it is not sensible by any means, as a result of it doesn’t matter who reaches Ae Yeon first, with a bouquet of flowers, or a present.

Ae Yeon’s acquired room in her coronary heart for each their items, if she wished, and if she doesn’t wish to obtain Mu Jin’s items, then whoever reaches her first wouldn’t make a lick of distinction.

That stated, I can admire the concept, that feelings will not be logical issues, and that Mu Jin and Mi Rae each have an irrational urge to beat the opposite particular person, in profitable Ae Yeon’s favor – and that irrational urge has one thing to do with the wager they’ve made with one another.

Beneath all of the theatrics, nonetheless, I do admire the true feelings which are allowed to shine by way of.

[END SPOILER]

When Present makes use of crimson herrings [SPOILERS]

After all, I’m referring to the entire thing the place Present implies for some time, that Jeong in and Mu Jin had been romantically concerned, throughout their time in Thailand.

On the one hand, I’ll say that it was efficient, as a result of I absolutely purchased into it, and for some time there, I used to be completely judging Mu Jin for being heartless in direction of Jeong In, and for not being upfront with Ae Yeon.

On the different hand, I do assume that Present manipulated Jeong In’s habits in a manner that didn’t fairly ring true on hindsight, as soon as we all know the reality, which comes out quickly sufficient.

What I imply is, earlier than the Large Reveal, that Mu Jin hadn’t fathered Jeong In’s unborn child, Jeong In’s habits is sort of deceptive, notably with that drunk scene the place she tipsily mumbles that she envies Ae Yeon probably the most, in the whole world.

In that scene, she doesn’t say it, however it’s the logical factor to conclude that Mu Jin’s loyalty and affection, was the factor that she didn’t get round to articulating, because the factor she most envied Ae Yeon for.

Moreover, in a variety of scenes at round this level in our story, Jeong In behaves like she needs to get again along with Mu Jin, like in the best way she is proven to pause fairly dramatically, when she overhears Ae Yeon speaking about not desiring to reconcile with Mu Jin.

AND THEN. When the reality is revealed, Jeong In’s habits modifications dramatically, and he or she’s proven to be one of many greatest supporters, of the potential reconciliation between Mu Jin and Ae Yeon.

This doesn’t add as much as very cohesive character presentation, so taking the whole lot into consideration, I’d say that Present did “simply okay” on the crimson herring entrance, on steadiness.

The character of Hyeon Jae [BROAD SPOILERS]

I ended up having blended emotions about Hyeon Jae (Yoon San Ha) as a personality, which is why I’ve acquired him on this part.

At first, I believed he was very endearing, notably in the best way that he glommed onto Mu Jin, and appeared to get so a lot pleasure from simply hanging round Mu Jin, and working errands for him.

I preferred the concept he actually missed having a father, or not less than a father determine, in his life, and he appeared to be instinctively making up for misplaced time, which, aw. 🥲

Nonetheless, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than I discovered myself rolling my eyes at Hyeon Jae’s immature, naive and presumptuous habits.

[SPECIFIC SPOILERS]

Not solely does he drop out of faculty on his personal, he makes use of the faculty tuition cash that Mi Rae had labored so exhausting to provide him, to assist his need to turn into a enterprise proprietor.

I additionally didn’t like how he latches onto the concept Mu Jin, as his wealthy dad, would spend money on his enterprise enterprise, and that’s why he begins buttering up Mu Jin, and treating him like royalty.

[END SPECIFIC SPOILERS]

I began out discovering Hyeon Jae endearing, however I spent a lot of my watch feeling irritated at his whiney methods, that I believe it’s completely spoiled my impression of him. 😅

STUFF I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH

Present being a tease about Mu Jin

I believe Present spends wayyy to a lot time being a tease about Mu Jin probably being a shady particular person.

Simply based mostly on this present’s style alone, I may confidently conclude that Present was simply teasing, about Mu Jin possibly having finished some legal issues, however Present stretches it out for for much longer than I might have preferred.

SPOTLIGHT ON SELECTED CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Son Na Eun as Mi Rae

I really feel like Mi Rae is positioned as a really key character, on condition that she’s the one we’re launched to first, and whereas I really feel like there are a good variety of viewers who discover her unlikable, I didn’t discover myself feeling the identical manner.

Positive, she does begin our story on the grumpier facet of issues, however I really feel that Present does a strong job of giving us the context round why she is that manner.

Add on the truth that it is a story world the place a variety of issues may be exaggerated for impact, and I discovered it fairly straightforward to just accept Mi Rae, and even root for her.

Oh, and I did like the truth that Mi Rae’s very competent at work, and stands out from amongst her friends.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. Though Mi Rae isn’t one to complain about her lot, we do get glimpses of her internal exhaustion, like when she feels so again right into a nook, that she needs the world would come to an finish, or when she remarks that she’s considering whether or not she ought to simply bounce into the Han River.

