Hi! I hope it’s not too late but allow me to copy and paste here my response to the other commenter who asked…
————copied and pasted——- I’ll try to answer this as accurately as possible, but my memory might fail me.
No.1. ABOUT SHIN YUL South Korea believes in reincarnation. As per their folklores or religious beliefs, ghosts who did not pass on right away (perhaps to atone for the sins they committed when still alive) have slimmer chances to still have the energy for reincarnation.
Remember, when Shin Yul died, he asked the deities for him to live within the confines of the typewriter to atone for the sins he committed against his friends and comrades, implying that he delayed his reincarnation process (you know, the passing of that bridge to the afterlife as seen in Hotel del Luna). Because of that, he had little energy left to reincarnate, meaning, instead of having, say for example, 8 more lives left to live, since he used up his energy, then his soul is only capable to live for lesser lives now.
To be precise, Shin Yul was almost incapable of reincarnating. Once he goes to the after life, his soul will supposedly vanish or perhaps just stay there, I’m not really sure how it goes in their cultural belief. But yeah, he couldn’t come back to earth to live as a human or an animal even. He’d be gone after crossing that bridge to the afterlife. And that’s a bitter way to end things. Hence, their clamor to get Shin Yul all the help he needs just to reincarnate.
The deities (although we never saw them in the series) were merciful enough to let him recuperate inside the novel of Hwi Young/Han Se Ju that he co-authored. Perhaps the deities saw how shin Yul deeply atoned for his sins and saw how deserving he is for this second chance, and they gave him another gift for his appreciated actions by letting him live again in a life where his beloved friends are still alive and well.
So, yeah. Shin Yul will be staying inside the novel until the deities deem when it’s proper for him to go. He didn’t dream about the past (if you’re referring to the ending where he was talking with Hwi Young and SuYung inside Carpe Diem) but he’s currently living the present in that novel (which could be very well referred to as the past also as it’s a historical-type of novel after all).
2. ABOUT RYU SU YOUNG She did not kill herself, she died naturally as fatigue claimed her. Remember the events preceding that calming stay under that tree. She was tortured for days— physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then the moment she got out, she went into killing spree. It would be plausible that she starved for days, that she even forgot to take care of herself as she was numbed by the pain she was feeling. Her body then responded to that, hence her frail state after she did all she had to do in the name of revenge.
She was even able to speak to Hwi Young. In most Asian countries, we have this belief that if you are able to speak to a dead loved one, death is at your door. They’re either fetching you or warning you of your impending death.
And I believe that’s what happened to Su Young. It does not have to necessarily mean that Hwi Young fetched her and they passed on to the afterlife together, but at least, before either of them gets reincarnated, their souls were able to have a proper closure.
This could also explain why despite the traumatic events that happened in their past lives, Seol and Han Se Ju only have bright and sunny days in their relationship. Their souls naturally bonded without ill feelings whether with each other or with anyone from that life they lived.
i rewatched this and re-entered a drama slump -- if you have any recs to watch right after this lemme k. i feel…
I was such a wreck when I first watched it too and on a deep- Yoo Ah In thirst! It made me watch his other legendary drama “Six Flying Dragons” which was 50 episoes! Haha
But I would recommend that you watch something lighter, of a different genre.
Perhaps: Reply series, Prison Playbook, Hospital Playlist? Slice of life dramas.
Or if you miss the directing style, then you could go for Flower of Evil. Same director for CT. :)
Dropped after 3 episodes. It's not holding my interest. I love you Ah In, but meh.
The first 6 episodes were really confusing for some— you don’t know where the story is heading. But trust me, the moment you reach 7th or 8th episode, all the confusion will make sense. The initial episodes were apparently necessary to build the foundation of a powerful story.
I would love to enlighten you about the ending. Which part do you need help with?
You’re most welcome! I’ll try to answer this as accurately as possible, but my memory might fail me.
No.1. ABOUT SHIN YUL South Korea believes in reincarnation. As per their folklores or religious beliefs, ghosts who did not pass on right away (perhaps to atone for the sins they committed when still alive) have slimmer chances to still have the energy for reincarnation.
Remember, when Shin Yul died, he asked the deities for him to live within the confines of the typewriter to atone for the sins he committed against his friends and comrades, implying that he delayed his reincarnation process (you know, the passing of that bridge to the afterlife as seen in Hotel del Luna). Because of that, he had little energy left to reincarnate, meaning, instead of having, say for example, 8 more lives left to live, since he used up his energy, then his soul is only capable to live for lesser lives now.
