Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Quick Question....
As SKKS nears its last week of broadcasting, I ran across the new drama Rain, Daniel Henney, and Lee Jung Jin are doing. I had no idea it had started already. :P Anyone watching it? Is it even worth watching? I can only watch one drama at a time, so I'm looking for the next drama to watch after SKKS ends. (sigh) Such a sad thought, really. A part of me wants Tuesday to never come as it will be the last day of SKKS.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
SKKS Episode 18 summary / recap
I saw the episode today between classes as a nice break from teaching...I summarized while I watched, so today's blog is not as detailed as my previous posts, but I think I was able to get the majority of the action. Enjoy!
1. L puts a gold band/ring on K’s finger as a promise of his intentions. “Did you say that things would end once we leave SKK? That won’t happen. I’ll start each day anew.” He gently takes off K’s hat and then his. He kisses her.
2. Meanwhile, in the basement of the room (L and K are in the elevator kissing right above them), M slams his hands down on the table and tells G to just forget about finding the killers. G reminds M that he doesn’t believe the king but is in this because he believes in M. M tells G to be quiet and then says that in all the happenings, L’s father is involved. L and K overhear this in the elevator. G is stunned and asks for confirmation. M tells him to lower his voice so that they won’t be overheard. L and K enter the room, and K asks for clarification on the conversation they just overheard. G apologizes and tells K that nothing’s been verified. L grabs the evidence/clue and wants permission to verify the clue that L’s father may be involved in the incident. (Poor L and K…just when their relationship seemed to be progressing nicely)
3. M goes to drink, and G joins him, asking him if M doesn’t want to further the search because of Daemul. G realizes that K and L like each other and asks M when he knew. G tells M that L, in true form, has taken the clue to his father to ask for verification on how the land deed that his dad owned got into the hands of a guard. L’s father tells him to stop doing what he’s doing now, whatever it is, and asks for confirmation of whether L’s looking for the decreased crown prince’s book. L asks his father why he’s afraid of the discovery of the book. L’s father explains that history will prove him right in that he doesn’t want the foolishness of a king who missed his prematurely killed father (the crown prince who died at the hands of his own father, the current king’s grandfather). L’s father repeats for L not to get involved. L pointedly asks his father then if this is why he got involved in getting rid of M’s brother and K’s father. L’s father denies any involvement, but L tells him that he cannot take his word as he used to in the past, especially in light of what the paper tells him. L gets up to leave, and his father explodes: “Do you dare to show your father your back?!” (Honorable children are not supposed to show their parents, especially the fathers, their backs nor leave without being excused.) L then tells him father that he plans on becoming his father’s enemy from this time forward. (! The ominous music!) L bows, and father is left in shock.
4. L walks back in thought and K is seen in the library examining books. However, she can’t seem to get out of her head G’s comment about how L’s father was the mastermind behind everything. As she contemplates her ring, M sees her struggle and tells her that it’s late and that if she doesn’t go to sleep, she won’t grow any taller. (LOL) When she asks questions, M tells her to take things one at a time…he’s going to avoid her horrible sleeping habits and sleep with G. M sees the ring on her fingers and leaves with the knowledge that L and K have acknowledge their feelings for each other.
5. K and G are waiting in the basement room. K gets impatient and wants to go seek out L. G tells her not to worry and that another person has gone out to look for L. M finds L and tells him to desist, to not pursue the owner of the land deed. M tells L to not be intent on finding out the identity of the killer(s) of M’s brother and K’s father; their goal and royal command is simply to find the book. L asks M why he, who’s been so intent on avenging his brother’s wrongful death, is now willing to close the investigation on the murders. L understands that M wants to protect K, but L also says that K’s not the only one he needs to consider. He wants to clear the truth and seek forgiveness if needed from not only K but also M. He promises that he’ll try to not hurt K. L tells K that the land deed was indeed his father’s. She tells him to stop and that she needs more time to deal with this news that L’s father was involved in her father’s murder. To K, finding the book and establishing a new Josun (country) won’t compensate now for her father’s death. She leaves after telling L, “I need time.” (BTW, M notices the couple ring on L’s finger! So sad…)
6. G and M come out to comfort L. (LOL I love the look M gives G when G tries to pat M’s butt! LOL)
7. The guard promises to leave now that he’s been paid well by the ByungPan.
8. At her house, K asks her mother to tell her the truth about her father’s death, that it is her right. The mom tells her that she didn’t want her to have rage against the world because that’s how she lost her husband. K comments that it would have been best if her mother had told her from the beginning how her father had died (perhaps referring to her involvement with L).
9. K speculates on what kind of father they had. She tells her brother that whenever she thought of her father, there was a cold wind that swept through her. Because while her father held her brother in his lap, she was always outside, gazing at his outline against the paper door. The brother asks her if she really didn’t know…that all the time their father held him in his lap and read, he was really reading aloud difficult books that Yoon Shik couldn’t understand for her sake. Did she really not know that that was his original intent? The father’s voice is heard as K reads his journal of how the father doubts whether he’s doing the right thing by encouraging her in her pursuit of knowledge when he can do nothing to help such a gifted child fully embrace and display her talent. The father writes that once again, when he heard her voice reciting after him from outside the door, he had to suppress the emotions that welled up from within his heart.
10. K and Prof. Jung talk about whether her father knew the dangers of the book. Prof. Jung agrees that the father probably knew but that Prof. Kim found the risk worthwhile in order to provide an opportunity for his incredibly gifted daughter.
11. K reveals to the other three J4 that the hiding place of the book is SKK. When asked how she knew that SKK was the hiding place, she reveals that she learned from her father’s journal that he hid the book in the once place where he placed his hope in the new Josun/world, SKK the starting place that embodied his hopes for a new world order.
12. At the library, L helps K reach for a book. He notices that K has taken off her ring. She explains in apology that given the circumstances, it seemed appropriate to do so. She had never really tried to understand her father, who undertook this danger for her. L stops her and wipes her tears away, saying that she doesn’t need to explain anymore; he’s understood. Gently, he instructs her to promise to find the book, no matter the cost…that she will find it. With a small smile, L leaves.
13. ByungPan updates L’s father on the guard’s promise and then asks about the wedding date. L’s father tells him about the king’s mission to the J4 and tells the ByungPan to have his son, the student body president, try to refrain them. When the ByungPan tries to tell L’s father that this wouldn’t have happened if they had just married the children off and gotten L out of SKK, L’s father angrily asks the ByungPan if he spoke of a wedding. “Whose fault is this from the very beginning?” L’s father tells BP that there will NOT be a wedding now. BP goes home and fumes, planning to get back at L’s father for treating him like this after all that he’s done and put up with to get L’s father where he is now. When Chosun tries to calm him, BP grabs her wrist and only releases it when HIS walks into the room. (I can’t understand how HIS likes Chosun, knowing that his father has a thing for her.)
14. The J4 (minus L) look for the book all around SKK. The 3 scholars think that L isn’t joining them because of his father’s involvement, but they don’t realize that L is running around town trying to find the whereabouts of the guard who took the bribe. After a fruitless search, K astutely realizes that the book is not in SKK. Her father only left clues in SKK. She tells them that she’s going to look again, but this time, she’ll focus on finding the clues that will lead them to the true hiding place of the book.
15. As G returns to SKK, he runs into HIS and his gang. G affirms that he finds them boring and leaves. IBC asks HIS if he should teach G a lesson, but HIS tells him to let G be…that tonight will be the last time G will be able to act like that.
16. At a local bar, L is seen trying to search for the corrupt guard. However, during his search, he upsets one of the patrons who then proceeds to beat L. When L tries to retaliate, others join in the fray and beat him senseless. (Poor L! And the look on his face as he's being beaten....)
17. The J scholars hear of L’s fight and go to the bar. G asks L if he’s acting so unlike himself to find the book or to clear his father’s name. L replies that he merely wants to discover the truth. G adds that if the truth is revealed, L may not be able to continue living his privileged life as a prime minister’s son. L comments that he doesn’t care how he lives…that anything would be better than living as the son of a man who could have killed the brother and father of those people he cherishes and who likewise have given him their trust. When K leaves, L follows. K tells him outside that even though she can barely remember her father’s face, she misses him this much. She wants L, who thinks the world of his father, to stop so that L doesn’t have to suffer if the truth turns out to be the horrible truth that L’s father killed her father. She doesn’t want him to deal with that type of tragedy. As she tries to leave, L embraces her from behind, and says that he wanted to ask her for forgiveness…that while she was suffering all sorts of trials because of what his father did, he was enjoying all the benefits of those actions. He wanted to ask for forgiveness and try to make up for what she had to endure.
18. Inside the bar, G comments that L continues to surprise them. G comments to M that M should know better than anyone else what turning against a father does to a person.
19. The king and Prof. Jung discuss the scholars’ progress. The king speculates that this feels like Prof. Kim’s last lesson to him and the scholars.
20. Outside the gates of the city, the bribed guard happily leaves, unaware that L is following him. However, before L can apprehend him, the guard is shot with a dart and the fake HBS tries to kill him. L intervenes only to be replaced by M who tells L to deal with the guard while he deals with the fake HBS. M fights and is able to unmask the fake HBS. As the fake HBS leaves, M comments to himself, “So it was Chosun.”
21. K unravels the clues at the library. She connects one clue after another and realizes that the book’s resting place is in a place called “JongMyong.” In her excitement, she hurries out without telling anyone and doesn’t realize that HIS and his gang have retraced her studies and know where she’s headed. (ACK!!!)
22. M and L deal with the corrupt guard while G talks with other guards to find out who the corrupt guard was dealing with. (Anyone think it strange that G always has so much money for bribery when his house didn’t seem that expensive in the previous episode?) G bribes one of the guards to reveal that the corrupt guard was seen dealing with the ByungPan. At about the same time, L and M find out from the corrupt guard that L’s father did indeed order the book’s retrieval but that the killing order came from the ByungPan, thereby neatly clearly L from the murder guilt regarding his friends’ sufferings. The land deed, the corrupt guard, adds was given to him by L’s father after the deed was done as a way to silence the guard. However, the guard adds, things get interesting now since the ByungPan has sent Chosun to kill/silence him.
23. G sees HIS and the guards rushing to “JongMyong” while L and M wait for K at the library. M tells L that he should go look for K to tell her the good news…that this is good news for M as well as for L. G rushes into the library and asks if they haven’t seen K and that HIS and the guards were seen rushing to “JongMyong.” G rightly concludes that K’s life may be at risk.
24. At JongMyong, K discovers the book. Outside on the road, HIS tells the ByungPan that this may be their last chance to get rid of the book. ByungPan tells the guards to do anything and everything to get rid of that book. Observing the guards, M tells L that his priority is to protect K, no matter what. L goes to find K while M, dressed as HBS, fights the guards. L, when he finds K, embraces her. At the same time, a guard (in slow motion) swings at HBS, who appears unarmed, and the episode ends as M falls down from the sword. (ACK!!! I'm hoping that M doesn't die and that this is not the writer's way of resolving the love-triangle....)
1. L puts a gold band/ring on K’s finger as a promise of his intentions. “Did you say that things would end once we leave SKK? That won’t happen. I’ll start each day anew.” He gently takes off K’s hat and then his. He kisses her.
2. Meanwhile, in the basement of the room (L and K are in the elevator kissing right above them), M slams his hands down on the table and tells G to just forget about finding the killers. G reminds M that he doesn’t believe the king but is in this because he believes in M. M tells G to be quiet and then says that in all the happenings, L’s father is involved. L and K overhear this in the elevator. G is stunned and asks for confirmation. M tells him to lower his voice so that they won’t be overheard. L and K enter the room, and K asks for clarification on the conversation they just overheard. G apologizes and tells K that nothing’s been verified. L grabs the evidence/clue and wants permission to verify the clue that L’s father may be involved in the incident. (Poor L and K…just when their relationship seemed to be progressing nicely)
3. M goes to drink, and G joins him, asking him if M doesn’t want to further the search because of Daemul. G realizes that K and L like each other and asks M when he knew. G tells M that L, in true form, has taken the clue to his father to ask for verification on how the land deed that his dad owned got into the hands of a guard. L’s father tells him to stop doing what he’s doing now, whatever it is, and asks for confirmation of whether L’s looking for the decreased crown prince’s book. L asks his father why he’s afraid of the discovery of the book. L’s father explains that history will prove him right in that he doesn’t want the foolishness of a king who missed his prematurely killed father (the crown prince who died at the hands of his own father, the current king’s grandfather). L’s father repeats for L not to get involved. L pointedly asks his father then if this is why he got involved in getting rid of M’s brother and K’s father. L’s father denies any involvement, but L tells him that he cannot take his word as he used to in the past, especially in light of what the paper tells him. L gets up to leave, and his father explodes: “Do you dare to show your father your back?!” (Honorable children are not supposed to show their parents, especially the fathers, their backs nor leave without being excused.) L then tells him father that he plans on becoming his father’s enemy from this time forward. (! The ominous music!) L bows, and father is left in shock.
4. L walks back in thought and K is seen in the library examining books. However, she can’t seem to get out of her head G’s comment about how L’s father was the mastermind behind everything. As she contemplates her ring, M sees her struggle and tells her that it’s late and that if she doesn’t go to sleep, she won’t grow any taller. (LOL) When she asks questions, M tells her to take things one at a time…he’s going to avoid her horrible sleeping habits and sleep with G. M sees the ring on her fingers and leaves with the knowledge that L and K have acknowledge their feelings for each other.
5. K and G are waiting in the basement room. K gets impatient and wants to go seek out L. G tells her not to worry and that another person has gone out to look for L. M finds L and tells him to desist, to not pursue the owner of the land deed. M tells L to not be intent on finding out the identity of the killer(s) of M’s brother and K’s father; their goal and royal command is simply to find the book. L asks M why he, who’s been so intent on avenging his brother’s wrongful death, is now willing to close the investigation on the murders. L understands that M wants to protect K, but L also says that K’s not the only one he needs to consider. He wants to clear the truth and seek forgiveness if needed from not only K but also M. He promises that he’ll try to not hurt K. L tells K that the land deed was indeed his father’s. She tells him to stop and that she needs more time to deal with this news that L’s father was involved in her father’s murder. To K, finding the book and establishing a new Josun (country) won’t compensate now for her father’s death. She leaves after telling L, “I need time.” (BTW, M notices the couple ring on L’s finger! So sad…)
6. G and M come out to comfort L. (LOL I love the look M gives G when G tries to pat M’s butt! LOL)
7. The guard promises to leave now that he’s been paid well by the ByungPan.
8. At her house, K asks her mother to tell her the truth about her father’s death, that it is her right. The mom tells her that she didn’t want her to have rage against the world because that’s how she lost her husband. K comments that it would have been best if her mother had told her from the beginning how her father had died (perhaps referring to her involvement with L).
9. K speculates on what kind of father they had. She tells her brother that whenever she thought of her father, there was a cold wind that swept through her. Because while her father held her brother in his lap, she was always outside, gazing at his outline against the paper door. The brother asks her if she really didn’t know…that all the time their father held him in his lap and read, he was really reading aloud difficult books that Yoon Shik couldn’t understand for her sake. Did she really not know that that was his original intent? The father’s voice is heard as K reads his journal of how the father doubts whether he’s doing the right thing by encouraging her in her pursuit of knowledge when he can do nothing to help such a gifted child fully embrace and display her talent. The father writes that once again, when he heard her voice reciting after him from outside the door, he had to suppress the emotions that welled up from within his heart.
10. K and Prof. Jung talk about whether her father knew the dangers of the book. Prof. Jung agrees that the father probably knew but that Prof. Kim found the risk worthwhile in order to provide an opportunity for his incredibly gifted daughter.
11. K reveals to the other three J4 that the hiding place of the book is SKK. When asked how she knew that SKK was the hiding place, she reveals that she learned from her father’s journal that he hid the book in the once place where he placed his hope in the new Josun/world, SKK the starting place that embodied his hopes for a new world order.
12. At the library, L helps K reach for a book. He notices that K has taken off her ring. She explains in apology that given the circumstances, it seemed appropriate to do so. She had never really tried to understand her father, who undertook this danger for her. L stops her and wipes her tears away, saying that she doesn’t need to explain anymore; he’s understood. Gently, he instructs her to promise to find the book, no matter the cost…that she will find it. With a small smile, L leaves.
13. ByungPan updates L’s father on the guard’s promise and then asks about the wedding date. L’s father tells him about the king’s mission to the J4 and tells the ByungPan to have his son, the student body president, try to refrain them. When the ByungPan tries to tell L’s father that this wouldn’t have happened if they had just married the children off and gotten L out of SKK, L’s father angrily asks the ByungPan if he spoke of a wedding. “Whose fault is this from the very beginning?” L’s father tells BP that there will NOT be a wedding now. BP goes home and fumes, planning to get back at L’s father for treating him like this after all that he’s done and put up with to get L’s father where he is now. When Chosun tries to calm him, BP grabs her wrist and only releases it when HIS walks into the room. (I can’t understand how HIS likes Chosun, knowing that his father has a thing for her.)
14. The J4 (minus L) look for the book all around SKK. The 3 scholars think that L isn’t joining them because of his father’s involvement, but they don’t realize that L is running around town trying to find the whereabouts of the guard who took the bribe. After a fruitless search, K astutely realizes that the book is not in SKK. Her father only left clues in SKK. She tells them that she’s going to look again, but this time, she’ll focus on finding the clues that will lead them to the true hiding place of the book.
15. As G returns to SKK, he runs into HIS and his gang. G affirms that he finds them boring and leaves. IBC asks HIS if he should teach G a lesson, but HIS tells him to let G be…that tonight will be the last time G will be able to act like that.
16. At a local bar, L is seen trying to search for the corrupt guard. However, during his search, he upsets one of the patrons who then proceeds to beat L. When L tries to retaliate, others join in the fray and beat him senseless. (Poor L! And the look on his face as he's being beaten....)
17. The J scholars hear of L’s fight and go to the bar. G asks L if he’s acting so unlike himself to find the book or to clear his father’s name. L replies that he merely wants to discover the truth. G adds that if the truth is revealed, L may not be able to continue living his privileged life as a prime minister’s son. L comments that he doesn’t care how he lives…that anything would be better than living as the son of a man who could have killed the brother and father of those people he cherishes and who likewise have given him their trust. When K leaves, L follows. K tells him outside that even though she can barely remember her father’s face, she misses him this much. She wants L, who thinks the world of his father, to stop so that L doesn’t have to suffer if the truth turns out to be the horrible truth that L’s father killed her father. She doesn’t want him to deal with that type of tragedy. As she tries to leave, L embraces her from behind, and says that he wanted to ask her for forgiveness…that while she was suffering all sorts of trials because of what his father did, he was enjoying all the benefits of those actions. He wanted to ask for forgiveness and try to make up for what she had to endure.
18. Inside the bar, G comments that L continues to surprise them. G comments to M that M should know better than anyone else what turning against a father does to a person.
19. The king and Prof. Jung discuss the scholars’ progress. The king speculates that this feels like Prof. Kim’s last lesson to him and the scholars.
20. Outside the gates of the city, the bribed guard happily leaves, unaware that L is following him. However, before L can apprehend him, the guard is shot with a dart and the fake HBS tries to kill him. L intervenes only to be replaced by M who tells L to deal with the guard while he deals with the fake HBS. M fights and is able to unmask the fake HBS. As the fake HBS leaves, M comments to himself, “So it was Chosun.”
21. K unravels the clues at the library. She connects one clue after another and realizes that the book’s resting place is in a place called “JongMyong.” In her excitement, she hurries out without telling anyone and doesn’t realize that HIS and his gang have retraced her studies and know where she’s headed. (ACK!!!)
22. M and L deal with the corrupt guard while G talks with other guards to find out who the corrupt guard was dealing with. (Anyone think it strange that G always has so much money for bribery when his house didn’t seem that expensive in the previous episode?) G bribes one of the guards to reveal that the corrupt guard was seen dealing with the ByungPan. At about the same time, L and M find out from the corrupt guard that L’s father did indeed order the book’s retrieval but that the killing order came from the ByungPan, thereby neatly clearly L from the murder guilt regarding his friends’ sufferings. The land deed, the corrupt guard, adds was given to him by L’s father after the deed was done as a way to silence the guard. However, the guard adds, things get interesting now since the ByungPan has sent Chosun to kill/silence him.
23. G sees HIS and the guards rushing to “JongMyong” while L and M wait for K at the library. M tells L that he should go look for K to tell her the good news…that this is good news for M as well as for L. G rushes into the library and asks if they haven’t seen K and that HIS and the guards were seen rushing to “JongMyong.” G rightly concludes that K’s life may be at risk.
24. At JongMyong, K discovers the book. Outside on the road, HIS tells the ByungPan that this may be their last chance to get rid of the book. ByungPan tells the guards to do anything and everything to get rid of that book. Observing the guards, M tells L that his priority is to protect K, no matter what. L goes to find K while M, dressed as HBS, fights the guards. L, when he finds K, embraces her. At the same time, a guard (in slow motion) swings at HBS, who appears unarmed, and the episode ends as M falls down from the sword. (ACK!!! I'm hoping that M doesn't die and that this is not the writer's way of resolving the love-triangle....)
Link to SKKS episode 18
No time to watch this morning. :( Here's the link, though!
Enjoy!
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27493/5
P.S. I guess to build up anticipation for the last two episodes, the SKKS staff decided to not include a preview for episode 19. :( Anyhow, I will try to watch and briefly summarize later today as a nice break for myself...this week's turning out to be a stressful one...I'm looking forward to escaping from reality into SKKS world. :D
Enjoy!
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27493/5
P.S. I guess to build up anticipation for the last two episodes, the SKKS staff decided to not include a preview for episode 19. :( Anyhow, I will try to watch and briefly summarize later today as a nice break for myself...this week's turning out to be a stressful one...I'm looking forward to escaping from reality into SKKS world. :D
Monday, October 25, 2010
SKKS Episode 16 - English Subbed
Hi everyone!
Below is the link to episode 16 on mysoju.com through Dailymotion. :) I may check out the subs myself once this hectic week is over, but I thought some of my SKKS friends, who've been waiting to see ep. 16 with English subs and haven't been able to see it yet, would appreciate news of it earlier rather than later. Enjoy!
http://www.mysoju.com/sungkyunkwan-scandal/
Below is the link to episode 16 on mysoju.com through Dailymotion. :) I may check out the subs myself once this hectic week is over, but I thought some of my SKKS friends, who've been waiting to see ep. 16 with English subs and haven't been able to see it yet, would appreciate news of it earlier rather than later. Enjoy!
http://www.mysoju.com/sungkyunkwan-scandal/
Link to SKKS episode 17
Hi everyone!
Below is the link to SSKS episode 17:
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27450/12
Unfortunately, I won't have time to summarize/translate episode 17 or 18 until much later. :( Sorry...However, duty before pleasure, right?
On a brighter note, though, I should be caught up enough by this weekend to get episodes 19 and 20 done by my usual time (Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon) for the big finale. Until then, I bid you a happy week!
