Coffee Prince Ep. 17

I have to admit that the show came to a satisfying and somewhat realistic ending. Unlike many American dramas, the writers did not feel the need to have some big wedding at the end for Han Kyul and Eun Chan. Instead, the viewer is left with knowing that the two characters love each other and they are going to take things one day at a time and in doing so, they will be married soon. Also, another difference is the fact that Eun Chan is able to study abroad in Italy for a couple of years away from Han Kyul and their love remains strong. In American dramas, the woman usually changes her mind about leaving at the last minute and her and her boyfriend remain together. It was refreshing to see that this did not happen in Coffee Prince. American drama writers should seriously consider taking some notes. Perhaps, the only thing that they should not take notes of is the male characters singing over the phone to their female love interests. Those scenes were really cheesy and went on for entirely too long in my opinion.

Another aspect that I like is that most if not all of the main characters ended up with either a significant other or at least a possible love interest. It was good to see Sun Ki finally getting over that older woman he was desperately pursuing with the help of the new female employee who also seems to know how to speak Japanese. The only couple that I did not like at the end is the same one that I have not liked since the beginning of the show. That couple is Min Yeop and Eun Sae. Eun Sae seems like she is still just using Min Yeop, but now, she is using him as a meal ticket. She always seems to depend on others for everything and never cares about the other person's feelings. The writers should have given him another love interest like they did for Sun Ki. Overall, I thought the show was well done and I would recommend it and "My Lovely Sam Soon" to other people who have never seen a Korean drama before.

Coffee Prince-Last 3 episodes

The last three episodes of Coffee Prince shows more about the values and family expectations of one another. It interesting to see Eun Chan and Han Kyul’s relationship grows as the drama comes to an end. I think he is sweet to not object to her going abroad to study barista for this is a good opportunity for her to learn and explore places outside of Korea. By him chosing to wait for her and not objects shows that he really do care for her and love her. The final episode is touching as they both keep their promises. Makes me wonder if it will truly last because not all long distance relationship works, but then again it might. He never visited her but instead they kept in contact through letters. That’s lame but whatever floats their boat. She looks a bit different to me..like she became more feminine in some way. Good to see that the drama has a happy ending with her reuniting with them but doesn’t the dramas usually end in a happy way anyways? I have to say that I only enjoy watching dramas for my own pleasure and knowing that it was a homework assignment..it was kind of time consuming. Either way, I enjoyed watching it and I can see why it is so freakin’ addicting.

Pasta episode 17/18

this weeks episodes were overall very boring in my opinion. I dont even know if I'll be able to write much -_- So Hyun Wook and his pasta chefs return to La Sfera and they get straight back to business. The only one who is happy about the chef's return is of course Yoo Kyung. Hyun Wook makes the ginseng pasta apart of the chef's specialty menu and Yoo Kyung is saddned/annoyed? by the fact that she has to give up her "modified" recipe to another cook. I felt kind of bad at this point because she tried really hard to come up with that recipe (although most of the work was done previously by Hyun Wook) and ultimately she had to share it and teach it someone else. The cooks tested Hyun Wook to see if he can judge both ginseng dishes and he passes. Then it gets boring again . They go on and on about scallops...Oh Sae Young reveals her secrets to a reporter and so everyone knows that she sabotaged Hyun Wooks recipe in Italy, and blah blah blah.

coffee prince EpS 17

It's the final episode! How touching to see that both main characters kept their promise. Hmmm I wonder if she ever did cheat on him with those European boys. It's not like he ever went to visit her. I mean c'mon they only wrote to each other for how many years. But I guess the audience is suppose to believe in their faithful love. It was nice how she surprised him when he was interviewing the other baristas. But dang did she get fuller or what? The change in hair and clothes to me represented a more transnational view of her as well as the more feminine. She was sitting on his lap in public! seriously get a room! j/k. But the ending was very good and exciting to see them reunitig together again and the family approving of their continuing relationship and future marriage. Acceptance in the male side of the family is key. I wonder if there will be a coffee princess, who would be the lead character and how could they portray that if this series already breaks many of the rules of asian tradition. I guess we'll have to wait for the writers to think up something genius. But overall this experience of watchig a drama and analyzing it is very engaging and forcing us to focus on the details rahter than wanting to skip over the boring parts that most of us tend to do or maybe have done. Now I confess I'm now an addict for Korean drama.

Coffee Prince 15, 16, & 17

I will start off by saying how painful it was to watch episodes 15 through 17. These last three episodes meant "the end" and I was not ready to say, "good bye" to the show, but like all things with a beginning, there is an ending. I can honestly say that I have grown attached to these characters and hope the network brings along "Coffee Prince 2" or "Coffee Princess".

Episode 15 and 16 revealed more about family and values. Han Kyul reveals to his family that Eun Chan is in fact a woman and his girlfriend. His family is not accepting of her and his grandmother even refers to her as a "thing". Later on you see Han Kyul's mother meets with Eun Chan and talks about their relationship, and then Han Kyul's grandmother makes a deal with Eun Chan. Grandmother sponsors her studying abroad to become a barista. While Han Kyul objects to the idea, he can't do much, but support Eun Chan and wait for her.

Again, like I have stated in the last blog, Coffee Prince shows a lot of modernity. Episode 17 was a turning point for me as a viewer. Eun Chan and Han Kyul's relationship showed a sort of balance. I don't know if its because Eun Chan looked a lot more feminine than she did in previous episodes, but what ever it is, it showed balanced.

Although I am not at all satisfied with the "final cup", I throughly enjoyed watching "Coffee Prince". Watching the show awakened a lot of ideas and feelings that I have set aside and has me wanting to follow other dramas.

Coffee Prince 13 & 14

Episode 13 revealed a lot about Han Kyul, Eun Chan, Han Sung, and Yoo Joo. First off, Han Kyul's biological father is really his uncle and not the father he grew up with. Second, Yoo Joo reveals to to Han Sung how much more she loves him and that she was afraid that he would just let her go, which is why she ran away. Third, Han Kyul and Eun Chan's relationship blossomed. Eun Chan spends the night at his apartment, they talk about how they can make their relationship work if and when he decides to go back to New York. Aside from the character and story development, the "Princes" at the coffee shop treat Eun Chan like a "Princess" because Han Kyul notices that the guys are taking advantage of Eun Chan.

Episode 14 is where you see the two couples have a "couples" night at Han Sung's house. I thought it was sort of strange that the couples split off; Eun Chan and Han Sung were in one room, while Han Kyul and Yoo Joo were in another, but I guess for the story's sake, it revealed more about the characters. In this episode, the viewers also find out that Yoo Joo is pregnant and that Han Sung and she talk about marriage, but he does not make a formal proposal. Later in the episode, we see Yoo Joo propose marriage to Han Sung. I was blown away by this episode because of the modernity. I was always under the impression that Korea was a conservative country that followed Confucian and Christian values, but to see couples engaging in pre-marital sex and cohabitation, it goes to show that society and/or viewers are more accepting of these "new" practices.

Coffee Prince 15 & 16 & 17 (the last cup)

Can't believe this drama is going to the end. There was a scene YooJoo's mom told her the difficulty in the marriage, which were typical conflicts between the in-laws, but also said it's good to have two people living together as one. In episode 15 Han Chan proposed to YooJoo. At least it was surpring to see Han YooJoo knelt down and told Han Chan her commitment;it was good to see YooJoo and Han Chan finally had a good happy ending. On the other hand, with Han Kuyol's background, it is no wonder their family would oppose the marriage with Eun Chan esecially his grandmother. Once again Han Kuyol talked about the cohabitating with Eun Chan, I am not sure if is a modern concept in Korea, but apparently it is getting common in Taiwan. Couples live togethe to see if they could really fit with each other at the first place.

The marriage issue continued to episode 16, Eun Chan has a modern concept in gender roles. She insisted paying Han Kuyol back the mney with the interest. She also mentioned not only between couples but also this could refer to parents-children relationships as well. She said that each individual should be responsible for themselves. that she wants to support her family with her own hands. I think that was because she worked at a very young age and was used to depend on herself besides others. Han YooJoo, on the other hand, represented the career woman facing conflict between her work and her family. It is hard to say which is the priority came first.

I The twist that the grandma solved the problem interested me; not only helped Eun Chan to pursuit her dream but also gave both of them some time to think twice. Af the beginning Han Kuyol gave up the New York job to stay with Eun Chan, but in the end it was Eun Chan who may go abroad. Either one or the other has to give in so they could grow together. In the las episode audience could tell Eun Chan and Han Kuyol went to the next level of intimacy, but I wonder was it appropriate in Korea? I thought it was still conservative though. By the way the two years passed so fast, I thought there would be scenes shooting in Italy, but the idea of Coffee Princess was adorable!

