I think there is some misunderstanding on the quote from HJP where he offers to be SDM's plan B.
Correct me if i'm wrong.
From HJP's point of view, him telling SDM about wanting to be his plan B is no different when he told NDS he will be the plan B.
Basically, he feels if NDS or SDM knows there is a plan B, they will be less pressured. And as he has said earlier, less pressure allows them to be less nervous and perform better. It's a logical way of looking at things.
I don't think HJP was thinking, I want to be the hero here and get points. Because if this was really his intention, he would not have allowed Cheul San and Yong San to stop him, because personally telling SDM he will be the plan B is that grand romantic gesture.
NDS though didn't see it this way. In NDS mind, it's HJP wanting to weasel his way into SDM's life, and he's not going to let that happen.
Is everyone ready for the mother of all wild theories? Then read ahead...
HJP and SDM are actually half siblings!
We know Grandma was against SDM dad marrying her mom, but it was never explained why.
According to SDM, her mom and dad were pen pals before they got married. And as we learned from this show, it's easy to fictionalized and lie through letters. So as SDM's dad was falling in love with the mom, little did he know she is actually a single mother and HJP is her son from another man.
We know the mom is a selfish person. She viewed SDM's dad as a means to escape her current predicament (a decision she will later repeat in the main storyline). But rather than tell SDM's dad the truth about her son, she decided to place him in an orphanage, so she can marry the dad as a single woman.
Grandma somehow finds out, and tries to convince her son that this woman has been lying to her. But as you know, love can blind you, the son doesn't believe Grandma and marries the mom.
As time passed by, Grandma learned to forgive SDM's mom. But she always wondered about the boy the mom gave up for adoption, until that fateful day that she saw HJP. His face catches Grandma by surprise because he looks quite similar to SDM's mom. Then we go back to the main storyline.
We have always wondered how Grandma can be so nice to a total stranger. It would make sense if HJP is her long lost grandson. And it would also answer the question why she never introduced HJP and SDM, because she didn't want SDM to think that her parents marriage was built on a lie. Nor did he want SDM and HJP to fall in love since they are half siblings.
This explains also why Grandma keeps encouraging SDM to forget about the NDS in the letters. In fact, if we really look at it, Grandma has low key been trying to keep SDM and HJP apart, due to the familial connection.
It would explain quite a few things as well like.
1. Why does HJP feel this unexplainable need to protect SDM. Even he doesn't understand. 2. Why he is so vested in producing a guy that would be good enough for SDM image wise. 3. Why SDM fell asleep in HJP's car. 4. Why Grandma is shipping NDS and SDM rather than HJP.
SDM aside, let us discuss the relationship of the two men.
In the first few episodes, HJP thinks of NDS as a loser, an aimless young guy that is going nowhere, that is why he thinks he is not good enough to meet SDM as he is now. But beginning when SST won the CODA competition, it's interesting to note that HJP has grown to respect NDS more and more.
And after NDS lied to SDM about them being as close as brothers, I believe that HJP started to subconsciously act like it. Sometimes jokingly, sometimes seriously. And even all the way in EP. 10, he is still subconsciously subtly doing it.
HJP may not like NDS, but he at least respects him. In this respect, we see some personal growth within HJP.
For NDS, I get a sense that it's the opposite. In the first few episodes, he seemed to have great respect for HJP. But the longer the series goes, the larger the dislike NDS has for HJP. And it's not just simple dislike, there is a lot of vitriol in the way he associates with HJP.
And NDS, and in extension his friends have shown massive disrespect to HJP. Whether or not HJP is helping them is not the issue, because he is definitely not hindering the success of SST.
I just get this feeling that initially HJP's words to NDS were quite harsh. Tough love, but harsh. But as the show went on, HJP's words to NDS become gentler. But on the NDS side, it use to be so respectful, but as the series progressed, the words become harsher, more spiteful.
NDS neither likes nor does he respect HJP. So we actually don't see any sort of personal growth from NDS. In fact, the only constant throughout the first 10 episodes is that NDS is a computer genius, but in terms of character growth, he does not grow out of his insecure shell. I am even wondering if his lack of growth includes his interactions with SDM?
I realize while watching Ep 10. that SDM is most angry at HJP.
I think this is because all her confidence, who she grew up as a woman, and her memories was directly affected by the letters. So finding out the letters are fake was really a huge blow for her, and she's subconsciously blaming HJP the most.
