The Real Has Come! ep 50

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 50

Yeon-doo’s announcement that they will move into the annex is reason for the in-laws to celebrate! Everyone smiles brightly for the family photograph. In-ok is as happy as a lark that her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter will be living in the annex. It looks like Ha-neul will grow up with lots of love! Also, Yeon-doo has decided to pick up her career and go back to work as a literature lecturer. Tae-kyung is in favor, but he tells her there is something he wants to do first.

Soo-jung rereads the letter from Hong-joon and cries that he wrote he hates the treatments but will endure them. She shows the letter to Cheon-myung and he understands how conflicted she feels. She wants to help him, but she was deeply hurt by Hee’s deception. Cheon-myung holds her and tells her to do what she thinks is best.

Dong-wook is mad at himself for acting indecisive in front of Yoo-myung. Soo-gyeom tells her dad to run to her and make things right. Dong-wook tells Yoo-myung he is sorry for breaking up with her. He admits he held back his feelings and acted like he didn’t care, when he did. What can he do to win her back? She tells him the truth about himself: he runs away instead of facing issues, he wouldn’t tell their families about them because of the double in-law issue, and he ran away whether he hurt her or not. She doesn’t want to be treated that way anymore and tells him not to contact her again. Dong-wook doesn’t even go after her.

Jang-ho wants to leave the hospital to spend time with Se-jin before she leaves, but the resident tells him he must have a second procedure and can’t be discharged.

How many family members does it take to hang a picture? Chan-sik, Cheon-myung, and Hyun-woo hang and straighten the new family portrait in the living room. Dong-wook and Yoo-myung can’t help running into each other at the Gong household as both families move Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo back into the annex. She smugly reminds him not to address her casually in front of the families because, after all, they “supposedly” don’t know each other. Dong-wook has thought about his behavior and wants to tell all the family gathered there that he is dating Yoo-myung. As usual, he hesitates, and Yoo-myung is disappointed once again. Later, they both end up in the living room with everyone, but before introductions can be made, Yoo-myung pulls Dong-wook out to talk privately. What does he think he is doing? He started to say they are dating in front of everyone when things between them aren’t settled. He admits he has been a coward and indecisive, but he wants to get back with her and is willing to say so in front of the families. For the first time, Dong-wook takes the lead in their relationship, but Yoo-myung isn’t sure if she wants to get back together. He tells her he will prove how much he likes her, and she tells him to go ahead and try. Then she will decide.

Soo-gyeom figures out Yoo-myung is Tae-kyung’s sister. She tells her dad it doesn’t matter, they should just like each other. He asks if she is okay with him dating someone besides her mother, but she is smart and wants him to be happy with Yoo-myung. She can be comfortable calling her real mother “Mom.”

The thing Tae-kyung wants to do is have a wedding. They decide to have a small, meaningful wedding with family. Grandmother is pleased, and wishes to have a ceremony to bless their relationship on a nice day. Bong-nim cries happy tears at the thought of seeing her daughter in a wedding dress.

Se-jin has one more conversation with her mother before she leaves Korea. She promises to come back soon to visit, and will call when she arrives. Hwa-ja can’t talk her into seeing her father again. The family dynamics remain in suspension. As Se-jin waits to board her flight, Hwa-ja calls her and is frantic because Jang-ho has disappeared. They are ready to do his procedure, but he can’t be found. Se-jin hears him call her name in the airport and turns around. Her father hands her a large envelope of money and tells her to stay in touch with her mother at least. But she runs after him and gives it back; she doesn’t want his money. Jang-ho collapses in pain, mumbling, “I’m sorry, Se-jin.” With a call to 911, Jang-ho is wheeled back into the hospital. Se-jin and Hwa-ja are shaken as they wait. The doctor comes out with news that his heart is stabilized, and he will get the procedure tomorrow that he was supposed to have today. Se-jin stays by her father’s side. When he wakes up, he apologizes for getting in her way again. She tells him to just rest. But she wants to know why he was always so hard on her? Why didn’t he pity her for having a difficult childhood? Why did he point fingers at her and not be on her side? Then he would act like he loved her and that confused her. He looks away and admits he was wrong. He wanted her to live like him, but instead he got in her way and didn’t let her live her own life. It’s a conversation that addresses some things, and for once, they hold hands like father and daughter. Se-jin says she will stay until he recovers, then she will leave and pursue her own life.

Soo-jung wants to follow her heart, but she has been terribly wounded by Hee’s scamming antics that it is hard for her to see past that and reach out to Hong-joon. In the end, though, she pays off his bills and brings special rice cakes meant for children’s health. Still, she has something to say to Hee. She tells her she wanted to become a mom so badly that when Hong-joon asked her to be his mom, she wished she could take him home. She bravely tells Hee not to struggle alone if something happens to Hong-joon. She and her husband agreed to help in that way. Hee is humbled and tells Soo-jung she will be thankful to them for the rest of her life.

Yeon-doo asks Grandmother to officiate their wedding. Grandmother fusses, saying Tae-kyung will make fun of her Hangul and she could never make a speech. But Yeon-doo says it will be meaningful to have her as the officiant. On the other side, Tae-kyung asks Bong-nim to officiate. She says she is too shy to give a speech in front of the in-laws, but is secretly delighted at being asked.

Three handsome brothers dress in fine suits and tuxes as they get ready for the wedding. Three pretty sisters-in-law get massages and facials. And now Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo will have to join the family by force to g-o-l-f, something neither of them are fond of. It’s at the golf sports shop that they find out each has asked a different family member to officiate at their wedding, but neither one will back down. The siblings see it as a typical pre-wedding fight, it’s to be expected!

Hearing that Professor Ho is in the hospital, Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung stop by to see him. Tae-kyung apologizes for everything (meaning the fiasco with Se-jin, of course), but Jang-ho simply says they weren’t meant to be. As awkward as it is, Se-jin is waiting in the hall. First, Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung thank her for helping get Joon-ha to bring Ha-neul back. Tae-kyung also apologizes to Se-jin for everything. In turn, Se-jin takes the moment to apologize for trying to split them up and for hurting them. With a sweeping statement, Yeon-doo says it’s all in the past and she wants everyone to be happy. It doesn’t seem possible that the three of them could ever face each other and have such a conversation, and yet they’ve come to a truce of sorts.

Soo-gyeom and Song-yi spy on Dong-wook and Yoo-myung from the cafe. He has come to pick up Yoo-myung after work, but she walks past coldly. He calls out that he wants to drive her home and will come by tomorrow, the next day, and the next. She says she hasn’t opened her heart completely just because he is here. He confidently tells her to keep an eye of what he will do for her from now on. Soo-gyeom and Song-yi cheer that progress was made. But why is Dong-wook so high-maintenance, Song-yi wonders? They share a laugh, and Soo-gyeom calls Song-yi “mom” for the first time. They hug.

Soo-gyeom comes out in a pretty flower girl dress to show Yeon-doo. Yeon-doo spends the night before her wedding with Bong-nim. Finally, Bong-nim can say she no longer has any worries. Yeon-doo tactfully asks her mother to give a toast instead of officiating. Not knowing that Grandmother was also asked to officiate, she agrees. “A toast would be the same thing as a speech,” she says. But when Yeon-doo tells her another person will also give a toast, Bong-nim wants to know who else would give a toast but the mother of the bride? Yeon-doo smiles sheepishly; of course, it’s Grandmother.

The next day at the wedding venue, Grandmother and Bong-nim each practice their toast. They look beautiful dressed in traditional hanbok. The wedding begins with the lovely bride and the charming groom walking arm in arm down the runway. Flower girl Soo-gyeom brings the rings. Both mothers cry tears of joy. Grandmother and Bong-nim stand together to give their toasts. Bong-nim goes first, and scolds them for starting out as a fake couple. But she only wants one thing now – for them to be true to each other. They should trust, love, and rely on the other. And share their love with Ha-neul. It is a warm toast by Mother. Next, Grandmother compliments the couple by saying they’ve taught her so much. She tells them to live happily and freely. It is a cheerful toast, short and sweet. A spectacular picture of the families concludes a beautiful wedding ceremony.

Wrap up: a healthy Jang-ho and Hwa-ja send off Se-jin at the airport. She kisses them goodbye.

A view a year later:

Yeon-doo greets her class and, as top lecturer, gets down to business preparing them for entrance exam tests.

Joon-ha returns to Korea with the adoption approval form for Tae-kyung to adopt Ha-neul. The adoption could only take place after Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung have been married for a year. Joon-ha keeps his promise and brings the paperwork. He meets with Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo. They thank him for not changing his mind. His only request is to meet Ha-neul when she is older. They agree.

Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo file the official paperwork at the the Adoption Court. The baby’s name is officially changed to Gong Ha-neul as of this day. Grandmother leaves a voice message for Joon-ha thanking him for letting Tae-kyung adopt Ha-neul. She tells him to eat well and not to be lonely. He listens, content that she keeps in touch.

Hee, Hong-joon, Soo-jung, and Cheon-myung arrive at the Oh’s chicken restaurant. They bring news about Hong-joon’s check up, happy to be able to report that he is recovered and doing well. Dae-sang thanks Soo-jung and Cheon-myung for sponsoring him and covering the payments. He promises to pay them back. Cheon-myung says it is their pleasure as Hong-joon’s godmother and godfather. No one owes them anything. Dae-sang and Hee get to work setting out a spread for the whole family at the restaurant. It looks delicious!

And what a surprise when Ha-neul says her first word so that everyone can hear, “Appa!”

Comments:

Happy 50 episodes everyone! The final episode was satisfying overall. I love seeing a pretty bride and wedding! Bong-nim and Grandmother were true to themselves in their speeches and looked as worry-free as they could ever be, thank goodness. Here are some final thoughts:

Grandmother was a key character in The Real Has Come! She swallowed her pride (although it took something like 48 of the 50 episodes for her to do so) and, as she commented herself at the wedding, learned a lot about relationships. Is it because of her or in spite of her that the family stays together? I’d say probably both.

In a very roundabout way, Soo-jung and Cheon-myung made peace with not being able to have children of their own and channeled their energies to help Hong-joon. Soo-jung’s character grew from a self-centered spoiled person to a caring and giving person. When she focused on others, she glowed.

Hee, on the other hand, is my least favorite character in this drama. I don’t think she figured out how deceitful her behavior was towards the Gongs, her son, Dae-sang, and others. She was Yeon-doo’s roommate through her pregnancy and helped her out, but there were strings attached to that, too. She excused her behavior to a fault without truly repenting, even if she was sorry. I hope she takes parenting classes! And, she is lucky Dae-sang stayed by her side – first love is a powerful thing!

What happened to Eka? I was hoping Joon-ha would team up with her as a supporter of her missions. I also wish their brother-sister relationship would have flourished. We weren’t given much about them in the end. She just sort of disappeared.

Tae-kyung is what I would call a vanilla character. I’ve liked Ahn Jae Hyun’s acting in other dramas better. He was a flimsy character, in my opinion, although there were touching moments with Yeon-doo. We saw Tae-kyung’s anger and isolation dissolve through building relationships with others, it’s true. And through his character, I learned what it means to not be registered as a family member because you are adopted, and what it takes to be a registered family member.

Dong-wook and Yoo-myung: I never did see why she was attracted to him. Since they still referred to each other as in-law in the last episode, they must be working on their relationship still. Dong-wook needs to work really hard on not being a loser and I suppose we saw inklings of that happening. Soo-gyeom is a shining star, cheerful, smart and wiser than her age, ambitious, adorable, understanding of her foolish parents. I am happy that she can call Song-yi “mom” without being burdened. Soo-gyeom’s friendship with Yoo-myung is good for both of them!

Hyun-woo’s and Ji-myung’s story faded into the distance. I suppose that happens with peripheral characters in a 50-episode-long K-drama! I didn’t find them particularly interesting anyway.

Yeon-doo suffered so many hardships, no wonder she is so thin and fragile! I worried about her many times. Her relationship with Tae-kyung was built on lies from the beginning, and it was hard to watch them trip over themselves again and again to maintain their fake relationship and lies. But that was the story line of the drama and we watched what covering the truth with lies looked like. I couldn’t count how many times she said, “I’m sorry.” I thought her comment to her students that, after the things she’s gone through, she’s concluded that studying is the easiest! It was because of Yeon-doo that I rooted for her and Tae-kyung to be together with Ha-neul.

Joon-ha: Another unlikable character in many ways. He even committed a crime or two, or at least punishable acts, but the story didn’t go there. I wonder if it should have for reality’s sake. He never saw himself as the cheater from the start; perhaps being sorry for many things in the end included that, but personal growth and change are hard, and the open-ended path he took leaves us room to hope for that for him. Giving parental approval for another man to raise your child is a big step, I am not overlooking that at all. He finally did what is best for his child and put his wants and revenge aside.

Speaking of revenge, I have a comment or two about Se-jin. She really was shaped by unfortunate circumstances beyond the control of a young girl, and I see much of her personality as self-preservation. If adults won’t care for me, I will take care of myself is how I see her thinking. Her father, mother, and Grandmother dumped on her which she didn’t deserve. But, boy, dis she ever get revengeful at times! And she was an opportunist, placing herself favorably whenever she could, and leaving tread marks on those she trampled! Sadly, she couldn’t count on her mother and father watching out for her, so she fell under the care of the Gongs in business and family relations. Things got messy and I found it difficult to keep track of whose side she was on or not on. Hurt people can do the meanest things to hurt others. Well, in the end she said to her father, “I wonder why it too me so long to be okay.”

Bong-nim was just a normal working mom/grandmother, can I put it that way? She carried the financial and decision-making burden for the entire Oh family, no thanks to any of the adult males. I do think Soo-gyeom takes after her! I really liked her a lot. In-ok, too, although she took a nasty turn against Yeon-doo for a while there. Her position as second marriage in-law in the Gong family came with low status even in the 21st century! I was glad to see the step-daughters-in-law warmed up to her. I like the actress who played In-ok (Cha Hwa-yeon) in other dramas, too.

