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Thursday, March 27, 2014

HALLYU ZOMBIE DRAMA REVIEW: Emergency Couple Episodes 16-17 (4/4)

With Zombie Mamma off this week, Tanya and I chat about this week's devastating loss of Chang Min's father and how each leading man is coping with his life at the moment.






Tanya: The big hitter this week was the passing of Chang Min’s father, of course. What do you think about how he and his mother handled all of that? I was actually impressed with his mom for not attacking Jin Hee and showing some sort of respect when she and her mother came to the wake.

Karen: I think Chang Min’s family was put in a tough situation. I’m surprised at how well they tried to cope with the terrible news. One thing that I couldn’t understand was why they kept pushing Oh Jin Hee out of their lives at this point. She offered them support, but they didn’t seem to appreciate that because of their past relationships.





Tanya: I think it’s a hard reminder for both him and his mother that dad had kept such a close relationship with Jin Hee even after the mess of their divorce. It kind of seems like betrayal almost since he wanted nothing to do with them really, but kept her around. I can understand that they appreciate her attempts but don’t want any long-term connection at this point.

Karen: I believe they need all the support they can get at this time. I would have just thanked Jin Hee for all her efforts, but I guess they had to draw the line at treating her like a common guest at this time.


Tanya: We’ll have to agree to disagree at that point I guess! It makes sense to me both ways. They’re mad, hurt, and confused right now. It’s all part of the grieving process. I must applaud Jin Hee though. Her attempts to support them were genuine even if she really doesn’t like her mother-in-law. Rather, I think it’s the mother-in-law that doesn’t like her, but you get what I mean. She was trying her best for her late father-in-law and I do respect that.

Karen: I can’t believe Oh Tae Suk passed away. I’m still in shock. I really thought Chang Min and Jin Hee could save him, but it was really heartbreaking for me to watch. I really want to know why Oh Tae Suk treated Chang Min’s mother, Sung Sook so cold-heartedly except at the end when he suddenly acted caring towards her.

Tanya: You know, I’m honestly surprised he actually died. Dramaland usually does the last minute revival of major characters and it didn’t happen this time. I was a little shocked by it as well. There will now be so many things unanswered about that family dynamic.

Karen: What will happen next? Will anything change once Jin Hee finds her old wedding ring in Chang Min’s apartment?






Tanya: This drama has taken everything I thought was predictable and turned it upside down, so I’m honestly not sure. I want to say that this will be where Jin Hee has her change of heart, but right now is so not a good time for Chang Min. I’m struggling here…. I want to say yes, but realistically it should be a no. When has anything in this story been realistic though?

Karen: I still feel like Jin Hee’s relationship with Dr. Gook is still not over yet. They still have a chance to have a relationship at this point, or at least try to have a relationship. Dr. Gook is just beginning to accept her again except that he didn’t tell the truth about his past to Jin Hee yet.

Tanya: I was wondering about Dr Gook’s questioning of Dr. Shim’s baby daddy (for lack of a better term). He seems overly curious and he’s still hanging onto her. He’s kept the photos and looked disappointed that she wants to move away again. Maybe that will actually develop?






Karen: That was a surprising move from Dr. Shim. Why did she come back to Korea just to leave in a couple months? Or was she really worried about her daughter’s health? I think Dr. Gook might still be hanging on to the past. All these love relationships are up in the air.

Tanya: Speaking of relationships being up in the air, was I detecting some progress between Yong Kyu and Ah Reum this week? It was there, but it was awkward.


Karen: Ugh. Yong Kyu really disappointed me this week. If I were Ah Reum, I wouldn’t take that much interest in him right now. He was a coward for trying to dodge his problems and he only embarrassed himself when he intentionally got beat up only to end up in the ER.





Tanya: He’s definitely not the most impressive one, but I honestly think he’s just trying to figure out how to deal with the stress of what happened. He made some bad choices, but at least he’s realized that they were bad. The scene where Min Ki kept hitting him the head for being stupid was rather funny.

