You see, there's this interesting thing about the yakuza.
I once watched a short docu about how the system works and the man said that despite them being "outcasts" of society and are easily labeled as criminals, the real yakuza actually blends in. They conduct themselves well in public, they don't act rashly as some are depicted, and does not involve themselves in dark business because "that's not cool." And despite being perceived as "law breakers," they actually have a lot of inside rules.
So far, we've always only seen Shouma with Yoshino and Kirishima, but not much with young ones and the elderly (although we got a short glimpse on their arrival in Osaka). And to know that he earns even their respect is actually quite impressive, considering he looks like he doesn't give a damn about anything other than Yoshino. (Even Yoshino's mom got him to take her to Tokyo.)
Now that they mentioned about it, surprisingly, he does conduct himself well in society.
While Kirishima's not afraid to act rash in public, Shouma, on the other hand, if it's not worth it, he'd rather not.
Kirishima might not be aware of it, but he's probably envious of this about Shouma, not just about Yoshino. When he mentioned about young ones being fond of him, he was probably counting himself because the more he observed him, he was also slowly starting to earn his respect.
Technically, Shouma's not a yakuza. But basically, he's already one by conduct.
As sweet as the Miyama family is, I love how opposite Shouma's reaction is. xD
I was expecting him to go so and when he did I was like, "HA! Classic Shouma. Of course!"
He's very respectful and protective of her but not even he gives a thing about her clumsiness. Haha!
Also, when I say Shouma doesn't treat her fragile, I mean this.
Cr. Juice Box Scans
Like I said, he may not baby her but he's gentle towards her. But when he finds out she's in trouble, he couldn't care less as long as she gets to safety. And it's not like it's a bad thing. It just shows he's really concerned. And Yoshino could feel that even when he doesn't talk.
I guess we could say for Shouma his roughness is his sweetness? xD
I thought it was so sweet how those in the Miyama family acted when she stubbed her toe. They were all panicky and treated her like their little princess.
While everyone thought she was a spoiled brat at first, ironically, she never had that same reaction at home. LOL
(And I'm glad they didn't. Hotei raised her to be a strong woman. ♡)
I'm glad she told him immediately. Communication is the key! (No matter how crazy it is) He needs to know he almost lost her trust in him and could have permanently damaged her. Also... WHAT DO YOU MEAN "IF YOU HAD A RUBBER"?!
(Wait 'til she asks Shouma what rubber is and Shouma'd immediately FLIP. "THE HECK HE DONE TO YA?!!!")
I swear, Konishi-san knows how to catch you off guard.
One moment you're quietly enjoying the reading, the next it's a phone-dropping panel like DID YOU REALLY JUST DROP TSUBAKI'S WATERMELONS AND SHOUMA'S GORGEOUS NAKEDNESS WITHOUT WARNING????
Cr. Juice Box Scans
And this part. How the hell did we go from such a sweet chapter ending to Kirishima going wild and almost r*ping Yoshino? Even Yoshino could not believe it herself! LOL
So that's why it's now labeled suggestive...
The first time I read it, it wasn't labeled so. When I picked it up again, I saw the sign but thought it was just because of Kirishima and his nightly rendezvous. Uncensored melons and touching was NOT on my list! XD
Speaking of Kirishima, his panels are the most that renders me speechless BECAUSE! HAHAHA I can't even imagine the face I made when that panel with him and two other onee-chans came up. 😂
Then again, it's not an auth yakuza story if it doesn't go wild and freaky, right? Lol Besides, the twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat. That's why it's an enjoying read. Ohohoho! (^○^)
I never really cared who she'd end up with because I like both but... THESE PANELS?! And Shouma putting an arm behind her?! 💯💯💯
cr. Kirishima Fansub
There's something really interesting about the friendship of these two. It's like it lies between being friends and an old couple. Kirishima was irked by how Shouma doesn't compliment Yoshino nor does he match her pace when walking. But that's because he doesn't see her as fragile and that kind of relationship between them is just so natural. Like when he put an arm behind her? So relaxed, so manly, and so older guy of him (not his usual "Yoshino-san" behavior). Then there's the casual conversation about living together for life, which I can already imagine. And Shouma's respect for Yoshino? To him, she's the woman of him and the house.
