7th Grade Civil Servant
Episode 3
“That’s right. My father is a diplomat.” Kyung Ja answered with her confidence rising through the roof. She followed it up by reciting all of her supposed personal information—address, security number, siblings, etc. with so much conviction that even the lie detector was bamboozled. Young Soon announced what flashed onto the screen in subtle amazement—“true”. Gil-ro was baffled and surprised. He knew it was all a lie but he couldn’t understand how she’s able deceive the detector. The tension was getting higher and Won Suk knew he needed to step in. “Are you in your right mind? What’s the motive of this training? This isn’t the place to tell the truth,” Won Suk blurted out. The new recruits were so convinced with Won Suk’s acting just as much as they were with Kyung Ja’s lies. Before they were dismissed, Kyung Ja was penalized by 15 points. She harshly pulled all those lie detector wires taped on her during the polygraph testing and left the room stomping. But before that, she gave Gil-ro a piercing look.
Park Soo Yoon who apparently is a diplomat’s daughter suddenly got interested in Kyung Ja (Seo Won) because of their “commonality”. She ran after Seo Won and started a conversation. They were in the middle of it when Gil-ro came up to Seo Won. Once again, he put her on the spot saying she’s either a psychopath or a born liar. “I can be both, so be wary,” is the snappy answer from Seo Won. When he insisted of knowing her true identity, she gave him a painful kick on the lower leg.
She’s Case A
“She’s case A, right?” This was the first question of Won Suk to Young Soon after all the trainees left the room. By the look on their faces, it is safe to say that they were impressed by her potential. Indeed, a greenhorn overcame the lie detector. Because of her potential, she was cast out as a special case. They will be observing her.
Next they talked about Dong Ha. He came from the Special Forces. His case is closed to case B but for now, they Won Suk suggested to put him as State Control.
The Way to Maneuver the Game is to Know How to Play the Game
Park Soo Young was winning during their gambling training. The greenhorns were being train to understand the most popular gambling games to be able to maneuver it to their advantage. In this training, everyone was given a certain amount of chips. Those who will lose all their chips will do push-ups.
Gil-ro joined Do-ha and Seo Won in the game of Go Stop. Seo won declared, “all in”. Gil-ro thought it wasn’t so smart of her to go all in right away. He was all smiles from ear to ear when he confidently went with the same decision—all in! Gil-ro was a little hysterical when he saw her cards. He lectured her about possibly losing all in one go, in the future by making wrong decisions like this one. Then she asked him what cards does he have and Gil-ro just looked at her then said, let’s have another round next time and went straight to the corner to do his share of push-ups. Now Seo Won’s serious expression was replaced by a smile of success—finally the bugger is gone! While doing his push-ups, Gil-ro glanced at Seo Won and Dong-ha. And He’s not happy that she’s all smiles when it comes to the other guy.
We are the People Who Use Our Brains and Not Guns
Won Suk gave an introduction about learning how to use guns. He emphasized that as NIS agents they use their brains and not their guns. The first training was to dismantle their guns. Both Do-ha and Gil-ro finished at the same time before anybody else. Their comrades were amazed. The competitive streaks of both Do-ha and Gil-ro naturally came out. So when Won Suk told them to assemble the gun back together, they looked at each other and then did as they were ordered to, as fast as they could. Once again, they finished at the same time. Gil-ro was probably wondering how Do-ha was able to do it as fast as he could. He doesn’t have any idea about Do-ha’s identity. He doesn’t know that the guy was way out of his league experience wise.
During the target shooting, Park Soo Young went berserk. As a result she got a zero. Won Suk was appalled by the scores of the neophytes in target shooting. What a total dismay, that is. On the other hand, one member of the batch has the highest score in greenhorn history. Gil-ro was confidently smiling. He thought he was the person his discipline officer was talking about, so he stood up only to sit back down for it was Do-ha’s name that was called. He looked at him like “what?” The latter said few words to the rest of the gang. He left them some very humble, yet inspiring words. Gil-ro saw how Seo Won looked at Do-ha with full of support and he wasn’t in any way delighted.
During the break, Seo Won inquired about Do-ha’s score when he first started. Do-ha confessed that his score was 98 instead of 17. When she asked him why didn’t he tell the truth, he just said that scores don’t really matter in the real fight. That got her even more interested and asked if he was in a real fight before. However, just like what they were told [about keeping their true identity from their colleagues] he gave her a safe and simple answer—he heard stories from the military.
Later, he asked her if she broke up with Gil-ro. It seemed like he was making sure what her real relationship with Gil-ro is. Seo Won told him that they’re not in a relationship to break up or not to break up. But Gil-ro wasn’t easily convinced since it didn’t make sense to him how the other got her personal information including her social security memorized. She told him about the match making sessions and that they met twice. The first information was nothing much for Do-ha but the last one she mentioned was a surprised. He’s probably thinking why a girl would meet a guy twice if she’s not interested at all.
