THE SHORT VERDICT:
A very powerful factor I really feel I may say about this present, is, don’t let its somber premise put you off.
Present is thoughtfully written, tenderly directed and splendidly delivered, a lot in order that I discovered myself feeling absolutely engaged, from starting to finish.
Our complete forged is superb, however the standouts are our leads, Kim Go Eun and Park Ji Hyun, who each give us performances that really feel splendidly uncooked and actual, a lot in order that I may absolutely purchase that they only merely had been these individuals.
An underrated gem that’s completely well worth the funding of your drama hours – and your coronary heart. 🥲
THE LONG VERDICT:
To be trustworthy, I’d been extraordinarily hesitant about urgent “play” on this one, my buddies.
I’d given this one a preemptive miss at first, largely as a result of I didn’t suppose it could be very pleasant to observe a present a couple of pair of fallen-out ex-friends, with one in every of them recognized with a terminal sickness, no much less.
That sounded.. heavy, y’know? And I largely don’t actively search for heavy, once I choose my dramas.
Many because of GB, whose tenderly written, appreciative feedback about this one, which she wrote over on Patreon, gave me a little bit of an additional nudge, to provide this present a attempt.
To my full and utter shock, Present sucked me in instantly – after which stored me sucked in, all the best way to the tip. I used to be utterly enraptured, my buddies.
Discuss subverting expectations, eh? 🥲
OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE
Right here is the OST album, in case you’d wish to hearken to it when you learn the assessment.
In a phrase, I’d say that this soundtrack is on the eclectic aspect of issues, and but, the music is utilized so properly, that I discovered that I barely seen the music, even because it amplified and deepened, my immersion within the present.
If I needed to choose a favourite, that may be Observe 11, Notice and Pencil, which I discover ethereal and wistful and simply fairly lovely; a pleasant encapsulation of how I really feel about this present. 🥲
Right here it’s by itself as properly, in case you’d favor to hearken to it on repeat as an alternative. Excellent-click on the video and choose “Loop.”
HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW
First I’ll discuss how one can handle your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens can be most useful.
After that, I discuss stuff I preferred on a extra macro degree, 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 about my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the varied Patreon members’ feedback throughout the course of our watch, you would possibly 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 feel can be useful to bear in mind, to maximise your enjoyment of your watch:
1. This isn’t a romance
There may be some romance on this, however the principle focus of our story, is the friendship between our leads, Eun Jung and Sang Yeon (Kim Go Eun and Park Ji Hyun).
Managing your expectations round that, helps.
2. Suppose small, however deep
What I imply is, our drama world does are typically on the small aspect of issues, so figuring out to count on that, helps.
On the plus aspect, Present goes deep in exploring our characters and relationships, and that makes all of it greater than worthwhile.
3. Don’t over-anticipate
What I imply is, sure, it’s form of a heavy factor, that Present reveals in its opening minutes, that one in every of our leads has a terminal analysis.
Moderately than bracing your self with this in thoughts, I discover that it’s extra useful to only calm down into the story that Present needs to inform, and permit it to take you on the journey.
STUFF I LIKED
The considerate, detailed writing
I’ve heard so many individuals discuss how well-written this present is, and, I’ve to say, now that I’ve watched this present for myself, I completely echo that sentiment.
All all through my watch, I discovered myself marveling at how considerate and real looking the characterization is, of each Eun Jung and Sang Yeon.
It actually, actually feels true to life, and I discovered myself completely engaged and absorbed.
The factor that strikes me essentially the most about this story, is that it’s so.. human. 🥲 There are not any massive bads in our story world; simply regular individuals attempting to get by.
They’re all responding to their circumstances in ways in which really feel very comprehensible and human – and but, it’s by way of a sequence of those very human responses, that sad issues occur on this story world.
It’s heartbreaking, but so comprehensible. As different individuals have stated earlier than me, it’s simple to grasp either side of the story. I persistently felt like I may perceive the ideas, reactions and choices of every of our characters, and with what felt like a whole lot of readability.
Which, might I say, undoubtedly qualifies as an indication of fine writing, in my books.
Moreover, Present managed to maintain me absolutely sucked in, even throughout the angsty parts of our story.
Nothing says “properly written” like Present serving up the angst, and nonetheless managing to maintain my full consideration and engagement – whereas additionally managing to permit me to sympathize with nearly everybody, on this story world. 🥲
Simply actually, very well executed, total.
The storytelling strategy
When it comes to the storytelling strategy, I’d had an inkling moving into, that we’d be working with break up timelines, and that’s completely what we get.
The previous timeline is mainly narrated by present-day Eun Jung, as she writes the story.
For a lot of our story, we spend nearly all of our time deep in flashbacks, with Present systematically constructing the backstory for us, round our central relationship, between Eun Jung and Sang Yeon.
We solely spend small snippets of time within the current timeline, however these small snippets nonetheless work very properly, to floor the flashbacks inside a present context.
Total, I discovered the storytelling strategy very efficient, and depend it as one in every of Present’s highlights.
The casting of our youthful leads
I’ve to confess that in my watch, I used to be arguably essentially the most captivated by the earliest timeline, the place we see the youthful variations of Eun Jung and Sang Yeon first assembly in center faculty, and the way their connection evolves over time.
And, a giant cause for my being so taken with this part of our story, is as a result of I really like the casting of the youthful actors who play Eun Jung and Sang Yeon; there’s a measure of bodily similarity, sure, however greater than that, the vibes that every provides off, is similar to that of her grownup counterpart, and I really like that. 🤩
I really like that I can simply imagine that these are really the youthful selves of our important characters.
Park Web optimization Kyung, who performs Sang Yeon, does very well, however I’ve to say that I’m particularly impressed by Do Yeong Web optimization, who performs younger Eun Jung.
There’s one thing very earthy, matter-of-fact but nuanced about her portrayal, that makes me simply imagine that this actually is younger Eun Jung, somewhat than a younger actor attempting to painting younger Eun Jung, if what I imply?
She’s the one who grounds the previous timeline story for me; even in scenes the place Eun Jung doesn’t say loads, I really feel like I can perceive what she’s feeling, and Do Yeong Web optimization delivers it so naturally too.
I actually suppose that Do Yeong Web optimization’s acquired a brilliant future forward of her in appearing, she does that good of a job, to my eyes. 🤩
SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS
Kim Go Eun as Eun Jung
I assumed Kim Go Eun was fantastic as Eun Jung.
She performs Eun Jung with a beautiful mixture of earthiness, guilelessness and steeliness, which I discovered very attention-grabbing and interesting.
One in every of my favourite issues about Eun Jung is her innate need to be a good particular person and do good by the individuals round her. I additionally beloved her capability to really feel pleasure within the second; that pleasure persistently felt very pure to me, and that made me really feel that she was a pure soul. 🥲
On the identical time, I appreciated her internal steely core, and her capability to see issues with readability, even within the midst of overwhelming emotion.
But, she is most frequently led by the center, and I actually like that about her. ❤️
Park Ji Hyun as Sang Yeon
Park Ji Hyun is implausible as Sang Yeon, and I used to be very a lot impressed by her interpretation and supply of this very complicated character.
I discovered Park Ji Hyun plausible at each stage of Sang Yeon’s journey, regardless of the state of Sang Yeon’s thoughts or coronary heart.
I used to be most impressed along with her supply of Sang Yeon’s fragility and vulnerability within the current timeline, which I discovered completely pure and plausible, regardless of the very totally different variations of Sang Yeon that she portrays within the flashbacks.
A really glorious efficiency by Park Ji Hyun, which I truthfully suppose is award-worthy.
Eun Jung and Sunbae [SPOILERS]
I’ve to confess that I’ve a delicate spot for the loveline between Eun Jung and Sunbae (Kim Gun Woo, whom I now formally consider as an up-and-coming romantic male lead who simply must be forged in an precise romance).
I discovered their courtship and relationship very healthful, in a low-key, on a regular basis form of approach that made me really feel like these two individuals could possibly be collectively on this method, for a very long time.
Regardless that there are issues that find yourself tearing them aside, I couldn’t assist however hope that they might discover a solution to rekindle their relationship, as a result of it felt like such a waste to let such a healthful relationship go. 🥲
Total, I assumed this relationship was portrayed with simply as a lot sensitivity and nuance as our central friendship, a lot in order that I felt that this relationship may exist in actual life. 🥲
Right here’s a set of my ideas about this relationship, from my watch.
[SPOILER ALERT]
E3-4. I discovered Eun Jung’s response to images sunbae Sang Hak very comprehensible.
And, kudos to Kim Go Eun; simply from her supply alone, I may guess that Sang Hak Oppa had in some way died, and wasn’t of this world anymore.
There’s simply one thing about her red-eyed, teary, barely-holding-it-together confusion that simply spelled uncooked grief to me. 💔
It’s simple to see that Sang Hak Oppa had meant loads to Eun Jung, and that she’d been very affected by his passing, based mostly on how she responds to this new Sang Hak sunbae, significantly since this Sang Hak is also keen about images, like Oppa had been, and is instantly variety and slightly indulgent of Eun Jung, the best way Oppa had been with Eun Jung, earlier than his demise.
It have to be very disconcerting for Eun Jung, and I can perceive why she would freeze up round him; his very presence, and his similarities with Oppa, altogether carry Eun Jung nose to nose along with her loss.