Karen: Oh yeah. I would have done the same! Min Ki really has a soft spot for Yong Kyu. I’m glad that Yong Kyu is back at the hospital, but I’m not sure how long he will remain in the radiology department. Right now, the ER staff is down three people: Dr. Gook, Yong Kyu, and perhaps Chang Min, who is still grieving. With Dr. Shim leaving as well, what will they do?

Tanya: Yes! Dr. Gook was put on probation. I sense tough times ahead for everyone. Hopefully there are still enough unseen residents to fill in that gap. There always seems to be a magical number of people to take care of things even though we don’t see them.


 Karen: After all, Wusu hospital is a big hospital, right? I would think they can get some staff members to fill in the gap, but with all the politics going around, maybe it isn’t that easy. Who knew surgeon and professor Ahn from another department could just try to fire someone like Dr. Gook on a whim?

Tanya: There are so many inaccuracies in this drama that I can’t even… which is probably why I just had to throw caring out of the window with this one. After all, someone from another hospital can threaten the right people and magically reverse major decisions. We’ve seen this before. It just doesn’t make sense, but I guess it doesn’t need to? It’s that same logic, yes?

Karen: It’s really getting more ridiculous. When the Chief of ER lectured Dr. Gook and Dr. Shim about putting prioritizing patient Oh Tae Suk, I just felt like giving up on logic. Prioritizing patients based on his or her ties to the hospital is absolutely ridiculous. How come those doctors from other department didn’t get in trouble for not showing up to save patient Oh Tae Suk? Or maybe they did and it wasn’t shown since Oh Tae Suk is probably a VVVIP patient.



Tanya: That whole scene made my head hurt. Honestly… that’s like 99% of what’s wrong with the world right there. You can’t prioritize people and props to Dr. Gook for saying so.

Karen: I hope Dr. Gook comes back soon! This story will go nowhere without him. He’s so boring, reading medical texts in such a beautiful home with such a beautiful landscape around him. I would love to tour that place, wherever it is.

Tanya: Yeah, wrap me up one of those houses please. I’ll take it! Dr. Gook may be one of those off people that finds comfort in study though. Like the kids who do math to calm down. It’s rare, but it happens!






Karen: Nope! Nope! Dr. Gook needs a girlfriend! I want him to find his parents quickly to resolve his inner troubles so he can start dating again. He’s wasting his “suspension” time.

Tanya: He probably does need some healthy distraction. I never thought he would actually seek out his parents though. Maybe just learn how to come to terms with it? It seems a bit late in the game to try to fit that into the story.

Karen: Hm...maybe you are right. When Dr. Gook saw how distraught Chang Min and Jin Hee were when they lost Oh Tae Suk, I’m sure something inside of him stirred. Life can’t be just black and white. Dr. Gook will have to learn to live with what he has and be happy with what he has at this point. At the beginning of the drama, he seemed like a lonely, cold man. Now that Dr. Shim and Jin Hee entered his life, I think he’s been changing little by little.

Tanya: Definitely for the better!


Now we want to know what you think of this week’s episodes and what will happen next. Will Chang Min be able to move on from the passing of his father? What will he tell Jin Hee about the ring? Does Dr. Gook still have feelings for Dr. Shim or will he continue to pursue Jin Hee? Will Yong Kyu grow up and continue his medical career? Let us know in the comments below!




Be sure to check out our blogs for more Hallyu fun!
Miss something? You can catch up on all of our past discussions of Emergency Couple here:
Episodes 1-2: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 3-4: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 5-6: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 7: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 8-9: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 10-11: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 12-13: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 14-15: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 16-17: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Hallyu Zombie Drama Review: Emergency Couple Episodes 16-17 (2/3)


This week's Emergency Couple was all about personal struggle. The biggest shock of all was the passing of Tae Suk, Chang Min's father. After silently battling his illness, he finally succumbed to complications.