P.S. Thanks for all the great comments! And grintibiter, the links were great to watch during my grading breaks! Thank you! Also, someone thought I was part of the SKK subbing team...I think one of my readers gave me credit for some of the dialogue I posted here when she worked on a subbed video. I'm terribly low-tech, so subbing is a foreign thing to me. LOL
MAJOR POINTS:
1. The king reveals to the four scholars his vision of a new Korea, one in which there is no oppression, slavery, etc. In that new city, people will be free to engage in free enterprise, make a name for themselves, etc. He reveals that this is the dream of a new Korea (Josun) that Prof. Kim and M's brother died to make happen. He asks for their help in discovering the book that detailed his father's last will and testament to decree this type of new Josun.
2. Suspicion of M clears when HIS sees a similar bracelet on M's wrist and G's wrist. G says his famous line, "I'm Goo Yong Ha" indicating that he anticipated this and got more bracelets to throw HIS off the track.
3. M discovers that his father, whom he has resented because of his inactivity regarding his brother's murder, has actually been secretly observing and plotting against those who killed his son. M is ashamed by how little he esteemed his father and his loyalty to his murdered son.
4. The guard who betrayed the king and ultimately Prof. Kim and M's brother 10 years ago has a huge gambling problem...seeks out L's father to tell him about the King's new attempt to recover the book...basically wants to get money for services since his gambling problems have escalated to such a point that he may have to sell his wife and child into slavery.
5. G's father tells G to not get involved in serious matters and tries to marry G off to a rich family/girl (also reveals that G has an illegitimate child!). G's furious that his father thinks of people in such monetary and political matters, especially when the father says he's pleased that G's close to L, son of the Noron leader, although the father asserts that keeping M, a Soron, close wouldn't hurt since one never knows how the political tides may shift. G angrily tells his father that he's also developing a close friendship with a Namin (K) just in case neither Noron nor Soron are in power.
6. L leaves "love" notes for K to find in books at the library. The last one confesses his love for her...so cute how the last book with his love confession was almost read by the Soron leader. LOL
7. Hyo-eun tries to ask K for help in winning L's affection. When L enters the bookstore, L tells Hyo-eun that he likes someone else and drags K out of the store. Hyo-eun, the maid, and later M (who glimpses K and L walking out) realize that L likes K.
8. L is upset with K because he realizes that K hasn't really thought about their future together and was under the impression that L and Hyo-eun would eventually marry. He demands that she starts thinking about their future together. There's a hilarious scene in which he's trying to kiss her in the streets but can't due to their hats. LOL. Later in the elevator, he tells her that she has a gift for making him lose his mind and gives her a ring (couple ring!) telling her that there's no such thing as an end for them when they leave SKK because he'll start anew everyday with her.
9. G brings proof of who paid the guard off that night 10 years ago. M tells him that they should just focus on finding the book as the king asked and nothing more. G realizes that M knows already who paid off the guard and such.
10. Just as L and K kiss and share an understanding of their future together, they overhear M and G talking. G is heard asking M if he knew all along that L's father was the person behind the deaths of Prof. Kim (K's father) and M's brother. (In actuality, the killing was done at the hands of ByungPan but the effect is the same, I suppose).
PREVIEW of #18:
Turmoil as K and L try to deal with how this affects their relationship. M asks L in one scene if L thinks K will ever forgive him, the son of the person responsible for her father's death. L's dad raises his voice and scolds L for turning his back on his father without permission (to leave his presence...can't show back to elders in old Korean tradition of honor/respect for elders)
Below is the link to SSKS episode 17:
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27450/12
Unfortunately, I won't have time to summarize/translate episode 17 or 18 until much later. :( Sorry...However, duty before pleasure, right?
On a brighter note, though, I should be caught up enough by this weekend to get episodes 19 and 20 done by my usual time (Monday afternoon and Tuesday afternoon) for the big finale. Until then, I bid you a happy week!
P.S. Thanks for all the great comments! And grintibiter, the links were great to watch during my grading breaks! Thank you! Also, someone thought I was part of the SKK subbing team...I think one of my readers gave me credit for some of the dialogue I posted here when she worked on a subbed video. I'm terribly low-tech, so subbing is a foreign thing to me. LOL
MAJOR POINTS:
1. The king reveals to the four scholars his vision of a new Korea, one in which there is no oppression, slavery, etc. In that new city, people will be free to engage in free enterprise, make a name for themselves, etc. He reveals that this is the dream of a new Korea (Josun) that Prof. Kim and M's brother died to make happen. He asks for their help in discovering the book that detailed his father's last will and testament to decree this type of new Josun.
2. Suspicion of M clears when HIS sees a similar bracelet on M's wrist and G's wrist. G says his famous line, "I'm Goo Yong Ha" indicating that he anticipated this and got more bracelets to throw HIS off the track.
3. M discovers that his father, whom he has resented because of his inactivity regarding his brother's murder, has actually been secretly observing and plotting against those who killed his son. M is ashamed by how little he esteemed his father and his loyalty to his murdered son.
4. The guard who betrayed the king and ultimately Prof. Kim and M's brother 10 years ago has a huge gambling problem...seeks out L's father to tell him about the King's new attempt to recover the book...basically wants to get money for services since his gambling problems have escalated to such a point that he may have to sell his wife and child into slavery.
5. G's father tells G to not get involved in serious matters and tries to marry G off to a rich family/girl (also reveals that G has an illegitimate child!). G's furious that his father thinks of people in such monetary and political matters, especially when the father says he's pleased that G's close to L, son of the Noron leader, although the father asserts that keeping M, a Soron, close wouldn't hurt since one never knows how the political tides may shift. G angrily tells his father that he's also developing a close friendship with a Namin (K) just in case neither Noron nor Soron are in power.
6. L leaves "love" notes for K to find in books at the library. The last one confesses his love for her...so cute how the last book with his love confession was almost read by the Soron leader. LOL
7. Hyo-eun tries to ask K for help in winning L's affection. When L enters the bookstore, L tells Hyo-eun that he likes someone else and drags K out of the store. Hyo-eun, the maid, and later M (who glimpses K and L walking out) realize that L likes K.
8. L is upset with K because he realizes that K hasn't really thought about their future together and was under the impression that L and Hyo-eun would eventually marry. He demands that she starts thinking about their future together. There's a hilarious scene in which he's trying to kiss her in the streets but can't due to their hats. LOL. Later in the elevator, he tells her that she has a gift for making him lose his mind and gives her a ring (couple ring!) telling her that there's no such thing as an end for them when they leave SKK because he'll start anew everyday with her.
9. G brings proof of who paid the guard off that night 10 years ago. M tells him that they should just focus on finding the book as the king asked and nothing more. G realizes that M knows already who paid off the guard and such.
10. Just as L and K kiss and share an understanding of their future together, they overhear M and G talking. G is heard asking M if he knew all along that L's father was the person behind the deaths of Prof. Kim (K's father) and M's brother. (In actuality, the killing was done at the hands of ByungPan but the effect is the same, I suppose).
PREVIEW of #18:
Turmoil as K and L try to deal with how this affects their relationship. M asks L in one scene if L thinks K will ever forgive him, the son of the person responsible for her father's death. L's dad raises his voice and scolds L for turning his back on his father without permission (to leave his presence...can't show back to elders in old Korean tradition of honor/respect for elders)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
SKKS episode 16 summary / recap
Episode 16: K = Kim Yoon Shik, L = Lee Sun Joon, M = Moon Jae Shin, G = Goo Yong Ha, HIS = Ha In Soo (school president), IBC = Ha In Soo's Yes-man/lackey
L: (yelling at the top of his lungs, searches frantically for K) Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik! (Then as if sensing her presence, he stops and sees her. Rushing towards her, he embraces a very surprised K, who stands rigidly in shock. Reluctantly, L disengages from the embrace.) It’s no use. No matter how hard I try, I can’t help but search for you like this. And so, now it’s your turn; run away from me, Kim Yoon Shik. (He stoically walks away.)
K: Wait! My response...you should listen to it before you leave. (L slowly turns back to face her.)
Rushing towards him, K loses her footing and plunges into the stream. Wasting not a moment, L dives into the stream (isn’t it shallow for a head-long dive?) and emerges with an unconscious K in his arms. He shifts her wet form in his arms more securely and trudges out of the stream, laying K gently on one of the big boulders.
L: Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik! Wake up! Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik! (At a loss for what to do, L starts to unbutton K’s top but is taken aback when he glimpses what looks like the top of a woman’s torso underneath the shirt of his roommate. (the harp music is hilarious!) In disbelief, he falls back upon the boulder.
IBC and his friend cower in fear as M looms above them.
M: What were you doing just now, behind K? (loose translation)
IBC: We…we were just going to see if K wanted to play in the water with us--
Friend: (finishing the sentence) friendly-like.
M: (grabbing the fronts of their robes) That water play…(pauses for dramatic, menacing effect) I suggest you play with me. Friendly-like. (M pats IBC’s right cheek and friend’s left cheek with his hands and concludes by turning the pats into pinches. IBC and friend huddle against each other in fearful anticipation of what M has in store for them.)
Back at the boulder, K finally regains consciousness and quickly sits up and covers herself, especially since she notices L looking down at her disheveled state.
L: Kim Yoon Shik…You…(K attempts to cover herself even more securely despite the fact that her back is facing L and he can’t see anything.) You are a woman? (K is at a loss for words...her worst fear is realized.)
From the banks of the stream, some of the other scholars sing loudly in their drunken state. Even more frantic now, K struggles to right her clothing before the other scholars see her. L, perceiving the danger, especially when one of the scholars asks his friends what they think about spending their time right there on the bank, hurriedly pulls K off the boulder and hides them below. With his arms cushioning K from the hard boulder, L stays alert and tense as the scholars stop right above their hiding place, discussing among themselves whether to stay here or continue onward. Despite the dangerous situation, K becomes all too aware of L’s proximity and pulls slightly away from his arms to calm her racing heart. L reaches over to pull her back to the safety of his arms but stops himself, especially since the scholars continue on their way. Both K and L breathe a sigh of relief.
IBC and friend struggle in the stream, their red robes billowing in the water currents, as M continues to submerge them in the water with a stick.
M: The water play that you enjoy so much, we’ll play to our hearts’ content right here.
IBC: (sputtering) I’ve played all I want.
Friend: Can’t we come out now? (so pitifully cute how he whimpers like a kid asking for permission LOL)
In response, M dunks them under once again from his position on the boulder.
M: Until I return, you had better not step even one foot out of this stream. Otherwise, I’ll use my entire body to play with you then.
IBC and friend dunk themselves back under the waters and again a second time when they notice that M has turned back to watch them. (LOL)
Back on the boulder, K, properly attired once more, announces that “I should get back now.” As she walks by, L detains her by placing his hand on her shoulder.
L: You’re asking me to let you simply return like this? I cannot let you leave. (!!!)
M strides by to the edge of the stream with his long stick resting casually against his shoulder. “Hey! Kim Yoon Shik! Let’s go down now.” He reaches the location where he last saw her and seems puzzled that she is nowhere in sight. “Hey, Kim Yoon Shik! (Starts to look for her) Where is this guy? Kim Yoon Shik!”
He suddenly drops his stick and starts to frantically search for her along the stream. Reaching their base camp, he grabs the shoulder of one of the scholars and asks, “Kim Yoon Shik hasn’t come here?” Asking the Soron leader, he again asks if he hasn’t seen KYS to which the guy says he doesn’t know. In frustration, M asks nobody in particular, “Where on earth has that guy gone?!” G suddenly appears and taps M on his collar bone with his fan (I love how the fan is G’s affectation at being a “dandy” LOL!)
G: Don’t worry yourself too much. That guy is doing fine.
M: You’re certain? Where is he?
G: (Korean equivalent of a tsk tsk) One by one…you need to ask each question calmly, my friend. I didn’t see it directly with my own eyes, but I’m certain. Now, K’s safely where his roommate is residing.
M: What?
G: K’s with LSJ. Daemul is with L. If you’re that worried, you should go there, too. Confirm with your own two eyes…(I love how G uses his fan with M)…that K’s safe and sound.
M: (slapping the fan away from his chin) It’s all right. As long as K’s safe, I don’t need to go.
M walks away as G smiles to himself.
In L’s room, K finishes changing her clothes.
K: I’ve finished changing.
L: (enters the room and closes the door behind him) I don’t know from where or how I should speak. You must be tired, so it’s best to get some rest.
K: In this room, you mean?
L: I’ll sleep outside, so you don’t need to worry.
Soondol: (opens the door and prevents L from exiting) Where do you think you’re going? Pretty scholar, by whatever means possible, you need to convince my young master and take him back with you to SKK. He’ll get ruined just staying in this room all by himself. Even though I die, I refuse to continue to see my young master’s pathetic state any longer.
K: Have you been sick?
Soondol: Ugh! He’s been lovesick! He won’t eat! He won’t read! He won’t sleep!
L: (clearing his voice, L issues a caution to Soondol...much good it does LOL) Soondol….
S: (oblivious to what he’s disclosing and L’s caution) I don’t know if he’s simply lost his mind because he’s missing the person so much. (turns away disgustedly)
In acute embarrassment at being found out, L swiftly looks back at K, who in turns looks away in embarrassment.
L: Soondol…you…stop it this instance.
Soondol’s response is to quickly close the door and lock it securely from the outside. L, realizing a moment too late what Soondol plans, grabs at the door and tries to open it.
S: Pretty Scholar, make sure you convince my young master, ok?
L: (whispers quietly) Here…there’s only one blanket. (K overhears, though, and realizes L’s concern)
S: Geez! My young master is finicky. Where on earth at this time would I get another blanket?! It’s not like you guys need to keep your distance from each other.
Soondol walks away leaving L and K locked inside the room. (AWKWARD! LOL)
Back at the base compound, the scholars continue their merriment. G teases M, who’s pretending to sleep.
G: What’s the point of putting on a front if only your shell is here. Your inside (soul) is down there by Daemul, no? See? Dang! Dang! (pretends to knock on M’s “empty shell” like a bell) There’s this hollow sound.
M: (grabs G’s hand) If you continue to joke like this, it can become a habit and your wrist may break.
G: (gently jerks his hand away and cajoles) You like her…Daemul.
M: (stops breathing momentarily) Then what about you? Don’t you as well?
G: True. How can anyone not like that little cute guy?
M: I’m going to get some sleep. (Gets up to leave from his resting place)
G: Don’t waste all your energy trying to act cool. Pretending not to want…pretending not to be jealous…and most importantly, pretending not to be shaken by small events (K spending the night with L alone) like this…pretending to be strong. If I were you, I wouldn’t waste my energy pretending but instead devote all my strength into making her mine. Because as of now, you still have the advantage over L. (winks and then leans over to whisper) That guy, L, won’t be able to imagine in a million years Daemul’s secret. (au contraire, mon ami!)
M goes to a secluded place and lies down in thought.
Seated in L’s room, K awkwardly plays with the blanket.
K: The light must be turned off in order for us to sleep.
L: I haven’t finished reading what I need to read by today. Just ignore me and go to sleep.
K lies down to sleep but quickly sits back up. (Definitely awkward to sleep with a guy wide awake by one's side) I can’t sleep either. I might as well read, too. (K goes over to look for a book.)
L: (unable to look at her) Back there at the creek…before you fell into the water…(K finds the red book and sees a picture of a man and woman in a compromising pose) Didn’t you say that you had something important to tell me? (Doesn’t realize K’s looking at him in disgust) I mean, I’m only asking because I thought it was something important. Wouldn’t it be better to speak now before you forget? (LOL…he’s totally nervous and oblivious to her stare…chuckles)
K: Scholar Lee Sun Joon (love the strong disgust in the voice). You seem to enjoy these kinds of books.
L: (finally looking at her…expression turns to shock and embarrassment) That book…G gave it to me…why is that here? (He brought the book all the way up to the mountains?! LOL)
K: I thought you were reading a really important book. You read it every day so diligently without fail. (falls on the blankets in her attempt to keep the book from L)
L: That book…who’s the reason why I’m even reading that book? (I love the double entendre of his comment!)
Startled by how much he’s revealed, L gets off of K and sits.
K: I told you we should turn off the lights and sleep.
With the lights turned off now, K gets up to cover L with the blanket.
L: I’m all right. (sits up) I have the body of a man, and you have the body of a woman. And you fell into the water…
K: (coyly) Who was the man who got sick after only getting a little bit wet that time on the island? I’m all right. (gets up and rolls herself like a kimbap/sushi roll with her mattress blanket.) I can sleep rolled up like this. (This is such an adorable scene!)
L: (laughing together with K) When was it that you started hiding the fact that you were a girl and dressed as a man? If it’s too difficult, you don’t have to answer.
K: I once told you that I had a sick brother, didn’t I? Because I didn’t have any money for the medicine, I paid the doctor with my writing; he got me work at the bookseller’s as a writer/scribe. That was about…two years after my father passed away…I was about 12 years old.
L: Did you borrow your brother’s name then?
K: Yes, that’s how things turned out.
L: Then your real name is? (It’s so sweet how he wants to know her real name.)
K: Kim Yoon Hee. Kim Yoon Hee is my name.
L: Kim Yoon Hee (as though he’s trying to weigh and memorize her name)
At the Ha’s residence, HIS tells Hyo-eun that he knows L better than she does. “There’s something between the two of you. Speak. I can only help you if you tell me the truth.” Hyo-eun tells her brother that she knows he’s not thrilled with L so will he just pretend as though he doesn’t know anything. She knows that because L is a upright, well-mannered man, he won’t ever break the engagement as long as she doesn’t break it. She’s going to wait and try to be the perfect person for him. HIS is furious that L doesn’t want his sister. Hyo-eun tries to tell him it’s not L’s fault but that it’s because she’s lacking, but HIS storms out and looks vengeful.
In the morning, K looks at L in disbelief.
K: What did you just say? Did you just tell me to withdraw from SKK?
L: Isn’t that an obvious course of action?
K: How is it obvious?
L: You’re breaking the law.
K: Is it because men and women are not equal and that this is against the law?
L: You know that this is a situation that can never be.
K: Have you forgotten who made me forget the impossible and dream of a miracle for myself?
L: That was…
K: Is it because I am a woman? The poor…namins (the people she belongs to)…all of them can dream of a miracle, but to a girl, are you telling me that it is not permissible? Like my other circumstances in life, being a girl is something that I couldn’t choose. I am not afraid of the law nor its punishment.
She walks out. L stops her on the road and asks her if she can’t understand what he’s worried about. (Interesting how the two are wearing matching colors, huh? Talk about trying to get them to looks like a couple already. LOL)
L: You could get hurt? You could even lose your life?
K: I don’t want to live life in fear of something that hasn’t even happened yet. Even if I were to leave SKK, I would still have to dress like this and acquire work as a writer/scribe. Or in order to help out my impoverished family, I would have to, regardless of the person, marry someone. (LOL. Love L's subtle reaction to this news.) So for me, the type of tomorrow you speak of that I should want to protect with all my might and safety doesn’t exist. I’m…I just want to enjoy this moment, with all my heart and with all my strength because these times will never be allowed to me again. (L didn’t consider these options, did he? Tsk tsk. K is quite practical here.)
When K returns, the scholars ask where K’s been. They start speculating that K was out last night with a woman in his arms. K scoffs at the notion. When M and G enter the room, K contritely starts to apologize about not returning last night.
K: Sahyung! Last night…things just turned out that way. (It’s like she’s apologizing to her older brother…poor M)
M turns and leaves, stopping only when K calls after him.
M: You…why do you only think of yourself? Act with some thought for others who might be worried about you. (He leaves.)
G: Were you able to meet LSJ?
K: How did you know?
G: (in a tone to indicate that she should know better by now...LOL) I’m Goo Yong Ha.
Back in L’s room, he reflects on his last conversation with K and how she said that she only has two options for herself (either keep cross-dressing to find work or marry someone to save her family). More than anything else, she tells him that she just wants to be happy and enjoy the moment. Walking back to SKK with G and M, K likewise thinks back on L’s concern for her. As M tries to take the package she’s holding, the scholars erupt into chants of “Daemul!” because Chosun has arrived at the marketplace with her fellow courtesans in the hopes of meeting Daemul. Chosun explains that she came out to see K because she has something to tell K. She adds that since there was little chance of K seeking her out, she did the seeking instead. The other scholars react outrageously in typical male fashion at Chosun’s obvious pursuit of K. (LOL. G gives M such an interesting look…chuckles, ah the irony). K tells Chosun that K’s glad she’s come, for she was planning on going to see Chosun today as well. Chosun lowers her head to hide a smile of pleasure while the other scholars howl and announce that they will leave the two of them alone now. As M and G pass the couple, however, M stops momentarily due to the scent of Chosun’s distinctive perfume. (Love the dramatic music!) As K and Chosun leave, G expresses his shock and disbelief; Chosun, known for her coolness, has fallen quite in love with K. M, due to his lack of experience with women and courtesans, asks G if all courtesans wear this perfume. G says of course not and then proceeds to sniff the air. He elaborates that this is a perfume only worn by Chosun because she’s the only woman/beauty who can handle such a strong scent. Other courtesans can’t wear the potent perfume.
At Chosun’s place, the other courtesans tell K that K really doesn’t know women very well. One of them voices her puzzlement over why Chosun is so taken with K. There doesn’t seem to be anything special about K to warrant taking Chosun’s name off the list of available courtesans at work. At this news, K is stunned, but before she can say anything else, Chosun enters the room with some food and tells the younger courtesans to leave and stop uttering such foolishness. K asks Chosun if this is true. Chosun responds by asking if K will receive a woman like her.
Meanwhile, M is waiting for K outside Chosun’s place and recalls his various encounters with her (smelling her perfume, fighting the masked fake HBS) while G’s voice is heard: “Surely not. This is a scent used exclusively by Chosun.”
Seated across from K, Chosun explains that she doesn’t expect to become the wife of K, given her situation in life. Since she was a child until now, she’s lived the life of a courtesan. However, K was the first one to ever see her as a woman who deserved the common courtesies given to respectable women (loose translation) rather than as a simple courtesan whose job was to entertain men. If she’s by K’s side, regardless of whether she becomes K’s lover or mistress, she feels that she might be able to live a life in which she respects and cherishes herself as a woman. “Will you give me permission to live, waiting for the day when you can return my feelings?” (WOW, the woman is so incredibly articulate!) K, understanding the gravity of the situation as well as the honor, clearly states that she cannot allow Chosun to do so. K then continues that she (K) is unworthy to be the recipient of such emotions from such a beautiful and gentle woman like Chosun. K asks Chosun to not bother with K anymore. She (K) is unworthy of Chosun’s affections. K gets up to leave, and Chosun follows suit, gently chiding K, “How can I let you go (forget about you) when you reject me with such kind words?” K apologizes twice, once in the familiar form and then switches over to the more honorific form of apology.
As K walks out, she’s met by M.
M: Visiting a courtesan’s house on your first day back…what do you want to become when you get older? (K merely smiles) Chosun…I think it may be wise to put some distance between you and her.
K: She’s a good person…too valuable for someone like me.
M: (irritated) Will you just listen when I tell you things?! It’s unbecoming of a little runt like you going in and out of a courtesan’s house.