And clearly, that loss is one thing that she’s by no means fairly managed to course of nor come to phrases with, which is why she finds it so uncooked and confronting, though Sunbae is unfailingly nice, useful and pleasant, each time they cross paths.
I do really feel unhealthy for Sunbae, as a result of for a very long time, he stays clueless as to why Eun Jung is so uncomfortable round him, after which there’s additionally that drunken debacle, the place she declares in entrance of everybody, that she’d by no means date him.
AND, there’s additionally that beat within the automobile afterwards, when she drunkenly mumbles that she’d mainly disliked him from the beginning, as a result of he’s Sang Hak.
I can completely perceive why Sunbae would withdraw from Eun Jung after that, as a result of – oof – that will need to have been mortifying and humiliating for him 🙈, particularly since he’d form of hinted silently at his curiosity in her, when the group had questioned him, simply earlier than Eun Jung’s outburst.
At this level, I used to be keen Eun Jung to only go as much as him and apologize instantly for her drunken outburst, and I used to be disenchanted that she doesn’t.
This does strike me as her being somewhat cowardly about it, and but, I can determine along with her intuition to cover &/or keep away from the difficulty.
Eun Jung’s not confrontational by nature, and on the subject of “combat” or “flight,” I can utterly perceive her intuition to decide on “flight.”
It’s simply.. I couldn’t assist however hope that Eun Jung would select braveness, on this second, since her phrases had clearly embarrassed and damage Sunbae, and I couldn’t assist however really feel disenchanted that she doesn’t, though I may perceive her paralysis round this.
I’m glad although, that when Eun Jung learns that Sunbae’s chosen to not go on that images journey due to her, that proves to be sufficient of a nudge for her, that she does search him out to speak it out.
Having seen how Eun Jung naturally leans non-confrontational, I recognize that this does take braveness for her to do.
And the way pretty, actually, that their dialog finally ends up going so properly, with the strain and awkwardness finally melting away, as their interplay turns into extra open, after the preliminary apologies on either side.
It appears like a really welcome breakthrough, when Eun Jung cracks a sheepish smile, which, in flip, makes Sunbae chuckle. I preferred that very a lot. 🥰
What a cute promise too, that they might meet early on the bus, and that he’d purchase her a popsicle. 🥰
I’ve to say although, that when Sang Hak doesn’t present up the following morning as agreed, I may completely perceive Eun Jung being on such nervous tenterhooks.
In spite of everything, this was fairly paying homage to how Oppa had died, sure? With him simply all of a sudden disappearing, with no phrase?
Along with her grief over Oppa’s passing nonetheless so robust, I can perceive why Eun Jung would have feared the worst, all the best way to Pohang, and the way that may have put her on such a uncooked edge, such that she’d break into tears on the sight of Sunbae on the guesthouse.
And, I can even perceive why she would flip round and run away – as a result of she doesn’t need him (or anybody else) to see her tears.
I’m so glad that Sunbae goes after her, and I’m additionally glad that Eun Jung finally blurts out the reality: that she’d been afraid that he’d died.
That’s actually vital info for Sunbae, and I’m relieved that though Eun Jung doesn’t present the small print, we study from her voiceover, that he figures out some actually vital issues, from her reveal.
Why she’d been appearing so unusual round him; who had owned the roll of movie that she’d delivered to the membership, and what had occurred to them.
Though I really feel unhealthy for Eun Jung’s coronary heart being all torn up, I’m all for this, as a result of not solely are these tears cathartic for Eun Jung in her therapeutic journey, in addition they foster understanding between her and Sunbae.
I really feel prefer it’s this burst of honesty through her tears, that units the stage for Sunbae to admit that he likes her, and for Eun Jung to confess that she likes him too.
And after all of the angst and tears, I did recognize the lighthearted be aware on which they seal their relationship – with Sunbae telling Hyeon Guk to provide A Ra 10,000 gained, coz that had been the guess that the 2 of them had made, about whether or not or not Sunbae and Eun Jung would find yourself relationship. 😁
Though we don’t actually get to see Sunbae and Eun Jung settle into their new relationship, I did like attending to see, 1-year time skip later, that they’ve settled into a cheerful and comfy relationship, the place Sunbae even comes to assist Eun Jung man Mother’s eatery.
There’s one thing very assuring about that form of ease and luxury in a relationship, to my eyes. 🥲
E5-6. I really actually like how regular and nice Eun Jung’s relationship is, with Sunbae.
They aren’t a fiery, crackly type of couple, and that’s completely advantageous.
In actual fact, I discover myself actually drawn to the snug, easygoing type of vibe that they’ve acquired occurring, by way of most of their relationship.
I like that they speak with one another, and snort and joke with one another; it makes me really feel like that is the form of relationship that would final for the long run.
That’s, till Sunbae finds out that his Moonee Hyung is none aside from Oppa (Kim Jae Received), which tilts his entire world, actually.
It makes full sense to me, that Sunbae would want time to course of and to grieve, and naturally, since Oppa had been Sang Yeon’s brother, it is smart that he would naturally discuss Moonee Hyung, along with her.
And, it additionally is smart that he would need to assist Sang Yeon, when it comes to monitoring down Dylan, the lady whom Oppa had beloved, and likewise, when it comes to providing her another memorabilia associated to Oppa that he occurred to have.
I can completely see how this all comes from a spot of harmless, pure intention.
On the identical time, I can even see how leaning too deeply into this connection, may begin to trigger issues to grow to be extra grey and undefined.
Like that lengthy stroll that evening, when Sunbae actually walks Sang Yeon residence over what appears to be a number of hours, with them speaking all the best way.
Sunbae agreeing to let Sang Yeon be the one to determine when to inform Eun Jung about Oppa is an issue, as a result of because of this Sunbae can be protecting this a secret from Eun Jung, and naturally, when Eun Jung stumbles upon it through that letter that Sunbae sends to Sang Yeon at her college, in fact Eun Jung would regard this with a whole lot of suspicion and uncertainty.
A seed of doubt, as soon as planted, can grow to be a really toxic factor, and I really feel so sorry for each Eun Jung and Sunbae, that this seed has appeared of their in any other case secure and optimistic relationship.
And naturally, it positive doesn’t assist, that Sunbae’s now within the army, and subsequently largely not current, to nurture this relationship extra actively.
E7-8. I do credit score Eun Jung for relenting and making up with Sunbae, though she nonetheless felt damage by the truth that he’d stored a secret from her, and had written to Sang Yeon with out her data.
I do want that Sunbae would have simply declined to get any additional concerned with Sang Yeon’s secret mission, proper?
However then, he’d identified Oppa too, and had a lot regard, respect and affection for Oppa as properly.
I can see why he would have a delicate spot when it got here to Sang Yeon wanting to seek out out why Oppa had died, a lot in order that he would assist her anyway, though I’m positive he was uncomfortable in his conscience, figuring out how troubled this could make Eun Jung, if she knew.
Plus, Oppa’s reality seems to be sudden sufficient, that I may see Sunbae worrying about how Sang Yeon would possibly take it, when she got here to know of it.
So I can perceive Sunbae’s resolution to take go away from the army to personally inform Sang Yeon how one can attain Dylan – after which be round, within the aftermath, for simply in case.
It’s simply actually unlucky that he feels unable to inform Eun Jung about this, and I respect Sunbae for being a person of his phrase, coz he’d agreed to Sang Yeon’s request, to let Sang Yeon be the one to inform Eun Jung about this, when she was prepared.
And.. that is actually the place issues actually begin to crumble, isn’t it?
Due to course Sang Yeon would have a meltdown and run off into the mountains, when she realized that Oppa had felt so unable to exist in his personal pores and skin, and naturally Sunbae would rush on the market to search for her, coz he’s nervous that one thing horrible would possibly occur to her out within the mountains, the best way one thing horrible had occurred to Oppa, out within the mountains.
Truthfully, I do suppose that Sunbae may have given Eun Jung a heads-up of some variety, earlier than operating off.
Perhaps one thing alongside the traces of, “I really want to go proper now, however I’ll clarify the whole lot later” may have labored?
However I can perceive that within the second, it’s onerous to suppose straight, and Sunbae had in all probability panicked and simply run off, earlier than his mind may even catch up.
I do suppose that the decisive second, for the way issues would finally go down, is when Sunbae opts to modify off his cellphone, though he is aware of that Eun Jung’s attempting to succeed in him after his sudden disappearance.
After all, I don’t suppose Sunbae knew the implications and penalties of that call; I imagine that he’d thought that he would have the ability to clarify the whole lot to Eun Jung after the actual fact, and that Eun Jung would have the ability to forgive the truth that she’d been unable to succeed in him.
On this level, I’ve to agree with Eun Jung, that the actual fact Sunbae selected to modify off his cellphone, within the face of her incoming calls, stated extra in regards to the state of his coronary heart than he even knew.
It’s true that in that second, he selected to disregard Eun Jung, so as to be beside Sang Yeon.
I do give him credit score although, for being courageous sufficient to confess to Eun Jung, that his coronary heart had wavered for Sang Yeon. I really feel like lots of people would have opted to insist in any other case, in his footwear, so Sunbae will get factors for honesty.
I truthfully really feel sorry for Eun Jung, as she tries to take care of that blissful couple facade on the exhibition amongst her buddies, when she feels so unsure and betrayed on the identical time, with regard to her relationship with Sunbae.