I don’t consider that Mi Rae is definitely suicidal, however I do consider that her psychological and emotional exhaustion is actual, and that she has little or no bandwidth left, to think about reconciling with Mu Jin, when he exhibits up on the finish of episode 1.

[END SPOILER]

Mi Rae and Ae Yeon

I like that there’s a robust bond between Mi Rae and Ae Yeon (Kim Ji Soo).

Clearly, mom and daughter make an ideal staff, and I like the concept they work in the identical division retailer, with Ae Yeon even being on Mi Rae’s tteokbokki staff, serving up samples of tteokbokki, and ramping up gross sales, like a boss. 😁

To my eyes, they’ve constructed up their sturdy relationship over years of looking for one another, and being there for one another, as they took care of their family collectively, and I actually preferred the sturdy mother-daughter bond.

And, I believed it was touching, that every would robotically consider the opposite’s desire / well-being, when contemplating, properly, something. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

I believed that the arc, that Ae Yeon and Mi Rae had turn into overly depending on one another, and that Ae Yeon wanted to let Mi Rae go, in order that she may very well be impartial, was fairly attention-grabbing.

Largely, dramas are likely to concentrate on therapeutic damaged parent-child relationships, like we see in different relationships on this story world, however right here, now we have a much-needed recalibration of a parent-child relationship, which I believed was fairly refreshing.

[END SPOILER]

Choi Minho as Tae Pyeong

I actually preferred Minho as Tae Pyeong; I believed the function suited him completely.

To my eyes, it felt like Tae Pyeong was a pleasant spot of calm, within the midst of an in any other case largely chaotic story world.

I believed this was excellent, since Tae Pyeong actually means “peace.”

In a short time into the present, we get just a little snippet of his morning at his residence, the place he eats this healthful cereal breakfast on his rooftop, earlier than biking to work, and I simply actually preferred how easy and healthful his life seemed to be – which is totally in contrast to the sort of life that we see Mi Rae main.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I actually like that Tae Pyeong’s fast to supply assist when he sees that it’s wanted, like when he sees Mi Rae getting publicly dumped by her ex-boyfriend (a hilarious cameo by Daniel Choi, as probably the most needy Mama’s Boy, pfft), and provides her a journey on his bicycle, in order that she will be able to get away from the prying eyes of her colleagues.

What I like about Tae Pyeong is, he truthfully doesn’t appear to have any sort of agenda, relating to Mi Rae.

He helps her as a result of he perceives that she wants assist, but when she declines, he’s fast to excuse himself, and go on his manner.

There’s simply one thing about that, that appeals to me.

I believe it’s partly the informal nonchalance, like he doesn’t take it personally when she declines, and the truth that he really respects her opinion when she provides it. Each of these issues attraction to me.

E5-6. A shock for me, these episodes, is Tae Pyeong’s chaebol backstory.

I don’t know why it hadn’t occurred to me, that maybe his household background wasn’t so easy, on condition that chaebol households in dramas are sometimes tremendous difficult.

These episodes, I used to be stunned twice, as a result of at first, it had appeared to me, like Tae Pyeong may need been born of an affair that CEO Dad (Jung Woong In) had had, however then, we be taught that, nope, CEO Dad is definitely Tae Pyeong’s half-brother, and Tae Pyeong’s really born of an affair that the late Chairman had had. Eep. 🤪

With the gossip and finger-pointing that should come alongside, within the household, it’s little marvel that Tae Pyeong needs as little to do with the household as potential.

Though Tae Pyeong acts firmly nonchalant, we see later that it does damage him, judging from the best way he goes ingesting on his personal, and appears so down, when he bumps into Mi Rae.

[END SPOILER]

Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong

From the second that Present introduces Tae Pyeong’s character, it was clear to me as a viewer, that there was going to be a loveline between Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong, I used to be on board immediately, truthfully.

I suppose it’s my rom-com hardwiring as a drama fangirl popping out? I discovered myself lapping up all the assorted interactions that we see them have, every episode, and this potential loveline shortly grew to become a spotlight of my watch.

In a narrative world the place this loveline isn’t really the Foremost Occasion, I do really feel like Present does a strong job of demonstrating a rising connection between this would-be couple, that feels pure and natural.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. The truth that Mi Rae barely registers the looks of the good-looking stranger in her orbit, is, I believe, an ideal testomony to the truth that she’s over-stressed, over-exhausted and over-stretched.

