7th Grade Civil Servant
Episode 1&2
Kim Kyung Ja & Han Pil Hoon
Due to the economic crisis being experienced by South Korea, the unemployment rate went up. Students have a harder time paying their tuition fees. One of those students is Kim Kyung Ja. She has several part time jobs to manage going to school. There were times when she had to stop due to lack of financial capability to enroll. On the other hand, a son of a businessman chose to study to become a member of NIS—a civil servant, without having to worry about financial glitch. Although his dad is totally against his plan, he is determined to pursue his dreams which started after he watched the James Bond Movie, 007. This is our male lead, Han Pil Hoon. He lives a lifestyle a far cry from that of Kyung Ja. He drives a fancy car, living his dreams and on his way to his ultimate goal—to be a real life James Bond.
Unknown to each other, they both go to the same review center of sort for a civil service exam. Their path almost cross many times but it seems like fate has better things in store for them, that accidental bumping into each other with matching books falling and they both picking them up didn’t happen to them not even once.
Han Pil Hoon is one adventurous guy. He does drag racing, practice shooting, and the likes. One day, he lost in a drag race but couldn’t accept that it was his lack of ability that’s the reason so he challenged the same guy to race against him again. The bet: their cars. Winner takes all. However, he knew he needs a better car to win. So when his mom opened an opportunity to materialize his plan, he grabbed it. The opportunity comes with a price that he doesn’t necessarily like. His mom wanted him to meet the blind dates that she chose for him. All of them are supposed to be under the zodiac sign, “tiger” and was born in 1986. He had to at least date them twice and meet with them for the whole two hours.
He had several dates but none was successful because he didn’t even talk to them. His attention was on his tablet and on top of that he had his earphones on. His mom was disappointed so he was told that if he continues to treat his dates the way he did, he won’t get his prize. It was alarming and frustrating for him so he complained about not believing in fate. His mom insisted that he meet the rest of the girls she chose for him plus a reminder that “fate comes to you in the middle of the night.”
Meanwhile, Kim Kyung Ja was invited by her friend who has a dating agency to become part of her business by dating guys. She was said to get a good amount of money per date. Just the same, she has to stay with the date in the whole two hours. The offer was tempting but because it is considered illegal [since she had to fake her identity], she declined.
While at work, she received a call from her mom that her dad got hurt while working at the farm. When she gave them a visit, she felt bad about not being able to help them financially. Although against her conscience, she decided to accept her friend’s offer. Her first client: Han Pil Hoon. She had to pretend that she is Kim Seo Won, a daughter of a diplomat.
When Pil Hoon first met her, his first impression was, her fashion statement is postmodern. It was something she doesn’t really care about since she was there for the money. Then he asked her if she had something specific she wanted to say. Upon hearing her answer which was of course “none”, he suggested that each of them just do their own thing. He then went straight to his old strategy of focusing on his tablet with the headphones on. When Kyung Ja noticed that there won’t be any talking that will happen between them, she took that opportunity to study. She brought out her book and study. Like I mentioned, she’s there for the money. What other proof there could be of her intention other than her setting her cellphone [used as a timer] on the table. At exactly two hours, she’s gone.
At some point during the supposed “date”, he stopped what he was doing and just observed her. Next was kind of like a dreamy where the director uses a special light to create this scene as if the character is drawn to the other character. For one, he was surprised that she didn’t leave. This part reminded me of what he said to his mom. He said that if one of the dates is really his fate, then they should have at least stayed. And there she was, a girl that actually stayed. Unfortunately for him, she stayed not for the reason that he may be thinking. He asked her what she was doing and all she said was that she’s preparing for an exam. He wanted the specifics but the alarm went off. That was a signal for Kyung Ja that it was time to leave. Because she didn’t seem to be interested in him, he appeared disappointed and kind of gotten interested in her, ironically. Before she left, they both agreed to meet again the next day. Once again, this was a surprised to him since he wasn’t expecting her to want to meet him again. Poor guy, he’s just so clueless.
When he got home and was studying, he remembered some of the things that she said to him. Her tone that sounded she doesn’t care, if he’s interested or not, bugged him. Then made an irritated comment, “Who does she think she is?” Suddenly he remembered what his mom told her about fate being like the thief that comes in the night. After that, he looked back at the time when he was observing her while she was studying. He tried to erase her from his mind and opened his book again but it was of no use.
