Bridal Mask: Thoughts so far + Ep 24 Highlights

Thoughts so far

The Kang To x Mok Dan shipping

I've been wondering for quite a while why I could not get to actually like Kang To x Mok Dan. But now I know why, partly in thanks to a tumblr user's answer to an anon q regarding the pair.

I can't take these two seriously. Sure, they liked each other when they were kids, but they must've changed a lot throughout all those years - do they like each other when they're who they are right now, and not when they were kids? Plus, their relationship developed so easily like it was way too good to be true. Kang To takes off the mask --> Mok Dan who hated on Lee Kang To all the time, immediately accepts him and becomes his lover. What. the. hell. Like I've said before in a previous BM post, I think the writers purposely sped up the development of their love line. Most likely because their love line wasn't the most important thing in the drama, and that they had to move the drama's focus onto another factor of the plotline - which I think is the independence.

And plus, whenever I see these two together, they just look so sloppy, considering that they've got a lot of secrets to deal with. Take for example, when they hold hands and smile at each other on public transport - JFC, Kang To, not everyone knows you're actually a nationalistic Joseon man doing good deeds under a bridal mask, and Mok Dan, I think everyone knows you were practically the #1 hater of Lee Kang To. Please, please, please do lovey dovey stuff in private places, and not in public if you guys don't want to shorten your life spans?

And I really don't find them cute whenever they have their moments. Everyone's like, "Kyaaa Kang Dan, my favorite couple" "my OTP" etc, but I'm just like..."Heh...that's...great...hah." And no I'm not jealous, but yeah, the conclusion is, whenever there are KangDan moments (ugh even just saying their OTP name makes me cringe), I try really hard not to cringe, but I can't help it. Maybe it's mostly because their scenes together are more cheesy rather than cute.

Shunji = a possible new favorite character?

As much as hateful and crazy he is, I find him very, very intriguing. I can't really put into words why I like the guy, but he's definitely more interesting than Kang To is right now. I used to like Kang To when he himself was a crazy bastard, but now that he's a complete good guy with no more wavering in whether he's a hero or not, I find Kang To incredibly boring. I do like him a lot when he's doing his Gaksital duties though - but only when he's Gaksital. When he's just Lee Kang To, he's just...alright. Not too bad, but not too good either. While Shunji on the other hand just amuses me a lot.

Don't assume I'm a crazy psychopath like he is though - I of course would hate on such a character if he actually existed in my life. But then again, he's just a character in a drama, and since he's doing such a brilliant job at being a villain - might as well like him, right?

But sadly, the quality of his character shoots down whenever Mok Dan is involved though. His tendency to invade her private space and be all touchy...what's with him and his obsessive love for skinship?! Plus he's so creepy whenever he's with Mok Dan...oh god.

Yeah, besides the creepiness, he's tolerable. Haha.

Ep 24 Highlights

Deuk Soo's expression = priceless.
I'm glad you finally met Gaksital without the mask on hehe

As much as I dislike this guy
I was kinda rooting for him when he was arguing against Taro
yes yes don't use Joseon people for the Japanese army
the independence needs them~

When he said "You can come to me, I can take you in"
I was both creeped out and squealing inside my heart
like why in the world was I fidgeting in uncontrollable joy
it's supposed to be a insult and not romantic in any way
I think it's because I ship these two

lowlight of this scene: Rie lost this verbal showdown OTL

Kakawa's actually pretty good-looking hohoho
I feel sorry for him because he always loses Kang To while stalking him
and eventually gets a painful kick from Shunji

When Reporter Song called Kang To "comrade"
awwwwwwwww (●´∀｀●)
and when Dong Jin smiled
awwwwwwwww (●´∀｀●)
Kang To is accepted as a trustworthy comrade yay

This shouldn't be a highlight, this really shouldn't
it was actually sad for goodness's sake
but I was so proud of Tamao for helping the independence though
although it was really a shame that he didn't have the determination and courage to live on
My heart sank when the count cried his son's name *le sigh*
I actually liked how the count seemed to actually love his son
while on the other hand the countess acted like a bitch
ugh I hate her I hate her

I loved this scene I absolutely loved this scene to DEATH.
This is such an epic showdown omfg
I am so looking forward to how the comrades do against Katsuyama and Rie
I really do hope the comrades kick their asses though
because they just look too badass here to lose

And oh yes, another showdown between Kinpei and Gaksital.
I'm expecting this one to be epic as well.
I also hope that Gaksital can put up a better fight than he did last time.
Even better, why don't you pwn Kinpei for once

The Bridal Mask writers had me very pleased with episode 24  - I hope they do a good job with the rest of the remaining episodes.

