Drama Review: Cheongdam-dong Alice Episode 12

Cheongdam-dong Alice

Episode 12

            Chairman Il Nam was happy that Seung Jo attended the memorial rites.  He was laughing while looking at Se Kyung’s picture.  He probably knew who was able to make Seung Jo do what he normally wouldn’t do.  Seung Jo on the other hand claimed his prize for doing well—a kiss from Se Kyung!

            In Hwa was really upset upon seeing the video.  Now she feels that Yoon Joo and Se Kyung played tricks on her or something of that sort and called them gold diggers.  Yoon Joo sensed that there was something wrong; that there was more to In Hwa’s silence when she came to the study room.  She just doesn’t know yet. 
 

            In Hwa initially planned to tell her brother about her new discovery so she orchestrated a conversation leading to the reveal but it was a waste since the brother redirected the topic to something else.  He didn’t want her to think about Seung Jo anymore since their dad is coming in two days.  Later, after In Hwa left, her brother requested Yoon Joo to find In Hwa a new prospect better than Seung Jo.

            Outside of her brother’s apartment building, she saw both Seung Jo and Se Kyung came out of his car and went to his apartment.  She just found out that Seung Jo’s apartment is just right across her brother’s and Yoon Joo’s apartment.  She was beginning to put all the puzzle pieces together.  Things are making more sense now. 

            Seung Jo gave Se Kyung her passport as his surprise for her.  She was really happy.  She invited him for a dinner with her family.  Then the next day, she came to visit his father, Il Nam, to join them.  She encouraged him to reach out his hand for Seung Jo this time since Seung JO his part for attending the memorial rites of the Royal Group founder (Seung Jo’ grandfather).  The chairman didn’t give her a definite response.  Instead, right after she left, the chairman asked his assistant if the meeting could mean marriage meeting. 

            Yoon Joo was totally surprised to have learned that Tommy Hong agreed to Se Kyung’s proposal.  It was nothing like him to just agree after hearing few words for Se Kyung.  At least not from someone of Se Kyung’s strata.  That didn’t hinder Se Kyung’s desire to go on with her plan.  She was just as confident as before.  It’s not like she herself fully trust Tommy Hong.  Yoon Joo also reminded warned Se Kyung of Chairman Il Nam.  She said that the old man treats even his relationship with his son a business so Se Kyung better make sure she makes the chairman see her importance in that aspect.

            The meeting between Yoon Joo and her brother revolved around nothing but Tommy Hong, Se Kyung and the whole scheme.  She was suspicious of Tommy Hong to say the least.  To her, there’s got to be more behind his decision. 

            In the meantime, Se Kyung tried to convince her dad to agree to the dinner meeting.  The dad was still doubtful about Seung Joo because of his broken ties with his father.  By telling her father how happy she is now, she hoped to have convinced him and was expecting him to join her and Seung Jo at dinner.

            Chairman Il Nam thought about what Se Kyung told him, regarding reaching out to Seung Jo.  He stopped by at the bakeshop (he owns) where Se Kyung’s dad works.  He asked the other father if he already met the parents of his daughter’s boyfriend.  The dad replied no and said something about the couple trying to set up a meeting.  He also shared his doubts about the guy because of his messed up family.  Hah!  The chairman didn’t even know that the dad was referring to him.  The rest of the conversation revolved around Chairman’s side of the story and his relationship with his son. 

            Se Kyung helped Seung Jo with his outfit.  He was really nervous and even had her assure him again that “father-in-law” (her dad) is coming.  The two fathers came almost at the same time looking really anxious.  Imagine the shock on both their faces when they realized that it was each other that they were supposed to meet!  Then followed by the memory of what each other said about each other’s household.  The chairman said Se Kyung’s household has nothing while her dad said Seung Jo’s household is all messed up.  The voices of the two old men were loud enough for the rest of them to hear what was going on even before they enter the room.  The dinner meeting was totally ruined. 

            Both the chairman and Seung Jo excused themselves from the group.  They were in the middle of a very usual argument when Se Kyung stepped in.  She convinced both to apologize to each other.  It forced but they did it anyways.  They both chose to use the English language to say sorry as if it would make it less submissive doing it that way.

            Seung Jo expressed his worries about their situation.  He told Se Kyung that his father is a very difficult person to deal with and that he’s concerned that she ends up running away from him if their effort to get his blessing turned out to be not enough.  She assured him that she will never ever run away from him and reminded him of the promise she made to him.  Then, it was followed by them holding hands that made me giggle!  It was so sweet! J

            Yoon Joo met up with Tommy Hong in his office.  She was making sure what his reasons for helping Se Kyung.  He said he wasn’t really sure himself if it was because he likes her cleverness or he has resentment because they came from the same background.  Then Yoon Joo put him on the spot—or do you like her?  Those last 3 words shut him off for a second then got back his composure by saying liking someone isn’t really his style. 

