The King of Dramas
Episode 17
Lee Go Eun was left wondering what exactly happened that Anthony was saying the things he was saying and that he even have tears in his eyes.
The next scene is a playback of Anthony’s doctor while he was walking in a hospital lobby and while he was researching about his condition. His research took him to the conclusion that his condition has no cure at present. I’m thinking he went to another doctor for a second opinion. He came home, looked at himself in the mirror, almost ready to cry. After taking an anti-depressant, he took out the book about braille. Then, there is a voice playback of his first doctor telling him to prepare for the future, referring to him being blind. This playback is like a representation of him remembering what his doctor said to him. He then went for a walk. He stopped upon seeing a family taking pictures and there was his young self, looking at him. From there, he went to a church, looked up at the cross and asked what the percentage of him going blind is. His tone is questioning; why him, is his mom not enough, why now when he already found the reason why he makes dramas, and why now when he already found someone who showed him the real reason of creating dramas.
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| Anthony's young self staring at him. |
Meanwhile, the shooting of the drama continues. It’s not like Anthony’s personal life ever matters that much when it comes to materializing his projects. Hyun Min is now finally taking his acting seriously. Actually, he’s taking it extremely seriously to the point of him looking like nuts in the eyes of his co-actor (Min Nah) for needlessly requesting for a retake of a scene. Min Nah although frustrated is trying to keep her composure, but looks like thinking what the freak is going on with her leading man. Even the director wonders what is going on with Hyun Min. Min Nah told the director that Hyun Min is trying to become a good actor. Goodness! He must be really awful before. If not, she could have said, Hyun Min is trying to become a “better” actor not “good” actor!
Anthony, in his room, is writing a list of things he must do from now on when he received a call from Lee Go Eun asking what is going on. As usual, his answer is vague. Go Eun asked if they could meet at the café where they were supposed to meet for the contract signing—and Christmas dinner, too! He didn’t answer and just hung up the phone—or at least it didn’t really show that he said yes or no.
Anthony Kim went to the library/café where he and Go Eun are supposed to meet. He browsed the books on the shelves and found the book that Go Eun borrowed; the same book that was featured in Go Eun’s favorite movie, In Search of Lost Time. He read the book (or maybe just browsed the pages because he did whichever he did, standing up) and when he was done, Go Eun was already standing behind him.
While they were having coffee, Le Go Eun told Anthony that she likes him but she doesn’t know when it started. Then she asked him why he cried the night before. The way she asked him showed concern more than curiosity. He explained to her that it is because he is suffering from depression and that it has nothing to do with her. He also told her to pretend that the renewal of contract issue never happened. The latter puzzled Go Eun. Anthony is now telling her that the relationship between a writer and a producer need to be upright. Since she started liking him, they could not work together; that working without emotion is his rule and that is important. Well, we know this is all a lie! She then questioned Min Nah’s case—how is it that he is able to work with Min Nah? After giving Go Eun another alibi, he left. Go Eun was obviously upset but still baffled.
Lee Go Eun visited Anthony’s mom. The mom was delighted about her visit. They chat a little about Anthony and how she got blind. Go Eun told her that she confessed her feelings to Anthony but she got rejected. Probably out of embarrassment and trying to conserve her son’s face, she told her that her son just doesn’t have a good eye for women.
Anthony went to the chairman of Taesan Group and stamped out of the agreement with them. It is safe to say that this is one of the items in his list. Later, Go Eun and Anthony came across each other once again. This time Go Eun is more aggressive and confronted Anthony but Anthony remained cold causing the first more frustration.
Go Eun: Say if you don’t like a person. You’re always nagging at me about the script.
Anthony: (coldheartedly replied) If you already know then hurry up and write the script. Everyone is waiting. (The turned around and walked away)
Despite the frustrating encounter with Anthony, Go Eun continued to work on the script. Anthony on the other hand, went over his list (of things he must do) and crossed out the items he had accomplished so far. I have a feeling that they won’t show his complete list including pushing Go Eun away (I’m guessing.J) until the next episode. Go Eun finished episode 19, texted Anthony of the progress, then thought about how Hyun Min would react to the hair requirement of the script.