All in all Coffee Prince is the first drama I watached from the beginning til the end. And it was a good expereience indeed. Of course there were cliche such as the love triangle and the family issues, even the birth secret, but Coffee Prince has brought into a new perspectives. It is a pity that they didn't shoot the weddding ceremonry part, I think it'll be interesting to let Eun Chan disguises as a man in the wedding.

coffee prince ep. 15&16

This show is getting good towards the end. I mean, it was already a good show,but now it seems that all of the main characters are understanding each other and they are all basically on the same page. Of course, there is still a selfishness problem with Han Yoo Joo and Eun Sae. In the case of Han Yoo Joo, I do not mean that she is being selfish when it comes to spending time with her newly wedded husband, Han Seong, but with caring for their unborn child. When she first found out that she was pregnant, she poured a glass of wine without thinking, but remembered that she was now carrying a child and decided not to drink. Then, in one of this week's episodes, she actually did drink while she was working late with her design team. Once Han Seong confronted her about this, she seemed to not have any remorse whatsoever.

In the case of Eun Sae, she is just selfish and mean to Min Yeop as ever. I don't get what he sees in her. She is an eighteen year old student with no real skills and anything, including singing. She does not bring anything to the table and that includes a home cooked meal. She is so spoiled that she even has a mosquito net around her bed while her mother and sister do not. With all the parents hitting their disrespectful children upside their heads, why has Eun Sae not been hit? Min Yeop also needs to man up and realize that he can do a lot better than some spoiled high school girl. As a matter of fact, why is Jin Ha Rim pursuing a high school girl after he just spent all of that time trying to get Min Yeop to stop? The girl that Jin Ha Rim is involved with seems to have an attitude towards men like Eun Sae. If I could give Min Yeop and Jin Ha Rim some advice, I would tell them to stop trying to date high school girls. How old are these men anyway? No matter how old they are, they both need to date women and leave the girls alone.

Speaking of male characters leaving certain female characters alone, Sun Ki should do that with the woman he keeps stalking. It is obvious that she does not want a relationship with him, but he seems like he will not take no for an answer. She even told him that if he kept coming over, she would move again. Once again, he did not listen and he is all alone again. One big question I had about this part of the drama is how did Sun Ki get into the woman's apartment? Does he acutally have a key or did he pick the lock? If he acutally picked the lock, he should have a restraing order brought against him.

To end off on a positive note, it is good to see Han Kyul's grandmother accepting Eun Chan and even acknowledging their similar backgrounds. I wonder if Eun Chan is really going to go to Italy or if she is going to stay in Korea. I guess I will just have to watch the final episode and the special next week to find out.

Coffee Prince Episode 15, 16 & 17

I can’t believe it’s coming to an end of watching Coffee Prince. I love watching this series that I actually bought it before I even enrolled for this class. ^_^ So onward with Episode 15 I have to say it’s really cute how EunChan and HanGyul act as a couple. He really has changed from the beginning of the drama towards the end. I’m so happy that HanSung finds his happiness with YuJu. HanSung shows off to HanGyul that YuJu is pregnant with the picture on his phone. I loved how YuJu proposed to HanSung and how he was so shocked. I really think in this episode that HanGyul is obsessed with EunChan like crazy. The wedding dress is really YuJu in it but shows EunChan in his head. I like the family meeting. Everyone is happy that YuJu is pregnant and no one is mad that it’s before they got married. I hate the fact that closer to the end of the episode EunChan and HanGyul are having troubles once they found some happiness. So onto Episode 16 YuJu and HanSung are married. Yay!! Finally. But while this is happening the grandmother is sent to the hospital. Thank goodness that HanGyul was joking about breaking up with EunChan I would have been so mad. I don’t personally like that MinYub is back with EunSae but I guess we can’t do anything about it. Problems are happening for both HanSung and HanGyul but they seem to move past it for the most part. Ending off with EunChan and HanGyul kissing… Episode 17 was sad at the beginning. EunChan left to go study abroad and YuJu lost the baby. 2 years later and now we see MinYub as a model, who would have thought. MinYub and EunSae seem to be together so they have their happy ending. As well as SunKi since they hired someone new and seems to match him well since she knows Japanese like he does. EunChan comes back and everyone is overjoyed, especially HanGyul. And we have a happy ending for Coffee Prince. ^_^

Pasta Episode 15-16

In episodes 15 and 16, there are a lot of dramas are going on in the kitchen. President Seol (ex-president) and other members in kitchen doubt if Hyunwook really dates with Yukyung, but Yukyung denies it. At the same time, president Kim San tells Yukyung that he like her and asks if she is interested in him. Yukyung tells him that she likes someone else. President Seol tells "domestic chef members" that other three Italy background elite chefs are getting paid more than them, and it is not fair. At the same time, Yukyung tells Hyunwook that preseident Seol, who is currently working as an assistant waiter in the hall, is getting paid more than anyone else in the restaurant. Hyunwook tells president Kim San that he should raise domestic chefs member's wage if he pays president Seol a lot. After president Seol finds out that he is going to get paid less, he finally blows the big secret of hyunwook dating Yukyung. Hyunwook quits his job and says that he love Yukyung and does not want to deny that.
After Hyunwook quits, the kitchen is in panic. Chef Seyoung trys to lead the kitchen, but it seems it is not on the right track. Three Italy background elite chefs tell Hyunwook that they will also quit if he does not come back to La Sfera, and Hyunwook tell them to go back right away. what was interesting was when one man orders ginseng pasta. It is unclear who he realy is, but I assume that he is the one who taught cooking to Hyunwook and Seyoung in Italy. Because Hyunwook does not work at La Sfera anymore, Yukyung cooks Hyunwook's recipe for the ginseng pasta. Actually Hyunwook's recipe was not perfect, but Yukyung corrects it and cooks in her own way based on Hyunwook's recipe. I was amazed that Hyunwook praises Yukyung that her recipe of ginseng pasta is better than his now. He always shouts to Yukyung and very stubborn, but it was kind of new side of him saying Yukyung is better than him. It still did not show how Yukyung and Hyunwook's relationship going to be since Hyunwook wants to go to Italy. When he asks Yukyung to go to Italy together, she rejects and says that she wants to stay in Korea. I think their relationship will be clear in next couple episodes.

pasta episode 15/16

after all the fuss about trying to find out if the two were dating, the ex-manager seol is forced to keep quiet of their relationship by San. San(alex) finally gets enough courage to reveal his feeings to yookyung..dude took ages to grow some balls. Of course, his love will remain one-sided , but he already knew that. Of course there has to be more drama in the kitchen. I dont think there is a day when they aren't fighting about something. This time its a fight between the pay between the cooks and the thing escalates to the point where Chef decides to quit the kitchen but of course yookyung decides to stay. The biggest drama of the episode was when the two female chefs yookyung and saeyoung battle it out to make the best in-sam pasta, or ginseng pasta. The truth about how she sabotaged hyunwook's pasta years ago comes out and it turns out she didnt even have to sabotage him in the first place. girl got a reality check and she ran away ashamed.

Pasta ep 15-16

Well, finally they get to the point, we have the main dude in the drama, finally confessing to the lady, although I find the way he did so on a roller coaster is somewhat old classed, but it worked for him I guess, because she doesn't seem to understand him, or she is just faking it [maybe avenging for his way of treating her back then {he is a jackass}]. And like most K-drama we see a love triangle, and the relationship between the two main characters seems to go into peril.

Also due to all these tensions the kitchen is also affected, chefs does not learn etc.... i guess because the new head of chef has no control or authority over the chefs, well things gets worse.

Coffee Prince Ep. 15,16,17

In these episodes, I like how the drama didn’t end right away after Hankyul and Eunchan fell in love with each other but the writers decided to play off on real issues they have to deal with as a couple. Hankyul and Eunchan have a little fight over Eunchan’s stubbornness to pay Hankyul’s loan back. Even though they are now dating, she still feels she should pay it back. There is also the marriage issue between them. Eunchan wants to marry in 4-5 years when she feels she is successful enough and has an identity for herself. Hankyul wants to get married now but Eunchan does not want to yet because she still needs to support her family. He offers to help her support her family but Eunchan is still affected by her father’s death and doesn’t want to depend on Hankyul as she did with her father. Hansung and Yoojoo also decided to get married. We see a gender switch role where Yoojoo was the one who gets down on one knee and proposes. After they got married, Yoojoo goes back to her work habits while she’s pregnant which worries Hansung. These days women are more career oriented than focused on marriage. Both Hankyul and Hansung realized they’re dealing with independent women in modern society. They would like it if the girls depended a little bit on them for help. The boys discuss that women probably do not want to get married because they believe that they would have to follow their man’s wishes. Hankyul’s grandmother offers Eunchan a trip to Italy to study abroad to become a barista. In the end, Eunchan decides to go and puts off marriage until she comes back. The idea of Korean dramas having purity when it comes to sex is also shown here when Hankyul puts his hand under Eunchan’s shirt and she backs away which shows she is more traditional, young, and innocent. However, there is a slight implication they slept together in the end of episode 16. American shows are more skanky and trashy compared to this which shows how Korean and Asian dramas are more conservative but can capture the essence of love well. The last episode wraps up with Eunchan leaving and a time jump of two years later. It’s sad that Yoojoo and Hansung lose their baby due to medical problems but they’re relationship is still strong and loving as ever after 2 years. We see Hankyul opening up a Coffee Princess shop. I thought that was cute since Eunchan is his coffee princess =]. And we also see all of the coffee prince boys end up with girls in the end. Lastly, Eunchan finally returns to Korea and everyone seems shocked that she looks more feminine and we see a playful Hankyul and Eunchan to close off the drama.

