Cheongdam-dong Alice
Episode 13
Tommy Hong came to Se Kyung to relate the bad news that arrived earlier than him. Seung Jo wasn’t pleased to see him. Tommy orchestrated some alibis and when the opportunity arose, he took the cellphone and deleted the file. Luck was on their side this time.
In Hwa noticed that her brother and Yoon Joo seemed to be normal—no fights or anything of that sort. She wondered if her brother actually seen the video or something else happened in between. Meantime, all is well between Seung Jo and Se Kyung.
Yoon Joo confronted Tommy Hong. She wants explanation as to how In Hwa got a hold of the video. They were in the middle of this conversation full of anxiety when Se Kyung arrived. Then there came In Hwa. The inevitable happened—Yoon Joo asking for forgiveness, Tommy Hong, doing the same thing. But not Se Kyung. She has nothing to ask for forgiveness for. Instead, she put things into perspective. Why is she considered a flower snake (gold digger) when In Hwa isn’t? In fact they are in it for the same reason except for Se Kyung, Cha Seung Jo is not another business deal. He is her whole world. For a minute there In Hwa looked crushed but she wasn’t brought up to lose over few harsh words that speak of the truth. She came back with a vengeance. With her shark tongue, she put Se kyung back to her supposed place saying she will show her the clear difference between them two. After In Hwa left, Tommy Hong looked at Se Kyung with a hint of admiration. He has always been impressed by her astuteness. Now he’s even more impressed by her flair.
When she got back to her senses, Yoon Joo took all her frustrations to Se Kyung, blaming the latter for causing all the chaos. When she wasn’t part of her life, everything in her new life was running smoothly. Se Kyung turned to Tommy Hong and asked him to say his piece like she was expecting to hear the same speech from him. On the contrary, Tommy was calm. She asked him if she regret cooperating with her. Tommy just told her that he doesn’t have those types of thoughts.
Tommy asked Se Kyung if she has any plans of confessing to Seung Jo. She didn’t. She presented a very reasonable argument that made sense to Tommy. It’s not like his opinion matters at this point. Se Kyung is ready to go until the very end. She said she will take responsibility to her actions. They were in the middle of their conversation when Seung Jo called Se Kyung.
The whole time Se Kyung was on the phone with Seung Jo, Tommy was watching her. It was as if he could see that her feeling for Seung Jo is indeed sincere. It was like he was seeing her in a different light.
Tonight, 4 people were in deep thoughts…
When Yoon Joo got to her home, she looked around her. She was browsing everything around her as if she was already imagining how it would feel losing everything and start again from nothing. Just like before; where she started.
What exactly Tommy Hong was thinking was hard to pin point. He’s involved with so many things that it was hard to decipher which of those many things or people were he thinking.
Shin In Hwa, on the contrary was obviously thinking about what just happened. It was probably her first time to be placed on a hot seat by the kinds of Se Kyung as would put it.
And Se Kyung was probably thinking about the future. What’s going to happen between her and Seung Jo? What would be his conclusion if he knew her secret?
Se Kyung’s mom, sister and best friend were so excited upon seeing the article in the newspaper showing Se Kyung rubbing shoulders with the big shots. Her father, on the other hand, wasn’t so happy that his daughter is getting deeply involved with Seung Jo’s world. Father’s intuition, probably, huh?
On the other side of the spectrum, Chairman Il Nam has nothing but smiles on his face while looking back at the moment in the party when Se Kyung guided him to join Seung Jo in the picture taking. He visited Se Kyung’s dad in the bake shop. They both apologized to each other for ruining the dinner. Then, a surprising twist—he said, he likes Se Kyung. And he was pretty much saying that he doesn’t want to block the wedding plans. Then he asked for Se Kyung’s dad’s approval of Seung Jo. Wow! I just didn’t expect this right away. For all of Se Kyung’s effort, she truly deserves that but I wonder how he would react once he learns of Se Kyung’s secret. Also, part of me is still thinking about Yoon Joo’s advice regarding Il Nam. Although he mentioned that he appreciates Se Kyung for she is the only one who tried to bridge the gap between him and his son, I’m thinking, is it purely because of that or he sees her as someone good for business. Could he have the same decision if Se Kyung wasn’t as good as she was during the party for Chairman Robert?