The comfort she felt of having met someone the year her father died become a false memory.
Until now, we haven't seen confirmation that the letters HJP wrote to SDM meant something to him. We assume it, but he has not admitted it to us or to SDM.
NDS may have lied to her, but the new memories and experienced that he and SDM shared in a few months time, didn't change her, it didn't define who she was. The letters HJP wrote did, and I think ultimately that is the reason she will take a lot longer to forgive HJP, if she ever does.
I think who you decide to ship HJP or NDS ultimately depends on what kind of love you believe in.
If you believe in the innocence of being each other's first love, walking a journey hand in hand. Then you prefer NDS form of love.
PROS of NDS type of Love
1. This type of guy will love you unconditionally, regardless of what mistakes you make. 2. The love from this guy will be very pure, almost childlike in the adoration. 3. He will always be there for you, and he is very vocal about his love. 4. He will spend his lifetime trying to make you happy. 5. Will stand up for you no matter what.
Cons of NDS type of Love
1. Because his passion is so strong, he expects the same from you and can be exhausting if you don't have the same intensity. 2. Has the perchance to be jealous more easily. 3. May not be as willing to point out your mistakes. 4. Tendency to sugarcoat everything. 5. Is glued to your hip. Meaning he wants to work together, see each other every day, do everything together. Which can be suffocating if you don't share this type of love.
If you believe in a more mature type of love. Sharing similar goals with someone, then you may prefer the HJP type of love.
HJP type of Love (you decide if it's a pro or a con)
1. This guy will love you, but if you make mistakes, he will be the first to tell you, because he believes that loving someone is also telling them when they are making mistakes. 2. His love will be there, but it won't be as passionate as that of NDS. 3. He won't require that you spend most waking moments together, he may even suggest you should not work together. But he will be supportive in what industry/field you want to do . 4. Most likely will not sugarcoat most things. 5. He is pragmatic. 6. Probably won't do much great acts of romantic endearment. But he loves you, just not as expressive. 7. Not as vocal of his love, but in many ways, because he doesn't show it everyday, it comes off stronger when he does.
Question: can anyone think of a Kdrama where the FL kisses the second lead? I can’t think of one which makes…
There's quite a few signs and implied biases within the show showing NDS is endgame.
Even the way the plot is churning out screams an NDS endgame.
To be frank, after the upcoming 3 year Timeskip, we will see a different NDS, one that has all his negative aspects washed away, leaving only his positive aspects.
I will be honest, if NDS wants to be the right guy for SDM, he needs to date around in San Francisco. He needs that experience, so he can stop being a smothering, over possessive BF.
At the moment, NDS has a very smothering type of love. Yes, I can appreciate he really loves SDM, but the way he expresses it is just not healthy. For NDS, SDM is his first love. Couple that with his low self esteem, insecurities against HJP, and you have a recipe for disaster.
With the way things are going, NDS looks prime to morph into a possessive, easily jealous, over protective boyfriend. And i'm sure some girls out here would love a boyfriend like that, but for SDM it doesn't make sense. I see some people keep saying NDS is perfect for SDM because he supports her unconditionally. But the thing is, that is not something SDM really needs. She's shown herself to be a fantastic self motivator and self starter, she doesn't lack confidence, and can get things done. She doesn't really need a personal cheering section to protect her mental. In fact for the past 15 years outside of fake Dosan she hasn't developed any strong connections with other people, opting to spend most of her time with Grandma.
Now i'm not saying it wouldn't be nice to have a personal cheering section, but the benefits of such support is not as efficient on SDM, who can properly self motivate and has higher self esteem. In fact throughout the series, we see NDS keep telling SDM, oh SST Is nothing without you, because of you we succeed and etc.. And we see these words not have as strong an effect to SDM. What we do see affect SDM instead are words that teach you perseverance like from his father talking about the monetary benefits of having enemies, or her sister telling her to buckle up and don't let fear push her down, or even HJP telling her that things will be tough, but she needs to remember not to let the pressure to get to her. These are real facts, no sugar coating, no over praising that will help SDM grow as a person.
And I hope for NDS and SDM sake, NDS figures it out. You don't need to constantly side with your GF, praise her, make her feel important to keep her happy. You also need to personally challenge her, be honest with her, and let her know when she has done you wrong for the relationship to grow in a healthy manner.
Also gives HJP a decent happy ending as he automatically gains the family he has been craving.