Reply 1997: Thoughts so far

*Just a warning before any Reply 1997 fans read this - I've watched up to ep 10, and I will talk about the most recently aired eps. So if you don't want spoilers, get off my blog right now. Don't tell me I didn't warn you.*

I used to ship these two, but now, nope - Yoon Jae and Shi Won all~the way. I don't know how I didn't even consider the possibility that Tae Woong wasn't looking at Shi Won as Shi Won herself, but more as Song Joo, her dead sister. It kind of saddened me when Shi Won asked him why he liked her - then she proceeded to answer the question by saying, "Because I remind you of Song Joo unnie?"

And at that moment, I was like OHMYGOD. Σ(-`Д´-ﾉ；)ﾉ Okay even if Tae Woong did reassure her that that was only in the beginning, and now he likes Shi Won for being Shi Won, I still ended up abandoning the ship. Tae Woong seems to want to move on with his life, but I'm sorry - it just doesn't seem like he's forgotten Song Joo when the next girl he picks up is her younger sister. Dude, I like you, but since you didn't fall in love with her because she was Shi Won, but more like she resembled Song Joo, you're out. Just...get away from Shi Won please. Pick on someone who you can truly love for being the person herself.

Yoon Jae deserves Shi Won a lot more, and Shi Won deserves Yoon Jae a lot more, because Yoon Jae cares that much for the girl, plus he fell in love with her because Shi Won was Shi Won, and not some other girl. While he was in love with her, he neglected any other girl from coming into his heart, while his bro had a bit of an issue erasing Song Joo from his. So yes, Yoon Jae x Shi Won.

I just feel sorry for Yoon Jae because he's very unhappy about the current situation between Shi Won and Tae Woong, and he can't do anything but neglect Shi Won. Whenever he does, my heart sinks - for both of them. Yoon Jae probably doesn't want to see her at all, whereas Shi Won is not sure why he's treating her so coldly. Although we haven't seen Shi Won treat Yoon Jae nicely that often, it's easy to tell that Yoon Jae is a very special friend to her, and losing him would be saddening.

Annnd according to the ep 11 - 12 preview, I think I'm in for quite a treat~. Yoon Jae confessing to Shi Won, Shi Won crying over it, then her confronting Tae Woong about something...I think it's time for the Yoon Jae x Shi Won ship to officially sail.

I do feel sorry for Jun Hee, I really do - but I honestly think Jun Hee is way too good for Yoon Jae. Jun Hee deserves someone better. Yoon Jae is a nice guy, but he can be rather cold at times.

I'm glad Jun Hee finally told Yoon Jae about his feelings for him - the "Jun-Hee-likes-Shi-Won-too" misunderstanding has finally been cleared up. I'm a little disappointed that Yoon Jae just took it as a joke and just laughed it off...can he better confront Jun Hee's feelings for him later in the future then? I know it would be shocking for your best friend to suddenly confess his feelings for you, but...don't just laugh it off, acknowledge his feelings, and say your honest thoughts on them. Oh, and please don't forget to be nice.


Overall, Reply 1997 has been quite enjoyable (although the Busan dialect is hard to understand at times), and I'm glad that I have something to look forward to on Wednesday mornings haha.

Bridal Mask: Episode 22 - Comments

 I really liked this exchange between Rie and Shunji. Although they're far from being in a romantic relationship, I kinda ship these two together (´∀｀)♡. I love how whenever they meet, they always end up growling at each other. And the way they glare at each other is kinda...sexayyyy (✿ ♥‿♥).

I still do worry for Rie though. To Ueno Hideki, Rie is nothing but one of his tools to get his way. If Rie proves to be useless, Ueno Hideki will kill her, even though she is his adoptive daughter. Guess that's how Kishokai works though. Meh. What a cold-blooded organization run by a cold-blooded man. I just hope Katsuyama will strike and protect Rie somehow. But then again, if this happens, then one of them or even both of them will have to die. Booo.

