I agree about it losing steam. I was quite excited at first, as the pacing felt right at the very beginning. But…
My pleasure! And Eun Ji is really a spoiled, annoying and pretty cold and heartless brat so far, and I have little hope for her. But she has one redeeming feature: She treats Ji Hyun as an actual love rival! She dismisses him because he's younger, poorer and less popular than she is, and because he hasn't known Jae Won for very long, but not because he is a guy! So in a perverse way, she affirms Jae Wons feelings for Ju Hyun with everything she says and does. I love that! I also think maybe we shouldn't judge Jae Won too harshly for being with her for so long -- on paper she's ticking all the boxes. Gorgeous, schoolsmart, good family, cutesy nice to her oppa when he gives her atttention, respectable, meangirling only behind his back. The "perfect match". Especially for someone not at all in touch with his feelings and just going with the flow of what everyone expects. But Jae Won woke up to her ways long before Ju Hyun and I think she will never get him back for more than maybe a hot minute. And possibly we will find out that she actually cares for his happiness a bit later on (she was genuinely worried about him at the hearing) and she will let him go to his real love? That would be nice (fingers crossed!)
I agree about it losing steam. I was quite excited at first, as the pacing felt right at the very beginning. But…
I understand where you're coming from and am not accusing" you of "just wanting fluff or kissing scenes". It would indeed have been great to see some scenes of the budding relationship before ripping these two apart again, I agree. BUT: Storywise I think the only way they would break up at all was in this phase, right after the beginning. These two boys are head over heels for each other, that much is clear. But the accident caught Jae Won at his most vulnerable and fragile -- he really jumped off a cliff with Ji Hyun, let him in, opened up and gave him all he had to give -- and that was immediately followed by almost losing him, which he perceives as his fault. He has nothing to fall back on now, no security, no familiarity with each other, no established, stable relationship that could have helped him withstand such a cataclysmic event without opening up all his old wounds and plunging him into deep, deep depression and trauma response. Jae Won is now numb and mentally exhausted. He just can't, and he needs time to heal and put things in perspective again. So I believe the choice was a good one for the narrative -- cause a separation unfortunately seems necessary for their personal growth, Jae Wons healing and the possibility of a healthy relationship between them in the future. And the only way to achieve this was to separate them right after they kind of got together.
Regarding your point of too many incidents (brother, accident, break-up): For me they belong together. One is the source of the trauma (brother), one is the trigger (accident) and one is the response (breakup). And they need to be dealt with as a whole. So that works for me, but I get why you would see that differently. These episodes I think told us a lot about Ji Hyun and Jae Won as two separate people, and I believe the point the story is leading us to is their finding each other for real, and I hope we will see enough of that. I think the reality of their eventual relationship will be something we'll need to infer from having gotten to know them so well. For me that's okay, that's what fanfiction is for ;-). ( but of course I want to see them together... cause it's magical.) Sidenote: At first I thought the disciplinary committee speech was cringe, too, but on reflection it was the only way for Ji Hyun to tell Jae Won that he has forgiven him and doesn't blame him. And a chance to use his newfound powers as the near-death-survivor for good, which says a lot about how far he's come. Thanks for reading! Have a nice day!