I additionally give Eun Jung credit score for not leaping to conclusions about Sunbae, and really asking him questions, to listen to what he has to say, about whether or not he’d turned off his cellphone and why, and likewise, about whether or not Sang Yeon had requested him to go on the market, to affix her.
Her questions are legitimate and penetrating, and I really feel like Eun Jung’s put a whole lot of thought into this; that she’s fastidiously thought of what the important thing issues are, on this scenario, that may inform her of the reality that she must know.
I additionally respect Eun Jung’s sense of self-worth, that she would refuse to provide Sunbae the time he asks for, as a result of it actually boils all the way down to him determining whom he’d somewhat be with, between her and Sang Yeon.
She refuses to permit herself to be put in that degrading place, and makes the selection to interrupt up with him as an alternative, which breaks her coronary heart, however does put energy in her personal arms.
E7-8. As I watched these episodes, it’s Eun Jung’s readability within the midst of her heartbreak, that impressed me essentially the most.
That factor that she says to Sang Yeon, that Sang Yeon’s free to love Sunbae, however the factor that hurts and angers her, is the best way Sang Yeon noticed Eun Jung as an impediment between her and Sunbae, is so.. penetrating and true.
And Eun Jung can be so correct in her estimation, that Sang Yeon, in asking Sunbae for that favor, had simply wished an excuse to spend time with him.
Augh. This have to be so onerous for Eun Jung, to really feel so betrayed by the 2 individuals whom she considers closest to her, exterior of her household.
I do really feel unhealthy for Eun Jung, that every one this comes at a time when she’s simply gone on document along with her relationship with Sunbae, in her alternative of images for the exhibition.
Simply when everybody’s been admiring the pictures, and commenting on what a cheerful and ideal couple she and Sunbae make, their relationship falls aside.
It’s horrible timing, and there’s a lot to face, when it comes to everybody probably desirous to know what occurred, that I can perceive Eun Jung’s eventual resolution to take time away from faculty, to get away from all of it.
It’s drastic, sure, however it does successfully take her out of the surroundings the place everybody can be gossiping about her and Sunbae, so I don’t fault her for that alternative within the least.
It makes full sense to me, that Eun Jung would select to again to her hometown, to relaxation and get well from all of it, and I do recognize that Sang Yeon does what she will be able to, to inform Eun Jung the reality about Oppa, in hopes that this could allow Eun Jung to forgive Sunbae.
Given how Sang Yeon likes Sunbae herself, I do recognize this indication, that Eun Jung is extra vital to Sang Yeon, than Sunbae.
I additionally recognize that Sunbae does the whole lot he can, to not lose Eun Jung; this tells me that he actually does care about her.
Nevertheless, I feel Eun Jung’s unhappy realization, that she doesn’t really feel in a position to belief Sunbae after this, is painfully correct.
We’ve seen her do each cheap factor in her energy, to maneuver previous the truth that he’d written to Sang Yeon with out her data, and whereas issues had appeared advantageous on the floor, it doesn’t change the truth that Eun Jung had stored operating to test the mailbox at Sang Yeon’s college – simply in case.
Checking does give Eun Jung some peace of thoughts, however the truth that she must have that peace of thoughts always refreshed, could be very telling; it’s clear that she finds it onerous to belief Sunbae wholeheartedly, the best way she’d used to belief him.
And so, when she tells Sunbae that she doesn’t have the boldness to return to the best way issues had been between them, approach again when, I can’t blame her for it, as a result of we’ve already seen that she’s tried, and failed.
With their relationship struggling one more setback – and an even bigger one, at that, with Sunbae even admitting that he’d wavered due to Sang Yeon – I imagine Eun Jung when she says that she’s misplaced the power to proceed, to attempt to make it work.
And so, sadly, we now have that resounding be aware of finality, as Eun Jung and Sunbae break up for actual.
I’m unhappy about this, as a result of, as I’ve stated earlier than, they actually do make a really candy couple, and up up to now, I’d discovered them a really healthful pair, and will see them comfortably and fortunately doing life collectively.
Sadly, not each relationship has what it takes the climate essentially the most critical storms. 🥲
E9-10. What attracts me in an amazing deal, is how actual and relatable Eun Jung’s unsettled emotions are, as she all of a sudden finds Sunbae in her orbit, another time.
I recognize that Eun Jung does her greatest to be skilled about it, and doesn’t do or say something to attempt to affect her supervisor’s resolution, on the subject of whether or not or to not prolong the invitation to Sunbae, regardless of her private discomfort on the prospect of getting to work with him.
I additionally sympathize with Eun Jung, at having to select up the cellphone to name Sunbae, as a result of, as good and nice as I discover Sunbae, he represents a really painful reminiscence for Eun Jung, and having to all of a sudden take care of uncomfortable particulars – like the best way she will be able to nonetheless keep in mind his cellphone quantity, in spite of everything this time – inevitably brings all of the recollections again.
It’s very poignant to me, to observe Eun Jung try to stay cool, calm and utterly skilled in her interactions with Sunbae, even whereas Sunbae speaks to her in such a well-recognized trend, nonetheless utilizing banmal and all.
Not solely that, he clearly needs to attach on a extra private degree, like with the best way he asks after her mother.
I don’t blame Sunbae, although; I really feel like he nonetheless is wistful over how issues had ended between them, and desires to reconnect as a lot as attainable, though he probably doesn’t have any clear concept or hope as to the place he would really like this reconnection to finish up.
What I imply is, I don’t suppose that Sunbae got here to satisfy Eun Jung particularly hoping that he would have the ability to use this to rekindle their relationship; somewhat, I feel he’s simply hoping for one of the best, and desires to rekindle some form of connection, relying on Eun Jung’s consolation degree.
E9-10. I do approve of Sunbae’s chosen stance, within the midst of he, Eun Jung and Sang Yeon having to work collectively.
Clearly, he’s selecting to defer to Eun Jung in all issues, and that undoubtedly comes from his sense that he’d let her down prior to now, and him desirous to tread fastidiously now, in order to not make her unhappy once more.
I really feel like some individuals would possibly say that he’s being unprofessional, as a result of work is figure, proper, however as we see in these episodes, work includes individuals, and other people include all of their sophisticated histories and mindsets, and that’s why it’s simple to say that work is simply work – however in actuality, it’s a lot greater than that.
And I can also’t assist however really feel somewhat touched, to see that Sunbae clearly nonetheless cares about Eun Jung, in spite of everything these years. 🥲
Subsequently, I couldn’t assist however really feel slightly thrilled, to see that the tone of the interactions between Sunbae and Eun Jung, turns into increasingly more informal and comfy, the extra they work collectively.
The best way Eun Jung will get so blissful too, when she will get the prospect to undergo the storyboards that Sunbae’s ready, made me really feel like there may presumably be an opportunity for them to have a second likelihood at love.
PLUS. How about how fortunately and simply they chat, as he drives her residence that night, proper after she’s seen his storyboards?
I’d begin to really feel slightly hopeful too, in Sunbae’s footwear.
However then. When Sunbae ventures to let her know that he’d been blissful to see her once more, the best way Eun Jung replies that she didn’t really feel the identical, is sort of a record-scratch second – for me, and I’m positive, for Sunbae too.
In that break up second, it appears like Eun Jung’s closed up her coronary heart once more, and I’ve to confess, I’m actually fairly disenchanted. 😭😭
I imply, I’d had a way, from the start of our story, that no matter relationship ended up coming between Eun Jung and Sang Yeon, wouldn’t find yourself lasting, however nonetheless.
Present had given me cause to hope once more, just a bit, and I can’t assist however really feel somewhat gutted, that Eun Jung appears to be turning chilly in the direction of Sunbae once more. 😭
[END SPOILER]
Eun Jung and Sang Yeon
That is the central relationship in our story world, and I’ve to say, I used to be riveted by it, from begin to end.
Each characters really feel so natural, and so human, and it’s not onerous to grasp each of their points-of-view, in mild of their particular person characters, which is strictly the factor that makes this relationship really feel so palpably prefer it could possibly be based mostly on precise individuals and their precise relationship.
[BROAD SPOILERS]
The extra we get to know Eun Jung and Sang Yeon, the clearer it’s to me, that they’re each extremely proficient and sensible, and superb in their very own methods.
But, oftentimes, I couldn’t assist however suppose {that a} totally different response from both of them, in any given scenario, may have led them in a distinct route – and subsequently, maybe, a distinct outcome.
That tint of remorse can be one thing that makes this relationship really feel so relatable and actual. 🥲
I had many, many ideas about each Eun Jung and Sang Yeon, and their relationship, over the course of my watch, so right here, on this subsequent spoiler part, is a sprawling breakdown of the varied methods wherein I digested the totally different levels of their relationship.
[SPOILER ALERT]
E1-2. It’s truthfully actually poignant to see issues from each ladies’ factors of view; as a impartial bystander, it’s simple to see why they might envy one another.
Eun Jung envies Sang Yeon for being a prime pupil, who’s not solely actually fairly and subsequently the dream lady of each boy, together with the boy on whom Eun Jung herself has a crush, she’s additionally from a well-to-do household who lives in a shiny new residence, and to prime all of it off, Sang Yeon’s mother is Eun Jung’s favourite trainer, even.