The script for episode 19 was also sent to Hyun Min’s camp. His manager wasn’t happy about the short hairstyle required for the next episode. I think he’s just worried that Hyun Min would have a fit if he knows about it, plus his artist is also working on getting a shampoo commercial. The manager came to Go Eun requesting to change that part of the script. Go Eun understood and agreed to change the script when Hyun Min sprung in with a new hair style—exactly what the script required! With overflowing spirit, he asked Go Eun if his hairstyle is good enough and that he will cut his hair if for the drama regardless of what endorsement is on the table. This hyper character never ceases to crack me up, I tell you.
In the SBS meeting Director Nam announced his decision to not extend “Morning in Keongseong” (the drama Go Eun is working on) because he is concerned that the viewers will think that they are extending the drama because of the rating rather than its quality. The other members are critical about his decision because they value the rating and profits from commercials although Director Nam presented a valid argument. The chairman requested Nam to consider the opinion of other directors including his. Director Nam didn’t have a choice.
Anthony wasn’t so enthusiastic upon hearing the supposedly good news from Director Nam, though. The first started calculating how many weeks more does he need to work on the drama and whether his eyesight would still be good while in the middle of it. He starts questioning himself if he could really do it. In the end his persistent nature won over.
On another day of the drama shoot came a very enthusiastic full of energy, avidity, and self-fanaticism Kim Hyun Min only to be notified that the drama will be extended by 4 episodes, which means he cut his hair a little too early. Remember, supposedly the short haircut is for the ending episode. J Because of the change, the ending will also be changed. This news shocked Hyun Min to the point of laconism followed by vexation towards his manager and assistant for not being aware of the extension deal. The self-fanatic Hyun Min is disappointed that the wow factor of his new hairstyle is now down the drain since the viewers will see it before the end of the drama series. Then when his manager suggested that they should just aim for the high rating to get more money out of the drama, he was bummed out (and I don’t know why I am laughing in the middle of this all!) for he felt that his passion was undermined. Oh, but when his assistant ask if he would request a raise, his expression changed and suddenly wanted to know how much raise Min Nah asked for! That and the background sound made me laugh so hard.
In the meantime, Empire CEO was agitated that Min Nah agreed to an extension deal. Min Nah insisted she’d do it, so the CEO started questioning her real reason for doing the drama—Anthony or Kang Hyun Min? Upon hearing Hyun Min’s name she flipped and told him not to associate her with a moron. I think her reaction of Hyun Min is so cute!
Now, back to the drama part…Anthony told Go Eun about the extension. To be able to keep the quality of the drama, Go Eun has to change the script for episode 19. On top of that, she has to send the script of episode 19 to 24 page by page so the crew can shoot right away. Unlike in the beginning of the drama, Anthony sounded more considerate this time. Anthony was about to leave when Go Eun stopped him. The latter thought of a tricky way to keep the first, and bombard him with alibies like since she isn’t writer Kim Soo Hyun, she couldn’t possibly write without discussing the plot with him and this is an emergency so he needs to stay and discuss the plot with her. Then she came back by telling Anthony that she doesn’t have any ulterior motive for keeping him. As it turned out, Anthony enjoyed his stay as much as Go Eun.
Once again he tried to leave but Go Eun stopped him by asking him to bring her a glass of water. Anthony was getting Go Eun a glass of water when his eyesight became blurry and he didn’t notice that he was pouring more water to an already full glass. Go Eun seen what happened and thought that he was doing it on purpose. Anthony, trying to hide the truth, said very coldly that yes, he did it on purpose! Go Eun asked him to stay out of her way because she was wiping the counter top and because there were spills on the floor too. Anthony noticed that his condition continues to get worse and once again it bothered him.