Pasta Episode 15-16

Alrighty, the fun begins! In episode 15 and 16, Yoo Kyung is in for quite a rollercoaster. Kim San confesses that he likes her - but she either doesn't quite get it or is pretending not to. Either way, the love triangle is out there now. The former president starts meddling again, causing tension once again between Team Korea chefs, Team Italy chefs, and Hyun Wook. With all that tension in the kitchen, along with the former president's nosiness, Yoo Kyung and Hyun Wook are backed in a corner with questions about their relationship.

Surprisingly, Chef admits to all of it - saying he loves Yoo Kyung, that he's in a relationship, and that he would now leave the kitchen and La Sfera. The camera pans to other characters reactions, and it looks like this proclamation is a slap to the face for Sae Young. This type of scene is interesting, because although he's saying he loves her, it's a pretty sad and tense scene... I want to kick the ex-president. Chef Hyun Wook leaves, and Team Korea is really happy with working with just Sae Young. I guess if the boss that tormented you leaves, you'd be happy too - but it's a little sad that they don't show an inkling of missing Chef or wonder what's going to happen next for them. It's also true that Sae Young doesn't discipline the chefs, so they're not going to learn.

I'm liking how Yoo Kyung is dressing as the episodes progress - it feels like there's some changes. The earlier episodes, I found her unkempt and kind of frazzled looking, and now she's more put together as she becomes more confident in her cooking and life.

Chef's Chef - the former chef that taught Hyun Wook and Sae Young in Italy, I believe - comes by and is impressed by Yoo Kyung. Yoo Kyung solves the mystery of Hyun Wook's failed recipe, thus verifying her importance and talent as a chef. She's not completely useless. This also ends the strife between Sae Young and Hyun Wook - she was really not an inferior chef the entire time. Therefore, she didn't need to come back and prove herself to him at all...

coffee prince EpS 15/16

These episodes are funny! But it shows a lot of the characters breaking away from tradition.
First off, we hear Han Kyol proposing to Eun Chan, and while she accepts the proposal, she does not rush into marriage. His reaction to her seems as if she is rejecting him but the issue is actually more surprising because not too often that women would hold off their marriage for that long. Even her sister is surprised by Eun Chan's time frame. She even suggests that if Eun Chan waits too long he might cheat on her. But what we really see is the new generation as well as transnational ideas coming into play as women are taking on new goals and careers instead of marraige and child bearing.

then there is also the issue of the female purity in the asian culture. Sex before marriage can be looked down upon for the woman. Yet here, there urgency to have sex questions the traditional attitudes. And another thing for the woman to go to the man's house that late is also surprising. Was that a heated passion or love? I guess we're suppose to think it was love, but dang it seemed like Han Kyol less of an urgency than Eun Chan. Her hormones were running high!

Episode 15, 16, 17, and Special

The coming to the end of, Coffee Prince brought several additional several twists that some I saw coming and others I did not. For instance, the opportunity for Eun Chan to go study abroad in Italy was not expected, nor the love between Eun Chan and Han Kyul to be so strong as to stay together throughout the time she was studying. These final episodes also took the time to challenge other stereotypes of expected gender roles, specifically when Han Yoo Joo's character proposed to Han Seong and the support Han Kyul demonstrates for Eun Chan when she tells him she wants to study and train to become a world class bartista.

When Eun Chan expressed to Han Kyul her desire to become a bartista so that she could support herself rather than just marrying him and depending on him and his wealth. This added depth to her and exemplified that she was determined to become successful and self-sufficient. How this complicates matters is that Han Kyul does not understand her "stubbornness," as he calls it, but then Eun Chan later reveals to him that she had promised her father that she would etch out a life for herself. This brought out a very real issue of women who never work before they marry and so they do not have the experience in working for themselves. As Eun Chan expressed to Han Kyul, she did not want to become helpless like her mother became after their father died. Therefore, this responsibility in having to support her mother and sister helps fuel the desire to become self-sufficient that Han Kyul does not understand. However, Han Kyul's grandmother does understand where Eun Chan is coming from and confronts her that, Eun Chan's mother must learn how to economically support herself rather than expecting her daughter to support her. This I am sure rang true for the cultural community.

Another event that I particularly enjoyed was when Han Yoo Joo denied Han Seong's proposed and then later on actually proposed herself. This of course fit her character as she was the independent career orientated women-- so of course she would propose marriage to man rather than accept a marriage proposal from one. It seems like maybe more and more women today are taking the initiative to decide how to define and declare their love for their partners.

Finally also, it appears that Han Kyul and Eun Chan have sex with one another after all the building tension between them for the past several episodes. What was interesting was when the morning after- Eun Chan is embarrassed what seems with her actions and nakedness. It appeared that after they had sex their relationship seemed to solidified and become calmer.

I honestly did not think that Eun Chan and Han Kyul would remain together when Eun Chan left to study abroad. So when they did stay together, I felt that it was an easy way out to finish the tv series. When Eun Chan returned to Korea from Italy, she was sophisticated and appearing feminine. What was interesting was that she seemed to have returned from Italy more mature than when she left. It was because of this new mature and different form of confidence that Eun Chan's expressed from her presence that allowed me to accept Han Kyul and Eun Chan remaining a couple. I finally felt that they were equals and possible could be lovers rather than just friends.

The post- Coffee Prince Special was very helpful as it brought the audience behind the scenes. This more in-depth look at what and how the actors had to endure throughout the series allowed me to know what their thought was on the script. Also, with the comments from the director guiding us in why he decided certain themes and styles over others gave me assurance and provided understanding in how I was suppose to perceive the show. Especially when the actors and director were aware that Coffee Prince is a "trendy drama" but they were determine to supplement that with sincere emotions and a spin on traditional topics. Were they successful? Well it was still trendy, but I thought they managed to engage in many topics society deals with in a manner that made it interesting to their audience. As Coffee Prince proves, the blend and mix of popular media and society's pressing or controversial issues can be accomplished.

Coffee Prince Episode 13 & 14

In episodes, 13 and 14 many issues and events occurred that gave the plot of Coffee Prince a new spin and direction not expected. Some of the issues that were raised dealt with marriage, feminine behavior expectations, family pressures and duties, knowledge and act of sex, and a re-occurring one; class expectations and differences. As all of these matter's unfolded throughout both episodes, the characters I felt returned to a more complex storyline that engaged in serious issues, rather than just sticking to a simple love story. This made sense to me as a writer of the soap opera, because I am not sure the audience would still tune in- if the plot just became one of a love story. After all, many of these shows are appealing because they have twists and turns that complicate simple story-lines such as love.

Throughout both episodes, the relationship between Eun Chan and Han Kyul develop even further and I was curious to see if Eun Chan would remain her tomboyish self or would undergo a change for a more feminine persona, that is now that she is with Han Kyul, who has the reputation in dating ultra feminine women. I was happy to see that Eun Chan does not change her tomboyish ways, but she does pay attention to Han Yoo Joo's behavior with Han Sung. Especially, since Han Yoo Joo has become the feminine character opposite of Eun Chan's character within the drama. In particular, I thought it was funny when Eun Chan tried to replicate Han Yoo Joo when her (Han Yoo-Joo) hair kept falling in front of her face and Han Sung brushed aside. It was this subtle move, that Eun Chan tried to copy so that Han Kyul could also brush her bangs out of her face. Of course, when Eun Chan attempted this move, it failed tremendously. Thus, making it a funny scene, but also tells the audience that Eun Chan can not change, she is who she is and that is what makes us (the audience) like her and root for her within this drama. After all, she is the underdog.

As Han Kyul and Eun Chan become closer, their physical affection for one another becomes increasingly more sexual. However, we never do see Han Kyul and Eun Chan placed in a situation that would lead us to believe that they have had sex. Therefore, the sexual tension that arises between them is obvious and for me, not until a more passionate relationship surfaces between them, I can not accept nor buy into the plot of them loving each other. I have always felt that the two of them are more confidants and good friends than lovers. Which would still be a good plot, because it begs to ask the question of men and women becoming and maintain good friends without having sexual or love interests feelings. The writing leans towards depicting Eun Chan as a virgin and I think that plot is written around how she is a young, naive, and inexperienced young lady.