******
Kim Won Suk
In the NIS office, Kim Won Suk was working on getting some good votes to be the trainer of the new recruits. Later in the first episode, he invited his coworkers to a dinner that he’s paying for. When he didn’t get any good response—like no response at all from them after he mentioned his desire to become the new trainer, he left the venue…feeling really hurt and disappointed. Apparently the reason why they don’t trust that he will do a good job is because their superior died when their operation failed some time ago and they blamed it all to Won Suk. Despite that, there is one person that trusts his ability.
******
The Second Date
Once again the postmodern fashionista, Kyung Ja amazed Han Pil Hoon of her unusual taste in clothing. She automatically set her cellphone a.k.a. timer on the table and brought her book out to study. She was about to start when he suggested they asked each other questions to get to know each other. She had the first turn to ask and her question had nothing to do with getting to know each other. Instead, it was like a review question for the exam. He answered her question and asked her a similar question. After that, he realized that she’s not doing what he wanted her to do; he asked her why she came on that date. She gave him a very general common answer. He wasn’t satisfied so he made several speculations [based on what he thought her identity was] and his comments upset her.
He decided to end the date few minutes after. She was determined to keep him company until his two hours is over so she presented a counter-argument. This didn’t seem to matter so she ended up following him. Unknown to her, she was about to experience the ride of her life.
She was totally terrified the whole time she was inside a speeding car. She was like a piece of ball inside a big box bumping her head every time the car turns. Pil Hoon could have won if only Kyung Ja did not distract him with her loud mouth and by grabbing his arms when they were closed to the finish line.
They both ended up walking they’re way out of the site…separately. Both were upset with each other. In the process, she left her book and he got a hold of it.
The Villains
On the other side of the spectrum, Mi Rae and Woo Hyuk came back to Korea. Woo Hyuk was the same guy who shot Won Suk’s superior to death. Woo Hyuk seemed to have a great distaste of South Korea. He asked his ally (the one driving for them—pretending to be a taxi driver) for the “file”. It was in a tablet. What caught my attention was the picture of Pil Hoon and his father.
******
The Search for the Diplomat’s Daughter Begins
Pil Hoon called the dating agency complaining that he lost his car because of the woman he dated from the agency. His complaining was a waste.
Meanwhile, NIS started their process of recruiting new members. Both Kyung Ja and Pil Hoon went. They both finished the interview around the same time. That was when Pil Hoon was sure that who she saw earlier was Kyung Ja—his target! She panicked and went back in the interview room where she was just asked to leave because they were not really satisfied with her answers. She took this chance to give them her honest answer to the last question earlier: “What is a motherland?” This time they were pretty impressed. But the hunter is still lurking outside the room. Luckily for her, there was a pawn she was able to use for cover. She got away this time. This pawn will have an interesting part in this tale later.
Pil Hoon met with the dating agency person (Kyung Ja’s friend). He asked for her contact information but he didn’t get it. He dared to go through the list of diplomats in the area but once again, it was a waste. All his failed efforts just made him want to hunt Kyung Ja even More.
Now all he’s got that’s connected to Kyung Ja was the book. He went over the pages and saw a post it with a picture of what looks like the devil. On it was a note: “Blind date. Jerk. What a grotesque taste he has.”
******
Finally, Good News!
Despite the not so good incidents that happened in the past few days, good news came for both characters. They both passed the interview. Kyung Ja’s parents were really happy that she has a job now. Suddenly her mom is now thinking of getting a perm and her dad, a celebration for the whole town. However, she wasn’t really decided yet if she wants to take the job or not for what she really wanted was to work in a broadcasting company. But later that night, she decided to take the job thinking how happy she will make her parents. On the other side, Pil Hoon’s dad didn’t even care if his son passed or not. All he wanted for Pil Hoon was to help him manage their business. He calls his son’s desire to work as a civil servant, a lack of dreams. Pil Hoon packed a few of his things and left his parent’s home. He went to the training without his parent’s knowledge.