Well, that does it for recapping The Real Has Come! I’m posting this on the last day of the month and am thrilled to complete all 50 episodes! I hope you have enjoyed reading them. Please like my posts, and leave comments – I love reading what you think about this K-drama!

Peace,

cimiart

The Real Has Come! ep 49

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 49

The unthinkable has happened – Joon-ha has disappeared with Ha-neul! And he isn’t answering his phone. Ji-myung wants to call the police, but Eka asks the family to wait because Joon-ha finally texted and said he wanted to go somewhere with Ha-neul before he brought her back. She begs them to wait until 9 pm, the time he promises to be back. Tae-kyung says he will wait only because he doesn’t want Ha-neul to have the burden of her biological father as a criminal (if he was charged with kidnapping her). The family puts a plan into action: Grandmother, In-ok, and Yeon-doo will wait at the house while Tae-kyung and the in-laws spread out in different directions. Eka calls Se-jin for Joon-ha’s pass code so they can enter his apartment. But they don’t find him there. Joon-ha has taken Ha-neul to the temple. Ha-neul is fussing with a fever and he doesn’t know what to do. It is Se-jin who talks him out of his bad thinking and makes him realize he shouldn’t have run away with Ha-neul. Didn’t he get to be with Ha-neul because Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung trusted him as her father? He should think about how badly Ha-heul will feel if she finds out someday that he caused trouble. She tells him to stay there and she will meet him. Se-jin calls Grandmother, who calls Tae-kyung with the address of the temple. Yeon-doo tries hard to hold herself together as they wait. But whey they arrive at the temple, Joon-ha is gone.

Ha-neul cries uncontrollably as Joon-ha drives frantically. Tae-kyung calls Yeon-doo with the awful news that Joon-ha is not at the temple, and they are going to call the police. But a solemn Yeon-doo says that won’t be necessary. Joon-ha has just walked in the door with the baby. Keeping her eye on Ha-neul the whole time, Yeon-doo walks deliberately and steadily to him and takes her Ha-neul into her arms. Joon-ha kneels before In-ok and Grandmother as Tae-kyung enters and grabs him, ready to punch his lights out. The brothers-in-law hold him back, but who can blame him? Tae-kyung scolds Joon-ha, saying that as her biological father, he should have acted like it. Joon-ha isn’t very coherent, he rambles that was scared when Ha-neul wasn’t breathing normally. He won’t show up in front of her, he blubbers, because this mess is all his fault. Thankfully, Ha-neul is all right. Grandmother tells Joon-ha to leave and never come back. Eka is mortified and sorry in front of the family on behalf of her brother. Although Joon-ha apologizes, it may be too late.

With Chan-sik, In-ok, Tae-kyung, and Yeon-doo and the baby in her room, Grandmother takes the blame for not assessing things concerning Joon-ha properly. No one blames Grandmother, but it was a tense and grave situation that, fortunately, turned out okay. Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo decide to stay in the annex for the night, near family and to get some rest after their ordeal. Tae-kyung’s siblings lovingly offer to watch Ha-neul.

Yeon-doo gets a call from the teaching assistant that the lead lecturer was fired, It is her chance to come back and teach at the academy, and the director has asked to see her. Yeon-doo is excited that something might work out.

Soo-jung gets a call from the hospital asking if she can sponsor treatments for Hong-joon, but she replies it would be too difficult at this time. The thought of Hong-joon still tweaks her heartstrings, though. The hospital agency informs Hee that she will have to find other ways to cover the treatment payments now that an agency sponsorship she received has been used up.

Grandmother wants to take a family portrait tomorrow of the four generations. It is time to update the picture in the living room to include her grandson, granddaughter-in-law, and great-granddaughter!

Yeon-doo encourages Grandmother to pick up her studies again and return to Old School. When Grandmother calls Principal Jang-ho, she learns he is in the hospital and makes a visit. He doesn’t like all the fuss. She tells him to get out of bed immediately as she won’t allow people younger than her to be sick in the hospital. Grandmother asks about Se-jin, and when she hears she will study abroad, she arranges to meet her. First, Grandmother thanks Se-jin for assisting in finding Joon-ha when he disappeared with Ha-neul. She is curious why she helped. Se-jin said she no longer wanted to see people suffer because of Joon-ha, and she felt guilty towards Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo. As a way to make amends, she used the opportunity to be helpful. Grandmother acknowledges she is a better person than herself, because she knows how to make up for past mistakes. Second, Grandmother apologizes to Se-jin for treating her badly in the past and hurting her. It was wrong of her to do so as an elder, and she is remorseful for being a “mean old lady.” It seems Grandmother has been reflecting on her life lately, and is working on swallowing her pride and repenting.

Dae-sang gathers Hong-joon’s things from his hospital room and finds a letter under his pillow. It is written to Soo-jung, who has also shown up to see Hong-joon. Dae-sang hands her the letter. She reads what he has written: he tell her she is a good person, like his mother. Although he hates the aseptic room, he promises to try to endure it. He asks to have a sandwich with her again when he is released. He has even drawn illustrations. She is touched by his words. Hee is in the hall, crying and scared. When she sees Soo-jung, she grabs her hand and asks her to reconsider sponsoring Hong-joon; the hospital is discharging him because there are no funds to pay for his treatment. She knows she is shameless for her past behavior, and she even tells Soo-jung she will give up being his mother in exchange for (treatment) to save his life.

Yeon-doo meets with the academy director. He asks if she would like to lecture again. It is an enticing offer, but Yeon-doo doesn’t give an immediate answer.

Joon-ha just won’t go away. He has the nerve to call Yeon-doo and asks her to meet him at Tae-kyung’s office. He wants to know how Ha-neul is doing, even though he knows he’s to blame for the scare. The truth is, he’s come to tell them something; on Grandmother’s advice, he is going to allow Tae-kyung to adopt Ha-neul. Her name will be Gong Ha-neul. He is repentant for his behavior yesterday, and knows he isn’t fit to be a dad. Shocked, they thank him for coming to this decision. He tells them Grandmother told him to let Tae-kyung adopt Ha-neul and raise her back when they first met. Everyone has learned that it’s relationships that matter, not blood relation only.

Yoo-myung meets with Song-yi. She wants to clear up the awkwardness between them, most of all for Soo-gyeom’s sake. She explains she and Dong-wook didn’t break up because of her. And she feels bad that Soo-gyeom is torn and doesn’t want to betray her by getting close to Song-yi. She encourages Song-yi to comfort Soo-gyeom as her mom. She was Soo-gyeom’s friend before she was Dong-wook’s girlfriend, and as a friend, she hopes Soo-gyeom can get close to her mom.

Song-yi is relieved after talking with Yoo-myung, and invites Soo-gyeom to have pizza together. She tells her Yoo-myung cares for her a lot and doesn’t want her to feel guilty that she and her dad broke up. Soo-gyeom wonders if Song-yi still likes her dad; she answers that she did a long time ago, but not anymore. Soo-gyeom wants to know if it is okay with her, then, if Dad likes someone else? She tells Soo-gyeom yes, it is okay with her. Can the adults work things out?

The Gong family is shocked when Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo tell them Joon-ha has agreed to let Tae-kyung adopt Ha-neul and give her his last name, Gong. They can’t believe this day finally came. Grandmother is pleased, and peace finally settles over the family. Alone in her room, Grandmother makes a call to driver Kim to take her to meet Joon-ha. She asks Joon-ha to promise he will never do anything to make others suffer again and to swear on his mother. Joon-ha says he doesn’t have a mother. Grandmother corrects and reminds him: his mother is Strawberry, Eka is his sister, and she is his grandmother. Even is he pushes her away, he is her grandson. She has learned that family is more than just blood relation. She has accepted Tae-kyung as her grandson, and she accepts him as her grandson, too. They are all family. Her kind gesture makes him cry. After giving it some thought, Joon-ha calls Eka and tells her he will go with her when she leaves the country. Family.

Yoo-myung meets Soo-gyeom at the playground. Or so she thinks; Soo-gyeom sent her dad instead because she is trying to get them to make up. But it doesn’t go well because Dong-wook doesn’t know how to act on his heart. Yoo-myung doesn’t want a wishy-washy answer, but that’s all she gets. Their break up stands.

It is time for Joon-ha to say goodbye as he leaves his empty apartment. Coffee with Se-jin You’re here instead of jail because of me. He thanks her. He has a bit of advice for her too: he tells her mot to leave with regrets about her father. Eka arrives – it’s time for them to leave Korea. He texts Grandmother from the airport and tells her to be well and thanks her for everything.

Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung get ready for the family portrait. They’ve never smiled so big before. Finally, the Gongs are one big happy family. The photographer does an amazing photoshoot with Grandmother holding her two great-grandchildren and everyone else standing in a classy manner. Yeon-doo adds a cherry on top when she announces the three of them will move into the annex.

Comments:

Thank goodness a crisis was averted and Joon-ha was prevented from doing something even worse than what he did. The family pulled together and showed that when push comes to shove, real relationships mean everything. It was a domino effect of things going right rather than the usual toppling over as the line of tiles crashes down. Eka called Se-jin who helped locate Joon-ha. Grandmother apologized to Se-jin, Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo, and showed tough love to Joon-ha. Hopefully that will pay off. Se-jin and Joon-ha made peace with their evil alliance. Every member of the Gong family worked their way through prejudices, taking sides, and excluding others and now they are one big happy family.

Loose ends:

Yoo-myung and Dong-wook can’t get it together. I like her a lot, but I am not a fan of his immature character and the way he handles things. He really doesn’t deserve her, but Soo-gyeom deserves a friend like Yoo-myung! Song-yi is kind of just there, I’m not liking her much, either. But people and families aren’t perfect, so I hope things work out that Soo-gyeom can be comfortable with her mom and also with her dad being with Yoo-myung. I guess the double in-law issue will be settled in the final episode? And I ask again, what in the world happened to Jay and why was that rabbit trail even in the story to begin with? It was meh.

Jang-ho and Se-jin are unsettled, too. I wonder if she will end up going to study in the US. Or will she wait for her father to stabilize? I thought Hwa-ja was flaky to a fault and one of the shallowest characters I can recall. Weird in her relationships with her husband daughter, and even Bong-nim. Her and Jang-ho’s story wasn’t very cohesive nor was it satisfactorily developed. Another meh for me.

Hong-joon and Hee: She makes me mad and he makes me sad. I can see where the shaman’s prediction is going as the last episode wraps up. Soo-jung and Cheon-myung will cover Hong-joon’s treatments, and Dae-sang will get together with Hee. They will all share in his recovery and care.

Grandmother is one of the more interesting characters in my opinion. Even at 80 years old, she let herself learn a lot. I wish the Strawberry story line had gone differently and she got to meet her somehow. Grandmother even called herself a mean old lady, and recognized that some of her past behavior caused hurts that can’t be fixed. And that apologies should be given, but they don’t always have to be received. She swallowed her pride to make amends. And she was wise in how she handled Joon-ha, seeing him as a wounded and lonely person who needed guidance from the one person who could provide that.

So, let’s do it! Join me for the final episode of The Real Has Come! It’s been a long dramaland journey. I give it an 80 out of 100. What score would you give it?

The Real Has Come! ep 48

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 48

Joon-ha disrupts the family celebration at Tae-kyung’s and Yeon-doo’s place. He says he is leaving Korea and wants to talk with Yeon-doo. No one can trust him, and the families feel ill at ease when he sits down with them. Bong-nim asks why he continues to harass her daughter. Chan-sik tells him to say what he has come to say in front of everyone. So Joon-ha does just that, and requests to spend time with Ha-neul – not as an ultimatum, but as a favor. He tells Grandmother he heard what she said to him, and has decided to give up his parental rights and leave Korea. That is why he wants to spend a day with Ha-neul before he goes. But Tae-kyung tells him he won’t allow that. When Joon-ha won’t leave peacefully, the brothers-in-law escort him out. His last plea is to Tae-kyung; he even says he has cancelled the custody claim. Cheon-myung confirms with the lawyer that it’s true which makes everyone feel relieved at least.

Yi-song takes Soo-gyeom shopping. They each choose outfits and when they meet at the counter, it turns out they’ve chosen the same dresses! Like mother like daughter. Soo-gyeom remains somewhat tentative and holds back. Yi-song has things to tell her daughter – that she was too young when she gave birth and didn’t know anything. She was afraid and left her on her dad’s doorstep. She apologizes and said what she did was shameless and irresponsible. Soo-gyeom wants to know why she didn’t come sooner. Why now? Yi-song hangs her head and said she felt guilty; that’s why she opened the cafe so that she could watch her from afar. In a moment of understanding on Soo-gyeom’s part, she tell s Yi-song to buy her pizza then, next time, if she is sorry. Yi-song knows her daughter has opened up her heart toward her for another meeting, and promises to buy her as much as she wants.

It is unfortunate that Yoo-myung and Yi-song run into each other when both end up at the playground to meet Dong-wook. Yoo-myung wants to clear up with Dong-wook the reason why they broke up. Is it because he doesn’t like her? He answers, yes, that is why. He says that is the reason because it is the cleanest way he can think of to make her leave. For Yoo-myung, she wants to clarify that he didn’t break up because they were double in-laws or because of Soo-gyeom, but because he doesn’t like her. She tells him he is a coward for using those other reasons as an excuse and throws down her couples ring. Yi-song and Soo-gyeom walk up together just then and see Yoo-myung leave in tears. Soo-gyeom calls out, “Unni,” and Yi-song stands there uncomfortably. Dong-wook drops his head, knowing how hurt Yoo-myung must be.

Grandmother calls Eka to ask her to take care of Joon-ha, who must be feeling low. Eka didn’t even know he was planning to leave Korea, but she tells Grandmother she will look after him. She waits for him at his apartment building, but talking to him does no good. Joon-ha is despondent and tells Eka he doesn’t have a mother, a sister, or a grandmother. He is sick of family and tells her to go away. Realizing he is in a bad frame of mind, she nods, and tells him to get some rest.

Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo consider letting Joon-ha see Ha-neul, now that they know he has given up custody rights. They reason that, as her biological father, his request seems genuine since he is leaving soon. There is a condition, though. Tae-kyung calls Joon-ha and tells him he can see Ha-neul, but it will have to be with him and Yeon-doo present. That’s not what Joon-ha wanted, but he accepts that will be the only way he can see his baby.

The last person he has to lean on is Se-jin. He asks to talk to her – as a friend. Joon-ha tells her he is leaving. Feeling like everyone else was happy but him made him realize that must be how Se-jin felt about that family, too. She is surprised to hear he is leaving for the US. She tells him she wants to attend an MBA program there. They are both leaving family behind for a fresh start. He comments, “Both of us are tired of wanting something we couldn’t have.” He tells her to call if she needs help once she is i the US.

Joon-ha looks over the baby things he purchased for Ha-neul and decides to donate them to a charity through Eka.

Yoo-myung cries tears alone in her bed. She is upset that Dong-wook hasn’t even checked on her. Soo-gyeom lies in bed thinking about the look on Yoo-myung’s face at the playground. Even Dong-wook is unable to sleep, thinking about Yoo-myung.

The paperwork showing that Joon-ha dropped the custody claim comes through. The families are thrilled, and can’t wait for him to leave Korea. Not until then will everyone finally be at ease. In-ok sees Grandmother sitting without saying anything, and apologizes for making her uncomfortable with the conversation. But Grandmother says not to worry about her, “He did what he was supposed to do.”

Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo drive with Ha-neul to meet Joon-ha. Although nervous, they want to respect Joon-ha’s time with Ha-neul, and of course, they will be there too. They eat together at a restaurant and Joon-ha gets to feed Ha-neul. Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung watch as he carefully cares for Ha-neul.

Soo-jung volunteers at the hospital as usual. She runs into Dae-sang and Hong-joon and is cordial, but leaves quickly. Hong-joon runs after her but falls and holds his leg, saying it hurts. When they pull up his pajama leg, they see his leg is covered with bruises. He is warm, too, with a fever. After tucking him in bed, Soo-jung leaves his room. She overhears the doctor tell Hee and Dae-sang that tests must be run to check the possibility of a relapse. Hee collapses, frantic that her son isn’t getting well.

After eating, Joon-ha wants to take pictures with Ha-neul. He asks to drive the baby to the studio, and they agree as long as Yeon-doo rides in his car, too. Tae-kyung follows, nervous and unsure of Joon-ha’s intentions. When Joon-ha doesn’t make the correct turn, Tae-kyung panics and calls Yeon-doo only to discover her phone is in her purse in his back seat. When they arrive at the studio, Tae-kyung suspiciously asks why he didn’t follow the GPS. As it happens, Yeon-doo asked Joon-ha to pull over to change the baby’s diaper. Nerves are on edge as Tae-kyung and Joon-ha are both upset. Joon-ha wants to take pictures with Ha-neul, as father and daughter. Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung look at each other, unsure how they feel about that.

Soo-gyeom has a shoot at Joy Entertainment. When she sees Song-yi come out of the cafe, she runs pas’st her. Yoo-myung arrives and also sees Song-yi. They don’t have anything to say to each other. Soo-gyeom cries in front of Yoo-myung thinking that because she lied to her yesterday, she broke up with her father. Yoo-myung feels sorry for Soo-gyeom’s confusion, and tells her it’s not her fault and she isn’t mad. Poor Soo-gyeom is in the middle of her father’s relationship conflicts and feels she is to blame. Yoo-myung is good at making Soo-gyeom feel comfortable about seeing her mom and wants her to be open and tell her the truth. She says she and her dad didn’t break up because of her. She didn’t do anything wrong, and she shouldn’t ever blame herself. She tells her she is still friends with her dad and she doesn’t want her to lie anymore. They hug.

Joon-ha’s day with Ha-neul is almost over. He has tea with Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo and tells them he will leave Korea shortly. He thanks them for a day where he got to feed his baby, driver her in his car, and take pictures with her. It’s time to say goodbye. Joon-ha’s countenance darkens, and he jumps up from his chair. There is one more favor – what could it be? He wants to be alone with Ha-neul. Yeon-doo asks what he thinks he is doing. He looks pitiful, asking for just three hours with her. He promises he will stay at home with her and they can wait outside. Tae-kyung agrees, perhaps he feels bad that Ha-neul’s father has given her to him to raise and says, “Just three hours. If you are late even one second, I will call the police.” Joon-ha is surprised he said yes, and quickly thanks them for letting him take Ha-neul.

But when Yeon-doo tells her mom they let Joon-ha take Ha-neul, she is upset and worried. Is that a good idea she wonders? Joon-ha takes Ha-neul to his apartment. He even sends Yeon-doo a selfie of him and the baby. He promises not to do anything shady. When In-ok finds out what her son and Yeon-doo have agreed to, she asks why would they let such an untrustworthy person watch Ha-neul? Grandmother asks if he treated Ha-neul well, and Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo say he did. She thinks there might be hope for him after all, although she has been worried all day he might do something strange.

Eka stops by the Gong residence to say goodbye. She is leaving in two days and wanted to apologize for making them uncomfortable. They tell her she didn’t do that at all, but Eka feels bad about the trouble her brother caused. She learns from them that Joon-ha is leaving, too, and that he is with Ha-neul right now to say goodbye to her. Eka is nervous hearing that, but thanks Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung for understanding his position.

Joon-ha starts acting antsy. He calls Yeon-doo and asks for thirty more minutes because he fell asleep. She says no; he is to bring her back now. Holding Ha-neul tight, he whispers to her that she is the only person in this world related to him. He cries and tells her to be happy with Mom and . . . stepdad. He is not quite in his right and doesn’t answer his phone, then decides to drive off with Ha-neul. Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung pound on his door, but there is no answer. They search the underground parking lot for his car. Grandmother calls from home to say Joon-ha didn’t bring Ha-neul back. When Tae-kyung tells her Joon-ha isn’t at his apartment, she yells, “Oh no, he took Ha-neul and disappeared!”

Comments:

Gosh, are Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo stupid to fall for Joon-ha’s pitiful ploy to get alone time with Ha-neul? As Eka said, she appreciates they understand his position, but he acts like a victim of his own decisions and that drives me crazy! We knew that when he asked for three hours after he had spent the day with her under the agreed on conditions, nothing good would come of them saying yes. In-ok was right when she called him untrustworthy – and the only thing you know about a person is what they have previously done. One could argue that a biological parent always has some rights to see their child, but it should have been under supervision only. I am so upset at YD and TK for their bad decision that put their baby at risk.

I can see that Grandmother is interested in Joon-ha’s character, and was hoping his actions in caring for Ha-neul bode well of him. But give someone like Joon-ha and inch and they will take a mile! He may not have any redeeming qualities, sadly.

Why did he pull to the side of the road and get out of the car with Ha-neul? What will happen to Ha-neul?

The Real Has Come! ep 47

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 47

Grandmother visits Joon-ha, knowing what she has to say will be difficult for him. She asks him to give up on Ha-neul and let Yeon-doo raise her with the man she loves (Tae-kyung). Joon-ha asks why he should do that, after all, isn’t he the maternal grandson? Grandmother tries to reason with him, but Joon-ha only wants his daughter. He is upset at what Grandmother is asking him to do.

As the family discusses the termination of adoption for Tae-kyung, Sister Eka rings the Gong doorbell. She has come to tell the family important news about her brother. When the family finds out Joon-ha is not Eka’s biological brother and therefore not Grandmother’s biological grandson, they call Grandmother only to find out she is at Joon-ha’s apartment. The news shocks Grandmother and she faints. Chan-sik, Cheon-myung, and Tae-kyung run to Joon-ha’s apartment. Eka blurts out that Joon-ha didn’t know and blames herself for keeping the fact that he was adopted from him. It doesn’t matter that Joon-ha only recently found out, because when he did find out the truth, he didn’t tell anyone.

Eka explains everything to Grandmother: Joon-ha was adopted as a baby and was raised as the loving son of their parents. How could she tell anyone else he was adopted when Joon-ha didn’t know? Eka tells Grandmother their parents loved Joon-ha very much. Grandmother understands how hard it must be for Joon-ha, now that he found out he was adopted. She is weighted down by the whole situation.

Eka calls Joon-ha and wants to talk. Angry, he tells her he doesn’t have a sister.

Jang-ho collapses and is taken away by an ambulance. His wife accompanies him, but when she has to consent for a serious operation, she can’t bring herself to sign. Se-jin feels enough responsibility to step in and sign the consent form. Her relationship with her father has always been rocky, but she has enough empathy to not want him to be sick and die.

Eka goes to Joon-ha’s apartment. He is very angry that she told the family and ruined everything. What did she ruin? His plan based on a lie? Rationally, Eka says she told Grandmother everything, especially how he didn’t know. If he is honest and asks Grandmother for forgiveness, he will still be her grandson (as he is Strawberry’s beloved son). Joon-ha calls Grandmother, but she doesn’t answer. It’s not just his phone call she isn’t answering; she isn’t talking to anyone right now.

Soo-jung tells Cheon-myung she found out Hong-joon’s mother is Hee-the one who tried to scam them. They are both upset and have mixed feelings about wanting to help with the hospital bills now. They don’t want Hong-joon to be hurt, but the situation reminds her of how desperately she tried to get pregnant. Cheon-myung thinks it is best if “she doesn’t answer Hong-joon’s calls any more. When Hee see’s Hong-joon calling “Story Lady” (knowing it’s Soo-jung), she asks why he wants her to be his mother. Hong-joon tells Hee that he doesn’t want to be her burden, and so if he lives with Soo-jung, he won’t be Hee’s deadweight. These words hurt Hee, and she tells him to go ahead and leave her behind, then. Dae-sang overhears, and holds Hong-joon close because he knows he is confused and having a hard time. Poor Hong-joon cries that he doesn’t want his mom to suffer because of him. Dae-sang tells him he is quite the man for caring so much about his mother. With such a heartfelt conversation, man-to-man, Dae-sang encourages Hong-joon to eat the delicious chicken he brought and cheer up. Then he finds Hee and tells her to stay strong for her son.

Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung can now feel happy they don’t have to terminate his adoption. Ironically, Tae-kyung and Joon-ha are both adopted into Grandmother’s family. Meanwhile, Joon-ha kneels in front of Grandmother’s bedroom door, but she won’t answer. He even goes in against everyone’s wishes and enters her room anyway, asking her forgiveness because he didn’t know until the DNA test that they weren’t blood related. Grandmother has been silent since she found out, and continues not to say anything to anyone. Chan-sik tells Joon-ha to leave, but he reminds the family that he is still Ha-neul’s biological father and they can’t do whatever they want with her. He defiantly proclaims that he won’t let Gong Tae-kyung adopt her, and they will regret treating him so poorly. The family drama continues.

Grandmother has the driver take her to a cafe. She has called Joon-ha, Tae-kyung, and Yeon-doo to meet her there. Now she will speak. She wants to get things in order. First, she tells Joon-ha to let Tae-kyung adopt Ha-neul. She reminds him that Yeon-doo couldn’t trust him because he was mean. Did Strawberry raise him and teach him to live that way? She boldly tells Joon-ha it is his greed, not his love, that makes him want Ha-neul so no one else can take her. Grandmother says she will embrace him as her grandson, just like Tae-kyung, and teach him well. But he has to agree to let Tae-kyung raise Ha-neul because that’s what Ha-neul’s mother wants. If he won’t do that, Grandmother will not see Joon-ha again. Joon-ha responds with anger and says he only wants Ha-neul, and doesn’t need his mother and Grandmother. He leaves in a huff. Grandmother is sad, but knows he has gone astray and needs someone to guide him.

Grandmother has done a lot of reflecting lately. She tells Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo she’s caused conflict when she was supposed to be the elder. Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo understand how hard this must be for her. She is thankful, and tells them she will make sure Joon-ha doesn’t take Ha-neul. She hopes he will be able to say someday, “I’m glad I didn’t take her,” knowing she was raised well.

Grandmother calls Eka and asks her to take care of her brother as she scolded him harshly. Eka says it was good for him to be scolded by elders, because he will feel like he has a family finally.

Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung plan a housewarming party at their apartment tomorrow for both families, now that the termination of adoption is canceled. Grandmother is feeling better, and Ha-neul is settled.

Joon-ha is in bad shape. He is drunk and feels like everyone has rejected him. Grandmother answers his call and listens as her broken grandson asks if he is so messed up that he can’t even raise his child? If he doesn’t agree to giving up on Ha-neul, will she really have no part of him? He tells Grandmother to be well, and hangs up. Grandmother weeps tears for him.

Bong-nim hears that Principal is in the hospital. She is tentative about stopping by, but it turns out Hwa-ja is grateful, and they even get the chance to straighten misunderstandings. Bong-nim runs into Se-jin who is just coming to see her father. She takes the opportunity to tell Se-jin she is sorry about what happened about her wedding and her daughter’s part in it. Se-jin is at a loss for words, not thinking she’d ever hear such an apology. And Bong-nim makes sure to tell Se-jin that her father cried many tears worrying about her. It’s a conversation that ties up loose ends. She goes in her father’s hospital room as he sleeps. She can’t help but think over the times they were cross at each other and exchanged sharp words. When he opens his eyes, she tells him she will study abroad and plans to leave as soon as she decides on a school. Their exchange is brief, but she at least informs him of her plans.

Soo-gyeom decides to meet with her mom, Yi-song. Dong-wook makes the arrangements. He looks at the ring on his finger from Yoo-myung with regret, torn between wanting to be with her and breaking up because he needs to focus on his daughter. Soo-gyeom lies to Yoo-myung when she calls to ask what she is up to. She doesn’t want hurt her by saying she is with her mom.

