Witch's Romance Episode 16 (FINALE) - A Seperation and a Wedding

It's official Witch's Romance fans.  We have reached the end of yet another drama and for once it does not disappoint.   It is an episode where happy endings abound and everyone has a nice little moment to finish on.  Also it is no surprise that our OTP (One True Pairing) has gone the distance to achieve their happily ever after.  So let's enjoy our last recap with these awesome and heart grabbing characters.

Relationships Before Work

Dong Ha discovers the notice that Ji Yeon has won the "Global Challenge Award, an award given to only two reporters each year and requires a year long exchange with an English newspaper.   Realizing what an honor it is to be selected, he questions Ji Yeon about it, and why she had not told him anything.  She replies that since she was going to turn it down (because of their relationship) she did not feel the need to talk about it, their relationship means everything to her, and she does not want to stress it this early in.  Dong Ha smiles and hugs her tightly, but eventually tells her to take the award.  Their relationship will be able to weather this trial and he will be here when Ji Yeon returns.

I personally am not a fan of time leaps at the end of dramas.  For the most part, including this drama, are unnecessary.  Especially since he is old enough to avoid the pedanoona pitfalls of some noona romances like Flower Boy Ramyun Shop.  Just seems like more filler to finish out the hour.  On an up note, at least the separation is less then six years this time.

Soo Cheol is My Hero

Soo Cheol has been subtly (at least for him) trying to romance mouse girl for a couple episodes now.  However he is outed when Dong Ha catches him and mouse leaving for a "date".  Dong Ha checks out his BFF's outfit and sniffs the air, then asks why he is wearing his hitting on women outfit and cologne.  Then he puts two and two together and  asks him if mouse is the woman?  HEHEHE  It is so cute, and even cuter when mouse finally reciprocates.  Do I wish he had hooked up with a character with more personality?  Yes.  But at least he has enough charisma for the both of them.

Fast Forward A Year

It has been a year since the parting, during which Dong Ha has been obsessed with his school work and missing his girlfriend.  Soo Cheol is feeling the need to hang out with his BFF and also requires his presence as a chaperon so that he can take an overnight vacation with his mousie girlfriend.  Dong Ha agrees but is obviously a damper on the couples romantic date.   (At least we have Soo Cheol couple to alleviate the moping while Ji Yeon is away in England and I now want to go buy my husband and I matching orange tennis shoes.  So cute!).  

Separation has aged our poor Dong Ha, he is not the shining boy of his youth.  It is credit to Park Seo Joon's acting skills that he can manage to look so worn out yet still handsome all at the same time.   He is definitely a downer for the romantic lovebirds who are in full couple mode.  Dong Ha spends the whole time worrying over his lack of returned phone calls from Ji Yeon.

Surprise! I Love You!

Dong Ha returns to his room early to sit and brood, but instead of an empty room, he finds Ji Yeon waiting with candles and champagne.  I love how Dong Ha is so happy to see her and his eyes tear up a bit.  Then before he can say anything, Ji Yeon pipes in that she needs to speak first and tells him that she loves him.  She explains that this is the first time she has said it first since they have been together, and he needed to hear it from her.  Definitely a wonderful reunion moment by any standards.

This Show is Such a Tease

Come on, you knew the second the writers started spazzing out the cutesy wedding gift shopping scenes that chances were high that it was not Dong Ha's and Ji Yeon's wedding we were watching preparations for (although the PDA moment on the bed was adorable).  I could almost hear the snickering of the writers and shouts of gotcha ringing through the air, as the marriage momma and president ended up being the ones married.  It was a beautiful closing scene in which we saw all the coworkers and then some paired up into blissfully happy couples.  Although I felt bad for her cameraman, who was the only one alone.  I guess someone had to take a photo of all the happy couples.  Let's just consider this drama the equivalent of a present tied up in a shiny red ribbon, nothing and no one were left sad or upset. 

He Even Sings!!!