I wrote a (very long, sorry) post about this further down, but it got buried... so I'll post it here again under…
Repost of my comment from a few days ago... I have perceived Ji-Hyun as gay and maybe not even totally inexperienced from the beginning -- his insecurities and fears to me seem mainly rooted in his move from the countryside to the city, his youth and shyness and the fact that Jae-Won at first seemed too wordly, cool and slick (and straight?) to him to contemplate any sort of romantic or sexual relationship or intimacy with him. To explain: The lighter scene from the very beginning and then Joon-Pyo talking about Jae-Won as "a new best friend" kinda made me think that Ju-Hyun had at least a crush and/or gay awakening in his all-boys highschool, although he is obviously not out. Also his very clearly platonic budding friendship with Ae-Ri (who imo is NOT into him at all), which served as a nice contrast to how he is with Jae-Won. As soon as Ji-Hyun realised that Jae-Won was attracted to him as well (and – as amply established – obviously only human with his own problems, fears and fuckups, which made him more relatable and no longer untouchably amazing), he began seeing him as more of an equal to himself, which made him bolder and more direct in seeking and accepting a deeper connection. And after the rooftop interruptus it was only a matter of waiting for the right timing for the next step for him, as I see it, and once they broke the kiss barrier he was all in. To me, in the midst of all the arthouse indie visual choices, their relationship progression seemed extremely authentic and real. The actors are absolutely amazing. For Jae-Won, in my opinion he didn’t shy away because of “gay panic” after their first drunken kiss (or he probably wouldn’t have smooched his terrible friend right afterwards), but because he JUST had said to Tae-Hyung that they had be to responsible older seniors and not hook up with the freshmen. So, best pretend that nothing happened. Also, the boy has issues, of course. But I also think that he is well aware of the fact that he isn’t straight (one might know that after almost two years in an all-male environment, I assume). And Ji-Hyun really broke down all Jae-Wons defenses, and he helplessly fell for him completely. I think dealing with the aftermath of his “rash decisions”, the fact that he irresponsibly (and possibly heavily medicated) put Ji-Hyun in danger, no matter the outcome, will be what causes a rift between them and might drive Jae-Won back into the arms of the bitchy ex out of denial and guilt, as a fitting self-punishment. And that makes total sense to me. And in their bed scene I personally saw all the awe, wonder and lust of a first intimate connection between new lovers, and I thought it was beautifully filmed and acted. Just my two cents, essay over, thanks for reading!
I don't think they have to do only certain things or look a certain way or not. Every gay situation is different…
It's really interesting to me (and speaks to the quality of the acting in this series) that I personally read their initial tentativeness and insecurity -- and their subsequent boldness and no holds barred passion -- a bit differently -- but both of your readings also make total sense! I have perceived Ji-Hyun as gay and maybe not even totally inexperienced from the beginning -- his insecurities and fears to me seem mainly rooted in his move from the countryside to the city, his youth and shyness and the fact that Jae-Won at first seemed too wordly, cool and slick (and straight?) to him to contemplate any sort of romantic or sexual relationship or intimacy with him. To explain: The lighter scene from the very beginning and then Joon-Pyo talking about Jae-Won as "a new best friend" kinda made me think that Ju-Hyun had at least a crush and/or gay awakening in his all-boys highschool, although he is obviously not out. Also his very clearly platonic budding friendship with Ae-Ri (who imo is NOT into him at all), which served as a nice contrast to how he is with Jae-Won. As soon as Ji-Hyun realised that Jae-Won was attracted to him as well (and – as amply established – obviously only human with his own problems, fears and fuckups, which made him more relatable and no longer untouchably amazing), he began seeing him as more of an equal to himself, which made him bolder and more direct in seeking and accepting a deeper connection. And after the rooftop interruptus it was only a matter of waiting for the right timing for the next step for him, as I see it, and once they broke the kiss barrier he was all in. To me, in the midst of all the arthouse indie visual choices, their relationship progression seemed extremely authentic and real. The actors are absolutely amazing. For Jae-Won, in my opinion he didn’t shy away because of “gay panic” after their first drunken kiss (or he probably wouldn’t have smooched his terrible friend right afterwards), but because he JUST had said to Tae-Hyung that they had be to responsible older seniors and not hook up with the freshmen. So, best pretend that nothing happened. Also, the boy has issues, of course. But I also think that he is well aware of the fact that he isn’t straight (one might know that after almost two years in an all-male environment, I assume). And Ji-Hyun really broke down all Jae-Wons defenses, and he helplessly fell for him completely. I think dealing with the aftermath of his “rash decisions”, the fact that he irresponsibly (and possibly heavily medicated) put Ji-Hyun in danger, no matter the outcome, will be what causes a rift between them and might drive Jae-Won back into the arms of the bitchy ex out of denial and guilt, as a fitting self-punishment. And that makes total sense to me. And in their bed scene I personally saw all the awe, wonder and lust of a first intimate connection between new lovers, and I thought it was beautifully filmed and acted. Just my two cents, essay over, thanks for reading!
I'm wondering.... The last scenes were a mess but it is implied that JangUk and Naksu slept together... I do not…
Yeah I posted the same baby theory last week and am still hoping I'm right! The soul being jin seoul ran would make this even better, cause then jby actually never existed. Glad someone else thinks the same thing, I was wondering if i was delusional...