Which is why it’s so apt that the best way they meet, is when Tae Pyeong actually piggybacks her to the hospital, as a result of she collapses from exhaustion at work. Boy, speak about working your self ragged. 😅

E3-4. I do assume it’s fairly a scrumptious concept, that Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong are each inadvertently privy to one another’s secrets and techniques, and discover themselves promising to maintain one another’s secrets and techniques, properly, secret. 😁

With this, it seems like they’re abruptly companions in crime or one thing related, and I like this sense of sudden closeness that’s between them, as a result of they’re guarding one another’s privateness.

Nearly the whole lot round Tae Pyeong being the Chairman’s son tickles me.

From the best way Mi Rae unintentionally finds out, due to how the elevator doorways open simply as Tae Pyeong’s yelling, “Father!,” to how chagrined she is, pondering of how she’d threatened to get Tae Pyeong fired “with the authority of the top workplace.” 🤭

I do actually just like the “type indifference” that they land on, as their manner of being round one another; it feels spot-on because the sort of assist that they’d instantly admire from one another, and there’s no burden right here, of being extra concerned with one another than completely mandatory.

Like I discussed earlier, it simply doesn’t appear to me that Tae Pyeong has any particular intentions round Mi Rae; he appears to only genuinely wish to assist her, when he runs into her.

And we do have them working into one another fairly recurrently, because of how carefully interlinked their worlds are; their houses are in the identical neighborhood, his judo studio is in that neighborhood as properly, they usually work on the identical retailer.

Out of their numerous run-ins, I do have a tender spot for the time Mi Rae’s seeking to blow off steam fairly desperately, and runs into Tae Pyeong, who lets her break a bunch of boards on the judo studio.

I believed that was very sort of him, and it additionally seems like a very well timed and on-point kind of manner to assist Mi Rae, at a time when she’s feeling notably annoyed.

After which the opposite run-in I actually preferred, is the one on the finish of episode 4, when Tae Pyeong spots Mi Rae crying within the park, and goes off to get her an umbrella, in order that she will be able to cry with some privateness, not less than.

Aw. He’s actually so considerate, and I like how he all the time approaches Mi Rae with that open gaze that signifies that he isn’t judging her in any respect, and simply needs to assist. 🥲

With the 2 of them seeing extra of one another, and due to this fact sharing extra with one another like this, I’m actually trying ahead to them selecting to spend extra time collectively, and be nearer, quite than simply depend upon likelihood.

E5-6. I’m having fun with properly, the little run-ins between Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong.

That little motif, the place Tae Pyeong retains assembly Mi Rae within the elevator, and retains holding it for her, or urgent the ground quantity for her, or simply asking after her, is all fairly low-key, but fairly cute.

The way in which Mi Rae perks up at assembly Tae Pyeong, regardless of herself, can be fairly cute.

Given how Mi Rae’s determined that she has no room in her life for love, I can see why she would attempt to speak herself out of permitting the reference to Tae Pyeong to kind naturally, and attempt to nip all of it within the bud.

On the identical time, I’m glad that Tae Pyeong doesn’t really keep away from her, regardless that she tells him to.

I actually preferred that fast little jaunt to the seaside, as a result of he’d volunteered himself to go along with her, in an effort to persuade his grandmother to maintain supplying the shop with tteokbokki, regardless that Gran has already acknowledged that she gained’t.

And it’s additionally considerate of him, to insist on driving her residence, when he sees that she’s very drained.

E7-8. One of many relationships that I’ve been trying ahead to getting some progress, is the connection between Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong, so I’m completely blissful to have Tae Pyeong preserve working into her, to be the assistance and assist that she wants, whereas issues are topsy-turvy at residence.

Once more, as a result of they reside in the identical neighborhood, these run-ins really feel plausible and natural, quite than far-fetched and random.

I imply, it is sensible to me that Tae Pyeong can be out jogging, since he’s an athlete kind, and it is sensible to me that he’d spot Mi Rae trying misplaced whereas standing subsequent to her suitcase.

I did assume it was just a little foolish that he and Mi Rae tussle over the suitcase sufficient to trigger Mi Rae to fall flat on the bottom, however y’know, I’d purchase that it could take that a lot, to persuade Mi Rae that she ought to take up Tae Pyeong’s supply, to wash up at his residence.

The entire rooftop BBQ factor with Tae Pyeong’s mates is fairly good, and Tae Pyeong gawking on the sight of Mi Rae in a gown, after which leaping to place a jacket round her shoulders in order that she gained’t catch a chilly, is cute too.

Plus, Mi Rae sporting Tae Pyeong’s large hoodie on her tiny body, does give me couple vibes. 🥰

Extra importantly, I actually like that this affords them the chance to have a correct dialog, the place they find yourself sharing extra deeply about their lives.

It hadn’t actually occurred to me earlier than, that they’d have the ability to present solidarity to one another, however they do precisely that, on the purpose of feeling like they shouldn’t have been born – and isn’t that such a deeply private factor?

I really feel like as soon as they’re related in solidarity on this, that simply naturally deepens their liking for one another, which is already clear to see.