It was funny that Chairman Il Nam changed his tone when Se Kyung’s dad didn’t say anything after he was requested to approve of Seung Jo. Se Kyung’s dad looked at him like he was twisted or something. I think that’s Seung Jo’s dad is adorable that way.
Seung Jo gave Se Kyung a painting (or print?) that Chairman Robert wants her to have. The chairman must have been really fond of her for giving her one of his treasures. Seung Jo suggested for them to display the said gift into “their” house. They were in the middle of this conversation when they both received a phone call—Se Kyung, from Chairman Il Nam, and Seung, from her father. On their way to their supposed meeting, they saw each other. They just realized that both fathers invited them.
When they entered the karaoke room, they saw both old men singing together. Hmmm…that’s a good sign! They asked the oldies why they are together and Se Kyung’s dad they can talk about it later then turned to Seung Jo. Her dad called him Son-in-law and invited him to sing. Then the two fathers called each other in-laws and this was a delight to both Se Kyung and Seung Jo.
While Seung Jo and Se Kyung’s dad were singing, the chairman and Se Kyung had a conversation. He expressed his thanks to her for making that day possible for them. Se Kyung seemed to look guilty upon hearing this. This time both the father and son fell into her sincerity but she didn’t look too happy. Could it because she knows that for keeping her secret, in a way, she doesn’t really deserve all their trust?
When it was Seung Jo’s turn to sing with his dad, he was awkward and so was the chairman. When his father was singing, he realized that was indeed the first time he saw his dad sing. In the meantime, the chairman was so proud of his son saying Seung Jo is indeed cool. The rest of their karaoke night went well. In the car the chairman even told Seung Jo to invite Se Kyung for dinner at their house the next day. The son was all smiles from ear to ear when he related the message to Se Kyung. Her dad asked her again if she will do fine. Then gave her some encouragement saying she will definitely do well. Se Kyung was just quiet. She smiled but she was thinking of Yoon Joo’s reminder that she might lose everything. How far is she willing to go hiding the secret? There were so many opportunities in the past when she could have told Seung Jo the truth. Now, it will too risky since there are more people involved in her. She will be hurting more people now. She has more to lose now than ever and I’m not talking material things.
Tommy Hong had been really worried about Se Kyung. He was dying to know how she was doing specially after meeting with Chairman Il Nam. He called her multiple times but didn’t get a hold of her. When Se Kyung got home, he finally got a hold of her. He liberated all his thoughts regarding his worries and that included the fact that his life is also on Se Kyung’s hands. He felt at ease after hearing that everything went well and that her relationship to the chairman had gotten better. Just a thought, I don’t’ think Tommy Hong is concerned about Se Kyung because he’s worried about his career being on the line. I don’t think he’s even aware that his concerns have gone beyond just business level. Although, it would be interesting to see how he would handle being in love with a girl like Se Kyung, I would rather that he stays like an “oppa” or older brother to her because she will definitely need that in the near future. Everything is calm now. But just like what Yoon Joo said during her meeting with Se Kyung the day after, this is just the calm before the storm. I think Se Kyung knew it is on its way and it is strong enough to crush her whole world.
Yoon Joo on the other hand planned a precautionary measure. Her storm is of a different level and if she’s smart she might even avoid it. She was about to confess “something” to her husband but first she asked him if he loves her. He was surprised by the question. It was at this point when In Hwa entered his office causing the other woman not to continue with what she was determined to do.