It is a very weird situation when Yoo-myung brings food over to Tae-kyung’s for the family party and Dong-wook also shows up to help Yeon-doo. They are introduced to each other by their unsuspecting siblings. Dong-wook acts as if he is meeting Yoo-myung for the first time. When they go out to pick up soy sauce, Dong-wook ducks and hides when their two mothers enter the building. Yoo-myung wipes away tears of disappointment at Dong-wook’s behavior and says she will be the one to leave. The table is set and all the in-laws are gathered. With their troubles seemingly behind them, Tae-kyung proposes a toast that they eat well and forget about the past.

But before anyone can enjoy a bite of the spread before them, the door rings. With a gasp, Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung see that it’s Joon-ha standing there. He asks to speak to her before he leaves Korea.

Comments:

Grandmother took her role as elder to heart and thought through how to sort things out. Her love of Joon-ha as her daughter’s son is still strong, but she realizes he needs her guidance and love in order to become a better person. Unfortunately, Joon-ha can’t see past wanting Ha-neul at all costs, even if it’s not the best thing for her. I find his dislike of his sister, Eka, unfounded. I don’t think we’ve received an explanation of that aspect of their relationship as brother and sister. Of course, he is madder at her than ever, because she told the family that he was adopted. I like the way she said it never mattered, and so it never came up. But with Ha-neul, she couldn’t let him continue to lie to the family. Still, Grandmother and Eka couldn’t get Joon-ha to realize that what he is doing is hurting everyone, and that he has been dishonest and untrustworthy all along. Can he have a change of heart?

I feel so sad for the burden that Hong-joon must bear because of his wishy-washy mother, Hee. She doesn’t seem to acknowledge her character flaw. They are fortunate to have Soo-jung willing to help with the bills, but that is in jeopardy, too, since she found out Hee is Hong-joon’s mother.

I guess stopping in to see her father in the hospital is the best Se-jin can do. I’m not sure I consider that closure to their rocky relationship, but at least she didn’t leave without a word.

The overall dysfunction of the families makes it difficult to be 100% on anyone’s side, really. Think about it: all the kids in this drama have been dumped on by adults which really bothers me. Soo-gyeom is torn between her father’s girlfriend, Yoo-myung, who she likes, and having her mother in her life for the first time. Dong-wook has been a coward toward Yoo-myung, and I don’t think he deserves her. But Soo-gyeom deserves her in her life! Yi-song is Soo-gyeom’s mother, but hasn’t ever been one to her. I don’t care about Dong-wook, but I do care that Soo-gyeom ends up all right in this. Hee is so immature and selfish. I feel sorry enough for Hong-joon that I almost wish he would go and live with Soo-jung!

Please, please don’t mess up things, Joon-ha!

The Real Has Come! ep 46

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 46

Joon-ha can’t believe the result of his DNA test does not match with Grandmother. His first thought is that Se-jin tampered with the sample. She is upset that he wants to put the blame on her, but really he just can’t admit the result is true. Se-jin tells him to call his sister right away for anything that might help explain. Eka is already at his door, because she has come to ask why he didn’t tell her about their mother, Strawberry’s, memorial service. They both have questions for each other.

Eka accepts his vague excuse that he was too busy to call her. She wonders why he is so glum, but he doesn’t tell her about the test results. She is also curious why there are so many baby products in the bedroom, and again, he makes up an excuse that it’s for a friend who has a baby. Before she leaves, they agree to have a meal with Grandmother. Soon Eka will be leaving the country for her missions work. But the atmosphere between them is not at ease, and she leaves wondering what is amiss.

Se-jin asks Joon-ha if he confirmed his relation to Grandmother with Eka, but he says he didn’t. He intends to do the DNA test again. Se-jin is already thinking that he isn’t the grandson of Grandmother and what the implication of that means. Surprisingly, Se-jin gets a call from Eka to meet for coffee. She has questions about her brother that she hopes Se-jin will answer. Eka suspects Se-jin is the “friend” Joon-ha mentioned with a baby, but Se-jin clears that up quickly and tells her they are merely coworkers who grew close. Eka apologizes for the assumption. Se-jin has questions, too. She asks what is the age difference between her and Joon-ha. Eka replies there are six years between them. Se-jin asks if she remembers his birth, and Eka says she remembers when she first saw him and how happy their parents were. It leaves Se-jin wondering if Eka knows anything or not.

Yoo-myung asks Dong-wook directly if the cafe owner is Soo-gyeom’s mom, and he nods yes. Of course that is what she suspected when she walked in on their serious conversation earlier at the cafe. Dong-wook’s reaction is to break up with Yoo-myung; he says Soo-gyeom is confused about her mom and he needs to focus on her right now. Yoo-myung wants to deal with it together, but he feels his issues are a burden to her. In addition, their double in-law status is complicated and he doesn’t want the two families to get more tangled because of them. She is mad and hurt that he wants to end things and leaves in tears.

Dong-wook sits Soo-gyeom down for a father-daughter talk. He tells her he was young when she was born and made a poor decision to lie and say that her mother had died. He is sorry he didn’t consider how she would feel about that. Now, her mother wants to see her and explain things to her, but it is up to Soo-gyeom if she wants that or not. (Yi-song is her mother and Soo-gyeom knows this. But she isn’t sure she wants an explanation from her now because she is hurt.)

In-ok and Grandmother are in a bad spot-if Grandmother accepts Kim Joon-ha as her grandson, then Tae-kyung will terminate the adoption and leave the family. It is the only way Tae-kyung can live free from the ties that prevent him from staying with Yeon-doo. In-ok understands with her head why he will have to terminate his official family ties, but it hurts her heart more than she can bear.

Tae-kyung tells Yeon-doo they should move to Canada. He explains it is easy for doctors to move there and work. She agrees and, with a laugh, says she looks forward to plenty of maple syrup. Tae-kyung can’t sleep and goes into the baby’s room and tenderly looks at family pictures. Yeon-doo finds him and gives him a back hug. They know moving means not seeing family. It’s the price they must pay to stay together.

Joon-ha is on his way to Grandmother’s. She promises to make him breakfast. By the way, she asks, how did the DNA test go? Joon-ha is silent, and when Grandmother asks him why, he lies and says he hasn’t actually done the test, yet. Before he arrives, Eka makes a visit to talk with Grandmother. She wonders if there is something between the family and Joon-ha. Grandmother tells Eka that Ha-neul is Joon-ha’s baby, but Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo are raising Ha-neul. It is clear that the situation is complicated.

In-ok bravely meets with Tae-kyung and tells him she and Chan-sik agreed to begin termination of his adoption. Tae-kyung is thankful, but it is a bittersweet decision. Still, In-ok can compare her wanting to raise him with him wanting to raise Ha-neul, and so she won’t stop him. Tae-kyung hugs his mother for understanding and for saying that Ha-neul is what matters. It is a close moment between Tae-kyung and his mother. He tells her it dawned on him there are no pictures of them together, and so they go to a photo cafe for self-portraits.

Grandmother prepares a big breakfast for Joon-ha. She asks him, though, why he didn’t tell Eka about the memorial, and then lied that he did. Joon-ha is smooth, and lies again that he was so busy and got mixed up and didn’t want to worry her. Grandmother lets it slide, but scolds him and tells him to be truthful going forward. He wants to know what Eka said when she found out about Ha-neul, but Grandmother is keeping her cards close and only says Eka wants to see Ha-neul.

Eka goes to Tae-kyung’s apartment to talk things over with Yeon-doo. At first it looks like Joon-ha sent Eka there to be on his side, but that isn’t so. Eka simply wants to know what Yeon-doo wishes to do about Ha-neul. Yeon-doo explains everything to her: that Joon-ha declared parental status, that she wants to raise her with Tae-kyung who named Ha-neul and was by her side; that she doesn’t want to raise Ha-neul with Joon-ha. Eka surmises that her brother is being unreasonable. She is especially bothered when she learns that, because he is being difficult, Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung will move abroad after Tae-kyung terminates his adoption into the Gong family.

Joon-ha enters a church where Eka has asked him to meet her. He is cold and tells her to speak quickly and then he will leave. She asks him to give up on Ha-neul. He gets mad and asks if it is because he doesn’t share the Gong bloodline. She finds out he knows. He finds out she knows. He asks, “How did I become your brother?” Eka relays the story that had been kept from him all along that he was adopted. He demands to know why she didn’t tell him. Her simple answer is that it didn’t matter; they are a family and he is her brother. Joon-ha panics but concludes that he can still be the grandson, then, and no one will know otherwise. Eka pleads with him not to split up the families by lying. She wants to go to the Gong family together and tell them the truth. Joon-ha will have nothing to do with that plan. He wants her to lie for him if he is her brother. She replies that she can’t lie for him because he is her brother. If he won’t tell them, then she will. Joon-ha threatens that if she does that, she will find out just how far he will go.

Joon-ha barges in at the office where Chairman, Cheon-myung, and Ji-myung are meeting. He puts on a strong show of confidence, and tells them he won’t back down until Chairman gives him Ha-neul. If he will do that, Joon-ha promises he won’t insist on being added to the family registry as Grandmother’s grandson. Chairman doesn’t think he can believe him after the way he has acted.

Jang-ho takes the medicine he got from the hospital check-up. He tries to get a hold of Se-jin, but her phone is off. He even calls his wife to try and find her. He is weary and seems to want to tell her something. As a gesture of reconciliation, he brings her the tteokbokki she has always loved, and tells her he believes her when she say she is not in a relationship with Joon-ha.

When Se-jin reminds Joon-ha he is no longer Grandmother’s grandson (by blood), he gets angry at her for not wanting to go along with their plan to get revenge on Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung. But Se-jin seems to have had a change of heart after her last conversation with Tae-kyung. To Joon-ha’s surprise, she says she is not on board any more. Sure, they can talk as friends, but she doesn’t want him calling her about continuing to fool the family that he is related. She just wants a fresh start.

Cheon-myung and Soo-jung meet with Hong-joon’s doctor to square up the hospital bill. They want to help in any way they can. To them, it isn’t much money and they are happy to help a struggling mother and her sick son. As fate would have it, Hong-joon comes running down the hall in time to see Soo-jung. He gives her a big hug. But when he turns and says, “Oma,” who should be standing there but Hee. It is the first time Hee and Soo-jung realize the connections with Hong-joon. They discuss how this surprising meeting could happen. Hee thanks Soo-jung for helping out. Soo-jung says what has to be said, and tells Hee she must not hurt such a precious son by doing bad things and burdening him. It is her duty to live diligently and be a good mom no matter what. Her son deserves no less. Hee realizes her son is aware of more than she could imagine and is remorseful. She pours out her heart to Dae-sang, worried that Hong-joon doesn’t want an incapable mom like her. He even asked Soo-jung to be his mom. She feels as if she is being punished for hurting him, Soo-jung, and Cheon-myung.

It’s time for Tae-kyung to tell Bong-nim what is going on. He meets with her and Dae-sang and tells them about terminating his adoption. It’s is something he and Yeon-doo have agreed on in order to be able to raise Ha-neul. Bong-nim realizes it’s because of Joon-ha. She is upset and wants to protect his family status in the Gong family, but Tae-kyung appeals to her and says he doesn’t have the energy to fight everyone anymore. They just want her blessing. She understands, but still, she is torn and realizes the stress they are under. Dae-sang says he will support him and his niece. Over drinks, they agree to meet in Canada every year as family. Tae-kyung leaves drunk as a skunk and heads to the Gong household.

His brothers-in-law meet him at the door, but he is out of control! Pretty soon everyone is in the foyer, observing quite a sight as Tae-kyung kisses and hugs everyone. He makes a sloppy drunk! Before he goes to sleep, he wishes to see Grandmother and tells her he loves her. He even wants to sleep with her in her room, for the first and last time-he puts it, hanging on her and making a scene. Grandmother sits up in the dark, watching her sleeping grandson, Tae-kyung. She calls Yeon-doo and lets her know he is there with her for the night. He talks in his sleep, “Grandmother, I don’t want to leave. I always want to be here, Grandmother.” She cries at his confession, and gently brushes his cheeks.

When Tae-kyung wakes up the next morning, he hazily recalls his behavior the night before. He is deathly embarrassed and can’t look the family in their eyes. They tease that he drank so much he told everyone he loved them. Grandmother has gone on a drive and sits at the Han River, thinking things over.

Se-jin has plans to find her own way and leaves her parents’ apartment on bad terms, as usual. Her father doubles over and collapses on the floor. Se-jin stands in the doorway motionless; her mother cries out for her to call 911.

Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo tell the Gong family that they have Bong-nim’s blessing and will proceed with the termination of adoption. It is something the family does not want and it makes everyone sad, but in order for Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo to live together and raise Ha-neul, they know it must be done.

As Joon-ha ponders his predicament, Grandmother rings his door. She has come with a request: Can he let go of Ha-neul?

Comments:

Joon-ha must feel that no one is on his side – not his sister, not Se-jin, and now, not even Grandmother. Interestingly, Grandmother did not come to ask him to take a step back from Ha-neul because he is not blood related. She doesn’t know that fact yet. It is amazing how much power Grandmother wields; but in the traditional Korean family structure, she is the matriarch and everyone else who is a family member is under her say.

I can’t decide if Se-jin or Eka will be the one to reveal the DNA results. Surely Joon-ha must be worried that information will come out sooner rather than later. It was sweet and mature of Eka to say that, blood or adopted, he is her brother either way. That’s what family is. But wounded and lonely Joon-ha can only keep fighting for what he wants and isn’t swayed by Eka’s words.

It is also interesting that the in-laws are fighting so hard for Tae-kyung, as they were almost all against him at one point. Poor Yoo-myung is tossed to and fro both in matters of love and family. Dong-wook’s rationale leaves her out, and that is hurtful. She is willing to work things out with Soo-gyeom’s mother and also the double-in-law situation, but Dong-wook has made a decision on his own that excludes her. I feel bad for her, as I think she has a pure heart and really would be a good influence on Dong-wook and a good mother figure to Soo-gyeom. By the way, does anyone else wonder what ever happened to Jay? Will he show up in the show again, or was that a sideline that was here and then gone?

