Joseon Attorney: A Morality Episode 14
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Episode 14 was 98% I imagined it to be. It was so powerful. If I was the writer and/or director, it's how I would have written it and directed it.Perfect!---1. The bury/grave scene, I would have chosen to let him lie down on top of her grave, let him cry out a little bit more and fall asleep. But lying parallel is enough because that's exactly what I want in that scene, for him to fall asleep.2. He cried his heart out. He deserves Best Actor for that scene.3. The winter vs spring scenes side-by-side, best director/writer/editing (whoever thought of it). That was so powerful.4. The combination of #2 and #3 was pierced my heart.5. Attorney Kang giving in to sorrow was exactly what I wanted.6. The Princess getting sick, same, what I want.7. The Princess marrying Yoo's son, exactly what I want to happen.8. Yoo resigning from his position, same thing.The entire episode was perfect. I love it. 100 out of 10 stars.
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Dr. Romantic Season 3 Episode 4
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The sudden unavailability of the original new doctors from S1 created a Dr. Romantic tradition of taking in new doctors and training them in Master Kim's principles and ways.Come Season 3, they can not just remove Season 2's new doctors just to keep that tradition, so what they did is to move the original cast to the new Trauma Center.In this new Trauma Center, Seo Woo Jin is like the young Master Kim. True enough, from episodes 1 to 4, Woo Jin has showed how he truly learned, and duplicated, Master Kim when it comes to treating patients and training people.Meanwhile, Master Kim and the seniors of Doldam Hospital, with the support characters from Season 2, are the main crew now. Doldam is basically back to ho it was when S1 and S2 started… short on staff and Master Kim the all-around doctor.Oh, and Master Kim is going to train two new doctors… again. Doldam's tradition.All the while, Master Kim's grand plan is to make them all grow, as well as to convince his rival that the Trauma Center is the best place he could ever be.You see, Master Kim is fully aware that everyone in the hospital started worshipping him, but he is only human and that means one day, he wouldn't be there to solve all their problems. They haven't realised it yet, but they all already learned what they Master Kim can teach them.As episode 4 said, the pupil has surpassed the Master, which is a universal truth in any culture, at any given time in history (or today).It is Master Kim letting them all go, work with someone new, his rival no less, so they can grow. This in turn will teach them that Master Kim is not a god, and that they need to stand on their own without him.Which is what was repeated in episodes 1 to 4, they always have Master Kim to back them, or as a last resort.And I think this is where Season 3 is going, and I can't wait for all the challenges they will face and how they are going to face it individually and as one unit. Are they going to forget everything they learned from Master Kim that the patients come first? Are they going to forget the morals they learned from Master Kim? Or, are they going to go beyond their differences and see above and beyond their biases, to create cohesive team, the best in Korea?Even Master Kim's rival has a lot to learn. He is too by-the-book. Like his daughter said, there has to be some flexibility if it means it will save a patient.Which is true. We wouldn't be where we are now today if great minds before us were 100% by-the-book. Absolutely nothing comes out of being 100% by-the-book. No innovation. No improvements. No humanity in it. We just have to learn to judge, draw a line, and balance it all out.Look at the military, that is a fine example of 100% by-the-book. Who brought them innovation? People, brains, who are not controlled by the military. We should not make ourselves slaves to principles and rules. We need to be flexible because we are human beings and everything, like it or not, is case-by-case.This is, at least as far episodes 1 to 4 are concerned, is what Season 3 is about. Growth. Learning. Flexibility.