After all Eun Jung would envy Sang Yeon, sure?
On Sang Yeon’s aspect, although, she envies Eun Jung for being preferred by so many individuals – together with her circle of relatives members.
I feel that’s truthfully the important thing rub, with Sang Yeon.
She’s seen that Eun Jung’s acquired many buddies at college, and whereas she envies that, I don’t suppose that she really holds that towards Eun Jung.
It’s when Sang Yeon’s personal mother (Web optimization Jung Yeon), and later, her personal brother, begin to be pleasant with Eun Jung, and share blissful, cheerful, chummy moments with Eun Jung – which is one thing that they don’t appear to share with Sang Yeon – that Sang Yeon begins to actively resent Eun Jung.
How very unlucky, that these ladies, who’re each so excellent in their very own methods, can be so intimidated by the opposite particular person’s strengths and successes, that they’d be blind to their very own items and skills a lot of the time, sure? 🥹
I don’t suppose that Sang Yeon’s mother means to make Sang Yeon really feel sidelined, to be clear.
I feel that partly, there’s the factor the place Mother is aware of that Sang Yeon’s hit Eun Jung prior to now, and he or she appears like she wants to make sure that Sang Yeon’s now treating Eun Jung properly – which interprets into Mother being stricter and being extra demanding of Sang Yeon.
There’s additionally the factor the place Mother identifies with Eun Jung, as a result of Eun Jung had misplaced her father younger, similar to Mother had misplaced her personal father at a younger age.
Afterward, there’s additionally the factor with Sang Hak, Sang Yeon’s older brother, who kinds a reference to Eun Jung that’s chattier, hotter, and nearer than the connection he has along with his sister, Sang Yeon.
It’s no marvel Sang Yeon’s resentment in the direction of Eun Jung continues to simmer, over time, and finally boils over, when she feels that Sang Hak is being nicer to Eun Jung than he’s ever been to her, his personal sister.
The place earlier than, she’d dismissed Sang Hak’s reticence along with her as simply being a part of his bizarre character, it stings to comprehend that he’s not like that with everybody – and that Eun Jung is the exception.
I’ve to admit that I discovered myself keenly concerned about Eun Jung’s growing bond with Sang Hak, though it appears pretty clear that this primary love didn’t find yourself understanding.
From that second when he walks her residence, and, upon realizing that she’s uncomfortable about having him see the place she lives, apologizes and admits his personal insecurities, I felt like there actually could possibly be a real bond between them, even though Eun Jung is technically a buddy of his little sister.
Plus, there’s the best way she understands and appreciates his love for images, which, as we later see, isn’t appreciated by his household, least of all his father.
Moreover, there’s the factor the place Eun Jung is simply genuinely cute, with out realizing it.
The best way she retains saying that she’s a pessimist, as a result of she’d discovered the phrase from Sang Hak, could be very endearing, as a result of it’s clear that she has no concept that she’s actually fairly the alternative of a pessimist. 🥲
I used to be fairly delighted, truthfully, to see Sang Hak leaking involuntary chuckles over this, as a result of that is proof of Eun Jung brightening up his life with out even realizing it, and I really like the concept of that.
However that’s additionally the rationale that Sang Yeon snaps, as a result of she appears like Eun Jung’s receiving all of the love from her personal mom and brother, whereas she’s being ignored and uncared for.
The factor is, although, it does seem to be regardless of the state of their friendship, Eun Jung would drop the whole lot to go to Sang Yeon, if she believed that Sang Yeon had been in hassle.
That’s precisely what she does, when Sang Yeon runs away from residence; she simply retains looking for Sang Yeon, even within the rain, and solely stops when she finds her – after which she brings her again to her mother’s eatery, to dry off and have one thing heat to eat.
I really feel like this could possibly be a foreshadowing of how Eun Jung might be that secure place for Sang Yeon, as she navigates her final days?
Within the current, we haven’t but discovered in regards to the particulars of the connection between Eun Jung and Sang Yeon, however we do know that they’ve been estranged for 10 years, and the reason for the estrangement had been unhealthy sufficient, that Sang Yeon says that how may she have known as Eun Jung, besides with this information of her sickness.
That undoubtedly makes me marvel about what had occurred, to drive them aside this badly, 10 years in the past.
Though Eun Jung accuses Sang Yeon of emotional abuse, when Sang Yeon makes that request for Eun Jung to accompany her on that assisted suicide journey, I see this as Sang Yeon desirous to heal this relationship, as a final want of types.
They are saying that while you’re in your deathbed (and I paraphrase), all of the unimportant issues fall away, and also you solely remorse not investing extra within the individuals who matter essentially the most to you.
The truth that Sang Yeon is seeking to heal her relationship with Eun Jung earlier than her passing, tells me that she actually does worth this friendship, and doesn’t need to go away the damaged friendship, as a remorse in her life.
After all, it’s extraordinarily confronting for Eun Jung, and I can perceive why she would attain for the conclusion that that is emotional abuse – as a result of why would Sang Yeon need to make Eun Jung endure, proper?
I can perceive either side of this equation, each on this timeline and prior to now timeline, and I do imagine that that is proof of fine writing.
I can even perceive why Eun Jung would really feel the necessity to course of, and as a author, what higher solution to course of this, than to lastly write the story of their friendship over time, sure? 🥲
E3-4. I actually did like how blissful Sang Yeon and Eun Jung are, to satisfy one another once more, however I additionally couldn’t assist however clock how Sang Yeon’s expression modifications, the minute she hears that Eun Jung and Sunbae are relationship.
On this second, I’d simply assumed that Sang Yeon merely didn’t like the concept of Eun Jung doing higher than her, however taking Sang Yeon’s eventual remarks into consideration, in regards to the boy she’d had a crush on, and the way she’d stalked him, and the way he has a girlfriend, I can’t assist however attain for the conclusion that Sang Yeon had come to this college particularly for Sunbae.
To Sang Yeon’s credit score, she does inform Eun Jung that she’s planning to maneuver on and discover another person to love, so it doesn’t seem to be she’s actively planning on stealing Sunbae from Eun Jung.
However, that doesn’t clear up the whole lot, since we do see that, past the preliminary thrill of assembly Sang Yeon once more, there are issues about Sang Yeon that do make Eun Jung uncomfortable.
A part of it’s how Sang Yeon appears to have a reference to Sunbae, on a degree that Eun Jung doesn’t appear to share, like the best way Sang Yeon and Sunbae at all times speak in-depth about films.
We will see that that alone already makes Eun Jung some form of uncomfortable.
There’s additionally the factor the place Sang Yeon is so studiedly detached when she talks about her household scenario with Eun Jung.
Clearly, Sang Yeon’s both placing up a entrance, or compartmentalizing so as to cope; both approach, she’s not exhibiting any real emotion to Eun Jung, on the subject of speaking about her household’s chapter, her dad and mom’ divorce or her brother’s demise.
For somebody as instinctively emotional as Eun Jung, this have to be very perplexing and complicated, as a result of I’m positive she simply doesn’t understand how to answer that, y’know?
I do recognize that Sang Yeon brings Eun Jung to her little humble residence, though this residence is so totally different from the residence she’d used to dwell in, when she and Eun Jung had been classmates in center faculty.
It appears like an echo of when Eun Jung had introduced Sang Yeon residence to the semi-basement the place her household had lived; she’d felt embarrassed to ask anybody residence, however she’d invited Sang Yeon anyway – and this appears like Sang Yeon reciprocating in precisely the identical approach. 🥲
In addition to that, although, the outdated discomfort that had come from evaluating herself with Sang Yeon, additionally resurfaces.
Like I’ve stated, it’s simple for the 2 of them to match themselves with one another and are available up feeling inferior, thus forgetting their very own strengths, as a result of they’re so totally different.
And it’s all simply exacerbated by Eun Jung’s sense of inferiority, when she sees that Sang Yeon’s acquired a knack for images that she herself doesn’t.
Though, it’s not like Sang Yeon’s all that okay, both.
That beat of dialog between them, when Sang Yeon asks if Eun Jung is aware of that feeling, of striving to faux, attempting to make one thing your actuality, however being unable to maintain up and simply coming to a halt, is, I feel, a really telling glimpse into Sang Yeon’s actuality.
It instantly clues me in on the truth that all of Sang Yeon’s brilliant smiles and straightforward confidence, are extra of a facade than the rest, and that on the within, she probably appears like a fraud.
Oof. That’s a troublesome solution to attempt to dwell, and I felt unhealthy for Sang Yeon, for being caught in that.
I assumed it was a really caring factor, for Eun Jung to do the whole lot attainable, to maneuver out in order that she’d have the ability to dwell with Sang Yeon.
She’s mainly searching for a solution to make Sang Yeon’s life extra snug, whereas additionally nurturing their friendship, and I discovered this very heartwarming.
Which might be why I don’t recognize the best way Sang Yeon conducts herself, on the finish of episode 4.
To my eyes, it truthfully appears like Sang Yeon’s punishing each her mother and Eun Jung, in the best way she takes Eun Jung and Sunbae to go to Mother like that.
I do really feel that Eun Jung had been inconsiderate in reaching out to Mother like that, as an alternative of asking Sang Yeon to let Mother know that they had been going to Gangneung.
