THE SHORT VERDICT:

This show had me squeeing week to week, right from the beginning, with its understated yet on-point depiction and exploration of burgeoning awareness and attraction between our would-be OTP. So much crackle.

On that note, Lee Joon Hyuk and Han Ji Min are pitch-perfect and really quite wonderful in this.

As a bonus, there are also a good number of likable secondary characters peopling our story world, and I found their side arcs a pleasant addition to our show.

There are several narrative elements that I didn’t care for too much, but these weren’t deal-breakers for me, and this still worked out to be a very solid watch overall.

THE LONG VERDICT:

I like to think of this show as kinda-sorta a lighter, rom-com cousin of One Spring Night (review here!).

First, we’ve got Han Ji Min as our female lead, and she’s poised to romance a young, handsome single father – AND, her only friend is played by Lee Sang Hee, who also played Han Ji Min’s bestie in One Spring Night.

I found this all very amusing. 😁

The big difference that I noticed right away, in terms of this connection to One Spring Night, is that this show is just great at bringing out my goofy grins, right from the very beginning.

One Spring Night was great, but I definitely wasn’t grinning any goofy grins right from the start, I’m sure of that. 😁

I’d been anticipating this show a great deal, and my expectations were already high, but I have to say that in some key ways, Show effortlessly exceeded those expectations. That’s pretty darn impressive.

Of course, like I alluded to earlier, there are some things that I didn’t love too, but we can talk about that later. 😉

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Here’s the OST album, in case you’d like to listen to it while you read the review.

I found myself really enjoying the music in this show; the songs really helped to amplify the watch experience for me, so much so that listening to this OST album, it feels like the songs bring back the feels quite equally.

That’s really rare, for me, and so, big kudos to the music director, for helping to shape this story world so well, with these songs. 🥲

In terms of favorites, I’d say I have extra soft spots for Track 1, Test Me, Track 3, Like a Moonlight, Track 4, More and More and Track 5, Run To You.

Heh. Yes, that’s basically half the entire OST. 😁

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll talk about how to manage your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens would be most helpful.

After that, I talk about stuff I liked on a more macro level, before I give the spotlight to selected characters and relationships, in a separate section. Finally, I spend some time talking about my thoughts on the penultimate and finale episodes.

If you’re interested in my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the various Patreon members’ comments during the course of our watch, you might like to check out my episode notes on Patreon here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Here are a few things that I think would be helpful to keep in mind, to maximize your enjoyment of your watch:

1. This a workplace drama after all

Meaning, we do spend time on workplace cases, and our characters do spend time working, instead of just flirting all day long. 😁

This could be a pro or con for you, depending on how you feel about workplace dramas, but just knowing to expect this is good, I think.

2. There are some tropes in this

..Which you might roll your eyes at, when Show introduces them. And yes, some of these are angsty tropes.

My assurance is that, by and large, Show handles the potential sources of angst pretty deftly, and doesn’t tend to drag stuff out.

3. It’s in the details

A lot of my enjoyment and thrill, in terms of the burgeoning OTP connection, has to do with the little details, which I’ll talk more about in a bit.

I’m just mentioning it here because I think it might be helpful to approach this with a more observant eye (versus watching this while doing laundry, for example), because the more details you pick up, the more reasons you’d likely have to squee.

At least, that was my experience. 😁

STUFF I LIKED

General handling and execution

Overall, I found myself pretty impressed with Show’s general handling and execution.

In our first two episodes, set-up is done very efficiently, and I felt that Show does a solid, clear job of helping us get a sense for our characters, at least in broad strokes, and getting things in place, so that our lead characters’ worlds collide – and we are positioned to root for love to blossom.

Certain less pleasant details are sometimes skipped over and we are simply filled in on them via other characters’ conversations.

[SPOILER ALERT]

This is how Show handles Eun Ho’s unpleasant experience at his previous job, and we mostly hear about it during Mi Ae’s (Lee Sang Hee) conversation with her husband Kang Seok (Lee Jae Woo).

I liked this, because I didn’t care to have to actually witness Shady Supervisor’s shabby treatment of Eun Ho.

[END SPOILER]

I also really like that Show manages to find reasons for us to squee from very early in our story, while not actually rushing the OTP connection.

The squeeing fangirl in me was very pleased about this. 😁

Additionally, I really like how Show generally has a neat, efficient way of handling potential sources of narrative conflict, which other dramas might opt to spend more time on, thus giving us a more streamlined-feeling sort of narrative.

[SPOILER ALERT]

For example, I love how Show wraps up Jeong Hun’s (Kim Do Hoon) crush on Ji Yun (Han Ji Min) in such a neat and efficient way.

I mean, all we get is one conversation, where he tries to confess, and she shuts it down, firmly but nicely, telling him that she wants their relationship to last a long time?

That’s.. unheard of, pretty much, in Dramaland?

I wasn’t mad about this in the least, of course. 😁

[END SPOILER]

When Show made me squee

If I had to distill my take on this show in a single thought, it would be that this show is like Hidden Love (review here!) – but about adults, and for adults. 😁

If you haven’t watched c-drama Hidden Love, many of us agree that the show’s appeal, is that it’s able to portray, with incredible accuracy, what it feels like to have your first crush.

This is Show’s strength too.

It’s in all the small beats and small moments, where we’re like, “Ahhh!!! This is so accurate! I feeeeel this, with my entire being!”

SO. GOOD. 😍😍😍

Up until the actual minting, of our OTP relationship, and the early relationship thrills that follow, as well as the thrills and spills around dating in the office, Show handles it all SO, SO WELL! 🤩

PD-nim does an excellent, excellent job of bringing out all the tiny little moments, from almost-touches, averted glances, and swallowed angst on one side of the spectrum, to stolen touches, secret glances, and swallowed squees, on the other end of the spectrum.

It’s all so crackly good in all the little details!

My feels; they were a breathless, flailing, happy mess. 🫠🫠🫠🫠

When Show thrilled me

There were a couple of occasions when I found myself genuinely thrilled by something that Show served up on my screen.

Here are both instances below, to illustrate what I mean.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I was inexplicably extremely engaged and enthusiastic, at the part where it starts to dawn on Mi Ae, while she’s at Eun Ho’s apartment, what a perfect candidate he is, to be Ji Yun’s secretary.

I kept snickering and giggling and even clapped my hands, with each light bulb that goes off in Mi Ae’s head, as she rattles off the qualities she’s looking for in Ji Yun’s secretary – and gets evidence, right there and then, of how perfect Eun Ho is, for the role.

For some reason, I was quite thrilled with this part. 🤩

E7-8. I freaking loved that moment when the music from My Love From The Stars (review here!), “My Destiny” suddenly played to score that side arc couple’s loveline; that was so epic, and such fun, for those who’ve watched the show! 😁

[END SPOILER]

The cases of the week

Like I mentioned earlier, this is a workplace drama after all, and Show regularly serves up cases of the week.

I generally enjoyed these, and found that they added an interesting dimension to our storytelling.

Firstly, I found the stories suitably engaging, and some of them offered very meaningful takeaways, which I thought was pretty great.

Secondly, I appreciated that Show uses these arcs to also show us how Ji Yun and Eun Ho interact, and uses some of these plot points to even develop the relationship further.

I found this all quite nicely balanced.

STUFF I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH

The thing with Sunbae Rival [SPOILERS]

From pretty early on in our story, Show introduces Sunbae Rival (Park Bo Kyung), who holds a grudge against Ji Yun, for allegedly killing their boss.

It definitely says a lot about Sunbae Rival, that she’d blamed Ji Yun then, for killing him, and that, so many years later, she still holds onto the same idea, like a dog with a bone.

The thing is, the way Sunbae Rival is portrayed as being quite one-dimensional; like, her only reason to exist, is to take Ji Yun down, by whatever means necessary.

To be brutally honest, she started landing as a rather cartoony villain after a while; one of those that just glowers and smirks a lot and twirls their big mustache.

Contrasted against the very careful and detailed characterizations of our lead characters, this felt like dismissive writing, like writer-nim didn’t care enough to flesh Sunbae Rival out more. 😅

The thing with Chairman Dad [SPOILERS]

First of all, I have to say that I find it a bit of a logic stretch, in terms of Chairman Dad’s (Jo Seung Yeon) investment in Peoplez.

According to him, he’d invested with the purpose of making Ji Yun his daughter-in-law, and now that that investment has failed (ie, Jeong Hun’s failed to win her heart) and she’s not competent (in terms of following his orders), he should abandon her.

Am I the only one who finds this initial reason for his investment very odd?

If memory serves, Jeong Hun first met Ji Yun when he was in high school, which means that Chairman Dad had looked at Ji Yun then, and looked at his teenaged son, and thought, Ah, let me invest in her and make her my daughter-in-law..??

I definitely felt like this took away from the down-to-earth, realistic vibe of this show.

Secondly, I also grew tired of Chairman Dad puffing himself up to be the biggest, baddest villain he could muster; it felt oddly melodramatic to the point of being makjang-adjacent, and that just didn’t feel organic to this drama world, to my eyes.

Some of Show’s attempts at comedy

To be clear, I did enjoy quite a few of Show’s funny moments, but occasionally, Show’s attempts to serve up comedy just didn’t work for me, and they didn’t work for me enough, that I felt they deserved their own section here. 😅

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I found the highlight reel of Ji Yun badgering Mi Ae – even while Mi Ae’s in the toilet cubicle – a bit too much. 😅

Firstly, it’s toilet humor, which I don’t care for, and secondly, it doesn’t reflect well on Ji Yun; like what kind of person is she, to badger her co-worker while said co-worker’s in the toilet..? 🙈

E9. Honestly, I wasn’t super into it when we have Eun Ho getting all petty jealous over Ji Yun meeting with that popular and handsome client (Kwak Shi Yang).

I felt that that wasn’t in keeping with Eun Ho as a person, and therefore almost offensive to Eun Ho as a character. 😅

[END SPOILER]

The Big Reveal [SPOILERS]

From about the mid-point of our story, Show starts to hint heavily, that Ji Yun’s dad had gone back into the fire to save Eun Ho, and that he’d given his life to do so.

Argh. I was kinda bummed to learn this, honestly, because I felt that this intertwined tragic backstory was not something that I felt was necessary.

Why couldn’t Ji Yun and Eun Ho have separate, unrelated past trauma, and then find solidarity with each other..?

On the upside, Show does resolve this fairly quickly, and with a nice amount of sensitivity, but I have to say that the very existence of this arc cast a shadow over my watch, and I didn’t like that very much.

SPOTLIGHT ON SELECTED CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Han Ji Min as Ji Yun

I have to say, I loved Han Ji Min this role, unreservedly.

I mean, I’d already had a good amount of affection for Han Ji Min as an actress prior to this, but I feel like I’ve come away from this, loving her more. 😍

On the surface, Ji Yun can land as a pretty brusque character, but I feel that Han Ji Min’s nuanced delivery offers us important glimpses to other facets of Ji Yun’s personality, and I found myself able to enjoy Ji Yun as a character, very quickly into my watch.