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Dr. Romantic Season 3 Episode 1
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SPOILER ALERTSPOILER ALERTSPOILER ALERTInitial feedback as of s03e011. It was a good idea, they sort-of “rebooted” the series in Season 02. The new couple is better suited for the series, and now they're back in Season 03.2. It's great to see they're continuing from Season 02, instead of starting a new story. Although 3 years have passed (same as in real-life = premiere year of the shows.)3. I like how they retained most of the characters/actors. Again, continuity.4. Back in Season 02, I was hoping they'll pick Lee Kyung Young in Season 03. YEAH THEY DID!5. Suspicion is correct! Lee Kyung Young's character is Cha Eun Jae's father. Hahaha. This was a very good decision, we need this kind of complex relationship, and it will add a lot of amazing conflicts.And we all know, when Lee Kyung Young is in a show, 99% he's the antagonist, and it's going to be brutal. LOL!!!!So, imagine her daughter is Dr. Cha Eun Jae, and he is also a rival of Master Kim. SUWEEEEETTT6. Great to see the latest in ER and medical tech. About time, especially in Korea, a country which excels in medical technologies.7. Great premiere episode 01, they did not jam every character immediately. It was a slow re-introduction. Also, I like how they immediately revealed the antagonist. That means, we're going to enjoy a hospital war very early.Since it's this early, I can't imagine what twists and turns they are going to introduce. After all, it shouldn't be a rehash of any conflicts they used in Season 1 and 2, otherwise it would be boring.Great premiere, I love it. I can't wait for tonight's episode 02!
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Yoo In Na deserves the Best Actress award for this show, especially for episode 05. She perfectly captured and portrayed a person who loves their ex deeply, gave everything, and only to be dumped later for someone else.It was as if Yoo In Na experienced it herself. She cried naturally, was she still acting? She showed her character's desperation, she shook, her body movements and facial expressions were exactly what it is in real life.And that's just the character she's playing. We haven't even started talking how great the show is in pacing and focusing on what a person goes through when heartbroken. From break-ups, refusing to accept their new reality, to moving-on, and to picking the pieces of their broken heart. And we're only at episode 5 and 6.100 out of 10 stars.
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Strangers Again Episode 5
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I love it. They addressed the less spoken issue of Korea's marriage tradition wherein a spouse's family registration is transferred to the other spouse's family.For those who are not familiar, in Korea, it has been their tradition for centuries, for a spouse to transfer to their spouse's clan. Usually, to this day, it is the wife. Family registrations, as it is called today, or family trees, is a huge thing in Korea to this day. When you get married, typically the wife's family tree is moved to the husband's family tree. The wife stops being a member of her original family. And she is treated as a “daughter-in-law”, not as a full daughter, of her new “family tree”.There is a centuries old issue with this practice, the in-law spouse, if she's unlucky, is treated less, as a slave, or as a helper. They are expected to serve their new “family tree”, because if they don't, it is a valid cause for divorce the new “family tree” can force on the married couple.Unfortunately, this tradition of serving your new “family tree” lingers on, and many are afraid of speaking out against it, especially if the new “family tree” a spouse was adopted into are people in power or influential. As proven by the case in this episode.There is nothing wrong with keeping “family trees”, or being adopted into your spouse's family tree/registration. Personally, I like that. However, the adopted spouse should be treated as an equal. If a wife was transferred to your family tree/registration, then she should be treated as a full daughter. You should not let your daughter-in-law do things you wouldn't ask of your own flesh-and-blood daughter.The same way goes if the spouse who was adopted/transferred is the husband (which is not unheard of, and did happen centuries ago [at least, in this regard, Korea is more advanced socially]). Using this episode's case, if you wouldn't ask your children to be your driver and personal secretary, and treat them as slaves, then you shouldn't treat your adopted children's spouses like that.A good way to end this social issue without killing the tradition of family registry/trees is to give the married couple an option to start their own family registration/tree, and be 100% independent.Of course, in a culture where family registration/tree is integral, being independent, or starting your own registration/tree, would also mean you are disowning your original families. That will be the main argument of many. And if you do, if one day you need help, they wouldn't bother helping you.But, is there any difference to it when a spouse is removed from their original family registration/tree and transferred to another? No one complained when their daughters stopped being a member of their own family registration/tree and moved to their husband's. The original family's “rights” are very limited, almost none, but they don't turn a blind eye when they require help (unless it's political, or forced by law).If so, then there shouldn't be an issue if the married couple decides to start their own family registration/tree. People who will interpret it as “disowning their own family” are the problem, not the couple.Think of it