To be precise, Shin Yul was almost incapable of reincarnating. Once he goes to the after life, his soul will supposedly vanish or perhaps just stay there, I’m not really sure how it goes in their cultural belief. But yeah, he couldn’t come back to earth to live as a human or an animal even. He’d be gone after crossing that bridge to the afterlife. And that’s a bitter way to end things. Hence, their clamor to get Shin Yul all the help he needs just to reincarnate.
The deities (although we never saw them in the series) were merciful enough to let him recuperate inside the novel of Hwi Young/Han Se Ju that he co-authored. Perhaps the deities saw how shin Yul deeply atoned for his sins and saw how deserving he is for this second chance, and they gave him another gift for his appreciated actions by letting him live again in a life where his beloved friends are still alive and well.
So, yeah. Shin Yul will be staying inside the novel until the deities deem when it’s proper for him to go. He didn’t dream about the past (if you’re referring to the ending where he was talking with Hwi Young and SuYung inside Carpe Diem) but he’s currently living the present in that novel (which could be very well referred to as the past also as it’s a historical-type of novel after all).
2. ABOUT RYU SU YOUNG She did not kill herself, she died naturally as fatigue claimed her. Remember the events preceding that calming stay under that tree. She was tortured for days— physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then the moment she got out, she went into killing spree. It would be plausible that she starved for days, that she even forgot to take care of herself as she was numbed by the pain she was feeling. Her body then responded to that, hence her frail state after she did all she had to do in the name of revenge.
She was even able to speak to Hwi Young. In most Asian countries, we have this belief that if you are able to speak to a dead loved one, death is at your door. They’re either fetching you or warning you of your impending death.
And I believe that’s what happened to Su Young. It does not have to necessarily mean that Hwi Young fetched her and they passed on to the afterlife together, but at least, before either of them gets reincarnated, their souls were able to have a proper closure.
This could also explain why despite the traumatic events that happened in their past lives, Seol and Han Se Ju only have bright and sunny days in their relationship. Their souls naturally bonded without ill feelings whether with each other or with anyone from that life they lived.
One thing that strikes me is how they don't use the parents' names but X's father / mother and it even goes as…
That’s the sad thing about their culture. It’s like the parent loses their individual identity as soon as their eldest child is born as they will be referred from then on as “X’s Appa” “X’s Omma”.
Whenever “Satellite” randomly plays in my Spotify, the feels of being wrecked by this drama resurges. Is this PTSD? Haha! CT, you’ve done way more damage to me than any of my former relationships. I love you nonetheless!
I was deeply impressed by the ML acting. I knew I had seen him somewhere and I was right. He acted in “ Jung…
I love that you recognized him in Jang Ok Jung, one of his earlier works. Yoo Ah In now is known for the projects that made him bag the Best Actor awards. Glad to see someone who’s known him way before those awards.
If you loved Flower of Evil,youll like this..Same PD and the production values of this one are just so good
I love that PD too! I kinda got disappointed that when they’re promoting FOE and they mentioned his great works, no one mentioned about Chicago Typewriter. To me, this is his best masterpiece. Perhaps the non-outstanding ratings made them forget about CT.
Me too :( I am stuck on ep 7. Got also recommended to watch this after Mr. Sunshine, but I just can't get into…
It gets better after ep 7. In my experience, I realized that the vagueness and uncertainties in the first7 episodes were just necessary foundation for the explosive episodes coming. I hope you get over that “hike”.
They truly deserve the baeksang nominations and I agree about the best supporting but my bet would be between…
Oh ditto! But I’m gonna add Kim Seon Ho into the mix. These three really stood out in their respective dramas. It’s just that, Kim Seon Ho’s impact lasted even months later. He’s still getting CFs left and right.
Anyway, may the best supporting actor win. I love everyone! <3
the child cast set the bar too high, i don't really feel like continuing past the time jump :')
This batch of teen actors really left this “reputation”. Back then, producers would rally into casting them but the problem is that viewers get so attached to them that the ratings would drop after a time jump. Same thing happened with I MISS YOU. Kim So Hyun- Yeo Jin Geo- Kim YooJung trio were really the god-tier teen actors.