******
The Door of Opportunity Finally Opened for Won Suk
Won Suk came home drunk. His wife and daughter weren’t so happy with him reeking of alcohol. His wife complained about him not able to send their daughter abroad to study. She told him that he should at least get her a private tutor so she could learn English. Then he announced that he was assigned as a disciplinary officer and that he won’t be home in the next few months. Upon hearing this, his wife got angrier and said they might as well divorce. Instead of fighting with her, he just added that after the assignment is over, he will be assigned to the US. She was still upset until the word “US” registered in her head. It was good news since their daughter will get the opportunity to study abroad and the agency will pay for her schooling. The wife suddenly changed leaf. She was so happy. And when the wife is happy, Won Suk could have a peace of mind.
******
And So They Meet Again!
Kyung Ja was all ready for the training. On her way there, one of the small wheels of her luggage broke. She was in the process of fixing it when a familiar figure came to her. It was the pawn she grabbed during the interview to hide from Pil Hoon—it was the gentleman, Gong Do Ha. After they exchanged introductions, Do Ha helped her bring her bag in the NIS bus. Inside, Do ha got seated first and he was kind of expecting her to sit next to him. Although she didn’t, he was just as satisfied that she sat just right across where he was sitting. The already starting to relax Kyung Ja was once again disrupted by a familiar voice then a familiar face. The last person she would want to see ever is now in the same bus as her. Worst, he chose to sit right across from her. She covered her face with a magazine but it was too late. I bet she haven’t thought that her brooch rat on her.
In the NIS bus, “Seo Won” (Kyung Ja) and Pil Hoon met again. Because of the ruckus that Pil Hoon made in the bus, both of them were kicked out. Now they were both in the middle of who knows where. What is clear is that they won’t be seeing buses or taxis any time soon. He asked her if she was really a daughter of a diplomat. She insisted she is. Pil Hoon snatched her envelope [that contains her cellphone]. The envelope was given to them before they hopped in the NIS bus for them to put their cellphone in. He won’t give her back her envelope and put her on the spot trying to really see if she could prove that she is a diplomat’s daughter. For this, she kicked him on the face. And wow! For a busy girl like her, I don’t know how she found time to learn that move. In this battle of the envelopes, she won by a kick!
The next scene was a food fight in the middle of the highway while back riding on food delivery scooters! The war didn’t stop even when they arrived at the training center. They looked like two first graders still fighting, each wanting to have that last word or last move. As if their trainers were doing it on purpose, they were assigned to lead the reading of the oath.
******
The Training
When signing the oath, they were asked to use an alias, which will also appear in their passport. Won Suk told all the new recruits that even their family should not know that they work for NIS. Which was funny because Kyung Ja’s family even hosted a gathering of the whole town with matching huge banner that mentions her working for NIS. All her parents’ neighbors have this silly, over the top expectations from her now.
After the orientation the bickering continued. Pil Hoon blamed Kyung Ja for getting his clothing looking grubby. And she blamed him for her messing up on the first day of training. In the middle of it came Gong Do Ha. Pil Hoon told him that they’re (him and Kyung Ja) in the middle of a conversation, insinuating that he should back off. Dong Ha counter-attacked by reminding Pil Hoon about them losing point because of the latter. They then exchanged introduction but this time, Pil Hoon introduced himself as Han Gil-ro, his alias. They shook hands. Do Ha squeezed Gil-ro’s hands while maintaining his poise. It was funny in a way because Pil hoon (a.k.a Gil-ro) tried to do the same but Do Ha was just too strong for him. That’s handsome-points deduction, if you ask me. He was left by everyone felling upset. Ouch! That must be embarrassing for him, huh.
On the next day, everyone was on their way to the training room. It is safe to say that the girls [including Si-young or Seo Young?] are having a great time seeing a bunch of cute guys; they were calling them “Oppa”. On the hand, Kim Poong Eon was looking really excited seeing beautiful girls. It must have felt like hitting two birds with one stone! He tried sitting next to the cuties so to get closed to the girls but the guys would always decide to leave every time he sits next to them. Girls would of course move away, as a result. Poor Poong Eon. L
Meanwhile, Do Ha approached Kyung Ja (a.k.a Seo Won) who was at the time studying hard. He misunderstood that Gil-ro was her ex-boyfriend so he showed a little concerned. She cleared the misunderstanding. In a way, she sounded like she was disgusted being linked to Gil-ro.