Almost a week later and I’m still here nursing a clingy heart. I’m not ready to let go of BaekHong yeeeeeet. And I know I’m not alone on this one so here’s a little (not) drama talk from me. So sit back and grab a cup of coffee ‘coz this is going to be a looooong discussion.
Finally, after a long squiggly wiggly rollercoaster ride, we’ve reached the end. (Two special episodes coming, though. Weehee!) I can’t believe two months just flew by and starting this week, no more waiting for BaekHong weekend. Anyway, pat and applaud yourselves for making it through the rough journey. And as hard as it is, now we say bye-bye to our lovely (and we-emptied-your-tear-bags) royal couple, Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in.
First of all, this is definitely one of those I came in for the package, I stayed for the cast.
If there was one thing to be applauded about this drama, it’s the casting. They chose them well. I’m serious–I'd give a hundred if the rating were out of ten. That much. Because I could NEVER imagine anyone else playing BaekHong’s roles as perfectly as Soohyun and Jiwon did. They were practically Hyun-woo and Hae-in acting themselves. They said they were a bit awkward in the beginning but where in the world do you find people just standing side by side screaming chemistry like, hello? The wedding photos? Hyun-woo said they probably only met twice when they shot those but it gives off legit pre-nups. In the drama, with every little touch, you get this small tingling feeling. It’s so natural that you don’t even notice they’re acting even if the camera angle screams “Look! He’s touching her!” The spark’s just… there. *chef’s kiss*
And speaking of the cast, of course we can’t leave out the rest of them. If the main leads were good the supporting cast did not fall short. From the Hong Family to the Baek Family, Queens Group to Yondu-ri folks, friendships to usurpers–everyone nailed their roles! Bruh, the Mother-Son duo never failed to make an eye roll every time they appeared on the screen. They had, not only BaekHong in chokehold but even the whole watch-nation. Park Sung-hoon portrayed Yoon Eun-sung so convincingly that I’m starting to think he’s getting hate messages from all his “You can hate the character but please not the person” talks. (Because if it is so, what is wrong with you people?! Edit: I just read about it and that seems to be the case. Seriously, people?! Can’t separate reality from fiction now?)
And if I have the most generous love for the cast, I’m sorry I can’t say so for the writing.
Storywise, uhh... there were a few that I think were a bit of a shame.
For example, the overly abused the stars-aligned-the-universe-is-on-our-side motif? I wish they just made it so that kid Eun-sung saved kid Hae-in, which would explain this abnormal obsession because, to quote him, he liked her first and he saved her from drowning. Like, at least give him a proper reason to obsess, Writer-nim.
Or I wish Hyun-woo knew it was Hae-in he met in high school and who owned that MP3 player, so there would be more meaning as to why he kept it all this time. Prior? No, that would defeat the whole thing. While dating or in their marriage maybe. I just hope they didn't make it seem like the stars aligned for them to meet, but that they're both fighting for the universe to be on their side like a real married couple would do (just like what our Queen did in that propose scene. Pfft!). Especially in their case where everything's not working out. I think we already got a lot of that universe-is-on-our-side with the Truck of Doom and notebook incident. (I think there were others but I can’t remember.)
One thing I loved about Park Ji-eun’s previous work (Crash Landing On You) is because of the memories in North Korea. Here, I would have loved to see more Yongdu-ri and less Seoul during their MIA era. And I mean more interaction between the villagers and the BaekHong family. Like Hae-in and Dahye hanging out with Mi-seon and her gang, or Mommy Hong and Mommy Baek hanging out with villagers, washing veggies, cooking, drinking, etc. like Daddy Hong and Daddy Baek did. (And where on earth did Hoyeol run off to, with four-something episodes left?)
Also (okay, at this point, it’s probably not a “few things”), I wish there was more something to our usurpers. You know, like what caused them to go a-la-Parasite on the Queens? Hello! Backstory? I know we got Eun-sung being a child out of wedlock but any more reasons how, what, why Moh Seul-hee exists and why she was so desperate to steal Queens? Why the Hongs in the first place? And who on earth is Grace? How did she connect with them? I feel like the time spent on the dragging scenes should have been spent on their backgrounds (Moh, Dahye, Grace), even for just a few seconds of flashback. But I guess the not-knowing-everything part adds to their mystery.
