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.
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