Do Ha asked her if she has a boyfriend. When she said no, he very casually said he doesn’t have a girlfriend, either. He’s obviously interested in her otherwise, why bother.
During their morning jog, once again, Pil Hoon continued to hassle Seo Won about the car. She tried to avoid her but he continued to chase her. They ended up being punished for misbehavior.
At meal time, she approached a group of girls. And just like a civilized individual, she was friendly and all but what started to be a good conversation was interrupted by an angry colleague. As it turned out, it wasn’t just Do Ha who misunderstood her relationship with Gil-ro. It was amazing how she kept her composure at that moment. Later, carrying her tray of food, she walked to Gil-ro’s table and invited him for a talk. She wrote a contract sating she would pay half the car value after their training ends. In the contract, were some information like her “security number” and “her name” which were probably both fake. The social security, I’m not sure but the name was definitely a fake. In return she asked him to write a contract staing he won’t bother her during the training—not even an eye contact. He didn’t have any second thoughts since according to him he hates people like her. He likes people who work hard even if they don’t have money.
******
A Glimpse of Do Ha’s Past
Do Ha seemed to be overworking himself in the weight room. During the break, he remembered the past. He was in a makeshift hospital—a long hall full of victims of war. Suddenly, there was a huge explosion that killed almost everyone in it. The once who were left alive were fighting for their lives. Then an innocent little girl came in. He pointed his gun at her thinking she was an enemy. When he realized otherwise, he tucked his gun back in and walked towards the girl. A surprising twist changed everything. This time, she pointed a gun at him. She knew he wasn’t convinced of what she’s capable of so she pulled the trigger hitting the roof. Then point the gun back at him. Her eyes couldn’t be any surer of her objective. She knew what she was doing and she damn knows how to use that gun. She shot him on the lower right side of his torso; then killed the others until she’s out of bullets. Do Ha’s comrade ordered him to shoot the little girl. He was hesitant. Another explosion kept him from materializing the order. She was able to escape with the rest of her comrades. He threw what looked like a cellphone on the roof of their truck. Was it a bomb? Through that, was he able to blow-up everyone in that truck including his little attacker?
******
NIS’ Target: Alias John Jay
In the NIS meeting Sung Joon announced the arrival of alias John Jay (Woo Hyuk) in Korea. His superior asked about the intelligence report on John Jay. He got upset upon hearing about the absence of any intelligent report on this guy who killed his co-worker Dae Sang [in the same operation where Won Suk was involved]. When the superior asked who is going to spear head the operation in capturing Jay, Sung Joon volunteered. Their ongoing strategy: look among companies with military technology.
Meanwhile, Alias Jay or Woo Hyuk was having a meeting with Pil Hoon’s dad. Unaware of Woo Hyuk’s real intentions, he gave him good advice on how to get a hold of a technology patent for military use without any glitch—legally. How? Take over Future Tech, get a hold of the patent then get rid of the company. The recipient of the advice seemed to be very satisfied. The villain’s real plan: use the businessman as bait to NIS then get rid of him when he’s no used to them anymore.
******
How Are the Trainees?
Seo Won and Gil-ro were once again asked to lead the Oath. She reminded him of the conditions in the contract. Gil-ro flared up saying he wasn’t standing next to her because he wanted to. He started reciting the Oath but Seo Won refused to. What is obvious didn’t escape Young Soon’s eyes. Young Soon is one of the NIS people that helps train them. Anyways, Seo Won walked to Young Soon and pretended she had a sore throat. The latter totally bought the alibi therefore advised the first to go to their clinic and get some medication. She was replaced by a volunteer—Do Ha which wasn’t a delight to Gil-ro.
Sung Joon visited Won Suk in his office asking about the new recruits. When the latter mentioned that the “kids” still have a long way to go since they don’t even have any idea what their motherland means, Sung Joon teased him for he himself idolized James Bond. This was like an insinuation that the new recruits think they’re in movies. The real work hasn’t sunk in to them yet—at least not to all of them.