I will talk more about Ji Yun in my section on the OTP relationship, but for now, here are few highlights.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. Importantly, I don’t find Han Ji Min’s character Ji Yun unlikable, even though she’s shown some pretty darn brusque behavior, in these initial episodes.

I think part of that has to do with Han Ji Min’s personal charm; I have a huge soft spot for her, and I think my brain is largely programmed to like her, heh.

I think it also helps, that Show tells us that her not-so-nice behaviors could be to do with an actual medical condition, where her brain’s under too much stress, and is therefore causing her to say things she doesn’t mean, and not remember things.

That definitely helps to explain why she’s having trouble not only remembering her staff members’ names, but what her car looks like, and even the fact that her office door opens in a certain direction rather than the other way around.

This makes all her tough reasoning for speaking the way she does, suddenly look like a cover that she’s using to protect herself, rather than an actual explanation that she necessarily believes in.

Another part of it has to do with how Show demonstrates that Ji Yun’s mostly putting on a brave and strong front; that underneath that prickly, defensive outer layer, there are a lot of hidden hurts and wounds.

Putting that all together, I find it easy to want better and happier things for Ji Yun.

E7-8. I do love that Ji Yun’s so sure about Eun Ho.

When Mi Ae figures out that they’re dating and expresses concern that Eun Ho’s a single dad (and therefore not as “desirable” marriage material), it’s so great how Ji Yun doesn’t miss a beat in shutting that down.

She’s so firm in how she tells Mi Ae that she likes Eun Ho as he is, and appreciates that it’s the life he’s lived, that has made him the person he is. 🥲

Again, I love how neat and efficient and mature Show is being, about this potential complication to our OTP relationship!

E9. While we’re talking about Jeong Hun, I must say, I very much appreciate how forthright Ji Yun is, when Jeong Hun asks her point-blank, if she still thinks of Eun Ho as just her secretary.

I love how Ji Yun doesn’t bat an eye, and tells Jeong Hun frankly, that she’s dating Eun Ho.

Isn’t Ji Yun such a cool cat? 🤩

[END SPOILER]

Lee Joon Hyuk as Eun Ho

I gotta tell ya; I am thrilled – literally OVER THE MOON – to see Lee Joon Hyuk in a romantic male lead space, finally. 🥲🥲

It has been wayyy too long since I’ve seen him in this space (it was last in family drama Three Brothers, circa 2009! – coz A Poem A Day (review here!) doesn’t count), and every cell in my being was ready to swoon at him as Eun Ho, just so you know. 😁

And swoon I did, because Eun Ho is just a wonderful, lovely person in general, and I couldn’t help just melting into a puddle on a regular basis, in response to all of his loveliness. 🥰

I will talk a lot more about Eun Ho in my section on the OTP relationship, but for now, here are a few thoughts about Eun Ho. ❤️

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I think Show does a really effective job of setting up Eun Ho as a character.

First, we learn how capable and efficient he is at his work, with how his supervisor gives him the tough task of prevent Mr. Yang from being scouted away from the company.

It’s a task that most people deem doomed to fail – and yet, he succeeds, with a combination of shrewd analysis, diligence, and the willingness to go above and beyond, in order to achieve his goal.

This is also when we have Ji Yun and Eun Ho butting heads, since Mr. Yang is considering an offer made via Ji Yun’s headhunting firm, Peoplez.

But thennn.

My heart really went out to Eun Ho, when we see that his supervisor actually holds a grudge against him for taking paternal leave and basically choosing his daughter’s mental health over the company, and is determined to not only force him out of the company, but ruin him in general.

UGH.

Shady Supervisor is just awful, with the way he humiliates Eun Ho time and time again, and then goes in for the kill, falsely blaming Eun Ho for colluding with Mr. Yang, to leak company secrets.

Worse, Shady Supervisor then spreads rumors about Eun Ho, so that he won’t be able to get a job elsewhere either.

Adding on the layer where Eun Ho has a daughter for whom he must provide, and I can easily see why he would be desperate enough to entertain a job with Ji Yun, despite the bad blood between them.

E7-8. I thought I should talk a bit about Eun Ho’s acceptance of Su Hyeon’s (Kim Yoon Hye) invitation to the movies.

I honestly don’t think it registered for Eun Ho, that she was asking him out on a date.

Since they’re parenting friends, first and foremost, and since she even addresses him as “Yu Daddy” (which, cringe 😅), I think that sets the tone for all of his interactions with her.

When she brings up the movie, his first instinct, is that they ought to go with the kids, and then when Su Hyeon remarks that it’s not a movie that kids would enjoy, and that they should go without the kids, he agrees – still with that same mindset that they are parenting friends.

After all, they’ve had the occasional lunch without the kids, so this just feels like a harmless extension of that?

Yeah, so I don’t think that Eun Ho even realized that Su Hyeon was shooting her shot, and asking him out on a date.

I do think that if he’d realized it was a date situation, that he would not have said yes, and not just because he’s got Ji Yun on his mind; there’s still that whole thing where he doesn’t see himself as being in a position to date, period.

E9. When Jeong Hun (Kim Do Hoon) approaches Eun Ho about his relationship with Ji Yun, I do love that Eun Ho seems to instinctively pick up on the fact that Ji Yun’s told Jeong Hun the truth – and therefore, doesn’t try to hide it from Jeong Hun either.

Afterwards, isn’t Eun Ho the cutest, when drinking with Jeong Hun?

I love that he’s got such a clear personal goal, which is to cheer Jeong Hun up and make him happy, even if it means dramatically losing to him at arm wrestling.

The way Eun Ho leaks so many smiles after letting Jeong Hun win, while watching Jeong Hun celebrate his win so gleefully, really endears him to me.

He doesn’t need to one-up Jeong Hun to feel better about himself; he’s so secure in himself, that he would gladly let Jeong Hun win at arm wrestling, if that would make him feel better about his unrequited love for Ji Yun. Aw. 🥲

What a man, my friends. WHAT A(N ADORABLE) MAN. 🫠

[END SPOILER]

Ji Yun and Eun Ho

I love this OTP so much, my friends. 🥰

Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk are perfectly cast, and I love the warm, sparky chemistry that they share.

Like I talked about earlier, I just love the way writer-nim and PD-nim put importance on teasing out the little beats between them, that indicate their growing connection in a way that feels so natural, organic and believable.

I found A LOT to squee about while watching this loveline, so fair warning, that this OTP spoiler section is a longgg one! 🤭

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I love the idea that Eun Ho’s so good at his job, that he quickly wins over the entire office, such that when he does make some headway with Ji Yun, he’s got everyone cheering for him, in his wake.

That’s so cute. 😁

I do appreciate that Eun Ho’s making progress in small increments, and that some of his efforts fail, while some yeild positive results.

This makes it feel more believable, and the failures also make his successes feel more hard-earned.

And I appreciate that we see Eun Ho putting in the work, to understand Ji Yun’s schedule and habits, and trying to meet her needs.

On the potential OTP front, that scene in the middle of episode 2, where Eun Ho and Ji Yun have A Moment, when he comes upon her in the storage room, was quite electric, I thought. I definitely felt a crackle when he levels his gaze at her, and just looks at her. 🔥

But the real turning point in their work relationship really is when Ji Yun finally lets on the real reason that she doesn’t work with Eun Ho; because she wants to work with someone who would at least respect the work that she does – and Eun Ho’s said some not-great things about headhunters and the way she works.

Ahhh. That makes so much sense! And yes, I can totally understand that from Ji Yun’s point of view, having a secretary that despises the work that she does, would be a deal-breaker.

No wonder she’s been so adamant about not working with Eun Ho.

To Eun Ho’s credit, his apology does land as sincere; I believe that he really does regret saying that (and I paraphrase) headhunters have no conscience, and only care about money.

And, I do like that he immediately throws himself into learning more about the work of headhunters; he’s not just paying lip-service, he really does want to correct his understanding of headhunting. I like that about him.

Honestly, I am loving the fact that because Ji Yun’s got some klutzy tendencies, like bumping into corners etc, that Eun Ho ends up doing very romantic-looking things for her.

Like, I legit squeed when she was crouched under her desk looking for something, and Eun Ho put his hand on the edge of the desk, and followed her movements with his hand, so that if she ever bumped her head, it would be buffered by his hand.

SCHWEET! 😍😍

And then, the fact that he knows where everything is, and pulls out the exact file that she’s looking for, gives me “I’m taking care of you” vibes, and I squee again.

And how about the fact that he installs corner guards on everything in her office, and even makes it such that her door opens both ways?? That gives me more “I’m taking care of you vibes” – Eee!! 😍😍

Yes, yes, I know this is all in the line of duty, but my fangirl instincts are kicking in anyway. 😁

E1-2. I’m so glad and relieved that Eun Ho comes charging up that escalator to reach Ji Yun, even though she’s told him not to follow her.

Significantly, just as Ji Yun looks like she’s about to pass out, she reaches for him – and he catches her by the arm, just before she sinks into him, in an apparent faint.

Aw! He’s there for her, when no one else is. 🥲 Could this be the beginning of a beautiful partnership..?

E3-4. I really enjoyed watching Ji Yun and Eun Ho getting to know each other more, and I also really liked the way Show kind of alternates between showing us how Ji Yun’s softening towards Eun Ho, and Eun Ho softening towards Ji Yun.

It’s all quite thrilling for me. 🥰

I honestly really like the fact that our set-up makes it a very natural thing, for Eun Ho to pay close attention to Ji Yun’s habits and preferences, and then get into a rhythm of not just meeting her needs, but anticipating them.

And of course, I love that Eun Ho’s such a good secretary, who also seems really perceptive in general, that he gets things really quickly, and then meets Ji Yun, not just where she wants to be met, but sometimes, where she needs to be met – even if she doesn’t know it yet. 🥲

I also think it’s very sensitive and wise of him not to ask Ji Yun questions, as a general rule, even after a significant event like her collapsing into his arms.

I feel like most people would keep quiet out of awkwardness and a fear of upsetting Ji Yun, but when Eun Ho keeps quiet about it, I get the sense that he’s choosing not to ask, not for either of those reasons, but for Ji Yun’s wellbeing.

I like that very much. 🥲

And then, I am actually rather tickled at how meticulously he takes care of all the little things for Ji Yun, from getting her utensils for her, to carefully folding a little chopsticks holder for her.

And how about the way he observes that she likes to tie her hair up into a ponytail before getting serious with food – and then prepares a spare one, which he keeps in his pocket???