Monday, March 24, 2014

HALLYU ZOMBIE DRAMA REVIEW: Emergency Couple Episodes 16-17 (1/4)



If this week's Emergency Couple episodes didn't tug the audience's heartstrings, then I don't know what will. With a one episode extension announced this week, four episodes to go, our main characters should have enough time to build a nice happy ending from here onwards.

Those who did not see this week's episodes yet might not want to read on since there will be spoilers.










This week's surprise upset involves Chang Min's father, Oh Tae Suk (Kang Shin Il). The reason why he quit being a doctor is revealed by Chang Min's uncle, but I still don't know why Oh Tae Suk was specifically cold to his wife. He appears to make effort to care for her in last week's episodes, but is it because he thought he was not going to live long?


I cried throughout most of episode 16 and a little bit of episode 17 during Oh Tae Suk's funeral. I still can't believe Oh Tae Suk is gone. I really expected him to live.



As a result, Oh Tae Suk's wife, Yoon Sung Sook (Park Joon Geum) mellowed down drastically this week to the point where she acknowledges ex-daughter-in-law Oh Jin Hee (Song Ji Hyo) as a doctor and even tolerates Jin Hee's presence during this whole ordeal. As much as I hated Sung Sook's character, I felt sorry for her loss and pain.



Meanwhile, I felt as though Oh Chang Min (Choi Jin Hyuk) had his head in the wrong place this week. All I could remember is him telling his mother and Jin Hee to go home repeatedly. Even if he was strangers with Jin Hee, there is no reason why he needs to push Jin Hee out of the hospital while his father is in the operating room. It was bad timing to worry about who gets to stay, worry, and support the Oh family at this point. I also don't see the big deal in who gets to help serve food to the funeral attendees at the funeral. Chang Min is operating under the thought that Jin Hee might find someone better so it is better to maintain distance from her. I do understand that, but during a time of grief, all these feelings should have been put in the back burner. How can he worry about love problems at this time?



I think it's ridiculous how the rumors of Jin Hee's personal life with Chang Min and Chief Gook Chun Soo (Lee Pil Mo) affected the whole ER department. It's also ridiculous for Jin Hee to believe that her divorce has affected other people such as Dr. Gook, who was indirectly suspended at the hospital. How could evil surgeon Ahn Young Pil have the power to fire and suspend another doctor in another department? Furthermore, Dr. Gook mentioned that Professor Ahn has a past sexual harassment charge.



The Wusu hospital is getting more ridiculous when the Chief of the ER department hinted that Oh Tae Suk should have been given preferential treatment because of his ties to Dr. Yoon Sung Gil. As Dr. Shim Ji Hye (Choi Yeo Jin) mentioned, why is the social background of the patient important? On the other hand, to avoid trouble, Dr. Shim tried to urge Dr. Gook not to treat Oh Tae Suk after Oh Tae Suk was moved to another department in fear of Dr. Gook being reprimanded. Either way, these doctors seem to be playing with patient lives.



Intern Im Young Kyu (Yoon Jong Hoon) disappointed me a lot this week. If he wanted to quit being an intern, at least he should have showed up to work and make a formal declaration, not skip work to go to a concert and purposely get beat up. Young Kyu was so quick to jump to conclusions and not get the proper advice that he needed to get through his problem. Young Kyu was so scared to have a negative record on his intern evaluations, but how is skipping work and acting reckless a better alternative?



By the way, I love the jacket that Han Ah Reum (Clara) wore to the concert. Sometimes, one can just wear a nice jacket instead of dressing up.



In other surprising and perhaps disappointing news, intern Lee Young Ae (Chun Min Hee) is found not to be pregnant via ultrasound. Honestly, I found it weird that she only took one pregnancy test and thought that she was pregnant. Furthermore, Dr. Shim could not find the baby and it was not an ectopic pregnancy where the embryo planted itself in the wrong place. With her husband upset by this news, I'm sure the newlyweds are hitting a rough patch at this time. Even with a false alarm, the young couple still has many more chances to have a baby in the future.