In spite of everything, Eun Jung has no concept how issues are between Sang Yeon and Mother, and whether or not it’s even a great time in Mother’s life, to be receiving guests, and it does kinda really feel like Eun Jung’s overstepping, in texting Mother with out telling Sang Yeon.
Nevertheless, the best way Sang Yeon reacts feels spiteful, to my eyes.
It’s like she’s attempting to tear down Mother’s halo, in Eun Jung’s eyes, by bringing Eun Jung to go to her, with out discover.
And, it additionally appears like she’s purposely rubbing salt into Mother’s wounds, by bringing Sunbae alongside, due to course Mother would inevitably consider her personal son, since Sunbae’s title can be Sang Hak.
With how wan Mother appears to be like, it completely appears like Sang Yeon’s kicking Mother whereas she’s down, and I can’t assist however maintain that towards Sang Yeon.
I imply, it’s true that Sang Yeon’s had this concept, that Mother favored Oppa over her, from a really younger age, and that she’s simply carried this perception along with her, into maturity, together with the resentment that goes with.
And it’s additionally true that Sang Yeon’s been jealous of the shut connection between Eun Jung and Mother, since center faculty, and subsequently probably felt resentful of Mother due to this too.
Nevertheless, it actually does really feel fairly callous of her, to not see Mother’s grief, and even stomp on Mother’s coronary heart, the best way she’s doing.
And but, a nook of my mind can’t assist questioning if Sang Yeon may have averted turning out this manner, if she’d obtained sufficient consideration and empathy, rising up?
Which is why alarm bells are going off in my head, slightly bit, on the sight of Sunbae exhibiting her empathy, even whereas Sang Yeon casually mouths off about how Mother had performed favorites, even along with her personal youngsters.
One thing tells me that the friendship between Sang Yeon and Eun Jung, so newly rekindled, goes to endure due to Sang Yeon’s connection to Sunbae.
E5-6. From Sang Yeon’s perspective, which we get extra perception into in these episodes, she’d preferred Sunbae first, and related with him first.
He’d been a supply of sunshine in a really darkish time in her life, and I can completely see why she would regard him with such robust particular emotions.
The preliminary hook (so to talk) had been the best way Sunbae had defended Oppa, an entire yr after Oppa’s demise, however the deeper, extra everlasting hook had been the truth that, by way of Sunbae, Sang Yeon had discovered a brand new airplane of existence, nearly – someplace the place Oppa was nonetheless alive and properly.
I can completely see why this could be so treasured to her, and why she would maintain onto it with such robust emotions – and likewise, why Sunbae can be such a treasured and vital particular person to her.
It’s all due to him, that she pulled herself collectively to get into faculty, and it’s clear to see that she had chosen this particular college, as a result of she knew that this was the place he attended.
So I can think about what a impolite shock it will need to have been, for Sang Yeon to lastly make it to be in the identical college as Sunbae, solely to comprehend, in a short time, that he was already in a relationship with Eun Jung.
I feel most individuals in Sang Yeon’s footwear would probably really feel prefer it was very unfair, and maybe distance themselves from Eun Jung due to this.
Subsequently, I do suppose that it’s to Sang Yeon’s credit score that she nonetheless does her greatest to honor her friendship with Eun Jung.
Plus, it’s additionally clear that she’s doing her greatest to place apart her personal emotions for Sunbae, like in that beat the place she tells Eun Jung that her crush had been one-sided, and that she would search for another person.
Moreover, I additionally suppose that she does what she will be able to, to respect Eun Jung’s relationship with Sunbae, like in the best way she tells Eun Jung to only let her know, if she and Sunbae want the residence to themselves.
On Sunbae’s aspect of issues, I additionally suppose that he conducts himself in a suitably platonic method when interacting with Sang Yeon, and one key factor that he does, which tells me that his conscience is evident, is, he often updates Eun Jung if he’s run into Sang Yeon, or spent a while along with her.
Nevertheless, that properly distanced platonic boundary is quickly compromised, when Sunbae discovers that Sang Yeon is Moonee Hyung’s little sister, and so they begin to bond over that.
It doesn’t assist, definitely, that Sang Yeon’s particularly requested that Sunbae preserve the entire Dylan factor from Eun Jung, as a result of she needs to be the primary particular person to seek out out.
Given how Sang Yeon had felt so sidelined in Oppa’s life, I can perceive her reasoning for wanting one thing only for herself, even when it’s one thing as tragic as discovering out why Oppa had died.
And, being the upstanding man of his phrase that Sunbae is, I can see why he would agree; in fact he sees Sang Yeon’s logic too.
As for Eun Jung, I can see how, after studying in regards to the letter, all the opposite issues that had niggled at her – like the best way Sang Yeon had opened as much as Sunbae and instructed him that Oppa had died – all come dashing again to her thoughts, involuntarily forming an undesirable image in her thoughts.
Eun Jung does attempt to transfer previous it, and I do credit score her for doing that, as a result of not everybody can be openminded sufficient to try this, I feel.
However then, that every one will get turned on its head, when Eun Jung finds out that Sang Yeon had really messaged Sunbae, whereas posing as Oppa – which then allows Eun Jung to piece collectively the reality: that the particular person on whom Sang Yeon’s been crushing, is none aside from Sunbae.
Sigh. What a troublesome scenario that is. 😭
Like I stated, it’s so comprehensible, how every particular person on this scenario doing the varied issues that they did, and but, it’s so heartachey nonetheless, as a result of, based mostly on how issues are wanting proper now, it looks like the relationships amongst Eun Jung, Sang Yeon and Sunbae, will henceforth by no means be the identical. 🥺
E7-8. From Eun Jung’s perspective, I can see why she’d felt like she’d reached some extent the place the one approach ahead, was to confront Sang Yeon about whether or not Sang Yeon had emotions for Sunbae.
I really agree with Eun Jung’s resolution to ask Sang Yeon about it, as a result of I do suppose it could have paralyzed her finally, to have this query and the varied items of circumstantial proof simply hanging over her head.
On the identical time, I perceive why Sang Yeon would lie about it, and even go as far as to get herself a boyfriend.
That’s how a lot Eun Jung’s friendship means to her.
She would somewhat get right into a relationship with a man in whom she has no curiosity, than threat shedding Eun Jung’s friendship.
That’s fairly large, isn’t it?
And this all appears to work, for some time, though it additionally appears like our characters are placing a band help on a giant gaping wound that requires reconstructive surgical procedure. 😅
In that sense, I form of knew that this fastidiously repaired state of affairs would finally crumble once more, and that did make me really feel kinda unhappy. 😐
E7-8. I recognize Sang Yeon doing what she may, to bolster her friendship with Eun Jung, like serving to out at Eun Jung’s mother’s eatery throughout the peak enterprise interval main as much as the brand new yr.
After all, it could have been even higher if Sang Yeon would have stopped asking Sunbae for assist in her secret mission, to trace down Dylan and ask about Oppa, as a result of that may put a clean-cut finish to this case the place Sunbae’s sneaking round with out Eun Jung’s data, on Sang Yeon’s account.
However I can perceive that Sang Yeon’s burning need to know why Oppa had died, would stop her from giving up this glimmer of a clue, plus there’s additionally the factor the place Dylan refuses to talk to Sang Yeon with out first speaking with Sunbae.
This then begs the query of why Sang Yeon couldn’t have simply included Eun Jung, so as to safeguard their friendship.
This might’ve – would’ve – solved the factor the place Sang Yeon is having factors of reference to Sunbae, proper?
I do suppose that that is one thing that Sang Yeon presumably regrets, on hindsight.
On the identical time, I can perceive why Sang Yeon may need chosen to not embody Eun Jung.
There’s the factor the place she’s so decided to have this one factor that allows her to really feel superior to Eun Jung when it comes to being related with Oppa, the place, whereas he’d been alive, she’d at all times felt like Eun Jung had been nearer to Oppa, though Sang Yeon had been his actual sister.
And, there’s additionally the sneaky factor that possibly Sang Yeon’s not even cognizant of at this level, that there’s probably part of her that wishes to have an excuse to be related with Sunbae.
That may appear actually egocentric, however on the identical time, I can’t assist however do not forget that Sang Yeon probably appears like she’d been there first, and preferred Sunbae first, lengthy earlier than Eun Jung had crossed paths with Sunbae, in college.
I can see how this may need been Sang Yeon’s approach of giving this a part of herself a cross, in order that she wouldn’t really feel a lot like Eun Jung had jumped forward of her in line to attach with Sunbae, in a fashion of talking.
When Eun Jung goes into Sang Yeon’s room and reads her diary, it’s undoubtedly an invasion of privateness.
Nevertheless, I can perceive that by this level, Eun Jung would’ve been going loopy with fear, and her creativeness will need to have been going wildly into overdrive over why Sang Yeon and Sunbae had each disappeared on the identical time.
I can see why she would’ve forged apart any remaining sense of etiquette, so as to discover some form of reduction for her burning desperation for solutions.
E7-8. I recognize that each Eun Jung and Sang Yeon do what they will to make it work, with Eun Jung even insisting on paying her a part of the lease, though she’s taking time away from faculty and might be dwelling at residence for some time.
I’m additionally actually impressed with the best way Eun Jung expresses that these years have been the hardest of Sang Yeon’s life, and that she’s glad to have been of assist to Sang Yeon, even when it’s simply in a small approach.