K: Sahyung, are you still angry with me? Don’t worry so much. I’m Daemul…Daemul. (LOL love the way she talks with M)
M: So? It’s because it’s you that I worry.
Grabbing her bag from her, he walks away with K trailing to catch up to him. (Love the way her backpack swings)
The other scholars return to SKK and discover a posting about an upcoming exam/quiz tournament given by the king. The prize is tangerines (extremely rare in Korea during those days due to Korea’s cold weather). The old scholar explains to the salivating younger scholars that the tangerines are sweet and tangy and that they shouldn’t say anything unless they’ve actually tasted such deliciousness.
His hands full supporting a basket laden with ripe tangerines, the headmaster walks with the king as the king explains that because there was a good harvest this year, he’s brought plenty of tangerines to give to the scholars. The headmaster comments that SKK scholars are probably the only commoners who get to taste such a delight. Even though he personally would never go back to his days as a student, he sometimes thinks that returning to the life of a scholar might be worthwhile if he gets to eat some tangerines. The King chuckles and then notes that L’s father is approaching. As they exchange greetings and discuss that the time of the exam/quiz is already here, the king comments that L’s father can look forward to the event and anticipate good results this year (in reference to L). The headmaster chimes in to say that if L, with all his brilliance does not take first place, the sun will have risen on the west instead of the east. ByungPan interjects and says that L is studying up in the mountains. There is an awkward silence, which is broken by the headmaster who asks, “You didn’t know? L has been reinstated at SKK as of today.” L’s father clears his throat and tells the king that he sent L back to school, much to ByungPan’s surprise (ha!). L’s father continues that despite his son’s stubborn about his studies, he felt that SKK was the better place for L to further his studies. (I love how the king can see beneath the surface but doesn’t indicate so in words...a man of many layers.)
K reads the posting about the quiz tournament as she walks into the library. Searching for a book, she taps the shoulder of a scholar.
K: Excuse me.
L: Is this the book you’re looking for?
K: (looking as though she’s seen a ghost) You’ve returned? To SKK?
L: If you’re preparing for the quiz tournament, there’s no need. (arrogant yet true implication that he’ll place first…ah, what a smartie! LOL) You were right, Kim Yoon…(doesn’t finish because he doesn’t want to call her by Kim Yoon Shik anymore!) Anyhow, I was the person who made you a scholar at SKK. I’ll take responsibility. Before anyone finds out about this situation, I will help you leave SKK quietly. I will be doing the work, so there won’t be any mistakes. (LOL such arrogance)
K: Are you telling me that you returned solely to kick me out of SKK?
L: Then did you see me as a half-wit who would be content to let the girl he’s interested in remain at SKK, a school that is crawling with men? Me? (Love the waltzy music!)
K: (blocks him from walking away from her) With what authority/right?
L: I hope that you don’t get hurt. (can’t comprehend the other sentence he says). What other right do I need?
K: You can help me…to finish successfully and safely. Will you be satisfied if I can show you how well suited I am for SKK?
L: That…how do you plan on showing me this?
K: (looks over at the quiz notice) Uh…that…what about the quiz tournament? I’ll place first in the tournament.
L: first in the tournament, huh? Do you realize that everyone will be taking the exam.
K: Uh…(she didn’t realize LOL)
L: (tries to intimidate her with the breath and depth of that exam…how much she’s going to have to know and study for that exam) Do you know that it’s an exam that requires complete memorization?
K: (trying to stay positive) It’s not like everyone else isn’t taking the exam. I’ll try it, too!
L: There’s one more thing.
K: What is it this time?
L: More than anything else, you will have to win me.
K: (laughs at his arrogant statement.) I was expecting something intimidating (loose translation of the Korean)
L: Since my childhood days, I have never once lost first place.
K: So, when I win, you promise to say no more on this subject.
L: Agreed. Let’s try this then.
L walks through SKK and overhears scholars discussing his return. He ignores them and continues on his way while the scholar in sunglasses quotes a wise proverb about how one rejoices when a friend returns from a far distance. However, the scholar quickly panics and exclaims that he is NOT joyful because L is sure to place first, thereby making it impossible for him to win.
L walks up to G and M, who jabs G in the stomach for playing with his hair. L bows to his seniors.
G: You’ve come. I guess K is really an antidote/medicine, huh?
(Awkward silence between L and M)
M: Hey, Noron. I told you not to confuse people. Don’t go back and forth. It’s disorienting to me.
G: That’s the first time in 10 years, that friend…What a great welcome greeting! (at least for M)
L smiles.
(I ADORED THIS UPCOMING SCENE!!! LOL)
M and L are in their room preparing to sleep. (L astutely realizes that time is of the essence and decides to act quickly.)
L: Then, I’m going to sleep first, Sahyung (senior).
M looks at him blankly, wondering why L would announce his sleeping plans. L painstakingly positions his pillow right in the middle of the blankets (LOL the full-body view of this is hilarious!)
M: (In disbelief) Hey Noron. (L turns to his side and closes his eyes) That’s my place. (LOL..M utters this with clenched teeth)
L: Your place, my place. There’s no such thing. You were the one who said wherever one lies down is that person’s place.
M: (gives L a vicious kick in the back and jars L “awake”) Move back to your place.
In response, L snuggles even more securely into his spot. Grabbing his pillow (Korean pillows can be hard), M throws it down right next to L’s head, not caring that the pillow hit L’s head. Pushing L’s butt with his, M lays down for the night, arms crossed (what a battle of wills LOL) The squirming and pushing continue for a time until M gets tired of the situation and sits up in exasperation.
M: You…what’s wrong with you tonight?
L: (sits up as well) That’s what I’d like to ask. Why are you acting like this, Sahyung?
Their eyes lock in a silent battle of wills and only break when K walks into the room from her washing. (LOL love the music)
K: What are you two doing?
M: (ignoring the question and pats the spot next to him) You should sleep, too.
L: No! Kim Yoon Shik’s place is here. (L slams his hand down next to his side. At this, M is a bit stunned by L’s unusual behavior and glares at L…the battle of wills recommence. However, L soon remembers that K is in the room with them and averts his gaze.) KYS has wild sleeping habits, so it’s best to place K here by the wall…
M: That’s enough! Just sleep the way we’ve been sleeping! (LOL the clenched teeth again!)
L: No, sahyung.
K: (interrupting before the tension escalates) Wait. My sleeping place, I’ll decide.
Both men look at her expectantly. L motions (again and again LOL) with his eyes that she should pick his side. When she remains silent, undecided on what to do, he becomes uncertain of her feelings for him and simply waits. (LOL the silent conversation they have in that short span of time is hilarious!) As K tries to decide, G barges into the room panting in obvious panic.
G: The noise…Did you hear that noise? No? (Without waiting for a response, G shoves his way between M and L, clutching his pillow the whole time.) It’s the nine-tailed fox. The nine-tailed fox! (shudders in exaggerated fear because Korean legend says that nine-tailed foxes/females eat the livers of men, especially men like G LOL) I plan on sleeping here tonight, OK?
M: Hey!
L: Sahyung!
Blithely ignoring the two angry men, G tightly hugs his pillow and curls up in a fetal position. Relieved by the turn of events, K smiles.
K: Then I’ll make my bed in Yeorim Sahyung’s room tonight.
(LOL I love how G sleeps just as badly as K, especially putting his legs on M…poor M)
*Will continue tomorrow...wanted to at least get the sleeping scene in. :)
*Addendum at 11:07 a.m. Saturday morning (10/23/10): I woke up this morning to a rude realization: I have two more sets of papers to grade before Monday! (ugh) This equates to...ugh...I don't want to even think about how many papers. :P Needless to say, episode 16 will just have to exist in this incomplete form. Sorry. Let's just hope I get all my work done in time to summarize episode 17 come Monday morning. Incidentally, I was looking over my SKKS files (I type out the summaries on a Word document and then copy/paste onto this blog when I'm done) and realized that when I include translations of the dialogue (of the four guys), it takes longer. Hmmm...debating whether to continue with the dialogue translations or simply summarize for faster completion. Anyhow, sorry about the incomplete episode 16...on a brighter note, though, I hear through the Internet grapevine that the English subs will soon be up for episode 16, so you won't have to wait that much longer. Good weekend, everyone!
L: (yelling at the top of his lungs, searches frantically for K) Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik! (Then as if sensing her presence, he stops and sees her. Rushing towards her, he embraces a very surprised K, who stands rigidly in shock. Reluctantly, L disengages from the embrace.) It’s no use. No matter how hard I try, I can’t help but search for you like this. And so, now it’s your turn; run away from me, Kim Yoon Shik. (He stoically walks away.)
K: Wait! My response...you should listen to it before you leave. (L slowly turns back to face her.)
Rushing towards him, K loses her footing and plunges into the stream. Wasting not a moment, L dives into the stream (isn’t it shallow for a head-long dive?) and emerges with an unconscious K in his arms. He shifts her wet form in his arms more securely and trudges out of the stream, laying K gently on one of the big boulders.
L: Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik! Wake up! Kim Yoon Shik! Kim Yoon Shik! (At a loss for what to do, L starts to unbutton K’s top but is taken aback when he glimpses what looks like the top of a woman’s torso underneath the shirt of his roommate. (the harp music is hilarious!) In disbelief, he falls back upon the boulder.
IBC and his friend cower in fear as M looms above them.
M: What were you doing just now, behind K? (loose translation)
IBC: We…we were just going to see if K wanted to play in the water with us--
Friend: (finishing the sentence) friendly-like.
M: (grabbing the fronts of their robes) That water play…(pauses for dramatic, menacing effect) I suggest you play with me. Friendly-like. (M pats IBC’s right cheek and friend’s left cheek with his hands and concludes by turning the pats into pinches. IBC and friend huddle against each other in fearful anticipation of what M has in store for them.)
Back at the boulder, K finally regains consciousness and quickly sits up and covers herself, especially since she notices L looking down at her disheveled state.
L: Kim Yoon Shik…You…(K attempts to cover herself even more securely despite the fact that her back is facing L and he can’t see anything.) You are a woman? (K is at a loss for words...her worst fear is realized.)
From the banks of the stream, some of the other scholars sing loudly in their drunken state. Even more frantic now, K struggles to right her clothing before the other scholars see her. L, perceiving the danger, especially when one of the scholars asks his friends what they think about spending their time right there on the bank, hurriedly pulls K off the boulder and hides them below. With his arms cushioning K from the hard boulder, L stays alert and tense as the scholars stop right above their hiding place, discussing among themselves whether to stay here or continue onward. Despite the dangerous situation, K becomes all too aware of L’s proximity and pulls slightly away from his arms to calm her racing heart. L reaches over to pull her back to the safety of his arms but stops himself, especially since the scholars continue on their way. Both K and L breathe a sigh of relief.
IBC and friend struggle in the stream, their red robes billowing in the water currents, as M continues to submerge them in the water with a stick.
M: The water play that you enjoy so much, we’ll play to our hearts’ content right here.
IBC: (sputtering) I’ve played all I want.
Friend: Can’t we come out now? (so pitifully cute how he whimpers like a kid asking for permission LOL)
In response, M dunks them under once again from his position on the boulder.
M: Until I return, you had better not step even one foot out of this stream. Otherwise, I’ll use my entire body to play with you then.
IBC and friend dunk themselves back under the waters and again a second time when they notice that M has turned back to watch them. (LOL)
Back on the boulder, K, properly attired once more, announces that “I should get back now.” As she walks by, L detains her by placing his hand on her shoulder.
L: You’re asking me to let you simply return like this? I cannot let you leave. (!!!)
M strides by to the edge of the stream with his long stick resting casually against his shoulder. “Hey! Kim Yoon Shik! Let’s go down now.” He reaches the location where he last saw her and seems puzzled that she is nowhere in sight. “Hey, Kim Yoon Shik! (Starts to look for her) Where is this guy? Kim Yoon Shik!”
He suddenly drops his stick and starts to frantically search for her along the stream. Reaching their base camp, he grabs the shoulder of one of the scholars and asks, “Kim Yoon Shik hasn’t come here?” Asking the Soron leader, he again asks if he hasn’t seen KYS to which the guy says he doesn’t know. In frustration, M asks nobody in particular, “Where on earth has that guy gone?!” G suddenly appears and taps M on his collar bone with his fan (I love how the fan is G’s affectation at being a “dandy” LOL!)
G: Don’t worry yourself too much. That guy is doing fine.
M: You’re certain? Where is he?
G: (Korean equivalent of a tsk tsk) One by one…you need to ask each question calmly, my friend. I didn’t see it directly with my own eyes, but I’m certain. Now, K’s safely where his roommate is residing.
M: What?
G: K’s with LSJ. Daemul is with L. If you’re that worried, you should go there, too. Confirm with your own two eyes…(I love how G uses his fan with M)…that K’s safe and sound.
M: (slapping the fan away from his chin) It’s all right. As long as K’s safe, I don’t need to go.
M walks away as G smiles to himself.
In L’s room, K finishes changing her clothes.
K: I’ve finished changing.
L: (enters the room and closes the door behind him) I don’t know from where or how I should speak. You must be tired, so it’s best to get some rest.
K: In this room, you mean?
L: I’ll sleep outside, so you don’t need to worry.
Soondol: (opens the door and prevents L from exiting) Where do you think you’re going? Pretty scholar, by whatever means possible, you need to convince my young master and take him back with you to SKK. He’ll get ruined just staying in this room all by himself. Even though I die, I refuse to continue to see my young master’s pathetic state any longer.
K: Have you been sick?
Soondol: Ugh! He’s been lovesick! He won’t eat! He won’t read! He won’t sleep!
L: (clearing his voice, L issues a caution to Soondol...much good it does LOL) Soondol….
S: (oblivious to what he’s disclosing and L’s caution) I don’t know if he’s simply lost his mind because he’s missing the person so much. (turns away disgustedly)
In acute embarrassment at being found out, L swiftly looks back at K, who in turns looks away in embarrassment.
L: Soondol…you…stop it this instance.
Soondol’s response is to quickly close the door and lock it securely from the outside. L, realizing a moment too late what Soondol plans, grabs at the door and tries to open it.
S: Pretty Scholar, make sure you convince my young master, ok?
L: (whispers quietly) Here…there’s only one blanket. (K overhears, though, and realizes L’s concern)
S: Geez! My young master is finicky. Where on earth at this time would I get another blanket?! It’s not like you guys need to keep your distance from each other.
Soondol walks away leaving L and K locked inside the room. (AWKWARD! LOL)
Back at the base compound, the scholars continue their merriment. G teases M, who’s pretending to sleep.
G: What’s the point of putting on a front if only your shell is here. Your inside (soul) is down there by Daemul, no? See? Dang! Dang! (pretends to knock on M’s “empty shell” like a bell) There’s this hollow sound.
M: (grabs G’s hand) If you continue to joke like this, it can become a habit and your wrist may break.
G: (gently jerks his hand away and cajoles) You like her…Daemul.
M: (stops breathing momentarily) Then what about you? Don’t you as well?
G: True. How can anyone not like that little cute guy?
M: I’m going to get some sleep. (Gets up to leave from his resting place)
G: Don’t waste all your energy trying to act cool. Pretending not to want…pretending not to be jealous…and most importantly, pretending not to be shaken by small events (K spending the night with L alone) like this…pretending to be strong. If I were you, I wouldn’t waste my energy pretending but instead devote all my strength into making her mine. Because as of now, you still have the advantage over L. (winks and then leans over to whisper) That guy, L, won’t be able to imagine in a million years Daemul’s secret. (au contraire, mon ami!)
M goes to a secluded place and lies down in thought.
Seated in L’s room, K awkwardly plays with the blanket.
K: The light must be turned off in order for us to sleep.
L: I haven’t finished reading what I need to read by today. Just ignore me and go to sleep.
K lies down to sleep but quickly sits back up. (Definitely awkward to sleep with a guy wide awake by one's side) I can’t sleep either. I might as well read, too. (K goes over to look for a book.)
L: (unable to look at her) Back there at the creek…before you fell into the water…(K finds the red book and sees a picture of a man and woman in a compromising pose) Didn’t you say that you had something important to tell me? (Doesn’t realize K’s looking at him in disgust) I mean, I’m only asking because I thought it was something important. Wouldn’t it be better to speak now before you forget? (LOL…he’s totally nervous and oblivious to her stare…chuckles)
K: Scholar Lee Sun Joon (love the strong disgust in the voice). You seem to enjoy these kinds of books.
L: (finally looking at her…expression turns to shock and embarrassment) That book…G gave it to me…why is that here? (He brought the book all the way up to the mountains?! LOL)
K: I thought you were reading a really important book. You read it every day so diligently without fail. (falls on the blankets in her attempt to keep the book from L)
L: That book…who’s the reason why I’m even reading that book? (I love the double entendre of his comment!)
Startled by how much he’s revealed, L gets off of K and sits.
K: I told you we should turn off the lights and sleep.
With the lights turned off now, K gets up to cover L with the blanket.
L: I’m all right. (sits up) I have the body of a man, and you have the body of a woman. And you fell into the water…
K: (coyly) Who was the man who got sick after only getting a little bit wet that time on the island? I’m all right. (gets up and rolls herself like a kimbap/sushi roll with her mattress blanket.) I can sleep rolled up like this. (This is such an adorable scene!)
L: (laughing together with K) When was it that you started hiding the fact that you were a girl and dressed as a man? If it’s too difficult, you don’t have to answer.
K: I once told you that I had a sick brother, didn’t I? Because I didn’t have any money for the medicine, I paid the doctor with my writing; he got me work at the bookseller’s as a writer/scribe. That was about…two years after my father passed away…I was about 12 years old.
L: Did you borrow your brother’s name then?
K: Yes, that’s how things turned out.
L: Then your real name is? (It’s so sweet how he wants to know her real name.)
K: Kim Yoon Hee. Kim Yoon Hee is my name.
L: Kim Yoon Hee (as though he’s trying to weigh and memorize her name)
At the Ha’s residence, HIS tells Hyo-eun that he knows L better than she does. “There’s something between the two of you. Speak. I can only help you if you tell me the truth.” Hyo-eun tells her brother that she knows he’s not thrilled with L so will he just pretend as though he doesn’t know anything. She knows that because L is a upright, well-mannered man, he won’t ever break the engagement as long as she doesn’t break it. She’s going to wait and try to be the perfect person for him. HIS is furious that L doesn’t want his sister. Hyo-eun tries to tell him it’s not L’s fault but that it’s because she’s lacking, but HIS storms out and looks vengeful.
In the morning, K looks at L in disbelief.
K: What did you just say? Did you just tell me to withdraw from SKK?
L: Isn’t that an obvious course of action?
K: How is it obvious?
L: You’re breaking the law.
K: Is it because men and women are not equal and that this is against the law?
L: You know that this is a situation that can never be.
K: Have you forgotten who made me forget the impossible and dream of a miracle for myself?
L: That was…
K: Is it because I am a woman? The poor…namins (the people she belongs to)…all of them can dream of a miracle, but to a girl, are you telling me that it is not permissible? Like my other circumstances in life, being a girl is something that I couldn’t choose. I am not afraid of the law nor its punishment.
She walks out. L stops her on the road and asks her if she can’t understand what he’s worried about. (Interesting how the two are wearing matching colors, huh? Talk about trying to get them to looks like a couple already. LOL)
L: You could get hurt? You could even lose your life?
K: I don’t want to live life in fear of something that hasn’t even happened yet. Even if I were to leave SKK, I would still have to dress like this and acquire work as a writer/scribe. Or in order to help out my impoverished family, I would have to, regardless of the person, marry someone. (LOL. Love L's subtle reaction to this news.) So for me, the type of tomorrow you speak of that I should want to protect with all my might and safety doesn’t exist. I’m…I just want to enjoy this moment, with all my heart and with all my strength because these times will never be allowed to me again. (L didn’t consider these options, did he? Tsk tsk. K is quite practical here.)
When K returns, the scholars ask where K’s been. They start speculating that K was out last night with a woman in his arms. K scoffs at the notion. When M and G enter the room, K contritely starts to apologize about not returning last night.
K: Sahyung! Last night…things just turned out that way. (It’s like she’s apologizing to her older brother…poor M)
M turns and leaves, stopping only when K calls after him.
M: You…why do you only think of yourself? Act with some thought for others who might be worried about you. (He leaves.)
G: Were you able to meet LSJ?
K: How did you know?
G: (in a tone to indicate that she should know better by now...LOL) I’m Goo Yong Ha.
Back in L’s room, he reflects on his last conversation with K and how she said that she only has two options for herself (either keep cross-dressing to find work or marry someone to save her family). More than anything else, she tells him that she just wants to be happy and enjoy the moment. Walking back to SKK with G and M, K likewise thinks back on L’s concern for her. As M tries to take the package she’s holding, the scholars erupt into chants of “Daemul!” because Chosun has arrived at the marketplace with her fellow courtesans in the hopes of meeting Daemul. Chosun explains that she came out to see K because she has something to tell K. She adds that since there was little chance of K seeking her out, she did the seeking instead. The other scholars react outrageously in typical male fashion at Chosun’s obvious pursuit of K. (LOL. G gives M such an interesting look…chuckles, ah the irony). K tells Chosun that K’s glad she’s come, for she was planning on going to see Chosun today as well. Chosun lowers her head to hide a smile of pleasure while the other scholars howl and announce that they will leave the two of them alone now. As M and G pass the couple, however, M stops momentarily due to the scent of Chosun’s distinctive perfume. (Love the dramatic music!) As K and Chosun leave, G expresses his shock and disbelief; Chosun, known for her coolness, has fallen quite in love with K. M, due to his lack of experience with women and courtesans, asks G if all courtesans wear this perfume. G says of course not and then proceeds to sniff the air. He elaborates that this is a perfume only worn by Chosun because she’s the only woman/beauty who can handle such a strong scent. Other courtesans can’t wear the potent perfume.
At Chosun’s place, the other courtesans tell K that K really doesn’t know women very well. One of them voices her puzzlement over why Chosun is so taken with K. There doesn’t seem to be anything special about K to warrant taking Chosun’s name off the list of available courtesans at work. At this news, K is stunned, but before she can say anything else, Chosun enters the room with some food and tells the younger courtesans to leave and stop uttering such foolishness. K asks Chosun if this is true. Chosun responds by asking if K will receive a woman like her.
Meanwhile, M is waiting for K outside Chosun’s place and recalls his various encounters with her (smelling her perfume, fighting the masked fake HBS) while G’s voice is heard: “Surely not. This is a scent used exclusively by Chosun.”
Seated across from K, Chosun explains that she doesn’t expect to become the wife of K, given her situation in life. Since she was a child until now, she’s lived the life of a courtesan. However, K was the first one to ever see her as a woman who deserved the common courtesies given to respectable women (loose translation) rather than as a simple courtesan whose job was to entertain men. If she’s by K’s side, regardless of whether she becomes K’s lover or mistress, she feels that she might be able to live a life in which she respects and cherishes herself as a woman. “Will you give me permission to live, waiting for the day when you can return my feelings?” (WOW, the woman is so incredibly articulate!) K, understanding the gravity of the situation as well as the honor, clearly states that she cannot allow Chosun to do so. K then continues that she (K) is unworthy to be the recipient of such emotions from such a beautiful and gentle woman like Chosun. K asks Chosun to not bother with K anymore. She (K) is unworthy of Chosun’s affections. K gets up to leave, and Chosun follows suit, gently chiding K, “How can I let you go (forget about you) when you reject me with such kind words?” K apologizes twice, once in the familiar form and then switches over to the more honorific form of apology.