this way, instead of only one spouse (wife or husband) transferring to another family registration/tree, it is both of them. Does that make them “no longer your child/family”? No. And if one day they need help, you help. It is, after all, your responsibility as parents, regardless which family registry/tree they are under.Our responsibilities as parents never stops. As this episode has shown, once our kids are married, the parents become passengers. Parents do not disappear because our responsibility to our children continues, it only changed in form, as a passenger. As a guide. As a support.The ones at the front, holding the wheel and making decisions, are the married couple.So, you see, the tradition can stay, but there is an option to become independent.Lastly, if the married couple chose not to be independent, the in-law who whose family registration/tree was transferred to their spouse, should have a protection against being treated as anything but a full child.Seriously. If your child married him/her, and you treat their spouse less than your own flesh-and-blood child, what does that make your child? In the first place, you approved their marriage. Haven't they realised by treating their children's spouses as a 'slave', they're practically saying that their own children are slaves, too? And you, as the parent, are a complete fool for having approved of their marriage?Even in political marriages, be it centuries ago or this very day, you don't pick just anyone because the spouse of your children will also reflect on your children, and yourselves as the parents.Let's be more liberal. Children getting married without the approval of their parents, which is the case in many countries today. It still will reflect on your children, and you as parents, whoever their spouse is. After all, you were the ones who shaped them to be who they are.If they chose someone “undesirable”, it simply means you failed as a parent. In the first place, why did your child pick as a person? More likely than not, when they were growing up, their choice of “friends” were also undesirables. What did you do as a parent? Make excuses like “I'm too busy with work, it is all for you so you will have a better life than me?”Watch this episode. It applies, not only to Koreans, but for all of us.
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Curtain Call Episode 15
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1. It gave us a glimpse into the character of the real grandson.Who is he? He is just a little kid upset with his grandmother. But deep inside, he is hurting. That hurt deepened after he saw the life his grandmother have, while his father died, and his wife is battling for her life.Forget about the life he had to endure, it is nothing compared to how he saw his father lived and died, and how his wife is fighting for her life. Then seeing the luxurious life his grandmother has.He is just a little kid inside, who have been hiding his soft spot, his weaknesses, and acting strong, to survive the world. It is the only thing he knows. He always has his guard up. And his misunderstanding of his grandmother added on top of it, he is simply acting strong while trying to take revenge… but deep inside, he is hurting.That's him. And fake grandson understood it so well. That brings us to #2.2. The fake grandson is more than just an actor.He is a soft person who understand other people first before he judges them. He sees the positive in every human being. He knows each person have a story to tell which shaped them who they are today.Using his own experience, he knew he can connect with the real grandson. To connect with him heart-to-heart. The real grandson can keep his guard up, but he knew how to open the backdoor and get through him.In contrast to that, the fake wife confronted the real grandson, but she made a wrong judgement call. She approached the real grandson head on, tried to make him feel guilty and herself the victim. Which only backfired because she did not bother to know what is his story.The real grandson warned her to watch her words, yet she did not listen, instead she attacked stronger. He was holding himself back because he is not the type of person who wants to have a pis*ing contest.But because she wouldn't listen, he revealed his story to her. The worst part of his story, seeing his father die, and his wife struggling to survive, which forced him to do things she tried to make him feel guilty of.Fake grandson understood because he was abandoned by his mother. Fake wife did not, because she grew up in a well-off family and sheltered environment.This contrast allowed the fake grandson's character to bloom. He was not doing it because it still is part of their act, he was reaching out to the real grandson because he understands where he is coming from.Like the real grandson said so himself, everyone is telling him what they want him to do, or not do. No one bothered to ask him what he really wants.And that is… for people to see him for who he is, a human being who was forced to do things he doesn't want, simply to survive.It is why he kept saying they are strangers. Because strangers rarely see other people for who they really are. A real family will see a person. A real family will know if you are hurting. If you need a shoulder to cry on. They will ask if you need help.The fake grandson turned out to be the real grandson's family. He saw him. He saw beyond the facade the real grandson was putting up (his guard), and became the person he needed.Just look, it's episode 15, and still no one have any idea his wife is close to dying! No one cared to ask him! He's a human being crying out for help, but everyone's a stranger, they are only family in name.The fake grandson and the real grandson. Episode 15 was that. A real familial bond between two unrelated people.