I like this; it makes their connection really feel so natural and due to this fact unforced. 🥲

It’s actually fairly touching, how they take turns stroking one another on the top, with Mi Rae providing phrases of consolation, understanding and acceptance, and Tae Pyeong trying like he’s attempting to determine whether or not to reciprocate with related phrases – or a kiss. 😁

The concept of Tae Pyeong changing into extra able to acknowledge and articulate his emotions for Mi Rae, is sort of thrilling, truthfully.

I do love that the following time he runs into her, he takes her to dinner as a result of she hasn’t eaten, after which fusses over each little factor, as a result of he needs to maintain her whereas she’s damage.

After which he asks if, as an alternative of working into one another, they will plan for a date, subsequent time.

Eee! Cute!

And I do like that Mi Rae’s eventual reply, is that after she’s made up with Ae Yeon, they will go on that date. 🥰

After that, how about how he’s fast to volunteer to assist Mi Rae on the grocery store, as a result of her hand is damage, and the way he’s additionally fast to seize her hand, whereas pulling her out of hurt’s manner – from a passing shopper’s cart, hee. 🤭

After which, he’s additionally fast to substantiate along with her, that she’s made up with Ae Yeon – as a result of he’s been sincerely trying ahead to that, greater than anybody. Cute!

Afterwards, when Tae Pyeong realizes that Mi Rae had rejected CEO Dad’s request for her to influence Tae Pyeong to work within the firm, that galvanizes him into motion, yesss.

It’s fairly nice that after Tae Pyeong calls her, Mi Rae exhibits as much as their assembly with a birthday cake, to shock him.

Aw! This feels particularly becoming, since they’d beforehand talked about how he’d felt like heh shouldn’t have been born. 🥲

It feels just like the pure subsequent step, that Tae Pyeong tells her, that very same night, that he likes her.

I used to be on tenterhooks together with Tae Pyeong for some time, coz Mi Rae begins to speak about how she will be able to’t ignore him being the CEO’s son – however then she finishes by saying that it’s more durable to disregard her emotions for him, yesss!

After which they seal it with a kiss, awwww. 🥲

I do love the concept of them discovering solidarity, love and acceptance in one another, which they hadn’t ever believed they’d discover. 🥲🥲

[END SPOILER]

Mi Rae and Mu Jin

One of many reconciliations that I regarded ahead to probably the most, in our story world, was the one between Mi Rae and Mu Jin.

There’s a variety of damage there that’s unresolved, and for a very long time, it seems prefer it may be too large to ever actually resolve, however Present does a pleasant job of giving us little child steps in the correct path, and I actually preferred that.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. Beneath the petty competitors and theatrics, I can sense Mu Jin’s unhappiness and sense of resignation at any time when he contemplates his previous with Mi Rae, and the way he’d let the household down, and the way she’d advised him that she wished him out of their lives.

You possibly can inform that he’s sorry, and that he acknowledges the improper that he did, and that he’s wistful for the previous, and dearly needs to start out afresh, together with his household.

On Mi Rae’s facet, you’ll be able to nonetheless sense the damage and disappointment that she’d suffered, nonetheless hanging over her, and the ensuing obligations that she’s taken on, weighing her down.

In a manner, she’s needed to develop up very quick, in an effort to assist maintain her household, however on the identical time, it feels to me like there’s nonetheless part of her that’s nonetheless just a little woman, who’s crying due to the damage and disappointment.

Actually, the second that basically acquired below my pores and skin, with these two, these episodes, is when Mi Rae will get overwhelmed after the large scare that Ae Yeon had gone lacking, and he or she goes off on her personal for a stroll.

I discovered it very touching, that Mu Jin would comply with her, after which inform her that she’s finished actually, rather well, and that she’s nothing like him, so she doesn’t want to fret.

It actually struck me that Mu Jin may need been out of Mi Rae’s life for a very long time, however he does instinctively perceive her, as her father.

In simply these jiffy, he’s spoken to the core of the burdens on her coronary heart, and I discover that very poignant and bittersweet.

It truthfully makes me need this father-daughter pair to beat the ache of the previous, and reconcile. 🥲

E5-6. In each second when Mu Jin does or says one thing that offers Mi Rae pause, I perk up just a little bit on the risk that they may one step nearer to reconciling. 🥲

Like when Mu Jin talks about desirous to lighten Mi Rae’s burden, even when it’s late within the coming, and when he replaces that pretend CCTV digicam with an actual one, as a result of he is aware of that Mi Rae is anxious about Ae Yeon.

He genuinely cares, and he’s actually attempting, and it seems like possibly it’s beginning to make a glimmer of a distinction.

In spite of everything, we do get the primary occasion of Mi Rae utilizing a delicate tone with Mu Jin, these episodes, when she tells him to do his half as a father or mother, and soak up Hyeon Jae.

