Recap (text only): I Love Lee Tae-ri Episode 6

From flyswatter to supervisor.

Episode 6

We rewind a little with some expansion on the conversation between Tae-ri and Seung-jae. Basically he owns up to some manipulating behind the back but without that weirdo kid’s intervention, things would not have progressed as such. Tae-ri thinks it’s just excuses since he never bothered to explain himself. He’s been waiting for the right moment, but as things stand, he fears they’ll never see each other again. Tae-ri is not convinced, asking what he wishes to say. He looks at the kiwi juice she made and gulps it down with much difficulty (note: Tae-ri mentioned that he’s allergic to kiwi. Too bad, I love kiwi)

He confesses that he misses her. It hurts him to make life difficult for her or to make her cry. Tae-ri cuts to the heart of the matter, asking what he’s after. And he replies, “It’s you – Lee Tae-ri!” His objective never changed, only his methods and the situations. Seung-jae starts developing a reaction to the kiwi and Tae-ri chides him for choosing such a stupid way to prove his heart. He reiterates that he still reacts to her, just like he does to kiwi. She’s not unmoved but merely tells him that his timing is way off. Seung-jae falls to the ground gasping for breath, alarming Tae-ri. Just then, Min-soo finally arrives and sums up the situation quickly. He berates Seung-jae for committing suicide before Tae-ri (LOL. Is that what it was?) and scolds her for opening the door for Seung-jae. Tae-ri anxiously tells him to bring Seung-jae to the hospital. Save life first, lecture later.

Staring at the empty glass, Tae-ri recalls their better days. Seung-jae slipped into her room when he’s supposed to be hard at studying, claiming that he’s forgotten something. Lee Tae-ri’s kiss - without which he couldn’t concentrate. Aww. He kissed her lightly before taking his leave.

Min-soo is tending to Seung-jae at the hospital when Coach arrives as well. Min-soo is frustrated that Seung-jae tried to kill himself drinking kiwi. Even more confusing is the fact that Tae-ri didn’t contact him and faced Seung-jae alone. Coach offers his two cents – Seung-jae was trying to appeal to her motherly instinct in a last ditch attempt to win her heart. Min-soo finds it hard to believe that Seung-jae loves Tae-ri and yet he continues to hurt her. Love guru, Coach explains that their sorrowful situation is due to them running between ambition and love. Min-soo does not concur: “Is love a sports event? A marathon? Why practice running with love. It’s totally childish.”

Min-soo tries to rouse a sleeping Seung-jae into explaining himself. Coach stops him and muses over his overreaction. Is he really in love with Lee Tae-ri? Min-soo is irritated – what sort of question is that? Coach shushes him, “Lee Tae-ri…What did you do to that woman with a foreign country name?” Min-soo recalls himself hugging Tae-ri in their first meeting and clears his throat uncomfortably. To the sleeping Seung-jae, he warns him not to die. He needs him to get well soon so they could fight it out. Coach watches him curiously, arched eyebrows and all.

Tae-ri shows up before her swimming uncle, her unexpected presence startling him. She hands over a fax from Milan which he reads and then splutters in disbelief. The fax contains opposing evidence of how he overthrew Paul from his position as Curator of Daedong Museum. She plans to clear his Paul’s name of the false accusations. Basically, she will make sure that Paul returns to the museum where he will continue the repair work on the Sun Clock. Mr. VP tears the fax but Tae-ri has come prepared – she made lots of copies for him to tear to his heart’s content. Heh. Mr.VP insists that Paul can’t come back, which is precisely why Tae-ri wants him back. Paul would be her only ally and one who won’t cower to uncle. VP tries to threaten her with Seung-jae. Tae-ri says she’s over him, but she’s thankful that his intervention allowed her to meet a man she used to love in this way. She will definitely return the favor. As a parting repartee, she vows that she will stop his plans to close down the museum, so he’d better work hard too.

In the morning, Coach quickly wakes Seung-jae as Min-soo takes a leak. Seung-jae receives a call from VP and leaves immediately with Coach’s helmet. Eee? Why is Coach assisting him? Min-soo tags along, still unsuspecting of the coach’s role in this.

Secretary Hong informs Tae-ri that Paul has already arrived, but unfortunately there is some problem regarding that thing they have couriered.

Seung-jae barks into the phone, angry that the thing has arrived after all and instructs his underlings to move the thing to the CLS group. The helmet Coach provided comes with a bicycle. Lol. Min-soo also receives a call from Tae-ri who instructs him to stop Seung-jae at all cost. She’s returning to the Group before they can hide the thing again. That thing is important to repair the Sun Clock.