So due to an awesome friend who loves Yoon Hyun Min as much as I do (quick shout out to Mary Joy Lee in case you are reading) I discovered that he actually began his acting career doing musicals.  There are even several clips on YouTube of plays that he was involved in.  I personally am very impressed with his diverse talent.  And if you want to learn a little more about Yoon Hyun Min and his rise as an actor, then check out his interview about his life and career on our FB page (link at the end of the post).  He is a fascinating and eloquent speaker and I can not wait to watch his next drama.

A Forever Love

I am actually a fan of the little bit of an open ending in regards to this drama.  Ji Yeon was always about more than just a girl obsessed with getting a ring on her finger and just like her character, her relationship has many layers.  Considering Dong Ha's age and extended schooling, I think they made the right choice in not rushing into anything.  The only thing I wonder is on their decision to wait another 7 years.  Personally there is no way i would want to start a family when I am 46.  I am already the mother of three beautiful children which I had all in my twenties, and the idea of being pregnant even in my thirties is terrifying.  I don't care how in shape you are, by then you just get to a whole different level of tired.  But kudos on them for not being forced into a marriage by societies standards.  And when it comes to Kdrama noona romances, it is all about defying societies traditions.

Which is Better?

I was asked a question (by my awesome kbestie and spellchecker, Angela) which was better?  "Witch's Romance", or the original drama "My Queen"?  I have to admit that I really enjoyed both, but when it comes down to it, My Queen was just so so so so very long.  At 21 episodes it really started dragging.  Just imagine it, at least 4 more episodes of Polar Bear couple to sit through, although I will say that My Queen did make you care more about their Polar Bear version.  There was a bit more depth to the plot line which was missing in its Kdrama counterpart.  I think that might be what made our Polar Bear so unbearable.  There just was no depth to his character and he was very one dimensional.  Also the kdrama's OTP had better chemistry (although I think that Park Seo Joon could have chemistry with a stone) which makes a big difference.  And the nail in the coffin was that this version had Yoon Hyun Min playing the BFF.  The characters role in the Tdrama version was A LOT smaller...... and I do mean a lot.  It is credit to his amazing acting that he was able to take a small part and create a larger than life character.  So by all standards the kdrama remake just edges out the tdrama version.  If you feel the urge to go watch the original, just be prepared to do some FF during some of those filler moments.

So you might be asking yourselves, what is next on the Kmuse recapping schedule?  It just so happens that I am ecstatic to be recapping the drama that is replacing Witch's Romance's which is  Seo In Guk's upcoming drama "High School King".  

Judging from the long trailer, it is going to be an epic romantic comedy, full of hijinks and tomfoolery.  Go here http://thecrazyahjummas.blogspot.com/2014/06/7-min-trailer-for-upcoming-drama-high.html to check out the trailer and I hope to see you back for my future recaps.

Kmuse

Follow us on Facebook for info on all our newest recaps, posts and to join in our kdrama discussions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts 

Witch's Romance Episode 15 - Happily Ever After........Almost??

Episode 15 was a fun episode that was all about giving the fans what they want, namely a lot of couple cuteness and smooches.  Because when it comes down to it, that is all a fan wants at the end of the day from a romantic comedy.  And thankfully that was all delivered, and then some. 

Bring on the Cute

The morning after Dong Ha's confession is so so cute.  He snuggles his pillow grinning with joy (totally squee moment there!) and Ji Yeon is stalking his doorstep, wondering why he is not out yet.  YAY for team love.  I am so glad we are getting all of the cute OTP moments that we were hoping for from the beginning.

Lovers and Coworkers

Ji Yeon goes to work and is shocked to see Dong Ha who is having a chat with her nemesis.  Ji Yeon runs to intervene and misunderstands what they are talking about, thinking Dong Ha had just told her coworkers that they are dating.  Love the repeat of the scene from episode two where she again totally misunderstands what he is saying since all that is on her mind is their new "couple" status.

The End of a Drama Means Filler

I am sensing the need for some plot filler in the first half of the episode.  Since we are towards the end the writers want to put our OTP (One True Pairing) together as much as possible and had to figure someway to get them back into the workplace.  I find it kind of amusing that he will be working for her rival this time.  It provided some cute laughs, but again, feels like filler that is needed to stretch the series to 16 episodes.  Yup, I was right.  All filler and he only lasted as an employee for a few days before she made him quit.