Again, yes, it’s all in the line of duty, but my fangirl brain is quickly also processing this as being perfect boyfriend behavior, and I can’t help but pre-emptively squee. 🤭

Ok, I am also amused at the fact that all of this could also be interpreted as him mothering her, coz I can imagine him doing all this for his daughter Byeol as well – but somehow, the squees still win, heh. 😁

I also find it quite melty that he seamlessly fills in the blanks for her, in the areas where she struggles, like with remembering names, or with remembering her car – and completely without an air of judgment. 🥲

And how about that moment where he puts his hand on the car door handle, and therefore, we get a moment of electric skinship, when Ji Yun reaches for the door handle, but comes into contact with his hand instead? Crackle. 🔥

While I typically wouldn’t want someone else tidying up my chaos (because there is some kind of mad order within the chaos, and if someone else tidies up for me, I wouldn’t be able to find anything), I’m really impressed that when Eun Ho tidies up Ji Yun’s office, he manages to do it in such a way that she can now find everything, where before, she couldn’t find anything.

Talk about anticipating her needs – down to that bag holder that’s placed, just so, so that when she tosses her handbag like she always does upon entering her office, her bag now falls neatly into the bag holder, like she’s some basketball player making a shot. 😁

PLUS! That addition of the lavender plant, because the scent of lavender’s known to have relaxing properties! Woww.. 🥲

On Ji Yun’s side of things, I really like the little signs that she’s lowering her guard around Eun Ho.

Like the way she thanks him, as she walks to the tteokbokki cart; that feels like a pretty big step, for her.

And then, when Eun Ho does those dorky-innocent jibes at not overstepping, I like that it doesn’t take Ji Yun long to actually apologize for having been harsh, and to say, “Let’s work well together, going forward.”

I like that Ji Yun’s not too proud to admit that she’d been wrong, and I like that.

Slowly (maybe not that slowly?) but surely, the walls are coming down between these two, and I do appreciate that part of it is a bit of inadvertent silliness, like when Eun Ho practically turns green from eating the Level 5 tteokbokki – and then fills his cheeks with those candies, in a bid to soothe the burn.

Hahaha! That was pretty adorkable.

On another note, it’s good to see that Eun Ho’s suggestions, perspectives and insights really do have an impact on the projects they’re handling, like the way he suggests that they talk openly with the star chef about the rumors involving him and his sous chef, rather than just assume that there’s a reason that the rumors exist.

I really like the idea that Ji Yun’s starting to see Eun Ho in a new light, professionally speaking. That translates into a sense of respect, and that’s an excellent trajectory for our would-be OTP relationship. 😁

I mean, we even see Ji Yun getting Eun Ho a cup coffee, when she gets one for herself – that’s really huge, for Ji Yun, wouldn’t you say?

And, just to clarify, Eun Ho doesn’t actually say, “May I join you?,” but rather, “Would you like to drink (the coffee) together?,” which I personally find cozier. 🥰

Importantly, she says yes, and then even chats with Eun Ho about her thoughts on the situation with Star Chef.

And, she’s asking him about his experiences, and listening to his answers, and that’s very nice too.

All this stacked together gives me the impression that she’s starting to see him as an equal, rather than simply her secretary who’s there to take orders from her, and that’s a very positive development indeed.

Later on, there’s also the way she listens thoughtfully to what Eun Ho says to the sous chef, about how she’s a good chef and can believe in herself, instead of relying on others.

That’s the seed that helps Sous Chef accept a new challenge, when Ji Yun helps her find a job that suits her better, as a food scientist.

And I do love that when Ji Yun’s encouraging her, it also gives Eun Ho pause, to see how warm and affirming Ji Yun can be.

It’s also great that Eun Ho expresses that he’s coming to understand that headhunting is a meaningful work, and then tells Ji Yun that she’s cool.

The mutual respect; it’s increasing and I like that very much.

On the squee side of things, I have to take a moment to acknowledge, when Ji Yun asks what kind of person he thinks she is, the way Eun Ho tells Ji Yun that he plans on getting to know her better.

Ji Yun definitely pauses meaningfully, like she’s doing a quiet double take.

And thennn, how about the way Eun Ho brings over that band aid and casually but carefully starts to tend to the paper cut on her finger, while saying that she cares so much about her candidate, but doesn’t take care of herself.

There’s a gentle confidence in the way he just reaches out to touch her hand in order to tend to the paper cut, that makes me start to swoon. 🫠

That moment, when Ji Yun answers quietly, that she’s never had the leisure to take care of herself, and that, to some, enjoying what other people take for granted, is a luxury, feels like a moment of vulnerability, and I don’t take that lightly, especially coming from Ji Yun.

This feels, to me, like she’s really beginning to trust Eun Ho, and I like that very much. 🥰

And then, isn’t it sweet of Eun Ho, to just keep driving, in order to give Ji Yun more time to sleep, in the car? 🥲

Yes, he could’ve just parked the car and let her sleep, but in this case, I do think that it’s the vibration of the moving car that’s lulled Ji Yun to sleep, and that’s why Eun Ho chooses to keep driving, to keep that comforting reverberation going, in order to offer Ji Yun the chance to sleep a little longer.

I am quietly flailing into a puddle over here, y’all. 🫠🫠🫠

And so, I do like that we get to see that Ji Yun’s aware of this, with the way she asks, afterwards, how times they went around. I want her to notice Eun Ho’s thoughtfulness!

And then how about that moment when it rains, and Eun Ho pulls out that umbrella with all the big cartoons emblazoned on it, and then uses it to shelter Ji Yun to the convenience store, before he proceeds to make her that spicy ramyun-tteokbokki feast?

First of all, I hadn’t realized that the cartoon umbrella was PPL, until Elaine and MC mentioned it to me, heh.

But it’s true that there’s a kind of charm in the way he isn’t at all embarrassed about the cartoon umbrella, and just matter-of-factly goes about everything – most of which is taking good care of Ji Yun while at the convenience store.

And how about the way he brings her that convenience food feast, and then pulls out the hair tie that he has on hand, so that she can really get serious with her food??

He really knows her, and I’m so, so charmed.

Again, I know this is officially all in the line of duty, but he’s so, SO giving off Perfect Boyfriend vibes, that I can’t help but flail anyway. 🫠🫠🫠

And then, after that run-in with Sunbae Rival, which is unpleasant for Ji Yun, I love how Eun Ho doesn’t ask anything, and simply asks if she’d like to head to the tteokbokki place.

I feel that it says something, that Ji Yun declines – not because she doesn’t want to eat it, but because Eun Ho can’t eat it. Ooh.

It’s pretty great how Eun Ho then asks her to get out of the car so that they can walk together, and even hands her a pair of comfy sports shoes – which she’s initially quizzical about, but which she eventually comes around to.

I have to admit that I squeed quite a bit, watching them play basketball on opposing teams, with those boys.

That works out to wayyy more hyper-proximity than if they’d played on the same team, so very well played, Show. 🤭

Through it all, I find that I’m really quite delighted at the tiny little leaked smiles on both sides.

I mean, leaked smiles are my kryptonite, and I feel that they say so much, about how one character feels about another, so it feels like double the treat, to have not just one half of the OTP leaking smiles, but both halves taking turns to leak smiles.

Eeee!! It’s all quite thrilling, if you ask me. 🤩

My favorite collection of leaked smiles is quite possibly right here at this point, when Ji Yun grumbles that Eun Ho didn’t let her win, and Eun Ho tells her that since she likes winning so much, he’ll always let her win, in the future.

The leaked smiles on both sides is SO ADORABLE that I’m quietly imploding over here. 🫠😍🫠😍🫠

E3-4. The little moments of hyper-closeness between our would-be OTP continue, like with the way Eun Ho teases Ji Yun a little, with the bag of bread he buys for her lunch, and also, the way he pauses to straighten her collar, in the middle of talking about work.

It obviously is all giving Ji Yun pause for thought, and I don’t blame her for being affected, at all. (I am very affected, vicariously, heh. 🫠)

Also, I do think it’s smart of Show to have all these other women in the office being so appreciative of Eun Ho as a potential boyfriend; it definitely helps to frame Ji Yun’s thoughts about Eun Ho too – even though I’d say that at this point, it’s almost (but not quite) against her will. 🤭

I mean, I do think I detect a bit of reflexive jealousy there, when Ji Yun sees Eun Ho helping other women, like with the opening of that bottle. 😁

I find it Very Significant, that Ji Yun would even go to the office gathering, just because Eun Ho texts her the address and says that he’ll be waiting for her.

This, when she famously never goes to these things?? Just because Eun Ho asked her?? Oooh! 🤭

My fangirl antennae are totally perking up at the sight of Eun Ho stepping in to drink on Ji Yun’s behalf, when he sees that she’s starting to get quite drunk.

It feels very heroic, and also, personal – coz it’s not his job to drink for her, as her secretary, I don’t think?

Plus, there’s how his gaze is trained on her, so much so that he’s not even listening to the conversation around him. That feels significant too. 🥲

The way he tells her that he’ll take her home, also sounds gentle and caring to my ears. 🥰

And, thankfully, Mi Ae’s there to helpfully provide Eun Ho with the intel that Ji Yun goes back to the office whenever she’s drunk, like a homing pigeon.

I’m glad that Eun Ho completely ignores Mi Ae’s advice to just Ji Yun be, and instead, goes back to the office to check on her.

And isn’t he sweet, the way he closes the window to stop the draft from coming in through, and covers Ji Yun with a blanket? 🥲

I do think it’s significant that Eun Ho stays in the office with Ji Yun, even after making sure she’s ok; clearly, he must care enough to want to do that, yes?

I was on breathless tenterhooks in our last scene, with Ji Yun waking up, and still kinda tipsy, starts tracing Eun Ho’s sleeping features with her fingers.

When he wakes up and finds her leaning in so close, saying in her husky voice, that he’s handsome, I felt like I could cut the tension with a knife. 🔥

It says so much that he doesn’t move; just sits still and looks at her – this means that he doesn’t hate this, ahem.

And then she leans in, as if to kiss him – and I think I’ll be holding my breath until our next episodes reveal what happens next. 🫠

E5-6. I had to giggle when we revisit the scene where Eun Ho’s sitting asleep on the couch, next to Ji Yun, because what Elaine said on Patreon about him looking like a powered-down robot was so spot on! 🤭

What I really appreciate about this scene, is that Eun Ho is so steady and open, when he wakes up to find Ji Yun’s face hovering so close to his own.

That’s not typical at all of their usual interactions, and so I would find it very acceptable, if someone in his position would instinctively jump, or react in some way.

The fact that Eun Ho doesn’t, just gives me a reason to squee, because my fangirl brain is rationalizing that the only reason there could be, that he’s able to remain so steady and open, is because he already sees Ji Yun in this potentially romantic sort of light – and that’s why he doesn’t find it shocking, even though he’s just woken up.

Ok, of course, there’s also the thing where Eun Ho’s just really steady in general, and not easy to spook, heh.

That said, this is a very personal sort of interaction, rather than a professional one, and I feel like the fact that he’s allowing this to happen, instead of tactfully evading it, says a lot about the state of his feelings towards Ji Yun.

Importantly, I get the sense that he’s not being forced into a situation that he doesn’t want, even though he’s the secretary and she’s his boss.

On a tangent, I wanted to say that through all of their personal interactions, I feel like Eun Ho’s pretty much only doing what he’s willing to do, and any concessions that he makes, are ones that he’s comfortable with.