As K walks out, she’s met by M.
M: Visiting a courtesan’s house on your first day back…what do you want to become when you get older? (K merely smiles) Chosun…I think it may be wise to put some distance between you and her.
K: She’s a good person…too valuable for someone like me.
M: (irritated) Will you just listen when I tell you things?! It’s unbecoming of a little runt like you going in and out of a courtesan’s house.
K: Sahyung, are you still angry with me? Don’t worry so much. I’m Daemul…Daemul. (LOL love the way she talks with M)
M: So? It’s because it’s you that I worry.
Grabbing her bag from her, he walks away with K trailing to catch up to him. (Love the way her backpack swings)
The other scholars return to SKK and discover a posting about an upcoming exam/quiz tournament given by the king. The prize is tangerines (extremely rare in Korea during those days due to Korea’s cold weather). The old scholar explains to the salivating younger scholars that the tangerines are sweet and tangy and that they shouldn’t say anything unless they’ve actually tasted such deliciousness.
His hands full supporting a basket laden with ripe tangerines, the headmaster walks with the king as the king explains that because there was a good harvest this year, he’s brought plenty of tangerines to give to the scholars. The headmaster comments that SKK scholars are probably the only commoners who get to taste such a delight. Even though he personally would never go back to his days as a student, he sometimes thinks that returning to the life of a scholar might be worthwhile if he gets to eat some tangerines. The King chuckles and then notes that L’s father is approaching. As they exchange greetings and discuss that the time of the exam/quiz is already here, the king comments that L’s father can look forward to the event and anticipate good results this year (in reference to L). The headmaster chimes in to say that if L, with all his brilliance does not take first place, the sun will have risen on the west instead of the east. ByungPan interjects and says that L is studying up in the mountains. There is an awkward silence, which is broken by the headmaster who asks, “You didn’t know? L has been reinstated at SKK as of today.” L’s father clears his throat and tells the king that he sent L back to school, much to ByungPan’s surprise (ha!). L’s father continues that despite his son’s stubborn about his studies, he felt that SKK was the better place for L to further his studies. (I love how the king can see beneath the surface but doesn’t indicate so in words...a man of many layers.)
K reads the posting about the quiz tournament as she walks into the library. Searching for a book, she taps the shoulder of a scholar.
K: Excuse me.
L: Is this the book you’re looking for?
K: (looking as though she’s seen a ghost) You’ve returned? To SKK?
L: If you’re preparing for the quiz tournament, there’s no need. (arrogant yet true implication that he’ll place first…ah, what a smartie! LOL) You were right, Kim Yoon…(doesn’t finish because he doesn’t want to call her by Kim Yoon Shik anymore!) Anyhow, I was the person who made you a scholar at SKK. I’ll take responsibility. Before anyone finds out about this situation, I will help you leave SKK quietly. I will be doing the work, so there won’t be any mistakes. (LOL such arrogance)
K: Are you telling me that you returned solely to kick me out of SKK?
L: Then did you see me as a half-wit who would be content to let the girl he’s interested in remain at SKK, a school that is crawling with men? Me? (Love the waltzy music!)
K: (blocks him from walking away from her) With what authority/right?
L: I hope that you don’t get hurt. (can’t comprehend the other sentence he says). What other right do I need?
K: You can help me…to finish successfully and safely. Will you be satisfied if I can show you how well suited I am for SKK?
L: That…how do you plan on showing me this?
K: (looks over at the quiz notice) Uh…that…what about the quiz tournament? I’ll place first in the tournament.
L: first in the tournament, huh? Do you realize that everyone will be taking the exam.
K: Uh…(she didn’t realize LOL)
L: (tries to intimidate her with the breath and depth of that exam…how much she’s going to have to know and study for that exam) Do you know that it’s an exam that requires complete memorization?
K: (trying to stay positive) It’s not like everyone else isn’t taking the exam. I’ll try it, too!
L: There’s one more thing.
K: What is it this time?
L: More than anything else, you will have to win me.
K: (laughs at his arrogant statement.) I was expecting something intimidating (loose translation of the Korean)
L: Since my childhood days, I have never once lost first place.
K: So, when I win, you promise to say no more on this subject.
L: Agreed. Let’s try this then.
L walks through SKK and overhears scholars discussing his return. He ignores them and continues on his way while the scholar in sunglasses quotes a wise proverb about how one rejoices when a friend returns from a far distance. However, the scholar quickly panics and exclaims that he is NOT joyful because L is sure to place first, thereby making it impossible for him to win.
L walks up to G and M, who jabs G in the stomach for playing with his hair. L bows to his seniors.
G: You’ve come. I guess K is really an antidote/medicine, huh?
(Awkward silence between L and M)
M: Hey, Noron. I told you not to confuse people. Don’t go back and forth. It’s disorienting to me.
G: That’s the first time in 10 years, that friend…What a great welcome greeting! (at least for M)
L smiles.
(I ADORED THIS UPCOMING SCENE!!! LOL)
M and L are in their room preparing to sleep. (L astutely realizes that time is of the essence and decides to act quickly.)
L: Then, I’m going to sleep first, Sahyung (senior).
M looks at him blankly, wondering why L would announce his sleeping plans. L painstakingly positions his pillow right in the middle of the blankets (LOL the full-body view of this is hilarious!)
M: (In disbelief) Hey Noron. (L turns to his side and closes his eyes) That’s my place. (LOL..M utters this with clenched teeth)
L: Your place, my place. There’s no such thing. You were the one who said wherever one lies down is that person’s place.
M: (gives L a vicious kick in the back and jars L “awake”) Move back to your place.
In response, L snuggles even more securely into his spot. Grabbing his pillow (Korean pillows can be hard), M throws it down right next to L’s head, not caring that the pillow hit L’s head. Pushing L’s butt with his, M lays down for the night, arms crossed (what a battle of wills LOL) The squirming and pushing continue for a time until M gets tired of the situation and sits up in exasperation.
M: You…what’s wrong with you tonight?
L: (sits up as well) That’s what I’d like to ask. Why are you acting like this, Sahyung?
Their eyes lock in a silent battle of wills and only break when K walks into the room from her washing. (LOL love the music)
K: What are you two doing?
M: (ignoring the question and pats the spot next to him) You should sleep, too.
L: No! Kim Yoon Shik’s place is here. (L slams his hand down next to his side. At this, M is a bit stunned by L’s unusual behavior and glares at L…the battle of wills recommence. However, L soon remembers that K is in the room with them and averts his gaze.) KYS has wild sleeping habits, so it’s best to place K here by the wall…
M: That’s enough! Just sleep the way we’ve been sleeping! (LOL the clenched teeth again!)
L: No, sahyung.
K: (interrupting before the tension escalates) Wait. My sleeping place, I’ll decide.
Both men look at her expectantly. L motions (again and again LOL) with his eyes that she should pick his side. When she remains silent, undecided on what to do, he becomes uncertain of her feelings for him and simply waits. (LOL the silent conversation they have in that short span of time is hilarious!) As K tries to decide, G barges into the room panting in obvious panic.
G: The noise…Did you hear that noise? No? (Without waiting for a response, G shoves his way between M and L, clutching his pillow the whole time.) It’s the nine-tailed fox. The nine-tailed fox! (shudders in exaggerated fear because Korean legend says that nine-tailed foxes/females eat the livers of men, especially men like G LOL) I plan on sleeping here tonight, OK?
M: Hey!
L: Sahyung!
Blithely ignoring the two angry men, G tightly hugs his pillow and curls up in a fetal position. Relieved by the turn of events, K smiles.
K: Then I’ll make my bed in Yeorim Sahyung’s room tonight.
(LOL I love how G sleeps just as badly as K, especially putting his legs on M…poor M)
*Will continue tomorrow...wanted to at least get the sleeping scene in. :)
*Addendum at 11:07 a.m. Saturday morning (10/23/10): I woke up this morning to a rude realization: I have two more sets of papers to grade before Monday! (ugh) This equates to...ugh...I don't want to even think about how many papers. :P Needless to say, episode 16 will just have to exist in this incomplete form. Sorry. Let's just hope I get all my work done in time to summarize episode 17 come Monday morning. Incidentally, I was looking over my SKKS files (I type out the summaries on a Word document and then copy/paste onto this blog when I'm done) and realized that when I include translations of the dialogue (of the four guys), it takes longer. Hmmm...debating whether to continue with the dialogue translations or simply summarize for faster completion. Anyhow, sorry about the incomplete episode 16...on a brighter note, though, I hear through the Internet grapevine that the English subs will soon be up for episode 16, so you won't have to wait that much longer. Good weekend, everyone!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Plans for Episode 16 summary / recap
I woke up this morning to such heartwarming and/or cute comments regarding my previous post. :) I wasn't planning on writing about episode 16 any further with such great recaps already out in cyberspace, but since some of you REALLY like SKKS and REALLY want to read all of the various interpretations, I will endeavor to add my usual summary to the collection. LOL.
I've missed my window of free time for writing this morning (slept in), so I'll see what I can do in the next two days. Most likely, I will end up posting the entire summary by Thursday night once I'm done with classes for the week...unless...I get impatient and start posting pieces at a time. :D
Thanks again for a great morning! And this is particularly for our friend at Oxford: Lee and Salinger? LOL. I'm far from their level, but I thank you!
Have a great day/evening, everyone!
I've missed my window of free time for writing this morning (slept in), so I'll see what I can do in the next two days. Most likely, I will end up posting the entire summary by Thursday night once I'm done with classes for the week...unless...I get impatient and start posting pieces at a time. :D
Thanks again for a great morning! And this is particularly for our friend at Oxford: Lee and Salinger? LOL. I'm far from their level, but I thank you!
Have a great day/evening, everyone!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
SKKS episode 16 summary / recap (highlights)
Hi everyone! You guys are extremely kind with your thanks and praises. Perhaps once SKKS is over, I'll start writing my own stories again. The academic life pretty much drains any creative juices I have in me. After reading so many students' papers, I tend to not want to tax my brain too much. LOL
Anyhow, I had planned on coming home after work tonight to summarize episode 16, but I think it may be wiser for me to go to bed early tonight and summarize tomorrow morning after a good night's rest...it typically takes about 3 hours to write each summary, and I can't guarantee how long my brain will remain functional, especially since there are some tricky dialogue in episode 16. After lecturing for five hours straight on Ruth Benedict (culture and individualism) and entertaining those darling kids (4 years old and 2 years old) all morning, I think it's fair to say that I am, or at least my body is, no longer a spring chicken. :P I feel so old! (sniffles)
However, for those of you who couldn't understand the dialogue, I'll leave you with some major highlights:
1. L keeps bugging K to tell him what she was about to say at the waterfall before she slipped and fell (inside his room up in the mountains, in their room at SKKS when M isn't there, and then at the library before K kisses him). He insists that he only wants to know because he's a scholar. (Sure, we believe you! LOL)
2. M recognizes Chosun as the fake HBS because of her distinctive perfume. He tries to warn K to put some distance between her and Chosun, but K brushes it off and says that she's "Daemul," which exasperates M.
3. At the mountain house, Soondol locks K and L in the room all alone so that K can convince L to return to SKK, unwittingly forcing a man and a woman to spend the night together. LOL...the look on L's face, especially when Soondol was telling K that L's been sick, dazing off into space because he's been missing someone. LOL...L's expression is absolutely priceless!
4. G invades their room while L and M are arguing over sleeping positions because he heard a noise and thinks there's a nine-tailed fox out to get him. LOL
Hmmm...I'm probably missing some other great points, but oh well...I'll write a full summary tomorrow morning (8 hours from now) to cover everything. Until then, I wish you all a great day/night!
Oh, someone made a comment about future summaries of others series...LOL...we'll see how my sanity is after SKKS. G'night!
Addendum at 11:30 pm: I just dropped by yogurutu.blogspot.com and noticed that she recapped episodes 15 and 16! I think it's safe to say that episode 16 has been nicely summarized already. :) I'll summarize ep. 17 and 18 next week, everyone! No need to duplicate something that's already been done quite nicely...and with pictures, too! Check it out!
Anyhow, I had planned on coming home after work tonight to summarize episode 16, but I think it may be wiser for me to go to bed early tonight and summarize tomorrow morning after a good night's rest...it typically takes about 3 hours to write each summary, and I can't guarantee how long my brain will remain functional, especially since there are some tricky dialogue in episode 16. After lecturing for five hours straight on Ruth Benedict (culture and individualism) and entertaining those darling kids (4 years old and 2 years old) all morning, I think it's fair to say that I am, or at least my body is, no longer a spring chicken. :P I feel so old! (sniffles)
However, for those of you who couldn't understand the dialogue, I'll leave you with some major highlights:
1. L keeps bugging K to tell him what she was about to say at the waterfall before she slipped and fell (inside his room up in the mountains, in their room at SKKS when M isn't there, and then at the library before K kisses him). He insists that he only wants to know because he's a scholar. (Sure, we believe you! LOL)
2. M recognizes Chosun as the fake HBS because of her distinctive perfume. He tries to warn K to put some distance between her and Chosun, but K brushes it off and says that she's "Daemul," which exasperates M.
3. At the mountain house, Soondol locks K and L in the room all alone so that K can convince L to return to SKK, unwittingly forcing a man and a woman to spend the night together. LOL...the look on L's face, especially when Soondol was telling K that L's been sick, dazing off into space because he's been missing someone. LOL...L's expression is absolutely priceless!
4. G invades their room while L and M are arguing over sleeping positions because he heard a noise and thinks there's a nine-tailed fox out to get him. LOL
Hmmm...I'm probably missing some other great points, but oh well...I'll write a full summary tomorrow morning (8 hours from now) to cover everything. Until then, I wish you all a great day/night!
Oh, someone made a comment about future summaries of others series...LOL...we'll see how my sanity is after SKKS. G'night!
Addendum at 11:30 pm: I just dropped by yogurutu.blogspot.com and noticed that she recapped episodes 15 and 16! I think it's safe to say that episode 16 has been nicely summarized already. :) I'll summarize ep. 17 and 18 next week, everyone! No need to duplicate something that's already been done quite nicely...and with pictures, too! Check it out!
Link to SKKS episode 16
Good morning! Thanks to my circadian rhythm, I'm up at my usual time. :P Thank goodness, I feel well rested for the day. :) And of course, the little people at my house were quite excited to see me awake...play time with their American "auntie." LOL
Thanks for all the encouraging comments you guys left...definitely made it worth MY while to stay up and summarize for you all. But yeah, as I went to bed early this morning, I questioned my own sanity just a tad bit. LOL. Seriously, though, I took a look at the page number after I was done...11 pages, single-spaced! I'm a bit stunned that I write so much for each episode, but I can't seem to help myself once I start summarizing. =O.o=
Anyhow, here's the link to episode 16 for those of you who want to watch and need the link. I'll probably watch later this evening after work around the same time as last night. Enjoy!
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27158/12
A quick heads up on the episode (SPOILER)...couldn't resist and took a peek. OMG, this episode is HILARIOUS...I can't wait to summarize for you all later tonight. :D L and M are particularly funny with their fight over who gets to sleep in the middle, and they get interrupted by G who comes charging into their room because he heard a noise and is afraid it might be a nine-tailed fox intent on eating his liver...perhaps because he's such a womanizer! (crazy Korean legends about nine-tailed foxes, typically women, who eat human livers). LOL
Thanks for all the encouraging comments you guys left...definitely made it worth MY while to stay up and summarize for you all. But yeah, as I went to bed early this morning, I questioned my own sanity just a tad bit. LOL. Seriously, though, I took a look at the page number after I was done...11 pages, single-spaced! I'm a bit stunned that I write so much for each episode, but I can't seem to help myself once I start summarizing. =O.o=
Anyhow, here's the link to episode 16 for those of you who want to watch and need the link. I'll probably watch later this evening after work around the same time as last night. Enjoy!
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27158/12
A quick heads up on the episode (SPOILER)...couldn't resist and took a peek. OMG, this episode is HILARIOUS...I can't wait to summarize for you all later tonight. :D L and M are particularly funny with their fight over who gets to sleep in the middle, and they get interrupted by G who comes charging into their room because he heard a noise and is afraid it might be a nine-tailed fox intent on eating his liver...perhaps because he's such a womanizer! (crazy Korean legends about nine-tailed foxes, typically women, who eat human livers). LOL
SKKS episode 15 summary / recap
Today was quite hectic with two little kids and two adult guests running around, asking me for various things while I tried to grade, prep for class, etc. Needless to say, watching and summarizing while the little peeps were awake wasn’t even an option. LOL As much as I love having my good friend and her family visit me from Korea, it certainly played havoc on my daily routine. As it was, I barely finished getting my midterm exams written for tonight’s class. :P
Anyhow, here’s today’s/yesterday's episode. Normally, I would wait until Thursday or Friday to watch the episodes if things get this crazy, but I felt a certain urgency to watch and summarize tonight before heading off to bed, perhaps because I knew my SKKS friends were waiting. :) Enjoy!
HIS = Ha In Soo (school president), K = Kim Yoon Shik, L = Lee Sun Joon, M = Moon Jae Shin, G = Goo Yong Ha, IBC = Yes-man (LOL my nickname for the guy still cracks me up)
HIS delivers a speech about how same-sexed relationships at SKK cannot exist and such. G looks bored as HIS tries to be self-important and declares that homosexuality within the walls of SKK would dirty the school’s name and so K and M, if found guilty of their charge, would have their names stricken from SKK records forever. He asks them one last time if the charges are true. K denies it and asks them to believe their innocence. When HIS asks her to reveal exactly what happened that night and K only stammers, HIS says they have no alternative but to listen to an eye-witness testimony. L steps forward. HIS asks L if he saw K and M that night.
HIS: Isn’t it true that they are homosexuals?
L: The homosexual…is me. (Chaos ensues)
HIS: What did you just say?
L: The homosexual is me.
Headmaster: LSJ is gay? Did he just confess with his own mouth that he’s gay? (Claiming that he knew L would create an accident of some kind sooner or later and fearing what L’s dad would say, the headmaster leaves. Prof. Yu wonders at the possibility of homosexuals at SKK, and not just one homosexual but several. Meanwhile, Prof. Jung merely drinks his tea and laughs. Prof. Yu demands how Prof. Jung could even laugh at a time like this. Prof. Jung chuckles and says that LSJ is an interesting fellow. The more he gets to know him, the funnier/more interesting LSJ becomes. He then suggests to Prof. Yu that rather than waiting here for the verdict, they should go observe the proceedings as well.)
L: That night at the storeroom, I was also with K and M. Therefore, if M and K are homosexuals, then it’s only logical that I am a homosexual as well. (Other scholars react to his announcement and G nods in agreement to the logic.)
HIS: Do you realize what you are confessing right now? With your own mouth, you are acknowledging that you are a homosexual. You have no defense if your name is erased.
L: If that is the law, then there’s nothing I can do. (Basic gist is that HIS asks if L plans on extricating his friends with this type of flimsy defense. At this L continues that there were other witnesses (referring to the three scholars) that night to verify his presence at the storeroom with K and M. He names them. HIS demands if this is true. L then asks why he wasn’t included in the rumors/accusations along with K and M. L concludes that it is because the rumors/accusations aren’t true. At this piece of logic, the other scholars at the hearing start to wonder if the rumors/accusations are actually true. L continues and asks if the accusers actually saw with their own eyes the inappropriate behavior of K and M. One scholar says that he didn’t but that he heard from another scholar and points to a classmate. This classmate stammers that he didn’t and points to the three scholars and says that those scholars said M and K were gay. G looks on in amusement as L continues his questioning. L then pointedly asks the three scholars if they actually saw at which point the three scholars quickly shake their heads in unison. HIS doesn’t look too thrilled that such an open-shut case is turning toward proving K and M’s innocence. L asks the entire student body/council if affection between men is such a bad thing. One of the council members tries to defend their actions, but L cuts him off and asks if he isn’t right. He says that there’s nothing disgraceful about cherishing a friend. Citing a Chinese proverb, L berates the council—scholars who should be following and upholding wisdom/truth—and says that it’s disgraceful and unwise to only see what they want to see and believe only what they want to believe and not even consider the truth. And when those very people irresponsibly throw innocent people into turmoil and only laugh in enjoyment without realizing their sin, they cannot be called true scholars. (ugh…I’m cutting his speech short. You guys get the gist) L concludes that no one has the right to point fingers when one person merely likes another person. "If that is the road to becoming an unwise scholar/twisted person, then I would rather choose the road to be a homosexual, too." At this, G smiles and mutters to himself, “So that’s how it is, Sun Joon.”
The headmaster and professors, in relief, reenter their office. The servant asks if this means that L is not gay. The professors say that it appears so, and the headmaster says that it seems as though the charges will be dismissed.
HIS asks L if he thinks this is the end. Looking around the room, HIS asks K and M that he will once more ask them what they were doing that night at the storeroom, all alone that late at night. K looks nervous. HIS continues that that was the very night that HBS was reported to have jumped the walls of SKK. HBS was wounded and probably in search of a place where he could attend to his wound. As such, he probably went to the storeroom, a suitable place for his needs. There, he probably encountered K and M who were reported to be in an embrace. At this, L flashbacks to the scene he had walked in on in which K was leaning over M as though the two were going to kiss. HIS asks if HBS is the reason why they cannot freely discuss what happened that night at the storeroom. L’s voice is heard as he asks K to tell him what happened that night at the storeroom; scenes of K covering her tracks and leaning over M are seen. K says that it’s for M’s sake, so can’t L just believe her and help her. (L is starting to suspect the truth…that M is HBS.) The scholars start wondering if K is HBS. HIS coldly states that he gave K and M enough time to clear their names. He, with the authority vested to him by his position as student body president, demand that they take off their clothes to prove their innocence. At this, everyone, especially K is stunned. G looks worried since he already knows even without solid proof that K is a girl. M asks if HIS will be content with just M taking off his clothes (my previous suspicion from episode 14 proved correct after all). Isn’t that what HIS was after from the very beginning. K protests and G joins in on trying to stop M. At this moment, L turns to HIS and says that HIS must answer M’s question. Did HIS, from the very start, intend on using these false allegations of homosexuality merely as an excuse to try to uncover the identity of HBS? L points out that HIS just acknowledged before the student body that he never really believed in the accusations of K and M being gay. L continues on that these hearings are closed to the politicians and everyone else, including the King, because SKK councils were never to be used to influence politics or other agendas. That’s why only the student body president has power over the proceedings, and yet HIS has just demonstrated before them that he knowingly violated that rule. If M were to take off his clothes and there was no wound on him, then HIS must be prepared to suffer the consequences of his actions. The other scholars agree. The leader of the Soron faction then asks HIS directly if he opened the proceedings knowing that the homosexuality accusations were false. The council gets upset and asks HIS to admit the truth. L says that if HIS agrees to dismiss the charges, then the other scholars will overlook/forgive HIS’s mistake. G interjects and asks why they should stop. He smugly suggests, “Let’s finish what we started and take M’s clothes off. (such a great ploy, G!) The other scholars start arguing to stop the hearing. L looks to HIS and says that he’ll understand this as HIS’s dismissal of the case. G then stands and declares that there is still something left for them to do. The judgment of innocence or guilt is not given for the student body president to decide; it is the responsibility of the student body. How will they vote in the matter of K and M? The scholars all, including IBC and friend, vote innocent. G asks HIS to declare the results of the voting. HIS, with clenched teeth, announce that K and M have been found innocent, much to the relief of K and M.