Hyun Min is practicing his script with his assistant. At this scene, I am laughing like a nutcase and for that, thanks to his assistant. Hyun Min asked his assistant to dress like a girl with wig included and talk like one. The dude looked and talked funny trying to imitate kdrama women in distress. Poor guy, despite all his effort, his boss still isn’t satisfied.
Kang Hyun Min called Sung Min Nah to let her know he wants to practice with her (2 hours before the drama shoot schedule and at this time, Min Nah is having a meeting with a film director) but she just hung up on him, so he called her manager’s phone and blackmailed her by saying that if she doesn’t come to practice with him he will call the film production himself. Victory for Hyun Min this time!
On the side note: Even the film director thought that Kang Hyun Min and Sung Min Nah’s relationship is doing great and mentioned to Min Nah’s manager that there might be a wedding announcement before the film schedule.
Anyways, the two were practicing their lines when the female FD came into the room and saw Hyun Min’s arm wrapped around Min Nah’s waist. The first thought that the two actors were really doing something for real and left. Talk about a perfect recipe for a baseless gossip! Min Nah was in awe. Everything happened so quickly that she remained dumbstruck even when the FD came back again to remind them of the shooting schedule. She was panicking when the FD left the second time and told Hyun Min to clear the misunderstanding but Hyun Min didn’t care. At this time all he cares about is perfecting his acting. Min Nah is overwhelmed by Hyun Min’s extreme behavior. J
Back to Lee Go Eun…
As soon as she finished the new script for episode 19, she texted Anthony right away. At this time Anthony who was just on his building’s rooftop watching Go Eun’s studio, was delighted to hear from Go Eun. Go Eun, on the other hand, got really excited that he texted her back. But that excitement was cut short by the emotionless message from him. This time he wants her to work on episode 20 on her own.
Anthony met up with his hoobae and gave the information about his employees. He was recommending and putting up good words for them. He is pretty much handing them over to his friend now. He wants things and people taken cared of before his condition reached its worst stage. Because of his recommendation, his 4 male employees received offers from another drama company (but of course they thought it was purely because they are talented.
The four employees agreed to falsely threaten Anthony by telling him that if they don’t get a 10% raise in their salary, they will resign. Little did they know Anthony was really planning to close the company as soon as they finished the drama they’re working on. However, their boss didn’t profess to the main reason why he is closing the company. Instead, he said that he got a partnership deal with Taesan Group and that the said company doesn’t want to keep the four guys as employees. Imagine the shock brought by this breaking news?! The shock turned into anguish, saturninity, and bitterness.
Anthony, once again went over his list of things he must do. This time he crossed out the third item: Transfer employees/close Company. L A little later, he received a call from “sweet potato” (Go Eun’s name on his cellphone). Go Eun invited him to her studio to look at the script for episode 20. While he was going over the script his eyesight turned blurry again. Go Eun was so concerned about what he thinks of her script that even though she noticed something about Anthony, she didn’t really seemed to bother that much and instead asked about what he thinks of the script.
After the meeting with Go Eun, Anthony went back to the hospital. His doctor gave him an update of his condition. His right has already lost its sight and now his condition is progressing to his left eye. He asked his doctor how long he has left (referring to his ability to see). His doctor gave him 2 months.
Go Eun is wondering why Anthony is being so “careless and rude”. She was analyzing herself whether she is being too clingy or what. She looked at the script again when she noticed that she stapled together 2 copies of page 3. Then, she realized he didn’t really get to read scene 56. Now she is pondering why he would lie like he did. She was remembering past events like him pouring too much water in the glass, his mom’s story of how her illness progressed, and him putting his hand between his eyes when he was reading the script. She is only now finally realizing the possibility of Anthony suffering from the same condition as his mom.
She walked to Anthony’s office and thought that he’s there since his car is parked outside. He’s not inside so she went to his room and found the book about braille and the note book that has his list of things he must do. Two of the list are learning braille and care facility for the blind. The look on her face showed that her speculation has now a more concrete basis.