I love this drama almost as much as these commentsGo Geon has been my favorite character of the story. His is…
Awwwe I love your insight. Indeed, MDL commenters are great and respectful. This is what I like about this site. We’re free to share our thoughts, have our biases, and move on.
I also wish the same thing, that Pyeonggang would give us a snippet of her affection for her Master Geon. People who knew them as children saw something between them— first love. But considering the trauma and strife in their stories woven together, the best that PG can give in relation to her then fondness for Geon, is her unchanged respect by still callling him “Master Geon” and trusting he would still be the diplomatic master she once knew.
We’ve noticed so far that no matter how chaotic the situation is, PG would always confidently approach Geon first, talk to him and discuss the matter at hand. It’s implied that she trusts the values of Geon despite being on opposite ends of the mess. But then again, that’s all there is. For her family and the empire, she could not marry Geon. Besides, On Dal has successfully planted himself in her heart.
With Na In Woo’s acting these past few episodes, I’m now torn as to who my Best New Actor bet for Baeksang Arts Awards would be: him or Lee Do Hyun. T___T Both have given us stellar performances with their respective projects.
I kinda feel sad why Lee Ji Hoon was not nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but the nominees are all equally deserving too. It’s kinda tight in that area even. Ji Hoon, let’s aim for other awards shows, okay?
And Kim So Hyun, sweetie, finally, FINALLY. A Baeksang Arts Awards nomination for Best Actress. You’ve come a loooong way, my love.
I’ll try to answer this as accurately as possible, but my memory might fail me.
No.1. ABOUT SHIN YUL
South Korea believes in reincarnation. As per their folklores or religious beliefs, ghosts who did not pass on right away (perhaps to atone for the sins they committed when still alive) have slimmer chances to still have the energy for reincarnation.
Remember, when Shin Yul died, he asked the deities for him to live within the confines of the typewriter to atone for the sins he committed against his friends and comrades, implying that he delayed his reincarnation process (you know, the passing of that bridge to the afterlife as seen in Hotel del Luna). Because of that, he had little energy left to reincarnate, meaning, instead of having, say for example, 8 more lives left to live, since he used up his energy, then his soul is only capable to live for lesser lives now.
To be precise, Shin Yul was almost incapable of reincarnating. Once he goes to the after life, his soul will supposedly vanish or perhaps just stay there, I’m not really sure how it goes in their cultural belief. But yeah, he couldn’t come back to earth to live as a human or an animal even. He’d be gone after crossing that bridge to the afterlife. And that’s a bitter way to end things. Hence, their clamor to get Shin Yul all the help he needs just to reincarnate.
The deities (although we never saw them in the series) were merciful enough to let him recuperate inside the novel of Hwi Young/Han Se Ju that he co-authored. Perhaps the deities saw how shin Yul deeply atoned for his sins and saw how deserving he is for this second chance, and they gave him another gift for his appreciated actions by letting him live again in a life where his beloved friends are still alive and well.
So, yeah. Shin Yul will be staying inside the novel until the deities deem when it’s proper for him to go. He didn’t dream about the past (if you’re referring to the ending where he was talking with Hwi Young and SuYung inside Carpe Diem) but he’s currently living the present in that novel (which could be very well referred to as the past also as it’s a historical-type of novel after all).
2. ABOUT RYU SU YOUNG
She did not kill herself, she died naturally as fatigue claimed her. Remember the events preceding that calming stay under that tree. She was tortured for days— physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then the moment she got out, she went into killing spree. It would be plausible that she starved for days, that she even forgot to take care of herself as she was numbed by the pain she was feeling. Her body then responded to that, hence her frail state after she did all she had to do in the name of revenge.
She was even able to speak to Hwi Young. In most Asian countries, we have this belief that if you are able to speak to a dead loved one, death is at your door. They’re either fetching you or warning you of your impending death.
And I believe that’s what happened to Su Young. It does not have to necessarily mean that Hwi Young fetched her and they passed on to the afterlife together, but at least, before either of them gets reincarnated, their souls were able to have a proper closure.
This could also explain why despite the traumatic events that happened in their past lives, Seol and Han Se Ju only have bright and sunny days in their relationship. Their souls naturally bonded without ill feelings whether with each other or with anyone from that life they lived.
But I would recommend that you watch something lighter, of a different genre.
Perhaps: Reply series, Prison Playbook, Hospital Playlist? Slice of life dramas.
