wanderee

netflix will release english dub next month!! wyw’s voice actor is on the autism spectrum as well. they released a preview of her line delivery, and her voice is so lovely. i’ll be tuning for it. actually i’ll always take every eaw contents haha

omg the ever so gorgeous byeon/lee hyeyoung!!

How could you twist my words like that? I’m just glad Junho didn’t have unresolved issues that would make him lacking as a person in the beginning, like other male leads. He was able to smoothly start a relationship with Youngwoo because he was simple and peaceful, as simple as that. Ofc starting and maintaining a relationship are very different matters.

I’m not saying their relationship would not work or would be toxic if he was different. It would work but refining Junho would be painful for both of them. And considering Youngwoo’s struggles in the early episodes, I don’t think it was necessary to put her in that situation as well. What Youngwoo needed was full support, hence the writer wrote him like that. If the writer would complicate his characterization, he wouldn’t be able to provide the support he showed in the series. It’s not whether their relationship would work or not, but how he would affect in Youngwoo’s life.

Ohh that might be the case. I just found it strange since I assume he has a good relationship with them, and he admires his mother. Wouldn’t he prefer to work with them?

I NEED ANSWERS. Unless Junho’s parents are already retired, why is he working at Hanbada and not with them?

Yep. PEB's position in the industry is very high now. EAW's fate in the future practically depends on her. I just hope the production does not push her too hard to sign for S2. Convince her with respect and professionalism. If she still doesn't agree to it after discussions, leave her alone.

Selfish me wants her to rest while KTO serves in the military. Then come back with EAW in her best condition and good heart. But that just me as a fan of the drama, something like a wishful thinking. I can't force what I want since I am only an audience.

I doubt she'll pick this again too. So I'm disappointed they don't go with the originally planned 24 episodes. I feel like the first 12 episodes had the same pacing with the second half of the initially longer 24-part series. Maybe meeting the parents and wedding scenes were included there...

That's why, everyone seems to be courting her these days. Plus the cake of ENA in the group viewing party says, "We are destined to meet, Youngwoo."

Well they have almost two years to convince her. But PEB is no pushover, I trust she will make the best choice for herself and for her career.

I am very much fan of the show, and definitely want to see more of this. However, if there's no PEB, I'm out although I'll be very sad. That leaves me to quietly hoping that PEB will eventually agree to S2 with only good feelings.

I beg to disagree. Showing Junho's background cannot be considered character development. That info only supports why he is working as a paralegal, and why he fell in love with Youngwoo. However, it gives nothing to his personality. It simply contributes as an interesting background for him.

Character development is one's growth as a person throughout the series. Like the parallel scenes in the last episode: when Youngwoo was more comfortable going to work, and how was she was able to pass the revolving doors by herself. Such changes implies her growth as a person. She, now, found a place in the law firm, unlike when she was like a lost puppy filled with uncertainty on ep1. Or when she felt fulfilled, it means she is already contented and happy with her life. It showed that after long trials of conflicting principles, and trying to fit in the society and legal world, she finally found her position that makes her sincerely happy everyday.

Back to Junho, if we're going to inject a character development for him, and considering his role in the series–the one who gives unwavering support and love to Youngwoo, his arc would be highly inclined with her. To make him the man who smiles with love to whatever Youngwoo says, his personality should be less than that in the beginning, which would be slowly refined as their romance unfolds. That process would be painful for both of them. I don't want that for her who already had fair share of pain.

Thus, I am fine with Junho being one dimensional. At least, he made her happy, and made her love herself. I will just think she met Junho when he's already the best version of himself at that moment of his life, and she is so lucky for that.

Lastly, I believe Junho's character development is more suitable to be explored in (unlikely) S2. It would be less harmful for the couple. Since he built a strong foundation beforehand, it would help him form the vision of his desired future. So when the problems come to him, challenging his character and principles whether internally or externally, his resolution would be related to the future he wants. That's a great positive character growth, I say. Because he is always walking towards his goals despite of the hurdles.

rn it seems impossible… peb seems to be pessimistic about it

My take on Junho being bland. (I originally posted on a Reddit discussion, Junho: Meh or Yes?)

There's really nothing special about him in the audience's view. So he's meh in the narrative (but... continued later in the second paragraph). He lacks story outside being Youngwoo's love interest. He has all the good traits but there's not even one motivation for it. As audience, we enjoy character developments. Junho had no character development so he didn't appeal to us, except those swoon moments of his.

But if you will look at him through Youngwoo's eyes, he's the most special person in the whole universe. He is all she needed. From the first moment, there's no rude comments, mocking jokes, and prejudiced statements. His eyes are always bright and amused, and never judging. He's patient with her without the need of Youngwoo explaining things to him. He finds ways to communicate with her. He is willing to listen about her most favorite thing in the world. He sincerely respects and accepts her. He cares and loves her unconditionally.