Finally, I did not sign up for the long-term residency in makjang alley, Writer-nim. I figured we'd have to step foot in but not that long. There were needless makjang moments just going round and round it got exhausting. RomCom suddenly logged out and was out of reach. (Can't deny the top-tier execution of our main leads, though. It was beautifully heart-breaking. TT) And my gosh! Writer-nim, couldn’t you have given us at least one more kiss? And those Germany honeymoon scenes in the BTS, where were they?! You could have switched those with the unnecessary we-grew-old-together ending, you know. Hing~! TT
I love second-chance tropes, especially when it’s between married couples. That’s what intrigued me about this drama in the first place (of course, after seeing the cast). And I’m sad that this could have landed a spot on my number one list. The first half was good－pacing and all. I like how the usually slow and dragging scenes were cut short and compressed in a few minutes. However, as it advanced, some areas that didn’t need dragging got dragged whereas scenes that needed to be included did not make it which made it a little... and I’m just gonna shut my mouth. *zips*
By the way, I read someone on X saying Writer Park Ji-eun got this drama copyrighted in 2010－which explains why I got an early 2000s vibe from the premise (including the dragging plot)－so I get it, this is from the treasure chest. But you had a 14-year chance to tweak it, Writer-nim, why didn't you?! *wriggles her neck*
Hang it all! At least we got a “and they lived happily ever after” and that’s all that matters. (Also, Hong Soobin! We finally got to see you, girl! Welcome to the world! Huhuhu! Now give your papa and mama the best and long life.)
With all that said, it’s time to re-watch the whole thing… because why not? *winks*
(I think this was more of a rant rather than a discussion so I might come back with a positive post–yes, I have positive things to say so I hope you look forward to that. Hehehe!)
Same sentiments here. It was overall good. But the writing could have been better. BaekHong though they carried the whole show. i got pulled in by Soohyun and Jiwon's acting. They legit are now my favorite pair! And I'm secretly manifesting them to be the next BinJin. Lol. Reading what little fanfics on AO3 right now in order to cope.. apart from rewatching Baekhong clips and just skipping the villain eras entirely. Lol
Secretly manifesting it with you 🙏 I enjoyed their chemistry with their previous partners but this time... it just hits different. And same. Let's rewatch and enjoy BaekHong moments only. Hohoho.
Almost a week later and I’m still here nursing a clingy heart. I’m not ready to let go of BaekHong yeeeeeet. And I know I’m not alone on this one so here’s a little (not) drama talk from me. So sit back and grab a cup of coffee ‘coz this is going to be a looooong discussion.
Finally, after a long squiggly wiggly rollercoaster ride, we’ve reached the end. (Two special episodes coming, though. Weehee!) I can’t believe two months just flew by and starting this week, no more waiting for BaekHong weekend. Anyway, pat and applaud yourselves for making it through the rough journey. And as hard as it is, now we say bye-bye to our lovely (and we-emptied-your-tear-bags) royal couple, Baek Hyun-woo and Hong Hae-in.
First of all, this is definitely one of those I came in for the package, I stayed for the cast.
If there was one thing to be applauded about this drama, it’s the casting. They anchored the show. I’m serious–I'd give a hundred if the rating were out of ten. That much. Because I could NEVER imagine anyone else playing BaekHong’s roles as perfectly as Soohyun and Jiwon did. They were practically Hyun-woo and Hae-in acting themselves. They said they were a bit awkward in the beginning but where in the world do you find people just standing side by side screaming chemistry like, hello? The wedding photos? Hyun-woo said they probably only met twice when they shot those but it gives off legit pre-nups. In the drama, with every little touch, you get this small tingling feeling. It’s so natural that you don’t even notice they’re acting even if the camera angle screams “Look! He’s touching her!” The spark’s just… there. *chef’s kiss*
And speaking of the cast, of course we can’t leave out the rest of them. If the main leads were good the supporting cast did not fall short. From the Hong Family to the Baek Family, Queens Group to Yondu-ri folks, friendships to usurpers–everyone nailed their roles! Bruh, the Mother-Son duo never failed to make an eye roll every time they appeared on the screen. They had, not only BaekHong in chokehold but even the whole watch-nation. Park Sung-hoon portrayed Yoon Eun-sung so convincingly that I’m starting to think he’s getting hate messages from all his “You can hate the character but please not the person” talks. (Because if it is so, what is wrong with you people?! Edit: I just read about it and that seems to be the case. Seriously, people?! Can’t separate reality from fiction now?)