Lastly, I am surprised at Dr. Gook's beautiful home and even more surprised that he is a typical bachelor who has a messy home. I thought he would be using his suspension time to go find his parents, but he stayed home instead, reading medical text.


Sadly, Dr. Gook dodged all of Jin Hee's questions about his past and family when Jin Hee asked. Did he not feel close or comfortable enough with Jin Hee to tell her the truth? Or was Dr. Shim special in that she had the ability to get the truth out of Dr. Gook?

What do you all think about this week's episodes? Did you tear up? Coming up, Tanya will give her thoughts on this week's episodes. Zombie Mamma is off this week. Until then, let's all work hard until we all come back!




Be sure to check out our blogs for more Hallyu fun!
Miss something? You can catch up on all of our past discussions of Emergency Couple here:
Episodes 1-2: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 3-4: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 5-6: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 7: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 8-9: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 10-11: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 12-13: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 14-15: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 16-17: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

Thursday, March 20, 2014

HALLYU ZOMBIE DRAMA REVIEW: Emergency Couple Episodes 14-15 (4/4)



Zombie: So this week was kind of an emotional roller-coaster for me. I wanted to cheer for Chang Min and then he was a punk and I wanted to slap him and then he broke my heart and then his dad nearly died… If that weren’t bad enough, Dr. Gook had to go and get all bent out of shape over Jin Hee’s confession about being divorced and… GRRRR! Too many feels for one week!

Karen: A lot really happened this week and in some ways, unexpected. I never expected Dr. Gook to be so traumatized by not having parents by his side to the point where he can’t even stand a woman (or a man, I guess) who is divorced. Chang Min’s father nearly brought me to tears too.

Tanya: I don’t know it was really emotional for me, other than the situation with Chang Min’s father, but I am certainly happy that a lot of issues are starting to find their conclusions. As I said in my post: FINALLY!




Zombie: It’s nice to finally see where Dr. Gook is coming from. I had a feeling he’d have some tragic backstory when he was all chummy with the kid with the broken arm. You just knew it was going to be something like that but I had no idea he’d be so bitter about his past that he’d essentially drop all of his feelings for Jin Hee because of it. That seems a little bit extreme to me but I guess if he was really that traumatized, he could still be carrying around quite a grudge.






Tanya: Yes, there was a lot of much needed perspective into Dr. Gook this week. It kind of made his stances on a lot of things make sense… the anti-marriage, the reason why he’s so harsh on other, especially those who he sees himself in. It was nice.

Zombie: It was nice for us as the audience but not so nice for Jin Hee. I’m pretty sure she’s more than a little baffled by Dr. Gook’s coldness. Can’t say that I blame her. She’s baffled by a lot of things right now and for good reason!

Karen: I think Jin Hee should stay back and let the men sort out their issues naturally. I’m sure she will find out soon about the reason for Dr. Gook’s strange behavior. I see him letting go of her immediately, but I think he’ll come around and realize that this is not the way love works. Also, after Chang Min takes some time to reflect on himself, he’ll also come around to be a more mature person.




Zombie: So which of these men does Jin Hee choose? They both have issues, obviously, but which is the better fit? The one who broke her heart or the one who now makes it flutter? I know, I ask the really important questions, don’t I?

Karen: A hard question, honestly. I think Jin Hee can be happy with either man, but I would be  selfish to add my own opinion to say that as cute as Dr. Gook is, I am still on Chang Min’s side.

Tanya: You know, I actually started questioning whether or not Jin Hee and Chang Min will end up together again this week. This could be one of those dramas that totally goes against the cliche and doesn’t have them together in the end. I think the case of Jin Hee and Dr. Gook still has some merit, but there are just too many flaws there, in my opinion.