If his character shall be developed in S1, then it means he needs to be less than those descriptions in the early episodes. However, it would change the interactions he had with her during those times. That would definitely lead to him hurting Youngwoo unintentionally or intentionally. Throughout the series, Junho never hurt Youngwoo because he already had his character development before the timeline of the series started. He's already fit to be with her right from the start–a description that seems boring to the audience, but also a statement that's very attractive to Youngwoo.

Honestly, I prefer the Junho we have compared to the undeveloped Junho. The latter would caused a lot of unnecessary heartaches to Youngwoo before he can become the man he was in episode one. As a Youngwoo's fan, I don't want that, and I would never look at him with admiration if the story was different. Because that would mean her heart was wounded for what... for him to become a decent human being? Nahhh, others please!

I sincerely hope he gets the spotlight in S2 without sacrificing the already good in him.

To answer your question: As a viewer, meh. But our baby whale said yes. For her, it's a yes from me.

I feel bad for people who think the romance is unnecessary.

“S1 was never written with S2 in mind. “

We’re not sure about that. EAW was supposedly a Netflix original with 24 episodes. It then moved to SBS, and finally to ENA with reduced number of episodes to 16.

Considering Netflix seasonal system and the episode number reduction, the writer might already has enough materials for season 2.

sounds unusually familiar

I already calmed down my feels, and here are my thoughts about this drama. As someone who very much loves this drama, I admit that it’s far from perfect and the writing has its faults. I think I emphasized its good points enough in my past comments, so now, I want to focus the negative side. (But people this doesn’t mean it’s all bad, it’s a mixed bag. just watch it and find it out by yourself.) Here goes nothing.

Some important moments shouldn’t left hanging. For instance, when Junho got upset in ep12. It’s understandable that he had a mini outburst, but the scene should hadn’t ended there. Considering Junho’s character, he would later understand where Youngwoo was coming from—that they still didn’t properly discussed their status. I expected this from Junho because he has always been like this: patient and open for Youngwoo’s thoughts and reactions. So in my AU mind, he should have asked her to be his girlfriend in that exact moment. That time, that kind of resolution could work since their problem was simple, a miscommunication on their status. But I don’t expect she would accept his proposal because she was confused what dating really is. Still, I don’t understand why the scene was left like that, other than the writer wanted to forcibly put a crack on their relationship.

The phone call with Father. His father’s response to Youngwoo is critical for her next actions. The supposed response was so important to the story but they gave us nothing for no apparent reasons. It could served as a nice anchor to her decisions in the succeeding events. I imagined it as Father replied in the positive note, like she can make him happy because she’s easy to love blah blah. But Youngwoo’s doubts were not eased. Since that’s just his father’s opinion, and Junho is different from his father.

Next is the visit to Junho’s sister. I don’t understand why Junho had not asked for her opinion or permission. I get that he might just want to boast about her, but that’s not so him. That’s not our considerate and sensible Junho. They could have executed this conflict in a different way. Like Junho’s sister accidentally seeing them while they search for dolphins. Then she saw how he would take care of her, in a way that’s kinda burdening him. Then she’d say hello to them, and his sister would be forcing them to eat lunch together in a fake reason that she misses him. Junho would try to reject the invitation but his sister is determined because Youngwoo already made a negative impression to her, and somehow wanted to put her in a tough spot. So she’d reject all Junho’s requests regarding Youngwoo’s needs. As well as the purpose of the meal is to discourage Junho with his relationship. The original scenes would then play out. That seems to be better as it doesn’t neglect Junho’s characterization.

I also wished it was showed that Junho remained supportive without overstepping her set boundaries, not just being hesitant all the time as he respected her decision. They could have showed us him proudly smiling when she was proving a good point. Or him giving her additional materials without being asked. Or him secretly waiting for her in the mornings. Or him badmouthing Atty. Jang with Suyeon. Or him taking to Minwoo that he’s worried that Youngwoo was working under Atty. Jang. Yeah things like those.

I also wished they could have hinted the side stories as the drama progressed. (I will not further discuss this since the comment section is already rampant about the bad pacing of the drama.)

Lastly, I understand that there are mixed reactions about the ending. Personally, I am satisfied with it. But the other side is also valid. They tied the knots of almost all the issues. However, they didn’t assure the audience that it won’t get loose again. Like the couple got back together, but they didn’t show how will they improve the communication between them. And they still don’t have the approval of each other’s family.

Will Tae Sumi be good to Youngwoo from now on? Or will she still be ignored? Did Minwoo and Suyeon also became permanent employees? Pretty sure Minwoo’s redemption is not complete. What’s Atty. Jung’s decision? Wooho is still on the stage of “like”, so what about “love”? How does it differ from the former?

I really hope S2 happens so that these issues get to be addressed.

PS: This became half comments and half imagined scenarios.

I think that’s the point of 9.2 rating. You may not like it, but the 9.2 represents the amount of people who like it for their own reasons. And that’s fine because dramas are created primarily for entertainment. If they enjoyed this so much that they would give this a high rating regardless of its flaws, then the drama served its purpose. Of course, it can’t please everybody so your sentiments are also valid.