It’s.. not a complete lot, however it’s one thing, sure?

E7-8. We lastly get a reconciliation between Mi Rae and Mu Jin, and I’m very pleasantly shocked that Present manages to make it really feel fairly natural and convincing.

We’ve seen that Mu Jin actually does care about Mi Rae, and needs to reconcile, however all we’ve seen from Mi Rae in response, is a deep sense of bitterness and hostility.

That flashback, nonetheless, put the whole lot into perspective.

Their relationship had soured, not due to all of the failed enterprise ventures, however as a result of Mi Rae had overheard that dialog the place Mu Jin’s pal had stated that the whole lot had gone south, as a result of Mu Jin had had Mi Rae.

Ouch. That will need to have damage an ideal deal, and I can see why Mi Rae would have taken it very badly.

And but, she doesn’t really hate Mu Jin, and that’s why she places herself in danger in an effort to save Mu Jin from what may have been a nasty accident.

I’m so glad that Mi Rae’s accident results in some trustworthy outpouring of emotions, adopted by a reconciliation that’s cathartic and tearful, which then settles right into a truce between them that feels endearingly awkward and restrained. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Tae Pyeong and CEO Dad

Though their relationship is a extra secondary kind of arc, I discovered myself having a tender spot for the relationships between Tae Pyeong and CEO Dad.

I believe it’s as a result of, beneath their butting of heads, I may sense that CEO Dad was really wistful for his son, and I discovered that very endearing and touching.

And so, I discovered myself trying ahead to their reconciliation an ideal deal as properly.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I discovered CEO Dad’s go to to Tae Pyeong’s rooftop residence very cute, in that you would be able to inform that Dad misses his son, as a lot as he tries to be gruff about it, and he actually hopes that Tae Pyeong would simply come residence already.

I additionally thought that it was attention-grabbing that Dad appears to know Tae Pyeong properly sufficient, what with with the ability to guess Tae Pyeong’s passcode to the residence, whereas Tae Pyeong doesn’t even know that Dad suffers from diabetes.

I suppose it’s a type of issues, the place as a child, you don’t fairly take note of your mother and father, till you’re older and extra mature, and maybe Tae Pyeong isn’t fairly there but?

I did discover it fairly touching, that Dad would know sufficient about Tae Pyeong, to know what to guess as his passcode. Aw.

[END SPOILER]

Ae Yeon and Mu Jin

This was the OTP that I wasn’t really certain would be an OTP, heh.

The factor is, I discovered that I wasn’t tremendous fussed, actually, about whether or not Ae Yeon and Mu Jin would reconcile; I simply knew that I wished them to not less than get alongside, and that I wished to see the household get alongside once more.

General, I really feel like Present did a pleasant job of working by way of this relationship.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. I’m not sure that Ae Yeon actually will reconcile with Mu Jin, however I believed that her response to the whole lot felt fairly plausible and natural.

What I imply is, I completely purchase the concept she believes that she has completely little interest in wanting Mu Jin again, however then catches herself really caring, when she thinks that he may need had a factor with Jeong In, in Thailand.

Typically – oftentimes? – we’d not absolutely perceive our personal hearts, and I do assume that is the case with Ae Yeon.

That’s why she’s in a position to refute the potential of a reconciliation repeatedly, and so vehemently, and that’s additionally why she goes into such a daze, when she thinks that Mu Jin may need been the daddy of Jeong In’s unborn child.

These episodes, I really feel like there are a number of instances when there are little glimmers of hope for Mu Jin and Ae Yeon to start out over, like when he provides her that large bag of issues, and every merchandise seems to be a considerate little reward for her to get pleasure from.

With Ae Yeon persevering with to wash furiously after consuming a little bit of the snack that he buys her, I suppose it’s protected to say that she may be wavering just a little. Or not less than confused. 😁

The factor that basically alerts a potential breakthrough, I believe, is when Ae Yeon drinks with Mu Jin, after which drunkenly bemoans what a horrible mom she is, as a result of it’s her fault that Mi Rae grew up too quick, and Hyeon Jae hasn’t grown up but.

Aw. That’s only a poignant, motherly kind of thought, and so private too, and the truth that she provides voice to these ideas in entrance of Mu Jin, seems like a big factor, doesn’t it? 🥲

Perhaps we’ll get a reconciliation between these two in any case..

E7-8. I’d truthfully been uncertain that Mu Jin and Ae Yeon would get again collectively, given how strained issues have been between them, and likewise, given how Ae Yeon’s already acknowledged firmly that she wouldn’t reconcile with him.

However, the best way Present works it, I can consider it – which I do very a lot admire.