Min-soo rogers that and immediately runs after Seung-jae who’s already cycling away. He manages to keep close but when he almost loses Seung-jae, Min-soo shouts aloud that the helmet guy is Heart’s boyfriend. The curious public immediately forms a line to prevent Seung-jae’s escape. He falls and the crowd mobs him. Min-soo takes over the bike and heads for the Group, where Seung-jae’s right man is heading to as well with that “thing”.

Min-soo catches hold of the man and deposits them, man and box, to Tae-ri and Paul. Secretory Hong takes the box from the man, who only released it after being tickled by Min-soo, and passes it to Tae-ri. Tae-ri introduces Min-soo to Paul, DaeDong Museum’s first curator. Paul has been studying the Sun clock for a long time and will be able to repair it. Paul is curious about Seung-jae’s absence but Tae-ri assures him that Seung-jae has been properly taken care of by Min-soo。

Our asthmatic VP is extremely displeased that Seung-jae got himself kicked out of the museum. He’s thinking maybe Seung-jae is reserving that position for Tae-ri. Bottomline, he wants Seung-jae to wrestle back the curator’s position or spend the rest of his life begging for Tae-ri’s distant heart to return to him.

That “thing” is finally unveiled and it’s a book! (That’s it??? What’s with the gigantic box?) That all important book records the principles and the construction process of the Sun clock. Min-soo asks eagerly if the book can tell them who sabotaged the Sun clock. Paul explains that the Sun clock represents top-notched science derived from the most basic of natural phenomenon. On top of that, it also possesses mysterious significance as a talisman. He’s certain that when the Sun clock changed, something else also changed. Min-soo immediately links that to his physical change.

AppleHead’s manager is throwing a fit. He wants Soon-sim to retire from the group for defiling their name. Soon-sim is incredulous but Manager is pissed. The media is claiming that she’s been cohabitating with Seung-jae which is a big no-no for artists in a relationship. Soon-sim explains that Helmet man is just a promotional gimmick for the museum. Manager is unconvinced and instructs Hong-sil to take over as leader of the group. Mi-mi is not pleased with that but the other member sides with Hong-sil. Manager then throws a stern warning about the non-dating rule, whoever gets caught dating will be kicked out. To Soon-sim, he declares that all her activities will be stopped pronto and she is to reflect on her mistakes at home.

Wining by the pool, Tae-ri informs Min-soo that he’s officially graduated from his fly swatting days. Min-soo asks if he’s being sacked. Before Tae-ri could answer, Seung-jae gate-crashed their little party with a bouquet of flowers for Tae-ri and a bottle of wine. He tells Min-soo that his function as a swatter is no longer needed since Seung-jae no longer works at the museum. Tae-ri is wary of his presence but he tells her he’s come to see her and will continue to do so in future. Min-soo thinks Seung-jae means to continue pestering Tae-ri. He will see that Seung-jae doesn’t, as a man to a man.

They then proceed to one-up each other by pouring each other wine while an exasperated Tae-ri watches. Half-drunk, Min-soo tells Seung-jae to give up on Tae-ri but Seung-jae has faith in his past with Tae-ri. He’s managed to come thus far because he’s set his sight on Tae-ri. But what of Min-soo? Why is he tagging behind Tae-ri? Min-soo declares smilingly that Tae-ri is pretty. Seung-jae gripes regretfully that he didn’t have Min-soo’s confidence when he was 25 years old. Min-soo stops him from wallowing further in self-pity – “a man should only shed tears once in his life”. Tae-ri has had enough and rises to leave. Min-soo grabs hold of her and asks sadly if she no longer needs him. She keeps quiet and Min-soo passes out drunk. Moments later, Seung-jae follows suit.

Early next morning, Seung-jae challenges Min-soo at swimming, even though he knows that he can’t. Still, Seung-jae thinks Min-soo should at least be able to save Tae-ri from drowning should the occasion arise. Tae-ri calls him out for being childish but Seung-jae continues to goad Min-soo: “Who knows? A miracle might happen due to your earnest affection for Tae-ri.”Min-soo is all fired up and agrees to the challenge.

But once in position, Min-soo begins to doubt himself. He decides to hell with it and plans to give it his best shot. They jump in and Min-soo immediately discovers that he can swim perfectly well. Initially lagging behind, he catches up in the last moments and wins over Seung-jae to the relief of Tae-ri。

Min-soo runs up to Tae-ri, lifts her up and swings her around in jubilation. Tae-ri laughs giddily, sharing his happiness. Seung-jae is all sour-faced. Hah.

