I also share your sentiment that there will be a S3 because there is a lot of foreshadowing about a wingar marriage but with how things are going, it looks like it is not possible this season. I am honestly also at a loss with how things are going to end LOL...
My head is literally swimming with all the different possibilities but I am constantly reminding myself to just sit back and be patient for whatever's coming 😂 case in point, the Gyeoul reveal to Jeongwon really exceeded my expectations. I owe ShinLee an apology for wanting Jeongwon to finally explode and confront Gyeoul. What went down in ep 10 is way better than whatever I thought of 😅 the biblical verse "love is patient, love is kind" truly exemplified
OMG same. I am absolutely DEVASTATED by the hug scene. Gyeoul’s microexpressions before running into Jeongwon’s arms, how realization washed over JW’s face so he put his arms around her, Gyeoul’s angry cry and JW tightening his arms around her 😭 That scene was so well done :((
Also idk if I am the only one noticing it but recently, the previews do not turn out to be scams anymore.
It was truly a both painful and lovely scene to have Gyeoul breaking down and Jeongwon being there to catch her. I must say her crying was quite raw as visceral in that scene that it startled me. I'm so used to the usual kdrama female lead pretty/silent crying.
True! It was a cry that’s full of frustrations and bottled up emotions. 😭😭😭
I’ve actually read some criticisms on SHB’s acting on this scene.
Beneath her brave and strong facade was a woman who has gone true so much suffering ever since she was a child. How do they expect someone like that to breakdown?
I like SHB as an actress, so maybe there’ll be some bias; but I think they (SHB and ShinLee) were able to express Gyeoul’s raw emotions and fragility in this particular scene very well…after all, more than anyone, they’re the ones who understand Gyeoul best.
I think it's very difficult for Gyeo-ul to express her feelings in the way let's say Min-ha does because stoicism has become her default position through the years. It's a response to growing up with domestic violence and having no one to turn to. This has gone on for decades and the implications are stunning.
If people think that Gyeo-ul's story could be conveyed so effectively in three dialogues and one silent scene by some other actress, without tragic background music or a triggering flashback, they should think again.
Shin Hyun-been killed her scenes.
And her breakdown - well, tmi, I had those. They are not pretty. at. all.
The raw and guttural cries are aligned with the character of Gyeoul, someone who is not used to expressing big emotions.
The one thing that is really sad but realistically and subtly touched by HP is the self-worth issues even in adulthood that kids exposed to DV faces. Gyeoul is so willing to accept all the faults and toggles between indifference or numbness to living with an excessive amount of guilt; while Gaeul can so easily think lowly of himself with words like loser, insecure.
"I like SHB as an actress, so maybe there’ll be some bias; but I think they (SHB and ShinLee) were able to express Gyeoul’s raw emotions and fragility in this particular scene very well…after all, more than anyone, they’re the ones who understand Gyeoul best."
-> same here. I strongly believe that it intentionally acted and filmed in that way by both the director and actress. I chanced across a post about the knetizens negative comments on SHB's acting in the 3 emotional scenes... but I still couldn't see how SHB did not do justice to the scenes. Having been accustomed to pretty female kdrama crying scenes, the GS scene startled me but by no means do I agree that it was not fitting. In her scenes with her brother and in the staircase, I think she also did pretty well in showing her pent-up frustrations and sadness
This also assumes that there is only one way of crying which is rather absurd to my mind. Crying is as much an expression of personality as it is of deep emotion.
Same sentiments here! After watching S2E10, I just realized that through Gyeoul and Jeongwon’s story, ShinLee is able to portray love as described by 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 😭😭😭
I'm so glad you said that because the WinterGarden dynamic with all its baggage has always exemplified the very Christian concept of grace. That is in stark contrast with Ga-eul's relationship with his ex and her family. Rosa and Jeong-won's acceptance of Gyeo-ul of who she is has always been for me a highlight of the show.
I read this tweet mentioning how in fact WG are quite good and adept in communicating. Gyeoul's honesty and JW's sensitivity, somehow works and we don't get noble idiocy in how they handle their relationship.
Gyeoul is a character that is quite good in communicating her inner thoughts in a timely manner. She is a character that is honest, maybe to a fault; and gives her reasons for her actions in her own time. At the peak of the issues with her Mom, she told both JW and MH that she'll them everything. And a month after, she opened up to JW and mentioned that she'd spend less time with him as a result. She could have cowered after listening to Gaeul's engagement, but she has always believed in truthfulness and openness. As for the year that she didn't share the DV with JW, she said it -she believed (or wanted to believe) that things are okay in the home front.
And Jeongwon, his sensitivity and empathy are really off the charts. "Don't beat yourself up", those words were just the right words for a wounded Gyeoul. Also, he walks the talks, when he said seeing Gyeoul at the hospital is happiness enough for him he meant it. We see him lounging in the GS office, when he never did that, and easy to conclude that he was there just to be within the vicinity of Gyeoul.
Count me in, I owe an apology for ShinLee.. lol. In my case, I thought they won’t go this detailed with Gyeoul’s background story. Turned out they gave us two, one with Gaeul and then with Jeongwon! And they way she explained it to Jeongwon, is sooo Gyeoul.. straight, to the point, and in a calm manner.
Her crying scene was really heartbreaking and we were all waiting to this moment when she finally breaks down. But honestly, my favorite WinGar scene this week is no doubt the restaurant one. She explained it really well and god, Jeongwon, thank you for patiently waiting until she finished. Idk but it shows how much he respects her decision to finally tell the truth now and he is all here to listen. The moment she said her father is abusive, look at his face... gawd😭
I’m not gonna lie my heart stopped for a moment when Gyeoul said she will only think about her mom for the time being and go to the noble idiocy route😖 Thank god it is not... I love her for coming clear to tell him what’s her priority right now and she realizes they will spend less time together.
