XXI

At times it feels as if Taeyang likes being hurt because why would she go to the gathering & try to publicly apologize to Junyoung like that after Junyoung said she hates her/didn't want to see her? (I'm not actually asking for an answer why.) It kind of felt as if Taeyang was trying to ease her own guilt (like she did ask Junyoung to forgive her so she could feel better). Obviously, I know the guilt is suffocating her so I know why she wants forgiveness but, like Yeongshim said (& I can't believe she actually made a good point), you need to know to talk to someone when they are ready. It's very evident that Junyoung, & Taeyang herself, are not ready yet, which I know some will think "but it's been years!" but overcoming guilt & grief isn't so quick for all. I used grief for Junyoung because she lost her identity with her injury - she dedicated her life to training, playing, & winning to have that taken away like that. So, I can understand why looking at Taeyang would bring up those feelings of resentment once again (that's not me saying it's solely Taeyang's fault). However, she's so stuck in her own pain (like I wonder what she did to cope, if she even tried) that she can't accept that others are also hurting. & I'm kind of confused why she decided to show up now (aside from it being for the plot's sake) when she said something (to Taejun about getting ready for the gathering) of it being a bit difficult to be around the players yet she wants to help coach the national team? I know that athletes who can't play anymore sometimes still stay involved in their sport somehow but Junyoung's attitude (of bein bitter about her own situation) doesn't really make it seem like the best fit for her right now (but, yes, I know it's for the plot. Also, I'm kind of sleepy so maybe my thoughts aren't clear as I want them to be so please don't argue if there was something I wrote you didn't like.)

I had a feeling that once Taejun & Taeyang got together as early as they did that things would start to get a bid draggy with the drama (like this drama is 16 eps so they need to stretch the conflict) & unfortunately I was right. I watched the two episodes today and wasn't into them as I had been with the earlier ones. I actually am a sports fan so the lack of focus on the badminton is something that I did note & is one of the reasons for me losing my interest. I hope it can find its pace again but the preview doesn't leave me much hope.

I don't know if this is an unpopular opinion (so please don't try & argue if you disagree) but I'm really not feeling Junghwan & Yoomin as a couple. For me, they feel forced together as we always knew she liked him but he didn't seem romantically interested in her. I think the development for his feelings to seem believable could've been better since we've just seen his focus be on obsessing over his ex leaving him by solely taking it out on FL. Also, (this is rhetorical so I don't need people actually explaining it to me) but I honestly don't know what Yoomin likes about him, besides his looks, because he hasn't really shown her any good sides. He's rude to her father so you'd think that alone would turn her away from him but, well, the writer said we need another couple (who will probably add to the conflict of the story) so here they are.

Yes, those thoughts were on my mind as I watched the episode & also the fact that SK newly elected a president that enables anti feminist views & doesn't give too much importance to women's rights. I believe he even promised to enhance punishments for false accusations of SA, which is a way to scare victims from coming forward. Thinking of all that really made me feel the character's despair even more.

I usually watch the episodes at night but I put off watching episode 10 until now (the afternoon) because I knew that if I watched it at night, then I'd be too upset to sleep. As expected, the episode was bit difficult to stomach thinking of the countries that have weak punishments when it comes to SA & all the victims who aren't able to get their justice here on earth. Some may think it's wishful thinking, but I do believe that in the end everyone pays for any wrongdoings they've done, like the death/punishment that the trash was given.
Anyways, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Ryung Goo's past unravel in the coming episodes. It does feel a bit weird phrasing it like that because of the subject matter (but I don't know how else to word it) so I hope no one takes it the wrong way.

I felt that way too but thought maybe I was being too emotional. All of the stories have made me feel something but Kong's hit differently.

I haven't watched that drama, but yes each episode is about a different story.

Taeyang told him that Junghwan doesn't like her because he blames her for his breakup. So, one could say that Taejun making the comment about the ex gf to Junghwan doesn't necessarily means he knows the identity of the ex. I do think he does know but I'm considering the possibility that he doesn't.

I don't think you're understanding that the original post asked why does everyone hate FL so I was answering that & I even said I'm not agreeing with their actions/words. So, I'm not sure why you're responding as if I said bullying/hazing were okay but I'll stop here as I think you're confused by what I originally meant & this conversation will go in circles.

I wonder if she also blamed her when it first happened. It appears she's out of touch with everyone related to the sport so she also probably doesn't know that this mess is going on.

I think so too. He said he was rooting for her those years so wouldn't he be aware of what was going on in her career? Even if he didn't actively keep up with Taeyang, she was partners with his sister so he must've heard stuff about her from his sister or from his family talking about his sister. At least that's what I'm assuming thinking he knows.

The way I see it by her not making an attempt they took it as her not caring & it being further disrespect to the game & them as athletes. I know she's staying quiet to protect someone but she didn't have to say the real reason. Anyways, I was only offering possible reasons why they wouldn't like her.

I don't know if answering will cause you to further misunderstand my words & I won't respond afterwards, but I at least want to be more clear about my og response. Just because I can understand their reasons for not liking her or wanting her on their team doesn't mean that I'm defending their behavior. I can acknowledge why they're so upset while not liking their behavior. I was trying to share that bribing is actually a more serious issue than some viewers think as some think like the og post "so what if she paid a bribe?" Viewers know that it's just a rumor & she didn't actually do it but she made her team believe otherwise. When they asked her if it was true, I thought that she said sorry or something that was basically admitting to it, though of course that doesn't mean their behavior is okay. & I don't know what comments you're seeing but I've never said bullying is nice or romanticized it. I've actually said I don't like it, agree with it, or found those scenes annoying.

I binged watched to catch up with the weekly airing episodes & I think this is one of those dramas that it is good to let episodes pile up so you can watch at once. While some may find it boring, I actually like the mundane feeling of it. Sometimes things can feel too perfect or dramatic in dramas but here the characters & their problems feel very real.

I'm talking about her leaving for all those years making everyone believe the rumor & then returning & continuing to let them believe it. Even if they didn't believe her, she didn't even make an attempt, which I think makes them dislike her even more.

I tend to be interested in characters like him who have a lot of room for growth.

Yes, she just left without an explanation & returned as if nothing happened too. I'm not saying she owes anyone anything but, in a situation like hers, it should've been addressed somehow.

I can understand Junghwan's misplaced anger towards Taeyang, though he's so annoying & I'm glad that Taejoon is not letting him get away with that behavior. This may be unpopular, but although I love the leads & am rooting for them. I think Junghwan's growth is the most interesting for me. He's an arrogant athlete so I want to see him be humble & appreciate/respect his coaches. Obviously I want to see him accept that he shouldn't be blaming Taeyang the way that he does & apologize to her. I want to see how his feelings for Junyoung are resolved & if anything happens with Yoomin (I prefer them staying friends as of now).

Agreed. It does makes me wonder if there's even more that happened afterwards for him to blame Taeyang & for Taeyang to feel as if she has to carry that blame.

Because athletes don't like cheating, which is what they assume she did by bribing. That's not me saying I agree with their actions/words though.