A Witch's Seduction

The "A Witch's Seduction" talk with Ji Yeon's coworker makes Dong Ha jealous and he starts putting down the law.  Dong Ha tells her that he does not like other men seeing her pretty legs and takes her shopping where he is determined to find something that covers her from her neck to ankle.  She just takes it in stride since he is so cute when he is jealous, but then is mistaken for his sister when she goes to check out.  OUCH.  The downside to dating a younger man.

Sexy Ddukbokki

Dong Ha feeds Ji Yoon a bite, then takes one for himself while calling her "Honey".  So adorable!  But then he gets sexy when he goes to feed her a bite, then bite/kisses the other half from her mouth.  Total Squee moment for our cute OTP.  Who knew that ddukbokki could be romantic. (Personally it is my least favorite Korean food that I have tried so far.  However if I got a cute kiss like that one, I would suffer through)  

Age Gap

Know what is even worse then having a boyfriend who is 14 yrs younger than you?  Your boyfriends BFF's dating people much younger then them.  This age gap leads to awkward conversations and makes the person who is older, really feel their age.   It also pushes our OTP into having a serious heart to heart about their relationship fears.  Ji Yeon worries that Dong Ha's "heart will change", since she has first hand knowledge how hearts really can change.  He hugs her and reassures her that he is in it for the long hall and that he is worried when she goes off without him.  I like that they both are being open about their feelings and fears.  With the things they will have to overcome to make it for the long hall, good communication is a must.

Taking the Next Step

Finally they are connecting emotionally!  YAY for sweet moment.  But this is a cable show, and since the almost hit a home run in the second episode, we are expecting a little more than a kiss.  Unfortunately, Dong Ha seems to be a bit timid when it comes to taking things to the next level.   Ji Yeon is also worried that her sexy skills are non-existent after such a dating dry spell.  Add to that, the fact that Ji Yeon is trying to not look like a love sick stalker girlfriend, and things are just not progressing.

Thanks to their besties interference, both have sex on the brain and a plan to end their dry spell.  I laughed out loud when I saw that Ji Yeon was reading a How to Seduce A Younger Guy book.  Looking in a mirror and wondering what she should wear for her seduction, she is embarrassed when Dong Ha catches her prancing.  He also sees the book on her coffee table.  Hehehehe busted.  He asks for a beer (so subtle Dong Ha) the drink that started them down the road to sex last time.  Both avoid eye contact and she brings out around 24 beers on a platter.  HAHAHAHA  But it does not even take one beer, before both are making out on the floor..............and are interrupted by Ji Yeon's mother who comes barging in (Time to change your door code.)  She complains about younger men and their issues, specifically president's issues, and wonders why the beer she is drinking is so shaken up.  Dong Ha and Ji Yeon just give each other cute looks over her head.  

Curse the Writers 

You would think that everything would be smooth sailing from here on in.  They both have confessed their love, Dong Ha is going to go back to school, they have overcome every hurdle including the 14 year age gap and the whole "physical" parts of their relationship........except now we have one little work related fly in the ointment.  Ji Yion wins a prestigious award which requires her to head to England for a year, in some kind of exchange program.  WHAT?  Seriously writers, we have suffered and suffered to get this OTP together, and now you are going to separate them? (actually let me curse the writers of the original Taiwanese version, since the kdrama writers are just following the original story.  Curses upon the Tdrama writers that can't let our OTP be together without that one added bit of drama.)

Only one more episode to go and then we will be saying goodbye to this wonderful world.  I promise to work as fast as possible to get the finale recap out by tomorrow afternoon. 

Til Then,
Kmuse

Follow us on Facebook for info on all our newest recaps, posts and to join in our kdrama discussions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts 

Witch's Romance Episode 14 - Couple T-Shirts, Dates, and Confessions

We have finally reached the last few episodes of yet another drama.  I know that there is still a week to go, but when it comes down to what we were waiting for, we have officially arrived.  You might ask what was it that we, the viewers who suffered through so many boring and/or annoying Polar Bear scenes, were waiting for?  Why, our OTP (One True Pairing) officially accepted their fate, stopped fighting, and became a couple.  This episode gave us a lack of plot movement (AGAIN), but it sure made up for it with enough cuteness to make a yawning kitten jealous.