******
Woo Hyuk & Mi Rae
Their Justice
John Jay updated his comrades about the status of their mission. Now that the government already knew that he’s back in Korea, he’s ready to make a move once the NIS is all over the document that they got a hold of through Pil Hoon’s businessman dad. The youngest of the three was concerned that an innocent might get killed. JJ reminded him of their position and what really the cruelest criminal group created by human is—the state and that the marching troops of the state is it’s the government. This is like saying, there are no innocent among the people who serve the government. He reminded him of the oppression by the government to its people in order to protect its own interest. His and Mi Rae’s parents were killed and he will give justice to them by killing all that’s involved. That’s his justice. That’s Mi Rae’s Justice and justice doesn’t die—at least not until all the rest are dead.
******
The Battle against the Lie Detector
The new recruits get their first shots at the lie detector test. The goal: to trick the lie detector. As an NIS member, they should be able to control their emotions and their brain waves so as to win against the lie detector. Before them, Won Suk and Young showed them examples. Won Suk was asked by several of the new recruits and they were all amazed by bow he was able to deceive the detector into forging facts.
Both Gil-ro and Do-ha had a turn. Gil-ro’s answers to all questions were detected as lies including his answer to the question, “do you love your country?” Do-ha’s answers failed at times too but when he was asked whether he loves his country and if he’s willing to sacrifice his life for the sake of his country his answer which was “yes” was detected to be true. Everyone, including Won Suk was impressed and compared Gil-ro to Do-ha: “Through this machine, we can differentiate men like him [pointing to Do-ha] and boys like him [pointing to Gil-ro].” Everyone laugh including me, although, I feel embarrass for Gil-ro.
Now it’s Seo Won’s turn. All her answers were detected as lies. There was a point when it was still funny but when Gil-ro volunteered to asked questions the fun faded away especially for Seo Won. He asked him if her name is the name she wrote on the contract with him including the social security number. All her answers were lies according to the detector. And of course we all know the answers were indeed lies. Then he asked her if she is indeed a daughter of a diplomat. This time the lie detector chair had literally become a hot seat for Kyung Ja. Everyone’s eyes were on her, waiting for her answer. She looked at everyone around her. Af if something magical happened to her, she courageously told Gil-ro to asked her again. She gave her answer: “Yes, my father is a diplomat.” The lie detector’s judgment: TRUE!
It wasn’t just Gil-ro that was flabbergasted, even Young Soon.
Reaction:
When I first read the synopsis, I thought this is going to be just another action, drama. I started watching it and my thoughts were still the same but I would say, the writer and the director or whoever is behind the decision making regarding how to end every episode, sure is doing a awesome job! What best way to end episode 2 than to once and for all stamp the whole room with Kyung Ja’s natural talent to become a spy. You know the feeling when you’re watching an underdog put on the spot and soaring high from there—winning against the odds, against the demeaning, judgmental looks. Oh that was just striking!
Choi Kang Hee is a perfect choice for this drama. She has the body for the role. She reminds me of Ha Ji Won in Secret Garden. Let’s admit it. Not all celebs have that strong oomph to take roles like this.
I like that every character, no matter how small the role is, is contributing as much as the leads. This incredible combination, I believe makes this drama awe-inspiring.
In this show, I am totally sold out to the comedic aspect, including the unintentional comedy. I enjoy the bickering between the two main characters. They’re so cute! The chemistry is overflowing, I can’t help but smile. They’re so believable. They remind me of little kids fighting over a toy that got broken—one blaming the other, and vice versa—and their trainers, like their teachers.
It is also refreshing to see Joo Woon in this kind of show. Although his is a not so new face but new in a sense that this is the first time I am seeing Joo Woon taking the lead role of something I actually enjoy watching. I remember him in the King of Baking and his character there was a bit dark. In this drama, I am seeing him in a new light. This action comedy sure works for him.
It is also refreshing to see Joo Woon in this kind of show. Although his is a not so new face but new in a sense that this is the first time I am seeing Joo Woon taking the lead role of something I actually enjoy watching. I remember him in the King of Baking and his character there was a bit dark. In this drama, I am seeing him in a new light. This action comedy sure works for him.
I honestly would enjoy a lot of action but I hope it won’t be too dark. I like hilarious. I like ridiculous! And I hope the show could maintain its unusual, yet striking comedic power.
No comments:
Post a Comment