Okay, will Grandmother be able to persuade Joon-ha, and will she offer him a place in the family so that he can find happiness and rest? In the end, aren’t both Tae-kyung and Joon-ha grandsons to her by adoption?

The Real Has Come! ep 45

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 45

Tae-kyung announces he won’t be a part of the family, and asks Father to terminate his adoption. The family immediately turns to Joon-ha and, one by one, tell him he is the cause for making the family uncomfortable. Grandmother talks with Joon-ha and reminds him that because he has done things to upset the family in the past, it is not surprising they reacted this way. The family tells Tae-kyung they do not want the adoption to be terminated. Of course, they can sympathize that he is trying to make a way to stay with Yeon-doo and Ha-neul, but they don’t agree this is the way to do it.

Joon-ha taunts Tae-kyung when they meet outside. He sneers and says he was happy to see how warmhearted everyone treated Tae-kyung, the adopted son. Imagine how he will be treated as a blood relative once they accept him. Joon-ha makes sure Tae-kyung knows he will take Ha-neul no matter what. Tae-kyung tells him to try his best, but that will never happen. He will find a solution to keep Ha-neul.

Joon-ha calls Yeon-doo to report that Tae-kyung dropped a bombshell on the family. She goes to Tae-kyung’s office to discuss the matter. Number one, he didn’t talk with her about the decision to termination the adoption. And number two, she didn’t start seeing him to make him lose his family. Tae-kyung says they should leave the country and raise Ha-neul. When Yeon-doo asks why he would sacrifice everything and everyone for Ha-neul, he answers, “I’m Ha-neul’s dad.” That statement makes Yeon-doo realize that she is the one who must confront Joon-ha because she is Tae-kyung’s wife and Ha-neul’s mother.

Se-jin is unhappy that her father is back at home. He has learned that Joon-ha is a grandson of the Gong family and is suspicious when he finds out Se-jin is seeing him. Father and daughter do not get along and can’t live together. This time, Se-jin packs her bag and goes to Joon-ha’s apartment.

Yeon-doo calls Joon-ha and tells him she is at his door. She has come to ask a favor – she wants him to leave. Why is he making Tae-kyung leave? Their perspectives are so different, there is no good compromise. Yeon-doo wonders if he can be content as a grandson to Grandmother and she will let him see Ha-neul when he wants if he will let her and Tae-kyung alone to raise her. He insists he is the blood relative and Ha-neul’s father, and there is no reason he should be the one to leave. But Yeon-doo wants to be with Tae-kyung and not him, and his presence and ties to the family make that impossible. She begs Joon-ha to leave the three of them (her, Tae-kyung, and Ha-neul) alone. Tae-kyung pounds on the door; he has come to get Yeon-doo. They leave with things unresolved, not only with Joon-ha, but between them. Yeon-doo is against the adoption termination. Tae-kyung thinks it’s the only way to protect Ha-neul. Yeon-doo takes the elevator herself, and Tae-kyung leans against the wall, unsure of what to do. Se-jin comes around the corner and asks if he is okay. He says how could he be? So, he asks, is she happy things ended up the way she wanted? (Meaning his and Yeon-doo’s relationship is messed up.) She looks away and doesn’t answer.

Yeon-doo spends the night with Bong-nim. While she rests, Soo-gyeom is happy to play with Ha-neul. Hong-joon is cold towards Hee as she sits with him at the hospital. She offers him some mangoes, but he spills them on the floor and yells for her to leave him alone. Hee isn’t sure where his anger is coming from, and steps out to give him space for a moment. Dae-sang is waiting for her in the hallway, but she doesn’t want to see him and asks him to stop coming. He tells her Hong-joon overheard their previous conversation and misunderstood, and thinks she scammed someone for him. He suggests she talk to him right away so he doesn’t get hurt more. Poor Hong-joon is distraught and calls Soo-jung saying he wants her to be his mom. He cries that his mother is burdened by him because he is sick and can’t pay the hospital bills. The call is interrupted when Hee finds Hong-joon in the lobby. She explains to him that he is not to blame for anything. He knows she has to pay his hospital bill and asks how much is left. When she says it isn’t much, says she is lying and accuses her of doing something bad because of him (being sick). It’s a heartbreaking conversation.

Grandmother is at Tae-kyung’s door. She has come to ask if he really has to terminate his adoption. He tells her that it will make things easier for Yeon-doo, Ha-neul, him, and her, too. Grandmother asks if he and Joon-ha can’t be her grandsons together. But he lets her know he was disappointed when she accepted Joon-ha so easily, and yet he knows why. She found her daughter’s son, and she lost her daughter. He knows she wants to do things for that grandson because she couldn’t do anything for Strawberry. Tae-kyung knows Grandmother can’t express happiness towards Joon-ha because of him; that’s why he will terminate the adoption. He asks Grandmother to let go of him; she understands, but the situation is bittersweet.

Joon-ha brings a picture of his mother, Strawberry, to Chairman’s office. He would like to put it up at the memorial. Ji-myung and Cheon-myung ask what his intentions are – is he interested in the inheritance? Joon-ha thinks they are suspicious of him and offers to do a DNA test since the confirmation to Grandmother was with Eka and not him. He asks Se-jin to drop off his sample; he is sure it will be the proof everyone is looking for to feel at ease.

The family is torn between whether or not to attend the memorial. If they do, they disappoint Tae-kyung. If they don’t they disappoint Grandmother. As items for the memorial arrive, In-ok leaves to visit Tae-kyung. She tells Grandmother she can’t help with Strawberry’s memorial because she doesn’t want to lose her son. Grandmother asks Joon-ha if he contacted Eka to attend. He lies and says she is too busy, but he actually never told her about the memorial. Grandmother is thrilled with portrait Joon-ha brought of his mother. Hyun-woo and Soo-jung help prepare the memorial food halfheartedly because Grandmother is paying so much attention to Joon-ha. Grandmother calls In-ok and asks if she will attend the memorial. In-ok says she can’t because Tae-kyung isn’t included. Yeon-doo overhears the conversation. When she learns there will be a memorial, she decides to attend. It will be her chance to talk with Grandmother who has been avoiding her calls.

Yoo-myung waits for Dong-wook to pick her up. He says he has something to tell her. On his way to her office, Song-yi comes out of the cafe and the two of them have an unavoidable talk. Things are kind of a mess with Soo-gyeom who doesn’t want to talk to either of them right now. Song-yi is sorry she caused trouble and tearfully apologizes for telling Yoo-gyeom she is her mother. Just then, Yoo-myung walks in and asks what they are doing.

In-ok calls Tae-kyung to tell him Yeon-doo is at Grandmother’s and so is Joon-ha and that makes her nervous. He says he’ll be right there. The memorial gets underway; Chan-sik greets her as the sister he never knew. Joon-ha greets her and introduces the people standing around as her family. Grandmother apologizes to Strawberry and promises to take good care of her kids. Yeon-doo says she will bow too; she pays her respects to Strawberry and introduces herself as Tae-kyung’s wife and Oh Ha-neul’s- not Kim Ha-neul’s mother. She says she will raise her as Tae-kyung’s child and asks for her blessing from heaven. Afterwards, she turns to Grandmother and tells her she wanted to state her position clearly today.

Joon-ha tells Grandmother he needs her help to raise his baby, Ha-neul. That night, Grandmother receives a call from Eka. Grandmother asks her why she didn’t attend her mother’s memorial service. Eka is surprised and realizes Joon-ha didn’t mention it to her, but doesn’t let on to Grandmother. She calls to ask him why, but Joon-ha is preoccupied with the DNA test results and doesn’t answer. The email reads: “According to the maternity test, Kim Joon-ha’s DNA does not match Eun Geum Shil’s.” So, he is not related?

Comments:

It was brave of Yeon-doo to respectfully but firmly state her position as Ha-neul’s mother to the rest of the family at Strawberry’s memorial. I don’t know how she holds up under all the stress. I also don’t see a solution for her and Tae-kyung unless Joon-ha moves away. Or is there a way he could have a change of heart and relent?

But wow, Joon-ha has placed all his eggs in one basket, and now that the DNA doesn’t match, I can only imagine he will do everything in his power to hide that from everyone. I think Se-jin will be privy to the information, and I just wonder if she will soften her position toward ruining Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo and let Joon-ha’s non-related status slip . . . maybe?

Eka realizes her brother withheld information about their mother’s memorial from her. Now she will try to find out why. (And, why is her relationship with Joon-ha so distant? Why doesn’t he like her?)

The Real Has Come! ep 44

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 44

Grandmother tosses and turns in her sleep. She dreams of Strawberry and feels unsettled. She calls Eka to find out what flowers Strawberry liked. Eka says her mother loved flowers and would be happy with anything Grandmother chose. Eka wonders if Joon-ha did something to Grandmother’s family based on their reaction to him last night. But her inquiry upsets Grandmother, and she drops it. Eka calls Joon-ha and suggests he make things right, whatever that may be. She lets it slip that Grandmother is going to see their mom at her resting place. Joon-ha is annoyed with Eka, but when he hears that Grandmother is going to visit Strawberry, he decides to show up, too.

When Chan-sik and Hyun-woo escort Grandmother to the crematorium, they are all surprised to see Joon-ha standing in front of Strawberry’s place of rest. He lies and says he didn’t expect to see her here. Grandmother asks him to wait for her while she pays her respects. There are pictures of her daughter, her daughter’s husband, and young Eka and Joon-ha. Grandmother sheds tears and calls out, “Strawberry, Strawberry.” Afterwards, they have coffee with Joon-ha. Grandmother asks him what kind of person his mother was. Joon-ha butters up Grandmother and replies, “Her personality was exactly like yours.” Of course that pleases Grandmother. He also tells her he was sixteen when his parents died (in an accident), and Eka became a nun when he was in college in the US. He laments that he’s been alone since then, but got used to it. His story touches Grandmother’s heart.

In-ok tells the family she is going to spend the day with Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo because she is worried about them. The rest of the family decides to go with her to cheer them up. In-ok and Soo-jung bring Yeon-doo delicious food and tell her eat well and stay strong for Tae-kyung. Cheon-myung and Ji-myung assure Tae-kyung they are on his side and reject Joon-ha as a cousin. They don’t think Grandmother will choose Joon-ha over Tae-kyung and tell him not to worry. Tae-kyung is thankful they supporting him.

On the ride home from the cemetery, Grandmother dabs her eyes and comments that Joon-ha must have been lonely all this time. Chan-sik and Hyun-woo are concerned that she is softening towards him. When Grandmother arrives home, In-ok sits with her and tries to read her: is she leaning towards Joon-ha? If so, this will mess things up for Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo? Grandmother sighs; she doesn’t know what to do either.

Chan-sik, Cheon-myung, and Ji-myung discuss what Joon-ha’s next move might be. Will he demand a position at the company because he shares their bloodline? Will he show up whenever he wants at the house? Can they prevent him from barging in on their lives?

Se-jin asks Joon-ha how the meet up with Grandmother went. He says she is curious about him and his mom, and he wants to use the opportunity to get closer to Grandmother. He asks what she likes. Se-jin suggests high quality teas. Se-jin thinks Grandmother will move toward Joon-ha because she is all about the bloodline, and Tae-kyung is not related by blood. Joon-ha surmises that if Grandmother accepts him, she will let him raise Ha-neul. If he gets Ha-neul, then Yeon-doo will come to him, too. He and Se-jin agree the heavens must be on his side for life to turn out this way for him.

Dae-sang tries to help Hong-joon understand what he overheard him and his mother (Hee) talking about. Hong-joon wants to know if his mother really scammed someone because of him. Dae-sang explains she actually didn’t scam anyone, and she apologized for any wrongdoing. But the explanation backfires, and Hong-joon thinks his mother is a bad person and he is to blame. When Hee calls Hong-joon, he tells her not to come. Soo-jung prepared a lunch and happens to visit Hong-joon just as he is feeling down. She has grown close to him as a volunteer at the hospital, and he has slowly opened up to her warmth. But she is surprised when he leans on her and cries. She asks if he will have a picnic outside with her and keep her company. Feeling safe with her, Hong-joon asks a “hypothetical” question: if she had a son and he was very sick, would she do something bad for his sake? Soo-jung says mothers can do anything for their child, and so she thinks she could for her child’s sake. Hong-joon gets upset and says if she had a sick son she would wish he was never born. She kindly but firmly tells him not to think such things. But she is troubled that he is so burdened.

Tae-kyung smiles at the pictures Yeon-doo sent to his phone of Ha-neul. He gets a call from Father to meet at a restaurant. Father treats him to grilled meat and plenty of liquor. He wants to know how Tae-kyung is doing. He tells Father that he is anxious, the rest of the family is suffering, and there isn’t anything he can do this time. It’s absurd yet true that he and Joon-ha are cousins; how will he explain the mixed-up relations to Ha-neul when she is older? He also can’t ask Grandmother to ignore her grandson whom she just found. He fells all paths are blocked. Father says he will take care of Joon-ha. He doesn’t want Tae-kyung to worry about anything; the family won’t turn their backs on him. He even orders three servings of meat to go for Yeon-doo to feed her well and send a message that he cares.

Tae-kyung can’t sleep. He goes to the living room and calls Grandmother. She can’t sleep either, and even though she is awake, she doesn’t answer his call. She sighs deeply saying, “Strawberry, what is your mother supposed to do now?”

Chairman goes to Joon-ha’s apartment with an ultimatum: “Do you want to become Mother’s grandson or Ha-neul’s dad?” He says if he gives up his parental rights, he will accept him as family. Joon-ha points out he is already family, what is there to accept? Furthermore, he is Ha-neul’s father, what is Chairman trying to do? It doesn’t look like Joon-ha will cooperate and give up what is already his.