But downplaying this just because you didn’t enjoy this is unfair, again unfair not wrong or bad. Especially that the drama’s numbers speak for itself. And I’m not talking about Netflix numbers. But how the ratings soared, maintained, and soared again for the finale. And we’re talking about a drama which came from a cable tv station that’s almost unknown to everyone before this drama.

and it’s only funnier if you’re filipino hahahaha

Move to Heaven focused on building the familial relationship of the uncle and his nephew, as well as resolving the uncle’s trauma. It didn’t only focus on Gureu, but also on his uncle. It is more about accepting and loving his unfamiliar uncle, also letting go of his grief for his father. They didn’t tackle about him adapting to the realistic social world. That’s fine for their situation. Because they have their own business, and they don’t usually interact with many people due to the nature of their work. Gureu doesn’t need to fully adapt in the society because he has his uncle and Namoo who are both capable of accommodating him. Thus, the show did not dig deeper on the challenges of people with ASD in social situations.

But it’s different with EAW. Atty. Woo has a professional career that requires her to constantly interact with people. So the drama gives emphasis to Atty. Woo’s relationships in varying degrees: client-defendant, family, friendships, workplace-related, and romantic ones. By examining her experiences with them, and the people around her, she continues to learn several life lessons and realizations, also she starts to be enlightened how the society really works. Those things contribute in building her principles in both of her personal and professional life, which is the purpose of the drama — to let Atty. Woo grow as an individual through her experiences.

One of the most critical relationships for her is the romantic relationship. It’s unfamiliar to her but it affects her on a deeper level she didn’t know.

The essence of the romance to Atty. Woo: she needs to connect with people not for the sake of work, but because she truly cares for them. Understanding people is her weakness and she doesn’t seem to be bothered until now. She’s still living in her own world. However, to protect a relationship, understanding is one of the key factors. Moreover, being understanding is important for every person’s growth. So going through this relationship crisis will help her eventually.

The essence of the romance to the audience:
Ep1-8: Our judgement of a person should not be limited to the visible weakness of that person. He also has strengths you would love about him if only you sincerely observe. In other words, what you see isn’t everything. Also, to fall in love, you don’t need a specific reason or situation with that person. Some things just happen naturally.
Ep9: We saw Junho hesitating not because of he doubted his feelings, but because he lacked confidence that he can really accommodate Youngwoo, in a way that also protects their relationship. If he realizes he can’t do it and gave up in the middle, that would only hurt her. He was doubting his capability of handling the responsibilities that comes with dating her. We saw that being in relationship with differently abled person shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can’t date just because you like each other. You should be at least aware of the responsibilities.
Ep10: We saw glimpses of how some people view their relationship. The journey will be a bumpy ride. But we also saw they were not discouraged by that.
Ep12: Communication with your partner isn’t easy, especially with their situation. Although their relationship seems perfect, it’s not, and there are still some things to fix, like being in the same wavelength of communication.
Ep13-14: Adding to their communication issue, they received a direct attack of people’s negative opinions. It shook Youngwoo despite of her feelings for Junho. It implies we should be mindful of our opinions because most of the time, the receiver takes it into consideration.

These problems (overcoming prejudices, miscommunications, and hesitations) are also common in this kind of situations irl.

Some are reducing this drama as very bad bland cliché drama. So I just wanted to emphasize that it’s not, and that it’s definitely more than that. Because as you said, what matters is the implementation. And I’m not forcing others to watch this, I am not in the position to do that. I simply tried to show that it isn’t as bad as the criticisms imply.

Apologies that my words offended you, that’s not my intention. You’re right that other slice-of-life dramas only have romances as a subplot, which EAW didn’t follow.

But the thing is other dramas doesn’t focus on one character. Law school (law students), My liberation notes (family in the countryside), Our blues (a specific jeju community), The mentioned dramas have a group of people as the main focus. So it’s understandable that the romance parts are limited.

However, in EAW, the focus is only in the main character, Atty. Woo, who’s in the spectrum. Hence, it’s understandable that the show would tackle every aspect of her life, and that they’ll examine everything about her. Because their main goal is to develop a single character to the best version of herself. To do that, they need to put the spotlight on the different aspects of her life, as the story unfolds. That includes her lovelife.

The romance is also controversial in the story and irl. Because Woo isn’t ordinary, she has ASD. The society often judges relationships with differently abled people. So the writer felt the need to thoroughly address this.

Ultimately, the romance isn’t here for just fluff and angst. The show wanted to showcase the challenges of the people in the same situation.

Yep. I think the critics are too harsh. The execution of the second part is underwhelming compared to the first part, but it wasn’t a wrong execution. The writer just chose the not-so-good scenarios, which is a bad decision. But it wasn’t as bad as they paint it to be. Comparing it to the usual and popular kdramas, I think it’s still very good in that standards.