I feel like she held her breath during the whole convo and finally let it out after hearing his thoughts and before he caressed her face🥺🥺🥺
the framing of the scene was excellent as well. Gyeoul looked like she was caged in by the window frames while Jeongwon extended his arm past those frames towards her 🥺❤️
She looked so exhausted but also relieved at the end of the conversation. It must have been tiring to process all those emotions and not being able to speak openly with JW until now. Kudos to shb again that she is willing to show herself as GU in this natural, unkept, appearance. It was just as mesmerizing as any glamorously made up female lead.
I really think now that she was not trying to hide things from JW in the past year, first she probably was really in denial and hoping that her mom had not been lying and the abuse had stopped. The call from GJ made her realize the truth and the gravity of the abuse, so her priority was to take care of her mom before everything else. And it makes sense now that she needed the time, but she did not let him wait in vain. She was able to tell him everything thru her calm words and pains in her eyes, and JW was so good in pointing out that she should not blame herself. I also saw that she was holding her breath and also wondered if she would use having to focus on her mom and segue into an out for him from their relationship. I am glad that she did not. But I felt that when she finished her part, she did hold her breath for a second when JW called her name (right before he said not to blame yourself) and there was that micro second of fear in her eyes that he would actually want to distant himself from her, just like Gaeul's gf. Then her relief w/ her tough shell broken down when he told her not to blame herself. The love and support, and hurt she experienced and the pain he felt for her were all delicately expressed with their facial changes.
Absolutely no need for an apology! Life happens ❤️
There was so much going on in ep 10 that I too am at a lost as to how season 2 will be wrapped up. I must say I did not see their cover of an English song coming, let alone Bon Jovi's 'It's my life'!! Have to say it's an excellent choice with what down in ep 10.
- Iksun owned up to her lies and feelings
- Ikjun being increasingly open with his feelings towards Songhwa
- Jongsu really taking up cooking just like he said he would! Hehehe too cute, I really adore him and Rosa together
- The Jang siblings making a tough decision at such a young age in the search of a better and safer life
Timely reminder as well to everyone out there hesitating on trying new things or making big decisions. "It's not or never, I ain't gonna leave forever". Hospital playlist is still going on strong for me as a truly healing slice of life kdrama.
Side note: Hosplay team apparently put up a survey asking viewers to share their thoughts on the drama (eg. What were their favourite scenes, fav characters or couple etc) which seemed to me to be some sort of market research for season 3 or possibly some tweaks to the last 2 episodes since they're on a break next week?
i saw the survey and was wondering if they are gathering thoughts for Season 3, haha. I remain hopeful that it will happen since there are more stories to tell. I wanted so much to do the survey but I couldn't - how to choose your favourite characters and scenes? Everything has been so great, it'll be like asking me to choose my favourite child!
Iam also concerned with what they are planning to do with two eps, more likely within 4 hours or less. And with all the foreshadows, i cant accept hosplay to end without no wintergarden wedding so i am counting my luck for s3 confirmation. After what gyeoul went through and as she mentioned she never had a home, it was hell for her so wouldn't it be so beautiful to end hp making jeongwon her family and home? That's the only way i chose to accept the ending of wintergarden. Just kidding ill accept whatever shinlee want to give but a girl can hope right..😭
"After what gyeoul went through and as she mentioned she never had a home, it was hell for her so wouldn't it be so beautiful to end hp making jeongwon her family and home?"
-> OMG YES. I want my Long Winter to have a warm one now with her loving Garden. Indeed a girl can hope ;)
Me i wont accept any other ending HAHA just kidding (or not…. 🤣) I am positive that there will be a wintergarden wedding because why else would they explore a supporting character’s family background and then even show that such background ruined a wedding -> Gaeul’s GF breaking up their engagement (because the main lead wants to marry her)
TBH i want the wedding to happen this season 🥺 but ok im willing to wait hahaha And also same, i want to see Gyeoul finding her home in Jeongwon 😭
Absolutely. I think it would be a beautiful way to end the season. It would be symbolic of some kind of healing from the brokenness that she's experienced. Not that I'm advocating marriage as a one-size-fits-all panacea for emotional turmoil of course. But for her and in the context of her story with Ahn Jeong-won, there's a certain reasonableness to it.
Season 1 started with a funeral. With all the hints of a Wintergarden wedding and all the other parallels, I’m hoping for a wedding too.
Also, news article of Lee Il Hwa’s cameo came out. So far, we were only able to hear her voice. There will still be a physical cameo right? I wonder when?
I just think it’ll be funny for Jeongwon’s brother (Sung Dong Il) and her to meet at the wedding 🤣🤣🤣
Nina when I read the first sentence of your comment, my mind went overdrive and for a minute I thought, “omg so the final ep would also end with a funeral scene ???” 😅
Ohhh I am also speculating about that cameo! I am manifesting that she’ll be the one to walk Gyeoul down the aisle 😌 The credits already named her as Gyeoul’s mom …. unless Shinlee gives her a completely different role? I am not sure how things usually go in kdrama cameos but if she takes on a diff role, won’t it be confusing?
If they have a wedding, Jeongwon certainly would need to meet Gyeoul's mom and ask for her hand (to set the context: yes, a lot of Asians still do that)
Thank you for this despite your other commitments.
For all our angst that Jeongwon wasn’t asking Gyoeul to open up more, it was a slap in the face. He was consciously giving her the time and space, not because he was at a loss. Yes, his rapt listening with no interrupting was so so beautiful! But I think Gyoeul did not mention her dad’s imprisonment to JW? Oh dear, my heart goes out to her!
Liked your view on Je-haek and his wife’s situation. Je-haek’s helplessness was also understandable!
Was always wishing for Seok-hyeong and Jun-wan’s interaction, Shin-lee know exactly what we want 😀 And the contrast between friends was a nice take.
Iksun waiting for that long, apologizing - JW is not going to back off after this.
Are SH and Min-ha heading the long distance way too? 😀 But why am I not anxious even if they are.
He did his fellowship at the States, maybe the plot twist is that he would invite her to study with him there? To get away from the mom, etc. Lol, I don't know. But those two will be okay. It's not a pity date. His face really said "game over".