In Hwa sensed what she planned on doing so she excused Yoon Joo for a moment to warn her. It doesn’t take rocket science not to understand why that is. Yoon Joo got it. Their business will be affected if she tells her husband the truth and the other doesn’t want that, of course. When she was in front of her husband again, she told herself she should tell him the truth, regardless but she wasn’t able to do it when he gave her answer to the question earlier. Yes, her husband loves and he encouraged her to share with him her worries. All she could say was yes and nothing else. No confession…nothing.
In Hwa met with Chairman Il Nam. She brought with her the tablet that contains the “video”. She told him that the reason of her visit was because she has something to show the chairman. Oh goodness! Here we go. Could this be the beginning of the storm?
Se Kyung called Don Wook to set up an appointment with him. She wants to know more about Seung Jo right after Yoon Joo left him.
In the meantime, In Hwa did, indeed showed the chairman the “video”. The chairman thanked her for showing him the video and that made her smile. She thought, the chairman will be on her side after this. On the contrary, the chairman asked her to keep it a secret. He explained that messing up with Seung Jo (which means Artemis) won’t be beneficial for both Royal Group and GN Fashion. The chairman also doesn’t want to tarnish his newly built relationship with his son. Now, I wonder how his attitude towards Se Kyung would change. I’m itching to know what will happen at dinner. What kind of atmosphere will be created by this new knowledge about his future daughter-in-law? Is he being considerate of Se Kyung because of business or because he already saw something in her that is enough to ignore the video? In Hwa’s question is: Will he accept her into Royal Group?
At the dinner table, the chairman was so formal. I can’t blame him, really. Anyways, Seung Jo mentioned that he will show something to Se Kyung but the chairman butted in and said he will do it. He took Se Kyung to a room where Seung Jo used to play when he was a boy. The chairman also shared a story when Seung Jo left the house and he thought that he was rebelling so he locked the house only to learn that he left to search the whole neighborhood for his toys that the chairman got rid of. This was just his introduction to telling her how Seung Jo was and is. He asked her if she has the confidence to stay by his son’s side until the end. He asked her if she has the confidence to look at Seung Jo’s eyes and tell him “I love you” until the end. Then the vital questioned followed. He asked her if she has the confidence to keep her secret until the end and stay by Seung Jo’s side. It was like a bombed that just exploded on Se Kyung’s face! Embarrassment, guilt, regrets were all eminent on her face. The chairman added that if not for Seung Jo, he could have kicked her out right away. But he also said that he himself even wants to believe that what he just discovered about her wasn’t true. But nonetheless, he was outraged by the fact.
Chairman Il Nam: If you confess just to make yourself better, I won’t leave you alone then.
Se Kyung: Yes. I understand. Making sure Seung Jo never finds out, I will live the rest of my life atoning for my sin.
The chairman gave a deep sigh like he just could not believe what he just discovered; that this girl in front of him just doesn’t look like she’s just after Seung Jo’s money. Oh well, we all know money is not the reason why she loves him. Although, it is a plus that he has money, too.
In Hwa on the other hand, was really mad at the fact that she truthfully lost to Se Kyung. Se Kyung’s words came back to her then strengthen by chairman’s request to keep everything a secret. Huh! Really, I am so happy. This girl is mean! It’s not like she actually cares for Seung Jo so what’s her problem?
Going back to the chairman’s house…. Chairman Il Nam requested his son to stay the night. Seung Jo thought that Se Kyung’s included but unfortunately for him, it would be too early for that. Save it bud!
They had some drinks. The chairman asked him if he loves Se Kyung. And of course, the chairman got more than just a simple answer to his question so all he could do is, once again, give a deep sigh.
Se Kyung came to Tommy Hong’s office. She told him that the chairman already knew because of In Hwa. She also told him what the chairman told her and In Hwa. This was a surprised to Tommy but he also seemed really concerned about Se Kyung. OMG! I am seeing another man that’s overly concern about her! But instead of sounding like the “other guy,” he sounds more like a big brother that’s worried about his baby sister. Unexpectedly, even after she told him that she might very well become Royal Group’s mistress, Tommy still offered her if she wants to go to Paris; that he will take care of all her expenses and all the issues that she will leave behind if in case she decides to go. Now everything that he was saying wasn’t making sense to Se Kyung or maybe her brain was just fried because of the confrontation with the chairman. And an interesting conversation followed.