On that note, I also am noticing that even though Eun Ho’s the secretary in this equation, he still manages to land with a good amount of “romantic male lead” energy, for lack of a better way of putting it. 😅

He’s respectful to Ji Yun, and takes instruction, but when he feels that it’s needed, he’s shown that he’s more than capable of setting a new direction, like the time he got her to go for a walk, even though she wasn’t very willing, and even though her instruction had been to take her back to the office.

That also has the effect of making me feel like each time Eun Ho actually cooperates with Ji Yun, it’s because he wants to, and not because he has to.

Going back to our opening scene, I do love that he lets her set the tone for the interaction; he just stays still and quiet, and waits to see where she might take things.

This reminds me of the time he’d promised to let her win, in the future; not because he can’t win, or because she wants to win and he has no choice in the matter – that smile tugging at his lips, as he promised to let her win, makes me think that it makes him happy to make her happy.

..And that’s the same kind of energy that I’m getting here.

He’s perfectly capable of removing himself from this situation, or taking control of the situation such that the kiss does or doesn’t happen, but he’s content to give her the space to let her heart feel its way through the situation.

When it looked like Ji Yun was about to kiss him, you can tell, from the way Eun Ho lowers his gaze, that he’s ready to let it happen.

And then when she bypasses his lips and falls back to sleep on his shoulder, he adjusts himself accordingly, and seems quite content to just hold her.

And yes, I have rewatched that bit enough times, that I can vouch for the fact that he does, in fact, pull her closer, a little bit, as if to get the best fit between her head, and the nook between his neck and chest. 🥰🤭

Squeee! 😍

Afterwards, it makes perfect character sense to me, that he would let Ji Yun set the tone for whether or not he remembered anything from that night; to me, this harks back to the promise he’d made before, to let her win in everything.

And so, when she phrases her question as, “You didn’t come back to the office, did you?,” our perceptive Eun Ho quickly realizes that Ji Yun is hoping that the answer would be, “No, I did not” – which is why he opts to give that answer, even though it’s not the truth.

I see this as Eun Ho wanting Ji Yun to be comfortable, and allowing her to set the tone for their relationship – whatever it might be.

I am nicely amused that, despite this, Show manages to communicate how affected they are, by each other.

Like with that beat when Ji Yun drops her pen under the table, and when she comes face to face with Eun Ho under the table, reflexively gasps at the memory – while Eun Ho, who’s usually so steady and in control, knocks his head while getting up from the floor.

Tee hee hee. Ji Yun’s not the only one here who’s feeling awkward and hyper-aware! 🤭

I did think that her literally running away from Eun Ho, so that she could leave him behind while she attended a meeting on her own, was a little much, but I’ll roll with it, in the name of rom-com hijinks.

And then, when she finally realizes that it hadn’t all just been a dream, and asks Eun Ho how much he remembers, I somehow find it quite swoony, the way he just looks at her, and asks how much she’d like him to remember.

Again, this is exactly what he’d promised before, to let her win; he’s letting her choose what would make her most comfortable, and I love how steady and unwavering his gaze is, as he looks at her. 🫠

When she says that she’d like them to treat it like it had never happened, I feel like there’s something in the way he answers.

He answers quietly and readily, that he understands, and then says that he’ll remember it the way he does now – which, honestly, doesn’t make a lot of sense in the context of what Ji Yun’s just said.

So I can only conclude that he’s saying that he’ll pretend that it never happened, the way she’s asking, but – in his memories, he’ll remember it.

I guess I must be just that primed to swoon at Lee Joon Hyuk, because I find that swoony too. 😅

Like, yes, I can agree to act like it never happened, but you can’t take the memory away from me. 🫠🫠🫠

ALSO. Afterwards, at home, doesn’t a distinct flash of disappointment cross Eun Ho’s face, when he thinks about Ji Yun telling him to forget that it ever happened?

Importantly, Ji Yun continues to be very aware of Eun Ho, and is still more open to his requests than she’d like to admit.

Just like when he’d asked to go for the welcome party, and she’d shown up after declaring that she wouldn’t go, she shows up for the gathering at his house, even after saying, over and over, that she wouldn’t be going – all because he’d asked her to come.

And how utterly sweet is it, that Eun Ho’s reason for wanting Ji Yun to come to his house, is so that he can make her a home-cooked meal?

Eun Ho is perfect, and I am a flailing puddle of swoon. 🫠

He just has this way of getting through to Ji Yun, when no one else can, and I love it. 🥰

And of course when Ji Yun shows up, no one else is there, and Eun Ho looks like he’s just fresh out of the shower, when he answers the door. (Which, Rawr. 🔥🤭)

I love that when Ji Yun turns around to leave, he chases her down, and persuades her to stay.

Well, that’s not entirely accurate; she doesn’t actually agree to stay.

But I just love that he sees through all the excuses that she tries to make, and just swoops in, and thanks her for the cake, while taking it from her hands.

Squee!! 😍

See, this is what I mean about Eun Ho not acting like a secretary around Ji Yun; in this moment, he’s treating her like a man treats the woman he likes, and I love that. 🫠

So smart of him, to then talk about how he’d been disappointed when everyone couldn’t make it, coz he had all the ingredients, and then ask if she likes beanpaste stew.

Our Eun Ho’s pretty smooth, even though he’s also as wholesome as they come. 🤭

Through the whole time that Eun Ho’s preparing dinner, I found it quite amusing that Ji Yun looks awkward, like she doesn’t know what to do with herself, while Eun Ho leaks smiles, like he thinks she’s cute for being that way. 😁

And then, there are also the tiny leaked appreciative smiles on Ji Yun’s side, as she watches him cook.

The alternating leaked smiles have me literally meowing with glee, y’all. 🤭

Of course, I cackled with quiet glee, when Show intersplices all this with scenes of Su Hyeon’s mom telling her to hurry up and contact Eun Ho, before he brings someone else home and cooks for her, because it’s game over once he cooks his beanpaste stew – which is exactly what Eun Ho’s cooking for Ji Yun.

I found this very amusing; I think I was just that pleased to have Ji Yun in Eun Ho’s house, heh. 🤭

It’s really very cute how Eun Ho feeds Ji Yun this whole big meal, almost like a father feeding his daughter a good dinner and feeling happy about it. 🤭

And then when Ji Yun remarks that he’s better as a cook, I found it all quite tantalizing, the way he answers without missing a beat, that she should make a reservation next time.

Eee!! He’s making reference to future possible visits! 😍😍😍

(See, I warned you; I’m squeeing at everything, by this point. 🤭)

I do very much appreciate that the easy banter gives way to something a little more serious, when Ji Yun first casually dismisses the idea that Eun Ho’s lived on his own since elementary school, and Eun Ho pauses for a moment, before asking, with a touch of seriousness, that he’s grown up well, hasn’t he?

You can practically feel the air between them change, as Ji Yun realizes that it’s true that he’s lived alone all this time.

I’m glad that she doesn’t overreact, but gives him a sincere compliment, that he’s grown up well.

I love that she adds, “Well done,” afterwards, because it feels like something very precious, that I imagine Eun Ho hasn’t gotten to hear much at all, in relation to how he’s grown up well on his own. 🥹

And then I love that Eun Ho returns the compliment, and, gently reaching for her hand, stamps it with that “You’ve done an excellent job” stamp.

Likewise, I feel like this is something that Ji Yun doesn’t get to hear very often as well, and I love that they’ve given each other something precious to hold onto. 🥲

Afterwards, it makes total sense that Ji Yun would fall asleep while waiting for Eun Ho to finish his phone call with Byeol; who wouldn’t feel sleepy, after such a hearty meal? 😁

The morning after scene had me giggling at how they’re instinctively flying, helter-skelter, to get Ji Yun out of the apartment before Byeol gets home, even though there’s nothing actually wrong with Ji Yun being there.

I guess this definitely says something about how they each feel about the other; that they do feel very much hyper-aware of each other.

I do love the epilogue, which I found very poignant, where we see that the whole reason Eun Ho had been there next to Ji Yun when she woke up, is because she’d been having a nightmare, and he’d come to hold her hand, and tell her that everything would be ok. 🥲

E5-6. The boyfriend instinct is definitely in play, like with the way Eun Ho starts to text Ji Yun to ask if she got home safely, then stops in chagrin, because of how mortifying the whole incident had been, heh.

Importantly, Ji Yun’s still leaking a bit of a smile, when she looks at the stamp that Eun Ho had stamped on her hand. Aw. 🥰

I’m also glad that they get over that little hump of awkwardness pretty quickly, after a bit of initial embarrassment in the elevator the following Monday morning.

“Why did you kick me out?”

“Why did you run away?”

“Exactly” – “Exactly” 😁

After this, it’s pretty telling, that Ji Yun even asks Mi Ae about Eun Ho’s past, and why he’d gotten divorced. Our girl can’t stop being curious about Eun Ho, obviously. 😁

I’m glad that Ji Yun finally understands better, the vague answer that Eun Ho had once given her, about why he’d taken paternity leave at his previous company. 🥲

Later, although I didn’t want Byeol to have even been in a small accident, I was really pleased that Eun Ho finally learns that the “cool Unnie” from the bookstore, is none other than Ji Yun.

I just love when the two of them have reasons to interact on a personal rather than professional level, and this is one such instance.

First, on a professional level, I’m so gratified on Eun Ho’s behalf, that Ji Yun’s instinct is to tell him to stay with Byeol and only think about Byeol for the day – never mind about work.

Given his bad experience at his previous company, when he’d chosen to put Byeol first, this must be very moving for Eun Ho, I imagine. 🥲

Afterwards, isn’t it so lovely, to see Ji Yun come back with food for Eun Ho, because she guesses correctly that he probably hasn’t eaten?

Speaking of which, I really kinda love how adorkably awkward Ji Yun gets, whenever things dip into that personal sort of dimension. 😁

And then I do love that moment when Ji Yun asks Eun Ho if he’s ok, and he answers honestly that he’s not sure; that even though he works hard, he sometimes feels like he’s hitting a wall.

Again, it feels very precious that Ji Yun would tell him that he’s doing well, and that Byeol would know that her dad is trying hard. 🥲

ALSO. Can I just say that I kinda love the fact that it’s Ji Yun who thinks about holding Eun Ho’s hand, not the other way around? 🤭

Afterwards, when Su Hyeon arrives at the hospital, I feel that it does say something, that Eun Ho introduces her to Ji Yun as a writer, rather than his friend.

And then, it also feels significant, that when Ji Yun walks off, while telling him that he doesn’t need to walk her out, Eun Ho’s gaze follows her for a long second, instead of turning towards Su Hyeon, who’s right there waiting for him.

I think Su Hyeon’s right to feel intimidated by Ji Yun, in her hopes to win Eun Ho’s heart. 🙃

E5-6. I liked that Eun Ho is shrewd and creative enough, to think of exploring candidates who repair luxury goods, versus only candidates who have been certified as appraisers.