At the museum, Tae-ri tells Min-soo she’s decided to appoint him as supervisor now that he’s graduated from flyswatter. Min-soo asks if it’s a high ranking position, having no idea what the post means. Tae-ri tells him it’s low-ranking position and he’s immediately concerned if his position is lower than that of Seung-jae. It most definitely is, and Min-soo grumbles he’d rather remain as a flyswatter then. Hah. Even though he’s been hired by Tae-ri, she wants him to work hard and earn the trust of the seniors through hard work and results. 

Worse, he learns that he’s the maknae in the museum and whines that he would prefer to take the post Seung-jae vacated. Tae-ri explains patiently that that sort of rise requires almost ten years of hard work. She promises to watch over him and tells him to work at it slowly. Min-soo asks exasperatedly if she expects him to remain by her side like this for ten years and deflates when she admits so. Min-soo grudgingly asks about the nature of his new job.

He’s ecstatic to learn that he would only be watching over the Sun-clock. And also to assist Paul during his restoration efforts. Min-soo asks for a favour – find three standby replacements for his position. As back-ups, not unlike during swimming competition. (Aw…he’s already thinking ahead to the moment he would transform back) But Tae-ri refuses his request, she never wants him replaced. She offers to treat him for dinner tonight in celebration of his new position and instructs him to clear the name plate in Seung-jae’s room. Paul would be using that room.

Min-soo is surprised to find a kneeling Coach in Seung-jae’s room. Coach quickly lies that he’s here to surprise him. Min-soo is moved by this show of brotherly love. Coach inquires about Seung-jae and Eun-dong gloats that he’s kicked Seung-jae out. More amazingly, he’s rediscovered his swimming form. Coach asks incredulously if he’s swum his way to Seung-jae’s position. Disheartened, Min-soo explains he’s just a lowly supervisor and Tae-ri expects him to stay by her side for 10 years. Coach opines that Tae-ri has found out about his real age. So even though she likes him, he’s still just a 14 year old. But she is loathed to separate from him, that’s why she plans to use 10 years to nurture his potential. Min-soo thinks that’s a load of bullshit, why would she assign him to the Sun clock if she knew.

Speaking of which, Coach feels the signs are all good- he can swim again, he’s in close proximity with the clock and his mum came by today. Mum came by? Why? Grandpa found out Eun-dong’s left home and is staging a starving protest. Min-soo is worried but he’s tied up because he’s got a dinner date with Tae-ri. He wants Coach to call his mum…

Min-soo drops in on Tae-ri to inform her of a change of plans. He wants to treat her instead – to a traditional home-cooked meal. He assures her that he’s made reservation and the family are kind folks.

Grandpa is still stubbornly refusing to eat until Eun-dong is found. He’s also upset that Eun-don’s fiancée is rumoured to be dating someone else. Just then, Min-soo arrives with Tae-ri and everyone is on alert mode recognizing him as the thief. Min-soo introduces himself as Coach’s brother and apologizes for trespassing earlier. Because Eun-dong never showed up for training, his brother has instructed him to check on the family.

Min-soo tries to change the awkward atmosphere by introducing Tae-ri. Dad is impressed with her rich status while Grandpa asks if she’s really famous. Min-soo assures him she is and grandpa immediately beseeches her to look for his Eun-dong, offering all his money. Aww…Grandpa faints mid-sentence and the anxious Min-soo forgets himself and asks “mum” to get grandpa some food. Mum notices his familiarity and stares at him curiously.

Elsewhere, Soon-sim is locked up in her room by grandma. Her mood worsens as she reads about Tae-ri being happy over the increased interest in the Sun clock. She lies down but finds herself thinking of Min-soo. She makes a phone call, demanding to be comforted by someone she addresses as leader. Hong-sil?

Grandpa is still sulking and refusing to eat. Tae-ri suddenly speaks up and says she’s disappointed in grandpa. How does he plan to meet his grandchild if he’s so weak? Everyone else is shocked by her tone but Tae-ri reminds him that his grandchild would have no one to depend on in this corrupted world. Grandpa bites the bait and starts eating. As an added incentive for finishing his rice, Tae-ri promises to play with him after, some sort of game that could double the money he gave her earlier. Everyone is impressed with Tae-ri and grandpa eats eagerly.

 Relieved, everyone starts eating as well. Min-soo in particular praises mum’s cooking. Mum couldn’t shake away the strange sensation that Min-soo looks and acts like her son – from his shiny lashes, handsome nose, red thick lips and…shoulder! Mum tries to check his shoulder for his birthmark but her rash actions alarm everyone.