As L leaves the hearing, he mutters to himself, “You’re pathetic. Exactly what were you thinking to misunderstand the situation (K and M in the storeroom) like that?” L walks away and K steps out of the building in search of L. Awaiting K, the three scholars who were primarily responsible for spreading the rumor profusely apologize. Meanwhile, M looks at K and seems to want to talk with her but merely watches from afar as she obviously searches for L. When the scholars ask if she’s now going to ignore them, she abruptly asks if they saw L. “He was here until just a moment ago. You really haven’t seen him?” M observes and the three scholars vigorously (and comically) shake their heads. She looks crestfallen and M smiles ruefully to himself as her interest in L becomes more obvious to him. (Poor M!)
Sitting alone in the darkened hearing room, HIS broods silently.
L is dressed in civilian clothes and about to leave SKK when G approaches him.
G: It was quite the event to hear such an upright man like L say he was a homosexual.
L: I was merely….
G: Ah yes, you were merely upholding what was right, correct? If you were really upholding truth, you shouldn’t have lied. Saying that you were with K and M all that time at the storeroom was a lie…a lie that is unlike you.
L: Did you know the events of that night, too?
G: (He merely ponders in a teasing tone what could have possibly prompted such a promising scholar to risk such a bright future) What could it have been? (L walks away while G follows) I hear you are getting engaged tomorrow. And to HIS’s sister. Was it because you needed someone who suited your family pedigree? (referring to L's choice of Hyo-eun as his mate) Or was it because you just needed someone…as though you were running away from something. Even so, are you happy, Garang? Look here, look here. You can’t even lie right now. How do you plan on continuing to lie? For whose sake are you doing this? (G knows the answers to these rhetorical questions, the little stinker! LOL)
The headmaster is in a frenzy over the news that L plans on leaving SKK. He rants and raves about how it’s merely the emotions of a young man and that he’s surprised Prof. Yu would accept this so easily. Didn’t he ever get fed up with school and say that he was going to quit? Prof. Yu emphatically declares that he never did that in his youth, a declaration which immediately silences the headmaster. Prof. Yu continues that L is not a foolish young scholar but one who is at least able to think carefully before he acts. The headmaster still refuses to accept this and plans on directly meeting L to convince him otherwise. While Prof. Jung thinks about the meaning of L’s withdrawal from SKK, a servant adds that he heard L plans on studying at another place (a remote place up in the mountains). All look shocked.
K pretends to be reading at the library while she keeps an eye out for L. Some scholars sheepishly avoid her (in shame for having accused her). When a servant comes to announce the closing of the library, K asks if he’s seen L. The servant replies by asking if she hasn’t heard the news.
Back in G’s room, G says that there’s one good thing that happens when a hearing ends (referring to alcohol)…and then he drinks. Apparently, all the scholars, as a way of reconciling, go and get drunk. When M tries to take a drink, G takes the drink from him.
M: What do you think you’re doing?
G: Your wound…it hasn’t healed properly yet. (so no alcohol for M while M’s healing…how sweet LOL)
K: (enters the room) Did you know? I just heard that L left school.
G: Didn’t he simply request permission to leave for his engagement? What’s he up to? Surely he didn’t get offended/hurt by what I said to him?
K: The engagement…it’s set for tomorrow, huh? If he left without a word to his seniors, so much for his manners and moral code. He really is useless as a human being. (loose translation)
G: (observing K leave the room) LSJ, what’s he thinking?
M pauses at the door of his room. (Ack! He’s to spend the night with K…just the two of them! Do I hear hiccups LOL) He sits down on the porch outside his room while inside the room, K slumps down to the floor in despair.
Meanwhile, L is walking and recalling his last conversation with G when G asked him if he was happy. “You can’t even lie now.” Soondol teases L that if he can’t fall asleep the night before his engagement, he’s not going to be able to fall asleep for a fortnight when he gets married. Laughing uproariously over his own joke, Soondol finally collects himself when he notices that L’s not laughing. He tells L that his dad is looking for him. Inside his dad’s room, L’s father gives him a rundown of the events but stops and asks if L’s paying any attention. L starts to pay attention. L’s father continues and says that he’s discussed with the ByungPan plans to quickly follow the engagement with the wedding ceremony. Once L is married into the ByungPan’s family, BP will become a great strength to L in his future prospects, establish a strong family line, etc. L asks his father in a serious tone if the father is happy having lived his life in this way. L’s dad merely laughs and replies that L’s question doesn’t even deserve an answer when L presses his father for an answer. The dad says that he can’t believe that type of question, which is better suited for the mouths of lower people, would be uttered from the only son of such a prominent L family as theirs. He has never wasted a moment thinking about such a useless/pointless question like that.
The morning bell clangs and scholars rush to their classes. K stops by a tree and remembers how she strengthened her arm for the archery tournament while seated next to L. Inside the classroom, the scholars are commenting about L’s departure from SKK and saying that he’s such a rude guy for not even saying goodbye to them. One scholar repeats the rumors that L’s getting married, that he’s planning on going to study in a remote village up in the mountains. Another says that they really won’t have any cause to see L anymore then. The sunglassed scholar says that other than at an exam setting, they probably won’t ever see him again. Spotting K, they ask her if L didn’t say any word to her as well. Upset, she stalks out of the room only to be stopped by M outside the classroom, who wonders what’s happened to cause her to rush off like that.
Hyo-eun pretties herself for her upcoming engagement ceremony. She tells her maid to hurry because L’s going to be coming soon. When the maid says that L’s going to think she’s pretty, Hyo-eun asks for confirmation that L will really think of her like that. She declares that she’s going to be the perfect wife for L.
Outside her house, K watches for L from a corner. Soondol, carrying the engagement present/dowry from L’s family to Hyo-eun’s family, accompanies L. At the door, L stops and turns to see K. K quickly hides and then peeks out from her tree only to be spotted by L again. She again hides and after a few moments comes out from behind the tree to get a glimpse of L again. However, L has approached the tree by this time and talks to K.
L: I was right. I thought I was hallucinating.
K: What a coincidence?! (nervous laugh) What brings you here? I was on my way to the bookseller’s because he sent a message for me this morning to come see him.
L: The bookseller’s…(I can’t decipher what he says about the bookseller’s)
K: I see this type of lie doesn’t pass your notice. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for what you did at the hearing. Well, I thought we should at least say goodbye to each other. (L remains silent). Thinking that this may be our last time…that I won’t ever see you again…I wanted to see you just one more time. That’s why I was waiting for you. As your bosom-buddy/friend, as your roommate, or even as just one of the many people you pass on the road…however you may think of me, I just wanted to see you, LSJ, one last time. Now that I’ve seen you, everything’s all right.
L: Today, it would have been better for you to not have come.
K: Did I do something wrong again?
L: Leave. Let’s never see each other again.
K tears up and L swiftly walks away from her and into Hyo-eun’s house. K walks away, wiping her tears. L pauses as he’s about to open Hyo-eun’s door. Entering, L sees a pretty Hyo-eun, who runs to embrace him and says that she’s been waiting her whole life for him and that she’ll strive to become a perfect wife for him. L had promised that he would try his best for her…she will put all her trust in that promise. L puts her hands and says that he’s afraid he won’t be able to keep that promise. He quickly leaves the house, encounters the ByungPan on his way out, but continues onward until he locates K in the marketplace.
L: (grabbing her by the shoulders) I…like you, Kim Yoon Shik. In the past, if there wasn’t a road, I didn’t travel…if something wasn’t right, I didn’t do it…I thought the world revolved around law and justice…however, I’ve started to like you, a man. This is the reason why I cannot have you as a friend or a roommate. Because by your side, I don’t have the courage to deceive myself and continue to live like this with you. Don’t worry, KYS. I won’t do anything to hurt you. Because of my heart/feelings, I will not allow you to be ostracized by society. This is the last time I’ll appear before you. As of now, this is all I can do for you.
With tears flowing freely from his eyes, he walks away, leaving K silently stunned and with tears in her eyes.
Hyo-eun pretends that she’s sick and worries that she’s ruined the engagement because she got sick. Her father, unaware that L broke off the engagement, says that even if he has to get on his knees and apologize to L’s father, he’ll make sure that the engagement continues. She should just take care of herself. When HIS enters the room, BP tells HIS to just let his sister get some rest. HIS asks what happened. BP explains that Hyo-eun collapsed from a cold and that L went to get a doctor. BP says that since it was his child’s fault, he’s embarrassed to show his face before L’s father. HIS points out to his father that if L went to seek a doctor, it's odd that no such doctor has arrived at their house nor has L come to visit his sick betrothed. HIS suggests that either L doesn’t honor his in-laws or there’s something that only the two of those betrothed know.
Hyo-eun jerks up from her rest, and the maid tells her to lie down. If she’s not careful, she’ll be found out to be pretending. Hyo-eun says that she can’t believe that he wants to break off the engagement. She flashbacks to her discussion with L.
L: This promise…it looks like I won’t be able to keep it. Will you break off the engagement from your end?
H: Have I done something wrong? Whatever it is, I’ll fix it.
L: The fault is entirely on my end. And so, the one who doesn’t have a right to this engagement is me. Unlike normal men, I cannot give my heart to a woman.
H: (stands up in frustration) L is really cruel. How can he dislike me so much? He tries to break off the engagement with a non-existent excuse. (Maid tries to reason with her). I can’t break off the engagement like this. He won’t be able to break off the engagement first.
Back at L’s house, the dad asks L if Hyo-eun’s illness was serious. L looks stunned. The dad announces that rather than reschedule/postpone the engagement, the parents have decided to move up the wedding date. L asks if Hyo-eun didn’t say anything, that they had decided to break off the engagement. L’s dad explodes and demands, “Break off the engagement?!” L’s dad reminds him that this engagement business all started because of L’s rash actions (carrying Hyo-eun off in front of her dad’s friends) and that he must take responsibility. Does his dad have to reevaulate his opinion of his son? L apologizes but claims that breaking off the engagement is actually the best way he can take responsibility for the situation. He will not go through with the engagement.
L returns to his room and finds Soondol packing his belongings. Soondol tells L to get some rest since they have a long trip ahead of them tomorrow. Soondol leaves after telling L that his mom’s looking for him. L picks up his robe on which K had written a sassy comment during their first exam. Soondol asks L’s dad if he’s asking about K. L’s dad questions Soondol if L and K met each other before L entered Hyo-eun’s house. Soondol confirms this and adds that K is L’s roommate. Dad asks, “Roommate?” Soondol elaborates and says that K is also the one that L worked to get K into SKK. He adds that “fate is fate” (meaning their relationship is destined/fated). Dad asks for clarification that L got K to take the test, and Soondol unknowingly recounts the story of how L convinced K to take the exam because her talent was too precious to waste. Soondol starts to laugh and then collects himself to tell the dad that L and K have a lot of history together. The dad asks if Soondol said the roommate’s name was Kim Yoon Shik. Soondol confirms that it is scholar Kim Yoon Shik. (L’s dad is aware of KYS’s lineage) There’s a flashback of the time when he asked the headmaster of KYS’s lineage only to be told that KYS is the son of Prof. Kim. L’s dad mutters to himself what kind of ill fate this is.
K listlessly walks through the library stacks. Sitting down at a desk, she recalls L telling her that he likes her and that because of his emotions, he would not have her be pointed at by society and that this will be the last time he appears before her.
K: (placing her hands over her heart) I must be getting punished…for the sin of living life the way I want without any regard for society’s rules. (sighs)
M: (sits next to her) What’s so serious? Rather than worry, shall we just leave this place?
K: Sahyung! May I ask you one question? (M grabs a chair and sits down, resting his arms on the chair’s back). These books here in the library, you said that you read them all. (M smiles) Then in a situation like this, what is the correct answer? I lied to someone, and because of my lie, that person is now carrying a heavy burden…enough to give up on a dream/goal that he’s been dreaming of for a long time.
M: And so?
K: I want to tell him the truth…that he can put down his heavy burden…but I fear that it’s too late…that he won’t be able to forgive. I’m afraid. What should I do?
M: What’s there to worry? Just go and tell him the truth. Say, "I’ve done something wrong, and I’m sorry." Just as you’re showing me your heart, do the same with him.
K: The lie that I’ve told, it’s so huge and grave that he probably won’t be able to forgive me easily. If I tell the truth, he may turn his back on me forever. I’m afraid.
M: This person…is he someone that you like?
K: That’s….
M: Who is it? Chosun? (K smiles weakly. M walks away but looks back to find K holding her heart.)
Headmaster examines a map and then announces that he has decided on the next trip location for the school (the place that L is reported to be at). G challenges the location and says that it’s not fashionable to go to a mountainous place like that these days for a school trip. The headmaster asks where G would suggest. G says that a simple mat in a courtesan’s house/place would be heaven for any scholar. (LOL) Headmaster protests and insists on Walchusa as the location. The servant lets it be known that LSJ is at Walchusa and that it’s the headmaster’s ploy to have the scholars go there to try to entice L to rejoin SKK. If L sees his fellow scholars/friends, he’ll be tempted to reenter SKK. The headmaster says that it’s merely a heart of a teacher wanting to lead his student back to safety. G agrees to designate Walchusa as their school trip location, saying that he has wanted to see L, too.
Up at the mountain (Walchusa) in his room, L stares blindly ahead as his hands slowly flip page after page. Soondol, on his knees, looks on at his young master’s odd behavior. At night, L sits numbly in the dark. In the daylight, Soondol plays Korean checkers with a mindless L. Then during mealtime, Soondol watches in puzzlement as L merely stirs his lunch.
The King tells L’s father that he heard L left SKK. He reminds L’s father that sending L to SKK was a royal command and that at first chance, L’s father should call his son back to SKK. He plans on waiting for L. (They’re playing Korean chess). L’s father confesses that because L’s such a pursuer of learning, the dad hasn’t been able to find a way to convince his son to return. ByungPan adds that L’s merely trying to study more in order to prepare himself to follow in his father’s footsteps as a servant of the country. The King says that he’s planning on fulfilling his role as a dutiful son himself by planning to move the capital city as his deceased father planned.. He then checks L’s dad in the game of chess. (LOL...smart King)
ByungPan rants and raves about what the king intends to do, saying that moving the capital would mean abandoning the Noron faction. L’s father calmly says that this is possible if the King finds the book. BP repeats that the book disappeared (was burned) 10 years ago along with the two people who were responsible for its transport (M’s brother and K’s dad). "It’s gone forever. You (L's father) know this better than anyone else." Ignoring BP’s panic, L’s father calmly states that they need to plant one of their own people with the King, someone that the king implicitly trusts (meaning L).
The king says that he plans on waiting until L returns, that it won’t be too late even if they wait. His closest advisor protests and says that the king knows every second counts right now, that it’s crucial they find the book as soon as possible. He reminds the king that L is the son of his political enemy. The king counters this remark by saying that this is precisely why he needs L. What King wants to recover is not simply the book but the future of his country. Unless he can win over the son of the Noron leader, this fight will never end.
The scholars sing and celebrate in excitement for the trip to Walchusa…they’re excited that they get to play to their hearts’ content!
Headmaster gives G the charge to bring L back at all cost. When G wonders if he can, the headmaster heaps praises upon G saying that he, above anyone else, will be able to accomplish this feat. G, spotting K and M, says that he must take his leave and plan his strategy. The headmaster calls after G, “I’ll leave it all in your hands!”
G: (putting his arms around K and M) Daemul! You’re still feeling down? Rather than going to play, you look like a cow being led to slaughter. (Tenderly to M) Oh, Gul-oh, be careful of your head. (LOL! Always looking out for M!) Lighten up! (referring to K) Even M, who has never gone on a school trip, is coming to try to cheer you up. (M shoves G’s face in an attempt to shut him up.)
M: Are you going to spout nonsense so early in the morning!
G: I’ve prepared something, too! It’s OK to anticipate. Let’s play!
The scholars cook, play, bathe, etc. The old scholar says “kids are kids” at which point the younger scholars splash him with water. The Soron group asks K why he’s simply sitting there like a picture. K should join them in the stream. K stammers and says that she’s OK. The Soron leader says that K must be hiding something, that in reality…he…can’t swim. K quickly agrees that it’s true she can’t swim. When the others say it’s OK, that they’ll teach her, that she should join them, she repeats again that she’s all right where she is. She looks panicked and becomes relieved when the Soron leader lets up and says OK. She quickly grabs a book and pretends to read. IBC and his friend observe the scene and speculate that something seems amiss. If K is truly a man, she wouldn’t be afraid of getting wet. The friend agrees shakily that he’s not afraid to get in the water. IBC continues that K definitely is avoiding getting in the water because she can’t take off her clothes in front of the other scholars. The friend sputters, “Surely, K’s not…?” IBC firmly states that K is HBS! (LOL). The friend says that if they capture HBS while HIS is away, then HIS would be extremely pleased with them. IBC says, “Let’s capture HBS!”
The other scholars are getting crazy in their play and freedom. M takes a roasted potato over to K (so sweet!) As K reaches for it, M jerks it away to blow at it. Noticing her gaze, M explains that he’s blowing on it to cool it. K comments that M will most definitely be a wonderful/kind husband (ah, if you only knew! LOL). At this, M mutters to himself. K splits open the potato and gets some on her cheek. When M reaches over to dust it off, she backs away. Feeling self-conscious, M wonders where G has gone off to and turns to look for his friend.
G is seated at a table with courtesans and demands a hand (Soondol’s). He places money in Soondol’s hand and says that all he has to do is call L out of his room. Soondol asks if G can truly heal L from his illness. G confidently says yes, that he has the medicine for L’s sickness.
Soondol barges into L’s room and says that his mother has come looking for him. L, looking tired and surprised at the same time, questions that his mother would come to see him without first sending word. Soondol tells L that something huge has happened at home and that he should come outside quickly.
The three scholars tease K about how she shouldn’t be reading at a place like this. She needs to be in the water. She quickly runs away. Hiding behind a rock, IBC says that he plans on drenching K in the water and the friend says that he plans on taking K’s clothes off. They then follow K while the rest of the scholars wonder why IBC and friend are following K. However, they quickly decide to get more alcohol and forget all about them. Meanwhile, M comes back and sees K’s book and asks if anyone’s seen K. The scholars reply that they saw K go off with IBC and his friend. M looks worried.
Soondol tells L to hurry, and L questions whether his mother has truly come this way from home. Hugging L's waist, Soondol declares aloud to no one in particular that he would rather go to hell if it means that he can heal L of his sickness. L asks what this is all about. Soondol confesses that the SKK scholars have come this way and that one of them said to bring him out here if he wanted to heal L of his sickness. L tells him that he’s done a foolish/useless thing and turns back. Soondol says that this is the right place, that K is over there. He compliments himself and says that he’s found the right place. L, startled, drinks in the sight of K, who has yet to see him. L doesn’t notice IBC and his friend, and tells Soondol, “Let’s leave. They have nothing to do with me now.” K sits down on a boulder, M frantically searches for K, L stops in his tracks and tells Soondol to go home before him. As IBC and his friend try to push K into the water, M stops them. K, sensing something’s up, gets up quickly from the rock but drops a shoe. L sees the floating shoe and starts yelling for K (thinking that she may have fallen into the water). Searching high and low, he finally spots K. Rushing toward her, L embraces her.
L: It’s no use, KYS. No matter how hard I try, I keep searching for you. So now it’s your turn. Run away from me, KYS.
K: Wait. You should listen to my answer before leaving. (L turns back and as K runs toward him, she trips and falls into the stream. L jumps in after her and carries her out.)
L: KYS! KYS! Wake up! (He unbuttons her top and stops as he sees a woman’s torso.)
Episode 16 Preview:
L: You’re asking me to let you go/return like this?
M: Where has that guy (K) gone? What?
G: Verify for yourself directly.
Etc.
OK. I can’t believe it’s already past 4:30 a.m.! I must really love you guys! LOL. Hope the wait was worthwhile. I’m off to get what sleep I can before a long day tomorrow...or rather today. Needless to say, I do not think I will be waking up at my usual time this morning to recap episode 16. I’ll try to summarize/recap episode 16 once I get back from work later this evening…geez, I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday morning! LOL
Anyhow, here’s today’s/yesterday's episode. Normally, I would wait until Thursday or Friday to watch the episodes if things get this crazy, but I felt a certain urgency to watch and summarize tonight before heading off to bed, perhaps because I knew my SKKS friends were waiting. :) Enjoy!
HIS = Ha In Soo (school president), K = Kim Yoon Shik, L = Lee Sun Joon, M = Moon Jae Shin, G = Goo Yong Ha, IBC = Yes-man (LOL my nickname for the guy still cracks me up)
HIS delivers a speech about how same-sexed relationships at SKK cannot exist and such. G looks bored as HIS tries to be self-important and declares that homosexuality within the walls of SKK would dirty the school’s name and so K and M, if found guilty of their charge, would have their names stricken from SKK records forever. He asks them one last time if the charges are true. K denies it and asks them to believe their innocence. When HIS asks her to reveal exactly what happened that night and K only stammers, HIS says they have no alternative but to listen to an eye-witness testimony. L steps forward. HIS asks L if he saw K and M that night.
HIS: Isn’t it true that they are homosexuals?
L: The homosexual…is me. (Chaos ensues)
HIS: What did you just say?
L: The homosexual is me.
Headmaster: LSJ is gay? Did he just confess with his own mouth that he’s gay? (Claiming that he knew L would create an accident of some kind sooner or later and fearing what L’s dad would say, the headmaster leaves. Prof. Yu wonders at the possibility of homosexuals at SKK, and not just one homosexual but several. Meanwhile, Prof. Jung merely drinks his tea and laughs. Prof. Yu demands how Prof. Jung could even laugh at a time like this. Prof. Jung chuckles and says that LSJ is an interesting fellow. The more he gets to know him, the funnier/more interesting LSJ becomes. He then suggests to Prof. Yu that rather than waiting here for the verdict, they should go observe the proceedings as well.)
L: That night at the storeroom, I was also with K and M. Therefore, if M and K are homosexuals, then it’s only logical that I am a homosexual as well. (Other scholars react to his announcement and G nods in agreement to the logic.)
HIS: Do you realize what you are confessing right now? With your own mouth, you are acknowledging that you are a homosexual. You have no defense if your name is erased.