Correct me if i'm wrong.
From HJP's point of view, him telling SDM about wanting to be his plan B is no different when he told NDS he will be the plan B.
Basically, he feels if NDS or SDM knows there is a plan B, they will be less pressured. And as he has said earlier, less pressure allows them to be less nervous and perform better. It's a logical way of looking at things.
I don't think HJP was thinking, I want to be the hero here and get points. Because if this was really his intention, he would not have allowed Cheul San and Yong San to stop him, because personally telling SDM he will be the plan B is that grand romantic gesture.
NDS though didn't see it this way. In NDS mind, it's HJP wanting to weasel his way into SDM's life, and he's not going to let that happen.
That's the thing, the only one who can handle a NDS, is a female version of NDS.
For NDS he is going through my first love and my first crush all at the same time.
For SDM, she has already had her first crush, and first love moment with fake dosan, so she doesn't feel as passionate about it.
Basically what at time skip does, is it allows the writers to completely rewrite NDS character, and call it "Character Development".
Is it a cheap way to get it? Yes. Will it work? most probably.
HJP and SDM are actually half siblings!
We know Grandma was against SDM dad marrying her mom, but it was never explained why.
According to SDM, her mom and dad were pen pals before they got married. And as we learned from this show, it's easy to fictionalized and lie through letters. So as SDM's dad was falling in love with the mom, little did he know she is actually a single mother and HJP is her son from another man.
We know the mom is a selfish person. She viewed SDM's dad as a means to escape her current predicament (a decision she will later repeat in the main storyline). But rather than tell SDM's dad the truth about her son, she decided to place him in an orphanage, so she can marry the dad as a single woman.
Grandma somehow finds out, and tries to convince her son that this woman has been lying to her. But as you know, love can blind you, the son doesn't believe Grandma and marries the mom.
As time passed by, Grandma learned to forgive SDM's mom. But she always wondered about the boy the mom gave up for adoption, until that fateful day that she saw HJP. His face catches Grandma by surprise because he looks quite similar to SDM's mom. Then we go back to the main storyline.
We have always wondered how Grandma can be so nice to a total stranger. It would make sense if HJP is her long lost grandson. And it would also answer the question why she never introduced HJP and SDM, because she didn't want SDM to think that her parents marriage was built on a lie. Nor did he want SDM and HJP to fall in love since they are half siblings.
This explains also why Grandma keeps encouraging SDM to forget about the NDS in the letters. In fact, if we really look at it, Grandma has low key been trying to keep SDM and HJP apart, due to the familial connection.
It would explain quite a few things as well like.
1. Why does HJP feel this unexplainable need to protect SDM. Even he doesn't understand.
2. Why he is so vested in producing a guy that would be good enough for SDM image wise.
3. Why SDM fell asleep in HJP's car.
4. Why Grandma is shipping NDS and SDM rather than HJP.
HJP is walking a very thin tightrope between professing his love form the top of the mountain, to giving SDM space.
Only time will tell how tight he held onto her.
SDM aside, let us discuss the relationship of the two men.
In the first few episodes, HJP thinks of NDS as a loser, an aimless young guy that is going nowhere, that is why he thinks he is not good enough to meet SDM as he is now. But beginning when SST won the CODA competition, it's interesting to note that HJP has grown to respect NDS more and more.
And after NDS lied to SDM about them being as close as brothers, I believe that HJP started to subconsciously act like it. Sometimes jokingly, sometimes seriously. And even all the way in EP. 10, he is still subconsciously subtly doing it.
HJP may not like NDS, but he at least respects him. In this respect, we see some personal growth within HJP.
For NDS, I get a sense that it's the opposite. In the first few episodes, he seemed to have great respect for HJP. But the longer the series goes, the larger the dislike NDS has for HJP. And it's not just simple dislike, there is a lot of vitriol in the way he associates with HJP.
And NDS, and in extension his friends have shown massive disrespect to HJP. Whether or not HJP is helping them is not the issue, because he is definitely not hindering the success of SST.
I just get this feeling that initially HJP's words to NDS were quite harsh. Tough love, but harsh. But as the show went on, HJP's words to NDS become gentler. But on the NDS side, it use to be so respectful, but as the series progressed, the words become harsher, more spiteful.