When they take their leaves, mum apologizes for her behavior, explaining that he resembles her son a lot. Min-soo could not suppress his longing and embraces mum. When dad tries to part them, he wraps his arm around him as well. Dad finally pushes him away and invites Tae-ri to come by more often. Mum also welcomes Min-soo to visit often. Min-soo leaves reluctantly with Tae-ri.

Dad is jealous that mum is paying way too much attention to Min-soo and mum’s vague mutterings about being irresistibly drawn to Min-soo doesn’t help. She mumbles that she should have opened his shirt and checked his shoulder. Dad is upset and asks her to consider his shoulder. She used to say his shoulder is sexy. A distracted mum pays no heed to him and he vows to impress her with his shoulder tonight. He tries to sling her over his shoulder all macho-like but fails miserably. Lol.

Min-soo tries to gauge Tae-ri’s impression of the meal. Tae-ri enjoyed it and thinks it’s good enough for occasional visits. Satisfied, Min-soo says he’s grateful to Eun-dong for making it possible for them to enjoy this delightful meal. He even praises the supposedly heretofore unseen Eun-dong for being cute and adorable. Tae-ri concedes that the name, Eun-dong sounds approachable. Min-soo could tell that dad and grandpa is besotted with Tae-ri. When the men in his family are happy, their lips curve up nonstop like dolpins. His family? Min-soo improvises…men of their nation.

Tae-ri bids goodbye but Min-soo stops her and blows a flying kiss. Muahahaha.  It’s his version of a goodnight kiss, Italy-style. Tae-ri demonstrates the real deal by kissing him on both cheeks. Tae-ri leaves him startled and speechless. Min-soo calms his pounding heart, lightly touches his cheeks then wheels around in giddy happiness.

Min-soo returns home to find Coach kneeling before Seung-jae. Seung-jae tells him that Coach has received money from VP with the condition to take him away from Tae-ri. And he’s already spent a portion of it. Worse than Coach’s betrayal is the bombshell Seung-jae drops next. Coach receiving the money is equivalent to him receiving the money and he could no longer claim to be innocent before Tae-ri. Seung-jae advises him to leave quietly if he does not wish to hurt Tae-ri. Min-soo calls him a bad guy but Seung-jae claims to be otherwise. He’s offering him a last chance to leave with his pride intact and without causing hurt to Tae-ri. (Oh we’re there already? Noble idiocy?)

Left alone, Min-soo finally confronts Coach for betraying him. Coach explains that he only accepted it thinking it’s just to coach Soo bin, but VP suddenly made him take Min-soo away. And since he’s been jobless, he needed to money for the rent and to feed them both. But that still doesn’t explains the amount of money he used. Coach reveals that his parents’ stables collapsed and he couldn’t just ignore that as a son. Min-soo leaves the house upset and disappointed.

Meanwhile, Hong-sil turns weak when Soon-sim suggests that they out her secret of hiding her true age to nullify her own rumours. But that’s not her true intention. She tells Hong-sil to contact Tae-ri and convey her message to her. If Hwang Min-soo calls her, Hong-sil is saved. (Grr…now she’s going to be all bitchy and manipulative again ?!! This time for Min-soo? Oh my lordy. When will she ever learn?)

Tae-ri is still basking in the memory of the kiss that she even praises her reflection for being prettier recently. The doorbell rings and it’s…Min-soo. 

He confides that his brother has betrayed him. His heart hurts, he can’t go home and he can’t even tell his mum. Tae-ri supports his decision – it’s a lack of filial piety to tell on your brother to the mum. Min-soo tells her resolutely that he can’t leave like this. Tae-ri says reassuringly, “Why should you have to leave? I don’t know how your brother betrayed you, but you must be strong. That way, you will meet those who’ll treat you like a real family”. Min-soo rests his head on her shoulder and Tae-ri pats him comfortingly. 

He starts to sob real hard and Tae-ri holds his head firmly between her hands and instructs him to take deep breaths.

His sobs quiet gradually and they are left staring into each other’s eyes, inching closer and closer…..

Thoughts:

It’s here, whether or not you can accept it. Eun-dong aka Min-soo feels something more than a simple noona affection for Tae-ri. I don’t feel grossed out as yet seeing Kim Ki-bum with Park Ye-jin but I couldn’t stop imagining the 14 year old version of Eun-dong with Tae-ri.  And can we stop with the meddling now? Seung-jae and Soon-sim, I feel like I wanna seat you both before me and give you two a long lecture on the proper way to love – kdrama style. Besides accumulating bad impressions, you two succeed in nothing else. Sigh. Even Coach is disappointing me. And by the way, that’s a real weak noble idiocy excuse. You can EXPLAIN you know.