Regardless, there’s one thing sure in her mind:  they are in the same boat now.  Before she left, he told her to keep an eye on In Hwa because lately she has been inquisitive about Se Kyung.  Then she noticed that the tablet casing of Tommy is the same as that of In Hwa.

            In Hwa continued to investigate about Yoon Joo.  This time she came to where the latter used to work and asked one of the ladies that work there give relate to her vital information about her subject. 

            The information In Hwa wanted was faxed to her office even before she came back.  On the other hand, Yoon Joo was waiting for her in her office and noticed the paper.  Unfortunately for her, In Hwa stepped before she even had the chance to see what the paper was about.  In Hwa was able to sneak in there and took the paper out of her unwelcomed visitor’s eyes.  Yoon Joo left unknowingly.  Anyways, In Hwa looked over the information in the paper and was dumbfounded upon learning that Cha Il Nam recommended Yoon Joo and was aware of everything from the very beginning.

            Chairman Il Nam met up with Tommy Hong.  Gosh, why does everyone goes to Tommy?  Anyhow, he asked about Se Kyung.  He was concerned if she can do something (referring to her potential) when Seung Jo introduced her to Sir Robert (the Artemis head).  Tommy put up some good words for Se Kyung. 

            During dinner with Yoon Joo’s father-in-law, she noticed that In Hwa wasn’t at the table and when she came back she was holding this tablet that’s very similar to that of Tommy Hong.  She was worried but tried to convince herself that it’s just the casing that’s similar.  In the meantime, Tommy thank the man who was supposed to be the one who gave him the painting delivered to him the day when In Hwa was in his office.  When the man said the gift wasn’t from him, he got to thinking how that was possible.  Right away, he asked his secretary to find out who it was really from.  He also called Se Kyung to check if there was anything strange that happened.  There was nothing.  Now both of them are thinking hard; Se Kyung, about his call; and him, about the source of the painting and what problem is just silently waiting to be found out. 

            Meanwhile, In Hwa was already determined to reveal the video to her family at dinner when her brother received a call that Sir Robert of Artemis arrived in Korea.  Then it was followed by her dad telling them about how important Royal Group and Artemis for their business.  She was very frustrated because this only means she could not pursue her plan or else she will ruin all the business transactions with the two big companies that were already well laid out. 

            Yoon Joo was observing her the whole time.  Her suspicion about the possibility that In Hwa has a copy of the video or that she knows something about her or her connection with both Seung Jo and Se Kyung, only got stronger.  Her strong suspicion turned into a blazing fire burning her after a very puzzling confrontation with In Hwa.  What does she really know?  It’s killing Yoon Joo being left in the dark.

            Seung Jo told Se Kyung that he is introducing her to Chairman Robert.  She wants to do her best so she did some research about the chairman aside from the information given by Seung Jo.  Also, Tommy Hong met up with her to give her some heads up.  At this point every little bit of information helps.  The later she remembered about the call she received from him so she asked what that was about and if there was a problem.  Tommy was going to tell her but he suddenly realized there isn’t a need and just advised her to just do a good job.

            Once again, Yoon Joo visited Tommy in his office.  She told him about the tablet that In Hwa owns with the same casing as his.  They came up with a conclusion that In Hwa already knew about the video.  They know she won’t reveal it anytime soon but they also knew that after all the business dealings with Royal Group and Artemis, there is a huge possibility of her revealing everything she knows.

            In Seung Jo’s office, while talking to his secretary (Sec. Moon), the latter received a call from the person he called Madame.  Upon learning that it was Se Kyung who called, he wanted to know what the call was about and very childishly demanded for Sec. Moon to tell him.  His effort was a waste because in the end the secretary didn’t tell him.  However, he like that Se Kyung was called a “Madame”.

            Se Kyung brought Seung Jo to the shop where she’s buying her dress.  Seung Jo was very grateful for her effort to make a good impression.  Se Kyung was indeed doing her best not to put shame on Seung Joo.

            In the party, Chairman Robert was very impressed with Se Kyung both because of the drawing she made that was put on the wine bottle that he likes and because of her fine way of speaking.  In addition, Chairman Il Nam seemed to have felt the same way because she was able to put up good words for him when Chairman Robert asked about why the collaboration came through GN and Il Nam instead of Seung Jo.  The special guest, Chairman Robert, proposed a toast not just for business but also for the marriage plans for Se Kyung and Seung Jo.  In Hwa, on the other hand was really irritated especially when a reporter asked her about the marriage talk between her and Seung Jo.  Her father being impressed by how smart Se Kyung is wasn’t a help either. 

            Yoon Joo just found very important information about the tablet casing from In Hwa’s designers (employee).  It wasn’t much but it gave her the idea that In Hwa had the tablet design made for a purpose—to match the one Tommy owns. 

            The party ended and Seung Jo could not contain his happiness.  He was very proud of and grateful for Se Kyung.  The scene of a loving couple wasn’t exactly what In Hwa expected and wanted to see after the party.  But did she have a choice? 