I think the third coffin is master Heo. They basically killed the three members of the UA who were not ok with…
She has no powers though, wouldn't be at the UA and i think the timeline doesn't work. For the narrative to work i think she must survive. But we'll see how well they land the ending tmrw! I for one am really excited to find out how they'll solve it. (Still believe in my baby theory from last week for now...) Happy watching tmrw!
im confused who were inside the 3 coffins at the end?
I think the third coffin is master Heo. They basically killed the three members of the UA who were not ok with soul shifting. Kim do jo is alive imho, why would they need to kill her?
I am calling it now: all the foreshadowing points to a baby... Naksu and Jang Uk's baby that will have Jin Bu-Yeon's soul. Could be wrong ofc, but: pregnancy and transferring energy in alternative ways to AoS (example getting rid of Yul's bloodworm) are like chekov's gun at this point. Naksu's soul could survive this way, and if Jin Bu-Yeon's soul attaches to the baby in the moment of conception, it would just be her, no clashes. And as Jin Bu-Yeon should have never been born in the first place and was only alive because of ice stone magic, this wouldn't even pose too many ethical problems imo. Let's see if I'm right, can't wait for next week!!!
I also think maybe we shouldn't judge Jae Won too harshly for being with her for so long -- on paper she's ticking all the boxes. Gorgeous, schoolsmart, good family, cutesy nice to her oppa when he gives her atttention, respectable, meangirling only behind his back. The "perfect match". Especially for someone not at all in touch with his feelings and just going with the flow of what everyone expects. But Jae Won woke up to her ways long before Ju Hyun and I think she will never get him back for more than maybe a hot minute. And possibly we will find out that she actually cares for his happiness a bit later on (she was genuinely worried about him at the hearing) and she will let him go to his real love? That would be nice (fingers crossed!)
It would indeed have been great to see some scenes of the budding relationship before ripping these two apart again, I agree. BUT: Storywise I think the only way they would break up at all was in this phase, right after the beginning. These two boys are head over heels for each other, that much is clear. But the accident caught Jae Won at his most vulnerable and fragile -- he really jumped off a cliff with Ji Hyun, let him in, opened up and gave him all he had to give -- and that was immediately followed by almost losing him, which he perceives as his fault.
He has nothing to fall back on now, no security, no familiarity with each other, no established, stable relationship that could have helped him withstand such a cataclysmic event without opening up all his old wounds and plunging him into deep, deep depression and trauma response. Jae Won is now numb and mentally exhausted. He just can't, and he needs time to heal and put things in perspective again. So I believe the choice was a good one for the narrative -- cause a separation unfortunately seems necessary for their personal growth, Jae Wons healing and the possibility of a healthy relationship between them in the future. And the only way to achieve this was to separate them right after they kind of got together.
Regarding your point of too many incidents (brother, accident, break-up): For me they belong together. One is the source of the trauma (brother), one is the trigger (accident) and one is the response (breakup). And they need to be dealt with as a whole. So that works for me, but I get why you would see that differently.
These episodes I think told us a lot about Ji Hyun and Jae Won as two separate people, and I believe the point the story is leading us to is their finding each other for real, and I hope we will see enough of that.
I think the reality of their eventual relationship will be something we'll need to infer from having gotten to know them so well. For me that's okay, that's what fanfiction is for ;-). ( but of course I want to see them together... cause it's magical.)
Sidenote: At first I thought the disciplinary committee speech was cringe, too, but on reflection it was the only way for Ji Hyun to tell Jae Won that he has forgiven him and doesn't blame him. And a chance to use his newfound powers as the near-death-survivor for good, which says a lot about how far he's come.
Thanks for reading! Have a nice day!
I have perceived Ji-Hyun as gay and maybe not even totally inexperienced from the beginning -- his insecurities and fears to me seem mainly rooted in his move from the countryside to the city, his youth and shyness and the fact that Jae-Won at first seemed too wordly, cool and slick (and straight?) to him to contemplate any sort of romantic or sexual relationship or intimacy with him.
To explain: The lighter scene from the very beginning and then Joon-Pyo talking about Jae-Won as "a new best friend" kinda made me think that Ju-Hyun had at least a crush and/or gay awakening in his all-boys highschool, although he is obviously not out. Also his very clearly platonic budding friendship with Ae-Ri (who imo is NOT into him at all), which served as a nice contrast to how he is with Jae-Won.