Se Kyung: I’m asking, what are you saying now?
Tommy Hong: What do you think now, Se Kyung? You came this far with your desire, despair, and anger. Then you have to until the end like that. But I don’t think you are going there.
Se Kyung: What do you mean?
Tommy Hong: I told you that you need to know how to use yourself as a tool in this world. Is that the case now? To do so, don’t you think you love yourself too much? Right now, you’re completely sincere on the inside. If something goes wrong while doing that, what will happen to you Se Kyung?
Se Kyung: Are you chickening out? Are you scared that it will fail? (Tommy sighed) December edition of La Defense in 2009: “I don’t think about failure because it is no use in any case.”
Tommy: You’ve investigated even that?
Se Kyung: I am also like that. I don’t think about failure. I’ll leave.
Tommy Hong: (After she left) but for the first time, I’m thinking about failure. I am.
The evening drinks with his dad seemed to have gone smoothly or else Seung Jo won’t be helping his dad situate himself on the bed. The chairman apologized to him for being harsh. He admitted that he was harsh to people that’s why even Seung Jo’s mom did what she did. Seung Jo was really touched by these words.
Later he sent Se Kyung a picture message of himself looking happy. She understood that it meant everything went well. For the very first time Seung Jo didn’t look suffocated despite being closed to his dad.
The next day, three things happened almost simultaneously—Se Kyung meeting up with Dong Wook asking him about Seung Jo’s condition after he broke ties with his father and his girlfriend breaking up with him; Then In Hwa telling her brother that she will attend the meeting with Artemis instead of him; and Tommy updating Yoon Joo about the latest happenings. Tommy was in the middle of his conversation with Yoon Joo when he received a call. There was a big problem! He just got the news that Shin In Hwa is meeting with Seung Jo. Yoon Joo suddenly remembered what In Hwa told her during their confrontation the day before: “DO you think I’m doing this because I’m a person who does business?” A realization came to her that she shared to Tommy: They failed because they forgot that In Hwa is a woman after all. The tension was burning like hell fire!
In the meantime, Dong Wook told her that even after Seung Jo was left by his girlfriend, he didn’t know and Se Kyung thought that it was because Seung Jo kept it a secret. But no. Simultaneously, In Hwa was having a business meeting with Seung Jo and she finally showed the “video” to him. At first, he was puzzled what the video was about then it started making sense. In Hwa was observing him very intently then a satisfied look on her face followed. Once again, let’s go back to Dong Wook and Se Kyung. Dong Wook told her that the reason why he didn’t know about what happened was because Seung Jo didn’t accept reality. And this was happening again right after he watched the video that In Hwa presented.
In Hwa was dumb-founded.
Seung Jo: (smiling yet looking lost—almost looking kookoo!) What is this? There are look-a- likes of people I know. Two of them.
Reaction and Random Thoughts:
I didn’t see Seung Jo’s reaction coming. I was expecting a raging bull after the revelation but no. I feel for him. I can’t imagine how Se Kyung would be able to handle this new challenge in their relationship. It’s good for me as viewer because this is something new. Normally, at this point, I would have an idea what’s going to happen next but this, I don’t know.
The chairman indeed loves his son. He just has a different way of showing it. The fact that he didn’t kick Se Kyung out of their lives means he care more for his son than anything. On the surface it looks like a wrong way to love but he is aware how his son will be if he knew that’s why he would rather live with the sad fact that Se Kyung will be part of their lives than see his son suffer again.
And In hwa, she will get the taste of her own medicine! Inevitably business will be affected and GN Fashion will not be safe of the beating.
Ah, this is so sad. I don’t know what’s going to happen next but one thing I’m sure of is that this is going to be full of drama next time.
Thank you so much for reading and sharing with me this love of Kdramas! J
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