My head canon is their moms' meeting. Both have such an affinity for fashion, lol.
I need this battle of the moms scene hahhaha. Nothing angsty or makjang, perhaps in the similar vein of Ikjun and Iksun's rap battle "argument" with passive-aggressive tones of "so you think my child is not good enough for yours?" LOL
Me too!! Trust Minha's mum to read the situation wrongly just like her daughter sometimes does hahaha. Perfect casting of Jang Hye Jin as Minha's mother.
I also loved the bit where Seokhyung mistook Cheolu to be Minha's brother, the poker face Minha's dad had when he corrected him and Seokhyung's shocked face at his blunder HAHAH. I think Seokhyung's mind must have be whirling with the entire day's events that he hardly was able to sleep.
"Was always wishing for Seok-hyeong and Jun-wan’s interaction, Shin-lee know exactly what we want 😀 And the contrast between friends was a nice take.">> I love those scenes so much, and despite these 2 unlikely pairings and that they have so little in common, I love love, love, LOVE that Junwan told Jaehaek to trust that Seokhyung to convince his wife to get the chemo. Those 2 may be so different, but Junwan knows his friend's heart and is convinced he can do the job.
Seeing Min Ha’s mom I instantly remembered the over done make up when the same actress (of Parasite fame) played Seo Dan’s mom in CLOY and went to meet Captain Ri’s parents. Is it gonna be fireworks when she meets Seok Hyung’s mom. But cause it’s Shin Lee it will be too funny I think!
Also appreciate SHB’s acting and being ready to ugly cry on screen. The trauma she went through it couldn’t be a very passive pretty cry scene! Also it’s childhood trauma years and years of it, so ugly loud cry is pretty realistic. In real life, most people would ugly cry with even a tenth of the trauma she has gone through. I think the subdued no make up look, repetitive almost unisex dressing style and raw emotions takes guts for any female actor. It speaks volumes of her commitment to the character and to her craft.
I really admire Jeong Won for his commitment to his ethics and life lessons. He may have not become a priest but he does still apply all the lessons of empathy, dignity, patience, love and humanity 💛 I think he chose a different way of societal and family life but he still serves the people around him, his patients and many more people via his daddy long legs initiative and a children’s hospital in the future.
Seriously, I’ll always be in awe of all the symbolisms they used in this show. I think everything about Hospital Playlist, since Season 1, were done deliberately. Everything just connects. Everything has its purpose. All we have to do is to wait how everything will unfold.
Sometimes, when I look at it carefully, it’s just - GOOSEBUMPS.
Even Jang Gyeoul’s name which literally means “long winter” seems to symbolize how she’s been enduring a long, cold winter ever since she was a child. I never thought Ikjun’s “Long Winter seonsaeng” in Season 1 Episode 2 was a hint to her arc. 😭🤧
Seriously, the whole production team deserves recognition for this excellent show.
Didn’t think of it that way! But could be! I interpreted it as her trapped in a box/shell and Jeong Won reaching out and saving her/ helping her to get out of it. Somewhat like Min Ha helping Seok Hyung come out of his shell. But yes the way it was shot did seem intentional for sure.
omg yes I literally just typed the same thing. The framing of the scene was so well done, Jeongwon reaching out past those walls to comfort her and assure her that he will be right there for her. HosPlay entire cast and production team absolutely deserves recognition.
Thank you again for another lovely post! I too am holding out hope for Season 3... there's so many threads that I can't see as possible to wrap up in the remaining two episodes!
On the topic of WinterGarden, I just loved Gyeoul's phone conversation with her mom in the stairwell and her subsequent breakdown upon seeing Jeongwon. I think it perfectly encapsulated how hard it must have been for her since her mom's surgery and her dad's arrest - as you point out, guilt, guilt and more guilt. (Credits to Shin Hyunbeen for her nuance in acting!) I also really appreciated Jeongwon not swooping in to "save" her from the situation - at least for Jeongwon I'm guessing it must have been difficult for him to recognise that it's not his burden to bear and fix right now, given how meticulous he is with everything else.
Was also pleasantly surprised by JunSun restaurant conversation! I had tried to imagine how it would go many times, and Kwak SunYoung/Jung KyungHo and ShinLee just nailed the writing and delivery.
Also loved Seokhyeong asking Minha out! Gotta say that I really have a soft spot for Kim Daemyung's 'gentle' acting... his casual invitation and Minha's reaction was on point! Looking forward to their date in two weeks!
Thank you again for taking the time to write such a great post and hope you have the time to take a good break after this!
Thank you for the post and please take care of yourself !
About the episode, although I am a huge WinterGarden fan myself, I am disappointed that one of the important highlights of the episode is not talked about. I'm talking about the conversation between SeokHyung and JaeHak and his wife. That was, according to me, a classic lesson of understanding. SH firmly yet very gently refused to accept the decision taken by the mother and gave her a whole different perspective which, if I may add, was not given importance to by the breast surgeon.
Kudos to Kim DaeMyung here for serving us Prof. Yang SH, an introvert, anti social doctor with heavy family baggage, but can be this gentle human with a heart of gold.
I agree, that was certainly a highlight. To be honest, the episode was so good all around, I don't even want to discuss it in detail. I liked everything. Every scene, every beay, every piece of dialogue, and I just quietly rewatch it every day. Much like s01e10, this is certainly my favorite episode, for it is very frank, very straightforward, very emotion-packed and very effective. We've been fed well. 🤗
I'm with you on how good the episode was and how everything just flowed beautifully. The connections and interconnections were well-made all throughout. For me at least the last 3 episodes have been stellar examples of great storytelling.
Not talked about here or not talked about in general? ;)
It's certainly the case that he's offering her a different perspective on the issue. For most people talk of cancer sounds like a death knell and it puts them into a zero-sum mindset. But it isn't just Mrs Jae-hak that was thinking in that way. It was Jae-hak too. They were both under the impression that it had to be one or the other.