Or if you miss the directing style, then you could go for Flower of Evil. Same director for CT. :)
The initial episodes were apparently necessary to build the foundation of a powerful story.
No.1. ABOUT SHIN YUL
South Korea believes in reincarnation. As per their folklores or religious beliefs, ghosts who did not pass on right away (perhaps to atone for the sins they committed when still alive) have slimmer chances to still have the energy for reincarnation.
Remember, when Shin Yul died, he asked the deities for him to live within the confines of the typewriter to atone for the sins he committed against his friends and comrades, implying that he delayed his reincarnation process (you know, the passing of that bridge to the afterlife as seen in Hotel del Luna). Because of that, he had little energy left to reincarnate, meaning, instead of having, say for example, 8 more lives left to live, since he used up his energy, then his soul is only capable to live for lesser lives now.
To be precise, Shin Yul was almost incapable of reincarnating. Once he goes to the after life, his soul will supposedly vanish or perhaps just stay there, I’m not really sure how it goes in their cultural belief. But yeah, he couldn’t come back to earth to live as a human or an animal even. He’d be gone after crossing that bridge to the afterlife. And that’s a bitter way to end things. Hence, their clamor to get Shin Yul all the help he needs just to reincarnate.
The deities (although we never saw them in the series) were merciful enough to let him recuperate inside the novel of Hwi Young/Han Se Ju that he co-authored. Perhaps the deities saw how shin Yul deeply atoned for his sins and saw how deserving he is for this second chance, and they gave him another gift for his appreciated actions by letting him live again in a life where his beloved friends are still alive and well.
So, yeah. Shin Yul will be staying inside the novel until the deities deem when it’s proper for him to go. He didn’t dream about the past (if you’re referring to the ending where he was talking with Hwi Young and SuYung inside Carpe Diem) but he’s currently living the present in that novel (which could be very well referred to as the past also as it’s a historical-type of novel after all).
2. ABOUT RYU SU YOUNG
She did not kill herself, she died naturally as fatigue claimed her. Remember the events preceding that calming stay under that tree. She was tortured for days— physically, mentally, and emotionally. Then the moment she got out, she went into killing spree. It would be plausible that she starved for days, that she even forgot to take care of herself as she was numbed by the pain she was feeling. Her body then responded to that, hence her frail state after she did all she had to do in the name of revenge.
She was even able to speak to Hwi Young. In most Asian countries, we have this belief that if you are able to speak to a dead loved one, death is at your door. They’re either fetching you or warning you of your impending death.
And I believe that’s what happened to Su Young. It does not have to necessarily mean that Hwi Young fetched her and they passed on to the afterlife together, but at least, before either of them gets reincarnated, their souls were able to have a proper closure.
This could also explain why despite the traumatic events that happened in their past lives, Seol and Han Se Ju only have bright and sunny days in their relationship. Their souls naturally bonded without ill feelings whether with each other or with anyone from that life they lived.
Is this PTSD? Haha! CT, you’ve done way more damage to me than any of my former relationships. I love you nonetheless!
I hope you get over that “hike”.
Anyway, may the best supporting actor win. I love everyone! <3
Same thing happened with I MISS YOU. Kim So Hyun- Yeo Jin Geo- Kim YooJung trio were really the god-tier teen actors.
Indeed, MDL commenters are great and respectful. This is what I like about this site. We’re free to share our thoughts, have our biases, and move on.
I also wish the same thing, that Pyeonggang would give us a snippet of her affection for her Master Geon. People who knew them as children saw something between them— first love. But considering the trauma and strife in their stories woven together, the best that PG can give in relation to her then fondness for Geon, is her unchanged respect by still callling him “Master Geon” and trusting he would still be the diplomatic master she once knew.
We’ve noticed so far that no matter how chaotic the situation is, PG would always confidently approach Geon first, talk to him and discuss the matter at hand. It’s implied that she trusts the values of Geon despite being on opposite ends of the mess. But then again, that’s all there is. For her family and the empire, she could not marry Geon. Besides, On Dal has successfully planted himself in her heart.
I kinda feel sad why Lee Ji Hoon was not nominated for Best Supporting Actor, but the nominees are all equally deserving too. It’s kinda tight in that area even. Ji Hoon, let’s aim for other awards shows, okay?
And Kim So Hyun, sweetie, finally, FINALLY. A Baeksang Arts Awards nomination for Best Actress. You’ve come a loooong way, my love.