Sadly, I do suppose that this hurts Sang Yeon’s satisfaction, in that, it makes her really feel like Eun Jung’s pitying her, and that’s why I feel Sang Yeon nearly returns the lease cash that Eun Jung wires her.
After which, sadly, her world comes crashing down but once more, when she learns that her mother has terminal most cancers.
There’s guilt, from how merciless she’d been along with her phrases to Mother, even within the wake of Oppa’s demise, and there’s additionally concern and hopelessness, at what was to return.
To my eyes, it means loads, that on this second of hopelessness, Sang Yeon would select to name Eun Jung; it says to me that Eun Jung remains to be Sang Yeon’s particular particular person, regardless of the whole lot that’s occurred.
Sadly, Eun Jung misses the decision, after which turns off her cellphone, as a result of she’s within the movie show.
Though Eun Jung’s resolution could possibly be dismissed fairly simply as her feeling awkward about disturbing her fellow patrons in that movie show, my intestine tells me that there’s one thing deeper occurring.
I’d estimate that there’s a little bit of “tit for tat” occurring right here, in that, Sunbae had as soon as turned off his cellphone on her, due to Sang Yeon, so now, there’s slightly little bit of spite within the equation, as Eun Jung decides to show off her cellphone, though she is aware of that Sang Yeon’s attempting to succeed in her.
After all, Eun Jung has no concept that Sang Yeon’s having a disaster the place she’s simply realized that her mother’s dying, however, given the fragile state of their friendship, and given how Eun Jung’s confirmed herself to be very emotionally sharp, I’d say that Eun Jung probably has at the very least a way, that Sang Yeon will need to have a reasonably urgent cause, for her to select up the cellphone and name Eun Jung.
And but, I can’t really blame Eun Jung for doing that, as a result of she’s solely human, and he or she’s really been actually fairly cheap and gracious up up to now, all issues thought of.
Nevertheless, from Sang Yeon’s perspective, Eun Jung’s turned away from her in her second of want, and that may be a betrayal too massive to beat.
Plus, I’d say that Sang Yeon probably is aware of Eun Jung properly sufficient, to know that Eun Jung had turned off her cellphone, regardless of having a way that Sang Yeon wouldn’t name for nothing.
Subsequently, I can perceive why Sang Yeon chooses to not inform Eun Jung in regards to the scenario along with her mother, when she does meet Eun Jung to inform her that she’s moved out of the residence, and returns the lease cash.
Given how vital Sang Yeon and Eun Jung have been to one another, and the way they every contemplate the opposite their closest buddy, I can solely think about how deeply this friendship break-up hurts them each.
E9-10. Eun Jung is determinedly chilly in the direction of Sang Yeon, at the same time as Sang Yeon leans into her shameless act of behaving like she has a proper to be there.
The factor is, I don’t really see this as Sang Yeon being genuinely obtuse; to my eyes, Sang Yeon is leaning into this act, as a result of she sees it as the one attainable approach ahead, if she needs to reconnect with Eun Jung.
As for Eun Jung’s coldness, I couldn’t assist however really feel that it was slightly extreme, even with the context that we’ve been given – which is when Present takes us to a different flashback, this time, when each Eun Jung and Sang Yeon are working as producers, and cross paths once more due to work.
This week, I discovered it slightly tougher going, and for me, that’s due to the truth that we’re dwelling by way of the fallout.
Truthfully, I really feel sorry for Eun Jung, as a result of she has to take care of so very a lot, throughout this era.
First, there’s the truth that she all of a sudden has to satisfy with Sunbae, and take care of the entire emotional baggage related with that, after which the higher-ups determine to go together with a extra well-known director, which places her in a really troublesome scenario, since she’s the one who introduced the much less well-known director on board.
And with all that occurring, all of a sudden, Eun Jung is confronted with Sang Yeon, not solely all of a sudden reappearing in her life, however poised to take the producer function from Eun Jung.
What a double – triple, no, quadruple – whammy that’s, for Eun Jung, isn’t it?
She’s been engaged on this movie for literal years now, and is just now getting all excited that it’s lastly coming to fruition, solely to have all of it taken from her – and given to Sang Yeon, no much less.
I can utterly perceive why Eun Jung’s so upset that she’d somewhat give up the corporate, than attempt to make issues work.
One of many issues that I frequently recognize about Eun Jung, is how she strives to be an individual of precept.
Like the best way she earnestly tries to do her greatest for Director Ju, though her arms are just about tied.
I do suppose that that’s a part of the rationale Director Ju trusts her a lot, and holds her in excessive regard.
I additionally suppose that there’s part of Sang Yeon that envies Eun Jung for being this manner, as a result of Sang Yeon herself isn’t.
Nevertheless, I do give Sang Yeon credit score for going to see Eun Jung, and attempting to get her to return again to work, as a result of she doesn’t need to steal anybody’s job. That’s fairly principled too, I really feel.
One factor that I feel will get in the best way of Eun Jung and Sang Yeon having the ability to talk brazenly, is Sang Yeon’s tendency to placed on a troublesome entrance and faux like she’s all informal and nonchalant, when in her coronary heart, she actually isn’t.
Like the best way she talks to Eun Jung on this scene, even when she brings up her mother’s demise, as a final resort, to get Eun Jung to remain and proceed the dialog.
The extra I give it some thought, the extra I really feel sorry for Sang Yeon, really, as a result of beneath that facade of nonchalance, I really feel that there’s loneliness, and there may be additionally concern; concern of being rejected, and concern of not being sufficient, as she is.
That’s in all probability why she comes throughout as somewhat callous, when she talks about her mother’s sickness and demise, with Eun Jung, which might, in fact, simply rub Eun Jung the fallacious approach, as a result of that’s the alternative of Eun Jung’s choice, much more so as a result of Eun Jung had an enormous delicate spot for Sang Yeon’s mother.
I’m guessing that’s why we hear Eun Jung say, with what I interpret to be chilly dedication, in voiceover, that she’s selecting to return to work, not as a result of Sang Yeon used her “Omma likelihood,” however for her personal self and her work – and that Sang Yeon now means nothing to her.
However in fact, the sophisticated scenario simply retains on getting extra sophisticated, as Eun Jung and Sang Yeon really begin to work collectively.
The factor that strikes me most, whereas watching episode 10, particularly, is that Eun Jung and Sang Yeon proceed to envy one another to the purpose of being blind to their very own strengths.
Eun Jung envies Sang Yeon for having the expertise and connections to not solely be tremendous sharp at going by way of the price range, but additionally, help her in gaining everybody’s acceptance on the workplace.
Compared, Eun Jung feels small and inexperienced.
However then, Sang Yeon envies Eun Jung, as a result of regardless of all of her personal efforts to persuade Sunbae to work with them, she fails, and all Eun Jung has to do, is ask Sunbae, and he’s proper there, agreeing to tackle the job.
I can see why they every really feel that they’ll by no means have the ability to win, and it’s unhappy, as a result of they’re each glorious in their very own methods, and but they will’t see that, as a result of they’re so blinded by what they don’t have.
[END SPOILER]
SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]
E11-12. These episodes, outdated wounds are torn open, with contemporary wounds added on prime, and it’s all very uncooked and emotional, and I proceed to be utterly sucked in.
Tensions proceed to fester between Eun Jung and Sang Yeon, and it’s the identical rivalry, basically, with them having an unstated competitors, not solely when it comes to their competence at work, but additionally, their worthiness to be beloved by Sunbae.
I feel it’s a kind of issues, the place, as you retain slicing away on the identical locations, the lower simply will get deeper and deeper, till finally, you’re now not a scratch, however a gaping, bleeding, life-threatening wound.
And these episodes, we get to see the second wave of wounds being inflicted, which had very probably sealed the whole termination of their friendship – at the very least in Eun Jung’s thoughts, since Sang Yeon’s attempting to succeed in out, in our present timeline.
The character of the envy and rigidity is lower a lot from the identical fabric as what we’ve seen in earlier episodes; Eun Jung envying Sang Yeon’s talents and feeling small consequently, and Sang Yeon envying Eun Jung’s loving and supportive surroundings, when she feels on their lonesome on the earth.
They each can’t assist however react, after they see the opposite particular person presumably making inroads at work, like the best way Sang Yeon can’t assist however ask why Eun Jung’s been known as into Director Gyeong’s workplace.
Clearly, they’re on guard towards one another, so far as work goes.
Plus, in fact, there’s the difficulty of Sunbae.
Each time Sunbae is in both of their orbits, the opposite particular person can’t assist however take discover as properly.
And Sunbae himself, can’t assist however be hyper-aware of Eun Jung, and take discover anytime Yu Chan acts any form of shut or cozy round her.
Oh, what a tangled net we weave, certainly. 😅
Once more, I need to commend Present for teasing all of this out within the small beats, as a result of that’s the way it tends to be in actual life too.
Over and above the large moments, it’s the small beats that add up, and finally form our ideas and emotions in massive methods.
I feel the complication right here, is that Eun Jung and Sang Yeon do nonetheless care about one another, regardless of the tensions that now exist between them.
When Sang Yeon falls sick throughout that highway journey to scope out places, Eun Jung goes out to search for chilly medication for her, though she is aware of that the outlets can be closed.
This nearly appears like a therapeutic second between Eun Jung and Sang Yeon, as a result of Sang Yeon does look touched that Eun Jung would have gone to get medication for her.