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Phantom School Episode 1
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Universe/World: I like the concept. If this was a novel, it could span 10 YA (Young Adult) novels easily. The adventure in this universe/world can be limitless, and the world can be fleshed out properly.Speaking of fleshing out, episode 1 lacks a lot of that. It was as if this series is a sequel, or not standalone. That it expected the audience to already have knowledge of it.But again, it's premier week. Still, for a show with only 8 episodes, they should be setting the universe early.Acting: 5 out of 10 as of episode 1. The first episode gave me the feels that the talents are newbies. And I think they most of them are, at least after checking some of their past works listed here in MDL.Directing/scenes: 6.5 out of 10. Needs more work. It seems like the show is being directed by a high school. They know what they want, but they are failing to capture the scene they have in mind.Some weirdness in script: In the gym fight, the guy who went to the rescue of the FL acted as if he knows the real identity of the FL and have an idea on what's happening.1. He was immediately on the offensive against the possessed student. No questions asked, just like that, he's flying for a punch.2. When the FL summoned her weapon, and called his attention, he did not question why she's holding a weapon, and what she's about to do.No ordinary student would act that way unless they too are a Phantom Hunter, or have knowledge of them.If he is just an ordinary guy…3. He never acted worried at all that the FL is “going to kill” their classmate, over for what? Defeating the bully?Their classmate never did anything, as far as the gym scene is concerned, that would warrant getting stabbed by a spear. Yet, he just let the FL do it, no questions asked.So, let's hope he is not an ordinary guy, and he does know something about what's going on. (After all, he did see the 7 orbs flying.)
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The Law Cafe Episode 15
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The show was doing good until episode 15.They were at the last leg of the story. All they have to do is to end it properly.But no, they messed it all up in episode 15.The sad thing about this? Episode 15 killed the entire series.Endings are very important because whatever other flaws a show have in the earlier episodes, the ending can give the show justice and leave the audience with a memorable experience.But messing the finale two episodes can ruin a show that had an excellent run.Look at all the other shows, not just in K-drama land, but in other regions. A show that started to receive lower ratings, if given a proper ending or a bang, made wonders to the entire series.Even in comics/webtoons/manga/manhwa, even in literary fiction. Endings are critical, mess it up and the entire story is ruined. Do it right and it can save everything.Unfortunately, episode 15 of The Law Cafe, did their best to ruin the entire show.SKIP this episode if you still can.
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Today's Webtoon Episode 9
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I love the contrast in each episode. A story about an artist and how it is an opposite in one of the characters, especially Ma Eum's story. In each episode we are given the two sides of the same coin, and it leaves something for the audience to consider and think about.For example, in episode 9, a father who learned to accept the reality that the past glory is gone and he should face reality. People remembers him for that and by not giving up, trying to repeat his past success, he runs the risk of that past glory being replaced with something very bad -- not taking care of his daughter.Meanwhile, Ma Eum's father is deadset on having his way. Of getting an Olympic Medal, to the point that he refused to accept the peace offering of his daughter.One daughter finally have peace with her father. While another daughter is still living in a battle zone with her father.There are also similarities. Both fathers see their profession as their life's work and identity. It is who they are. It is what they know. It is their profession. Without it, they are nothing.But one father finally realized that his masterpiece is his daughter who he has neglected. While the other father still has not seen his daughter as his "Olympic gold medal".Two different father-daughter relationships. Two different fathers. Two different daughters. Two different scenarios. But at the bottom of these two stories, they're not actually different … they're the same. (1) The dream of the fathers; and (2) the love between father and daughter.There are so many things we can get out of this episode. There are many differences and similarities. There are a lot of lessons embedded. And this is just about the father, the daughter, and the father-daughter relationship.I love it. I so love it.
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The best episode so far. I love it. Hahaha. I hope the next episodes are as fun and hilarious as this one. I never laughed for an hour and half for years. The best!