Via all of it, we’ve seen Mu Jin show a substantial amount of honest concern for Ae Yeon, past the infantile competitors for Ae Yeon’s consideration that we noticed in earlier episodes.

When he thinks that Ae Yeon’s unwell, he’s so anxious, and so fast to place her to mattress, in order that she will be able to relaxation.

And, we will see too, that Ae Yeon nonetheless cares about Mu Jin, just about regardless of herself.

Like when she sees his outdated “mates” making snide remarks to his face exterior the funeral corridor, she will be able to’t assist however go to his protection, even when it means pretending to nonetheless be married to him.

I discovered it fairly amusing, that she wouldn’t have the ability to speak herself out of going forward with it, regardless that her mind is cognizant sufficient, to protest. 🤭 I suppose she simply cares about him that a lot, sure?

Extra importantly although, we do get that burst of honesty, when Mu Jin later questions Ae Yeon about her actions, and he or she tells him level clean, that his drawback is assuming that he’s the one one who misplaced rather a lot, in the whole lot that had occurred.

I do assume that that’s an essential nudge in the correct path, as a result of with this, I really feel like they’re lastly attending to the meat of what’s actually preserving them aside.

One other main factor, is how Hyeon Jae exhibits Ae Yeon the contents of Mu Jin’s large bag of secrets and techniques – and it seems to be all of the mementoes of Ae Yeon and the household, lovingly labeled and punctiliously stored, all these years.

Awww. Y’know, I’d actually puzzled what that bag was about, and had imagined that the bag had one thing to do with the key of Mu Jin’s sudden wealth, and it’s so touching to appreciate, that the issues within the bag, which he’d treasured a lot, weren’t about cash, however his household. That they had been his riches all alongside.

Isn’t that such a touching thought?? 🥹

I do assume that that breaks by way of Ae Yeon’s final defenses, towards Mu Jin, and that’s how we find yourself with a reconciliation, proper there on the baseball recreation.

Which is so becoming, actually, as a result of that’s the place their relationship had began too. 🥲

It’s so candy and heartwarming, how Mu Jin grabs her for a hug, as soon as it dawns on him that she’s asking him to be a part of her life once more, and gained’t let go – and tells her that he’s barely holding himself again from kissing her in public, hee!

Cute!

[END SPOILER]

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E9-10. Contemplating that these are our penultimate episodes, and that penultimate episodes in kdramas have a status for being angsty and exhausting to look at, I’m really actually pleased with these episodes.

Not solely can we get some extra significant steps ahead in our key relationships, we additionally get some essential reveals, AND, it isn’t even a lot angst in any respect, within the grand scheme of issues.

I believe I quite like what appears to be a development of shorter household dramas coming our manner. 🥰

Backing as much as episode 9, I believed the episode title was a cute pun, for the reason that episode it titled “Again to the Mi Rae,” and “mi rae” really means “future.”

Fairly enjoyable, sure? And it’s apt, too, as a result of whereas it’s not about time journey, it’s about Mi Rae discovering the life that ought to have belonged to her, if she hadn’t been so wrapped up previously, and the obligations that she’d taken upon herself, due to that previous.

Actually, I’d say that that applies to Ae Yeon too, these episodes, so the title feels additional apt.

I do assume that Ae Yeon’s methodology of giving Mi Rae her independence was quite far-fetched, in that, I doubt any regular father or mother would resort to that, except a standard dialogue about this with their youngster had failed.

And we don’t really see Ae Yeon try to speak with Mi Rae about it, and it’s much more far-fetched as a result of the 2 of them had all the time been shut.

Nonetheless, I get that this was mainly Present’s manner of including some drama and zing to our proceedings, so I’ll roll with it, and I do additionally give Present some credit score for not less than trying to elucidate Ae Yeon’s excessive measures.

Extra importantly, the emotional beats really feel relatable and plausible, and that helps to floor the whole lot, regardless that I nonetheless discover the strategy on the extra stylized, dramatic facet of issues.

The way in which each Ae Yeon and Mi Rae begin out feeling unsure of what to do with themselves, feels true to life; I can consider that they’ve lived so lengthy whereas relying on one another, that they’d wrestle to regulate, as soon as the state of affairs is modified like this.

I additionally like that each Ae Yeon and Mi Rae come to appreciate how a lot the opposite particular person had contributed to their lives, whereas they’d lived collectively. I suppose that is what it means to say, “Absence makes the nice develop fonder”?

Like Mi Rae realizing how completely Ae Yeon had managed to maintain home, a lot in order that she’d by no means observed it, as a result of it had been so completely finished.

And Ae Yeon realizing that there’s nobody else in the home, to assist run errands like purchase bread, or assist with bills.

I do like the concept Tae Pyeong’s there to assist and assist Mi Rae as she settles in, and that Mu Jin’s there to do the identical for Ae Yeon, as she adjusts to her new purpose, of taking issues simpler, and never dwelling so exhausting, as she’s all the time finished.