Zombie: I was beginning to wonder that too but then Chang Min’s dad had to go and almost die and now I’m pretty sure it’s going to be that horribly sad event that brings them both together. Remember, we did say, at the beginning of this drama, that we were hoping Chang Min’s dad would show up and reunite the two. Well, here he is, showing up in a way none of us expected or hoped for, but bringing the two together, nonetheless. I think this is just about the worst way to bring Jin Hee and Chang Min together but if it works… *sobs*


 Karen: I’m dying for the next episode! I can’t imagine Chang Min’s father dying. Unlike the other time when Chang Min’s mother was in critical condition, Chang Min is not having a mental breakdown while diagnosing the problem. I hope Chang Min, along with Jin Hee, is able to save his father.

Zombie: The previews for next week make it look like he’s going to be around for a little while longer at least. I’m really hoping Chang Min and Jin Hee can save him before it’s too late. I really like Chang Min’s dad and I don’t want to see him go. He needs to stick around and talk/smack some sense into his family! They’re all a whole lot of crazy at times and he seems to be the only one with any real sense. Though I have to admit, Chang Min is getting a lot better as time goes on. I just hope he snaps out of this kicked puppy phase he’s going through. We all know he’s struggling right now but does he really have to walk around like Mopey McMoperson all the time? He’s killing me with his patheticness!

Karen: But, I think it’s very effective! I believe Jin Hee and I are feeling really bad for him when we see him like this. Even Jin Hee calmed down and was able to speak to Chang Min in a mature way afterwards.

Tanya: I can only have so much sympathy for people who put themselves into situations willingly. I feel for Chang Min when it comes to his father’s illness and when his mom was hospitalized, but I really have nothing when it comes to his feelings for Jin Hee and jealous streak towards Dr. Gook. Maybe I’m heartless? I actually was a little angry with Dr. Gook after the face-off with Chang Min at the restaurant. Yes, you’re his superior at work, but that doesn’t give you the right to lecture on personal matters… especially when you don’t know the whole story.


 Zombie: I was more disappointed in Chang Min at that moment. I was in the middle of full-on fangirl squeals when he barged in and ruined the whole thing. I couldn’t help it! Dr. Gook was being so ridiculously adorable at that particular moment and then it was all ruined and everything just went down-hill from there. At the moment, I’m not feeling all that friendly toward Chang Min or Dr. Gook. One is being too huffy and the other too mopey… Get it together men! I’ve got to cheer for one of you!

Karen: I think they have their flaws to keep the story interesting. Honestly, in real life, men are also a pain. Sooner or later, their flaws show through and suddenly they are not so alluring anymore! Then again, I see they both have their shining moments in their pursuit of Jin Hee.

Tanya: TRUTH. Yeah, that’s all I’ve got on that one. So… what do we think about the reaction to Jin Hee’s confession about being divorced, then the subsequent discovery that she is divorced from Chang Min?




Zombie: I think everyone took the news rather well, actually. Yes, they were all shocked at first but that initial “wow” wore off quicker than I’d anticipated and things seem to be back to normal already. Well, they would be if those stinking Moms would stay away from the hospital. Wowzers! Talk about a crazy cat fight! I’d expect as much from Chang Min’s mom but from Jin Hee’s as well? I was a little surprised by that!

Karen: Woah, there is no stopping that fight. I knew this would happen eventually, but I think the entire fight was hilarious because I was watching baby Gook watch the fight and that kept me smiling the whole time. The fight went overboard when Chang Min’s mother was ready to get physical. Did they know where they were? They were in the hospital of all places.

Tanya: That whole sequence is ridiculous. It should have happened long ago. They’re adults, use your manner and your words. Also, you upset the baby. Honestly.




Zombie: Poor Baby Gook! Having to watch his Grandmother go all crazy in the hospital. It was obviously upsetting for him because he started bawling in the middle of it. You tell them Baby Gook! Grown-ups aren’t supposed to act like children!