However then, Eun Jung brushes it off as medication that Sunbae had gotten, which solely will get Sang Yeon’s hopes up, that Sunbae had executed this out of take care of her – so in fact, when she learns that Sunbae had thought that Eun Jung was the one who was sick, she deflates on a number of fronts.
As a result of not solely does this show that he hadn’t executed it for her and subsequently doesn’t harbor particular emotions for her, he’d really executed it for Eun Jung, which is a double whammy if I ever noticed one. 😬
The factor is, I can’t assist however root for Sunbae and Eun Jung to reconcile and provides their relationship one other likelihood.
I’ve at all times thought that their relationship was actually fairly wholesome and healthful, and never damaged past restore.
And so, when Eun Jung and Sunbae have that little bit of time collectively, and Eun Jung makes use of the viewfinder that she’d as soon as given him, and has a deja vu second, of the time that she’d taken that {photograph} of him, which she’d then used within the exhibition, my coronary heart couldn’t assist however leap with a little bit of hope.
As a result of, when Eun Jung relaxes round Sunbae, they actually do get alongside so simply and naturally. 🥲
However when Eun Jung’s defenses kick in, they kick in with out warning, and it then appears like we’re again to sq. one, with a yawning chasm nonetheless between them.
Beforehand, we’d seen Eun Jung’s defenses kick in, when Sunbae had stated that he’d felt glad to see her once more, and this time, we see her defenses kick in when she instinctively flinches, the second Sunbae tries to the touch her hair.
I really feel unhealthy for Sunbae, however on the identical time, this specific incident tells me that Eun Jung isn’t simply appearing standoffish with Sunbae; there’s actually one thing inside her that flinches when Sunbae will get too close to, whether or not in phrase or deed.
After all, this all will get extra sophisticated, when Sang Yeon decides that she wish to pursue Sunbae formally.
Truthfully that dialog in episode 11, the place Sang Yeon seeks out Eun Jung in her room, goes actually fairly properly; once more, it provides me a way that maybe issues may mend, between Sang Yeon and Eun Jung.
I imply, they even make imprecise plans to go to Eun Jung’s mother collectively, as a result of Sang Yeon misses Mother’s sujebi. That definitely appears like them each taking a step in the direction of one another, sure?
However then, Sunbae confesses his emotions to Eun Jung, which Sang Yeon overhears, which galvanizes Sang Yeon into confronting Eun Jung, and telling her to again off, and cease main Sang Yeon and Su Chan on.
Ugh. I’ve to say, though I really feel for Sang Yeon for feeling lonely and remoted, I do suppose that she’s being unnecessarily impolite to Eun Jung.
Maybe that is her approach of not showing weak, however I actually felt my sympathy for Sang Yeon take a success, in episode 12 particularly.
She comes throughout as so self-righteous, y’know?
And but, when the crew occurs to take a look at Sang Yeon’s mother’s outdated residence as a possible location for his or her film, each Sunbae and Eun Jung converse as much as attempt to get the crew to make use of a distinct location for his or her shoot.
Clearly, that is out of consideration for Sang Yeon, and I do suppose that that’s gracious of Eun Jung, on condition that Sang Yeon’s been so impolite to her, so lately.
And as soon as once more, I discover myself rooting for Sunbae and Eun Jung, as a result of, look, they’re on the identical web page with out even having to debate something.
The factor is, judging from Eun Jung’s dialog with Hui Jin over drinks, it’s clear that Sunbae does have an effect on Eun Jung, and greater than she’d wish to admit.
There’s the factor the place Hui Jin factors out that Eun Jung regards Sunbae and Yu Chan very in another way.
And there’s additionally the factor the place Eun Jung talks about how she hadn’t preferred who she grew to become, whereas with Sunbae; that she’d even opened another person’s drawers and browse their diary.
It is a very revealing assertion, I really feel, as a result of isn’t she saying that that’s simply how a lot Sunbae affected her? That she can be determined sufficient, to behave out of character, due to him?
Sure, I agree with Eun Jung that you’ll want to just like the particular person that you’re, while you’re with somebody.
On the identical time, I can’t assist fixating on that nugget of reality – that Eun Jung is under no circumstances detached in the direction of Sunbae. 🥲
And neither is Sunbae detached in the direction of her, as a result of have a look at the best way he instinctively places himself at risk, so as to save her from that falling mild stand. 🥲
This all makes Sang Yeon increasingly more determined, which is why she drives proper to Sunbae that evening, to admit her emotions for him.
I actually recognize how Sunbae is all restrained and type, at the same time as he turns her down. See, he’s such a great, respectable particular person, and I simply need him to have one other likelihood with the lady he clearly nonetheless loves. 🥲
And Sunbae completely needs that too, given the best way he comes proper out and tells Eun Jung that he’d like to start out over along with her, like they’re assembly for the primary time.
BUT THEN.
Sang Yeon will get upset-drunk at that work gathering, and has absolutely the gall, to ask Eun Jung – who’s kindly taken her again to her own residence, thoughts you – to please not go to Sunbae, as a result of she loves him so very a lot.
GAH. Severely?!??
This, even after Sang Yeon’s shot her shot with Sunbae, and gotten her definitive reply from him, that he doesn’t return her emotions?
This, though Sang Yeon kinda-sorta appears to need to retain this friendship with Eun Jung??
I’m fairly aghast, truthfully, as a result of that is wayyyy overstepping.
Sang Yeon has no proper to ask Eun Jung to not go to Sunbae, significantly since she is aware of how Sunbae feels about her.
Sang Yeon’s mainly asking Eun Jung to forego her personal happiness, so as to assist Sang Yeon really feel much less alone, and I’m not comfortable with that. 😟
THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]
E13-15. What a journey these previous few episodes labored out to be, my buddies.
I concurrently really feel like I’ve a lot to say, and but, I additionally really feel like there’s nothing left to say; I really feel somewhat spent, emotionally, and I simply need to curl up and replicate on life, and be glad about the individuals in my life. 🥲
Let me again up briefly to episode 13, as a result of earlier than we will speak in regards to the reconciliation between Sang Yeon and Eun Jung, we’d like to check out how their bond had been severed, within the first place.
There are a number of key issues that I wished to focus on, from episode 13.
First, I’m truthfully glad that Eun Jung stays agency and unmoved, when Sang Yeon cries and begs her to not get again along with Sunbae, saying that Eun Jung has the whole lot, however she herself has nobody.
On this, I really feel that Eun Jung has an excessive amount of readability, to have the ability to inform Sang Yeon, particularly in such an emotionally heightened second, that Sang Yeon’s liable for her personal distress, and that what she feels for Sunbae isn’t love, however obsession – and that no matter occurs between Eun Jung herself and Sunbae, is between them solely.
I truthfully don’t suppose I may suppose so clearly, if I had been in Eun Jung’s footwear, and I couldn’t assist however really feel admiration for Eun Jung, for her emotional fortitude and her capability to suppose so clearly within the fog of emotion that Sang Yeon was creating.
Thereafter, I did really feel that Sang Yeon’s coldness in the direction of Eun Jung was extraordinarily impolite, however I can perceive that from Sang Yeon’s perspective, she’d been slighted by Eun Jung in a second of uncommon vulnerability (as a result of truthfully, I do suppose that is the primary we’ve seen Sang Yeon sobbing like this to Eun Jung, and mainly begging Eun Jung to do her a favor).
I can perceive that Sang Yeon’s intuition is to lash out and be chilly in the direction of Eun Jung, though I very a lot do suppose that that is very unprofessional of Sang Yeon, from whom I’d anticipated higher.
When Eun Jung turns down Sunbae’s invitation to rekindle their relationship, I truthfully felt somewhat disenchanted, although unsurprised, as a result of even earlier than Sang Yeon had made her request, Eun Jung had been proof against the concept of getting again along with Sunbae, regardless of her lingering emotions for him.
So on that time, I’m fairly glad that Eun Jung’s resolution was certainly her personal, and never a choice that she’d made, due to Sang Yeon’s request.
Afterwards, I’ve to admit that I used to be appalled on the approach Sang Yeon steals Eun Jung’s private mission, and takes benefit of Director Ju’s delicate spot for her, to start out her personal firm.
When Sang Yeon states that she hates seeing Eun Jung be so advantageous, and desires to destroy her, I do suppose that this comes from some extent of self-hatred, somewhat than a real need to destroy Eun Jung.
I really feel like Sang Yeon hates herself, and hates that Eun Jung can see her so clearly, and that’s probably why she needs to harm Eun Jung, as a type of retaliation..?
I do know it may not make a whole lot of logical sense, however this isn’t a logical resolution; the best way I see it, it is a very emotional resolution, and the emotion that I feel is driving it, for Sang Yeon, is that sense of inadequacy, self-hatred and disgrace..?
After all, there’s additionally the monetary stress of needing to provide her father the 80 million gained that she’s promised, as a situation for him to remain out of her life.
And, for what it’s value, I do suppose that Sang Yeon feels guilt for doing this to Eun Jung, which is why she goes to see Eun Jung’s mother and asks for that hug. I additionally suppose that doing this to Eun Jung, makes her hate herself extra, which simply provides to the vicious cycle.
No marvel Eun Jung cuts Sang Yeon out of her life, and no marvel Sang Yeon had stated, in the beginning of our story, that given what had occurred, how may she have contacted Eun Jung, besides with this information, that she’s dying.