L: If that is the law, then there’s nothing I can do. (Basic gist is that HIS asks if L plans on extricating his friends with this type of flimsy defense. At this L continues that there were other witnesses (referring to the three scholars) that night to verify his presence at the storeroom with K and M. He names them. HIS demands if this is true. L then asks why he wasn’t included in the rumors/accusations along with K and M. L concludes that it is because the rumors/accusations aren’t true. At this piece of logic, the other scholars at the hearing start to wonder if the rumors/accusations are actually true. L continues and asks if the accusers actually saw with their own eyes the inappropriate behavior of K and M. One scholar says that he didn’t but that he heard from another scholar and points to a classmate. This classmate stammers that he didn’t and points to the three scholars and says that those scholars said M and K were gay. G looks on in amusement as L continues his questioning. L then pointedly asks the three scholars if they actually saw at which point the three scholars quickly shake their heads in unison. HIS doesn’t look too thrilled that such an open-shut case is turning toward proving K and M’s innocence. L asks the entire student body/council if affection between men is such a bad thing. One of the council members tries to defend their actions, but L cuts him off and asks if he isn’t right. He says that there’s nothing disgraceful about cherishing a friend. Citing a Chinese proverb, L berates the council—scholars who should be following and upholding wisdom/truth—and says that it’s disgraceful and unwise to only see what they want to see and believe only what they want to believe and not even consider the truth. And when those very people irresponsibly throw innocent people into turmoil and only laugh in enjoyment without realizing their sin, they cannot be called true scholars. (ugh…I’m cutting his speech short. You guys get the gist) L concludes that no one has the right to point fingers when one person merely likes another person. "If that is the road to becoming an unwise scholar/twisted person, then I would rather choose the road to be a homosexual, too." At this, G smiles and mutters to himself, “So that’s how it is, Sun Joon.”
The headmaster and professors, in relief, reenter their office. The servant asks if this means that L is not gay. The professors say that it appears so, and the headmaster says that it seems as though the charges will be dismissed.
HIS asks L if he thinks this is the end. Looking around the room, HIS asks K and M that he will once more ask them what they were doing that night at the storeroom, all alone that late at night. K looks nervous. HIS continues that that was the very night that HBS was reported to have jumped the walls of SKK. HBS was wounded and probably in search of a place where he could attend to his wound. As such, he probably went to the storeroom, a suitable place for his needs. There, he probably encountered K and M who were reported to be in an embrace. At this, L flashbacks to the scene he had walked in on in which K was leaning over M as though the two were going to kiss. HIS asks if HBS is the reason why they cannot freely discuss what happened that night at the storeroom. L’s voice is heard as he asks K to tell him what happened that night at the storeroom; scenes of K covering her tracks and leaning over M are seen. K says that it’s for M’s sake, so can’t L just believe her and help her. (L is starting to suspect the truth…that M is HBS.) The scholars start wondering if K is HBS. HIS coldly states that he gave K and M enough time to clear their names. He, with the authority vested to him by his position as student body president, demand that they take off their clothes to prove their innocence. At this, everyone, especially K is stunned. G looks worried since he already knows even without solid proof that K is a girl. M asks if HIS will be content with just M taking off his clothes (my previous suspicion from episode 14 proved correct after all). Isn’t that what HIS was after from the very beginning. K protests and G joins in on trying to stop M. At this moment, L turns to HIS and says that HIS must answer M’s question. Did HIS, from the very start, intend on using these false allegations of homosexuality merely as an excuse to try to uncover the identity of HBS? L points out that HIS just acknowledged before the student body that he never really believed in the accusations of K and M being gay. L continues on that these hearings are closed to the politicians and everyone else, including the King, because SKK councils were never to be used to influence politics or other agendas. That’s why only the student body president has power over the proceedings, and yet HIS has just demonstrated before them that he knowingly violated that rule. If M were to take off his clothes and there was no wound on him, then HIS must be prepared to suffer the consequences of his actions. The other scholars agree. The leader of the Soron faction then asks HIS directly if he opened the proceedings knowing that the homosexuality accusations were false. The council gets upset and asks HIS to admit the truth. L says that if HIS agrees to dismiss the charges, then the other scholars will overlook/forgive HIS’s mistake. G interjects and asks why they should stop. He smugly suggests, “Let’s finish what we started and take M’s clothes off. (such a great ploy, G!) The other scholars start arguing to stop the hearing. L looks to HIS and says that he’ll understand this as HIS’s dismissal of the case. G then stands and declares that there is still something left for them to do. The judgment of innocence or guilt is not given for the student body president to decide; it is the responsibility of the student body. How will they vote in the matter of K and M? The scholars all, including IBC and friend, vote innocent. G asks HIS to declare the results of the voting. HIS, with clenched teeth, announce that K and M have been found innocent, much to the relief of K and M.
As L leaves the hearing, he mutters to himself, “You’re pathetic. Exactly what were you thinking to misunderstand the situation (K and M in the storeroom) like that?” L walks away and K steps out of the building in search of L. Awaiting K, the three scholars who were primarily responsible for spreading the rumor profusely apologize. Meanwhile, M looks at K and seems to want to talk with her but merely watches from afar as she obviously searches for L. When the scholars ask if she’s now going to ignore them, she abruptly asks if they saw L. “He was here until just a moment ago. You really haven’t seen him?” M observes and the three scholars vigorously (and comically) shake their heads. She looks crestfallen and M smiles ruefully to himself as her interest in L becomes more obvious to him. (Poor M!)
Sitting alone in the darkened hearing room, HIS broods silently.
L is dressed in civilian clothes and about to leave SKK when G approaches him.
G: It was quite the event to hear such an upright man like L say he was a homosexual.
L: I was merely….
G: Ah yes, you were merely upholding what was right, correct? If you were really upholding truth, you shouldn’t have lied. Saying that you were with K and M all that time at the storeroom was a lie…a lie that is unlike you.
L: Did you know the events of that night, too?
G: (He merely ponders in a teasing tone what could have possibly prompted such a promising scholar to risk such a bright future) What could it have been? (L walks away while G follows) I hear you are getting engaged tomorrow. And to HIS’s sister. Was it because you needed someone who suited your family pedigree? (referring to L's choice of Hyo-eun as his mate) Or was it because you just needed someone…as though you were running away from something. Even so, are you happy, Garang? Look here, look here. You can’t even lie right now. How do you plan on continuing to lie? For whose sake are you doing this? (G knows the answers to these rhetorical questions, the little stinker! LOL)
The headmaster is in a frenzy over the news that L plans on leaving SKK. He rants and raves about how it’s merely the emotions of a young man and that he’s surprised Prof. Yu would accept this so easily. Didn’t he ever get fed up with school and say that he was going to quit? Prof. Yu emphatically declares that he never did that in his youth, a declaration which immediately silences the headmaster. Prof. Yu continues that L is not a foolish young scholar but one who is at least able to think carefully before he acts. The headmaster still refuses to accept this and plans on directly meeting L to convince him otherwise. While Prof. Jung thinks about the meaning of L’s withdrawal from SKK, a servant adds that he heard L plans on studying at another place (a remote place up in the mountains). All look shocked.
K pretends to be reading at the library while she keeps an eye out for L. Some scholars sheepishly avoid her (in shame for having accused her). When a servant comes to announce the closing of the library, K asks if he’s seen L. The servant replies by asking if she hasn’t heard the news.
Back in G’s room, G says that there’s one good thing that happens when a hearing ends (referring to alcohol)…and then he drinks. Apparently, all the scholars, as a way of reconciling, go and get drunk. When M tries to take a drink, G takes the drink from him.
M: What do you think you’re doing?
G: Your wound…it hasn’t healed properly yet. (so no alcohol for M while M’s healing…how sweet LOL)
K: (enters the room) Did you know? I just heard that L left school.
G: Didn’t he simply request permission to leave for his engagement? What’s he up to? Surely he didn’t get offended/hurt by what I said to him?
K: The engagement…it’s set for tomorrow, huh? If he left without a word to his seniors, so much for his manners and moral code. He really is useless as a human being. (loose translation)
G: (observing K leave the room) LSJ, what’s he thinking?
M pauses at the door of his room. (Ack! He’s to spend the night with K…just the two of them! Do I hear hiccups LOL) He sits down on the porch outside his room while inside the room, K slumps down to the floor in despair.
Meanwhile, L is walking and recalling his last conversation with G when G asked him if he was happy. “You can’t even lie now.” Soondol teases L that if he can’t fall asleep the night before his engagement, he’s not going to be able to fall asleep for a fortnight when he gets married. Laughing uproariously over his own joke, Soondol finally collects himself when he notices that L’s not laughing. He tells L that his dad is looking for him. Inside his dad’s room, L’s father gives him a rundown of the events but stops and asks if L’s paying any attention. L starts to pay attention. L’s father continues and says that he’s discussed with the ByungPan plans to quickly follow the engagement with the wedding ceremony. Once L is married into the ByungPan’s family, BP will become a great strength to L in his future prospects, establish a strong family line, etc. L asks his father in a serious tone if the father is happy having lived his life in this way. L’s dad merely laughs and replies that L’s question doesn’t even deserve an answer when L presses his father for an answer. The dad says that he can’t believe that type of question, which is better suited for the mouths of lower people, would be uttered from the only son of such a prominent L family as theirs. He has never wasted a moment thinking about such a useless/pointless question like that.
The morning bell clangs and scholars rush to their classes. K stops by a tree and remembers how she strengthened her arm for the archery tournament while seated next to L. Inside the classroom, the scholars are commenting about L’s departure from SKK and saying that he’s such a rude guy for not even saying goodbye to them. One scholar repeats the rumors that L’s getting married, that he’s planning on going to study in a remote village up in the mountains. Another says that they really won’t have any cause to see L anymore then. The sunglassed scholar says that other than at an exam setting, they probably won’t ever see him again. Spotting K, they ask her if L didn’t say any word to her as well. Upset, she stalks out of the room only to be stopped by M outside the classroom, who wonders what’s happened to cause her to rush off like that.
Hyo-eun pretties herself for her upcoming engagement ceremony. She tells her maid to hurry because L’s going to be coming soon. When the maid says that L’s going to think she’s pretty, Hyo-eun asks for confirmation that L will really think of her like that. She declares that she’s going to be the perfect wife for L.
Outside her house, K watches for L from a corner. Soondol, carrying the engagement present/dowry from L’s family to Hyo-eun’s family, accompanies L. At the door, L stops and turns to see K. K quickly hides and then peeks out from her tree only to be spotted by L again. She again hides and after a few moments comes out from behind the tree to get a glimpse of L again. However, L has approached the tree by this time and talks to K.
L: I was right. I thought I was hallucinating.
K: What a coincidence?! (nervous laugh) What brings you here? I was on my way to the bookseller’s because he sent a message for me this morning to come see him.
L: The bookseller’s…(I can’t decipher what he says about the bookseller’s)
K: I see this type of lie doesn’t pass your notice. I didn’t get a chance to thank you for what you did at the hearing. Well, I thought we should at least say goodbye to each other. (L remains silent). Thinking that this may be our last time…that I won’t ever see you again…I wanted to see you just one more time. That’s why I was waiting for you. As your bosom-buddy/friend, as your roommate, or even as just one of the many people you pass on the road…however you may think of me, I just wanted to see you, LSJ, one last time. Now that I’ve seen you, everything’s all right.
L: Today, it would have been better for you to not have come.
K: Did I do something wrong again?
L: Leave. Let’s never see each other again.
K tears up and L swiftly walks away from her and into Hyo-eun’s house. K walks away, wiping her tears. L pauses as he’s about to open Hyo-eun’s door. Entering, L sees a pretty Hyo-eun, who runs to embrace him and says that she’s been waiting her whole life for him and that she’ll strive to become a perfect wife for him. L had promised that he would try his best for her…she will put all her trust in that promise. L puts her hands and says that he’s afraid he won’t be able to keep that promise. He quickly leaves the house, encounters the ByungPan on his way out, but continues onward until he locates K in the marketplace.
L: (grabbing her by the shoulders) I…like you, Kim Yoon Shik. In the past, if there wasn’t a road, I didn’t travel…if something wasn’t right, I didn’t do it…I thought the world revolved around law and justice…however, I’ve started to like you, a man. This is the reason why I cannot have you as a friend or a roommate. Because by your side, I don’t have the courage to deceive myself and continue to live like this with you. Don’t worry, KYS. I won’t do anything to hurt you. Because of my heart/feelings, I will not allow you to be ostracized by society. This is the last time I’ll appear before you. As of now, this is all I can do for you.
With tears flowing freely from his eyes, he walks away, leaving K silently stunned and with tears in her eyes.
Hyo-eun pretends that she’s sick and worries that she’s ruined the engagement because she got sick. Her father, unaware that L broke off the engagement, says that even if he has to get on his knees and apologize to L’s father, he’ll make sure that the engagement continues. She should just take care of herself. When HIS enters the room, BP tells HIS to just let his sister get some rest. HIS asks what happened. BP explains that Hyo-eun collapsed from a cold and that L went to get a doctor. BP says that since it was his child’s fault, he’s embarrassed to show his face before L’s father. HIS points out to his father that if L went to seek a doctor, it's odd that no such doctor has arrived at their house nor has L come to visit his sick betrothed. HIS suggests that either L doesn’t honor his in-laws or there’s something that only the two of those betrothed know.
Hyo-eun jerks up from her rest, and the maid tells her to lie down. If she’s not careful, she’ll be found out to be pretending. Hyo-eun says that she can’t believe that he wants to break off the engagement. She flashbacks to her discussion with L.
L: This promise…it looks like I won’t be able to keep it. Will you break off the engagement from your end?
H: Have I done something wrong? Whatever it is, I’ll fix it.
L: The fault is entirely on my end. And so, the one who doesn’t have a right to this engagement is me. Unlike normal men, I cannot give my heart to a woman.
H: (stands up in frustration) L is really cruel. How can he dislike me so much? He tries to break off the engagement with a non-existent excuse. (Maid tries to reason with her). I can’t break off the engagement like this. He won’t be able to break off the engagement first.
Back at L’s house, the dad asks L if Hyo-eun’s illness was serious. L looks stunned. The dad announces that rather than reschedule/postpone the engagement, the parents have decided to move up the wedding date. L asks if Hyo-eun didn’t say anything, that they had decided to break off the engagement. L’s dad explodes and demands, “Break off the engagement?!” L’s dad reminds him that this engagement business all started because of L’s rash actions (carrying Hyo-eun off in front of her dad’s friends) and that he must take responsibility. Does his dad have to reevaulate his opinion of his son? L apologizes but claims that breaking off the engagement is actually the best way he can take responsibility for the situation. He will not go through with the engagement.
L returns to his room and finds Soondol packing his belongings. Soondol tells L to get some rest since they have a long trip ahead of them tomorrow. Soondol leaves after telling L that his mom’s looking for him. L picks up his robe on which K had written a sassy comment during their first exam. Soondol asks L’s dad if he’s asking about K. L’s dad questions Soondol if L and K met each other before L entered Hyo-eun’s house. Soondol confirms this and adds that K is L’s roommate. Dad asks, “Roommate?” Soondol elaborates and says that K is also the one that L worked to get K into SKK. He adds that “fate is fate” (meaning their relationship is destined/fated). Dad asks for clarification that L got K to take the test, and Soondol unknowingly recounts the story of how L convinced K to take the exam because her talent was too precious to waste. Soondol starts to laugh and then collects himself to tell the dad that L and K have a lot of history together. The dad asks if Soondol said the roommate’s name was Kim Yoon Shik. Soondol confirms that it is scholar Kim Yoon Shik. (L’s dad is aware of KYS’s lineage) There’s a flashback of the time when he asked the headmaster of KYS’s lineage only to be told that KYS is the son of Prof. Kim. L’s dad mutters to himself what kind of ill fate this is.
K listlessly walks through the library stacks. Sitting down at a desk, she recalls L telling her that he likes her and that because of his emotions, he would not have her be pointed at by society and that this will be the last time he appears before her.
K: (placing her hands over her heart) I must be getting punished…for the sin of living life the way I want without any regard for society’s rules. (sighs)
M: (sits next to her) What’s so serious? Rather than worry, shall we just leave this place?
K: Sahyung! May I ask you one question? (M grabs a chair and sits down, resting his arms on the chair’s back). These books here in the library, you said that you read them all. (M smiles) Then in a situation like this, what is the correct answer? I lied to someone, and because of my lie, that person is now carrying a heavy burden…enough to give up on a dream/goal that he’s been dreaming of for a long time.
M: And so?
K: I want to tell him the truth…that he can put down his heavy burden…but I fear that it’s too late…that he won’t be able to forgive. I’m afraid. What should I do?
M: What’s there to worry? Just go and tell him the truth. Say, "I’ve done something wrong, and I’m sorry." Just as you’re showing me your heart, do the same with him.
K: The lie that I’ve told, it’s so huge and grave that he probably won’t be able to forgive me easily. If I tell the truth, he may turn his back on me forever. I’m afraid.
M: This person…is he someone that you like?
K: That’s….
M: Who is it? Chosun? (K smiles weakly. M walks away but looks back to find K holding her heart.)
Headmaster examines a map and then announces that he has decided on the next trip location for the school (the place that L is reported to be at). G challenges the location and says that it’s not fashionable to go to a mountainous place like that these days for a school trip. The headmaster asks where G would suggest. G says that a simple mat in a courtesan’s house/place would be heaven for any scholar. (LOL) Headmaster protests and insists on Walchusa as the location. The servant lets it be known that LSJ is at Walchusa and that it’s the headmaster’s ploy to have the scholars go there to try to entice L to rejoin SKK. If L sees his fellow scholars/friends, he’ll be tempted to reenter SKK. The headmaster says that it’s merely a heart of a teacher wanting to lead his student back to safety. G agrees to designate Walchusa as their school trip location, saying that he has wanted to see L, too.
Up at the mountain (Walchusa) in his room, L stares blindly ahead as his hands slowly flip page after page. Soondol, on his knees, looks on at his young master’s odd behavior. At night, L sits numbly in the dark. In the daylight, Soondol plays Korean checkers with a mindless L. Then during mealtime, Soondol watches in puzzlement as L merely stirs his lunch.
The King tells L’s father that he heard L left SKK. He reminds L’s father that sending L to SKK was a royal command and that at first chance, L’s father should call his son back to SKK. He plans on waiting for L. (They’re playing Korean chess). L’s father confesses that because L’s such a pursuer of learning, the dad hasn’t been able to find a way to convince his son to return. ByungPan adds that L’s merely trying to study more in order to prepare himself to follow in his father’s footsteps as a servant of the country. The King says that he’s planning on fulfilling his role as a dutiful son himself by planning to move the capital city as his deceased father planned.. He then checks L’s dad in the game of chess. (LOL...smart King)
ByungPan rants and raves about what the king intends to do, saying that moving the capital would mean abandoning the Noron faction. L’s father calmly says that this is possible if the King finds the book. BP repeats that the book disappeared (was burned) 10 years ago along with the two people who were responsible for its transport (M’s brother and K’s dad). "It’s gone forever. You (L's father) know this better than anyone else." Ignoring BP’s panic, L’s father calmly states that they need to plant one of their own people with the King, someone that the king implicitly trusts (meaning L).
The king says that he plans on waiting until L returns, that it won’t be too late even if they wait. His closest advisor protests and says that the king knows every second counts right now, that it’s crucial they find the book as soon as possible. He reminds the king that L is the son of his political enemy. The king counters this remark by saying that this is precisely why he needs L. What King wants to recover is not simply the book but the future of his country. Unless he can win over the son of the Noron leader, this fight will never end.
The scholars sing and celebrate in excitement for the trip to Walchusa…they’re excited that they get to play to their hearts’ content!
Headmaster gives G the charge to bring L back at all cost. When G wonders if he can, the headmaster heaps praises upon G saying that he, above anyone else, will be able to accomplish this feat. G, spotting K and M, says that he must take his leave and plan his strategy. The headmaster calls after G, “I’ll leave it all in your hands!”
G: (putting his arms around K and M) Daemul! You’re still feeling down? Rather than going to play, you look like a cow being led to slaughter. (Tenderly to M) Oh, Gul-oh, be careful of your head. (LOL! Always looking out for M!) Lighten up! (referring to K) Even M, who has never gone on a school trip, is coming to try to cheer you up. (M shoves G’s face in an attempt to shut him up.)
M: Are you going to spout nonsense so early in the morning!
G: I’ve prepared something, too! It’s OK to anticipate. Let’s play!
The scholars cook, play, bathe, etc. The old scholar says “kids are kids” at which point the younger scholars splash him with water. The Soron group asks K why he’s simply sitting there like a picture. K should join them in the stream. K stammers and says that she’s OK. The Soron leader says that K must be hiding something, that in reality…he…can’t swim. K quickly agrees that it’s true she can’t swim. When the others say it’s OK, that they’ll teach her, that she should join them, she repeats again that she’s all right where she is. She looks panicked and becomes relieved when the Soron leader lets up and says OK. She quickly grabs a book and pretends to read. IBC and his friend observe the scene and speculate that something seems amiss. If K is truly a man, she wouldn’t be afraid of getting wet. The friend agrees shakily that he’s not afraid to get in the water. IBC continues that K definitely is avoiding getting in the water because she can’t take off her clothes in front of the other scholars. The friend sputters, “Surely, K’s not…?” IBC firmly states that K is HBS! (LOL). The friend says that if they capture HBS while HIS is away, then HIS would be extremely pleased with them. IBC says, “Let’s capture HBS!”
The other scholars are getting crazy in their play and freedom. M takes a roasted potato over to K (so sweet!) As K reaches for it, M jerks it away to blow at it. Noticing her gaze, M explains that he’s blowing on it to cool it. K comments that M will most definitely be a wonderful/kind husband (ah, if you only knew! LOL). At this, M mutters to himself. K splits open the potato and gets some on her cheek. When M reaches over to dust it off, she backs away. Feeling self-conscious, M wonders where G has gone off to and turns to look for his friend.
G is seated at a table with courtesans and demands a hand (Soondol’s). He places money in Soondol’s hand and says that all he has to do is call L out of his room. Soondol asks if G can truly heal L from his illness. G confidently says yes, that he has the medicine for L’s sickness.
Soondol barges into L’s room and says that his mother has come looking for him. L, looking tired and surprised at the same time, questions that his mother would come to see him without first sending word. Soondol tells L that something huge has happened at home and that he should come outside quickly.
The three scholars tease K about how she shouldn’t be reading at a place like this. She needs to be in the water. She quickly runs away. Hiding behind a rock, IBC says that he plans on drenching K in the water and the friend says that he plans on taking K’s clothes off. They then follow K while the rest of the scholars wonder why IBC and friend are following K. However, they quickly decide to get more alcohol and forget all about them. Meanwhile, M comes back and sees K’s book and asks if anyone’s seen K. The scholars reply that they saw K go off with IBC and his friend. M looks worried.
