Zombie: Two episodes… Two kisses… So many feels I spent the entire time watching Bride of the Century this week with a ridiculously giant grin plastered all over my face! I can’t help it! I love this drama!
Shai: So much happened this week, I don’t know where to start.
Zombie: I suppose the best place to start is the beginning, so let’s talk about Doo Rim and the tomato. It was such a simple act, done purely on impulse, and yet it stirred up so many feelings in so many other people. Roo Mi read so much into Doo Rim’s actions it was almost funny and Kang Ju was shocked, appalled and impressed all at the same time, which is why I love him so much… He has so many emotions playing all at once and he really can’t figure out any of them.
Tanya: His inner conflict is really the most interesting part of the show… And I was impressed by Doo Rim in that moment. She may not like him, but she doesn’t hate him. She wasn’t willing to let him get hurt.
Shai: I thought it was kind of funny how she was the only one to actually move when the woman threw the tomato, even Roo Mi just stared. She felt a tinge of jealousy at that moment and if looks could kill. Kang Ju obviously wasn’t expecting it and as you said, he was appalled and impressed at the same time. He didn’t know how to process what had happened and reverted back to what he knew and that was to keep up appearances. I think he did want to see if she was okay, but he stopped himself from doing so.
Zombie: I think you’re right about that. You could tell he was wanting to make sure she was okay but he was so surprised by the situation and the sudden appearance of feelings for a girl he had never intended on feeling for, he just couldn’t process everything at once and just went into “preservation mode.” Unfortunately, “preservation mode” for Kang Ju is a whole bunch of “Mr. Nasty” and that makes things difficult when it comes to dealing with Doo Rim. He’s so confused about this girl he doesn’t know what to do! (I just love that!)
Tanya: He isn’t used to honest people, so Doo Rim’s actions are going to continue to surprise him every time.
Shai: His confusion just makes this all the more better. He’s never had anyone challenge him the way she does so nothing he says or does actually works. Unlike Yi Kyung, Doo Rim refuses to be a “puppet” and has a voice of her own. I think in some ways, this is good she didn’t grow up in a rich family like Yi Kyung because she has her own mind and doesn’t back down. Because she doesn’t back down to Kang Ju, he’s finding himself doing all types of things for her like when she showed up at that dinner with her, Roo Mi and their frenemies. Roo Mi was surprised since she knew Kang Ju was going to say no.
Zombie: I think the funniest thing is, Kang Ju surprised himself by going to that dinner. The inner turmoil he struggled with before he gave in to Doo Rim’s request was so evident on his face… This was one of those moments I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat! I loved how he just kind of sighed to himself in resignation as he set off for that dinner; it was as if he’d been fighting with himself as to whether or not he should go and finally, he just gave up and went. What surprised me the most though, was the way he behaved himself at the dinner. There were no really awkward and uncomfortable moments (well, at least not because of him), he smiled and conversed and even agreed to leave when Doo Rim suggested it was time to go. I know they weren’t exactly chummy at that dinner but they got along well enough to appease all of those frienemies.
Shai: The fact that he actually left when Doo Rim said to, spoke volumes. Yes they were keeping up appearances, but he actually looked relieved she even suggested it. Roo Mi and her playing footsie under the table made this decision easier for him. Speaking of that moment, I loved how Doo Rim handled it. She didn’t get upset and make a scene, she made sure she knew Roo Mi should be embarrassed by her actions by throwing her shoe to her. This scene showed just how little Roo Mi actually thinks of herself especially during the conversation when she made a not-so-subtle hint that even if Kang Ju was never hers to begin with, she was still going to take him back. She really does have no pride.
Tanya: The end of that scene made my whole day yesterday. Doo Rim may not actually be Yi Kyung, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to let Roo Mi walk all over her. And good for her. She was exactly right when she tells Roo Mi she had no pride.
