Kathryn_51

I think they are all over Namsen "mountain" (where the iconic tower is located), but I'm guessing these scenes were filmed on what appears to be called the "Love Lock Bridge".

https://myseoulbox.com/blogs/seoul-blog/story-of-namsan-tower-and-its-love-lock-bridge

It has a LOT of competition but Sunday rating was higher than 1st weekend - in fact quite good for a cable channel. Korean ratings are important, but Netflix popularity is also critical - and this drama was in Netflix Top 10 last weekend.

I adore Jung So Min and intrigued by Jung Hae In (my first look at him) but the stellar cast of parents (not to mention several cameos) is simply icing on the cake for me.

If we have time on our upcoming visit to Korea, hubby and I will visit that location. I thought it was hilarious that they used their "wish" for negative thoughts.

A bit of research would tell you that the actor (Hayden Won) spent 2 years trying to learn English. the character deserved everything he got but I don't think the actor was speaking "fake" or AI generated English.

From the moment I heard that Seok Ryu's fiancée had a Korean name, I figured he would show up at some point. Seo Ji Hye isn't on the cast list either - she's apparently a "special appearance". I imagine the ex-fiancée will be the same (if he does, in fact, appear).

This drama is 16 episodes - lots of bumpy and sweet and revelation moments still to come - I'm looking forward to it all.

It will be fun - and I'm glad they gave us enough clues regarding where he was so that viewers would not be mis-led

You are correct - which is why she has never been a favorite. I anticipate that she will attempt to cause trouble and will be summarily blasted out of Seung-hyo's life - h

I agree, she will make a great ex-girlfriend. Which explains why she isn't a favorite. 😊

Ratings went up for Sunday episode! 😊

E3 2024.08.24. 4.276 (country) 4.789 (Seoul)
E4 2024.08.25. 6.581 7.233 [last Sunday/Ep. 2 it was 6.656]

Well, it's official. Seung-hyo's ex-girlfriend will appear at some point. (Seo Ji Hye - not a favorite). It's called a "special appearance" so presumably only 1 or 2 episodes.

https://www.joynews24.com/view/1756191

The body-building pics are definitely not Seung-hyo's. 😊

I know nothing about writer-nim, but we have already seen/heard small little hints of their past history together - with HUGE gaps to be completed/filled in.

Yes, I think that at one point, she developed an adolescent "crush" (No way will I ever call their feelings as "true love") on him just as he did with her. And he valued their friendship more than his crush. I bet we see the same dynamic with her - altho perhaps at a different point in the time line. Perhaps that's shy SHE "ran away" to the US?

During those scenes after his accident - when she was harassing him - he definitely did NOT have any romantic feelings for her! I think he eventually convinced himself it was a simple "crush" - moved on with his life. He DID have a girlfriend - she's appearing at some point.

I've been trying to figure out the timeline - he won the Seoul swim meet in 2007 - was that their senior year in highschool? Were they in college when he began training for the 2008 Olympics?

He DID have a significant girlfriend she's appearing at some point. Since her ex-fiancee is also Korean, I assume we will see him as well. This romance is on a very bumpy road which is one reason I'm enjoying it so much.

Seok-ryu said they were both 33 years old (international) - the same age as Jesus Christ when he was crucified.

I think ML took 3 monhts off while in college/University to go back-packing in the US? So, he visited her at that point - perhaps while she was still at Berkeley?

I've said from the first weekend - when their history (childhood, adolescence, young adult) is fully revealed, we are going to see missed opportunities, mis-communication, a handful of trauma (Seung-hyo's accident for example). I consider it a given that both ex'es will show up at some point.

I guess that makes a lot of sense. I was thinking maybe Microsoft or Facebook, but "apple" is a fruit. 😊

That was my first thought. And then. . . I thought, oh no 😟 just like Doctor Slump's 2nd couple - who never received a satisfactory build-up. Hope this drama does a better job.

The title "switch" is Quite unique and a harbinger (hopefully) of more small and charming elements of this drama.

Everything associated with the swimming pool - especially when ML leaned down to touch the water - was enchanting. But some say boring?? To each our own lol.😊😊😊

I love the direction. The swimming pool scene, for instance. Writer can write it - but it takes an incredible director and cinematographer to film an enchanting scene like that.

She also left Korea after only 1 year at Hangkuk University. Her mom said she "ran away". More revelations to come.

I have no theory on the 1-year sabbatical - could be anything. In the US, major tech companies give senior employees significant sabbaticals at the 5 year mark. Very Un-Korea-like but it's definitely a possibility for a big name US tech company.

Humans love these type of stories. From time immemorial. . . or at least since. . . .Shakespeare ("Much Ado About Nothing") or Jane Austen ("Emma"; "Persuasion"; etc.).

Squid Game may have been a ratings blockbuster, but the other dramas/novels I mentioned have been read and/or viewed by millions - yeah, millions - more.