            She called Tommy Hong to tell him whatever situation he created, he failed.  The anxiety grew on Tommy’s nerves in that a short a call.  Then his secretary came to report to him that the painting came from GN Fashion.  He didn’t need any more information to know that he’s pretty much screwed.

            He called Se Kyung to once again ask if something weird happen.  He told her that In Hwa knows something but since he himself doesn’t really know what exactly, he left it at that and told her to stay where she’s at.  He’ll call her again later.  If one of In Hwa’s goals is to keep Tommy, Yoon Joon, and Se Kyung all worked up, she is very successful.  Speaking of worked up, among the three, the most distraught was Yoon Joo.  I’m sure she’s worried that whatever information that In Hwa has can be used against her which can be a reason for her to be kicked out of the Shin household.

            Yoon Joo received a call from Tommy.  Her husband came in right at the exact time she was about to answer the call.  Her husband went in to change when his cellphone rang.  Yoon Joo decided to check who it’s from.  She was shock to see the video of her and Se Kyung talking.  It is the same video that they were all trying to protect from the eyes of people, who shouldn’t see them like her husband.  She erased the message. 

            She hurriedly called Se Kyung but she wasn’t answering her phone because Se Kyung was in a dress shop trying on a wedding dress.  Meanwhile, In Hwa was sending the video message.  Finally Tommy got a hold of Yoon Joo.  She told him about the video message she received.  When Tommy learned that Han Se Kyung wasn’t answering her phone, he ran out of his office to find Se Kyung.  At this point In Hwa was contemplating whether to send the message to one more person.  Was it Seung Jo?

            Seung Jo was so excited to see Se Kyung in a wedding dress.  He couldn’t wait and was bugging her to finish so he could see her.  He knew he had no choice but to wait so he sat for a moment and received a message.  He checked the message but before seeing it, there was Se Kyung, looking really beautiful in that long white dress.  She was like a princess and his focus was nowhere but to her.

            The message was indeed from In Hwa and it was indeed the video of Yoon Joo and Se Kyung.  Fortunately at this moment, the cellphone was out of his hand because he already went to see Se Kyung up close.  Tommy Hong came running out of breath. 

            Tommy Hong was now standing right outside the door where Se Kyung and Seung Jo were in.  He had to stop and think.  He can’t ruin everything.  When he was significantly calm, he entered and saw the cellphone (with the video playing).  He was itching to just grab it and delete the message but he knew he couldn’t just do that.  It will be too obvious.  Se Kyung finally realized his presence.  He looked at her trying to send her the message that danger just arrived.  Words weren’t necessary.  She got it!  She turned to Seung Jo and the change in her aura didn’t skip his senses.  He realized there was someone else in the room.  He looked to his right and saw Tommy Hong.  Now he’s puzzled.  What exactly this guy is doing here?

Reaction and random thoughts:

I noticed that Se Kyung’s make-up has gotten a lot better.  This reminds me of the Hathaway’s character in the movie The Devil Wear’s Prada.  This works, though.  It only makes sense since she decided to be totally dark.  She into her plan 100%.  I just wonder where she gets the money to buy those shoes and clothes.   But whatever!  I just have to remind myself that this is the drama world.

It looks like Se Kyung is slowly penetrating her way into Chairman Il Nam’s uptight world.  The beginning of the episode is a proof of that.  But yes, she has to consider Yoon Joo’s advice about the old man.  So far she’s been proving that she has a good sense in business.   I think the deal with Seung Jo’s dad wouldn’t be as bad as most dramas where the parents objects till the very end.

If there will be problems regarding Chairman Il Nam, this would be about her secret.  Her dealings with Yoon Jo, that is.  Remember she is the one person that the chairman sees as an opportunist.  She probably even reminds him of his ex-wife.  Now, once the secret is revealed to the chairman, Se Kyung’s chances will go down to 0%.  I don’t think the old man will even consider her effort to fix the father and son relationship.  That would be sad but it looks like that’s where the drama is heading to.

I enjoyed the episode for several reasons.  First and foremost is the heart-melting sweetness between Seung Jo and Se Kyung.  As a couple they weren’t as hot as Kim Sun Ah and Cha Seong Won in City Hall but if they were then it wouldn’t make sense, right?  Theirs is the kind that makes you smile.  It looks simple but it looks real, at the same time.

Second, the secrets are starting to be discovered by the wrong people, which make me nervous at times like when Yoon Jo’s husband received the message.  It was a good thing that she was there to intercept that.  Then there was the ending, of course.

 Third, our main girl is finally having her space on stage.  The spotlight, at last, is shining on her.  In this episode, she was able to show her smarts and her worth.  I can’t wait to see more of it.

In this drama, there may not be as much laugh-my-butt-out scenes but I love it just as well.  Is this anything extremely different from the Taiwanese, Japanese, and other Korean dramas I have seen before?  No.  But it is entertaining to watch, nonetheless.

Thank you for reading and see you next episode! J