Zombie: None, whatsoever! I cannot understand girls like Roo Mi. Why must you insist on making life miserable for yourself and the person you “love” by taking your jealous obsession and running completely wild with it? When a guy tells you he’s not interested in you, at all, and is engaged to someone else, wouldn’t you get the hint and move on? Why torture yourself and everyone else like that? I don’t get it. Being a giant pain in the backside isn’t going to make that guy suddenly fall in love with you! If anything, it’s going to push him farther away. Stupid Dramaland troublemaking girls… Get a clue already! What I wonder the most about Roo Mi is what her relationship with Kang Ju was like when they were kids. It was mentioned that Roo Mi was the only person Kang Ju would talk to after he was kidnapped. If they had that kind of connection as kids, what has changed since then that would make Kang Ju push her away now? I almost wonder if she didn’t play some sort of part in Kang Ju’s kidnapping but maybe that’s just because I’ve watched The Master’s Sun one too many times… Whatever the case may be, I’m happy Kang Ju shows absolutely no interest in Roo Mi. Out of all the girls in this drama, she’s the only one who seems to be after Kang Ju because of his wealth and prestigious position. What I fear most is how Kang Ju is going to deal with the truth about Doo Rim’s identity. I’m afraid he’s going to feel betrayed and taken advantage of and that’s going to be hard for him to deal with, especially since he’s suffered from some serious betrayal in the past.
Shai: Roo Mi is just like Kang Ju’s mother which is why she likes her so much. She knows he virtually feels nothing for her, but still makes advances and acts like she’s the victim in all of this. I don’t understand how she can think she’s going to take Yi Kyung’s spot when he only sees her as a friend. Maybe she’s all scorned and upset that he doesn’t see her in that way and wonders why he won’t be with her instead. I can’t find any sympathy for her, she’s just a miserable and bitter woman who can’t understand the word no. Hmm…I also fear for Kang Ju when he finds out about the switch. He doesn’t trust people and this will push him further away. I actually fear for this moment, but I know it’s inevitable and will come up.
Zombie: I dread that moment because the very thought of watching Kang Ju’s heart break is killing me already!
Tanya: It is going to have to come out eventually, but I predict that they will have enough of a relationship at that point that after some time he will be able to forgive her and move forward. It really is this master plan of Yi Kyung and her mother. Yes, Doo Rim is at fault for accepting the job, but we’ve already seen Kang Ju be forgiving to someone because of their situation. All we can do is hope that it carries over. Is anyone else upset over Yi Kyung and her mother’s plan? Let’s have Doo Rim die and toss Yi Kyung in there to take all the marriage benefits without anyone knowing. That’s a new kind of evil. I could never think of sacrificing someone innocent for selfish reasons.
Zombie: I don’t think Yi Kyung and her mom are the only ones scheming here, when it comes to preparing a sacrificial first wife for Kang Ju. I have this horrible feeling Kang Ju’s mom has been planning to have Yi Kyung become the first wife so that after she dies, Roo Mi can step in and take her place. Kang Ju’s father pointed out that his wife has always favored Roo Mi and it seems Kang Ju’s mom was in the same place as Roo Mi, once upon a time and ended up the second bride. I’m pretty sure that’s what she’s been planning for Roo Mi from the start.
Shai: I don’t know why I was so upset when we saw Yi Kyung and her mother were using Doo Rim, maybe I wanted to give Yi Kyung the benefit of the doubt. So their master plan is to have Doo Rim pose as Yi kyung until the wedding then die in her place because she wants out of the marriage but still wants support for the company. I have to say that this is very low, but I also think Kang Ju’s mom wants the wedding rushed so he can take Roo Mi on as his second wife. I mean, it worked for her. That’s why I said her and Roo Mi are too much alike.
Tanya: I’m hoping this extremely mischievous ghost still does Yi Kyung in, in the end. She was intended as the actual bride, plan or not. Then Doo Rim will be there, not dead, and Roo Mi still doesn’t get anything in the end. I’d be happy with that. What do you guys think of the awkward affection between Kang In and Roo Mi?
Zombie: I’m pretty sure Kang In has a serious crush on Roo Mi and it’s one that’s been around for a long time. Maybe that’s why Kang Ju has never taken an interest in her? Maybe he’s always seen Roo Mi as belonging to his little brother? It’s possible he has some shred of humanity hidden somewhere deep inside, right? Whether he does or not, it’s plainly obvious this hairpin isn’t the first object of affection Kang In has gifted Roo Mi and it’s even more obvious Roo Mi wants nothing to do with him. Poor guy. He should just focus on his girlfriend and leave Roo Mi to become a miserable, bitter, lonely old woman for all of eternity.