Which brings us to the other issue of family responsibilities both Han Kyul and Eun Chan face. Han Kyul obliviously is faced with the duty to be fiancial successful and his other duty is to marry a woman from a good family; money and education. On the other hand, Eun Chan also has the heavy load of supporting her mother and sister. They are both caught in this bind, but Eun Chan's family is a lot more receptive to the idea of dating a wealthier man. However, what makes me really cheer for Eun Chan's character is her fierce hold on her independence. When Han Kyul's assumes that Eun Chan will accept money from him, she proves him wrong that she wants to earn her own money. Ultimately, this provides the audience with a female role model who comes from a lower economic background and does not expect financial hand-outs, especially from her wealthy boyfriend. Another factor was age and how Han Kyul's mother and grandmother both thought that Eun Chan was crazy when she told them she wanted to wait till she was 30 years old to get marry. This brought back memories of our class discussion of "Christmas Cake" and how Korean women older than 25 years old are not viewed as desirable nor marriage. So here is Eun Chan who boldly tells Han Kyul's matriarch family that she has not desire to marry until older.

Towards the end of the episode 14th we are met with the complicated choice of Han Kyul turning down the opportunity to go to New York for a high and distinguished job position for wanting to stay in Korea. For me, this moment was a shift for Han Kyul in being immature to bold against family pressures. Also, I am sure this provided a different trajectory for Koreans who were watching the show in deciding to go with what they personally want to accomplish versus what their family and society expects them to accomplish. We are no dawning towards the end of the soap opera, Coffee Prince and am eager to see where the show decides to end.

Pasta Episodes....

I'll admit, I have completely forgotten about blogging. As you can see, my last entry was about episode 3 and 4... But, I've also committed the common crime of staying up one night and marathoning a bunch of episodes - well, all the way to episode 19. I think our class is on episode 13 and 14, so I'll try to make up for my lost blog entries.

The first half of the entire miniseries (about episodes 1-10) are kind of slow, so it wasn't the most interesting thing to watch - but I've mentioned before, I am biased and like the cast, so I kept watching. A lot of people I know mention that they didn't like it at first either. It definitely picks up during the past few episodes we were supposed to watch - the romance between Chef and Yoo Kyung picks up and becomes "official," but for a while, a secret. Of course, we know that in dramas, nothing that is supposed to be secret remains a secret - whether it be a dark past, a long lost sibling, a supposed to be dead lover, a horrible disease, or in this case a secret lover. Yoo Kyung is like someone experiencing her first love - she smiles to herself when she catches his glance, shamelessly shows her feelings when he's around... While on the other hand, Chef, still acts cold and mean to her now and then, but it's obvious that Yoo Kyung is turning him into a softie. Hey, at least we know he has emotions now. I find that this type of couple is pretty common in Korean dramas - most male characters act stoic and cold, until an innocent girl who wears her heart on her sleeve comes by and slowly changes everything.

I think this is why more people begin to watch and enjoy this drama at this point - these episodes are more drama and less about giving a background (about cooking and the kitchen hierarchy).

This drama has a lot going on though - I find myself sometimes annoyed and wanting to fast foward through the other subplots going on - the tension between team Italy and team Korea chefs, the annoying annoying ANNOYING ex-president and his meddling, and the goings on of the fired female chefs. I also found the character Oh Sae Young intriguing - yes, she's the ex-girlfriend from the lead male's past, who is still somewhat in love with him. That's common. However, she's a little different than most ex-girlfriend characters in other dramas. She is kind of portrayed... more passive-aggressive, rather than sneaky and scheming. She doesn't outwardly challenge Yoo Kyung and play mean tricks, unlike characters in Boys Over Flowers and Stairway to Heaven, etc. The way her character is written in is very wishy-washy. Sometimes I find her helpful and kind to Yoo Kyung, and sometimes she's selfish. It's hard to tell which side is she on.

So in the past episodes, the drama has developed its love triangles/squares. I have to rewatch the coming episodes to recall what exactly is happening, but... until next week!

Coffee Prince Ep. 13&14

This show is still somewhat interesting.Why did Han Yoo Joo put the used pregnancy test under the clean towels in the cabinet? Did anyone else notice that? That's kind of nasty. Let's just hope that she isn't pretending to be pregnant or that the father of the child is DK. I could see that being a real Maury Povich moment("In the case of one month old Han Seong jr., Han Seong, you are...not the father").

I was also happy with Min Yeop for finally standing up for himself and telling Eun Sae, "no". He also got to see what it was like to be with a woman who did not treat him like a lowly servant. However, it seems like Eun Sae is still trying to put him back in his "place" by pretending to move on and giving him one "final kiss". I hope that he will stay strong and just move on with his life and not backslide. I guess only time will tell. Eun Sae is just a spoiled little brat. She is looking for Han Kyul to take care of them because he is rich. She go jealous when Eun Chan started dating Han Kyul and her response was that if Eun Chan moved to America with him, she does not know how her and her mother will survive or how she will be able to attend a university. Hmm...here is a suggestion, why doesn't Eun Sae just get a job like her sister did and pick up the slack. She is just too self centered.

As for Eun Chan and Han Kyul, I did not expect that reaction from Han Kyul's grandmother and mother. I thought they would accept Eun Chan with open arms, but it appears that they are too concerned with family status to care about Han Kyul's feelings. I still cannot believe that they called Eun Chan a thing. That was pretty extreme. I we have to wait and see what will make them change their minds about Eun Chan. After all, there are only a few episodes left.

Pasta

ugh, don't you find it annoying when someone boast about their relics of their own past? What a show off, but the romance is acceptable, although not too much to my taste, it is like watching an ajumha and ajjusshi romance *barf* and i am starting to get annoyed of their kitchen clothes.... i mean come on, you are not French or Italian who cares if you wear European chef's clothing or not you in Korea, not in Europe, i mean look at picture above....

CP 13/14

Episodes 13 and 14, the drama is started to fold into a more enjoyable drama and i am truly enjoying it. I am glad that Eun Chan and Han Gyul are going out in public and are making their relationship noticeable to everyone. An issue that came up that I can relate in terms of issue of inter generational and Asian traditions because most Asian family are very traditional and for a girl to up and move into a boy’s house and the fact that they are not married, is a No, No, because it goes against tradition. Since Eun Chan comes from a more traditional family, which makes the concept of her moving in with Han Gyul is a weird thing to deal with because apparently Han Gyul doesn’t have the same traditional values as she does. Also with her being the oldest and also being one of the main providers for her, her family will suffer and would have to work harder if she does decide to move out.
I am so happy that Min Yub finally is moving on! And dating some else, and maybe this girl will be way different from Eun Sae because Min Yub and Eun Sae relationship was just terrible and dragging. I say GOOD RIDDANCE!

pasta ep13/14

annoying oh sae kyung telling yoo kyung about her and chef's past relationship in italy. Its like she was telling her to "silently" back off..kinda. She's like a nice bitc*..shes not straightforward about it haha . I thought it was kinda cute how chef got all protective when yoo kyung said that she got hit by somebody ^^ alex totally wimped out -_- also kiss scene at the end of the second episode (:

Coffee Prince Ep. 13 & 14

It’s nice to finally see Eunchan and Hankyul in happy and playful relationship. However, Hankyul has a decision to make about receiving an offer to go to New York to work in his ideal job. It seems that Asians view going abroad as a better work opportunity such as Yooju also wanting to leave to New York to work. Hankyul wants Eunchan to go along with him to New York but Eunchan feels she has responsibility here still to take care of her family. Also Eunsae feels that if Eunchan left, she is abandoning her family to take care of themselves. I feel she’s being a bit selfish for her own needs. Eunchan has been the one to work endless jobs to provide for the family. They can’t depend on her forever. It would be great if her mom helped out more. There is some uneasiness about how Eunchan and Hankyul’s relationship will work with him in New York.

I feel so sorry for Minyeob because Eunsae keeps taking advantage of him and ordering him around. When he started going out with a different girl, it looks like Eunsae realizes she misses him and wants him around when she didn’t before.

Yooju comes back and Hansung and Yooju finally seem on the right track of their relationship. We later find out Yooju is pregnant and she and Hansung are both delighted with the news and excited to become parents. I’m glad they’re both happy about the baby and it didn’t turn into more drama.

Business is running well and back to normal at the Coffee Prince shop. Since Eunchan is now Hankyul’s girlfriend, it’s funny how the rest of the employees want to get on Hankyul's good side and pamper Eunchan so she's comfortable.

The story about Hankyul’s birth parents becomes complicated making Hankyul’s current parents and grandmother not biologically related to him at all. However, we see more respect Hankyul has for his mother for taking him in. She also tells him he should also respect his biological mother which this ties to traditional value family closeness and raising children with morals.