Witch's Romance Episode 13 - Just Kiss Him Already

I am not sure if it was just me, but personally I felt a little let down by this episode.  I think it was the constant shuffling of Ji Yeon's feet towards making that last step in hooking up with Dong Ha.  She knows why her relationship with Polar Bear fell apart (way too much time crying about that in this episode) and yet when it comes to actually going towards happiness she is lingering.... AGAIN.  For crying out loud, just put an ounce of that chutzpah you have when it comes to your job, and shift it to your dating life, and things would be much much better.

Witch's Romance Episode 12 - 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

As I started this episode I pretty much had a constant inner dialogue going on in my head that went something along these lines: "leave him.... leave him.....ugh I hate Polar Bears.... just die already.....Why?  Why are you dating him?"  Of course my mind wandered towards what I would write for my recap, since I am always trying to figure out new ways to portray similar information (Doesn't it feel like we have been wishing Polar Bear gone for a really long time now?) and then I swear the muses stuck this song in my head and it has been repeating for the last hour as I got more and more annoyed with Shi Hoon and his narcissistic annoying personality.  So this is my theme for episode 12 and feel free to listen to this great song by Paul Simon titled "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" as you read.  Also we will be counting down some of my favorite breakup lines, just in case Ji Yeon needs some help telling Polar Bear to get lost.

"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" - Paul Simon

It's you, not me...I mean it's me, not you.

When I am in a pissy mood, my dear significant other knows about it.  When I am unhappy about something, I of course send out unhappy vibes into the universe and he figures out that I am upset.  If I have had a great day, my husband notices and usually comments upon it and asks how my day was.  What I want to know is, how Polar Bear can be so completely oblivious to the huge signals of despair that Ji Yeon is throwing out.  She might as well be wearing a T-Shirt that say "I don't love you", since the vibe can not be any clearer.

"Our relationship is like doing push ups on your knees... It's just not working out"

Ji Yeon gets more and more anxious as the wedding preparations begin to steamroll forward.  Not only does her mom have her getting married within a month, but Shi Hoon is already house hunting and writing out their 10 year plan.  When she musters up the courage to ask if they are maybe rushing too fast towards the wedding?  Polar Bear asks if it is because of Dong Ha, then tells her to not worry since she will forget as time goes by and it will get better.

If a guy, specifically your fiancee says the words "Don't worry, as time goes by it will get better" in regards to you be anxious over the wedding, DON'T BELIEVE HIM.  He is lying and trying to push you towards an unhappy future. You might think that you want to have a giant polar bear because they are exotic and larger than life, but what you really want and need is a cute puppy.  What happens when you are pushed into getting the Polar Bear and you are forced to actually deal with it.  Can you even imagine the amount of  cleanup and effort that would require? That is a level of crap that you don't want to commit to.  Take the perfect puppy that you fell in love with and fits your lifestyle.  At least he listens to you and is house trained.

"Hey baby, are you being followed? Because I've been seeing people behind your back."

No matter how hard Ji Yeon and Dong Ha try to stay apart, fate and the intertwining of their friends are thwarting them at every turn. Which is causing equal parts joy and despair for the couple.  They always seem to eat each other up with their eyes when they accidentally meet, go into their old camaraderie, and then deep depression when they must come back to their separate realitites.  It is a cycle that they can't seem to break no matter how much they each say they are going to let the other go. 

"Is it hot in here or is this relationship suffocating me?"

Even Ji Yeon's marriage obsessed momma is noticing that things are not all flowers and hearts between the couple.  She questions whether this really is the right decision for her daughter.  Poor Ji Yeon can't even seem to muster up fake joy and instead just looks more miserable as she says that Shi Hoon is a good man.  But her mother gently says that sometimes feelings change and that she is more invested in her daughter being happy than just having her marry because she thinks she ought to.  Such a wonderful scene between mother and daughter, and hopefully this much needed motherly advice will sink in to her stubborn daughters psyche.

  I have finished my unfinished business with you. 