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Extraordinary Attorney Woo Episode 1
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Summary: So far, the writer and director got everything correctly and there were no exaggerated/sensationalized scenes re: autistic and autism, in general or otherwise.My hopes are high they will maintain this "pureness" instead of adding things that does not represent us autistics.-------EDIT:Apologies for the "feeling normal and superior". I just hate the word "normal" when it comes to autism discussion because "normal" is relative (and in this subject, the majority). But I have to explain what "neurotypical" is without implying that "normal" is "normal".It has no other meaning other than being the "majority". Think of it this way, if the situation is reversed wherein autistics are the majority of the population, "normal" would mean the autistics.-------Detailed feedback:1. The kid moving (or hopping a little) left and right at a stationary position.Accurate. I do that myself. Other autistics do it differently, like swaying forward and backward (which I sometimes do myself).This is the first time I saw this depicted in a show. Usually they use "murmurs", when an autistic talks to himself/herself; or scratches their arms. While there are autistics who do that, it is not always the case.Kudos to episode 1 for showing a different one.2. Having a lot of pillows (or anything soft) at bed.Yet another trait rarely seen in shows. The most common depiction is having a lot of toys or a thick blanket (and they even use the wrong type of blanket!) In episode 1, they decided to depict the less seen in a show, lots of pillows.While many autistics prefer weighted blankets or sensory blankets, not everyone does. Some simply prefer to have a lot of soft things around them.Again, kudos for choosing to show this instead of the overly used toys and incorrect blankets.3. Sensory overload or sensory sensitivityThey did well in expressing sensory overload or sensory sensitivity in a simple, natural way. These are:- wearing of ear plugs (waking up scene)- taste sensitivity (breakfast scene)- too much awareness of one's surroundings (train scene)Most of us autistics have varying degrees of sensory sensitivity, and when there is simply too much, we enter into sensory overload situation.For example, in the train scene, the crowd and the nearness of people creates a sensory overload. There are different ways that we autistics cope with it and if we fail at that … we need to run as far away from the crowd, the noise, and everything else, otherwise we're going to have a meltdown -- by that it means, our energy will be completely drained.In the train scene, the character's way of coping with it is to listen to whale sounds. This is actually a common coping mechanism: draining one's senses of something to help tune out everything else. For example, one of my coping mechanism is to fill my thoughts with a particular problem that is not easy to solve. Or, if I am with someone, I will keep on talking about "senseless" things to help me drown out everything else.We even get irritated at small sounds most non-autistics can not hear. I hate those small sounds myself, it can wake me up too, but most people don't hear it.4. Seeing things non-autistic people doesn't see/hearOoh, I love this one. Almost all neurotypicals (a.k.a. "feeling normal and superior") fail to see things already right in front of their faces. Almost all austistics see what you can not see.This was perfectly exemplified with that iron that does look like a whale. At first it was meaningless but later in the case, it was a stepping stone which led to the solution.That is accurate. And because we see (and hear) a lot of things, it is one reason why we experience sensory overload. (Yeah it's interconnected.)5. Ways to brace oneself before doing something a person doesn't normally do; or something challengingIn the show, this was depicted as counting down before entering her supervisor's office. It's like preparing herself for something. Taking a deep breath. Getting her nerves ready.This is a common trait amongst us autistics, although in varying degrees. If an autistic can not find a way to cope up with this, it practically paralyzes us from doing anything.For example. Neurotypicals (a.k.a. "feeling normal and superior") gets nervous when going in interviews.Many autistics don't just get nervous. It's like pushing a huge rock uphill for many of us. It usually starts with applying. It's too hard to send our CV because we already know (1) they are going to call us (which many of us hates); (2) we have to shake hands (which many of us hates); (3) we have to make eye contact (which again many of us hates); (4) when we arrive at the interview schedule, they'll make us wait (which we hate big time); and the list goes on. So, if we can't push ourselves to do it, it paralyzes us.In the show, the character also observed (hospital scene) first before meeting them. It helps in preparing herself and to anticipate things, then took a deep breath. For non-autistics, they'll dismiss it as "she's bracing herself because she knew the husband and was afraid of him". Maybe, maybe not. Personally, I'm more inclined that she was not afraid of him … at all. She knew she might lose it once the husband starts his tirade.6. EcholaliaWhenever this is depicted in a show, it usually is presented as something