And, even though it’s Kwang Hee who presents the idea to her, I like that Ji Yun’s shrewd enough to know that the idea had come from Eun Ho – which she promptly confirms, when she sees Kwang Hee given Eun Ho that high five, after leaving her office. 😁

There’s also the thing where Ji Yun offers to take responsibility for the case, if anything were to go wrong – even though, as we see later on, the third party appraisal that she’d asked for, is inconclusive.

I found it pretty gratifying to see Ji Yun mumble to herself, if she was being influenced by Eun Ho.

And I found it even more gratifying that Eun Ho would simply smile and say that she would’ve taken responsibility even without the third part appraisal, when Ji Yun tries to make herself look calculative and objective. 😁

E5-6. I continue to delight in all the little moments of interaction that we get between Ji Yun and Eun Ho.

Like when he offers to put stickers on the car to help her recognize it more easily, and she tells him be better not, or else! 😁

Or when she reflexively calls him late at night, and then tries to act cool, while asking about where he bought his sofa, since she’d slept so well on it – ha, of course it’s not the sofa, but the owner of said sofa. 🤭

And then there’s how she gets all dressed up to go to the recital, and then runnns out of the office right on time, even though she says that she’s not going, hee hee.

It’s so endearing to me that she shows up early, and waits for Eun Ho with coffees for the both of them in hand, instead of showing up fashionably late.

We don’t get any dialogue for the moment Eun Ho shows up to their recital date, but the way they look at each other like that, all wordless and gazes unwavering, while the world hurries by around them, feels very significant indeed, like we’re on the cusp of Something Important.

I don’t know yet what that Something Important might be, but like I keep saying 🤭, I’m ready to squee – so bring it on, Show! 😍

E7-8. Going back to the piano recital date at the top of episode 7, I really enjoyed soaking up the scene all over again, where Ji Yun just stands there and drinks in the sight of Eun Ho walking towards her; I really feel like I can relate to that subtle hapless breathlessness that we see in her face.

Her heart can’t help but wobble at the sight of this man, and girl, I do relate. 🫠🤭

It’s really tantalizing, how they’re both allowing themselves to have this date, while each struggling to toe the line and mind the official, professional boundaries that govern their relationship.

It does feel very refreshing, that we get Ji Yun’s point of view, where she’s sooo hyper-aware of Eun Ho’s physical closeness during the recital, so much so that she kind of doesn’t quite know what to do with herself.

He does turn to look over at her too, but I’m definitely feeling her hyper-awareness much more acutely in this scene, and it totally makes me feel like she kinda wants to reach out and touch him, but is stopping herself. 😅

I do like how self-award Ji Yun is, like the way we see her tell herself to get a grip, while in the washroom.

And yet.. that doesn’t stop her from asking to walk with Eun Ho to the car – which is much more couple-like behavior than her waiting at the concert hall for him to bring the car around, which is a much more boss-like thing to do.

Again, I want to point out that Eun Ho is very much still giving us that romantic male lead energy, where he’s not at all Ji Yun’s minion, simply saying “yes” to her every statement, request or instruction.

When she brings up the possibility of walking to the car together, she makes an excuse that the weather’s nice and she’s sat too long, and he doesn’t say, “Yes ma’am,” he considers what she says, and then responds, “That sounds good,” which is much more a “we’re on equal ground” sort of a thing, yes?

And that absolutely charms Ji Yun, as she mutters in that perplexed way, that she’s doomed.

Tee hee hee! Like I said, our Ji Yun is very self-aware! 🤭

And then, how about the way Eun Ho fields Ji Yun’s work-related question, during their walk?

He’s managing her tendency to talk about work, not just for his own sake, but for hers as well, and I also love that he’s the one making conversation, asking her about how long she’s been going to the bookstore.

Again, that gives me romantic male lead energy, not secretary energy. 🥲

I love the detail, that their hands are so close to each other, while they’re walking, yet not touching; it’s exactly the kind of real-life detail that makes a situation like this, as tantalizing as it is. 🔥

And then, when Ji Yun talks about being scared of falling as she gets older, I love that Eun Ho’s response is that he’ll catch her (Note: the subs say “hold” but “catch” is more accurate, based on the original Korean dialogue. I guess subber-nim was getting a little excited there? 🤭)

STILL. It’s a heart-wobbly thing to hear from Ji Yun’s point of view, since Eun Ho’s offering to catch her, if she falls. 🫠

And then there’s the couple photo thing, where I could totally feel the complicated mix of emotions going on there, where Ji Yun wants the photo, but doesn’t feel like she can say ‘yes’ to the photo, and that’s why she keeps saying that it’s fine.

How great, that Eun Ho smoothly makes it such that they get that photo together after all – but also, how relatable, that Ji Yun’s so awkward in the photo, coz she doesn’t know how much she can smile, without it looking unprofessional! 😅

After that, it’s sooo relatable, how they both battle themselves over how personal or professional they can sound, over text, when Eun Ho sends Ji Yun the photo.

I totally got excited, when Eun Ho started a message by talking about “next time” – before catching himself, and switching to a more vague and neutral, “Me too. See you tomorrow.”

Eee!! All of these little things totally add up to give us a picture of Eun Ho being hyper-aware of Ji Yun too, and I can’t help but squee. 🤭

E7-8. All the stolen glances and reflexive leaked smiles coming from Ji Yun, in response to Eun Ho, is just super cute, and her automatic care for him, like holding the elevator for him even though he’s quite far away, is endearing too.

I also thought it was sweet, the way she starts asking Eun Ho for his opinion about what they should eat for lunch – and then takes his suggestion.

Of course, I loved the fact that this was an unspoken two-person sort of date, and how they both look at each other with alarmed gazes, when everyone else in the office wants to join in on their lunch date. 🤭

I was honestly quite tickled by that beat where Ji Yun hears Eun Ho being asked by Gyeong Hwa about his stance on workplace romances, and strains to hear his answer, while trying not to be obvious about it.

Heh. I totally understand Ji Yun’s desire to know, and for the record, I’m still curious to know what Eun Ho answered!

And then how about Ji Yun taking every chance to see Eun Ho, like the way she calls him to bring over a report, when her candidate wants to refer to it.

The way she looks at him with such appreciative anticipation, and then deflates after he leaves, is soo cute and so relatable! 🤭

Honestly, I respect Ji Yun for having the self-awareness to try to do something about this, even though she’s got all these delicious feelings crowding her heart and mind.

It’s the sensible thing to do, to ask for a change in secretary, since Ji Yun’s getting so distracted by Eun Ho, but I’m sure that’s not what her heart wants – which is why I respect her for even entertaining the thought and trying to do something about it.

I felt for Eun Ho, when Mi Ae asks him about what’s going on with Ji Yun, coz Ji Yun’s asked for a change in secretary.

You can see the uncertainty in his eyes; there’s so much at stake for him.

Not only this growing connection with Ji Yun, but also, he needs the job in order to provide for Byeol – coz let’s not forget that his scummy ex-supervisor has gotten him blacklisted in the industry.

I like that Eun Ho’s bold to reach out and ask Ji Yun if he’s done something wrong, and if he’s lacking in any way – but I like even more, how Ji Yun just bites the bullet and tells him, straight up, that he’s not the problem; she is, because she likes him.

Mic. Drop.

Gosh, I love how straightforward Ji Yun is, and how she owns her feelings without shying away.

At the same time, I love that she still comes across as vulnerable, even as she tells him matter-of-factly that since she’s the problem, she’ll solve her feelings on her own, by keeping a distance.

On a side note, I am really impressed with Han Ji Min, because her delivery is so nuanced and spot-on; she makes Ji Yun bold but not brusque, vulnerable but not soft. It’s a hard line to toe, but she makes it look completely natural and effortless, and I love it.

Through all of this, I wanted to say that for Eun Ho, I think there’s a complicated mix of thoughts and emotions going on.

As we see from his conversation later, with Kang Seok, he’s aware of the fact that Ji Yun lingers on his mind, and that he feels drawn to her.

At the same time, there’s the thing where he is taking his cue from her, since he’d promised her from before, that he’d always let her win. And right now, she’s decided that she needs to keep a distance between them.

Additionally, there’s the thing where he feels that his primary purpose in life is to be Byeol’s father – and nothing else. He’s decided that his own needs aren’t as important as Byeol’s need for him, and that’s why he’s never entertained any real possibility of falling in love with anyone.

With all of that percolating in his mind, I can see why Eun Ho would simply take Ji Yun’s cue and try to bear it – but it’s much easier said than done, as we see, in episode 7.

I can understand Ji Yun being colder and more distant than she really needs to be, as she overcompensates, and tries to keep things professional between them.

At the same time, you can totally see Eun Ho progressively wilting more and more, as Ji Yun determinedly keeps him at arm’s length, even going so far as to not eat the lunch that he gets for her.

Even though Ji Yun’s explained her reasons to him, you can see that his heart can’t help but take this quite personally, and you can practically see his entire being yearning to be allowed to be part of Ji Yun’s close orbit again.

It’s so poignant that he would earnestly ask to go with her to her meeting, but get turned down – and then that he would pull out that document for her to take with her, but get a big paper cut on his finger, in the process.

Since he’d once tended to Ji Yun’s paper cut while remarking that she never took care of herself, this feels quite significant; he’s now not taking care of his own paper cut – because his heart is bleeding at how she’s pushing him away. 🥲

I mean, just look at that wistful look in his eyes, as he watches her walk away with Jeong Hun. 🥲🥲

E7-8. I do like how Show managed to slip in that moment where Ji Yun blocks the sun for a sleeping Eun Ho.

Tee hee hee! That’s such a great role reversal, since this has recently become a very popular trope, where the male lead blocks the light for the sleeping female lead.

I thought the contextual setup was really good, in that it made perfect sense that Eun Ho would have stayed up all night to rush those documents for Ji Yun’s last minute meeting – and therefore be that much more likely to fall asleep while waiting for Ji Yun in the car.

I did love the little leaked smiles that we see from Ji Yun, where she’s finally allowing herself to do something nice for Eun Ho, after keeping him at a distance for so long. 🥲

I love this idea, that taking care of him, brings her joy. 🥰

On a related note, I’d also like to say that when Eun Ho talks about Ji Yun to Kang Seok, in telling him that he has someone who’s on his mind – that also looks to me like a look of quiet joy.

Even though he’s uncertain about what he could do with these feelings, he reflexively gives off this aura of quiet joy, when he talks about Ji Yun, and I love that. 🥲

I love that Kang Seok helps Eun Ho to see that perhaps what Ji Yun wants most from him, is not his consideration (about his circumstances), but his honesty, because I do think that that’s the key point at which Eun Ho starts to allow real possibility to percolate in his mind and his heart, around Ji Yun.

I give props to Show for finding an organic way for Ji Yun to hear about Eun Ho’s supposed date with Su Hyeon, without actually hearing it from Eun Ho himself.

That felt smart, to have Ji Yun hear it from the kids at the bookstore – and then start getting all antsy about it, as the clock ticks nearer the time for that movie.