Joon-ha brings tea for Grandmother. Against protests from the family, he enters her room. Even Grandmother doesn’t want to talk with him at the moment, but he asks her for a favor as a way to get to get her alone. Grandmother can’t refuse and allows him to drive her to Old School. He plays on her emotions and makes her feel bad, in a roundabout way, for preferring her family over him. He leaves her feeling guilty for making him lonely.

Joon-ha tells Bong-nim and Dae-sang that he is Grandmother’s grandson. Until now, they didn’t know. They are flabbergasted and ask what he is trying to do. He tells them he can’t ignore his Grandmother or his daughter, Ha-neul. So Tae-kyung should let Ha-neul go and let him be with his baby and Yeon-doo. This poses a great dilemma for Bong-nim. And Grandmother is not talking to or answering anyone’s calls these days: not Tae-kyung’s,not Yeon-doo’s, not Bong-nim’s.

Tae-kyung confronts Joon-ha at his apartment. Joon-ha brags about all the baby items strewn about, saying he is preparing for Ha-neul. And he provokes him by saying Grandmother will eventually come to his side. Tae-kyung tells him to bring on the custody fight; he and Yeon-doo will never lose to him. The “cousins” have a face-to-face showdown or words and threats, but the truth is, only one can be Yeon-doo’s husband and Ha-neul’s father.

Yoo-myung orders the watermelon juice Soo-gyeom loves. When Song-yi delivers it upstairs to Joy Entertainment, she freezes when she sees Soo-gyeom and acts like she doesn’t know her. Soo-gyeom catches up to Song-yi and asks why she pretended not to know her. She is upset and hurt saying, “What kind of mom pretends not to know her daughter? Did you not like me? Was I not pretty? Is that why you left?” Dong-wook has come to pick up Soo-gyeom and walks in on them. He takes his daughter by the hand and leaves. It is the first time Yoo-myung thinks something is up between Song-yi and Soo-gyeom, too, the way they act uncomfortable around each other.

Tae-kyung wants to talk to Grandmother but the family tells him she refuses to see anyone. When he knocks on her door, she says she is resting, but he enters anyway. He wants a straight answer: What does she want to do about Kim Joon-ha? Does she want him by her side as her grandson? This makes Grandmother cry. She says she is sorry, and he can see she is tormented over the situation. But she can’t help but think of Strawberry, how she couldn’t care for her own daughter, and now that daughter’s son has appeared in front of her. How can she turn that poor lonely soul away? He has no one but her. Grandmother appeals to Tae-kyung, saying she wants both him and Joon-ha, and she can’t choose. Tae-kyung tells Grandmother she can’t do this to him; what is he supposed to do? Grandmother can only say she is sorry over and over again. Tae-kyung knows what this means. He keeps his conversation with Grandmother from Yeon-doo, not wanting to worry her.

Soo-gyeom is angry and tells Dong-wook he and Song-yi are liars and she hates them both. She is right, both have lied to her and left her confused.

Tae-kyung decides he is the one who has to fix things. When Yeon-doo wakes up, Tae-kyung is already gone. He’s left a note that he went to work early and will call her later.

Grandmother invites grandson Joon-ha to breakfast with the Gong family. Everyone is ill at ease. She announces she will have a memorial service for Strawberry tomorrow and Joon-ha will participate. Before anyone can protest too loudly, Grandmother tells them he is their blood relative and therefore they cannot discriminate against him. Tae-kyung walks into the dining room and, at first, it looks like he may join them. But he has an announcement to make that is vastly different from that: he asks Father to terminate his adoption of him. Tae-kyung will leave the family.

Comments:

Poor Tae-kyung makes an extreme decision to leave the family because he is under great stress. He figures this is the solution to free him to be with Yeon-doo and to fight for Ha-neul, and to accept Grandmother’s decision. He also feels responsible that everyone else is burdened and feels guilty and stressed over the family ties dilemma. Ultimately, he is adopted and not blood related-which is Grandmother’s deciding factor.

Everyone shows their support for Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung, but it is clear they are all worried about Grandmother’s decision about accepting Joon-ha. They realize Grandmother is torn between Tae-kyung and Joon-ha. She is the family matriarch, and what she says goes concerning the bloodline and family ties.

I can actually understand that Grandmother would want to hold a memorial service for Strawberry. Of course, Joon-ha should be there. I wonder if Eka will come, too? Blended families can be a challenge when holidays and other occasions bring together people who would rather not spend time with each other.

There is a lot of pressure on Yeon-doo. Both mothers tell her to be strong especially for Tae-kyung’s sake. Father (Chan-sik) tries his best to support Tae-kyung, but he can’t deny Joon-ha’s relationship and the implications of it. I wish everyone would take more time to consider creative solutions. Wouldn’t that prevent such reactionary responses?

I had a thought: will Grandmother live through this ordeal?

The Real Has Come! ep 43

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 43

Se-jin follows Joon-ha into a cafe thinking he is meeting with Yeon-doo. Instead, it turns out he is meeting his sister, Eka, who really is his sister and also a nun! Even Se-jin couldn’t anticipate this new development. Joon-ha doesn’t seem fond of Eka, and asks her not to bother him about money again. She explains to Se-jin, who acts uncomfortable sitting there during their conversation, that Joon-ha isn’t actually that insensitive, and wants her to know he has generously contributed to worthy causes in the past when she has asked. The two women have tea and Eka tells Se-jin about raising her younger brother and who was tenderhearted and always helped those in need. Se-jin says it sounds as if she is hearing about another person. Eka asks for Se-jin’s phone number in case she can’t get a hold of her brother in an emergency. While entering her number in Eka’s phone, a call from Gong Tae-kyung comes in. Se-jin shakes her head in disbelief as she hands back the phone, unable to make sense of why Sister Eka is receiving a call from Tae-kyung, of all people.

Grandmother informs the rest of the family that Eka is a nun. They are surprised, and Cheon-myung suggests Grandmother and Eka take a DNA test to make sure of their relation since Strawberry’s record was over twenty years old. Tae-kyung calls Eka and asks if she will take a DNA test which she agrees to. Now it’s time for Eka to tell Joon-ha that she has found Mom’s family, their maternal grandmother is right here in Korea. She asks if he would like to meet them so that he has family nearby when she return to the US. But Joon-ha is completely against it and is not interested in meeting them. He seems angry and distant when he tells Eka to stop bothering him and go back to the US. She kindly tells him she understands and to let her know if he changes his mind.

Soo-gyeom finds an old photo of her dad and Song-yi in school uniforms. Soo-gyeom goes to the cafe to confront Song-yi. Af first she denies knowing anything. But when Soo-gyeom shows her the picture and the “likes” on her social media, and asks, “Are you my mom?” Song-yi’s silence confirms her suspicions. Hurt and confused, Soo-gyeom runs out and looks back saying, “Don’t follow me.” Meanwhile, Dong-wook and Yoo-myung can’t believe they are double in-laws and wonder what, if anything, they should do. He doesn’t think it can work, but Yoo-myung, who is much less tied to convention, doesn’t think it should matter. There is nothing illegal about their relationship ties. Dong-wook suggests they think it over, but Yoo-myung says to forget it if he is going to be that way.

Song-yi catches up with Soo-gyeom saying she is sorry she couldn’t tell her the truth because she was embarrassed and couldn’t do anything for her. Poor Soo-gyeom cries out, “A mom is still a mom!” Nothing Song-yi can say will calm her. Hand in hand, they go to Dong-wook, but Song-yi steps back and hides before he can see her.

Tae-kyung finally gets Ha-neul to fall asleep. He and Yeon-doo tiptoe to the kitchen for a much deserved beer in the quiet of the evening. It seems a small luxury that they get to relax and snuggle on the couch.

Joon-ha calls Chairman while the family eats breakfast together. Chan-sik will not tolerate his brazen behavior and tells Joon-ha he has already taken care of legal matters against him and not to call him again. Tae-kyung takes a swab from Grandmother’s cheek to bring to the lab. He calls Sister Eka who is happy to comply and will provide a swab as well.

Sister Eka asks to meet Se-jin. She is worried about Joon-ha and asks if there is anything going on with him. Se-jin says it is best if she asks him herself. But Eka says he would never confide in her. If something happens will Se-jin contact her? Se-jin promises she will. After their chat, Se-jin drops off Eka at her next stop. But when she sees Eka enter a building with Tae-kyung, she run inside to find out what is going on. The elevator stops at the DNA lab on the second floor which seems very curious to Se-jin. Grandmother’s and Eka’s samples are turned in and all they have to do now is wait for the results. Tae-kyung brings Eka home to meet the family. She is friendly, and when she hears a baby cry she exclaims with glee that the family is blessed with four generations under one roof!

Se-jin reports to Joon-ha that she saw Eka and Tae-kyung together at the DNA lab. He thinks back on Eka’s comment that she found (their) Mom’s family. He quickly calls Eka to find out where she is only to hear Grandmother’s and Yeon-doo’s voices in the background. Nothing could prepare Joon-ha for the realization that his mother’s mother is Grandmother! “I’m her grandson, how can that be?” he asks incredulously. On the other end of the phone, Grandmother overhears that Eka has a younger brother, so he would be her grandson! But she is sad to hear that he does not want anything to do with the family, and Eka wants to honor his wishes.

Hwa-ja (Se-jin’s mother) has an odd request; she goes to Bong-nim to ask her to check on Jang-ho’s health because she fears he is not well. Bong-nim has removed herself from being between them now that she knows he is Se-jin’s father. She tells Hwa-ja she won’t do that because it has nothing to do with her. Hwa-ja understands what Bong-nim is saying and bows politely as she leaves. Jang-ho visits the hospital and is told he has a heart condition that can be serious. He is given medicine and is advised not to miss taking it.

Dae-sang can’t stop thinking about Hee. He calls Yeon-doo to find out the hospital room that her son, Hong-joon, is in. He finds out Hong-joon has blood cancer and has been sick for three years. As they talk, Hee comes to see her son. In private she asks Dae-sang if he still has feelings for her. Even after she used him to scam people, he still hangs around? Doesn’t he get it? She doesn’t want him to bother her and make her suffer more than she already is because of her sick son. Hong-joon is standing around the corner and overhears their conversation. He is worried that it is his fault his mother is having a hard time. He runs into Soo-jung in the hallway. She holds him as he breaks down about hating being sick and being in the hospital. Even though she doesn’t know the situation or who his mother is, she comforts him, tucks him in his bed, and tells him to call her if he wants to go somewhere. She will take him.

The DNA clinic calls Tae-kyung with the news that the match is positive. This confirms that Eka is indeed his cousin and Grandmother’s granddaughter. Everyone is pleased with the results. Eka tells them she won’t be around much, however; with her volunteer work as her mission, she won’t be in Korea often. She is content that she found her mother’s family and tells Grandmother where Strawberry is buried. Everyone encourages her to stay in touch no matter what even if it is infrequent. Eka promises to do that.

To everyone’s utter shock, Joon-ha bursts in and announces he needs to tell the family something. Chan-sik tells him to get out. Grandmother tells In-ok to throw salt on him. Eka jumps up and asks how they know Brother Joon-ha to a chorus of “whats?” She informs them he is the younger brother she told them about. With a deep bow, he faces Grandmother and says, “Ia m your grandson, Joon-ha.” Grandmother falls back crying, “How can this be?” “What do I do? Strawberry, Strawberry . . .” Yeon-doo’s and Tae-kyung’s expressions are completely deflated. On their drive home Eka asks Joon-ha what is going on. He provides only basic information: he worked for Chairman Gong’s company for a while and made a lot of money, but he has a bad relationship with his son, Tae-kyung.

No one can believe what has taken place. How is Kim Joon-ha Grandmother’s grandson? How? This means Ha-neul is Grandmother’s great-granddaughter by blood. Because of this, they are worried about Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo; what does this mean for them?

Tae-kyung puts Ha-neul to bed in their apartment. Yeon-doo cries in the living room. Tae-kyung cries in the bedroom. They both know this means being together and raising Ha-neul won’t happen now.

Joon-ha and Se-jin discuss the implications of this new finding. She is quick to point out that he has a higher, better position in the family as Grandmother’s blood grandson than Tae-kyung who is adopted and not a blood relative. And the fact that he is Ha-neul’s biological father takes is more solid legally and ethically than ever. Se-jin thinks back when she broke up with Joon-ha because she wanted to marry the son of the Chairman and left him for Tae-kyung. If she would have stayed with Joon-ha, she really would have married into the powerful and prestigious Gong family.

It seems out of character for Joon-ha to call Chairman and, out of concern, ask him not to tell Eka about Ha-neul or Tae-kyung. He also asks if Grandmother is all right. Chairman firmly tells him not to call again, and Joon-ha says he understands and wishes him good health. Is it too soon to think Joon-ha may have a tender spot in his heart after finding out who his mother’s family is?

Tae-kyung wakes up and can’t find Yeon-doo and Ha-neul for a second. Yeon-doo comes out of the baby’s room and reassures him they are there and won’t leave. Didn’t she promise she wouldn’t leave? Nothing can change the fact that she loves him. They hug tightly, uncertain of their future.

Grandmother dresses up to make a proper visit to Strawberry at the Crematorium Hall where she is buried. Chan-sik and Hyun-woo escort her. As they approach the location, Grandmother stops in her tracks when she sees Joon-ha standing at the spot saying, “Mother, I’m here.”

Comments:

This episode felt like one big collective sigh. Soo-gyeom sighs because she found out about her mother, Song-yi. Dong-wook sighs because he and Yoo-myung have new complicated family ties. Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung sigh because Joon-ha is revealed as a blood grandson to Grandmother, giving him legal and family status that cannot be denied. Ha-neul is his daughter and Grandmother’s great-granddaughter. The family sighs because Joon-ha is a long-lost relative who has already caused them nothing but grief. Grandmother sighs because she lost her daughter, Strawberry, before they could meet. Finding Eka is bittersweet, but Joon-ha’s emergence as her grandson is more than she can comprehend. Sigh.