Hankyul’s grandmother and mother finds out Eunchan is a girl and dating Hankyul. The grandmother was fine with Eunchan being a boy but as his girlfriend, she highly disapproves of it since Eunchan has a lack of femininity and comes from a poor family. She suspects Eunchan is only after Hankyul’s money. His grandmother pushes Hankyul to go to New York even more but he decides to stay because he will miss Eunchan. Awww :]

Coffee Prince Episode 13&14

These two episodes finally includes Eun Chan and Han Gyul to publicly display their relationship to everyone. They have a cute reliationship going on and Han Kyul wants Eun Chan to move in with him. This is not an easy concept for Eun Chan to understand since she believes that only married couples can live together. I guess she is still stuck in her traditional ways in some sense. I’m guessing this is more of the traditional side where only married couples live together and would be taboo if couples who are not married lived together. Then again in this new decade, we see more and more couples living together who are not married. Things are surely changing even for the Asian race. I think for this reason, it would be difficult for Eun Chan to leave her family because they rely heavily on her for financial support. Like most Asian families, it is hard to let the first born leave. So as the episodes continue on we see Min Yub going out with another girl besides Eun Sae. Finally! Because I was starting to get really annoyed with Eun Sae. She is a spoiled little brat who complains all the time yet she doesn’t want to do anything about it. This is good to see because we get to see that he is capable of getting a girl that will treat him right! I like how Coffee Prince shows different couples relationships and how each one of those relationships, there is always an issue that can be talked about or seen. This makes the drama more interesting as it doesn’t always focus on Eun Chan and Han Kyol’s relationship.

Coffee Prince Episode 13 & 14

Here we go with another week of Coffee Prince. ^_^ We get a lot of cute moments between HanGyul and EunChan at the coffee shop and also at his place. Finally we get to see that MinYub gets treated right for once with another girl. EunSae can get so annoying. Esshh… Now that there are no secrets at coffee shop EunChan can just ask SunKi for help, I think that’s pretty cool and well deserved. :D I kind of wish that they didn’t include the story line of his birth father. It brings so much seriousness when there are other things to be focused on. I love the fact that HanSung finds YuJu there, he’s happy though I’m not entirely sure if she deserves him though. This episode ends up nice.
Episode 14 continues on with EunChan finding out that MinYub is going out with someone that’s not her sister. I don’t know what is it about MinYub but he’s never treated right by the girls. Argg… And omg really HanGyul gets a little jealous that EunChan knows Terry so well, he’s just a dog. I love the interactions between HanGyul, EunChan, HanSung and YuJu, it’s so cute and playful, that’s what this drama is about. ^_^ Eeee…!!! YuJu is pregnant and she just tells HanSung about it. She doesn’t hide it or anything, it’s not drawn out and that’s a good thing. Their going to be parents, it’s so cute. (Essh.. I keep writing cute…) Now the mother in law to be and grandmother talk to EunChan about her relationship with HanGyul and so on. It’s kind of a common thing to find the mom, grandmother not liking the girlfriend/boyfriend in a Korean drama. Oh well. It’s getting good. I can’t wait for next week. ^_^

coffee prince EpS 13/14

by Han Kyol having to decide whether or not to take the position in America or stay and build his franchise becomes a difficult conflict in this episode. Join the company that is well known or start from his small company even when other franchises are more dominant. But it also conflicts with Eun CHan moving with him and leaving her family. Sometimes it is difficult for the eldest child to leave when the family depends on you. We see this mostly from asian families. Then again, when Han Kyol asked his grandmother if he was a problem child, she replied that every child is like that. Are they really? I don't think this applies to Eun CHan, she practically had to raise her family. So would that apply more to boys? lol.

But now we also see the scenario of the couples, whose couple problem i worse? By showing the different couple scenarios we see that every couple has their own issues, only it might take one couple a bit longer thant he other to reconcile their differences. I'd say Go Eun Chan's relationship is just a bit more funny. I'm pretty sure everyone agrees with this statement. And jealousy really does heighten the dramas, but then again is it fun to make the other person jealous? I see this a lot in Thai dramas as well. Oh wells at least they all made up and we see the right couples back together. NO mORE love TrIaNGLES! ( I mean QUADRANGLES).

Coffee Prince13 & 14

Han Kuyol's birth secret exposed! I was as shocked as Han Kuyol; the story was still kind of complicated to me, seems like its a more than a love triange!? But I do look up to Han Kuyol's mom because of her tolerance and kind hearted.

I like the interaction Eun Chan and Han Kuyol had as the story led, it went naturally like a friend but more intimate. The "five-word game" seems fun, Taiwan has similar games though, but usually limited for three words only. However base on the Korean drama formula I think soon there will be conflicts that reach to its climax (then goes to happy ending in the end).

Also the episode 13 brought out the topic of "cohabitate". Apparently Eun Chan is still conservative, thinking that only married couples can live together. I'm not sure if it is common in Korea though, but more and more people in Taiwan are willing to try to live together before they decide to go into marriage. The reason is just like picking a dress and try it in the fitting room, to see if the two people could really cope up with each others' life style and daily habbits. Meanwhile the older generation would consider this too open or modern, thinking that this comes from Western influences. The future plan discussion also link with the long-distance relationship. Since the drama hasn't come to its end I have no idea how will it deal with the long-D, but I'll be looking forward to seeing if there is any creative results in this drama. The result came out in episode 14, that Han Kuyol decided to stay, which is also cliche but there seems no other better ways. The other traditional view on sexes happened when Han Kuyol brought Eun Chan back to introduce her as his girlfriend. Han Kuyol's mom and grandmother still consider girl should behave like girl, being feminem and girly, which irritated Han Kuyol. In episode 14 they still couldn't accept the fact that Han Kuyol was dating Eun Chan, and hopefully things will turn out better afterwards.

There is Eun Shin I want to talk about, she is such a spoiled daughter and sister. She is mean to Huang Min Yuao and her family as well. It was such a epitome for the image of "My Sassy Girl" that Eun Sin is so bossy to Huang Min Yuao. I never see her sacrifice herself for her family but still she kept complaining about their economic condition. Why didn't she think about getting a part-time job so she could have supported herslef to college? Almost everything in her life is followed as she wishes, but still she felt no satisfaction. She wanted her sister to marry some rich guys and bought them big house, supported their life. To me her character is such an annoying one and I almost try to fastforward her part!

As the story goes to its end, I'd like to see what ending will Eun Chan and Han Kyuol had.

Coffee Prince ep.11&12

As the weeks go by, I still find myself liking the character Han Yoo Joo even less and less. I guess it is because I know real women like her. It seems like she is not able to forgive Han Seong for kissing and falling for Eun Chan. However, he forgave her for leaving him for another man, DK, for three years and for at least for that first year, she was still dating Han Seong. The only thing that she could say in her defense towards him is that he is not like her and he gets attached too easily. It makes sense to write a selfish, beautiful character who feels threatened by the younger, cool, laid back tomboy character. That way, more of a balance is created between the female main character and other female characters outside of her family. I just still cannot believe the stunt Han Yoo Joo tried to pull with Han Seong and DK. She actually tried to get them to be her little pawns and fight over her. I am just glad that DK and Han Seong had the sense to know what she was trying to pull and diffuse the situation before it escalated. This is something that you normally do not see in American dramas. Instead, somebody usually ends up dead. They should have made her pay a "choosing fee" (Professor Kim: if you want to know what this means, I have no problem discussing this with you one on one).

Next, I want to talk about the relationship between Han Kyul and Eun Chan. First of all, I understand as a man why Han Kyul was so mad at Eun Chan. She could have told him that she was really a girl from the start and the situation could have been avoided. Also, the fact that he was the last person to know Eun Chan's true gender was really unfair. It was already bad enough that everyone else in the coffee shop knew, but Han Seong and Han Yoo Joo also knew. That meant that only his grandmother and his parents were the only other characters on the show who did not know. Speaking of his grandmother and his parents, I still cannot believe that they did not tell him that the man he met is his biological father. I mean, Han Kyul is no longer a child. He is a thirty year old man and he should be able to handle the truth by now. However, I think he knows that there is something else that his parents are not telling him and that adds to his feelings of betrayal from both family and friends. Besides this, one interesting thing that I noticed is when he still thought that Eun Chan was a man he gave into his feelings for her and told her that he no longer cared what people would think about their relationship starting that following day at the coffee shop. However, when the two of them were outside holding hands and one of the co-workers walked past, he quickly took his hand from her's.

On the other hand, I can also understand where Eun Chan is coming from. She is the head of her household and has been since she was sixteen years old while her younger sister does not work and is taken care of. For Eun Chan, the coffee shop was another way for her to make money that her family desperately needs to survive and pay their rent. She had the tough decision of either doing what was right for her family's well being or herself and she chose her family. Well, at least now the secret is out and there are about five more shows to see how this unfolds. However, the one mystery that I hope they will resolve is if the woman that Mr. Hong was talking about with Han Kyul was Eun Chan's mother. I say this because when he was talking like he was still in contact with this woman who treated him wrong and he was at peace with it. He did mention that this woman got married to another man. I also see feel that there is some tension between the two of them that has been there for a long time when they are alone together. However, Mr. Hong does not act on it and tries to help out owner of the butcher shop instead. Hopefully, this will be revealed by the end of the show.