What's also interesting is that it shows how much medical science has progressed in that regard that these kinds of options are available to people living with certain types of conditions.
Thank you for still posting albeit your exhausting week. Ppl usually dread jury duties here so I am glad you had a good experience.
I hope we would have S3 since I also do not see how they could wrap up all the storylines in two episode, but think can also move fast when all parties are ready and all hearts are willing... But I really want to see how the couples navigate marriages and careers at the same time, esp for GU & JW, so my fingers are crossed for S3 as well.
I was super impressed by Minha's parents, esp her mom. Knowing who the actress was her delivery came with no surprise, but still, she also made me just think "that is Minha's mom" the whole time and not in any second I thought her as the other famous characters she has played.
The liver transplant friend duo as a parallel to JWan + SeokHyeong was also very fun. As much as they bickered, I saw real trust & respect, and commitment for a lifelong friendship thru how JWan talked about SeokHyeong in his calls with Jae-Hak. I now wonder when it comes to JWan's wedding who would we see collecting the gift money 🤣.
Speaking of Jae-Hak, I love his interaction w/ his wife (he now might have surpassed others and is the most ideal partner goal in the show). How he cared for and worried about her, and how he is just genuinely delighted by her presence all touched me. But what impressed me even more is how much respect he gave to his wife regarding her health care decisions. She was able to be the one who made the final call (although who can question SeokHyeong; he was awesome!), not him. I am actually seeing parallel between them and GW esp the latter part of the episode. As crazy about executive decision making and execution as JW is, he waited and listened. Even when GU ran into his arms, he hesitated and did not jump directly into the protective "let-me-take-care-of-you" bf. It also appeared that even after the crying and hug she did not tell him the story and waited until she was ready to articulate during the dinner, so he also just served as a hug-provider-when-needed without pressuring her to talk. You can also tell that he has been telling GU everything, big or small, even the crazy idea of getting leather pants (and I'd like to think he did it on purpose just to see her laugh and allow her to forget about reality a little). He must have also sensed her fear after she told him all her family by not only telling her not to blame herself, but also telling her and showing her how much he appreciates their weekly date, as well as any little time together in the hospital; unlike Gaeul's fiancée, JW is committed to her and that has not changed a bit (or even more strengthened) after her backstory was revealed. The GS office jealousy scene was funny, but I think the even sweeter message was that JW was there just to be close to GU, not for anything else. And I bet we will be seeing him there quite a lot more from now on 🤣.
Take care and I hope you have a more relaxed week coming!
Hopefully it will be incentive enough to get them both handing out invitations for the much anticipated stroll down the aisle with wedding bells ringing in the background.
That would be very sweet😍. Or at least it would push them to be open about their relationship soon. I understand that realistically it might take a while for GU to focus on her mom and also for things to settle at home (I suspect, esp in real life, having the dad temporarily in jail won't be the end of it), but I kept thinking about JW's age... he does not look like it, but he is supposedly 42 already🤣, and it would be nice for Rosa to have grandchildren to play with soon.
Someone posted on twitter (bless his/her heart I couldn't remember the twitter handle 🙁) that Jeongwon may have gone all out for the band costume so later on he can send a photo of him to Gyeoul thinking it would crack her up
I have so much I wanna say about this (another) monster episode... I'll come back for a longer comment but DAMN IT, WHERE CAN I PREORDER AN AHN JEONGWON?
(Hahahaha)
P/S: thanks 40something ajumma for taking the time out to pen this!
OK, I actually went back and read all your comments. I love love love this HP2 viewers community, haha. You guys are so reasonable!
There were so many things happening in Ep 10... these are what I loved most:
- As I've mentioned in the other comments I have posted, the 3 scenes revealing Gyeoul's backstory was fantastic. No drama, just plain talk.
- I loved how Iksun finally owned up to her mistake and apologise. Man, this is the kind of convo I wished I had with all my exes :) so adult.
I now wonder if they will show us more of what happened after Junwan's "Can you pretend nothing happened between us? / I don't think I can do it." How did that convo end?
- I loved how Seokhyung convinced Jaehaek's wife to accept the chemo treatment. And how much trust Junwan have in Seokhyung (even though they fight over the remote control). They are kind of like the 2 liver donation friends, right? Even down to one being slim and tall, and the other more rotund :)
- Can't wait to see what happens with Gom-Gom couple
- And I hope that ending pointing to possibly Ikjun's injury is a fake out by Shin x Lee. I'm surprisingly calm about it, even though we have to wait 14 days to see what it is all about.
Take good care of yourself! And thank you for another wonderful opinion piece! <3 It was well worth the wait!
+1
Glad you think so. Thanks!
+2..I keep refreshing my internet just to know wether you have posted something or not, glad that you did
I was refreshing my browser too.... everyday!
I also share your sentiment that there will be a S3 because there is a lot of foreshadowing about a wingar marriage but with how things are going, it looks like it is not possible this season. I am honestly also at a loss with how things are going to end LOL...
My head is literally swimming with all the different possibilities but I am constantly reminding myself to just sit back and be patient for whatever's coming 😂 case in point, the Gyeoul reveal to Jeongwon really exceeded my expectations. I owe ShinLee an apology for wanting Jeongwon to finally explode and confront Gyeoul. What went down in ep 10 is way better than whatever I thought of 😅 the biblical verse "love is patient, love is kind" truly exemplified
OMG same. I am absolutely DEVASTATED by the hug scene. Gyeoul’s microexpressions before running into Jeongwon’s arms, how realization washed over JW’s face so he put his arms around her, Gyeoul’s angry cry and JW tightening his arms around her 😭 That scene was so well done :((
Also idk if I am the only one noticing it but recently, the previews do not turn out to be scams anymore.
I think the Seoraksan hiking trip can count as a sort of scam since only 2 made it in the end 😂
and those 2 just sat in the guesthouse watching TV, eating and fighting over the remote control, haha
It was truly a both painful and lovely scene to have Gyeoul breaking down and Jeongwon being there to catch her. I must say her crying was quite raw as visceral in that scene that it startled me. I'm so used to the usual kdrama female lead pretty/silent crying.