Oh, oh, and a new potential pair to ship. Hehehehehehehhehehehe these cuties


I never knew the dude would carry out a more important role than we expected him to carry out. I think he deserves a name, but the writers seem to think otherwise. Boohoo. And he's cute too.

And mann, I never expected Dong Jin to be such a stern, expressionless man. I'm looking forward to his meeting with Yang Baek - those two together would be one invincible pair.

I can't believe I expected this guy to do something epic. His character so far sucks, and he almost serves no great purpose to the story. Guess Shunji might have set my expectations too high regarding Bridal Mask's villains.




Now, the best part of this ep:

SHUNJI FINALLY KNOWS. YES YES YES!

Okay before people throw virtual eggs and vegetables at me, let me explain myself. I do prefer Kang To to be safe and sound, and out of Shunji's evil grasp, but I am sick of Shunji accusing Kang To of his secret identity, Kang To denying it with some clever excuse/alibi, then Shunji getting all confused and starting over from square one. Now that the show is nearing its end, it is time for Shunji to face the reality set before him: Lee Kang To is Gaksital.

Let me just applaud Shunji for being way too smart. Pretty clever of him to bring in Ueno Hideki's samurai into the picture to let Gaksital's guard down. Although I hate Shunji for doing that, because I almost had a heart attack when I saw Kinpei come in with his trademark scary face. Gah.

See? Scary face.

And and I love Shunji's facial expression here. His expression doesn't say, "Yes I was right! I finally caught him red-handed! Oh yes oh yes!" but it says a lot of different things. His face is twisted in disbelief and anger, and maybe a hint of sadness? Shunji might have wanted himself to be wrong. Like, he can't believe it that he was actually right. Even though Shunji has thrown away his friendship with Kang To a long, long time ago, it's still quite a shock for the guy to realize that Kang To has betrayed his bff in different ways: 1) He is in fact the Young Master --> Mok Dan loves him, and he loves her too, 2) He is the one who killed Kenji, Shunji's brother.

So Shunji, what will you do?  (*´・ｖ・)

Korea Haul

Finally felt like putting up a post regarding what I bought in Korea.

an iphone accessory (you plug it into the earphone hole)
bought this for my friend's bday

a small mirror from artbox

it was super hot in Korea
needed something to cool myself off
anyway, this is a jetoy fan (●´∀｀●)

handcream from etude house

for some reason the cream is all dried up...
fuck this
still using it though cuz the moneyy (´∩｀。)
never buying stuff from etude house again omfg

I actually got this for free from my cousin. The person who made it (or participated in the making process) gave her one for me when she told him/her that I was coming again to Korea. Her friend is so nice hehe

Apparently the color pencils are made out of paper, so the down side of these pencils is that they're quite fragile.

pastel-colored chain bracelet
it was really pretty
I couldn't resist taking my wallet out

the downside is that the chains get tangled a lot
and I can't really untangle them
but oh well

left to right:
동급생 (Classmate) - 히가시노 게이고 (Keigo Higashino)
어둠의 저편 (After Dark) - 무라카미 하루키 (Haruki Murakami)
방과 후 (Afterschool) - 히가시노 게이고 (Keigo Higashino)

Just recently finished 동급생 - I really enjoyed it mainly because I could relate to it. It was written from the view of a high schooler, and it hasn't been too long since I graduated from high school. Plus, it's been quite a while since I read a book set in a high school.

I noticed that there were tons more books by Haruki Murakami translated in Korean than there are in English. Really wanted to buy all Murakami books in the bookstore (that weren't translated in English) to be honest, but I stopped myself and just bought one. I've yet to read 어둠의 저편. 

Currently reading 방과 후. It's also set in a high school like 동급생, but it was written from the view of a teacher. So far it's a little boring, but I'm gonna trust in Higashino Keigo and continue reading.

kay no need to write out title and author

 I finished this while I was still in Korea, so I don't have the book with me right now - my dad suggested lending it to him so that he could read it.

The book is good - the only problem I had with it was the cover. After I got into the scary part of the book, I started to get a little scared by the eye - I felt like it was glaring at me regardless of what angle I was looking at the book. Even when I was searching up the book online just now, I was a little startled by the cover.

