Dal Ja's Spring, ep. 18-20

[oyceter]

Aiiiieeeee! Yet another Another Woman introduced, just as annoying as all the rest! I hate how kdramas make the Other Woman extremely entitled and very pushy when it comes to getting her man. I don't mind the aggressiveness, it's the sneaky, passive-aggressive way they do it that drives me nuts, particularly the little conversational snubs that they almost never get called on, or if they do, they just smile and deny it. And I also hate how that's coded as a female thing; I don't think we ever see the guys do it, or many evil Other Men. Ditto with the trope of the Other Woman dumping the guy and then expecting to take him back.

I like the display of initiative in a relationship, but I dislike the demonization of women-not-the-heroine and the portrayal of the innocent guy in a relationship, trampled over by women.

Also, what's with the importance of one's First Love?

Er, I sound grumpier than I actually am. Mostly, I was dying of laughter from Dal Ja's reaction to the money envelope, and I howled when Tae Bong was literally hit with a ton of bricks. Bwahahaha! Only in kdramas...

I really like the discussion of money issues. I'm a little grumpy about the assumptions that Tae Bong must support Dal Ja and that were the situation reversed, people would probably not pressure Dal Ja re: finances, but much less than I normally would be, as Dal Ja is clearly supporting herself, and we have several other examples of working women as well. And while I am generally not a fan of Evil Giant Corporations who work people to death a la investment banking, Tae Bong's plan of working there for a few years, and then going back to pursue his dream is a grown-up, rational decision. I like that the drama didn't go toward the frequently idealistic "I will live my dream, all else be damned!"

Also, awwwww to Sae Do's proposal! And oh, Seon Joo, I can sort of see where you're coming from, but now it is totally your own issues rearing their ugly heads. On the other hand, I still absolutely adore Seon Joo. I am even more pleased that the Other Man turned out to be her dad -- I had been betting on him being her ex-husband. Also, I laugh and laugh at Sae Do being bullied by both Seon Joo and her dad. I also laughed and laughed at Tae Bong's mom's evilness re: Soo Jin.

I awww-ed over Tae Bong's dad coming home, even though in the back of my head, I am so not convinced it will work out. But since he never tried in the first place, at least he's trying now. Also, I am a sucker for second-chance stories. And Tae Bong's grandfather is still made of win.

I yelled at Tae Bong a little for not telling Dal Ja about Soo Jin and just telling her "don't think about it" without actually giving any information, but given that he is in general very smart, I am letting it go.

And then, the ending! Oh Dal Ja, whyyyy? I mean, I should have expected something, given that we need a Big Crisis for the last few episodes, but still! It wasn't built up enough, and I don't really buy Dal Ja making that large of a decision based on a few uncomfortable circumstances. Particularly not without sitting down to talk to Tae Bong first and try to solve the issue, or to just bring up that she does feel insecure re: him not saying "I love you."

Hopefully next episode will have actual emotional intelligence and characters talking. Even so, the episode still managed to tug at my heartstrings. Poor Dal Ja! Poor Tae Bong!

Comments

[rilina.livejournal.com]

You see why I was curious about your reaction to these episodes. But I also liked how the story challenged the whole "I will live my dream, all else be damned!" It especially struck me as true on a cultural note. To repeat myself for the umpteenth time, one thing I like about kdramas is that they acknowledge ties to family in a way that a lot of western stories like to overlook, because individualism is everything. Which, no. I mean, families should not rule your life, but It's More Complicated Than That.

In conclusion, kdrama grandparents = forever made of win.

[oyceter]

one thing I like about kdramas is that they acknowledge ties to family in a way that a lot of western stories like to overlook, because individualism is everything.

Yeah, me too. I was thinking about writing it up and then wondering if I was overgeneralizing, but there is a marked difference in the portrayal of families in kdramas (and often friends). Like you say, I really like how real the family interactions feel, no matter how exaggerated they are, and a lot of the pressures on Dal Ja and Tae Bong feel very real.

And it doesn't go along with the typical Western notion of overbearing Asian parents because even though the parents can be overbearing (Tae Bong's mom!), the kids never just blindly bow to them. It's a factor, but not the only factor.

[shewhohashope.livejournal.com]

I do love that they had both Tae Bong and his father doing the responsible thing rather than following their hearts. It did strike me as being more true from my entirely different cultural background.

But I can't see any western drama making staying with your family rather than returning to your true love not only the right decision, but one that will bring more... not happiness, so much. Fulfillment, maybe?

On a slightly different note, Seon Joo confusing Tae Bong with that guy at the hospital had me howling. They did have a similar jawline.

[oyceter]

Yes! And oh! I forgot about the scene in which Tae Bong's father finally calls the grandfather "father" instead of "father-in-law." I awwww-ed.