True! It was a cry that’s full of frustrations and bottled up emotions. 😭😭😭
I’ve actually read some criticisms on SHB’s acting on this scene.
Beneath her brave and strong facade was a woman who has gone true so much suffering ever since she was a child. How do they expect someone like that to breakdown?
I like SHB as an actress, so maybe there’ll be some bias; but I think they (SHB and ShinLee) were able to express Gyeoul’s raw emotions and fragility in this particular scene very well…after all, more than anyone, they’re the ones who understand Gyeoul best.
I think it's very difficult for Gyeo-ul to express her feelings in the way let's say Min-ha does because stoicism has become her default position through the years. It's a response to growing up with domestic violence and having no one to turn to. This has gone on for decades and the implications are stunning.
True! Seems like some people couldn’t understand this; hence; the criticisms.
If people think that Gyeo-ul's story could be conveyed so effectively in three dialogues and one silent scene by some other actress, without tragic background music or a triggering flashback, they should think again.
Shin Hyun-been killed her scenes.
And her breakdown - well, tmi, I had those. They are not pretty. at. all.
The raw and guttural cries are aligned with the character of Gyeoul, someone who is not used to expressing big emotions.
The one thing that is really sad but realistically and subtly touched by HP is the self-worth issues even in adulthood that kids exposed to DV faces. Gyeoul is so willing to accept all the faults and toggles between indifference or numbness to living with an excessive amount of guilt; while Gaeul can so easily think lowly of himself with words like loser, insecure.
Oh gosh I also saw the comments. People really are more critical of actresses.
"I like SHB as an actress, so maybe there’ll be some bias; but I think they (SHB and ShinLee) were able to express Gyeoul’s raw emotions and fragility in this particular scene very well…after all, more than anyone, they’re the ones who understand Gyeoul best."
-> same here. I strongly believe that it intentionally acted and filmed in that way by both the director and actress. I chanced across a post about the knetizens negative comments on SHB's acting in the 3 emotional scenes... but I still couldn't see how SHB did not do justice to the scenes. Having been accustomed to pretty female kdrama crying scenes, the GS scene startled me but by no means do I agree that it was not fitting. In her scenes with her brother and in the staircase, I think she also did pretty well in showing her pent-up frustrations and sadness
This also assumes that there is only one way of crying which is rather absurd to my mind. Crying is as much an expression of personality as it is of deep emotion.
Same sentiments here! After watching S2E10, I just realized that through Gyeoul and Jeongwon’s story, ShinLee is able to portray love as described by 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 😭😭😭
I'm so glad you said that because the WinterGarden dynamic with all its baggage has always exemplified the very Christian concept of grace. That is in stark contrast with Ga-eul's relationship with his ex and her family. Rosa and Jeong-won's acceptance of Gyeo-ul of who she is has always been for me a highlight of the show.
I read this tweet mentioning how in fact WG are quite good and adept in communicating. Gyeoul's honesty and JW's sensitivity, somehow works and we don't get noble idiocy in how they handle their relationship.
Gyeoul is a character that is quite good in communicating her inner thoughts in a timely manner. She is a character that is honest, maybe to a fault; and gives her reasons for her actions in her own time. At the peak of the issues with her Mom, she told both JW and MH that she'll them everything. And a month after, she opened up to JW and mentioned that she'd spend less time with him as a result. She could have cowered after listening to Gaeul's engagement, but she has always believed in truthfulness and openness. As for the year that she didn't share the DV with JW, she said it -she believed (or wanted to believe) that things are okay in the home front.
And Jeongwon, his sensitivity and empathy are really off the charts. "Don't beat yourself up", those words were just the right words for a wounded Gyeoul. Also, he walks the talks, when he said seeing Gyeoul at the hospital is happiness enough for him he meant it. We see him lounging in the GS office, when he never did that, and easy to conclude that he was there just to be within the vicinity of Gyeoul.
Count me in, I owe an apology for ShinLee.. lol. In my case, I thought they won’t go this detailed with Gyeoul’s background story. Turned out they gave us two, one with Gaeul and then with Jeongwon! And they way she explained it to Jeongwon, is sooo Gyeoul.. straight, to the point, and in a calm manner.
Her crying scene was really heartbreaking and we were all waiting to this moment when she finally breaks down. But honestly, my favorite WinGar scene this week is no doubt the restaurant one. She explained it really well and god, Jeongwon, thank you for patiently waiting until she finished. Idk but it shows how much he respects her decision to finally tell the truth now and he is all here to listen. The moment she said her father is abusive, look at his face... gawd😭
I’m not gonna lie my heart stopped for a moment when Gyeoul said she will only think about her mom for the time being and go to the noble idiocy route😖 Thank god it is not... I love her for coming clear to tell him what’s her priority right now and she realizes they will spend less time together.
I feel like she held her breath during the whole convo and finally let it out after hearing his thoughts and before he caressed her face🥺🥺🥺
the framing of the scene was excellent as well. Gyeoul looked like she was caged in by the window frames while Jeongwon extended his arm past those frames towards her 🥺❤️
She looked so exhausted but also relieved at the end of the conversation. It must have been tiring to process all those emotions and not being able to speak openly with JW until now. Kudos to shb again that she is willing to show herself as GU in this natural, unkept, appearance. It was just as mesmerizing as any glamorously made up female lead.
I really think now that she was not trying to hide things from JW in the past year, first she probably was really in denial and hoping that her mom had not been lying and the abuse had stopped. The call from GJ made her realize the truth and the gravity of the abuse, so her priority was to take care of her mom before everything else. And it makes sense now that she needed the time, but she did not let him wait in vain. She was able to tell him everything thru her calm words and pains in her eyes, and JW was so good in pointing out that she should not blame herself. I also saw that she was holding her breath and also wondered if she would use having to focus on her mom and segue into an out for him from their relationship. I am glad that she did not. But I felt that when she finished her part, she did hold her breath for a second when JW called her name (right before he said not to blame yourself) and there was that micro second of fear in her eyes that he would actually want to distant himself from her, just like Gaeul's gf. Then her relief w/ her tough shell broken down when he told her not to blame herself. The love and support, and hurt she experienced and the pain he felt for her were all delicately expressed with their facial changes.