And if I have the most generous love for the cast, I’m sorry I can’t say so for the writing.
Storywise, uhh... there were a few that I think were a bit of a shame.
For example, the overly abused the stars-aligned-the-universe-is-on-our-side motif? I wish they just made it so that kid Eun-sung saved kid Hae-in, which would explain this abnormal obsession because, to quote him, he liked her first and he saved her from drowning. Like, at least give him a proper reason to obsess, Writer-nim.
Or I wish Hyun-woo knew it was Hae-in he met in high school and who owned that MP3 player, so there would be more meaning as to why he kept it all this time. Prior? No, that would defeat the whole thing. While dating or in their marriage maybe. I just hope they didn't make it seem like the stars aligned for them to meet, but that they're both fighting for the universe to be on their side like a real married couple would do (just like what our Queen did in that propose scene. Pfft!). Especially in their case where everything's not working out. I think we already got a lot of that universe-is-on-our-side with the Truck of Doom and notebook incident. (I think there were others but I can’t remember.)
One thing I loved about Park Ji-eun’s previous work (Crash Landing On You) is because of the memories in North Korea. Here, I would have loved to see more Yongdu-ri and less Seoul during their MIA era. And I mean more interaction between the villagers and the BaekHong family. Like Hae-in and Dahye hanging out with Mi-seon and her gang, or Mommy Hong and Mommy Baek hanging out with villagers, washing veggies, cooking, drinking, etc. like Daddy Hong and Daddy Baek did. (And where on earth did Hoyeol run off to, with four-something episodes left?)
Also (okay, at this point, it’s probably not a “few things”), I wish there was more something to our usurpers. You know, like what caused them to go a-la-Parasite on the Queens? Hello! Backstory? I know we got Eun-sung being a child out of wedlock but any more reasons how, what, why Moh Seul-hee exists and why she was so desperate to steal Queens? Why the Hongs in the first place? And who on earth is Grace? How did she connect with them? I feel like the time spent on the dragging scenes should have been spent on their backgrounds (Moh, Dahye, Grace), even for just a few seconds of flashback. But I guess the not-knowing-everything part adds to their mystery.
Finally, I did not sign up for the long-term residency in makjang alley, Writer-nim. I figured we'd have to step foot in but not that long. There were needless makjang moments just going round and round it got exhausting. RomCom suddenly logged out and was out of reach. (Can't deny the top-tier execution of our main leads, though. It was beautifully heart-breaking.) And those Germany honeymoon scenes in the BTS, where were they?! Hing~! TT
I love second-chance tropes, especially when it’s between married couples. That’s what intrigued me about this drama in the first place (of course, after seeing the cast). And I’m sad that this could have landed a spot on my number one list. The first half was good－pacing and all. I like how the usually slow and dragging scenes were cut short and compressed in a few minutes. However, as it advanced, some areas that didn’t need dragging got dragged whereas scenes that needed to be included did not make it which made it a little... and I’m just gonna shut my mouth. *zips*
By the way, I read someone on X saying Writer Park Ji-eun got this drama copyrighted in 2010－which explains why I got an early 2000s vibe from the premise (and the always-wrong turn of the second-half plot)－so I get it, this is from the treasure chest. But you had a 14-year chance to tweak it, Writer-nim! *wriggles her neck*
Hang it all! At least we got a “and they lived happily ever after” and that’s all that matters. (Also, Hong Soobin! We finally got to see you, girl! Welcome to the world! Huhuhu! Now give your papa and mama the best and long life.)