On that time, I’ve to say, I actually like Mu Jin’s reply, when Mi Rae asks him if he’s assured of creating Ae Yeon blissful; that he doesn’t have the boldness, however simply needs to be subsequent to her, whereas she reaches for the objectives that she needs.

I additionally actually like what he says about his cause for purchasing the villa.

It’s not that he was intent on reuniting together with his estranged household; he’d simply wished to be be in the identical house as they, and be there for them, in the event that they wanted him.

Awww. That could be very endearing and really candy; I like that he simply wished to be close to them. 🥲🥲

As for Ae Yeon, I like that she will get scouted as a mannequin for that reside broadcast, and will get to style her long-ago celeb dream, just a little bit.

Mu Jin getting all excited and performing as her supervisor for the day, can be very cute.

And I believed it was very significant, that Mi Rae acquired to be there to witness Ae Yeon doing properly, on digicam. 🥲

That second when Mi Rae discovers the letter from Ae Yeon, the place Ae Yeon lovingly provides her recommendation on the best way to make issues work for her regardless of having a full-time job, was very pretty.

I discovered it each therapeutic and empowering, like, you could possibly really feel Ae Yeon’s coronary heart pouring out of the letter, and her phrases are ones of knowledge and expertise, enabling Mi Rae to get issues proper, with out an excessive amount of trial and error.

I preferred that rather a lot.

I additionally actually like their reconciliation, when Mi Rae runs residence immediately, they usually lastly speak issues out.

Mi Rae’s conclusion, that each one these years, she’d advised herself that she’d been dwelling for Ae Yeon and defending her, however actually, as a result of Ae Yeon had been her world, she’d actually been doing it to guard herself, rings true to me.

Afterwards, isn’t it so heartwarming, that Ae Yeon and Mi Rae speak on the telephone much more recurrently than earlier than, after they’d lived collectively? I believed that was very heartwarming. Yesss for mother-daughter bonding! 🥰🥰

One among my private highlights, these episodes, was watching Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong having fun with themselves as a newly minted couple.

The highlights of them occurring dates and doing enjoyable issues collectively, have been actually candy, and I actually preferred the concept of them feeling like their abnormal lives had abruptly turn into particular and thrilling – all due to the opposite particular person. Schweet. 🥰

Tae Pyeong becoming a member of the corporate as an intern, and being assigned to Mi Rae, was fairly amusing to me.

I’m starting to see that CEO Dad actually does need the very best for Tae Pyeong, and that he actually does miss Tae Pyeong and wish to spend time with him.

That beat, the place CEO Dad says that they’d do the cross-country bike journey that they’d promised one another, after he retires, is definitely fairly candy.

It exhibits that CEO Dad is sort of wistful for the time that they’d have the ability to spend collectively as father and son, and I like that he’s purposefully preserving the bike journey as a factor that they are going to do collectively, at a set level sooner or later. 🥲

I believed it was sneaky of him to assign Mi Rae to mentor Tae Pyeong, as a result of, truthfully, who else would have the ability to make Tae Pyeong work exhausting, and but get pleasure from himself whereas doing so? 😁

The entire “secret relationship within the workplace” factor can be fairly cute and thrilling, and I can see why Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong would discover it so thrilling to be round one another within the workplace, stealing little handholds and exchanging secret, significant seems.

I really like her technique, of being strict and businesslike with Tae Pyeong at work, after which comforting and consoling after hours. The way in which Tae Pyeong readily accepts this, and cheerfully goes together with it, can be very endearing. 🥰

Everybody else bending over backwards to be good to Tae Pyeong, now that he’s outed because the CEO’s son, is low-key amusing, in a bonus kind of manner.

Lastly, Present reveals the reality behind what had occurred between Mu Jin and the late landlord, and naturally Mu Jin hadn’t contributed to his dying.

The truth is, Mu Jin had tried to influence each him and Jae Geol to not make investments their cash in that rip-off, however neither had listened.

..Which signifies that when the late landlord’s daughter had approached him for cash, when he’d really misplaced all of it, he’d made the choice to set his residence on hearth for the hearth insurance coverage cash, in an effort to assist her – and simply hadn’t managed to get out of the residence in time.

Ackkk. Which means that the daughter had really precipitated her father’s dying, by asking him for cash within the first place.

That’s horrible, and no marvel she’d robotically regarded for a unique technique to perceive the state of affairs; she probably couldn’t bear the guilt of admitting the reality – that her father’s dying had inadvertently been her personal doing. 💔

However in fact, belief our good-hearted Mu Jin to nonetheless blame himself for it, aw.

I’m glad that Ae Yeon leads the best way in vouching for his character, after which goes after him, to consolation him.