Brilliantly put. I love you. <3
Absolutely no need for an apology! Life happens ❤️
There was so much going on in ep 10 that I too am at a lost as to how season 2 will be wrapped up. I must say I did not see their cover of an English song coming, let alone Bon Jovi's 'It's my life'!! Have to say it's an excellent choice with what down in ep 10.
- Iksun owned up to her lies and feelings
- Ikjun being increasingly open with his feelings towards Songhwa
- Jongsu really taking up cooking just like he said he would! Hehehe too cute, I really adore him and Rosa together
- The Jang siblings making a tough decision at such a young age in the search of a better and safer life
Timely reminder as well to everyone out there hesitating on trying new things or making big decisions. "It's not or never, I ain't gonna leave forever". Hospital playlist is still going on strong for me as a truly healing slice of life kdrama.
Side note: Hosplay team apparently put up a survey asking viewers to share their thoughts on the drama (eg. What were their favourite scenes, fav characters or couple etc) which seemed to me to be some sort of market research for season 3 or possibly some tweaks to the last 2 episodes since they're on a break next week?
I ain't gonna live* forever 😂
i saw the survey and was wondering if they are gathering thoughts for Season 3, haha. I remain hopeful that it will happen since there are more stories to tell. I wanted so much to do the survey but I couldn't - how to choose your favourite characters and scenes? Everything has been so great, it'll be like asking me to choose my favourite child!
Iam also concerned with what they are planning to do with two eps, more likely within 4 hours or less. And with all the foreshadows, i cant accept hosplay to end without no wintergarden wedding so i am counting my luck for s3 confirmation. After what gyeoul went through and as she mentioned she never had a home, it was hell for her so wouldn't it be so beautiful to end hp making jeongwon her family and home? That's the only way i chose to accept the ending of wintergarden. Just kidding ill accept whatever shinlee want to give but a girl can hope right..😭
"After what gyeoul went through and as she mentioned she never had a home, it was hell for her so wouldn't it be so beautiful to end hp making jeongwon her family and home?"
-> OMG YES. I want my Long Winter to have a warm one now with her loving Garden. Indeed a girl can hope ;)
Me i wont accept any other ending HAHA just kidding (or not…. 🤣) I am positive that there will be a wintergarden wedding because why else would they explore a supporting character’s family background and then even show that such background ruined a wedding -> Gaeul’s GF breaking up their engagement (because the main lead wants to marry her)
TBH i want the wedding to happen this season 🥺 but ok im willing to wait hahaha And also same, i want to see Gyeoul finding her home in Jeongwon 😭
Absolutely. I think it would be a beautiful way to end the season. It would be symbolic of some kind of healing from the brokenness that she's experienced. Not that I'm advocating marriage as a one-size-fits-all panacea for emotional turmoil of course. But for her and in the context of her story with Ahn Jeong-won, there's a certain reasonableness to it.
Season 1 started with a funeral. With all the hints of a Wintergarden wedding and all the other parallels, I’m hoping for a wedding too.
Also, news article of Lee Il Hwa’s cameo came out. So far, we were only able to hear her voice. There will still be a physical cameo right? I wonder when?
I just think it’ll be funny for Jeongwon’s brother (Sung Dong Il) and her to meet at the wedding 🤣🤣🤣
Nina when I read the first sentence of your comment, my mind went overdrive and for a minute I thought, “omg so the final ep would also end with a funeral scene ???” 😅
Ohhh I am also speculating about that cameo! I am manifesting that she’ll be the one to walk Gyeoul down the aisle 😌 The credits already named her as Gyeoul’s mom …. unless Shinlee gives her a completely different role? I am not sure how things usually go in kdrama cameos but if she takes on a diff role, won’t it be confusing?
🤣🤣🤣 I’m so sorry for that first sentence 🤣
True! ShinLee would be the “trollest” of all trolls if Lee Il Hwa will play a different character in her physical cameo. 🤣🤣🤣
I hope her mom will also join the Rosa-Jung Soo-SK’s Mom circle of friends. 💕
🤣 that would be hilarious. Lovers in a past life now present-day star crossed lovers. Seems like a viable AO3 fanfic plot lololol
I’ve seen a tweet saying that Sung Dong Il might be Gyeoul’s mom’s ex before he entered priesthood 🤣🤣🤣
*Jeongwon’s brother upon meeting Gyeoul’s mom* “Have we met before? You look familiar. 🤔” 🤣
Oh I can imagine this happening 😆😆😆
If they have a wedding, Jeongwon certainly would need to meet Gyeoul's mom and ask for her hand (to set the context: yes, a lot of Asians still do that)
Thank you for this despite your other commitments.
For all our angst that Jeongwon wasn’t asking Gyoeul to open up more, it was a slap in the face. He was consciously giving her the time and space, not because he was at a loss. Yes, his rapt listening with no interrupting was so so beautiful! But I think Gyoeul did not mention her dad’s imprisonment to JW? Oh dear, my heart goes out to her!
Liked your view on Je-haek and his wife’s situation. Je-haek’s helplessness was also understandable!
Was always wishing for Seok-hyeong and Jun-wan’s interaction, Shin-lee know exactly what we want 😀 And the contrast between friends was a nice take.
Iksun waiting for that long, apologizing - JW is not going to back off after this.
Are SH and Min-ha heading the long distance way too? 😀 But why am I not anxious even if they are.
He did his fellowship at the States, maybe the plot twist is that he would invite her to study with him there? To get away from the mom, etc. Lol, I don't know. But those two will be okay. It's not a pity date. His face really said "game over".