CP 11/12

YAY! finally this drama is going in the right direction and its finally getting somewhere. so much drama for HanGyul , first he finds out that he is not blood related to anyone in his family because apparently he was adopted and the second devolpment of Eunchan finally confesses the fact that she is a female and not a male to HanGyul( which was already so obvious , but any who) and now their relationship is starting to blossom and the development of HanGyul and EunChan relationship started to pick up. I somewhat don’t really understand why he was so mad at Eunchan for finally telling him that she was a girl and not a guy , im thinking maybe he was really gay and maybe he was really disappointed that Eunchan turns out to be a guy and not a girl but I guess he finally came around and accepted that she was a girl not a guy.

i guess i can relate to the whole " trust " issue that maybe is making HanGyul angry at Eunchan because if he really did truly love EunChan and the whole time their friendship was based on a lie . which is making HanGyul evaluate their friendship and maybe the possible feeling he has for her.

Coffee Prince 11&12

These episodes of Coffee Prince was about drama, drama, and more drama...but I enjoyed every bit of it. It was a breathe of fresh air to see Han Kyul tell Eun Chan to give their relationship a try, even though at the time, he thought Eun Chan was a guy. Interestingly enough, Han Kyul was even suggesting that they move to America because he thought it would be easier for them, but even here in the US, the queer community is still having a hard time.

Episode 11 started off cute with Han Kyul and Eun Chan starting their relationship with silly phone calls and what not, but somewhere down the episode, it got bad. Ha Rim (I think thats his name) opened his mouth and said how its a sigh of relief to know that Eun Chan is a woman, but Han Kyul didn't know yet. It was so sad to see Han Kyul down on Eun Chan and to see him kiss her and say that the kiss was better when he thought she was a man. So immature!

In episode 12, Eun Chan tried to explain herself to Han Kyul, but he wasn't having it, so Eun Chan quit. Also, its in this episode that we see a turning point in Yoo Joo and Han Sung's relationship. I thought it was strange that Han Sung is taking Yoo Joo to the airport, but as the scene progressed, you see him trying to bargain with her. Their scene was overly dramatic with all Han Sung's crying and yelling that they're even now and what he did wasn't as bad as the cheating she did to him. But in the end, Yoo Joo told him that she couldn't forgive as easily as Han Sung. Viewers were left wondering, "where did Yoo Joo go?" because Han Sung called DK and he said that she did not go to New York. Sounds suspect.

Nearing the end of the episode, you see Han Kyul sitting in his car in front of Eun Chan's house and Eun Chan in front of his. They both give up and make their way home. As Eun Chan leaves Han Kyul, Han Kyul arrives and sees a trail of chessnuts left by Eun Chan. I thought this part was cute, especially when they sat on the park bench. This episode made me miss "butterflies". It was also in this scene where they make up with one another and as Han Kyul lays his head on Eun Chan's shoulder, she gives him a peck on the lips. HA! I thought it was pretty bold of Eun Chan to make the first move after making up with Han Kyul.

All in all, this episode kept me wanting to watch the next episode and so on. I am looking forward to the next episodes.

Coffee Prince Episode 11&12

These two episodes provide more drama, which keeps the drama interesting. There are a lot of emotions that are involved in these two episodes. We first see the true story behind Han Kyol’s birth and we see that he was actually adopted and none of his family members are blood related to him. This is not the typical Korean dramas I have watched so far because most of them seems to have lovers somehow be blood related. So, in a way its nice to watch a drama that doesn’t have that kind of incest in it! More tensions and secrets are reveal as Han Kyol finds out that Eun Chan is really a girl! FINALLY! It took 12 episodes for him to figure out that she’s a girl. I don’t get way he is so mad at her. If anything, shouldn’t he be relieved to learn that he is not gay? This is really odd to me but I do understand his point of view because he really trusted her and did things with her that he would only probably do with a guy. I mean people do say the most important thing in a relationship is trust so I guess he felt betrayed and hurt that she had lie to him for so long. However, he doesn’t stay mad at her forever, which is a good thing. It was becoming too much for me to always see Eun Chan cry so much during these two episodes. So, even though the episodes showed them making up already was a relief. It was also really cute to see how Han Kyol followed the chestnuts to get to Eun Chan. I now wonder what will happen in the future episodes since the only thing I was really concerned or excited to see was for Han Kyol to figure out that Eun Chan is a girl. Now they can finally be in an open relationship for all to see =)

Coffee Prince 11 & 12

Coffee Prince is back!!! I really disliked the last four episodes, and 11 and 12 was so much better. HanKyul finally knows that EunChan is a girl, although it was HaRim who told him, not EunChan. HaRim and HanKyul were the only two who were mad upon finding out that EunChan is a girl. Although that quickly changed in ep. 12 and I'm kind of glad it didn't dragged on like how ep. 7 - 10 dragged on HanKyul's conflicted emotions. Plus he was kind of mean to her especially when he told her she kissed better as a guy. They made up during he second half of 12 where they were sitting in front of each other's house and then they missed each other, which is so typical of a Korean drama, but then they found each other by following the dropped walnuts, which was kind of funny.

HanSung and YooJu's relationship is so annoying, and I really disliked both of them in 12, especially YooJu in both episodes. Yet, I still wonder what is going to happen to them since she didn't really leave, but he doesn't know where she is.

Another side story is HanKyul's biological father. So HanKyul was made to believe that his dad had a mistress who gave birth to him, but his dad is not actually his father, but the new guy Lee MyungJae is. I'm kind of ignoring this side story, but it might come up later and affect the main story line or it might just end up having to do with nothing.

Overall two good episodes and my favorite part has to be when HanKyul goes up to random people with EunChan and tells them that she is a girl.

Coffee Prince Episode 11 &12

Now that Han Kyul admitted to Eun Chan that he was okay with her being a guy and they having a relationship, they are more open about their emotions and affections. This was a bit too quick and unrealistic for me, good thing it all changes once Han Kyul discovers Eun Chan is a really a woman. That however, comes later.

Something I really appreciated seeing in this episode was how Eun Chan's mother consoled her while in bed, as Eun Chan was being torn a part in whether or not to tell Han Kyul her true sex identity. I remember those difficult moments in my own life when my mother was able to comfort me with a hug. This stood out since many of the female relationships in this Korean drama have been of tense and competition, so it was good to see the mother supporting Eun Chan.

Also in this episode, I realized that Han Seong and Han Yoo Ju represent the Korean "yuppie" couple. As they are both professionals, successful, and independent. Encapsulating all that defines the modern couple. Their parents are not in the picture, but their friends have a more presence in their relationship which I find to be more of a reflection of present day couples. For me, this provides a different representation of a Korean modern day couple.

It was kind of ironic when Han Kyul suggested to Eun Chan that they should move to America, as if living in America would easier than in Korea. When in fact gays in America are still unequal and still face discrimination. Still, it was the idea of America standing for equality and the opportunity to live a better life that stand the test of time that still amazes me.

The end of episode 11, brought us the climax of Han Kyul discovering Eun Chan is a woman. This then goes in to the next episode, which focuses on how Han Kyul can forgive Eun Chan for lying to him. This particular episode brought in to perspective a few issues. First, the issue that for centuries women have been disguising themselves as men in order to fit a life better suited for them, as men have more liberties than women. This soap opera reflected this as Eun Chan associates herself with the guys than the women she knows; culturally and socially. Her tomboyish ways is a better fit with the men than her being rejected by the lady's due to her not fitting the female mold of society. Yet due to her life's circumstances, Eun Chan has had to fill her father's shoes as breadwinner, therefore incorporating a more of a male persona than female. However, when women do decide to reveal their true identity either by force or willing, they are the one's who deal with the consequences.

Another issue brought to the forth front, was Han Kyul's confidence and own ego was raised when Han Kyul admitted to Eun Chan that he fell for her due to Eun Chan believing in him. Unlike his family and friends who only viewed him as a spoiled privileged guy. This belief allowed him to build confidence in his own abilities and when he discovered Eun Chan was a lady, his ego was bruised. My speculation is it was not about Eun Chan being a woman that disturbed him, but more of his ego being damaged that made him upset.

Also did anybody pick up on the role of the bathroom in a working class household? It was so true in how bathrooms in tight living quarters often play the role of private space. That is space that can allow somebody to have the privilege to close the door to the rest of the residents living the home. We often forget about this privilege of doors and the idea that one can have their own room, when many people have not have that option.

My final words have to be that I respect Eun Chan for being so blunt in her feelings towards Han Kyul by telling him she loves him and then Han Kyul tells her he loves her also. Somehow though, them as a couple does not suit me well. I feel that it is not a good match and that they would be better off as friends. It is just not believable, based on their characters' personality. I know this drama is set up so that it is almost like a Romeo and Juliet with lovers coming from the wrong side of the tracks and at first, the wrong sex. Therefore, I am looking forward to see what happens next and where they take this relationship.