Things come to a head when BFF Na-Rae has some stomach pains on the way to the wedding photographers.  Thinking she is in mid-miscarriage (actually was constipation and gas from overeating), Ji Yeon directs the driver to take them straight to the hospital where Na Rae's husband and Dong Ha meets them.  Time pauses as Dong Ha sees Ji Yeon in her wedding dress and I think he might have literally stopped breathing.  It is obvious that they are emotionally connected and it finally gets through to Shi Hoon, who sees the pair together (when Ji Yeon had not even bothered calling him to break the photography appt.).  Rather than interrupt the lovebirds he just stomps away.

Hum, sing, whistle 50 ways to leave your lover constantly.  

Shi Hoon finally gets the hint, and is a major narcissistic donkey, who deserves to be run over by a herd of rabid jackalopes, when he confronts Ji Yeon later that night.  (WARNING: I would just like to say that it is very late as I am writing this and maybe some of my comparisons and word choices might move towards the creative side of the spectrum. And for those of you wondering what a Jackalope is, I provided a photo below). 

Polar Bear tells her that this relationship is just not working for him since Ji Yeon refuses to put him first.  He also says that he knows that she waited for six years, but he can't even handle waiting the several hours at the studios without being angry.   And since he is now so angry with her selfishness they should just break off the wedding. 

SERIOUSLY?  That is how you do the right thing and break off your relationship when she can't?  Shi Hoon could have easily taken the higher road and broken things off in a mature and classy fashion (Seriously she would not have hung on to you), instead he acts like a total complete jerk and says hateful things to drive her away.   I truly think he was doing it to give her the out she obviously wanted, however the execution was very poorly done.

I feel that finally we are seeing the end of the Polar Bear couple and we can finally get to the good romantic OTP stuff that we have been waiting for.  It is time for Ji Yeon to become more proactive and go hunt down her man.  I just hope that he gives in quickly since I personally can't wait to see Dong Ha and Ji Yeon walk off into the sunset wearing couple T-shirts and annoying people with their high levels of cutesy love sickness.

Kmuse

Follow us on Facebook for info on all our newest recaps, posts and to join in our kdrama discussions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts 

Witch's Romance Episode 11 - Reality Sucks and Other Reflections

After watching episode 11 I have come to the conclusion that reality sucks.  It is obvious that our two leads agree since neither is happy and are instead staying drunk or busy fantasizing about each other. It just goes to show that when you are doing the wrong thing (even if it seems like the right decision) you will be left emotionally empty and in dispair.  Hopefully Ji Yeon realizes this before she makes a permanent mistake.

Oh Yeah.  Mouse Girl is Still in the Drama.

I guess I just assumed when Mousey girl was warning Ji Yeon to be nicer to Dong Ha, that she realized that they were the two people involved in the tragic situation.  But that is not the case and my brain registered wrong.  

She seems not only shocked to see the couple kissing (she comes across them after the drunken courtyard kiss) but very upset that he likes someone who is already taken.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I had pretty much forgotten that she even had A one sided emotional connection to Dong Ha.  That is one of the few flaws in the drama, when it comes to second leads (Polar Bear & Mouse Girl) there is not really any emotional growth or connection between them and the viewers.  I have yet to hear anyone wish that Polar Bear would actually get the girl.  This might possibly be one of the differences between Korean and Taiwanese writing.  

In Korea they always want to have good 2nd leads (whether you love them or hate them they always try to create a presence).  In Taiwanese dramas, they often feel like an afterthought.  They usually have some kind of completed ending to their storylines, but they are only there for the movement of the main couple, not for any individual character growth.

People Stop Making our Puppy Sad.

A dagger has been thrust through my heart, over and over and over again.  I swear anytime Dong Ha starts to have a hard time because of people telling him of Ji Yeon and Polar Bears romance I just want to give them a finger flick to the forehead.  Can't you see that the poor puppy is dying in front of your eyes from a broken heart.  Of course I forgive them once they realize what they have done and obviously feel the same level of turmoil at Dong Ha's predicament.  The scene between Marriage Momma and Dong Ha is especially bittersweet as she consoles him over his loss.  