Soondol tells L to hurry, and L questions whether his mother has truly come this way from home. Hugging L's waist, Soondol declares aloud to no one in particular that he would rather go to hell if it means that he can heal L of his sickness. L asks what this is all about. Soondol confesses that the SKK scholars have come this way and that one of them said to bring him out here if he wanted to heal L of his sickness. L tells him that he’s done a foolish/useless thing and turns back. Soondol says that this is the right place, that K is over there. He compliments himself and says that he’s found the right place. L, startled, drinks in the sight of K, who has yet to see him. L doesn’t notice IBC and his friend, and tells Soondol, “Let’s leave. They have nothing to do with me now.” K sits down on a boulder, M frantically searches for K, L stops in his tracks and tells Soondol to go home before him. As IBC and his friend try to push K into the water, M stops them. K, sensing something’s up, gets up quickly from the rock but drops a shoe. L sees the floating shoe and starts yelling for K (thinking that she may have fallen into the water). Searching high and low, he finally spots K. Rushing toward her, L embraces her.
L: It’s no use, KYS. No matter how hard I try, I keep searching for you. So now it’s your turn. Run away from me, KYS.
K: Wait. You should listen to my answer before leaving. (L turns back and as K runs toward him, she trips and falls into the stream. L jumps in after her and carries her out.)
L: KYS! KYS! Wake up! (He unbuttons her top and stops as he sees a woman’s torso.)
Episode 16 Preview:
L: You’re asking me to let you go/return like this?
M: Where has that guy (K) gone? What?
G: Verify for yourself directly.
Etc.
OK. I can’t believe it’s already past 4:30 a.m.! I must really love you guys! LOL. Hope the wait was worthwhile. I’m off to get what sleep I can before a long day tomorrow...or rather today. Needless to say, I do not think I will be waking up at my usual time this morning to recap episode 16. I’ll try to summarize/recap episode 16 once I get back from work later this evening…geez, I can’t believe it’s already Tuesday morning! LOL
Monday, October 18, 2010
Link to SKKS episode 15
Here's the link to episode 15. :) Hope you enjoy!
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27116/11
I currently have guests over at my house and won't be able to watch and summarize as I had originally planned. Sorry...will try to get to it as soon as I can...my goal is to watch and summarize later tonight after work and the guests have gone to bed (past midnight California time).
http://joonmedia.net/videos/play/27116/11
I currently have guests over at my house and won't be able to watch and summarize as I had originally planned. Sorry...will try to get to it as soon as I can...my goal is to watch and summarize later tonight after work and the guests have gone to bed (past midnight California time).
Saturday, October 16, 2010
English Subs for SKKS Episodes!
Hi everyone!
Thanks to those of you who have been leaving me comments. I think I'm enjoying reading your comments these days more than I enjoy watching SKKS...how weird is that?! LOL.
Anyhow, I was thinking about the unfortunate situation with viikii tonight as I was about to fall asleep when I thought of www.mysoju.com. This is the site where I first learned of viikii.net. It's a database of numerous dramas and movies that are linked to various websites like viikii. In any case, I checked it out tonight and found that mysoju.com has replaced the problematic viikii files with new ones that actually have English subs! :) Currently, the site has episode 13 subbed. Below is the link for those of you who are still hungering to see the episodes with actual English subs. Enjoy!
http://www.mysoju.com/sungkyunkwan-scandal/
On a personal note, I'm surviving my midterms and staying on schedule, so...I should be able to have the summary for episode 15 up on Monday before I head out to work. Can't wait to see the brilliance of LSJ as he tries to extricate his two roommates from the false charge. And then of course, there's the much-anticipated waterfall scene...(sigh).
Thanks to those of you who have been leaving me comments. I think I'm enjoying reading your comments these days more than I enjoy watching SKKS...how weird is that?! LOL.
Anyhow, I was thinking about the unfortunate situation with viikii tonight as I was about to fall asleep when I thought of www.mysoju.com. This is the site where I first learned of viikii.net. It's a database of numerous dramas and movies that are linked to various websites like viikii. In any case, I checked it out tonight and found that mysoju.com has replaced the problematic viikii files with new ones that actually have English subs! :) Currently, the site has episode 13 subbed. Below is the link for those of you who are still hungering to see the episodes with actual English subs. Enjoy!
http://www.mysoju.com/sungkyunkwan-scandal/
On a personal note, I'm surviving my midterms and staying on schedule, so...I should be able to have the summary for episode 15 up on Monday before I head out to work. Can't wait to see the brilliance of LSJ as he tries to extricate his two roommates from the false charge. And then of course, there's the much-anticipated waterfall scene...(sigh).
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
SKKS episode 14 recap / summary
Wanted to share episode 14 with you all before I left for work...wrote as quickly as I could...enjoy!
RECAP of episode 13: M hides from the pursuing guards. K corners L in the library and asks him if this is all K was to L, that all the time they spent together was so meaningless that their friendship could dissolve over such an insignificant incident (referring to Chosun’s suggestion that K likes Hyo-eun). L tells K to listen carefully: ”I have no intentions of returning to our old relationship.” K runs away and comes across a wounded M disguised as HBS. HIS mutters, “So HBS has jumped the walls of SKK.” M, as he struggles to stand says, “I’ve survived.” K gasps as M reveals himself to her.
SUMMARY of episode 14: K=Kim Yoon Shik, M=Moon Jae Shin, L=Lee Sun Joon, G=Goo Yong Ha, and HIS=Ha In Soo (school president)
HIS and his guys search for HBS. IBC (yes-man) says that HBS couldn’t have gotten far since he’s wounded. L searches the grounds of SKK in order to apologize to K and is relieved when he sees K. However, this relief quickly turns to curiosity as he views her covering her tracks/footsteps from the path with a broom.
K quickly steps into the storeroom where a bleeding M is resting/leaning against a shelf. As she reaches to take care of his wound, he grabs her hand to prevent her from helping him.
M: It’s all right. You can go now. I can take care of myself now.
K: This is how you take care of yourself?! I had wondered who the pathetic HBS was (she had commented in ep. 13 that HBS was smart because of the beautiful writing but dumb because the people he was trying to reach were peasants who couldn’t read the level of his writing). I had no idea it was you! (As she opens his shirt, she’s taken aback by the gravity of his wound. M tries to smile.)
M: All your yelling was a bluff. This is how you react to a wound? It’s all right. I’m used to things like this (getting wounded).
K: (recovering from her shock) You’re the one full of bluff. (She proceeds to strip some of her garment to wrap it around a wincing M. As she tears up at how much pain M is enduring, M reaches over to wipe her tears only to double over in pain before he can do so.) Sahyung!
L enters the storeroom just as K is leaning over to see if M is all right and misunderstands the situation. He thinks that K and M are about to kiss. In disbelief, L quickly leaves and remains deep in thought. The three scholars come across L and wonder if L has come to study like them. Meanwhile, HIS and his gang are still searching for HBS and realize that the only place to hide at SKK at this hour is the storeroom.
Back at the storeroom, K frantically searches for anything to bind M’s wound and is startled to see G, who is holding a knife/fan to a blindfolded man.
G: Don’t worry. I’ve brought a doctor to treat his wound.
Meanwhile, HIS tells his gang that the moment they discover HBS, his men are to notify the guards immediately. They see a man stealthily running away and interrogate him. HIS’s gang barge into the storeroom but find it empty. However, the guy who’s always smiling finds a fan (belonging to G) and rejoices in his discovery with IBC. HIS and his gang wonder over the implication of G’s fan. HIS recalls what the doctor said when he questioned him, that he didn’t get to see the patient’s face but that the patient was definitely wounded.
HIS walks into G’s room and proceeds to tell G a “story” when G asks what he’s doing here so late at night. HIS tells G that he came across a doctor who was trying to leave SKK and that he found G’s fan in the storeroom. HIS asks G why his fan was in the storeroom. When G gets up and winces a bit in “pain,” HIS tries to open G’s garments, hoping to expose a wound. G straightens up from his joke and laughs. He asks HIS if he suspects that G is HBS. G says that he admits that HIS was funny today and that he hopes HIS will continue to amuse him like this in the future. As for the fan, he merely gave it to some of the servants, and he guesses that the fan made its way to the storeroom. As HIS turns to leave, G suggests that HIS give up his hide-and-seek and get some rest tonight since his brilliant mind isn’t working so well right now as a result of his wicked greed to quickly reestablish his rights and position as the student body president. HIS says he’ll return the favor and give G some advice as well. G says he welcomes advice anytime. HIS says that he’ll disregard G’s insolence this time, but the next time, he won’t take kindly to G’s mocking. As HIS and his gang leave, IBC speculates that HBS must be one of the other three then. They barge into the three’s room only to find it empty. IBC wonders where they could be at this hour. HBS couldn’t have gotten far, especially in his wounded state. HIS recalls his time in G’s room and says that the game of hide-and-seek is over. He walks back toward G’s room when he comes across Prof. Yu, who tells them that they are each being penalized 5 points. HIS argues that they need to find HBS, a criminal. Prof. Jung shows up and says that they should definitely find HBS. HIS leads everyone back to G’s room and uncovers G’s curtain/room partition against G’s protests. However, all HIS finds is G’s stash of erotica. G sits on his stack while the servants grab a book or two to read. G repeats to HIS that he told them he wasn’t HBS.
Prof. Jung reprimands HIS and his gang back in his room, saying that SKK is off limits to guards and such unless by direct command of the king. They shouldn’t go around accusing SKK scholars. SKK is a place of study and pursuit of knowledge. HIS interrupts and says that as student body president, he has rights. Prof. Jung agrees but also adds that those rights are, unfortunately, not available to HIS right now due to his probation. Prof. Jung sternly warns, “Listen to me, Scholar (not president) Ha In Soo. From this moment forward, you cannot exercise your rights as president toward any student here. If you violate this, I plan on sanctioning you and removing you from office.” HIS looks vengeful.
Back at G’s room, he declares to the “empty” room that it looks like HIS will not be bothering them anymore. He clears his stash of erotica and opens the door to a large cupboard that was hidden behind a curtain/tapestry. Inside, K is hiding and watching over a sweating/ill M. G and K lay M down in G’s room as G watches tenderly over both of them.
K: Thank you, sahyung.
G: That’s for me to say.
K: How did you know about M being HBS and this situation?
M: (as G looks away) That guy is Goo Yong Ha. For the past 10 years, he’s been following me around like a shadow.
G: Just say one more word, and I’m going to beat you until your side bursts open. (pretends to want to punch him) However, I’ll overlook it since you came back alive. (grabs M’s hands and puts it next to his cheek) I’m so happy!
M: (jerks his hand away) What a guy! What’s with the dramatic/girlish emotions!
G: Daemul, no one must know of tonight’s events. This guy, he’s a criminal being hunted by guards with a King’s warrant out for his arrest. LSJ is no exception. For his sake as well, you have to keep this quiet. (perhaps referring to L’s political ties? His sense of morality?)
K: I understand the situation.
L is in a room drinking by himself. (He’s trying to deal with the shock of “seeing” K with M!) HIS drinks as well in anger for losing HBS when they were so close. The right-hand man restrains him and says that there will be a next time. Right now is not the right time. HIS asks if it’s because he fears that HIS will get his position revoked. HIS declares that HBS is somewhere in SKK.
In a dark secluded barn somewhere, ByungPan tells Chosun that until she’s healed, she should refrain from working. As he walks away, Chosun asks him to please keep his promise, that before it’s too late, she wants to live properly as a human being.
ByungPan has a tense meeting with L’s father. BP makes excuses before L’s father who is silent and reproachful. When BP says that he almost had HBS when these two warriors magically appeared, L’s father inquires if BP is referring to the two warriors (musas) sent by the King. The king wants to protect HBS in order to discover the book and its truth. BP says that the book doesn’t exist so this doesn’t make sense. L’s father lists facts (HBS is a SKK scholar who keeps talking about the book, the King sent Prof. Jung to SKK, etc.) Does the BP need any further explanation about the importance of the situation? If that book is ever found, it will signal the end of the Noron political party. L's father adds that What he’s really afraid of, though, is what will happen afterwards. What is the king really planning?
Prof. Jung unscrolls a document before the King, who says that he (the King) anticipated the plans to take 10 years but thanks to this, the plans will only take 3 years. The king then reaches for another cigarette. Prof. Jung tells him that he should try to cut down on smoking. The king says that sometimes the smoking is better for him than an advisor who doesn’t listen very well to him (referring to Prof. Jung). When the King proceeds to roll his smoke, Prof. Jung is shocked and asks the king if this isn’t a pain reliever (like morphine). He asks if the king’s state has gotten so bad that he has to use a pain reliever. The king merely smiles and says that he’s been found out sooner than he expected (I guess this is why he’s so intent on finding the book). Prof. Jung asks why he wasn’t told earlier at which the king says, “I did tell you. The time left to me is not much longer. Do you think that I have to wait for those scholars still, Prof. Jung?” At this, Prof. Jung asks the king if he’ll promise him one thing then. That if something were to happen to those scholars or they are found to be at fault/guilty in some way, the king will put all the responsibility/blame on Prof. Jung. (What an incredible man! He’s so brilliant, articulate and wise!) The king says that he promises and that he will not ask Prof. Jung to elaborate any further. Whatever it may be, he promises to not hold the scholars responsible. After all, how can he refuse when the teacher is looking after his students as a father looks after his children. (What a sure way to protect K!) Prof. Jung then says that once the sun rises, he will enter the palace with the four scholars. At that time, the king should commission the four with the royal command/task of finding the book.
Back at G’s room, the three are sleeping. M wakes up first and looks tenderly over his friends, especially K. When K stirs, M pretends to sleep. K feels M’s forehead before she leaves the room. M smiles.
K stands before her room. Inside, L wakes up after his night of drinking. When K enters, she’s stunned to find that L has been drinking. She starts to pick up after L.
K: You’re drinking alcohol when you can’t even handle it. (L grabs the bottle from her and attempts to leave) I heard you. I heard and understood everything you said, that we cannot go back to how we were before. So, you don’t need to put on such a scary expression every time we meet. As you wish, I’ll live as merely your roommate.
She bumps into Soondol as she exits the room. Soondol asks her to eat these delicious dried persimmons and to make up with his master. (Soondol likes the influence K’s been having on L because L’s been acting more like a human being instead of a cold, emotionless scholar). Soondol says that this is part of the food that’s been prepared for L’s upcoming engagement and that a date has been set for the wedding. K leaves quickly at this unexpected news. When L comes out of the room, Soondol chastises L for being so mean and chasing away his only friend, the pretty scholar. He demands to know what exactly K’s lacking that has caused L to give K a hard time. L replies that it’s not because K’s lacking in anything but that it’s because of him. “It’s because my heart is overflowing/I can’t control my emotions.”
At the library, K sees M.
K: Sahyung! Are you all right? (M looks shy) Aren’t you supposed to be resting? If you move around like this…(As she asks these questions, M slowly tries to walk away while she still asks. Some servants walk by with books in their arms, so M grabs K toward him and winces in pain as she comes in contact with his wound. She continues to keep asking questions, so M grabs her close to him while three scholars observe them unnoticed by M and K.)
M: (whispers) Do you plan on spreading rumors or something? "Here is HBS. Please come and arrest him." (K looks apologetic and hits her lips. M and K walk out of the library without realizing that they were being observed. The scholars speculate that the relationship is odd and that this explains why L looked like he had seen a ghost last night. One scholar says that this is worse that seeing a ghost if your roommates are engaged in such a relationship. The oldest scholar says that Daemul is truly a daemul, one who doesn’t distinguish between men and women. Other scholars join and the rumors start flying. M overhears people spreading rumors in the halls. K overhears in the classroom. L overhears in the library. G hears the rumors in a local bar. The headmaster reads the rumors on the walls of the bathroom at which point he takes the notices and demands the brilliant professors (Yu and Jung) to deal with this situation. Meanwhile, the other scholars start arguing among themselves as to who posted/spread the rumors. HIS comes and says that there are rules and order at SKK. Violence is not allowed to resolve conflicts. The scholars present a formal request/hearing before the professors to try M and K for dirtying the name of SKK as homosexuals. This is their way of protecting SKK. M seeks out HIS and says to desist since it’s just rumors. HIS says that he’ll give M a chance to come clean. What were they doing that night at the storeroom? When M can’t say anything, HIS starts to taunt him about how it must be of a private nature. M attempts to strike him but is stopped by the Soron scholars who ask that M defend himself at the hearing since this affects the Soron party, too.
At the library, K sees L and asks him if he saw them (K and M) that night at the storeroom.
K: I’m a guy. How can I, as a man, like another man, Gul-oh sahyung? This is impossible!
L: You’re right. If liking a man is an impossibility, then I suggest you behavior properly the next time. Then there wouldn’t be any cause for people to assume/misunderstand things about you.
HIS: Why don’t you save the questions and answers for the hearing. Scholar L, I recruit you as a witness in this hearing since you are their roommate and are reported by others to have seen them at the storeroom. Is there any other suitable witness than you? At the hearing, you must tell the truth. Not even the king or the nation’s leaders can interfere. In the hearing, only the president’s authority matters. (Interesting how HIS has conveniently forgotten that his privileges have been revoked) I have called you to stand before the hearing as a witness.
G: So, LSJ has been called as a witness (in conference with HIS in G’s room. Claps his hands) It’s perfect. Getting the upright L to stand and give testimony against his roommates. What a plan! (HIS says that he definitely likes G, that G understands him and should be on his side) Do you really believe that M and K are gay? (HIS says that they were caught embracing each other. He doesn’t really care if they are accused of being HBS or gays. The result will be the same—expulsion from SKK and L will turn his back on his roommates.) LSJ will turn his back on his roommates? (HIS explains why he thinks L will turn his back—L’s upright as well as his father’s son. L won’t be able to stand this type of dirtiness. G applauds HIS on his planning.) This time around, you’re going to be able to get M and K together. (HIS says that there’s one more thing. Once they are gone, there will be no one around Yeorim. This causes G pause as he becomes lost in thought)
M: Hey Noron! (referring to L) Have you seen him? Have you seen Daemul? You’re in the same class taught by Prof. Yu. (sigh) Where did this guy go, making me worry like this?
L: Worrying? Is that how you do it? Plunging the person you cherish into hell and causing him to be fingered at by people? Is that the type of worrying you do, sahyung? If you really cared for K, this shouldn’t have happened.
M: Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care—
L: Then take care of it properly! (drops the honorific/polite speech scholars use to address their seniors) I, too, don’t want to be concerned any further. (M looks stunned)
Prof. Jung: I asked you what you two were doing in the storeroom that night. Not even the king can protect you in that hearing once it starts. If you tell me the truth, I might be able to help you. However, once the hearing starts, it’ll be too late. If you are found guilty of homosexuality, your name will be erased from all records. You will never be able to take another exam or position with the name Kim Yoon Shik. Are you really OK with that?!
K: We did nothing wrong. That’s the only answer I can give you at this time. (K bows in apology.)
K is about to enter her room when she overhears G’s raised voice.
G: So you’re going to do as HIS wants?
M: Don’t make a big deal out of it.
G: Confessing that you’re HBS is a direct path to hell. Is this your way of saving your dead brother? Just think about confessing tomorrow at the hearing, and I’ll kill you with my own hands.
M: (grabs G’s hands) With these tiny fists? (LOL. I can't believe M can still joke around.) I’m in the process right now of thinking what’s the best course of action.
G: This best course of action that you speak of? Is it what’s best for Daemul? (M’s feelings are found out!)
Headmaster tells L that he will convince the president to withdraw L from the hearings tomorrow. L says that adults, not even the King, can interfere. This is his business/fight. He’ll deal with it. The headmaster then says to make a clear line between L and the other two then, so that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that L is separate from his roommates.
On the grounds of SKK, the other scholars throw salt and vegetable at K as a way of ostracizing her. L sees her being persecuted and blocks the other scholars. He leads K away, much to the other scholars’ surprise and M’s who happens upon the scene.
K: I don’t know whether to say thank you or I’m sorry. Tomorrow at the hearing, will you help me then, too? Gul-oh sahyung and I, we don’t have that type of relationship. In any case, we’re innocent.
L: Then speak. That night, tell me honestly what happened at the storeroom.
K: That…that…it’s for Gul-oh sahyung’s sake that I can’t say anything. Will you simply believe me and help me? This hearing for Gul-oh sahyung is—
L: This situation, do you realize how huge this situation is? If something goes wrong, you can spend the rest of your life stuck in a dungeon. And yet, even at this moment, you’re worrying more for M than for yourself?! (Jealousy LOL)
K: Sure, I suppose you can doubt me. Since LSJ is an upright man, you may not be able to understand. However, I would like to ask that you believe me once and help me.
L: I...how far? How much more do I have to do? For you, how much more?! Do I have to do something this stupid, this pathetic, etc.? (L walks away.)
K: (to herself) What can I do? At this time, the only person I can think of (to trust and lean on) is you, LSJ.
Scholars are gossiping. M hugs a random scholar and then demands if he’s had enough. Go and start rumors now that M is interested in this scholar. M then threatens that if they do anything else to hurt K, he’ll tear their arms apart. The other scholars back away.
At a local bar, G buys everyone drinks and then urges them to testify that M and G are not like that. He’s G and he knows them well. The other scholars are torn but drink anyway. G keeps lobbying to get the scholars to vote in favor of M and K. IBC comes and says that all this is useless since once the hearing starts, it implies that their guilt is a given. G says that the hearing is tomorrow and the voting/verdict hasn’t even been cast.
Some scholars are lined up to sign out/leave SKK grounds and a servant asks L if it’s true what they say about M and K. L ignores the question and says that he’ll return before curfew. The servant congratulates him on the engagement and says that L must be busy with preparations. K and M both observe the scene unnoticed.
In the classroom, K is seated to study and M comes up to her and takes her book.
M: Was it like this? I don’t want to talk to anyone, so don’t mess with me. Buzz off so I can read?
K: I’m reading it because it’s fun.
M: If you keep lying blatantly like this, it’s going to become a habit. (K laughs) There’s something twenty times better than reading this book.
(He takes her to his tree! They view the panoramic view of SKK from one of the tree branches)
K: Twenty times better? If you keep lying like this, it’s going to become a habit. This is hundred times more! Why do you act as HBS? I’ve heard that it’s dangerous and that you can die if you’re caught. Why? Why do you risk your life like this?
M: As punishment. I’ve never really thought about those things you just mentioned. It’s because I feel suffocated. Because I can’t bear things. Because if I don’t, then I can’t live. I’m trying to live. What about you? Aren’t you the same, the reason why you’re here at SKK. Someone once said that when you’re up here, you can hear the breathing of the palace guards (not sure of exact translation). There was a guy who used to tell me lies like that (his brother). But he told me also that the doors to SKK aren’t the doors into the king’s palace but that they open into the poorest and more deprived part of our country, Banchon. (K views Banchon)
K: You’re right. It’s true.
M: I think it’s because of that guy (that I take the risks I do). Someone should know that the guy comes to and fro on this earth, don’t you think?
K: Who is this person?
M: My older brother. Kim Yoon Shik.
K: Yes?