Coffee Prince Ep. 11 &12

A lot of emotional drama has happened in these two episodes. Hankyul finally finds out Eunchan is a girl. I think he is overacting at the news too much. I would think he would be happy that she is a girl. He was even in denial at one part and asks Eunchan to tell him that she never lied to him. Both of them were going through the motions throughout the episodes. It was frustrating to watch because I wanted Hankyul to get over the fact that she lied and accept her apology already. Personally for me, it’s not a huge deal to get upset about but I guess since everyone knew besides him, he felt betrayed by everyone who he loves.

Meanwhile, Yooju and Hansung are still working on their relationship. I think Yooju is acting a bit selfish in these episodes by leaving to go to New York as a way to run away from her problem but at the end I’m glad she didn’t go through with it. I could understand that Yooju doesn’t want her boyfriend to be thinking about another woman besides her. However, I still don’t like how she toys with Hansung and Hankyul while stringing DK along too but then gives a hard time to Hansung about Eunchan.

It was sort of cheesy but cute in episode 12 when Eunchan had a hole in her coffee bag (or was it nuts? I couldn’t tell) and accidently left a trail for Hankyul to follow. They end up running into each other and finally work things out. It was cute when Hankyul smiled as he was resting his head on Eunchan’s shoulder. He’s loving it haha :] It’s the simple things like this that make them have a pure love. I also love the part when Minyub, Sunki, and Harim were spying on Eunchan and Hankyul and decided to send a love text message to Hankyul in Eunchan’s name.

Coffee Prince Episode 11 & 12

Episode 11 shows a lot of new developments. We finally get to see HanGyul and EunChan act like a couple sort of. Then we go into seeing how HanGyul’s real father. Essh.. As if not enough things were going on. HaRim is still mad at EunChan for not saying she was a girl in the first place. Seriously, you should have seen that she was a girl. Oh my goodness. Man, I don’t like fights but I do have to say that the fight between YuJu and HanSung was something. This drama can get so emotional. At my first initial reaction HanGyul should have been happy that he found out that EunChan was a girl. For goodness sakes it means that you’re not going out with a guy (which nothing is wrong about that, seriously, be happy either way) don’t get so pissed off that she’s a girl. Maybe it’s all the betrayal that went with it but dang HanGyul’s like the most oblivious fool out there. I guess he figures out that everyone knew and he goes to his cousin’s house and punches him. HanSung has the same reaction as me, shouldn’t he be happy that he’s going out with a girl. Almost all the coffee shop is defending that EunChan did except for HaRim. I liked what SunKi and Mr. Hong said. Essh.. just finding out that she’s a girl. For Episode 12 this makes me love HanSung even more as for the conversation that he had with HanGyul over the phone. Listen to your cousin. Essh. I liked how HanSung went after YuJu thinking that she’s gone but she’s not. Awww… ^_^ The conversation between HanSung and EunChan made me think that why it’s such a big deal that he find out that she’s a girl. We get to see a heart warming scene between the cousins and this time no fighting even when it was offered. Hahaha. Now HanGyul and EunChan are together with no more secrets hidden. I have to admit they were so cute in the end. I loved the workers reactions. Hahaha. ^_^

coffee prince 11 & 12

In episode 11, the secret of Han Kyuol's birth reveals! Apparently Han Kyuol was adopted. None of his family members are blood-related. I wonder if Han Chan knew about this or not. This episode mainly focused on Han Kyuol's inner conflict. He just learned more stories about his biological mother from this so-called his fathers friend (who actually turns out to be his biological father!). Plus that afterwards he found out Eun Chan is actually a girl, which makes him even more confused and his life miserable. What a pity that episode 12 did not elaborate more, so far we only kow that both of Han Kuyol's parents he has now were not his real parents.

Regards to the part about actual sex, there were so many clues easily could be traced back. Retrieved back to episode 2, it was Han Kyuol himself regarded Eun Chan as guy in the first place when Eun Chan read Han Kyuol her ID number. I don't understand why Han Kyuol was so mad about the fact that found out "he" is actually a "she". Wouldn't it be easier for them together this way? Of course for those who said "trust is the foundation of a relationship," being lied is absolutely not endurable. However, nobody ever knows that Han Kyuol would fall in love with Eun Chan. Remeber Han Kuyol's personality has always been so out-of-control, only does things he feels like to. No wonder Eun Chan dares not to tell him the truth because who knows what he will do? I can relate to Eun Chan's feelings tho, understand why she chose to hide the fact rather then spitting it out. There's another big twist with chestnuts brought them back together. It reminds me of the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel that left the mark for directions. The make up scene seems happened too quick, I thought there would be more twists in between though. But it is enough to see Eun Chan been crying all these times.

Meanwhile, another storyline between Yoojoo and Han Chan led to its end (!?) Finally Yoojoo broke down and told Han Chan the reason she needs to leave. Her ex, TK is only a rebound she used to make Han Chan jealous. Me myself want to know where did Yoojoo go since she didn't leave for New York. I got the feeling that she wouldn't go to New York but didn't realize she would just disappear like that.

Last but not least, does Eun Chan gain weight in the latter episodes? I feel like her face is getting rounder and rounder, probably because she needs to eat a lot in this drama.

Pasta 11-12

I almost was going to quit watching this drama until Brigitte told me it gets better once the drama hits episode 11 or 12. I watched this week's episodes and found it to be somewhat more interesting. The kitchen assistant, Eunsoo, finds out that the chef and yookyung are dating and does not know what to do, whether to tell people or not. Then he quits working at LaSfera because of the chef constantly yelling at him and everyone treating him like crap except yookyung who shows pity since she's been in the same position.

Yookyung keeps telling the chef to go talk to Eunsoo because she doesn't know that the chef did find him, but I don't know why the chef doesn't tell her to shut up and say that he did until she tells him a couple more times. I think the whole idea that Eunsoo knows that they are dating scares him. However, at the end of episode 12, the chef tells Eunsoo to come back and shut his mom about the whole issue. I don't know if that will work, though Eunsoo hasn't told anyone else yet so maybe someone else will find out about yookyung's relationship with the chef. The chef kinda makes it obvious that something is going on between him and yookyung anyways.

Yookyung and the chef's relationship also develops more and they get closer. When they are alone, the chef still acts kinda mean but he shows more affection towards her. Also, it's kinda cute that they live so close to each other and Yookyung is able to make him breakfast however, it can get annoying living so close. I think I'm starting to like their relationship, because the chef acts so tough on the outside but when yookyung shows her affection towards him, he smiles kinda stupidly (behind her of course). It's cute when he does that because he always shows his mean attitude in the previous episodes, so its rare to seem him being a softy.

On a side note, I agree with Ashley. I've been also eating more pasta because of this drama. I bought dry noodles from the store and attempted to make my own pasta but they don't look quite as good as the ones in the drama.

Pasta ep 11&12

It seems like a lot of people (outside this class) enjoy watching this drama. One of my mom's co-workers is hooked and she's been trying to find out what restraunt sells vongole :) A lot of my friends have been watching this drama as well. I admit, after watching this drama I've been eating a lot more pasta. In this weeks episodes, eunsoo finds out about the chefs and Yoo kyoungs secret relationship and also he decides to quit the restraunt. Being the maknae was hard especially with the chef yelling at him every other second. I would never have been able to survive working like that. I thought it was kind of cute when chef told Yoo Kyoung not to make it obvious that she likes him but he was the one who was really making it obvious that they were together. I've noticed in Korea and Japan, they have very nice convenience stores. These convenience stores, or conbini in japan, have more than the usual products than we have here and they also have tables by the window where you can eat and read. I liked the scene where the chef and Yoo Kyoung go to a restraunt. I admit, I always eat the bread first and I always get full by the main course that I'm not enjoying the food as much. Next time I'll make sure not to stuff my stomach with bread :)

Coffee Prince 9 & 10

Coffee Prince Ep. 9 & 10

These two episodes were the turning points of the storyline. In episode 9, Han Kyul tries to avoid Eun Chan, but has a difficult time doing so. In this episode, his battle with his sexuality and feelings for Eun Chan is a lot more prominent than the other episodes. It was in this episode where I’d hide under the covers because I didn’t want to know what was going on, the whole situation was just sad. But I had to rewind it a bit so that I could catch up to the subtitles.

Then there’s Han Sung and Yoo Joo. Its in episode 9 that Yoo Joo figures out that Eun Chan is a woman. During the cafe scene, you can see Yoo Joo’s insecurities grow now that Eun Chan’s true gender is revealed. At this point, I don't know if I feel bad for Yoo Joo or not. When I think about her and DK, I don't feel as bad.

Episode 10 is my favorite episode. Why? Because the cat is finally out of the bag. This episode was filled with so much lies and deceit. From Eun Chan lying or keeping her true gender from Han Kyul to Han Sung lying to Yoo Joo about his feelings about Eun Chan. I'd have to say this was the episode where i was giggling and yelling at the screen. I felt really cheesy, but oh well. I'd have to say this was the break through episode where everything is waiting to be put back together.