As soon as Ji-Hyun realised that Jae-Won was attracted to him as well (and – as amply established – obviously only human with his own problems, fears and fuckups, which made him more relatable and no longer untouchably amazing), he began seeing him as more of an equal to himself, which made him bolder and more direct in seeking and accepting a deeper connection. And after the rooftop interruptus it was only a matter of waiting for the right timing for the next step for him, as I see it, and once they broke the kiss barrier he was all in. To me, in the midst of all the arthouse indie visual choices, their relationship progression seemed extremely authentic and real. The actors are absolutely amazing.
For Jae-Won, in my opinion he didn’t shy away because of “gay panic” after their first drunken kiss (or he probably wouldn’t have smooched his terrible friend right afterwards), but because he JUST had said to Tae-Hyung that they had be to responsible older seniors and not hook up with the freshmen. So, best pretend that nothing happened. Also, the boy has issues, of course. But I also think that he is well aware of the fact that he isn’t straight (one might know that after almost two years in an all-male environment, I assume). And Ji-Hyun really broke down all Jae-Wons defenses, and he helplessly fell for him completely. I think dealing with the aftermath of his “rash decisions”, the fact that he irresponsibly (and possibly heavily medicated) put Ji-Hyun in danger, no matter the outcome, will be what causes a rift between them and might drive Jae-Won back into the arms of the bitchy ex out of denial and guilt, as a fitting self-punishment. And that makes total sense to me.
And in their bed scene I personally saw all the awe, wonder and lust of a first intimate connection between new lovers, and I thought it was beautifully filmed and acted.
Just my two cents, essay over, thanks for reading!
I have perceived Ji-Hyun as gay and maybe not even totally inexperienced from the beginning -- his insecurities and fears to me seem mainly rooted in his move from the countryside to the city, his youth and shyness and the fact that Jae-Won at first seemed too wordly, cool and slick (and straight?) to him to contemplate any sort of romantic or sexual relationship or intimacy with him.
To explain: The lighter scene from the very beginning and then Joon-Pyo talking about Jae-Won as "a new best friend" kinda made me think that Ju-Hyun had at least a crush and/or gay awakening in his all-boys highschool, although he is obviously not out. Also his very clearly platonic budding friendship with Ae-Ri (who imo is NOT into him at all), which served as a nice contrast to how he is with Jae-Won.
As soon as Ji-Hyun realised that Jae-Won was attracted to him as well (and – as amply established – obviously only human with his own problems, fears and fuckups, which made him more relatable and no longer untouchably amazing), he began seeing him as more of an equal to himself, which made him bolder and more direct in seeking and accepting a deeper connection. And after the rooftop interruptus it was only a matter of waiting for the right timing for the next step for him, as I see it, and once they broke the kiss barrier he was all in. To me, in the midst of all the arthouse indie visual choices, their relationship progression seemed extremely authentic and real. The actors are absolutely amazing.
For Jae-Won, in my opinion he didn’t shy away because of “gay panic” after their first drunken kiss (or he probably wouldn’t have smooched his terrible friend right afterwards), but because he JUST had said to Tae-Hyung that they had be to responsible older seniors and not hook up with the freshmen. So, best pretend that nothing happened. Also, the boy has issues, of course. But I also think that he is well aware of the fact that he isn’t straight (one might know that after almost two years in an all-male environment, I assume). And Ji-Hyun really broke down all Jae-Wons defenses, and he helplessly fell for him completely. I think dealing with the aftermath of his “rash decisions”, the fact that he irresponsibly (and possibly heavily medicated) put Ji-Hyun in danger, no matter the outcome, will be what causes a rift between them and might drive Jae-Won back into the arms of the bitchy ex out of denial and guilt, as a fitting self-punishment. And that makes total sense to me.
And in their bed scene I personally saw all the awe, wonder and lust of a first intimate connection between new lovers, and I thought it was beautifully filmed and acted.
Just my two cents, essay over, thanks for reading!
Naksu and Jang Uk's baby that will have Jin Bu-Yeon's soul.
Could be wrong ofc, but: pregnancy and transferring energy in alternative ways to AoS (example getting rid of Yul's bloodworm) are like chekov's gun at this point. Naksu's soul could survive this way, and if Jin Bu-Yeon's soul attaches to the baby in the moment of conception, it would just be her, no clashes. And as Jin Bu-Yeon should have never been born in the first place and was only alive because of ice stone magic, this wouldn't even pose too many ethical problems imo.
Let's see if I'm right, can't wait for next week!!!