It really appears like a little bit of foreshadowing, when Director Gyeong tells Sang Yeon that he hopes she doesn’t damage herself, whereas swinging her sword round, and he or she tells him that she doesn’t care if she does, and that she doesn’t care about what occurs to her.
To my eyes, that is one other manifestation of her self-hatred, and desirous about it, I can solely speculate that maybe her eventual sickness had been psychosomatic, the place the self-hatred and guilt that she’d felt over time, had ended up affecting her well being.
Within the current, I really feel like I perceive so significantly better, why Eun Jung’s been so adamant about not permitting Sang Yeon again into her life, though Sang Yeon retains exhibiting up and cajoling her about going along with her to Switzerland.
After I understood the extent of Sang Yeon’s betrayal of Eun Jung, I discovered myself agreeing with Eun Jung’s earlier pronouncement, that what Sang Yeon’s doing is mainly an act of emotional terrorism.
And but, as Eun Jung comes to grasp Sang Yeon’s scenario extra clearly – that she actually could be very, very sick, and in a whole lot of ache, and actually has nobody else on the earth – she will be able to’t assist however soften in the direction of Sang Yeon.
Though I’d have most popular Sang Yeon to have been much less flippant in her method at any time when she approached Eun Jung, I do acknowledge that this was probably her approach of coping; she probably doesn’t need Eun Jung to see her in what she in all probability believes is a pathetic state, and he or she additionally very presumably is reaching for this flippancy as a solution to get previous the massive emotional scars that exist between her and Eun Jung.
Like, if she makes mild of it, maybe it actually would assist ease issues with Eun Jung? And likewise, I do imagine Sang Yeon when she remarks that that is simply who she is.
Throughout this course of, I discovered that as Eun Jung noticed extra of Sang Yeon in her weak spot and frailty and softened in the direction of her, I likewise softened in the direction of Sang Yeon as properly.
It was truthfully, in Sang Yeon’s weakest moments, that I felt like we had been attending to see the actual her; the one that was in ache, and lonely, and stuffed with regrets, and who was being pressured to face her impending demise, whether or not she wished to or not.
And it was in these moments, that I discovered myself feeling compassion for her, and really wanting Eun Jung to satisfy her final want, not only for Sang Yeon’s sake, however for her personal as properly.
Like in episode 14, when Sang Yeon admits that the rationale she’s doing all this, is as a result of Eun Jung’s nonetheless alive, not like her mom and brother, and that is her likelihood to apologize.
And he or she does apologize, for not loving Eun Jung wholeheartedly, however hating her as properly.
Truthfully, I do really feel Sang Yeon’s sincerity and remorse, on this second, as she apologizes, and I really feel it too, in her tears, which she sheds in personal, after leaving Eun Jung’s studio, which is why I help Eun Jung’s eventual resolution to forgive her.
I believe that some viewers would possibly battle with the concept of Eun Jung forgiving Sang Yeon too “simply” due to how a lot Sang Yeon has damage her prior to now, however I do suppose that, within the face of demise, a whole lot of these items all of a sudden grow to be loads smaller, nearly petty, y’know?
I feel that’s what’s occurring, with Eun Jung, as she processes all of this, and involves the choice to go together with Sang Yeon to Switzerland, regardless of the private emotional price to herself.
I imagine that in Eun Jung’s thoughts, that is the choice that would go away her with fewer regrets, and I imagine the important thing cause for that, is that Eun Jung is aware of that regardless of all of the ups and downs of their friendship, that beneath all of it, there had been real care and love there, even when that care and love had been undermined by their very own human limitations. 🥲
On this current second, when all satisfaction and pretense provides solution to present Sang Yeon’s vulnerability, I can see why Eun Jung would finally change her thoughts, and select to go to Switzerland with Sang Yeon.
And, I’m actually glad that Eun Jung means that they go to “see” Sang Yeon’s mother collectively; this appears like a therapeutic of that a part of the connection the place Sang Yeon had at all times felt displaced by Eun Jung, as having fun with extra of Mother’s affection and love.
I additionally do perceive Sang Yeon’s level, that as a result of this thought had settled into her younger coronary heart, it had ended up shaping her complete world.
It’s a somewhat unhappy thought, however it’s a kind of issues that may occur, in life; it’s regrettable, however nobody who’d been mature sufficient, had identified to attempt to assist Sang Yeon overcome that thought, and Sang Yeon herself had been too younger to know at first, after which grow to be too sucked in to have the ability to see with any form of objectivity.
I do actually like how easy their official reconciliation is; the best way Sang Yeon merely says, “I’m sorry for the whole lot,” and Eun Jung solutions, simply as merely, “Okay.”
Augh. That’s truthfully so lovely; there’s a lot love and forgiveness encompassed in that small trade of just some phrases. 😭😭
The best way Sang Yeon provides Eun Jung again Oppa’s digicam, additionally feels symbolic of the whole lot being returned to its rightful place.
It feels very becoming, on this environment of issues being set proper, that Sang Yeon would lastly get to benefit from the sujebi made by Eun Jung’s mother. In a small approach, it appears like Sang Yeon’s getting her needs fulfilled earlier than her time is up, and that feels treasured.
As for Sang Yeon’s resolution to go for assisted suicide, I really feel it’s vital that she and Eun Jung have a critical dialog about it, the place Sang Yeon’s not hiding behind that facade of lighthearted flippancy.
The best way Sang Yeon expresses that she would have given it the whole lot she had, if there have been a 1% likelihood of survival – however there may be not; the best way she talks about how she’d thought that her solely choices had been to both die like her mom, or her brother – however then had felt such reduction, when she’d discovered that there was a 3rd possibility, in assisted suicide.
I really feel that this actually helps to place issues in perspective, not just for Eun Jung, however for us, as viewers; with this, we lastly have a crystal clear image of Sang Yeon’s point-of-view and concerns, in making this resolution; that it’s not a choice that she’s arrived at flippantly.
Truthfully, it was each poignant and refreshing for me, to see Sang Yeon and Eun Jung spending time collectively in Switzerland.
On the floor, it actually does appear like they’re simply on vacation collectively, taking within the sights. However then in between, we get spots of deep dialog, generally in regards to the previous and the way they’d felt in regards to the different particular person, and generally in regards to the future, ie, Sang Yeon’s impending departure from this world.
It’s onerous for Eun Jung particularly, as a result of she clearly doesn’t need Sang Yeon to undergo with it, however on the identical time, she will be able to see how a lot ache Sang Yeon goes by way of, and he or she understands Sang Yeon’s need to make this alternative, whereas she nonetheless appears like herself. 💔
Whereas watching them spend these few days collectively, I can’t assist however discover that Sang Yeon appears to be like increasingly more tranquil, as they strategy the ultimate day, like she’s come to phrases with what’s to return, and is content material.
It appears like, as Sang Yeon comes to a degree the place there is no such thing as a longer something that she feels compelled to guard – not her satisfaction, status, dignity or her very life – she turns into more and more free, like she’s lastly discovered her peace.
Watching her like this, makes me really feel each wistful and comforted; wistful for the life that would’ve been, but comforted by the data that she’s discovered a state of serenity, with which to face her demise.
Regardless that I’d chafed at the truth that Sang Yeon had learn Eun Jung’s story with out her permission, I do love the scene the place she provides Eun Jung the important thing to the drawer the place she’s stored her diary, and tells her to do with it what she’s going to – and that if Eun Jung actually finishes writing her story about them, that she would really feel like this was her way of life on in her story endlessly.
Gulp. This in some way makes the whole lot all of the extra actual to me, like this story that I’m watching, is a real story about actual individuals. 😭💔
When Sang Yeon asks that they are saying their goodbyes there, within the lodge room, I perceive that Sang Yeon’s attempting to spare Eun Jung the ache of witnessing her demise, and that that is her approach of exhibiting like to Eun Jung, however on the identical time, I’m glad that Eun Jung tells her to be trustworthy about what she actually needs.
Once more, I’m so glad that Eun Jung’s in a position to see Sang Yeon so clearly; that is one more proof of the depth of their bond.
The best way they maintain arms, earlier than going by way of that blue door; the best way Sang Yeon lastly asks Eun Jung for a hug, which is probably going the true hug that Sang Yeon had wished for, when she’d gone to hunt out Eun Jung’s mother; the best way Eun Jung watches over Sang Yeon so fastidiously, as Sang Yeon opens the valve with out hesitation, after which tells Sang Yeon that she’s executed so properly, and held on so properly.
Oof. There’s simply a lot love there, within the midst of all of the ache and tragedy. 😭
Afterwards, I’m glad that we get a glimpse, irrespective of how fleeting, of the way it takes Eun Jung a very long time earlier than she’s in a position to put that image of the 2 of them, on her desk, in an act of closure.
What a uncooked, painful but finally lovely ode to a friendship that managed to endure, in the long run, despite their frailties. 🥹
THE FINAL VERDICT:
Considerate, thought-provoking, and completely affecting.
FINAL GRADE: A+
TRAILER:
PATREON UPDATE!
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The following drama I’m masking on Patreon, instead of You and Every part Else, is Dynamite Kiss [Korea].
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Right here’s an outline of what I’m masking on Patreon proper now (Tier advantages are cumulative)!
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