Seo Won suggested they don’t talk about Gil-ro. Do-ha probably like that better anyway. He asked her if she wants to learn the strategy to aim well. But before that, he adumbrated that they treat each other comfortably first. And what best way to show that other than shaking hands first.
Meanwhile, Gil-ro went to Won Suk’s office to have the latter check his target paper again to make corrections in his score. The officer had to use a magnifying glass to really check. Nothing had changed. His score, whatever it was, stayed the same. But Gil-ro is not an easy person to deal with at times. It seems he had a hard time to accept defeat so he continued to bug his superior despite the moral advice given to him. In the end, he was chased out of the office.
Going back to Do-ha and Seo Won….The first showed her how to aim by putting what looked like a bean-looking thing on the back of a spoon while holding the spoon as if it is a gun. The scene of the two having fun annoyed Sun Mi. “That demerit points maker. She’s seducing him again. She’s seducing him again,” she said.
Gil-ro came into the hall and witnessed the same scene. However, his subject of disgust is Do-ha. He was in the middle of badmouthing him when the other ladies who admire Do-ha pushed him away. He saw how they were looking at him with so much admiration. Poor guy, all he could do was turned around, defeated.
During lunch time he saw Do-ha and Seo Won doing the same thing at the table like he was watching a rerun of the show he hated most. He tried to do what Do-ha was doing. He placed a black bean on the back of his spoon but it fell down. He dismissed the idea and just continued to eat. IS he trying to look better to Seo Won?
The training continued. This time they were being taught how to snatch a gun from the opponent right in front of them. Gil-ro noticed that Do-ha and Seo Won were partners and instead of looking like they were fighting, they looked like lovers flirting with each other with Do-ha’s arms wrapped around Seo Won. Gil-ro lost his concentration and was stoked by what he was witnessing. As a result, his partner Poong Eon took all his controlled fury. Poor thing.
Won Suk stopped them for a while to tell them that they should get over the prejudice that NIS agent is good at fighting. Once again, he reiterated that they use their brain, not their fist. Gil-ro blurted out a question—“Is that effective in actual fight?” Instead of answering his question, Won Suk asked him the same question. Then Won Suk called for someone who thinks it’s effective in a real fight. Do-ha raised his hand. The two neophytes had a battle of words. Then suddenly, Gil-ro asked Won Suk if they could do a real fight—basically to prove his point. Won Suk didn’t oppose of the idea.
In this practice fight, Gil-ro holds the gun. Their hands started moving. They were both so fast that the other trainees were holding their breaths. But in this fight, Gil-ro was determined to win and he did. Oh, he had not enough space in his heart to fill his happiness with. Then Won Suk asked the haughty apprentice to practice with him like in the real fight. The scenario: Won Suk will snatch the gun from Gil-ro. They were both calm. The gun man, Gil-ro, confident but focused. He was ready for some arm wrestle and serious action. Won Suk was quiet, calm…and thinking! Then the unexpected happened—Won Suk kick Gil-ro in the balls!!! Oh my god!!! I was laughing my butt out. It was so hilarious!!! They had to take him to the infirmary to recuperate. Then once again, Won Suk reiterated that they aren’t the people who use guns but they are the people who use their brains.
Joo Man: The Journey In to the Deep Begins
Han Joo Man, Gil-ro’s father had another business meeting with Woo Hyuk. This time, he was offered another business deal – a hundred billion won business. It has to do with a technology about cavitation. It is a patented technology for big vessels. All he had to do was to call his former school mate Park Dong Gyul who works for Mirae Shipbuilding’s laboratory about 2 to 3 times per month. It was tempting but Joo Man was worried that he will put his school mate into trouble. Then Woo Hyuk offered to pay him double. He introduced the person who will be working with Joo Man—Mi rae. Then, entered this tall, beautiful, professional looking woman…. The hand shake was pretty much an agreement.
Pan Suk and Mak Nae, in a Crossroad?
In the meantime, Pan Suk and Mak Nae, Kyung Ja’s parents both could not sleep thinking about these new opportunities for them since their announcement about their daughter working for the NIS. Mak Nae was offered to be the president of the women’s association and Pan Suk, the head of the village. Pan Suk tried to tell his wife to decline the offer to her and just take care of the things at home. Mak Nae stood her ground and insisted that she would do whatever she wants to do. The argument ended with them fighting over the comforter.
Another Day of Training
Assignment: Open the lock with pins.