Show plays the lead-up to the movie SO well, with Ji Yun telling Eun Ho that he can leave, and Eun Ho stating that he’ll leave after he finishes up.

The way they both go about their work, while the hyperawareness of the other person just gets more and more acute – until they just Look at each other through the glass, holding each other’s gazes without flinching.

Augh. So much unspoken wistfulness and longing, and Eun Ho even gets up to go to Ji Yun (!!!) – but that’s exactly when Su Hyeon calls, about the movie.

You can tell that when Eun Ho gets off the phone, he’s still wistful about going to Ji Yun, but because Ji Yun’s turned away, he takes that as her signal to stay away – which is when he leaves.

At the end of episode 7, it’s not so much that Eun Ho feels that he can’t watch the movie with Su Hyeon because he doesn’t feel romantically for her.

Rather, my take is that he still thinks of the movie date as platonic, but has come to a point of resolve, with regards to Ji Yun, that he feels he needs to act on, without further delay.

And that’s why he calls Su Hyeon to apologize, before making that dramatic U-turn to go back to Ji Yun – while, at the same time, Ji Yun rushes out of the office, because she realizes that she cannot bear the thought of Eun Ho on a date with someone else.

I’m SO glad that Eun Ho realizes where Ji Yun’s gone, by the display on her computer, and heads out there to meet her.

I love-love-LOVE the closing scene of episode 7, where Ji Yun calls him on the phone, and says, “Yu Eun Ho-sshi. That movie; don’t watch it.”

Eun Ho’s answer can be interpreted two ways, which I thought would be helpful to talk about, a little bit.

Because he doesn’t state the Object in his answer, it could mean, “I’m watching (it),” which is why Ji Yun’s responding expression is kind of anxious.

But, what he really means, is, “I’m looking (at you)” and that becomes clear, when Ji Yun hears the traffic noise over the line, and he says, “I’ll come to you.”

Eeee!!!!

Again, very much romantic male lead energy, in the way he strides over there and takes Ji Yun into his arms for a hug. Swoon.

And then how cool is it, that it’s Ji Yun who swoops in for the kiss??? Ahhhh!!!

💋💋💋

I have such a huge goofy grin on my face, that I have become a goofy grin, my friends. 😁

Afterwards, I love that we get to see them just sit and talk openly. After the hugs and kisses, this seems like a great, honest way to start their relationship.

I love that Eun Ho tells her honestly that the reason he didn’t watch the movie, is because he’d wanted to see her, and I love that Ji Yun says that she’d forgotten that her house was cold, until she’d gone to his, and that the things she’d taken for granted in the past, she can no longer take for granted, after meeting him.

I love even more, that as Ji Yun talks, Eun Ho just looks at her with so much gentle affection in his eyes. I love. 🥰

In fact, I find that he tends to wear this gently affectionate gaze a lot when he looks at Ji Yun, and that just melts my knees in the best way. 🫠

It’s SO CUTE how Eun Ho tells her that his heart fluttered a lot, and Ji Yun says that it’s understandable – since she’s so charming. Hee! 🤭

Again, I love the romantic male lead energy we get from Eun Ho, like the way he takes Ji Yun’s hand and tells her that he’ll treat her well, and that he likes her a lot.

And then how cute is that little reflexive leaked smile, when Ji Yun answers, “Me too.”

SQUEEEE!! 🥰🥰🥰

For the rest of episode 8, Show plays with this idea that there’s a bit of a gender reversal, with Ji Yun calling the shots and acting like the typical tsundere male lead.

The thing I wanted to say about that, is that through it all, I don’t get the sense that Eun Ho’s at Ji Yun’s mercy, at any time.

Mostly, I feel like it gives him a sense of pleasure, to let Ji Yun win, like he’d promised before, and I like that a lot.

Of course, Ji Yun’s great, with her forthrightness, like the way she remarks that she likes his side profile and then smiles, all pleased. This triggers that reflexive half-swallowed smile from Eun Ho, which I love.

And I do also love that sometimes, Ji Yun says things in her straightforward way – like, “Don’t come out, or I won’t want to let you leave” – which subtly but clearly gets Eun Ho all flustered and discombobulated, and amused at the same time. It’s SO CUTE.

E7-8. I’m amused at how Ji Yun’s doing better at keeping it cool and professional, while Eun Ho’s being the dork trying to pull down the blinds in her office for no discernible reason. 😁

It’s SO CUTE how he is so dismayed at his own dorkiness afterwards, and how Ji Yun can’t help but grin to herself, at his cuteness. 🤭

In the midst of all this, I appreciate that the case of the lawyer who’s fighting for custody of her son, gets Ji Yun and Eun Ho to talk a bit about his own situation.

It’s such a nice echo of when Eun Ho had refrained from asking Ji Yun for details previously, when she also refrains from asking him now, for the same reason – that it might hurt him. 🥲

They are sensitive and thoughtful towards each other, as a foundation, and I do love that very much.

And I love that Ji Yun builds Eun Ho up by emphasizing to him, how amazing he is, in her eyes. That is so wholesome and lovely.

On the flirtier, heart-fluttery side of things, I do love that moment when Eun Ho asks if they can share a high-five, and then interlaces his fingers with Ji Yun’s – but then it’s Ji Yun who takes it a step further and plants a kiss on his hand.

Eeee!!! And then we get shared winks too!

WHAT A NATURALLY CUTE & FLIRTY COUPLE I LUFF THIS. 😍😍😍

AND THENNN.

We get that moment on the balcony after hours, when Eun Ho comes up behind Ji Yun and glides his arms around her??? Faint. 🫠

And then when Ji Yun asks him to toe the line while at work, I love how Eun Ho only tightens his arms around her, while whispering close into her ear in low tones, that he’s already off work.

Rawr. 🔥

And then it’s so tantalizing, the way Ji Yun turns around, puts her arms around him and says that she’ll get off work too.. then sits Eun Ho down, and gets all teasingly up close and personal 🔥 – before whispering up close in his ear, that she’s hungry.

Guhhhh. Eun Ho looks so discombobulated – and then he leaks a smile!! I LOVE that he even loves her teasing. 🫠🫠🫠

I really like that we get to see Eun Ho and Ji Yun chatting on the phone after hours, and just getting along like any other regular couple.

It’s so wholesome and heartwarming, the way Eun Ho tries to read Ji Yun to sleep, and the way she lets him, even though she protests at first, that she’s not a child. 🥰

And then at work, I really like that Ji Yun’s consulting Eun Ho more as well, like the way she opens up and tells him how she feels about Woomyung Investments and Jeong Hun’s dad; how she now feels burdened by it.

I love how Eun Ho reminds her that regardless of Woomyung, it was she who’s grown Peoplez to what it is today. That is really assuring and lovely. 🥰

As we close out episode 8, it’s clear that Chairman Dad is trying to exert some power moves on Ji Yun, to force her to toe the line with him, and it’s quite aggravating and awful, the way he’s trying to make Ji Yun yield to him, in front of everyone.

I do love how Eun Ho gets in there, and speaks in such a grounded, naturally measured sort of way, that Ji Yun has another appointment and must leave.

My favorite thing about this scene, is just how unintimidated Eun Ho is, in the face of Chairman Dad.

He apologizes for being rude, but he doesn’t sound rude, really. He’s firm, and respectful, and gentle towards Ji Yun, and I’m just melting into a puddle over here. Seriously. 🫠🫠🫠

E9. I appreciate that Show offers us some insight into how Ji Yun feels about Eun Ho stepping up like that, to usher out of the party, and out of Chairman Dad’s condescending bullying.

As many of you noted, Ji Yun’s expression had been.. complicated, as she’d watched Eun Ho respectfully and firmly state that Ji Yun had another appointment, and had to leave.

Now we know the main emotion driving that complicated expression, and that is, that Ji Yun had felt disrespected in that moment, like Eun Ho was overstepping his boundaries, and she had concluded that he’d had no confidence in her to handle this situation on her own – and that’s why he’d stepped in.

I can understand where she’s coming from, certainly, because it’s true that, as far as professional lines go, Eun Ho had overstepped; this was not his call to make. It had been her call, and he’d taken that call out of her hands, without her permission.

I can see why she’d be upset.

Yet, the way Eun Ho explains it, that he doesn’t want to see her get hurt, and wants to protect her as much as possible, and that he’d do the same, if he could do it all again, is such an interesting mix of gently unapologetic.

Even though Ji Yun’s clearly upset because of his actions, Eun Ho doesn’t back down from it.

In fact, he changes tack, and addressing her in a personal capacity, tells her, in the same gentle tones, that she doesn’t need to be perfect; that it’s ok to look shabby; that however she looks, he will always be by her side.

I melt at this strong display of gentle tenderness, in the face of her anger. 🫠

It just makes me feel that Eun Ho’s so steady and unwavering, in his love for Ji Yun; I love. 🥲

And then how about those kisses that we get, when Eun Ho takes Ji Yun home to her apartment?? 🤭

I love how it starts off so sweet and tender, and then suddenly kicks into urgent, ardent gear, as Ji Yun grabs Eun Ho by the neck, and he grabs her and spins her up against the bookcase.

The passion in their kisses; the tension in their ragged breathing; it’s all very breathlessly tantalizing. Rawr. 🔥

I love how stuff keeps falling off the bookcase so dramatically, with each move that they make, so much so that it starts to feel like the apartment might be experiencing an earthquake.

..which is honestly pretty sizzling 🔥 – until the comedy in this hits them, and they both stop and start chuckling.

Aw. I was a little disappointed that they put the brakes on the electricity of the moment, but I have to say that I’m very much in favor of a couple that’s able to laugh together, so I’m not too disappointed, overall. 😁

ALSO. I am flailing at the detail of how Eun Ho gently caresses the back of Ji Yun’s neck, even as they giggle at the dramatic mess that they’ve made. Spazzzz. 🫠🫠🫠

The next morning, I do love that beat in the elevator, where everyone’s squirming at Ji Yun’s resting fierce face, and Eun Ho’s matching her vibe exactly – while they steal a little handhold.

Hee! This is a great callback to earlier in their relationship, where Ji Yun had been the only one to be able to hold that cold, fierce look, in order to keep their relationship a secret.

I’m quite delighted that we’re getting to see that Eun Ho’s now very much on the same page, effortlessly matching Ji Yun’s “Don’t mess with me” vibe in the elevator. 🤭

On top of everything else, I do love how Ji Yun’s still regularly grinning to herself at how cute and adorable Eun Ho is – and I very much agree! He is absolutely adorable. 😍

And I do love that playful vibe between them, where Eun Ho clearly isn’t intimidated by her at all, even when she pretends to be angry.

Like when she takes issue with the fact that he’d described her as hard to please, insistent and stubborn; I love how he just deadpans that she is stubborn, before walking off with a smile tugging at his lips, and then I love how Ji Yun then swallows a grin, while muttering about how cute he is.