Karen: Grown-ups need to set a good example! By the way, that reminds me of Han Ah Reum this week. She is getting more and more mature. I don’t know if I should forgive her for dumping Im Young Kyu or not, though she seemed to have redeemed herself naturally.

Zombie: I was really hoping to hate to until the end but she had to go and be all nice and caring towards Young Kyu this week and now I just can’t! She’s turned out to be a fairly decent person really and I almost wouldn’t mind seeing things work out between her and Young Kyu in the end. Almost.


Tanya: She has a strange dynamic about her that leaves me unsure. I’m not entirely sure where the relationship between her and Young Kyu is going to go either. I have a feeling it’ll be nowhere, but that doesn’t mean they won’t end up being really great friends and I’m almost okay with that. Maybe she leads him to the girl that will make him truly happy!

Zombie: I’m still cheering for him and the happy nurse.

Karen: I think Young Kyu’s fate with nurse Son Ye Seul is over (not that it ever started). They have virtually no scenes together to my dismay.

Tanya: Any other major points this week? Dr. Shim is forever wise. I love the way her character just rolls with whatever is thrown at her.

Karen: Dr. Shim is my hero and aspiration. I want to be as cool as she is when it comes to relationships and work.




Zombie: As cool as she is, I don’t think she’s got it all figured out just yet. It seems to me she’s still pining away for Dr. Gook, she’s just decided not to wear her heart on her sleeve. She may appear cool but I have a feeling she’s pretty distraught by Dr. Gook’s interest in Jin Hee. This is where her whole “love from afar” advice doesn’t seem very sound to me. If you love someone from too “afar” they’re not going to know you love them at all.

Karen: She’d scare off Dr. Gook if she revealed her feelings now. I think her daughter is the only obstacle in her way. She would have easily rekindled her relationship with Dr. Gook way before Dr. Gook realized he was interested in Jin Hee. That’s how cool Dr. Shim would be.

Zombie: Yes, now is too late for Dr. Shim to be admitting anything to Dr. Gook, though you’d think he’d be able to pick up on some of her hints. I mean it’s not like she’s been completely inconspicuous with her feelings. She may have demonstrated them in a very low-key way but she has demonstrated them. I think Dr. Gook has just chosen to ignore them because he already feels guilty enough when it comes to Dr. Shim. I mean he did break her heart once before, I don’t think he wants to do it again. Well, not intentionally anyway. I’m pretty sure his obvious feelings for Jin Hee aren’t sitting too well with Dr. Shim at the moment.

Tanya: She really doesn’t seem like an overly jealous person to me… but maybe she just plays it like she’s too cool for school.

Zombie: If only the Moms would learn a lesson or two from her! I’m still shaking my head about that one!




Karen: I guess I have to also congratulate intern Lee Young Ae for becoming a mom too even though she’s a bit confused right now. It looks like we have a lot to look forward to in Emergency Couple as we wind down to the final weeks.



Tanya: Yes! The pregnancy… she’ll be okay though. Maybe not what she wanted but she seems like someone who fully embraces challenges.

Karen: I’m sure Dr. Gook will be after her if Young Ae mistreats her future child!

Zombie: Yes he will. He’s got some pretty strong feelings about parenting so I have no doubt he’ll make sure Young Ae takes care of herself now. Now if only he could take care of himself and get his feelings for Jin Hee straightened out… Maybe next week… Maybe next week…


So what did you think of this week’s episodes of Emergency Couple? Who will win Jin Hee’s heart? Will Chang Min’s father survive? Let us know what you think in the comments below!


Be sure to check out our blogs for more Hallyu fun!
Miss something? You can catch up on all of our past discussions of Emergency Couple here:
Episodes 1-2: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 3-4: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 5-6: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 7: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 8-9: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 10-11: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 12-13: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
Episodes 14-15: [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]
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