NDS neither likes nor does he respect HJP. So we actually don't see any sort of personal growth from NDS. In fact, the only constant throughout the first 10 episodes is that NDS is a computer genius, but in terms of character growth, he does not grow out of his insecure shell. I am even wondering if his lack of growth includes his interactions with SDM?
I think this is because all her confidence, who she grew up as a woman, and her memories was directly affected by the letters. So finding out the letters are fake was really a huge blow for her, and she's subconsciously blaming HJP the most.
The comfort she felt of having met someone the year her father died become a false memory.
Until now, we haven't seen confirmation that the letters HJP wrote to SDM meant something to him. We assume it, but he has not admitted it to us or to SDM.
NDS may have lied to her, but the new memories and experienced that he and SDM shared in a few months time, didn't change her, it didn't define who she was. The letters HJP wrote did, and I think ultimately that is the reason she will take a lot longer to forgive HJP, if she ever does.
Unless SDM finds those qualities attractive, then more power to her.
If you believe in the innocence of being each other's first love, walking a journey hand in hand. Then you prefer NDS form of love.
PROS of NDS type of Love
1. This type of guy will love you unconditionally, regardless of what mistakes you make.
2. The love from this guy will be very pure, almost childlike in the adoration.
3. He will always be there for you, and he is very vocal about his love.
4. He will spend his lifetime trying to make you happy.
5. Will stand up for you no matter what.
Cons of NDS type of Love
1. Because his passion is so strong, he expects the same from you and can be exhausting if you don't have the same intensity.
2. Has the perchance to be jealous more easily.
3. May not be as willing to point out your mistakes.
4. Tendency to sugarcoat everything.
5. Is glued to your hip. Meaning he wants to work together, see each other every day, do everything together. Which can be suffocating if you don't share this type of love.
If you believe in a more mature type of love. Sharing similar goals with someone, then you may prefer the HJP type of love.
HJP type of Love (you decide if it's a pro or a con)
1. This guy will love you, but if you make mistakes, he will be the first to tell you, because he believes that loving someone is also telling them when they are making mistakes.
2. His love will be there, but it won't be as passionate as that of NDS.
3. He won't require that you spend most waking moments together, he may even suggest you should not work together. But he will be supportive in what industry/field you want to do .
4. Most likely will not sugarcoat most things.
5. He is pragmatic.
6. Probably won't do much great acts of romantic endearment. But he loves you, just not as expressive.
7. Not as vocal of his love, but in many ways, because he doesn't show it everyday, it comes off stronger when he does.
Even the way the plot is churning out screams an NDS endgame.
To be frank, after the upcoming 3 year Timeskip, we will see a different NDS, one that has all his negative aspects washed away, leaving only his positive aspects.
At the moment, NDS has a very smothering type of love. Yes, I can appreciate he really loves SDM, but the way he expresses it is just not healthy. For NDS, SDM is his first love. Couple that with his low self esteem, insecurities against HJP, and you have a recipe for disaster.
With the way things are going, NDS looks prime to morph into a possessive, easily jealous, over protective boyfriend. And i'm sure some girls out here would love a boyfriend like that, but for SDM it doesn't make sense. I see some people keep saying NDS is perfect for SDM because he supports her unconditionally. But the thing is, that is not something SDM really needs. She's shown herself to be a fantastic self motivator and self starter, she doesn't lack confidence, and can get things done. She doesn't really need a personal cheering section to protect her mental. In fact for the past 15 years outside of fake Dosan she hasn't developed any strong connections with other people, opting to spend most of her time with Grandma.
Now i'm not saying it wouldn't be nice to have a personal cheering section, but the benefits of such support is not as efficient on SDM, who can properly self motivate and has higher self esteem. In fact throughout the series, we see NDS keep telling SDM, oh SST Is nothing without you, because of you we succeed and etc.. And we see these words not have as strong an effect to SDM. What we do see affect SDM instead are words that teach you perseverance like from his father talking about the monetary benefits of having enemies, or her sister telling her to buckle up and don't let fear push her down, or even HJP telling her that things will be tough, but she needs to remember not to let the pressure to get to her. These are real facts, no sugar coating, no over praising that will help SDM grow as a person.
And I hope for NDS and SDM sake, NDS figures it out. You don't need to constantly side with your GF, praise her, make her feel important to keep her happy. You also need to personally challenge her, be honest with her, and let her know when she has done you wrong for the relationship to grow in a healthy manner.
If start up was in English instead of korean.
It would be top 10 show of all time.