SHO CUTE, THESE TWO! 😍😍😍

E9. I thought it was uber cute, when Eun Ho keeps telling Kang Seok that he’s not jealous, but the moment Ji Yun shows up and teases him that since he’s not jealous at all, she should just go right back out to meet the client for dinner – and he immediately changes tack and admits seriously that he’s totally jealous, and that Ji Yun should have dinner with him.

Tee hee hee! It’s ADORABLE. 😍🤭

I felt like my goofy grin was going to split my face in half; that’s how big I was grinning. 😁

It just makes me so happy to see the two of them walking side by side, and hand in hand, smiling and talking about how jealous and worried he was. LOVE. 🤭🥰

Another moment I really enjoyed, is that scene where Eun Ho and Ji Yun decide, while on the balcony, that they’re off work, and the first thing Eun Ho does, is stroke Ji Yun’s hair and tell her that she’s done an excellent job for the day, and Ji Yun grabs his hand and pats it, returning the compliment, telling him that he’s done an excellent job that day as well.

Augh. Isn’t this so sweet and wholesome?? 🥹

It’s at about this point in our episode, that Eun Ho finds out that the person who had saved him from the fire, had been none other than Ji Yun’s father.

This is something that I’ve been bracing myself for, ever since the narrative pieces clicked in my head, and I’m relieved to say that Show is handling it as best as I could ask for.

Eun Ho does take some time to find out as much information as he can, and he does take some time to digest it all, but he does tell Ji Yun quite soon after he finds out, and that’s as much as I could ask of him, really.

Eun Ho’s somber mood does put a damper on the impromptu ice cream date that Ji Yun shares with Byeol, but I do still enjoy the idea of Ji Yun and Byeol getting along so well. 🥲

I love how quietly purposeful Eun Ho is about telling Ji Yun, even though it must be so hard for him to tell her.

I very much appreciate how he does all of it with so much love, in his words and actions.

The way he tells her that he misses her and wants to see her; the gentle way he takes her hand; the tender way he pulls her to him, and tells her that he’s sorry for making her live a lonely life.

It’s a hard message, but it’s wrapped up in so much gentleness and love; I feel like this is the best that anyone could have done, given the situation.

Of course Ji Yun’s eyes fill with tears and she backs away, but that’s perfectly understandable, given what she’s just heard.

Yes, a part of me is a little concerned about the angst to come, but most of me is holding onto hope, that Show will continue with its mature, steady, assured way of handling things, and bring our OTP over this difficult hump, with resilience and grace. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Gi So Yoo as Byeol

I though Gi So Yoo was quite wonderful as Byeol; she comes across as very natural and matter-of-factly wise, and I found that very refreshing. 😍

Big thanks to Phoebe, who pointed out to us, over in our Patreon discussions, that Byeol is written and positioned as very much a full person, which is pretty rare in a drama where our main characters are adults.

Once Phoebe mentioned this, I couldn’t unsee it, and I found that one additional reason to love this show. 🥰

[SPOILER ALERT]

One of my favorite things about Byeol, is how matter-of-factly supportive she is, of the idea of Eun Ho finding himself a girlfriend (unlike most other kids in Dramaland), and even telling him that she can’t be the love of his life forever. So cute! 🤩

[END SPOILER]

Ji Yun and Byeol [BROAD SPOILERS]

I ended up really enjoying the growing friendship between Byeol and Ji Yun.

I found Show’s treatment of this relationship very refreshing, particularly given the fact that Ji Yun’s positioned as a strong, independent career woman – the very opposite of the more traditionally kid-friendly adult type that we tend to think of.

I really enjoyed their various interactions, and in particular, I loved the fact that they could talk, person to person, rather than adult to child. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I’m low-key amused that Show’s taking time to build a connection between Ji Yun and Byeol, with those run-ins at the bookstore.

At first, I thought Show was gunning for a bickering dynamic where Byeol would end up hating Ji Yun, particularly with the way Su Hyeon mentions the incident to Eun Ho, and says that whoever it was, Byeol is very unhappy with them.

But then, Show overturns those expectations, with Byeol rising to the challenge and working hard to learn how to read, and then waiting for Ji Yun at the bookstore, so that she can read to her.

Ahhh! That was really cool, honestly. 🤩

I like the idea that Ji Yun doesn’t try to coddle Byeol (and therefore treats her as an equal, in a manner of speaking), and is rewarded with Byeol’s respect and friendship.

E5-6. Honestly, I’d thought that Byeol would recognize Ji Yun right away, at the elevator, but Show is clever to have Ji Yun slink off with her hair covering her face, heh.

In the meantime, I’m glad that Show continues to build the connection between Ji Yun and Byeol.

I do like the idea of the two of them being friends, and it pleases me greatly, that Byeol thinks of Ji Yun as a cool Unnie. 🥰

[END SPOILER]

Lee Sang Hee as Mi Ae

I just wanted to say that I find myself really liking Mi Ae.

She’s got this relaxed, laidback yet caring vibe about her that I really enjoy, and I loved her gentle, matter-of-fact warmth. 🥰

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. In particular, love that she’s a cheerful drunk who gets all excited to see her husband.

That scene of her gleefully stumbling over to him, all tipsy, when he arrives to take her home, and him cheerfully receiving her without an ounce of irritation that he even has to do this, made me decide that they are couple goals. 🤩

We should all have someone who’s that happy to see us when they’re drunk, and we should also all have someone who’s that cheerful and willing to pick us up, if or when we’re drunk. 🥰🥲

[END SPOILER]

Kim Do Hoon as Jeong Hun

I have to confess that Jeong Hun took a while to grow on me, as a character.

He mostly struck me as a bit of a flake at first, with his whole “work is play” attitude, and his obvious moneyed background.

Also, I struggled to see him in a potential love interest space, since I’d only seen him play students, in both Moving and Your Honor (reviews here and here!).

Credit to Show, for fleshing out Jeong Hun enough, with more positive, likable qualities (examples below), that I ended up feeling reasonably fond of him, in the end. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. Jeong Hun does strike me as being a good person, under that mask of nonchalant chaebol prince-ness.

I’m talking about the way he insists on being there for his sister-in-law (whom he now addresses as “Noona”), even though it’s been a fair while since his hyung had passed away.

That’s very kind and considerate of him, I thought.

E9. I do appreciate that Jeong Hun’s standing up for Ji Yun and Peoplez, and seems determined to prevent Chairman Dad from harming her or the company.

[END SPOILER]

Kim Yoon Hye as Su Hyeon

Unlike with Jeong Hun, I found myself sympathizing with Su Hyeon fairly quickly, if only because I could totally – TOTALLYY 🥲 – understand why she would be nursing a crush on Eun Ho.

I would absolutely have a crush on Eun Ho too, in her place.

At the same time, it was obvious from the beginning, that her affection for him was futile and unreciprocated, and that’s why I felt sorry for her.

Additionally, Show reveals some backstory that increased my sympathy towards Su Hyeon.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. These episodes, we find out that Su Hyeon’s son is really her sister’s son, and that when her sister and brother-in-law had died in an accident, she’d adopted their son to bring up as her own, even though that would make her a single mother.

That’s a brave and noble thing to do, and I really respect the fact that she’s sticking to her decision and not entertaining any regrets about it, even though there is a stigma around single parents, in Korea.

Of course, I’m sure her solidarity with Eun Ho helps to bolster that confidence and determination.

At the same time, I feel bad for her, when we get scenes of her and Eun Ho having time together that totally feels like couple time, like when they go out to lunch near his office, and talk about potentially bringing the kids next time – doesn’t that totally feel like something a pair of parents who’re married to each other would say?

[END SPOILER]

Jeong Hun and Su Hyeon [BROAD SPOILERS]

It’s not surprising – but still, very welcome – that Show introduces the potential of a loveline between Jeong Hun and Su Hyeon, about halfway through our story.

They share so much solidarity when it comes to being rejected by their crushes, share so much of their thoughts, and do so much to console each other; I’d be surprised if feelings don’t blossom between these two. 🥲

I rooted for them in a low-key sort of way, which I thought fit well with the low-key sort of approach Show was taking, in terms of bolstering this potential loveline.

Like everyone else, though, my desire to root for them definitely increased, as we approached our story’s finish line. 🥲

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E10-11. On balance, I feel this was a solid pair of episodes, though I will say that I feel like things have shifted somewhat, in terms of our narrative focus, and I think that’s why I don’t find myself as giddy over this show as I was, in our earlier stretch.

I still like this show, to be clear; I just feel like the intensity of my anticipation and enjoyment has.. mellowed out, if you will, and I do think that has a lot to do with where our OTP is, in their relationship, as well as where our narrative focus is.

Certainly, it makes sense that in the courtship phase, the OTP-minting phase, and the new-relationship phase, everything would be that much more thrilling and delicious, so it’s quite natural that as Ji Yun and Eun Ho settle into their relationship, that the feels for us would likewise mellow somewhat, as well.

At the same time, I definitely feel like our external drama is ramping up, quite possibly to make up for any loss in narrative tension from the mellowing out of the OTP connection, and.. I’m not loving that so much.

I do wonder if Show could have given us more screen time focusing on the OTP relationship, and I do wonder if that would have helped lift my engagement levels, because I feel like I could watch Ji Yun and Eun Ho be cute and flirty together for an extended period of time, and be happy.

So my hypothetical question here, is, did we really need all this external drama, with Sunbae Rival and Chairman Dad, and the whole takedown of Peoplez, and Ji Yun along with it?

My gut instinct is that this really wasn’t that necessary, and that we could have had lots of enjoyment from exploring other aspects of our OTP relationship.

Like Byeol and Ji Yun evolving their relationship, now that Ji Yun’s officially dating Eun Ho, perhaps.

Or diving deeper into the OTP dynamic, and playing around with some of that electricity that we’d seen earlier, but which now seems to have settled into a sweet warmth which is appealing too, but which just doesn’t have the same thrill as sparky skinship, y’know?

I feel like I would have been much more engaged with that direction of narrative, rather than the one that we got, in episode 11.

(Clearly, I’m not a big fan of the whole takedown plotline. 😅)

All that said, there were definitely moments which I consider highlights, to these episodes.

For instance, I appreciate the way Show handles the Big Reveal, where Eun Ho tells Ji Yun that it had been her father who’d saved his life, when he’d been trapped in the fire.

The emotional beats are really well handled, and Eun Ho’s quiet pain speaks so loudly of the burden that weighs on him, to have to tell Ji Yun this, and Ji Yun’s shock and distress, is so raw and palpable.

Really well done.

And I appreciate even more, that instead of having our OTP be apart for an extended period of time, we get a highlight reel of Eun Ho waiting quietly on the wings, as Ji Yun soldiers on, while she struggles to come to terms with this new bombshell.

They don’t even need to say anything; I feel like I can see their emotions displayed in their expressions and body language.