My head canon is their moms' meeting. Both have such an affinity for fashion, lol.
Ha ha ha!
I need this battle of the moms scene hahhaha. Nothing angsty or makjang, perhaps in the similar vein of Ikjun and Iksun's rap battle "argument" with passive-aggressive tones of "so you think my child is not good enough for yours?" LOL
I died at the polar bear/regular bear discussion. Died when the mom took Junwan's trembling hand in hers and asked him to take care of her daughter.
The battle would be so epic. Season 3, please.
Me too!! Trust Minha's mum to read the situation wrongly just like her daughter sometimes does hahaha. Perfect casting of Jang Hye Jin as Minha's mother.
I also loved the bit where Seokhyung mistook Cheolu to be Minha's brother, the poker face Minha's dad had when he corrected him and Seokhyung's shocked face at his blunder HAHAH. I think Seokhyung's mind must have be whirling with the entire day's events that he hardly was able to sleep.
Ha ha..The day didn’t turn out to be a break for SH. And agree, perfect casting!
"Trust Minha's mum to read the situation wrongly just like her daughter sometimes does hahaha. " - this is so on point! 😆
"Was always wishing for Seok-hyeong and Jun-wan’s interaction, Shin-lee know exactly what we want 😀 And the contrast between friends was a nice take.">> I love those scenes so much, and despite these 2 unlikely pairings and that they have so little in common, I love love, love, LOVE that Junwan told Jaehaek to trust that Seokhyung to convince his wife to get the chemo. Those 2 may be so different, but Junwan knows his friend's heart and is convinced he can do the job.
Seeing Min Ha’s mom I instantly remembered the over done make up when the same actress (of Parasite fame) played Seo Dan’s mom in CLOY and went to meet Captain Ri’s parents. Is it gonna be fireworks when she meets Seok Hyung’s mom. But cause it’s Shin Lee it will be too funny I think!
Also appreciate SHB’s acting and being ready to ugly cry on screen. The trauma she went through it couldn’t be a very passive pretty cry scene! Also it’s childhood trauma years and years of it, so ugly loud cry is pretty realistic. In real life, most people would ugly cry with even a tenth of the trauma she has gone through. I think the subdued no make up look, repetitive almost unisex dressing style and raw emotions takes guts for any female actor. It speaks volumes of her commitment to the character and to her craft.
I really admire Jeong Won for his commitment to his ethics and life lessons. He may have not become a priest but he does still apply all the lessons of empathy, dignity, patience, love and humanity 💛 I think he chose a different way of societal and family life but he still serves the people around him, his patients and many more people via his daddy long legs initiative and a children’s hospital in the future.
Gyeo-ul's confession really felt like a confession, didn't it? They even framed the pair as if there was a wall of a confessional between them.
OMG. 😳 This!
Seriously, I’ll always be in awe of all the symbolisms they used in this show. I think everything about Hospital Playlist, since Season 1, were done deliberately. Everything just connects. Everything has its purpose. All we have to do is to wait how everything will unfold.
Sometimes, when I look at it carefully, it’s just - GOOSEBUMPS.
Even Jang Gyeoul’s name which literally means “long winter” seems to symbolize how she’s been enduring a long, cold winter ever since she was a child. I never thought Ikjun’s “Long Winter seonsaeng” in Season 1 Episode 2 was a hint to her arc. 😭🤧
Seriously, the whole production team deserves recognition for this excellent show.
Yes, metaphors and symbolism are beautifully done in HP! How much thought and work must have gone into it baffles me.
Didn’t think of it that way! But could be! I interpreted it as her trapped in a box/shell and Jeong Won reaching out and saving her/ helping her to get out of it. Somewhat like Min Ha helping Seok Hyung come out of his shell. But yes the way it was shot did seem intentional for sure.
omg yes I literally just typed the same thing. The framing of the scene was so well done, Jeongwon reaching out past those walls to comfort her and assure her that he will be right there for her. HosPlay entire cast and production team absolutely deserves recognition.
I always enjoyed reading your take and opinions each episode. It's always worth the wait. Thank you. Always take care🥰
Thank you again for another lovely post! I too am holding out hope for Season 3... there's so many threads that I can't see as possible to wrap up in the remaining two episodes!
On the topic of WinterGarden, I just loved Gyeoul's phone conversation with her mom in the stairwell and her subsequent breakdown upon seeing Jeongwon. I think it perfectly encapsulated how hard it must have been for her since her mom's surgery and her dad's arrest - as you point out, guilt, guilt and more guilt. (Credits to Shin Hyunbeen for her nuance in acting!) I also really appreciated Jeongwon not swooping in to "save" her from the situation - at least for Jeongwon I'm guessing it must have been difficult for him to recognise that it's not his burden to bear and fix right now, given how meticulous he is with everything else.
Was also pleasantly surprised by JunSun restaurant conversation! I had tried to imagine how it would go many times, and Kwak SunYoung/Jung KyungHo and ShinLee just nailed the writing and delivery.
Also loved Seokhyeong asking Minha out! Gotta say that I really have a soft spot for Kim Daemyung's 'gentle' acting... his casual invitation and Minha's reaction was on point! Looking forward to their date in two weeks!
Thank you again for taking the time to write such a great post and hope you have the time to take a good break after this!
Thank you for the post and please take care of yourself !
About the episode, although I am a huge WinterGarden fan myself, I am disappointed that one of the important highlights of the episode is not talked about. I'm talking about the conversation between SeokHyung and JaeHak and his wife. That was, according to me, a classic lesson of understanding. SH firmly yet very gently refused to accept the decision taken by the mother and gave her a whole different perspective which, if I may add, was not given importance to by the breast surgeon.
Kudos to Kim DaeMyung here for serving us Prof. Yang SH, an introvert, anti social doctor with heavy family baggage, but can be this gentle human with a heart of gold.