Shai: According to Kang In’s character description, he likes Roo Mi so the feelings are there. He’s never pursued it since she likes his older brother and Kang Ju has always let it go since he knows Kang In has feelings for her. Kang Ju cares about his brother a lot, he just never shows his feelings.
Tanya: I think he does actually care about his brother… but he’s still going to mess with him like older brothers are supposed to. There are a few moments where you can see things pass between them, like the satisfaction look Kang Ju gives Kang In when he starts chanting for them to kiss during the showcase. It was just like, “Thanks, bro!”
Zombie: Oh, Kang Ju totally owes Kang In for that one! You could tell Kang Ju was happy to have an excuse to kiss Doo Rim when he lost his chance earlier.
Tanya: I know we all saw Kang Ju smirk at Doo Rim and give the “how about that?” eyebrow after that kiss… did anyone else see the wink?! And then he gives that giant grin to Kang In. It was perfect. Just perfect!
Zombie: OMO! I’M DYING RIGHT NOW! DYING! I had to go back and watch that just now and you’re totally right, there was a subtle wink accompanying that smirk. *falls out of chair* (Pardon while my inner fangirl breaks free again… I can’t seem to keep her in check when it comes to Hong Ki…)
Shai: Omo! Why did I not notice that wink before? He so wanted that kiss and was grateful to Kang In for giving him an excuse. I am so dead right now, that face is just perfect<3
Zombie: Between all of Kang Ju’s longing for that kiss and Doo Rim’s surprised but happily accepting of said kiss, I was so caught up in all the feels I totally missed that wink!
Shai: That kiss has caused Doo Rim to daydream about Kang Ju, I think she’s totally into him. She’s just as confuzzled as he is.
Tanya: That was so funny. She didn’t even understand why, but she’s starting to have the feels for him.
Zombie: Um, how could you not? They’ve kissed three times in two week’s worth of episodes! This is some kind of Dramaland record (and I’m not complaining…)!
Tanya: Okay, back to seriousness, and speaking of those who are confused: Yi Hyun. Poor guy… between his kind-of feelings for Doo Rim and not understanding what his family is up to, although knows it is something, dude is SO confused. It’s pretty much time for him to throw his hands up and walk away.
Zombie: I really wish he would. He doesn’t need to be messed up by his “family” any more than he already is. Now that we know he’s living with a woman who isn’t even his real mom, it makes me think it’s time he moved on. The only thing he’s going to find at home is venom and malice and he doesn’t need that. He needs a bright sunny friend like Doo Rim to draw him out of the dark hole he’s living in now and show him that there’s a better life out there for him, he just needs to cut ties with his family and run as far away from them as possible.
Shai: Oh my Yi Hyun oppa, I feel so bad for him. He’s not treated like family thus he’s kept in the dark about his stepmother (?)’s true intentions. He’s very innocent and a teensy bit naive so Jae Ra feeds on that and uses it against him. I’m glad he’s trying to figure out what’s going on, but she’s always one step ahead. He does need someone who’s bright like sunshine in his life and Doo Rim is it. Btw this has to be said, Yi Kyung is terrible at staying hidden.
Tanya: There was no reason for her to go out, honestly. And why so close? There was a lot of that just made me question why.
Zombie: Of course the obvious answer is because Yi Hyun needed to catch a glimpse of her in order to push him forward in his quest to find the truth. Seeing her out and about, even for the brief moment, was enough to make him start questioning what exactly is going on. He’s curious now and that’s going to drive him to dig deeper. Naturally, once he uncovers the truth, he’s going to do everything in his power to save Doo Rim from his evil stepmother’s wicked plan. The question is, will his best efforts be enough?
Shai: Evil stepmother, sounds like a Disney movie. Maybe in some way, Yi Kyung wants him to find out since she did express her dissatisfaction with leaving him out of their plan. She obviously feels like he’s her real brother, but her mother could care less about any of that.
Tanya: I just hope he realizes that what he feels for Doo Rim isn’t actually love, but rather relief from his situation and gratefulness. I still can’t get over that looks-like-my-half-sister thing. I think he’ll be able to get Doo Rim out, or at least make Kang Ju aware of the situation so he can save her. They’re going to end up in a great friendship because of this, per Dramaland rules.
Zombie: Having Doo Rim in mortal peril would be a good way for Kang Ju to uncover the truth about her identity without him instantly hating her. If she were in such a position and Kang Ju was the only one who could save her, I could totally see him forgiving everything in the moment and just being grateful she was alive. He could get mad at her later but it wouldn’t be nearly as bad because he’d already realize just how much she meant to him.