I picked up on Se-jin’s comment that Eka’s description of her brother growing up “sounds like a different person.” I am guessing a DNA test will prove this to be true; Joon-ha may not be Grandmother’s blood grandson after all. We shall see!

Thoughts? Comments? Please leave them below and like cimiart episode 43 recap. Thanks!

The Real Has Come! ep 42

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 42

The Support Center for Families of Missing Persons calls Tae-kyung with information on the DNA search concerning Strawberry. After the call, Tae-kyung talks to Grandmother in private. First, he gives her a calming tonic, then tells her the news: the agency reached Strawberry’s daughter and found out that Strawberry died twenty years ago. Grandmother is shocked and sits in silence. She asks Tae-kyung not to tell the others, and now she wants to be alone. It is hard for Tae-kyung to leave his sobbing Grandmother, but he gives her the privacy she’s asked for as she grieves.

Dong-wook is a terrible liar. He finds out from Yoo-myung that Soo-gyeom knows her mother isn’t dead as he told her. Yoo-myung asks if he has met Soo-gyeom’s mom recently, but he says no with a look in his eyes that actually says yes. He thinks he is covering up the truth well, but both his daughter and his girlfriend can read him like an open book.

Joon-ha calls Yeon-doo to check on Ha-neul. She and Tae-kyung know they will run into him often, now that he has registered as Ha-neul’s father. She can tell he has been drinking and says not to call and ask about the baby until he is sober. But he adds that he liked having her and the baby in his apartment like a family and he won’t give up. He makes a call to his lawyer who tells him to prepare a good home for the child as the family will find out tomorrow . . . What will they find out tomorrow?

Grandmother won’t come out of her room the next morning. A special delivery arrives at the Gong household – it is a court order for a custody trial. Kim Joon-ha has petitioned for a trial for custody against Oh Yeon-doo for Kim Ha-neul. As Chan-sik looks over the document, Cheon-myung thinks back to when Joon-ha joined Lynx Company and realizes he planned from the beginning to make Tae-kyung his target. The family tells Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo not to worry; they are on their side and will fight Joon-ha.

When Ji-myung arrives at work, she sees security restraining Joon-ha from the company. Then she remembers the same thing happened another time, and asks security what is going on. The head of security reports to Ji-myung, Chan-sik, and Cheon-myung that Joon-ha tried to see Se-jin, but she put him on the blacklist when she was going to get married. Now Ji-myung, Chan-sik, and Cheon-myung know Se-jin and Joon-ha knew each other even back then and have been working together all along.

Bong-nim informs Yeon-doo that Jang-ho is Se-jin’s father, which she didn’t know. This makes Yeon-doo wonder why Se-jin lied about knowing him when she was in the accident and wanted to thank the man that helped her. Se-jin lied and said she didn’t know the middle-aged man (who, as it turns out, is her father). She calls Jang-ho to meet up.

Everyone is worried about Grandmother because she won’t come out of her room. She feels hopeless and mourns that she is a mother who doesn’t even know how her daughter lived and died. Tae-kyung calls and is worried that she is crying alone. Grandmother laments that she is a horrible mother. Tae-kyung comforts her and reminds her that she didn’t abandon her daughter and Strawberry wouldn’t want her to feel that way. When Grandmother comes out of her room, she falls into In-ok’s arms crying. The family has never seen her this way before.

During her talk with Jang-ho, Yeon-doo finds out about Se-jin’s lies. Now she knows was the one who saved her that day she had an accident. Why, then, did Se-jin lie that she saved Yeon-doo? Also, Jang-ho tells her that Joon-ha showed up on the day of Se-jin’s wedding and tried to stop it, claiming that he was her ex-boyfriend. Yeon-doo had no idea Se-jin was the woman Joon-ha was cheating with. Thinking back, she realizes the initials SJ on the anniversary cake was for Se-jin. How did things get this tangled?

Chan-sik meets with Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo. He wants them to tell him everything they know about Joon-ha and Se-jin. He finds out it was Joon-ha and Se-jin who wrote the rumor on the business online board, that Se-jin and Joon-ha cheated on Yeon-doo, and both have been lying about their relationship all along.

Chan-sik calls Joon-ha to the office where they meet with Se-jin, Cheon-myung, Ji-myung, Tae-kyung, and Yeon-doo. Chan-sik exposes them as the ones who wrote the rumor and calls them out for lying and deceiving his family. They are not remorseful in the least which makes Chan-sik even angrier. He has had it up to here, and fires Se-jin on the spot. He tells Joon-ha that Ha-neul is his granddaughter and he’d better stay away. When Joon-ha makes an impudent remark, Chan-sik slaps him. He vows to use all his power to destroy his future. Security escorts Joon-ha and Se-jin are escorted out by security.

Tae-kyung calls Grandmother and asks if she wants to meet Strawberry’s daughter. They wait at the Center and a woman – a religious nun – enters. She asks warmly, “Are you my maternal grandmother?” When she shows her a baby garment with strawberries embroidered on it, Grandmother recognizes it as her stitching and holds it to her face and cries. She hugs her granddaughter, Eka, who tells her Strawberry died in a car accident in the US. It is a bittersweet reunion; Grandmother never found her daughter, Strawberry, but has found her granddaughter, Eka.

It is time for Grandmother to tell the rest of the family the story of Strawberry. It is a sad story of giving birth to a baby girl, living in poverty, and being powerless to prevent having to give her baby up for adoption. Grandmother tells them she realizes how precious they all are to her, having experienced such a great and deep loss of never getting to see Strawberry again.

It is also time for Dong-wook to find out who Yoo-myung is. She surprises him with a golf lesson at Lynx Co. so he can play with colleagues at his new job. He finds out that she is the Chairman’s daughter. Then, he wonders, does she know Tae-kyung? She replies yes, he is her brother. With a puzzled look, he says Tae-kyung is his brother-in-law. Then, she wonders, is Yeon-doo his sister? “No way, we’re in-laws?” they exclaim at the same time!

Joon-ha acts annoyed when he gets a phone call from someone who is asking for money. It turns out to be his older sister, Eka!

Comments:

THis episode revealed the story line about Strawberry.

Eka – Grandmother’s granddaughter from Strawberry, is Joon-ha’s older sister? Really? I can only think that they must have different mothers (but the same father). Joon-ha can’t be Grandmother’s biological grandson, can he? I was hoping Grandmother would get to meet Strawberry as a way to heal the unfortunate pain she suffered having to give her up.

Chan-sik stepped up to the plate and defended his family after learning the whole truth about Joon-ha and Se-jin. Are there legal steps the company can take against them? I hope so. Up until now, he always deferred to In-ok or Grandmother, so it is good to see him take a solid stand.

Now, let’s find out what’s up with Eka and Joon-ha! Is it possible there is some redeeming quality like Joon-ha funding non-profit good works?

The Real Has Come! ep 41

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 41

Grandmother chases Joon-ha away with her cane, warning him with choice words to stay away from her grandson and Yeon-doo. She has come to see Tae-kyung to apologize and make a confession. She acknowledges she treated him poorly and took out her loneliness over losing Strawberry and didn’t want him to be treated well. She knows this is an excuse and repents for being small minded and twisted. She doesn’t think she deserves his forgiveness. Instead of being angry and hurt, Tae-kyung tells Grandmother to show her remorse by treating Ha-neul well and living a ling life. This makes Grandmother thankful and happy. At the mention of Strawberry, Tae-kyung tells Grandmother that if she still wants to look for her lost daughter, he will help. He takes her to get a DNA test at an agency that tries to find a match for missing persons. Grandmother gets her cheek swabbed in hopes of finding Strawberry.

Yeon-doo and In-ok have a lovely conversation now that their relationship has been patched. Joon-ha sees In-ok leave Yeon-doo’s house on good terms and wonders what’s up. He calls In-ok to meet and asks what has changed; didn’t she kick Yeon-doo out? In-ok tells him she has accepted Yeon-doo and hopes he will be generous and let her and Tae-kyung raise Ha-neul. But Joon-ha will have none of it, and digs in with a promise that he won’t give up on getting his daughter back.

Grandmother goes all out and takes Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung on a buying spree. They leave the clothing store loaded down with shopping bags. Tae-kyung picks up flowers for Yeon-doo while Grandmother arranges for them to enjoy a lunch date together. After going through so much, Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo feel things are looking up. He says they should get a marriage license now, and after a year, he will be able to adopt Ha-neul legally.

Hee meets with Yeon-doo to explain why they won’t be able to see each other again. Upon discovering Dae-sang is her uncle and after the terrible thing she did by scamming him, she can’t be close with Yeon-doo because Dae-sang doesn’t want to see her. Yeon-doo feels sorry, and thanks Hee for their friendship and helping her with Ha-neul.

Soo-gyeom calls the cafe to speak with Song-yi. She asks for the watermelon juice recipe. Song-yi sends it to her and tells her it is a secret recipe only for her. When Soo-gyeom gets the text, she recognizes the name as a fan who follows her on social media.

The two families hide in the dark at Bong-nim’s restaurant waiting for Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo to arrive. When they enter, the families clap and give them their blessing. The couple announces they will get a marriage license tomorrow. Dae-sang prepared a nice meal and everyone enjoys it fully. Yeon-doo speaks privately to Dae-sang and tries to fix things with Hee by telling him how helpful she was to her when she gave birth alone. But Dae-sang doesn’t want to hear anymore and tells her not to bring up Hee again. There is another surprise: when Cheon-myung and Soo-jung arrive a little late, they are shocked to meet Dae-sang there and discover he is Yeon-doo’s uncle. It is an awkward moment, but both parties act like they are meeting for the first time. Afterwards, Cheon-myung and Soo-jung make sure Dae-sang is no longer connected with Hee who scammed them and hurt them. He assures them he is not in touch with her.

To end the wonderful dinner and family celebration, Bong-nim offers to watch Ha-neul so Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo can be alone. Tae-kyung still has the rings they wore as a fake couple, but this time, he places it on her finger sincerely. He asks her to put the ring on his finger and kisses her lovingly.

Both mothers are witnesses to their daughter and son getting a marriage license. The mothers are giddy with joy at this momentous occasion and offer to watch Ha-neul so they can have a couple of days alone. When Tae-kyung asks Yeon-doo if there is something special she’d like to do, she answers there is one thing. Yeon-doo wants to do absolutely nothing. Just resting with no responsibilities or worries is paradise to her. They are both content to do nothing together.

Joon-ha applies for parent status at the court house. He registers the baby as Kim Ha-heul. Then he heads to the Oh residence where he knows Bong-nim is watching Ha-neul. But she leaves with the baby to Old School to deliver her dropout form in person. He sees her get in a taxi and follows. When she talks with Jang-ho about dropping out, she mentions that his daughter got the wrong idea when she saw them together and came to tell her to back off. With bad blood between his daughter and her daughter, how can she stay at Old School and study?

Joon-ha enters Old School looking for Bong-nim and demands that she give him his baby in front of the other ladies and Jang-ho. He boldly holds up the proof that he is the registered father. Grandmother comes out of the office shaking her cane at him. The ladies gang up on Joon-ha, and Bong-nim slips away with Ha-neul. It’s unclear who called the police, but they all end up at the station. Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo rush to straighten things out. Joon-ha once again demands to take Ha-neul as her father. Yeon-doo agrees and accompanies him to his apartment where she lets him try to take care of the baby. The crying, the feeding, and especially the diaper changing have Joon-ha going in circles. He gruffly tells Yeon-doo to help, but she tells him to get it together and not to demand to see Ha-neul if he isn’t ready to raise her properly.

Yeon-doo hates that Joon-ha registered Ha-neul with his last name, Kim. Jang-ho thinks hard to figure out where he knows Joon-ha from. He recalls on Se-jin’s wedding day that he barged in saying he was her ex-boyfriend and she left him to marry Tae-kyung. Jang-ho wonders why his daughter’s ex-boyfriend is the father of Yeon-doo’s baby. It is definitely complicated.

Joon-ha and Se-jin make miserable company. They are upset that their plans to break up Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo have failed. They both feel they’ve gotten the short end of the deal which only fuels their resolve to make more trouble.

Tae-kyung gets a call from the Support Center for Families of Missing Persons. There is news about Strawberry . . .

Comments:

I can’t believe Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung registered their marriage with the approval of the Gong and Oh families! Now everyone will protect Ha-neul. It was cute that they chose to spend their “honeymoon” doing nothing and napping. It really does sound like paradise for a single mother who has been on pins and needles for a long time.

Se-jin has lost her way. I think she needs therapy. Seriously, she doesn’t have a confident, not even her mother (who she doesn’t respect anyway). We did not find out anything more about the woman who called Joon-ha and told him to share his fortune with her. I expect her-whoever she is-to show up from the US soon.

I am relieved that In-ok is stable again. I love seeing her and Bong-nim as in-laws who get along and trip over each other to take care of Ha-neul.

Was Strawberry found??

The Real Has Come! ep 40

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 40

In-ok follows Ji-myung to Tae-kyung’s apartment and discovers Grandmother, Cheon-myung, Soo-jung, and Hyun-woo all there celebrating Ha-neul. She thinks they’ve all plotted against her and joined Yeon-doo’s and Tae-kyung’s side. Ji-myung also thinks they’ve made a mistake by going there, but she and In-ok have gotten the wrong impression. In-ok thinks everyone else has chosen Yeon-doo over her. She is quite distraught and feels like her life has been a waste.

She storms out and asks Mr. Kim, their driver, take her to their summer home in the countryside. Not wanting to hear from anyone, she turns off her phone. Of course, Mr. Kim notifies Chan-sik who shows up at their summer home. But In-ok doesn’t even want him to stay. She regrets the way she lived in submission to his family (as the second wife with little status as an in-law). She doesn’t see a way to resolve family matters, and asks him to leave her alone.

Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung meet with everyone to find out how to appease In-ok. While no one was trying to hurt In-ok’s feelings, still she is upset and feels alienated. Tae-kyung feels responsible for telling his mother they should cut ties.