Their officer already said “begin” but Gil-ro was busy staring at Seo Won that he forgot what he was there to do. Then a dreamy scene, next. It was a good thing Won Suk was there to bring Gil-ro back to reality by hitting him on the head with his pointer. That sure woke him up. The first person to finish was Do-ha. Won Suk was impressed but he didn’t stop there. He challenged Do-ha’s thinking by first commenting that he was so good, he could even be a professional thief someday. Do-ha said that is impossible. Then a play of words afterwards.
Won Suk: You can do it if it’s for the sake of your country?
Do-ha: Yes, I can do it.
Won Suk: Can you do it even if it’s against your conscience?
Do-ha: Yes, I can do it if it’s for the country.
Won Suk: You can do anything even if that’s something bad?
Do-ha: Yes I can do it (looked at Won Suk with conviction).
Won Suk: You’re outstanding. Sing me a song for the country then.
Do-ha: What? (dumbfounded) Now?
Won Suk: Didn’t you say you will do anything?
Those last words from Won Suk brought out a grin from Gil-ro’s face. Do-ha stood up and started singing the national anthem. Won Suk hit him on the head with his pointer—“Is now the situation to sing the National Anthem?”
Next he asked Sun Mi and Soo Young. The first complained that there wasn’t any accompaniment and the second couldn’t sing unless she had a drink. He then showed a white envelope with the supposed prize in it and announced that he will give a bonus prize of 500 (didn’t mention the denomination) to the one who will sing in front of the class [for the country…?]. Seo Won got overly excited and volunteered. When she realized it was embarrassing, it was too late. Everybody had fun! She got her prize—a coin (honestly, I don’t know the value of this coin). The rest of the class laughed at her, including Gil-ro with matching an annoying tease.
The training continued…. Won Suk brought the guys that all dressed up for a formal party, into this hall that looked run down. The trainees couldn’t make sense as to why they were brought there. Then Won Suk click a button on his remote control and the whole looks of the building changed. They were all so amazed. Then he clicked the button one more time and it changed the place into a ballroom. He then gave them an introduction to their next training. Parties and women. Women are the main characters in parties. Then entered Young Soon followed by the girls, all wearing beautiful dresses.
Among all the women, Gil-ro’s eyes were glued on Seo Won. Do-ha was no different. Gil-ro almost looked like a proud boyfriend watching her with unquestionable admiration. Then they were asked to find a partner. At first they were all hesitant but with just a little push from their superiors, they were on. Do-ha approached Seo Won first. Then there came Gil-ro. He wanted to prevent the two becoming partners so he decided to convince Do-ha to be his partner instead. Do-ha, who first thought that Gil-ro was after Seo Won, was in awe. Naturally, he declined but Gil-ro was insistent.
In The meantime, the report regarding the transfer of the rights over a technology company to World Patent reached the NIS office, specifically to Sung Joon. They also realized that the son of one of the businessman involved was one of their guys, Pil Hoon (alias Gil-ro).
While the “kids” were getting comfortable with their partners, Won Suk received a call regarding Gil-ro’s parents—he reported his son, missing to the cops. Gil-ro was still, at this point, bugging Do-ha to be his partner. Do-ha started losing his patience so he grabbed him by the shoulder and whispered [with a hint of threat] to Gil-ro—“I didn’t join here through sitting for the civil service exam.” Won Suk heard this and slap him on the head. That small act there made me laugh J. I don’t know why but there are so many scenes in this episode that were not meant to be funny but were funny anyways and that’s just what I love about this. Going back…Won Suk fully understood what Do-ha was doing but as good an agent he is, he was able to make an alibi and hide some things that were meant to be hidden by making a comical comments like, “This rascal. Are you seducing a man in front of a woman?” But once again he didn’t stop there. He manipulated the conversation again as if he was testing them; almost like wanting to know how their mind works. Then, he asked both Gil-ro and Seo Won to follow him to his office.
While Sun Mi didn’t get any offers from the guys to be their partner, Park Soo Young was surrounded by more than just a couple of guys all wanting to be her partner. She was in the middle of acting like a princess that’s in demand, when the Sun Mi approached. Her nagging at the guys led them to walk away. Just what she was hoping for then she asked if Soo Young already have a partner. When the other gal said none, she took the opportunity to finally have a partner—even if it’s by force? Now, her problem was solved.
In Won Suk’s office, he went straight to the issue. He ordered Gil-ro to call his father to call off the search for him since he wasn’t really missing. In Seo Won’s case, she was told to call her parents to prevent them from spreading the news about her working for the NIS.
Gil-ro did exactly what he was told. Then later, he saw Seo Won sat on a bench just few feet from where he was standing. He heard her conversation with his parents. This gave him enough information to erase all his misconception of her. He realized that Seo Won is not the brat he thought she was. It was then when he was able to make full sense of all the things that she told him in those past meetings with her.