Shai: I know that Kang Ju and Yi Hyun will form this awesome bromance because of Doo Rim. Drama rule #305 says this will happen.
Tanya: This ghost has me confused. She wants to kill the first bride, but causes all sorts of other situations. What’s her deal?
Zombie: I think this ghost has plans for Doo Rim, Kang Ju and Yi Kyung that are completely different from the plans everyone else is scheming. I have a theory that this ghost is trying to bring Kang Ju and Doo Rim together because she knows that they’re meant to be together. I also think this ghost is planning on having Yi Kyung be the sacrifice. In short, I think this ghost is planning everything to work out the complete opposite way everyone else is expecting things to go. I think the ghost plans on making Yi Kyung her victim and plans to let Kang Ju and Doo Rim live happily ever after. Why else would she bring the two together by messing with them so much?
Shai: Great theory, but why would she tell Yi Kyung she plans on killing her if she marries Kang Ju?
Zombie: I think it’s because she wants Yi Kyung out of the picture for now. She knows that Kang Ju will never fall for Yi Kyung because she’s just too nasty of a person for anyone to actually love. However, Doo Rim, being the exact opposite of Yi Kyung, is the perfect person for Kang Ju to love, not only because she’s lovely but because she’ll be able to bring about the change in Kang Ju that’s needed for him to become a decent human being. I think this ghost is looking out for Kang Ju’s best interest, just in a pretty twisted way.
Shai: Hmm that does make sense. If Sung Joo Shin (Ghost lady’s name) can keep Yi Kyung away by scaring her, Doo Rim and Kang Ju’s feelings can grow. But I think Yi Kyung will come back sooner than we thought, episode 5’s preview shows her showing up in front of Doo Rim and then trying to cook at the Choi household. Joo Shin’s actions are pretty confusing, but one thing we aren’t sure of is how each first born’s first wife has died.
Tanya: I want to know what role she had in the household prior to her curse. Maybe she was a nanny or something. That’s kind of what it seems like. Why else would she having interest in the children?
Zombie: Does anyone else have a sudden suspicion that it was Sung Joo Shin who helped Kang Ju escape his kidnappers all those years ago? I have a feeling she’s been taking care of Kang Ju a lot longer than we think… I suppose being on the protective side of a murderous ghost is a good thing… Right?
Shai: That’s one of the theories that’s floating around the forums. Joo Shin was the one who helped him escape since no one knows how he did it and he never talks about it. Maybe she told him never to speak about that day so he doesn’t and they assume it’s too painful.
Zombie: Of course it was painful! He was kidnapped! These people in Dramaland… I tell ya…
Shai: Lol Well yes of course it’s painful. They assume he’s not speaking about it because he’s suppressed those memories when in fact Joo Shin probably warned him to never speak about it.
Zombie: I’m pretty sure Kang Ju isn’t the kind of person who would want to go around telling people he’s seen a ghost. If, in fact, he was rescued by one. I have a feeling that even as a kid, he was pretty aware of how he was expected to behave. A person in his position wouldn’t go around telling ghost stories.
Shai: This sorta reminds me of that Taiwanese drama Easy Fortune Happy Life where the male lead was kidnapped as a kid, but no one seemed to care nor did they talk about it so he stopped trusting people. Oh wait, it was that drama I’m thinking about, right? At least I hope I’m referencing the right one lol
Zombie: That one and The Master’s Sun… They both had male leads who suffered PTSD from a kidnapping. It’s not a new theme in dramas but I like how this one is going. I mean, Kang Ju still knows how to smile every now and then, just look at how he was interacting with his dad, talking about playing board games and such. They weren’t completely chummy but there were no hard feelings between them. No matter how traumatized Kang Ju was by his kidnapping, he seems to have adjusted well enough to function as a normal-ish adult, while at the same time he’s still scarred enough to make Doo Rim fall for him that much sooner. After all, she does have a soft spot for the abandoned and wounded, I’m pretty sure Kang Ju fits into that category nicely. Woo-hoo!
There’s still so much we could talk about with this week’s episodes of Bride of the Century but we want to know what you’re thinking so we leave the rest of this conversation up to you. Join us by leaving your comments below!