Really? He Was the #1 Catch Six Years Earlier?

Is anyone else having a real hard time watching Shi Hoon and Ji Yeon be a couple.  It gives me the same feeling as if a stranger had come up and started stroking my hair.  A mix of WTH, shivery creeps, and fear all mixed into an intense ball of dislike.  I JUST DON'T LIKE IT.  

I don't like how she is so stilted around him (I know she loosened up later in the episode but still not the same as with Dong Ha).  I don't like how he treats her as a simpering little girl who needs him to protect her (not to mention his reaction when her real personality comes forth).  

It drives me nuts how he makes decisions about their life without consulting her (i.e. house, dogs, work, weddings, etc).  Ji Yeon calls her polar bear fake persona "Image Maintenance", hiding the real her behind a meek and quiet manner.  But the problem with that is you either have to live your whole life under a cloud of lies and be the meek miss he is expecting, or cause the relationship stress when your real personality decides to let its freak flag fly high.

Drinking Makes the Inner Feelings Come Forth

That "Image Maintance" begins to break when Ji Yeon gets plastered and makes her way home..... to the wrong apartment.  Letting herself into Dong Ha's apartment our tipsy girl snuggles into his bed and passes out.  The next morning she awakes to the sight of him laying next to her in bed, and rather then be upset she snuggles into his arms.  (I know it is a dream sequence, but this poor OTP fan needs the snuggling skinship where I can get it).  Sure enough the dream, that sweet sweet dream, is interrupted by Dong Ha loudly telling her to get out of his bed.  HEHEHE  I love the difference between the fantasy morning and the reality.

Fantasy

Reality

Scuttling out of the apartment, Ji Yeon runs smack into her fiancee just as Dong Ha follows her with her purse in hand, yelling at her that since they don't live together anymore she can't just do what she wants.  OUCH.... can we say things are slightly awkward?

Best Flashing Kdrama Scene Ever

Soo Chul stole the show with his cute hmphs and snarky comments.  Displaying a busybody persona usually reserved for critical ahjumma's, he waltzed through the episodes giving both Dong Ha and Ji Yeon the stink eye. Not to mention asking all kinds of personal and pointed questions, culminating in the most random moment of the whole drama.  He walks into the room where Dong Ha is brooding and goes into pervy flasher mode.  HAHAHA  So is flashing your roommate your twig and berries a bromance thing, because that was epically hilarious.  At this point I don't think I could love Soo Chul anymore.

Where Does My Heart Lead

Things are not all flowers and bridal books for Ji Yeon either.  She spends the whole episode looking upset and sad and if we had to take a guess as to why, I would say it is the giant judgmental polar bear standing in the room.  Constantly apologizing for her interaction with Dong Ha and trying to make excuses, she continues to become more and more sad as she tries to convince herself that she actually wants to marry Shi Hoon.  

She asks her bestie why she is not happier?  Why does she keep missing Dong Ha so much, even to the point she is hallucinating that he is near? Na Rae, being the awesome and insightful BFF that she is, tells her friend to look towards her heart not her head.  Who is her heart pointing towards?   Anyone else want to join in a group shout "Just go back to Dong Ha already!"  

Sexy Spa Time

I think she is slowly starting to move towards that realization as well after she has a particularly charged moment with Dong Ha in a spa.  Ji Yeon and Na Rae are treating themselves to a massage when Dong Ha comes across them in his part timer duties.  Ji Yeon instinctively pushes him into an empty room when Polar Bear enters into the waiting room.  Dong Ha is obviously upset when he asks why he has to hide when he has done nothing wrong.  He reverses the positions and pushes her against the wall invading her space and she does nothing to object.  In fact she again looks sad when he does not kiss her. 

Dong Ha stalks out of the room leaving Ji Yeon to her thoughts.  I think we are all just impatiently waiting for her to realize that she can either have happiness with Dong Ha or the fake relationship with Polar Bear.  I for one am praying that she gets a move on and decides soon.  I am done with this part of the plot and I need to move forward.

Kmuse 

Follow us on Facebook for info on all our newest recaps, posts and to join in our kdrama discussions. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-crazy-ahjummas/336988683021748?fref=ts