With all that said, it’s time to re-watch the whole thing… because why not? *winks*
(Update: I just finished rewatching and there’s only one thing I can say: you HAVE to rewatch it. It helps you see it in a bigger picture.
While rewatching and having long discussions with my sister who also just finished it, she was able to identify why I felt like the second half was dragging. The problem was really the last two episodes.
It suddenly felt like we were watching a different drama. The reason why we’re all ‘Queens (and Kings) of Tears’ is because we were watching Hae-in fighting to live, with her husband beside her through it all, going against the odds together. But in those last two episodes, I felt like a post-surgery Hae-in, suddenly lost and unaware of what was happening. I feel like if Hae-in survived the surgery and lost her memory, we didn’t need to see it anymore. The whole point of the show was to know if there was a cure for such an illness and if she survived it. But there was too much focus on the usurpers while so little information about their purpose.
Sis suggested something and I couldn’t agree more: end the show in episode 14 with the last scene of episode 16 just to show they lived happily ever lifetime. Honestly, the last two episodes were more of a fan service. While I have a few other minor comments (some mentioned above), let's just let go and move on. HAHAHA!)
I really don't want to put any meaning to those smiles but okay let's just say SooWon suddenly got shy over an eye-contact EVEN after all the kissing and hugging in Germany, like some teenagers who just admitted they have a crush on each other. And I guess spending a year together means Soohyun is already comfortable enough to wrap his arms around her (take note, TIGHT) with zero hesitation as if they didn't avoid each other's gaze only a few months back. Okay... 🤭
Finally, someone trashed the old and overused annoying "I realized I still love you." (Park Ji-eun-nim thank you very much!)
Hyun-woo is metaphoring how he feels for her to their lock in Germany.
All along, Hyun-woo thought he fell out of love. That somewhere along the way in their marriage, that spark they had got lost, like how they couldn't find the lock at first. But now that he was here, he understood that it was still there. He just had to take a step back and dig a little deeper. And he found it. A little worn out, but it was there, still holding on. Just buried underneath many other emotions.
So now I wonder what was running through Hae-In's mind during that time. She was probably infuriated, wanting to yell, scream, hit him... but then here he was, admitting that even after all he'd thought, said, and done, he found that she was still there. In his heart. And she knows it's the truth.
She wasn't angry. She was upset. She was disappointed he even thought of doing that. So she gave up. That's why it angered him. He broke her and made her cry. When all he wants now is to stay by her side forever.
Love can wear out the same things do. But after all, aren’t the worn-out things the most beautiful?
The time he forgot he was in his own little skit. As soon as he sees her lose her coolーwhich was unusual and he knew why－his hubby side took over to cut her mom off and take his dear wife's side. All when he thought he already fell out of love for her.
Eyes worried when she snaps, gently holding her balled hand to soothe her, glancing back, waiting for her to leave with him, her hand in his even when they reached the lift, and lightly scolding her for acting out of character.
Sorry to burst your bubble, Hyun-woo. You never fell out of love. But you already admitted that.
Yes! Pack your bags, everyone! WE'RE GOING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE!!! 🤸♀️
Was waiting long and hard for this ever since I saw it in the trailer. I thought they only went for a visit. Turns out they'll be staying for a while. 😆
I loved Hae-in's visit there so I waiting for a part two. Now we're getting it! And with all the Hongs! (Thank you, writer-nim!)
There's just something about not having anything but peace, warmth, and community (one reason why I also really enjoyed Seri's stay in N. Korea in CLOY).
I'm itching to see the Hongs' and the Baeks' interactions, staying (most probably) in one house. It's going to get reaaaally chaotic from here on. In a good way. Haha!
Are we finally going to see our Hong mom-in-law build a friendship bridge with Baek mom-in-law? New BaekHong lovey-dovey scenes? (Please, it hurt seeing their yearning-eyes-but-keep-distance-coz-divorced moments.) Are we going to see Soo Cheol heal? (That scene hurt so bad.) Are we going to see Papa Baek and Papa Hong bond? And is Aunt Hong finally going to find her one true love? (Looks like Mr. Marriage Consultant to me lol)
I am shaking with excitement. And it's only Tuesday! Dang.
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