In the film site, Anthony and his director was having a conversation. He asked the director if he could finish the project without him. The director asked him back if Taesan Group wants him to work for them as soon as possible. Apparently the Taesan gossip already started spreading. The director answered his question and said this drama needs him until the end. Sung Min Nah, who has no knowledge of the nullified agreement between Taesan and Anthony, asked when his formal move will happen because she will send some flowers. Anthony tried to divert the topic and told Min Nah to just focus on the drama for now. People are starting to notice that there is something off about Anthony recently but my goodness, when are they going to notice something more significant?
Go Eun brought Anthony’s notebook with her to her studio. She was looking at the page (containing the list). There were only 6 items on the list but it looks like he will be adding more to it. At the very bottom of the page is this: forget Lee Go Eun. On it was like a water mark, probably from Anthony’s tears? Now there are more tears on that last sentence. Just thinking about what Anthony said to her hurt her so much.
Anthony visited his mom in the caring facility; chatted with her; asked her how was it like when he was making fun of her because she couldn’t see [when he was a young boy]. He said sorry to her while his tears are falling like they have a mind of their own. His mom asked him if something is wrong but he tried to keep his composure. Once again, another lie: Once his drama is over, he might go abroad because his business is doing well. He told her to stay still because he wants to remember her face. This scene is so sad. This drama makes my emotion go up and down—one moment it’s making me laugh, another moment it’s making me cry. Anyways, he noticed that his mom has a new scarf. His mom told him that she got it as gift from Go Eun.
That evening, Go Eun is still waiting for Anthony outside of his building. She was outside by his car when she saw Anthony came back in a taxi. She asked him where he has been. His answer was another question: Did you finish the script? There was a hint of concern: It’s cold. Instead of catching cold again, go inside (then turn his back on her). Go Eun finally asked him the ultimate question of the episode: How long were you going to conceal it? Until are you going to conceal the fact that you are going blind? Go Eun is confronting him and repeating all the Alibies he gave her. Up to this point he is standing on his ground then he asked her what she can do for him. That was it, then, he admitted the fact about his condition.
Anthony Kim: (Go Eun is looking at him with tears.)I won’t be able to eat by myself or go to the bathroom. I won’t be able to see the dramas which I made or the scripts either. I won’t be able to see your face, where you are standing, and whether you are smiling or crying. I won’t be able to see.
Go Eun: Is that the reason why you’re giving up? What if I say it doesn’t matter to me? For me it doesn’t matter.
Anthony came closer, still a little hesitant, but in the end kissed her.
Reaction:
Alright, the actors are good. Or I should say most of them are good. The kissing at the very end of the episode is not as believable as her saying she doesn’t care if he becomes blind. I guess because in real life she will pass as his niece. J But hey in the series she should be really in love with him ~ atleast based on her last lines, right? But the kiss, oh the kiss looks awkward. The way she closed her eyes looks like it was forced. Whatever! I still like the drama and the kiss won’t ruin it for me.
Regarding Sung Min Nah and Kang Hyun Min, I swear they can make a whole drama series just featuring those two. They are like weights of laughter on the other side of the platform balance. I can include Hyun Min’s new assistant to that side too. He is funny as hell and he doesn’t even look like he is trying so hard!
About him keeping the fact about his condition to the people around him, although frustrating is the right move the writer has done because it is consistent to his personality. But I am wondering if he gets to continue to manage a drama company in the end. The love story between them is already predictable at this point but the business part of it, I’m still curious about.
Once again, thank you for reading and see you again next time! J
Awwww, I didn't think the kiss was forced. I interpreted it as him overcoming all obstacles. In his mind she is too good, young, sweet for him but she loves him beyond everything, so for him to kiss her packs so much meaning. Such as him accepting her unconditional love which is very hard for him. And hey I'm younger than her and I'd swap spit w/ Anthony any day ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh no :) I'm not referring to him. It's Go Eun actually. I dont' know it looked like that to me. Well, he was supposed to be her first anyways so that's to be expected. I guess I have seen Kim Sun Ah kissed that hers tend to be my standard. hahahha. But I hope no one is ofended by my reaction. :)
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