It’s cute how she even goes as far as to sing for him, like the best way she’d sung for him, manner again after they’d first gotten collectively.

After which, when that fails to get him out of his funk, she even kisses him.

Ooh! Properly! I suppose this reconciliation goes past simply companionship then, hee! 😁

I’m certain Mu Jin’s past thrilled, as he kisses her again, and I really feel like we’re mainly very properly on monitor, for a healthful, blissful ending, in our upcoming finale episodes. 🥰🥰

Properly finished, Present. Properly finished. ❤️

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E11-12. It’s a contented ending throughout, which I completely anticipated, given the sort of present it’s, however it’s not a standard blissful ending, which I believe provides a refreshing kind of twist.

Some stuff was admittedly just a little foolish and over-the-top, just like the telling of the true story behind Mu Jin’s sudden wealth, and the battle between Mu Jin and CEO Dad, each of which I discovered quite eye-rolling.

Some stuff was additionally just a little rushed and handy, like Jeong In and Jae Geol beginning to date, and likewise, the entire thing Hyeon Jae and his need to start out a enterprise, and the way upset he’s, on the manner his whole household isn’t supportive of that need.

General, although, I did like Present’s general message of reconciliation meshed with independence.

It’s fairly recent, for a kdrama, I believe, notably a household drama, to emphasise that you simply don’t must reside collectively, so as represent a contented household, or a contented ending.

We see that constantly throughout the board, from Ae Yeon selecting to reside on her personal as an alternative of getting remarried to Mu Jin, to Mi Rae selecting to not get married, regardless that she’s in a critical relationship with Tae Pyeong.

Actually, I believe it could have been good to have had one in every of these {couples} select to get married, as a result of on hindsight, this does really feel like the other of all of the neat bow blissful endings the place everybody simply finally ends up getting married.

That stated, it was nonetheless very gratifying to see our numerous characters be taught to place themselves first, and work out what they wished in life, impartial of the whole lot and everybody else of their lives.

Ae Yeon doing extra modeling work and getting a driver’s license; Mu Jin selecting to educate baseball; Tae Pyeong returning to instructing judo; Mi Rae selecting to reside on her personal; Hyeon Jae persevering with to pursue his enterprise dream; it’s all very heartwarming, truthfully.

One among my favourite bits, in these finale episodes, is that scene the place Tae Pyeong asks to fulfill CEO Dad, and father and son speak over drinks on the pochangmacha, for the primary time.

I like that when Tae Pyeong asks CEO Dad why he’d chosen to be his father, CEO Dad talks with such mild affection about child Tae Pyeong working to him and calling him, “Father,” a lot in order that, earlier than he knew it, he’d turn into Tae Pyeong’s actual father.

Whereas I did discover the battle between CEO Dad and Mu Jin actually foolish, I like that the impact that this has, is that it helps Tae Pyeong to really feel, for the primary time, that CEO Dad actually is his father, in any case, with the best way CEO Dad had bragged about his judo achievements to Mu Jin. 🥲

The 2 of them telling one another that they have been glad to be father and son, was one in every of my favourite moments of those episodes. 🥰🥰

Tae Pyeong then following the second, with telling CEO Dad, with the identical respectful gentleness, that he’s discovering the workplace work extra gratifying than he’d anticipated, however that it’s nonetheless not for him, and Dad accepting it, as a result of Tae Pyeong’s given it an trustworthy strive, can be very heartwarming.

The opposite arc I contemplate a spotlight, is the scene the place Mi Rae visits Mu Jin on the baseball subject, and asks him why he hadn’t advised the household about having caught the scammer, when he got here again.

It seems like a really important step, that Mi Rae tells Mu Jin, on this dialog, that he did properly, to return again, and that she’s glad he’s again.

Ahhhh. I really feel like with this, this father-daughter reconciliation is lastly full, and that makes me blissful. 🥰

Clearly, regardless that I do benefit from the romances in our story, it’s the parent-child relationships that seize my heartstrings the toughest. 🥲

As we shut out our story, it’s very nice to see the household being so blissful, and so close-knit, regardless that they aren’t dwelling collectively like they used to.

I like the concept they’re blissful as they’re now, and can take issues one step at a time, making selections that really feel true to themselves, as they search to reside their greatest lives, independently, but additionally, collectively. 🥰

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Not very elegant, however heartwarming and nice, nonetheless.

FINAL GRADE: B

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The subsequent drama I’m overlaying on Patreon, instead of  Romance within the Home, is Inform Me That You Love Me [Korea].

You possibly can take a look at my episode 1-2 notes on Inform Me That You Love Me on Patreon right here.

Right here’s an summary of what I’m overlaying 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): +The Decide From Hell [Korea]

Early Entry Plus (US$10): +A Virtuous Enterprise [Korea]

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

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