Eun Ho’s hopeful, yet hesitant, while Ji Yun’s clearly wrestling with her instinct to close off her heart, and her desire to be close to Eun Ho again. I thought this was really well done. 🥲

I’m so glad that Ji Yun chooses to open up to Mi Ae, and I just love Mi Ae’s gentle concern, which clearly comes from a place of affection, love and care. 🥲

I also really like that Mi Ae’s straightforward with Ji Yun, and tells her that it’s a good thing that it’s time to stop resenting Dad, and that she should be glad that Dad saved Eun Ho in that fire. 🥲

I just really like this combination of gentle affection and concern, blended with plain honesty; it lands as really wholesome and needed, to me. 🥲

I also like the gentle spotlight on Byeol’s relationship with Ji Yun, in these episodes (though I could have happily done with more, too).

In this particular stretch, I like how Byeol reaches out to Ji Yun to talk to her about “girl” problems, and I found it completely heartwarming, to see Ji Yun help Byeol solve those “girl” problems, without any hesitation – never mind that her relationship with Eun Ho is currently in a state of flux.

I was glad that Ji Yun eventually reaches a point of conviction and decision, and goes ahead to visit Dad’s niche, and make peace with him – before making peace with Eun Ho the very next morning, in the elevator.

It’s clearly not a planned thing, but I love Ji Yun’s go-getter personality; she’s decided that she’s going to make up with Eun Ho, and since the opportunity’s presented itself in the elevator, well, why not? 🤭

I really like how she thanks Eun Ho for growing up to become such a good person; I love the raw vulnerability in her eyes as she turns her gaze to him; I love the dawning realization in his gaze, as he looks at her.

And then, I love the way she promises, as she holds his hand, that she will never let go of his hand again. Aw. It’s beautiful. 🥲

After that, what a thrill, as Ji Yun chooses to continue holding Eun Ho’s hand, as they walk into the office, right in front of everyone! Eee! 😍

It’s such a great moment; Ji Yun’s so casually bold and determined, and there’s a glimmer of cheek and pride as she strides in there, leading Eun Ho by the hand, and then there’s how Eun Ho’s kind of stunned, but mostly just can’t take his eyes off her.

I also love how, when Eun Ho quietly remarks that there’s no turning back now, Ji Yun cheekily answers that that’s precisely why she’d done it – and then we get bashful OTP smiles, while everyone else gawks from the outside of her office.

Tee hee hee. It’s great. 🤩🥰

On a side note, I also love that little flashback, when we see Gyu Rim going back to the office after hours, which is when she spots them hiding behind that door.

That shot, of Ji Yun cheekily kissing the tip of Eun Ho’s finger, and the way he smiles and bashfully crumbles against the wall, is ADORABLE. 😍😍😍

Elsewhere, I’m pretty pleased that our would-be secondary OTP is drawing closer to each other.

Like the way Su Hyeon reaches out to Jeong Hun when she needs to talk, and the way he holds her, when she cries.

And then there’s the way she can’t help but be concerned for him, when she overhears that he’s going to sleep at the kindergarten – and then goes all the way there, at night, in order to see him.

AND, how significant, that she makes it a point to tell him that, 1, she’s over Eun Ho now, and 2, she hadn’t come to school to get Seo Jun’s water bottle.

Niceee. Looks like Su Hyeon’s being more bold with this potential relationship, and I approve.

With Peoplez and Ji Yun being put on the spot in episode 11, it was heartwarming to see everyone rally around to work at finding out the truth, in a concerted attempt to save the company.

This thing, of everyone caring enough to want to do this, was nicely stirring.

I love that Eun Ho is so gently assuring and supportive of Ji Yun, during this whole time, from shielding her from reporters, to fending off Ji Yun’s accusers, to just holding her in his arms, to bringing her home, so that she can have a quiet place to sleep, away from the fray. 🥲

On that note, I really enjoyed watching Byeol and Ji Yun bonding, and that scene of Byeol singing Ji Yun to sleep was just precious. 🥲

When Chairman Dad issues Ji Yun with that ultimatum, I’m glad she takes some time to think, and takes the opportunity to visit the beach, with Eun Ho.

I love that Eun Ho brings that gift of a necklace for Ji Yun, but I love even more, that he and Byeol picked out the necklace together, for her. Doesn’t that feel extra meaningful? 🥲

This feels like such a lovely pocket of happy contentment for Ji Yun, and it’s made even better, that she’s able to tell Eun Ho that because of him, she’s begun to like herself more.

And how lovely, that Eun Ho assures her that no matter where she might be, he will never let go of her hand, before sealing it with a kiss.

Aw. That’s beautiful. 🥹

As we close out episode 11, Ji Yun announces to all the staff, that she will no longer be the CEO of Peoplez, and the thing that makes it touching, is that, given what we know about Chairman Dad’s ultimatum, Ji Yun’s clearly doing this, in order to protect everyone else.

I’m sure that going forward into our finale, Ji Yun will forge a new way ahead for herself, and we know that Eun Ho will be by her side through it, so I have hope and confidence, that even this not-great thing, of her stepping down as CEO of Peoplez, will eventually work out for good. 🥲

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E12. I think being a little late to the party, and giving myself time to process, has helped me to appreciate this finale better, my friends.

Prior to watching this final episode myself, I’d heard some rumbles from among you, that many of you were rather underwhelmed by this finale – which means that I got to tweak my expectations, before watching the episode myself.

Unsurprisingly, this meant that I ended up enjoying the finale better than those of you who had felt underwhelmed. 😅

Overall, I’d say that Show serves up a solid finale that ticks a lot of important boxes, for me.

The only thing I wish Show would have done differently, was to have allowed more spark and electricity to show through, in our OTP relationship.

I think that would have brought us back to some of the best OTP feels that Show has served up, and I feel that this, blended with the wholesome, mutually appreciative and supportive sweetness that we do get, would have been absolutely wonderful. 🥲

Failing that, the mutually appreciative and supportive sweetness on its own, is very appealing too.

First though, let’s talk about the whole thing where Ji Yun steps down as CEO of Peoplez in order to protect her staff, because I’ve seen some grumbles about that.

To me, one of the big motifs in this finale, is the idea of decisions, and the power to make them.

Ji Yun chooses to step down as CEO of Peoplez because she knows that if she chooses to fight to keep Peoplez, that Chairman Dad and Sunbae Rival would just double down to tear Peoplez apart.

In stepping down, Ji Yun is making a choice not to fight, and thereby, she hoped to preserve her staff members’ jobs and the financial security that came with that.

Yes, it’s true that in the end, the Peoplez that Career Way gets, is just a shell of a company because all the staff resign – but that is the choice that they make; to not subject themselves to Sunbae Rival’s leadership, nor risk becoming her pawns.

Did this all-around resignation amount to nothing, in the end?

I personally don’t think so, because I see this as very big expressions of care and solidarity, from Ji Yun to her staff, and then, from her staff back to her.

Yes, Peoplez is no longer, but isn’t the big expression of love just as valuable – if not more valuable? 🥲

On a tangent, I just wanted to say that Sunbae Rival’s arrest wasn’t actually out of the blue, because Show had given us a hint earlier, that the CEO of the fraud company, who’d been colluding with Sunbae Rival and her shady lackey, had looked distinctly uncomfortable when Sunbae Rival had stated (and I paraphrase) that she was doing all this to Ji Yun coz she just hates her that much.

From that point onwards, my drama senses had pinged that we’d most likely see him turn himself in, and implicate Sunbae Rival in the process.

As for what some people have said about this getting resolved too quickly, and then never showing up again, I actually like that narrative choice, because I think it ties back really nicely to the idea of choices.

Ji Yun has chosen not to allow Sunbae Rival any further power in her life, and I like how cleanly this allows Ji Yun to just go ahead and enjoy her life on her terms, so much so that we don’t even see Sunbae Rival’s shadow, in Ji Yun’s new life.

I quite like that, honestly. 🥲

In the end, a company is made up of its people, and in this case, it feels nicely apt, that Ji Yun would start over, this time without investments from the likes of Chairman Dad, but with Eun Ho’s full support.

I also like the idea that the core team from Peoplez quickly join Ji Yun as she establishes her new company, and I thought it was a lovely idea, for Ji Yun to ask Byeol to name the company for her – and then actually take up Byeol’s suggestion, when Byeol gives it. 🥲

I personally would have welcomed it, if Show had had Eun Ho continue to be Ji Yun’s amazing secretary, mostly because I just like the idea of them being together all the time, but I do think that Show’s chosen direction is more meaningful.

I found it touching that Ji Yun would actively encourage Eun Ho to take up a new position, apart from her, in order to fully utilize his skills and talents, rather than try to keep him all to herself.

I did find Chairman Dad’s turnaround a little sudden, given how adamant he’s been all this time, that Jeong Hun’s a disappointment to him, but I can buy that he would make an effort, after being confronted with the memory of the son he’d lost.

And, I also appreciate that Show hangs a lantern on Chairman Dad’s sudden turnaround, by having Jeong Hun respond with perplexed suspicion, because he’s acting so out of character. 😁

In the end, it makes sense that Jeong Hun and Chairman Dad compromise, by having Jeong Hun join Dad’s company, but work on his own terms.

Elsewhere, I thought the romance between Jeong Hun and Su Hyeon was pretty charming, like when Jeong Hun jokes that with her new book doing so well, she’ll be able to take care of him – and she just breezily agrees. I thought that was cute.

The whole encounter with the random fortune teller felt a little shoehorned in there, but I did like the detail, that once Jeong Hun’s got Su Hyeon’s hand in his, he grabs onto the opportunity to properly establish their newly agreed status, and just doesn’t let go. 😁

One year time skip later, it’s good to see everyone doing well and feeling content, and We Company having outgrown Ji Yun’s home office too.

And how poignant, that Kang Seok’s finally ready to welcome a child into the family, which had long been Mi Ae’s wish. Aw. 🥲

I thought it was a cheeky touch, that as Ji Yun’s new client, Eun Ho’s being extremely fussy – thereby creating excuses to see her in the name of work, ha.

And what a perfect note on which to wrap up our story, with Eun Ho and Ji Yun meeting for a piano recital by that same pianist – and once again, spying each other across the crosswalk, just like they’d done, on that inadvertent first date that they’d had.

Except this time, it’s Ji Yun who runs across the road to Eun Ho, right into his arms.

What a lovely callback to such a key moment in their relationship! 🥲

I’ve heard some folks say that we should have gotten a proposal, at the very least, but somehow, I don’t feel the absence of one.

We get to see that Eun Ho and Ji Yun are happy together, and along with Byeol, are making a life together that’s full of laughter and love, and y’know what, I am content. 🥰

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Thoughtful, warm, and quite lovely – and even a little bit sparky. 🔥

FINAL GRADE: A-

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The next drama I’m covering on Patreon, in place of  Love Scout, is The First Frost [China].

You can check out my episode 1-4 notes on The First Frost on Patreon here.

Here’s an overview of what I’m covering on Patreon right now (Tier benefits are cumulative)!

Foundation Tier (US$1): Entertainment Drop (Sundays) + the first set notes of all shows covered on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Access (US$5): +Blossom [China]

Early Access Plus (US$10): +Motel California [Korea]

VIP (US$15): +The First Frost [China]