I hated Han Kyul in this episode because of what he said to Eun Chan bout her kiss was better when he thought she was a man. Han Kyul seems to have a lot of sexuality issues with himself that he needs to resolve. As for Eun Chan, I felt really bad for her when the song started playing in the background, the song reminded of Utada Hikaru's song "My First Love".

I am looking forward to the next episode. I've actually watched half of episode 11, but I won't spoil it for other viewers.

Pasta, Ep. 9-10

la.la.la-la-la-la. la. la...
this drama is still a chore to watch..the love story aspect is becoming a little too complicated? and now they are using fish as a way to describe the love situation?.."even though it tastes good, it leaves a bad taste afterwards..." But at least now we see two females in the kitchen~!...which is also creating the unrelenting drama that we love so much in the kitchen!

..and WHOA! korean wave fashionista trend setters! did we all see the glasses on the president at the gallery looking at cactuses?...and yookyung with her baby blue balenciaga motorcycle bag..REALLY? when can line cooks afford BALENCIAGA motorcycle bags, in powder blue??...just thought I would emphasize how much this drama does not make any sense...

but the chef held yookyung's hand in the hospital. a little show of affection...instead of that constant and hardcore yelling is nice...but it would be nice if he were less confrontational...with..eeryone...

CP 9/10

maybe im just getting tired of this drama because I totally did not have any type of connection with this week’s episodes or maybe it was just this week’s episodes. total “ Bro-mance” to the extreme seems to sums the episodes . the level of Han Kyol and Eun Chan “bro-mance” is far to extreme for me maybe because ive never really saw “homosexual” relationship played out in Asian shows or context before only in American shows and what not , so to see it in an Asian show its kind of weird for me.

I kind of want this drama to end already, maybe this is the reason why I never really go into the whole crazy of Korean drama like some of my friends. maybe im just tried of the same old things in every drama that becomes very predictable, someone needs to come up with a better formula before this whole craze starts to die out and the Korean government is going to luck out on their investment on their popular culture of music, drama, and stars if they don’t find better and creative drama or revise a better drama formula instead of the typical and over used scenario / formula .

Coffee Prince Ep. 9&10

So now we are more than half way through this series and I am liking the character Han Yoo Joo even less. She seems like she wants to be the center of attention for everyone or at least the main male characters, Han Seong and Han Kyul. I think she is starting to get jealous of Eun Chan because she knows that both men are attracted to her. The thing that she is probably the most jealous of is that Eun Chan is younger and has more of a fun personality than she has. It will be interesting to see if she acts on her jealousy.

Speaking of Eun Chan, I think now she is starting to realize the type of hardships that she is putting Han Kyul through. I understand that she wants to keep her job, but she is making him have conflicting thoughts about himself. Now he thinks he is gay. Another startling development this week is the fact that now everyone except Han Kyul now knows that Eun Chan is actually a woman. I wonder how he will react when he finds out that he is the last person in the coffee shop to know this secret. Will he confess to being gay to his family before he finds out the truth?

Speaking of Han Kyul, could it be that he was actually raised by his uncle and aunt? Another interesting idea is the possibility that Han Kyul and Han Seong might actually be brothers. After all, Han Seong's father is never shown or talked about. Could that be his father that was introduced in episode 9 or is it just another one of his uncles? I say this because if it was his father, why have the two of them not spent any time together since the man arrived in Korea? Of course, more will be revealed in the last episodes.

Last, but not least, I was glad that Min Yeop started ignoring Eun Sae. It is about time. However, he is only doing this so she will eventually fall in love with him. He should just forget about that girl and move on. Isn't she still in high school? When they had the concert, he had to have seen all of the women that were cheering for him. It seems to me that Min Yeop can and should do better. We shall see what happens in the following weeks.

Coffee Prince Episode 9&10

So episode 9 starts off with the two main characters being blood brothers. I thought this was sweet that he asks Eun Chan to be his blood brother. However, as I continued to watch the drama, I got a little bit confused as to whether this is the norm for Korean guys who becomes blood brothers. Do they act this close and comfortable with one another that they hold hands in public and go watch the sunrise together with her laying on his lap? I still think he's gay by the way he acts with her. I'm getting tired of the drama in a way because its not picking up as fast as I like, but I think the next few episodes will be better. Hopefully Eun Chan will reveal true self to him soon because I'm getting tired of not seeing her confess yet! As the episodes continue, I notice that one of the characters leaves to go off to the States. Is this typical in Korean dramas? It seems like there is always someone leaving to go to the states to escape some drama or what not? Whatever the case may be, she'll probably return to Korea in the later episodes. I just have to stay tuned!

coffee prince EpS 9/10

What is up with this brotherly love? I think it's a bit too much of the brotherly love for them to be acted like that in public. I mean I can understand if they were beating each other up or what not but the holding hands. c'mon anybody can see that it's two people who are attracted to each other. Now the beach scene really got to me. Han Kyol, sorry you really are lame! Get some guts man and stop being so clueless that Eun Chan is a girl! By hiding the relatinship of lovers to brothers really seem pathetic to me. And Eun CHan really needs to become the new wave of women who should not be scared to tell him. nstead she is pushing it further by calling him Hyung. Isn't he already giving her the green light that he is completely in love? Ugggh these dramas are making me go crazy!

Pasta Ep. 9 & 10

So, this is what the Pasta looks like eh? I think this drama is getting on my last nerves, for example Hyun Wook is not following his own rules, and a very how do you say... annoying Yoo Kyung, I really think that Gong Hyo Jin is too much, a lady for her age acting cute and innocent? Please, she just ruined the entire drama for me, and Philip and Kim San's sister... that relationship, ewww what is this? This drama just died for me... I am thinking about commenting on another drama that I am on watching on MBC... that one is way interesting than two persons who's age add up to nearly 90 or so act lovey dovey, sorry it doesn't work for me. Although, I am quite proud of them finally making Pasta, and cooking something else and the food, but otherwise......

Coffee Prince 9 &10

In episode 9 start off with Han Kyul exchanging gender roles as he is was wearing a feminine apron and was cooking for Eun Chan. Throughout the whole episode, it appeared to me as the show was trying to hard to speed up the process of Eun Chan and Han Kyul's relationship with one another. The series of bantering and flirting with each other really was just over the top for me, but for some reason made me feel awkward. It was as if the storyline had gotten so out of control that I began to feel bad for Han Kyul as he is the only one who does not know that Eun Chan is a woman.

Then as we progress into episode 10, we see Han Kyul really struggling with this emotions for Eun Chan. So much so, that he distances himself from her and even physically threatens her. This tortured Han Kyul is brutal to watch as we can see that he does not want to harbor these homosexual feelings yet, they are there and he can not ignore or suppress them. I thought the issue of "getting away with certain gender and sex behaviors" due to being "brothers" was an interesting spin and concept for the show and just in society. Here we have a case of being allowed to hold hands, hug, and show each other affection with the same sex as long as we notify society that we are "brothers" or "sisters" and then it okay. So how much flexibility does this provide a population who are not able to openly express themselves in a culture that is not gay friendly?

Another line that I caught was "society has changed" and this was being told to Han Kyul and that he should be alright with this feelings for Eun Chan and I think to myself, has it? Has society in Korea changed that it would not protest an openly gay relationship? What are the limitations, if any, society holds against homosexual relationships? I would like to research how the audiences took to the passionate kiss between Eun Chan and Han Kyul. Were there protests? Cheers? Did some viewers stop watching the drama due to the content? Even though, we all know Eun Chan is a woman and therefore okay for Han Kyul to be attracted to her, the writers are still pushing the envelope with the story and its character's actions.

Coffee Prince Ep. 9 & 10

We find some side stories unraveling in these two episodes such as Sunki searching for the mystery woman and the secret of Hankyul’s birth. When Hankyul found out about his birth mother died, he calls his foster mother to thank her and tell her he loves her. This is another example of family closeness. We are also introduced to Lee Myungjae who calls Hankyul’s father to ask how Hankyul is doing. The way his parents are talking about Lee Myungjae suggests he is connected to Hankyul somehow, possibly being his real father. Yooju and Hansung also tries to work out their relationship but Yooju decides to leave to New York for work because she can’t wait for Hansung to get over Eunchan. I don’t like how Yooju wants to break up with Hansung just because he has feelings for Eunchan when she herself was going out with DK before when she was with Hansung.

I found it so cute how Eunchan kept calling Hankyul as “hyung” since she is really a girl. Hankyul is still dealing with his feelings about Eunchan and doesn’t really know what he wants in their relationship. From one episode he is attached to her and the next episode he doesn’t want to see her anymore. He is more confused than ever especially the beach scene where he couldn’t control his emotions for Eunchan anymore. Most of episode 10 had angst and brooding between Hankyul and Eunchan for a while. This is where I’m dying for the story to move on and I’m shouting at my screen, “confess already!” or “get together already!” I’m glad at the end of the episode Hankyul didn’t care anymore and just went for the kiss. Seeing how Eunchan and Hansung had a friendly relationship probably drove Hankyul’s jealousy to the edge and caused him to see that he loves Eunchan.