When they both went back to the ballroom, they didn’t have a choice but to become partners. While Young Soon was ordering Seo Won to look and smile at her partner, Gil-ro gave out a sigh. It was almost like saying, “what am I going to do with you?” She was definitely not his typical girl. She’s feisty! While they’re dancing, he was giving her advice about living within her means. Seo Won wasn’t in the best mood to be listening to things like that so she declared that she doesn’t care about the demerits. She’s off!
Back in the NIS office, the director was given an updates regarding their search for Woo Hyuk (a.k.a. JJ). The update included the report regarding Joo Man being involved with the target. Because Gil-ro is his son, the director ordered his dismissal.
The bad news hadn’t reached the training center yet. Today, they received their first salary. However this will be used as their money to be able gamble as part of the training. Won Suk will play with them too. His first victim, Gil-ro. Very early in this training, the latter lost a significant amount of his chips to Won Suk. Because of what happened, no one would like to play with him anymore. So the clever officer thought of a motivation: whoever wins against him will get a day off. Seo Won who had a plan to leave on a Friday for an interview in a broadcasting company, volunteered. In the first round, she won and that helped build her confidence. Actually she was too confident that she went “all in”. Unfortunately for her, Won Suk is no ordinary player. In this game, he won again and Seo Won wasn’t able to keep her poise for she really needed the money. She tried convincing Won Suk to return her money but it was of no use. She lost crying.
Concurrently, Woo Hyuk and his siblings were having a meeting regarding how they will move forward into their plan. This time, he ordered Mi Rae to gather information about Pil Hoon (Gil-ro) so they could use him as an insurance to make sure Joo Man doesn’t back out on their transaction.
When Seo Won left the table, Gil-ro followed her. He was upset that she was crying because of money.
Gil-ro: Are you a fool? Why are you standing still while your money has been snatched?
Seo Won: Why does it matter to you (crying)
Seo Won turned and walked away from him but before she could go far, Gil-ro told her that it does matter [to him]. She turned to look at him. Then he said that he needs to get paid for his car. Gil-ro is becoming more and more likable, I tell you. At this point he still couldn’t tell her exactly how he felt so he’s using his car as an excuse but he really does care about her and its written all over his face.
Gil-ro: And don’t cry because of money. You look disgraceful. (Then walked away.)
Gil-ro came back inside and challenged Won Suk. But because he didn’t have enough chips, he asked his co-trainees to lend him some and if he lost he will pay them back. The deal: If he wins, Won Suk will return all the money to the trainees. If he loses, he will be dismissed. It was a hard decision for him but he decided this time he will act smart and…selfless—a characteristic that will later be stuck in Won Suk’s mind.
At first, no one would like to lend him some chips especially when Won Suk announced that whoever will lend chips will get demerits if Gil-ro lose. But despite that, Poong Eon lent him all his remaining chips and the rest followed.
The game began. Won Suk was winning. Seo Won couldn’t look Gil-ro in the eyes probably because she knew, in a way he was putting his future on the line for her. The game continued, regardless. This time, Gil-ro went “all in”.
Reaction:
At this point, there really isn’t anything big yet happening but the premise of some of the big events that we all can speculate about and expect, were already presented like the involvement of Pil Hoon’s Dad to Woo Hyuk and his siblings. I like that they’re going at it slowly. This way, they are making a distinction between this show and other action dramas like City Hunter for example. This is a comedy, romance action, in the first place.
The characters’ values are starting to build up also. I have to say, those with small roles are just as interesting to watch as the leads. I am glad that Joo Won’s character is now becoming more manly in a lot of ways because the childish, irritated type can get really annoying and I honestly can only watch them for so long. Unless of course we’re talking Flower Boy Next Door. This early maturity is just fitting considering he’s an NIS agent now. It just wouldn’t make sense if he’s still the same narrow-minded, judgmental brat after all this time.
I would recommend this show to everyone because it is fun to watch. It has its dark side but it is sticking to its genre. The funny scenes are not forced. Actually, I have this thought that a lot of those hilarious scenes were unintentional. But that’s what I like. But I also like the acting prowess of the senior NIS agents and the two main leads. Seo Won’s character is so believable that I feel embarrass for her when she cried because she lost all her money to Won Suk. Joo Won’s acting has gotten me convinced that he should have another good drama after this. He deserves it. My goodness there are so many scenes in this show so far where he didn’t have to say anything but I can actually understand what he was trying to imply. Not everyone can do that! That’s for sure.
Every time an episode ends, the viewers are left hanging wanting more of this show. That’s another thing. This episode for example, started strong and finished strong. No wonder its rating just continues to go up.
I have to also share this link I found since Viki doesn’t have the license yet to show this here in the US. Once again, I just found this link. I don’t own it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4rnaZ4PfoI
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