annoying, bad, evil, and rude. In this particular show, I like how they did not do that. They turned it into something light, something people noticed but did not make a huge fuss about it.In the court scene, they even made it a little comedic scene because the judge answered back after she repeated what he said. In other shows, they'll probably have the judge reprimand her and probably ask for her dismissal for making his court a monkey court.7. Doesn't want to be touched and huggedThis is very true with almost all autistics, and often this is depicted wrongly and in a very bad way in shows where there is an autistic character.It is not so much about personal space, as neurotypicals (a.k.a. "feeling normal and superior") argue about, it is about sensitivities. Yes, we do care about personal spaces but that isn't our primary concern why we don't want to be touched and hugged without our permission. Again, take note, without our permission.For some autistics, they have touch sensitivities and if you do not inform them beforehand, it may (or may not) cause a serious spike or energy drain.For some autistics, they have sensitivities on bacteria and germs. Take note: not because you have this sensitivity does it mean you are autistic; no not all. However, this is also a common trait for some autistics.For some autistics, they highly value boundaries. Usually at work and at home, you'll see this trait reflected as well … there are literal and non-literal boundaries.So, if you know a person is autistic, do not touch them nor hug them without their permission. If they say no, don't take it personally, it has nothing to do with you, it has to do with them.If you do not know if a person is autistic and they reacted in a way that YOU think was rude or YOU think you offended them, again do not take it personally. They probably are autistic and doesn't feel comfortable in disclosing it. Again, it is NOT about you.8. Disclosing that one is in the Autism SpectrumNow, many neurotypicals (a.k.a. "feeling normal and superior") whine about "it's not our fault, if they disclosed they are autistic then we would not have acted that way". F**king seriously?What this tells us is that you'll give us a fake you just because you know we are autistic. And then later, when you get tired, you will still blame us and hope we disappear from your life -- or if you decide to move/resign, you'll blame us and speak about us to people we do not know.This is one of the many reasons why many of us do not disclose that we are autistic. Many people starts to act fake just because. It is as if we have an infectious disease.There is prejudice against autistics. In the show, I was afraid they'll turn the court into something against autistics, with the challenges the autistic attorney is facing, the judge could have said, "replace her, she's turning my court into a joke and she's taking too much time". (I'm they did not do that.)9. Autistics doesn't have feelings, emotions, sympathy, and empathy.A common false misconception thanks to psychologists. This is NOT true.We do have feelings, emotions, sympathy, and empathy, we just process and express it in a different way neurotypicals (a.k.a. "feeling normal and superior") does not understand or refuses to acknowledge.In the show, this was expressed in the hospital scene where the autistic attorney dissected "love". That short talk enabled her to stand firmly on the case for her client because she understood her client loves her husband. That is how we usually process and express it.10. Fascination with one particular subject. In the show, it's whales.This is true. If someone you know is autistic (diagnosed; not diagnosed; unknown) fascination with one particular subject is a very common trait. We know almost everything about a subject we focus on. In the show, the autistic attorney's favourite subject are whales.So … if you are non-autistic, understand this trait.---I'll end with #10, there are more but it's too long now.
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This episode tackles the very serious cancer of pornography, especially those which were secretly filmed without the knowledge of the victim. It also exposes the loopholes in the laws in different countries when it comes to taking down these videos and bringing to court those that hosts and manages these websites.If the team of Taxi Driver is real, there is no doubt a lot of guilty suspects and companies would have been dead by now.
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L.U.C.A.: The Beginning Episode 8
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It was going very well for a full 10 stars until the last few scenes where she made a call knowing full well it can be traced back to her. There are a hudred ways to lead the "bad guys" to her without making her the dumbest experienced detective in the world.
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Lovestruck in the City Episode 14
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Perfect episode. Reminded me of the past too.It is however sad that very few people understood this episode--and the whole series for that matter. In this episode, the subject was Lee Eun Oh's fear. They showed it to us through their encounter in this episode--which mind you, happens in real life.What is her fear? Well, you have to watch from episode 1 again if you missed it.
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