Yoo-myung asks Song-yi (the owner at the cafe who makes delicious watermelon juice) to watch Soo-gyeom while she uses the restroom. Song-yi knows who Soo-gyeom is (the daughter she had with Dong-wook), but Seo-gyeom doesn’t know Song-yi is her mother. As they talk, Dong-wook walks in and asks, “What are you doing?” He recently found out that Song-yi works there and doesn’t want her around Seo-gyeom. Without another word, he takes Soo-gyeom by the hand and leaves. He asks Yoo-myung to take Seo-gyeom to work with her, and then goes back to the cafe to have a word with Song-yi. It turns out Song-yi has been following Soo-gyeom’s social media page for a while. Then she found out the area she lives in, and chose a small shop close by to open her cafe. She says she only wanted to watch Soo-gyeom from afar. Dong-wook is upset hearing this. She tells Dong-wook she has only worked since she gave Soo-gyeom to him. He says she just abandoned the baby at his door. She says she waited for him when she was pregnant to tell his family, but he avoid ed her. He says he was scared, but when he looked for her, she was gone. Whatever her reason is, he doesn’t want her to see Soo-gyeom again. When she says she won’t tell her she is her mom, Dong-wook asks how she could dare say “mom.” He reminds her that Soo-gyeom thinks her mother died, and she’d better not show up and hurt her. Dong-wook makes Soo-gyeom promise not to go to that cafe any more.

Chan-sik announces to the family that he and In-ok will move out. He explains that they need to live comfortably so that she doesn’t suffer any longer. Grandmother is upset because she thinks Chan-sik is abandoning her for his wife. She sighs and tells him to do what he wants and goes to her room.

Yeon-doo and Tae-kyung feel responsible that Mother has gone to the vacation home to be alone. Yeon-doo shows up unannounced, but In-ok won’t even let her in. When Yeon-doo persists, In-ok opens the door and she slips inside with the excuse of needing to change the baby. Yeon-doo tries to console In-ok, offering to make her meals if she won’t consider going back home. But that makes In-ok angrier. She tells Yeon-doo she has no energy to deal with her. If she won’t leave, she will call for someone to remove her.

Dong-wook is dressed and ready for his first day at work. When the Oh family walks him to the gate to send him off, Se-jin is standing there. Although they think she is looking for Yeon-doo, she asks to speak to Bong-nim privately. Se-jin is abrupt, even rude, and asks Bong-nim if she knows who the principal of Old School is. It’s the first time Bong-nim hears that Jang-ho is her father. Se-jin reminds Bong-nim that her daughter ruined her life, and she won’t let her get involved with her father. Bong-nim says that is not the case, but Se-jin lets her comment hang as a threat just in case.

Chan-sik stops in at Tae-kyung’s office. He apologizes to Tae-kyung for past behavior toward him and In-ok that hurt them. Not only on his behalf, but on behalf of the way his family treated them. Tae-kyung says he can appreciate his position now that he finds himself in between Yeon-doo and his mother. They seem to have a new understanding of each other.

Yeon-doo prepares a homemade meal for In-ok, but when she calls her to come and eat, In-ok throws the food down. Did she ask Yeon-doo to make her food? She doesn’t want to see her or listen to anything she has to say. Yeon-doo says she won’t bother her any longer, but she is thankful to her. When In-ok asks why, Yeon-doo says it is because of her that Ha-neul was born. When one of the twins died, it was In-ok who told her the other baby was hanging in there to survive. So Yeon-doo is grateful to her. In-ok is beyond feeling tenderhearted toward Ha-neul and is annoyed at Yeon-doo being there. But Yeon-doo had called Grandmother a few minutes earlier and asked her to come to the vacation house with Cheon-myung, Soo-jung, Ji-myung, and Hyun-woo. In-ok is furious when they show up, but Grandmother surprises and shocks her and everyone else when she hugs In-ok and says she is sorry that she hurt her. She calls out, “Daughter-in-law, daugher-in-law,” and repents that her heart was so small and asks for forgiveness. It is a very emotional scene. Cheon-myung and Ji-myung say they are sorry they made Mother feel lonely. It is a time of forgiveness, making amends, and healing.

Afterwards, Grandmother explains to In-ok that Yeon-doo called the family to step in. Yeon-doo realized she couldn’t reach In-ok, but the family could. Thanks to Yeon-doo, everyone said what needed to be said. And in-ok can feel comfortable again. In-ok realizes the effort that Yeon-doo put into rectifying the situation.

Yeon-doo spends a few days with her family. It has been a long time since Bong-nim and Yeon-doo could be at ease. With Ha-neul between them, they rest well. There is one thing Bong-nim has to take care of; she calls Jang-ho and tells him she is dropping out of Old School. She thanks him for all he has done for her and hangs up. But Se-jin won’t let the rumor she started go, and tells her mother that Father is seeing Yeon-doo’s mother.

Joon-ha gets a text from a woman asking him to share the fortune he has made and to be prepared. Who is this new person? What is his relationship with her?

In-ok has settled down and the Gong family is happy she is home. Grandmother says she will apologize to Tae-kyung like she apologized to In-ok. The other family members follow suit and say they also will apologize to Tae-kyung for not embracing him into the family. When Ji-myung calls In-ok “Mom,” they hold hands warmly. It is as if the family has turned over a new leaf. Furthermore, In-ok arrives at the Oh household, bows deeply, and confesses she’s treated Yeon-doo and her family poorly. She apologizes and calls them “in-law.” She promises she won’t hurt Yeon-doo and Ha-neul ever again. For the first time, In-ok meets Ha-neul. A happy day has finally come.

To make the happy scene complete, Grandmother and Tae-kyung are going to meet up with the mothers and Yeon-doo. Grandmother waits at the elevator for Tae-kyung. Joon-ha has also come to Tae-kyung’s apartment with the intent of taking “what is his” – Yeon-doo and his baby. When they meet, Grandmother tells him to back off and leave her family alone. Tae-kyung turns the corner and see them arguing.

Comments:

Yeon-doo has saved the day! She really was thoughtful and smart enough to realize she couldn’t reach In-ok no matter how hard she tried, and so she called for the Gong family to do what they should have done all along. It was a time of reconciliation. Beginning with Grandmother and then her step-children, they sincerely apologized for not embracing her and making her comfortable as their father’s wife and their stepmother (and Grandmother’s daughter-in-law). When In-ok said she wasted the sixteen years she was with them because they never made her feel like family, it shook them up and they knew it was true. After the healing began, In-ok could see Yeon-doo affection for her, and her own hatred melted away. I cheered when In-ok went to the Oh household, apologized, and told Yeon-doo to call Ha-neul’s father (Tae-kyung) and tell him she approved of their little family. It seemed like a dream come true. Time really does fix things!

Is Se-jin the most miserable person on the planet or what? She is into everyone’s business in the worst way possible and can’t let anything go. Plus she thrives on creating rumors and stirring the ashes to create flames. She is disrespectful and vengeful even to her own parents.

So the new female introduced in this episode via a text to Joon-ha must be someone who can take him down. He dismissed her, but I think she will come after him financially, morally, and ethically. Perhaps it will pave the way for getting him out of the picture.

The Real Has Come! ep 39

The Real Has Come! 진짜가 나타났다! K-drama recap ep 39

In-ok’s ultimatum that Yeon-doo give up her baby to Joon-ha if she wants to live with Tae-kyung is inhumane. Yeon-doo asks In-ok if she hates her that much to ask her to do such a thing. Joon-ha thinks he has In-ok on his side, but she makes it very clear that he in only in the way. She has no concern for how he handles his life; she is only doing what she wants for Tae-kyung. Yeon-doo waits for In-ok in the lobby. She calls her bluff, saying In-ok asked her to do something ludicrous, knowing she wouldn’t comply. Even if she gave the baby to Joon-ha, In-ok wouldn’t actually approve of her and Tae-kyung’s relationship. In-ok doesn’t care what Yeon-doo says, she hates her no matter what. Yeon-doo defends Ha-neul, saying the baby doesn’t deserve being treated this way, and from now on, she won’t comply. In-ok angrily promises to keep her from her son.

Tae-kyung finds his mother at home and confronts her, asking if she took Yeon-doo to Joon-ha. In-ok boldly says she did. Tae-kyung accuses her of being cruel by asking Yeon-doo to choose between him and the baby. In-ok replies that in order to gain something, one must lose something. Tae-kyung can hardly believe his mother could act this way, but she says she isn’t done trying to break them up. He says she is not the person he knows anymore, and leaves.

Tae-kyung gets a call from Dae-sang that Bong-nim is softening towards Ha-neul. It is his chance to try and win her over. He stops at a shoe store and picks up a pair for her and Dae-sang that are comfortable to stand in at the restaurant. Bong-nim acts like she won’t take them and tells Tae-kyung not to call her mother, but he butters her up by helping out at the restaurant. She can’t help but like him, yet she can’t give in and let Yeon-doo be hurt by his family.

Grandmother tries to talk In-ok into backing down, but she reminds Grandmother how difficult she was toward her and Tae-kyung when they came into the family. Grandmother doesn’t deny it, but hopes that In-ok will be accepting of her son and Yeon-doo so the rest of the family isn’t always walking on eggshells around her. But both are stubborn and won’t let up on the verbal battle. Grandmother even packs a bag and is prepared to leave, as the two women can’t live in the same house any longer. As the daughter-in-law, In-ok is not winning any of the family members to her side. They get Grandmother to settle down and rest in her room.

Bong-nim overhears Tae-kyung tell Dae-sang that the families are making it impossible for him and Yeon-doo to be together and to raise Ha-neul. But he will never give up, because Yeon-doo has been so brave and has protected Ha-neul no matter what. That is what he likes about her, and it makes him want to fight for their relationship. Hearing this makes Bong-nim reconsider approving of them.

Grandmother leaves a note that she is gone for a few days and not to look for her. She didn’t tell the family, but she went to Tae-kyung’s apartment. The family thinks it’s scary when Grandmother and Mother fight. In-ok asks Chan-sik privately is he things she went too far with Yeon-doo. When he doesn’t answer, she knows he thinks she did. Grandmother shares her thoughts with Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo, but it’s all the wrong things. She tells them to give Ha-neul to Joon-ha so they can be together. Tae-kyung tells her they are struggling and she isn’t helping at all. When Grandmother rests in Ha-neul’s room, she looks around at all the lovely baby items. Pulling out the embroidered strawberry clothing she carries with her always, she holds it close as if reminiscing about Strawberry. She dreams for a moment of carrying Strawberry on her back and she is wearing the little embroidered shirt.

Bong-nim waits for Tae-kyung in his office. She tells him she understands that he loves her daughter and is willing to raise her baby. As much as she wants to approve, she thinks his mother’s disapproval is too strong. And, in some ways, she understands, because he was treated poorly for being someone else’s child and his mother doesn’t want him to struggle to raise another man’s baby. Her conclusion is that if he wants to be with Yeon-doo, then he must get his mother’s approval. He notices she is wearing the shoes he bought for her as her way of saying she accepts him as a son-in-law.

Grandmother is fussing over Ha-neul when the doorbell rings. It’s Hyun-woo and Soo-jung who snuck out together to visit Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo and the baby. They are shocked to find Grandmother there and Tae-kyung tells them to just bring her home. But she wants to stay a night or two just to make her point. It is a chance for everyone to visit. Babies Won and Ha-neul get to meet for the first time and look adorable side by side. Tae-kyung and Hyun-woo try to assess how In-ok is acting and what the chances are of getting her to change her mind. And Soo-jung and Yeon-doo talk about being happy with their lives, disapppointments and all. When they leave, they promise not to mention that Grandmother is there.

Dong-wook waits for Yoo-myung in his car as she picks up some things from work. He notices a woman coming out of the coffee shop and recognizes her as Song Song-yi (who we know is Seo-gyeom’s mother). When he gets home, he looks at an old picture of the two of them and is certain it’s her. It makes him feel anxious.

Bong-nim and Jang-ho sit on the bench and chat. This time she is happy and tells him that if her son-in-law gets his mother to approve of her daughter, then she will accept their relationship. It’s been a while since Principal has seen her smile.

Grandmother wakes up to singing and finds Tae-kyung rocking Ha-neul to get her to sleep. She warns him how hard it will be to raise someone else’s child, but he replies that you have to do your best for the child no matter what. Grandmother thinks he’s become a father now.

Hyun-woo, Soo-jung, and Cheon-myung go to Tae-kyung’s apartment in the morning. Hyun-woo wants to take pictures of Ha-neul because they missed her 100th day baby pictures. It is a celebration with all of them there including Grandmother. It’s been a while since the mood in the family was festive, but everyone enjoys the photo shoot and celebrating of Ha-neul. Things are going well when the ominous doorbell rings again. It’s Ji-myung . . . and In-ok. It’s tense when Grandmother and In-ok stand face-to-face in Tae-kyung’s apartment.

Comments:

Bong-nim has a tender spot in her heart for things to work our for her daughter and Tae-kyung. It has given them a boost of hope that maybe, just maybe, things will work out. The condition is that In-ok agrees, too. That doesn’t seem likely at this point. She is so mad at her son and hates Yeon-doo that she couldn’t possible agree to their relationship.

Concerning Grandmother and In-ok, however, In-ok regrets how harsh she acted and even left a message for Grandmother. But what does she think when she tags along with Ji-myung to Tae-kyung’s apartment and finds Grandmother there? It looks like the family supported Tae-kyung behind her back after she asked them not to. This will not bode well. I agree with Hyun-woo that Grandmother trusts Tae-kyung or she wouldn’t have gone to his apartment. Hyun-woo is kind of in the background most of the time, but he expressed his support of Tae-kyung and Yeon-doo, and encouraged them that In-ok has her reasons but could come around, perhaps.

It could get messy between Jang-ho, his wife, and Bong-nim now that Se-jin suspects her father’s interest, or at least attention to Bong-nim. I think he will go back to his wife, but I hope Se-jin doesn’t stir the fires before then.

The picture celebration for Ha-neul was sweet!