I agree, that was certainly a highlight. To be honest, the episode was so good all around, I don't even want to discuss it in detail. I liked everything. Every scene, every beay, every piece of dialogue, and I just quietly rewatch it every day. Much like s01e10, this is certainly my favorite episode, for it is very frank, very straightforward, very emotion-packed and very effective. We've been fed well. 🤗
I'm with you on how good the episode was and how everything just flowed beautifully. The connections and interconnections were well-made all throughout. For me at least the last 3 episodes have been stellar examples of great storytelling.
Not talked about here or not talked about in general? ;)
It's certainly the case that he's offering her a different perspective on the issue. For most people talk of cancer sounds like a death knell and it puts them into a zero-sum mindset. But it isn't just Mrs Jae-hak that was thinking in that way. It was Jae-hak too. They were both under the impression that it had to be one or the other.
What's also interesting is that it shows how much medical science has progressed in that regard that these kinds of options are available to people living with certain types of conditions.
Ha ha 😀 so sorry I meant talked about in general. For me personally, that was an unexpected scene pumped with a lot of 'truths of life' moments.
All good. No need to apologize. It was very important part of the storyline.
Thank you for still posting albeit your exhausting week. Ppl usually dread jury duties here so I am glad you had a good experience.
I hope we would have S3 since I also do not see how they could wrap up all the storylines in two episode, but think can also move fast when all parties are ready and all hearts are willing... But I really want to see how the couples navigate marriages and careers at the same time, esp for GU & JW, so my fingers are crossed for S3 as well.
I was super impressed by Minha's parents, esp her mom. Knowing who the actress was her delivery came with no surprise, but still, she also made me just think "that is Minha's mom" the whole time and not in any second I thought her as the other famous characters she has played.
The liver transplant friend duo as a parallel to JWan + SeokHyeong was also very fun. As much as they bickered, I saw real trust & respect, and commitment for a lifelong friendship thru how JWan talked about SeokHyeong in his calls with Jae-Hak. I now wonder when it comes to JWan's wedding who would we see collecting the gift money 🤣.
Speaking of Jae-Hak, I love his interaction w/ his wife (he now might have surpassed others and is the most ideal partner goal in the show). How he cared for and worried about her, and how he is just genuinely delighted by her presence all touched me. But what impressed me even more is how much respect he gave to his wife regarding her health care decisions. She was able to be the one who made the final call (although who can question SeokHyeong; he was awesome!), not him. I am actually seeing parallel between them and GW esp the latter part of the episode. As crazy about executive decision making and execution as JW is, he waited and listened. Even when GU ran into his arms, he hesitated and did not jump directly into the protective "let-me-take-care-of-you" bf. It also appeared that even after the crying and hug she did not tell him the story and waited until she was ready to articulate during the dinner, so he also just served as a hug-provider-when-needed without pressuring her to talk. You can also tell that he has been telling GU everything, big or small, even the crazy idea of getting leather pants (and I'd like to think he did it on purpose just to see her laugh and allow her to forget about reality a little). He must have also sensed her fear after she told him all her family by not only telling her not to blame herself, but also telling her and showing her how much he appreciates their weekly date, as well as any little time together in the hospital; unlike Gaeul's fiancée, JW is committed to her and that has not changed a bit (or even more strengthened) after her backstory was revealed. The GS office jealousy scene was funny, but I think the even sweeter message was that JW was there just to be close to GU, not for anything else. And I bet we will be seeing him there quite a lot more from now on 🤣.
Take care and I hope you have a more relaxed week coming!
Those 2 seconds before he embraced her spoke volumes! Hug provider when needed 👍😊
He will arrive prior time henceforth for any meetings in the GS room😀
Ahahaha, his face was like, "What in the world is going on here behind my back?! How can these people be plotting against me?!"
Hopefully it will be incentive enough to get them both handing out invitations for the much anticipated stroll down the aisle with wedding bells ringing in the background.
That would be very sweet😍. Or at least it would push them to be open about their relationship soon. I understand that realistically it might take a while for GU to focus on her mom and also for things to settle at home (I suspect, esp in real life, having the dad temporarily in jail won't be the end of it), but I kept thinking about JW's age... he does not look like it, but he is supposedly 42 already🤣, and it would be nice for Rosa to have grandchildren to play with soon.
Someone posted on twitter (bless his/her heart I couldn't remember the twitter handle 🙁) that Jeongwon may have gone all out for the band costume so later on he can send a photo of him to Gyeoul thinking it would crack her up
I have so much I wanna say about this (another) monster episode... I'll come back for a longer comment but DAMN IT, WHERE CAN I PREORDER AN AHN JEONGWON?
(Hahahaha)
P/S: thanks 40something ajumma for taking the time out to pen this!
I think there's a huge backlog before our orders can even be processed hahahahaha
HAHAHAHAHHAH. sigh. we should go back to the manufacturer to tell him to step up the production line to meet backlog demand.
OK, I actually went back and read all your comments. I love love love this HP2 viewers community, haha. You guys are so reasonable!
There were so many things happening in Ep 10... these are what I loved most:
- As I've mentioned in the other comments I have posted, the 3 scenes revealing Gyeoul's backstory was fantastic. No drama, just plain talk.
- I loved how Iksun finally owned up to her mistake and apologise. Man, this is the kind of convo I wished I had with all my exes :) so adult.
I now wonder if they will show us more of what happened after Junwan's "Can you pretend nothing happened between us? / I don't think I can do it." How did that convo end?
- I loved how Seokhyung convinced Jaehaek's wife to accept the chemo treatment. And how much trust Junwan have in Seokhyung (even though they fight over the remote control). They are kind of like the 2 liver donation friends, right? Even down to one being slim and tall, and the other more rotund :)
- Can't wait to see what happens with Gom-Gom couple
- And I hope that ending pointing to possibly Ikjun's injury is a fake out by Shin x Lee. I'm surprisingly calm about it, even though we have to wait 14 days to see what it is all about.
OH! 1 more love from the episode. 'It's My Life'.... in 'black and chains' dress code, no less. TOTALLY AWESOME choice of song!