M: Kim. Yoon. Shik. There will/must be a way to not dirty that name. And I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you this before today ended. (from the back, they look like a couple, spending a quiet day together in the tree)
ByungPan laughs while L sits in front of him. He’s thrilled that he’s going to become in-laws with L’s family. BP starts to call L his son-in-law and gives him advice about life. He says that being so upright like L can be tiring and that he’s merely giving him advice on how to rise up the ranks. Hyo-eun walks L out and says that she thinks it’s better to get married before it gets too cold. When L stops, she quickly backs off and says that getting married at first snow would be nice, too. L says nothing, so she says that spring flowers will best suit L. She tries to link her arms with L, but he pulls away and apologizes. L drinks tea with his dad, and the dad asks if this is the expression of a groom. He knows that L doesn’t like ByungPan but that BP will be someone who will do anything and everything for his son-in-law. L tells his father that after the wedding, he would like to withdraw from SKK because he doesn’t feel that he’s ready to advance yet. The dad says that since it’s something that L has decided after much thought, he won’t ask him any questions.
At the hearing, HIS proclaims that this hearing is to decide on the fate of M and K’s homosexuality incident and that the results will erase their names forever and protect the integrity of their honored school.
HIS: I will ask K. Is it true that you and M bonded that night in an inappropriate way?
K: No. I ask that you believe me.
HIS: Then will you tell us what happened that night?
K: We…We were only….
HIS: Then I have no recourse but to listen to the testimony of the witness. (L comes forward) Scholar LSJ, did you see them together that night? They are definitely gay, are they not?
L: The homosexual…is me. (shock all around)
HIS: What did you just say?
L: The homosexual is me.
PREVIEW of episode 15 (can’t wait!):
HIS: As student body president, I deliver the verdict/judgment on MJS and KYS.
M: Everything will be all right if I take off my clothes (leave? Ambiguous meaning due to Korean language…not sure what’s intended since the quote is taken out of context. Take clothes off to reveal wound or to leave SKK)?
K: LSJ? Have you seen LSJ?
A fellow scholar: It’s true that LSJ has left SKK?
L: (to K) Leave. Let’s never see each other again.
G: So, are you happy, Garang?
L: (to his father) Are you happy? (Dad laughs. Scene of him searching for K) You, I like you KYS.
Soondol: Isn’t that the pretty scholar?!
(Scene of L and K hugging by some boulders/waterfall. This must be the much-talked about waterfall scene!)
M: KYS! (Jumps into the water to save her)
L: (carries K out of the water) No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop myself from seeking you out. Run far away from me, KYS.
Whoa…can’t wait for episode 15! Have a great day!
RECAP of episode 13: M hides from the pursuing guards. K corners L in the library and asks him if this is all K was to L, that all the time they spent together was so meaningless that their friendship could dissolve over such an insignificant incident (referring to Chosun’s suggestion that K likes Hyo-eun). L tells K to listen carefully: ”I have no intentions of returning to our old relationship.” K runs away and comes across a wounded M disguised as HBS. HIS mutters, “So HBS has jumped the walls of SKK.” M, as he struggles to stand says, “I’ve survived.” K gasps as M reveals himself to her.
SUMMARY of episode 14: K=Kim Yoon Shik, M=Moon Jae Shin, L=Lee Sun Joon, G=Goo Yong Ha, and HIS=Ha In Soo (school president)
HIS and his guys search for HBS. IBC (yes-man) says that HBS couldn’t have gotten far since he’s wounded. L searches the grounds of SKK in order to apologize to K and is relieved when he sees K. However, this relief quickly turns to curiosity as he views her covering her tracks/footsteps from the path with a broom.
K quickly steps into the storeroom where a bleeding M is resting/leaning against a shelf. As she reaches to take care of his wound, he grabs her hand to prevent her from helping him.
M: It’s all right. You can go now. I can take care of myself now.
K: This is how you take care of yourself?! I had wondered who the pathetic HBS was (she had commented in ep. 13 that HBS was smart because of the beautiful writing but dumb because the people he was trying to reach were peasants who couldn’t read the level of his writing). I had no idea it was you! (As she opens his shirt, she’s taken aback by the gravity of his wound. M tries to smile.)
M: All your yelling was a bluff. This is how you react to a wound? It’s all right. I’m used to things like this (getting wounded).
K: (recovering from her shock) You’re the one full of bluff. (She proceeds to strip some of her garment to wrap it around a wincing M. As she tears up at how much pain M is enduring, M reaches over to wipe her tears only to double over in pain before he can do so.) Sahyung!
L enters the storeroom just as K is leaning over to see if M is all right and misunderstands the situation. He thinks that K and M are about to kiss. In disbelief, L quickly leaves and remains deep in thought. The three scholars come across L and wonder if L has come to study like them. Meanwhile, HIS and his gang are still searching for HBS and realize that the only place to hide at SKK at this hour is the storeroom.
Back at the storeroom, K frantically searches for anything to bind M’s wound and is startled to see G, who is holding a knife/fan to a blindfolded man.
G: Don’t worry. I’ve brought a doctor to treat his wound.
Meanwhile, HIS tells his gang that the moment they discover HBS, his men are to notify the guards immediately. They see a man stealthily running away and interrogate him. HIS’s gang barge into the storeroom but find it empty. However, the guy who’s always smiling finds a fan (belonging to G) and rejoices in his discovery with IBC. HIS and his gang wonder over the implication of G’s fan. HIS recalls what the doctor said when he questioned him, that he didn’t get to see the patient’s face but that the patient was definitely wounded.
HIS walks into G’s room and proceeds to tell G a “story” when G asks what he’s doing here so late at night. HIS tells G that he came across a doctor who was trying to leave SKK and that he found G’s fan in the storeroom. HIS asks G why his fan was in the storeroom. When G gets up and winces a bit in “pain,” HIS tries to open G’s garments, hoping to expose a wound. G straightens up from his joke and laughs. He asks HIS if he suspects that G is HBS. G says that he admits that HIS was funny today and that he hopes HIS will continue to amuse him like this in the future. As for the fan, he merely gave it to some of the servants, and he guesses that the fan made its way to the storeroom. As HIS turns to leave, G suggests that HIS give up his hide-and-seek and get some rest tonight since his brilliant mind isn’t working so well right now as a result of his wicked greed to quickly reestablish his rights and position as the student body president. HIS says he’ll return the favor and give G some advice as well. G says he welcomes advice anytime. HIS says that he’ll disregard G’s insolence this time, but the next time, he won’t take kindly to G’s mocking. As HIS and his gang leave, IBC speculates that HBS must be one of the other three then. They barge into the three’s room only to find it empty. IBC wonders where they could be at this hour. HBS couldn’t have gotten far, especially in his wounded state. HIS recalls his time in G’s room and says that the game of hide-and-seek is over. He walks back toward G’s room when he comes across Prof. Yu, who tells them that they are each being penalized 5 points. HIS argues that they need to find HBS, a criminal. Prof. Jung shows up and says that they should definitely find HBS. HIS leads everyone back to G’s room and uncovers G’s curtain/room partition against G’s protests. However, all HIS finds is G’s stash of erotica. G sits on his stack while the servants grab a book or two to read. G repeats to HIS that he told them he wasn’t HBS.
Prof. Jung reprimands HIS and his gang back in his room, saying that SKK is off limits to guards and such unless by direct command of the king. They shouldn’t go around accusing SKK scholars. SKK is a place of study and pursuit of knowledge. HIS interrupts and says that as student body president, he has rights. Prof. Jung agrees but also adds that those rights are, unfortunately, not available to HIS right now due to his probation. Prof. Jung sternly warns, “Listen to me, Scholar (not president) Ha In Soo. From this moment forward, you cannot exercise your rights as president toward any student here. If you violate this, I plan on sanctioning you and removing you from office.” HIS looks vengeful.
Back at G’s room, he declares to the “empty” room that it looks like HIS will not be bothering them anymore. He clears his stash of erotica and opens the door to a large cupboard that was hidden behind a curtain/tapestry. Inside, K is hiding and watching over a sweating/ill M. G and K lay M down in G’s room as G watches tenderly over both of them.
K: Thank you, sahyung.
G: That’s for me to say.
K: How did you know about M being HBS and this situation?
M: (as G looks away) That guy is Goo Yong Ha. For the past 10 years, he’s been following me around like a shadow.
G: Just say one more word, and I’m going to beat you until your side bursts open. (pretends to want to punch him) However, I’ll overlook it since you came back alive. (grabs M’s hands and puts it next to his cheek) I’m so happy!
M: (jerks his hand away) What a guy! What’s with the dramatic/girlish emotions!
G: Daemul, no one must know of tonight’s events. This guy, he’s a criminal being hunted by guards with a King’s warrant out for his arrest. LSJ is no exception. For his sake as well, you have to keep this quiet. (perhaps referring to L’s political ties? His sense of morality?)
K: I understand the situation.
L is in a room drinking by himself. (He’s trying to deal with the shock of “seeing” K with M!) HIS drinks as well in anger for losing HBS when they were so close. The right-hand man restrains him and says that there will be a next time. Right now is not the right time. HIS asks if it’s because he fears that HIS will get his position revoked. HIS declares that HBS is somewhere in SKK.
In a dark secluded barn somewhere, ByungPan tells Chosun that until she’s healed, she should refrain from working. As he walks away, Chosun asks him to please keep his promise, that before it’s too late, she wants to live properly as a human being.
ByungPan has a tense meeting with L’s father. BP makes excuses before L’s father who is silent and reproachful. When BP says that he almost had HBS when these two warriors magically appeared, L’s father inquires if BP is referring to the two warriors (musas) sent by the King. The king wants to protect HBS in order to discover the book and its truth. BP says that the book doesn’t exist so this doesn’t make sense. L’s father lists facts (HBS is a SKK scholar who keeps talking about the book, the King sent Prof. Jung to SKK, etc.) Does the BP need any further explanation about the importance of the situation? If that book is ever found, it will signal the end of the Noron political party. L's father adds that What he’s really afraid of, though, is what will happen afterwards. What is the king really planning?
Prof. Jung unscrolls a document before the King, who says that he (the King) anticipated the plans to take 10 years but thanks to this, the plans will only take 3 years. The king then reaches for another cigarette. Prof. Jung tells him that he should try to cut down on smoking. The king says that sometimes the smoking is better for him than an advisor who doesn’t listen very well to him (referring to Prof. Jung). When the King proceeds to roll his smoke, Prof. Jung is shocked and asks the king if this isn’t a pain reliever (like morphine). He asks if the king’s state has gotten so bad that he has to use a pain reliever. The king merely smiles and says that he’s been found out sooner than he expected (I guess this is why he’s so intent on finding the book). Prof. Jung asks why he wasn’t told earlier at which the king says, “I did tell you. The time left to me is not much longer. Do you think that I have to wait for those scholars still, Prof. Jung?” At this, Prof. Jung asks the king if he’ll promise him one thing then. That if something were to happen to those scholars or they are found to be at fault/guilty in some way, the king will put all the responsibility/blame on Prof. Jung. (What an incredible man! He’s so brilliant, articulate and wise!) The king says that he promises and that he will not ask Prof. Jung to elaborate any further. Whatever it may be, he promises to not hold the scholars responsible. After all, how can he refuse when the teacher is looking after his students as a father looks after his children. (What a sure way to protect K!) Prof. Jung then says that once the sun rises, he will enter the palace with the four scholars. At that time, the king should commission the four with the royal command/task of finding the book.
Back at G’s room, the three are sleeping. M wakes up first and looks tenderly over his friends, especially K. When K stirs, M pretends to sleep. K feels M’s forehead before she leaves the room. M smiles.
K stands before her room. Inside, L wakes up after his night of drinking. When K enters, she’s stunned to find that L has been drinking. She starts to pick up after L.
K: You’re drinking alcohol when you can’t even handle it. (L grabs the bottle from her and attempts to leave) I heard you. I heard and understood everything you said, that we cannot go back to how we were before. So, you don’t need to put on such a scary expression every time we meet. As you wish, I’ll live as merely your roommate.
She bumps into Soondol as she exits the room. Soondol asks her to eat these delicious dried persimmons and to make up with his master. (Soondol likes the influence K’s been having on L because L’s been acting more like a human being instead of a cold, emotionless scholar). Soondol says that this is part of the food that’s been prepared for L’s upcoming engagement and that a date has been set for the wedding. K leaves quickly at this unexpected news. When L comes out of the room, Soondol chastises L for being so mean and chasing away his only friend, the pretty scholar. He demands to know what exactly K’s lacking that has caused L to give K a hard time. L replies that it’s not because K’s lacking in anything but that it’s because of him. “It’s because my heart is overflowing/I can’t control my emotions.”
At the library, K sees M.
K: Sahyung! Are you all right? (M looks shy) Aren’t you supposed to be resting? If you move around like this…(As she asks these questions, M slowly tries to walk away while she still asks. Some servants walk by with books in their arms, so M grabs K toward him and winces in pain as she comes in contact with his wound. She continues to keep asking questions, so M grabs her close to him while three scholars observe them unnoticed by M and K.)
M: (whispers) Do you plan on spreading rumors or something? "Here is HBS. Please come and arrest him." (K looks apologetic and hits her lips. M and K walk out of the library without realizing that they were being observed. The scholars speculate that the relationship is odd and that this explains why L looked like he had seen a ghost last night. One scholar says that this is worse that seeing a ghost if your roommates are engaged in such a relationship. The oldest scholar says that Daemul is truly a daemul, one who doesn’t distinguish between men and women. Other scholars join and the rumors start flying. M overhears people spreading rumors in the halls. K overhears in the classroom. L overhears in the library. G hears the rumors in a local bar. The headmaster reads the rumors on the walls of the bathroom at which point he takes the notices and demands the brilliant professors (Yu and Jung) to deal with this situation. Meanwhile, the other scholars start arguing among themselves as to who posted/spread the rumors. HIS comes and says that there are rules and order at SKK. Violence is not allowed to resolve conflicts. The scholars present a formal request/hearing before the professors to try M and K for dirtying the name of SKK as homosexuals. This is their way of protecting SKK. M seeks out HIS and says to desist since it’s just rumors. HIS says that he’ll give M a chance to come clean. What were they doing that night at the storeroom? When M can’t say anything, HIS starts to taunt him about how it must be of a private nature. M attempts to strike him but is stopped by the Soron scholars who ask that M defend himself at the hearing since this affects the Soron party, too.
At the library, K sees L and asks him if he saw them (K and M) that night at the storeroom.
K: I’m a guy. How can I, as a man, like another man, Gul-oh sahyung? This is impossible!
L: You’re right. If liking a man is an impossibility, then I suggest you behavior properly the next time. Then there wouldn’t be any cause for people to assume/misunderstand things about you.
HIS: Why don’t you save the questions and answers for the hearing. Scholar L, I recruit you as a witness in this hearing since you are their roommate and are reported by others to have seen them at the storeroom. Is there any other suitable witness than you? At the hearing, you must tell the truth. Not even the king or the nation’s leaders can interfere. In the hearing, only the president’s authority matters. (Interesting how HIS has conveniently forgotten that his privileges have been revoked) I have called you to stand before the hearing as a witness.
G: So, LSJ has been called as a witness (in conference with HIS in G’s room. Claps his hands) It’s perfect. Getting the upright L to stand and give testimony against his roommates. What a plan! (HIS says that he definitely likes G, that G understands him and should be on his side) Do you really believe that M and K are gay? (HIS says that they were caught embracing each other. He doesn’t really care if they are accused of being HBS or gays. The result will be the same—expulsion from SKK and L will turn his back on his roommates.) LSJ will turn his back on his roommates? (HIS explains why he thinks L will turn his back—L’s upright as well as his father’s son. L won’t be able to stand this type of dirtiness. G applauds HIS on his planning.) This time around, you’re going to be able to get M and K together. (HIS says that there’s one more thing. Once they are gone, there will be no one around Yeorim. This causes G pause as he becomes lost in thought)
M: Hey Noron! (referring to L) Have you seen him? Have you seen Daemul? You’re in the same class taught by Prof. Yu. (sigh) Where did this guy go, making me worry like this?
L: Worrying? Is that how you do it? Plunging the person you cherish into hell and causing him to be fingered at by people? Is that the type of worrying you do, sahyung? If you really cared for K, this shouldn’t have happened.
M: Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care—
L: Then take care of it properly! (drops the honorific/polite speech scholars use to address their seniors) I, too, don’t want to be concerned any further. (M looks stunned)
Prof. Jung: I asked you what you two were doing in the storeroom that night. Not even the king can protect you in that hearing once it starts. If you tell me the truth, I might be able to help you. However, once the hearing starts, it’ll be too late. If you are found guilty of homosexuality, your name will be erased from all records. You will never be able to take another exam or position with the name Kim Yoon Shik. Are you really OK with that?!
K: We did nothing wrong. That’s the only answer I can give you at this time. (K bows in apology.)
K is about to enter her room when she overhears G’s raised voice.
G: So you’re going to do as HIS wants?
M: Don’t make a big deal out of it.
G: Confessing that you’re HBS is a direct path to hell. Is this your way of saving your dead brother? Just think about confessing tomorrow at the hearing, and I’ll kill you with my own hands.
M: (grabs G’s hands) With these tiny fists? (LOL. I can't believe M can still joke around.) I’m in the process right now of thinking what’s the best course of action.
G: This best course of action that you speak of? Is it what’s best for Daemul? (M’s feelings are found out!)
Headmaster tells L that he will convince the president to withdraw L from the hearings tomorrow. L says that adults, not even the King, can interfere. This is his business/fight. He’ll deal with it. The headmaster then says to make a clear line between L and the other two then, so that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that L is separate from his roommates.
On the grounds of SKK, the other scholars throw salt and vegetable at K as a way of ostracizing her. L sees her being persecuted and blocks the other scholars. He leads K away, much to the other scholars’ surprise and M’s who happens upon the scene.
K: I don’t know whether to say thank you or I’m sorry. Tomorrow at the hearing, will you help me then, too? Gul-oh sahyung and I, we don’t have that type of relationship. In any case, we’re innocent.
L: Then speak. That night, tell me honestly what happened at the storeroom.
K: That…that…it’s for Gul-oh sahyung’s sake that I can’t say anything. Will you simply believe me and help me? This hearing for Gul-oh sahyung is—
L: This situation, do you realize how huge this situation is? If something goes wrong, you can spend the rest of your life stuck in a dungeon. And yet, even at this moment, you’re worrying more for M than for yourself?! (Jealousy LOL)
K: Sure, I suppose you can doubt me. Since LSJ is an upright man, you may not be able to understand. However, I would like to ask that you believe me once and help me.
L: I...how far? How much more do I have to do? For you, how much more?! Do I have to do something this stupid, this pathetic, etc.? (L walks away.)
K: (to herself) What can I do? At this time, the only person I can think of (to trust and lean on) is you, LSJ.
Scholars are gossiping. M hugs a random scholar and then demands if he’s had enough. Go and start rumors now that M is interested in this scholar. M then threatens that if they do anything else to hurt K, he’ll tear their arms apart. The other scholars back away.
At a local bar, G buys everyone drinks and then urges them to testify that M and G are not like that. He’s G and he knows them well. The other scholars are torn but drink anyway. G keeps lobbying to get the scholars to vote in favor of M and K. IBC comes and says that all this is useless since once the hearing starts, it implies that their guilt is a given. G says that the hearing is tomorrow and the voting/verdict hasn’t even been cast.
Some scholars are lined up to sign out/leave SKK grounds and a servant asks L if it’s true what they say about M and K. L ignores the question and says that he’ll return before curfew. The servant congratulates him on the engagement and says that L must be busy with preparations. K and M both observe the scene unnoticed.
In the classroom, K is seated to study and M comes up to her and takes her book.
M: Was it like this? I don’t want to talk to anyone, so don’t mess with me. Buzz off so I can read?
K: I’m reading it because it’s fun.
M: If you keep lying blatantly like this, it’s going to become a habit. (K laughs) There’s something twenty times better than reading this book.
(He takes her to his tree! They view the panoramic view of SKK from one of the tree branches)
K: Twenty times better? If you keep lying like this, it’s going to become a habit. This is hundred times more! Why do you act as HBS? I’ve heard that it’s dangerous and that you can die if you’re caught. Why? Why do you risk your life like this?
M: As punishment. I’ve never really thought about those things you just mentioned. It’s because I feel suffocated. Because I can’t bear things. Because if I don’t, then I can’t live. I’m trying to live. What about you? Aren’t you the same, the reason why you’re here at SKK. Someone once said that when you’re up here, you can hear the breathing of the palace guards (not sure of exact translation). There was a guy who used to tell me lies like that (his brother). But he told me also that the doors to SKK aren’t the doors into the king’s palace but that they open into the poorest and more deprived part of our country, Banchon. (K views Banchon)
K: You’re right. It’s true.
M: I think it’s because of that guy (that I take the risks I do). Someone should know that the guy comes to and fro on this earth, don’t you think?
K: Who is this person?
M: My older brother. Kim Yoon Shik.
K: Yes?
M: Kim. Yoon. Shik. There will/must be a way to not dirty that name. And I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you this before today ended. (from the back, they look like a couple, spending a quiet day together in the tree)
ByungPan laughs while L sits in front of him. He’s thrilled that he’s going to become in-laws with L’s family. BP starts to call L his son-in-law and gives him advice about life. He says that being so upright like L can be tiring and that he’s merely giving him advice on how to rise up the ranks. Hyo-eun walks L out and says that she thinks it’s better to get married before it gets too cold. When L stops, she quickly backs off and says that getting married at first snow would be nice, too. L says nothing, so she says that spring flowers will best suit L. She tries to link her arms with L, but he pulls away and apologizes. L drinks tea with his dad, and the dad asks if this is the expression of a groom. He knows that L doesn’t like ByungPan but that BP will be someone who will do anything and everything for his son-in-law. L tells his father that after the wedding, he would like to withdraw from SKK because he doesn’t feel that he’s ready to advance yet. The dad says that since it’s something that L has decided after much thought, he won’t ask him any questions.
At the hearing, HIS proclaims that this hearing is to decide on the fate of M and K’s homosexuality incident and that the results will erase their names forever and protect the integrity of their honored school.
HIS: I will ask K. Is it true that you and M bonded that night in an inappropriate way?
K: No. I ask that you believe me.
HIS: Then will you tell us what happened that night?
K: We…We were only….
HIS: Then I have no recourse but to listen to the testimony of the witness. (L comes forward) Scholar LSJ, did you see them together that night? They are definitely gay, are they not?
L: The homosexual…is me. (shock all around)
HIS: What did you just say?
L: The homosexual is me.
PREVIEW of episode 15 (can’t wait!):
HIS: As student body president, I deliver the verdict/judgment on MJS and KYS.
M: Everything will be all right if I take off my clothes (leave? Ambiguous meaning due to Korean language…not sure what’s intended since the quote is taken out of context. Take clothes off to reveal wound or to leave SKK)?
K: LSJ? Have you seen LSJ?
A fellow scholar: It’s true that LSJ has left SKK?
L: (to K) Leave. Let’s never see each other again.
G: So, are you happy, Garang?
L: (to his father) Are you happy? (Dad laughs. Scene of him searching for K) You, I like you KYS.
Soondol: Isn’t that the pretty scholar?!
(Scene of L and K hugging by some boulders/waterfall. This must be the much-talked about waterfall scene!)
M: KYS! (Jumps into the water to save her)
L: (carries K out of the water) No matter how hard I try, I can’t stop myself from seeking you out. Run far away from me, KYS.
Whoa…can’t wait for episode 15! Have a great day!
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