My mom then asked me why I even bought the book but then I didn't know that the eye would freak me out once I started reading the book omfg

I wonder how my dad would think of the book

Anyway, after finishing two books by Higashino Keigo, I think it's safe to say that I like his books, and I'm looking forward to reading more books written by him.

diary stickers

headbands ヽ(*≧ω≦)ﾉ
they're so cute
I wanted to buy more but my mom wouldn't let me boohoo

Another headband, but this one's interesting - you can freely bend its shape to fit on your head. According to the shop owner, the first pic is how you put on the hairband.

My mom made fun of me and said it was weird (´＿｀。) So I tried it on differently, as shown in the second pic. Not sure which do is better, but since my mom kinda lowered my self-esteem with the first do, I think I will go with the second one. *sniff*

Special thanks to my cousin for defending me when my mom made fun of me ♡＾▽＾♡

nail art sticker :)
gonna try this sometime

A neon-colored jacket ( ´ ▽ ` ) It was one of those rare moments when I actually found something that I had to buy on the spot. The color was really pretty, plus, all those tiny holes and the thinness of the jacket makes it perfect for a rainy/cool day.

I had a disagreement with my mom regarding this jacket, but she can't say anything because I bought it with my own money (HAH, so SHUSH).

Again, once I saw these two pieces of clothing, I had to buy them on the spot as well. The shirt was just way too cute to resist (●´∀｀●)

and I had actually wanted a pair of shorts like this one - mint-colored, goes up all the way to your hips, and 4 buttons in a straight line (●´∀｀●)

The downside of the shorts is that it's pretty tight, so whenever I eat I have to open up a couple of buttons so that I won't have any digestive problems later. Plus, my lower back itches a lot whenever I wear it. But I still love the shorts nevertheless (✿ ♥‿♥)

full body shot

And that's it for my haul from Korea! Sorry for the long post, but at least it wasn't too wordy, right? ^_^ 

Bridal Mask: Episode 19 ~ 20 - Comments

A new story arc has just opened up. The only powerful good guy at the Jongro Police Station is dead (RIP Konno), Taro is back with his trademark arrogant facial expression on, and we have another evil guy to be aware of. With Kishokai starting to show their full potential (of evilness) and a lot of heroes dead, Kang To faces yet another challenge as the main hero.

Murayama Yoshiyo

2 episodes have aired since Murayama's first appearance. Yet there's still so much to know about this character. Since we know so little about him except that 1) he is part of Kishokai, 2) he has caused controversy in the past for being a "crazy soldier" of somesort, we can't help but anticipate his contribution to the story and relationships between other characters. I personally think this guy is pretty scary (although of course, the guy I think is worthy of being the most feared is Ueno Hideki). The addition of his character to the story pretty much means that shit is slowly gonna go down, and that Kang To has to find more about Kishokai asap.

Kimura Shunji, definitely a bad guy now

I was willing to give the benefit of the doubt to this character, but now I no longer believe that this guy can return to the loving and caring Joseon-loving person he was before. Shunji has completely passed the line. He feels no sympathy whatsoever for anyone, and if it comes to catching Gaksital, he will not hesitate - he will even kill a person without even batting an eyelash. The way he tortured Comrade Jeok Pa was cruel and inhumane - when even Goiso cringes at the sight of Shunji torturing someone like that, you know the guy's definitely a crazy bastard.

And plus, the way he tries to provoke Kang To and make him think he's on his side when he's definitely not...ugh. I was actually a little annoyed myself. I'm usually not annoyed when it comes to Shunji - I just laugh it off because he's just incredibly confused. But this time, I'm convinced he's a complete bad guy now. There's no more confusion or wavering in his facial expressions or actions. He's now a full-fledged bad guy.

But I still don't hate him. I'm okay with Shunji provoking Kang To since Kang To has quietly vowed to himself to take on the challenge Shunji is presenting him with. The only problem I have with him is him being all touchy with Mok Dan. Ugh I feel so disgusted whenever he hugs her. If he actually truly loved her, then I wouldn't mind, but since he's now just using her for his own benefit, I am feeling pretty disgusted.

Crazy bastard.


Ueno Rie - Whose side are you on now?

Ohhh yeees. Time for more Rie! ヽ(｀◇´)/ I've recently realized my hidden love for this character - she's sooo jaw-openingly beautiful, plus the fact that she wavers in judgement when it comes to Kang To is just...so good. Omg. Gyah. That look in her eyes when Kang To says he would save her now regardless if she's a singer or a gisaeng. That look oh that look oh that look oh that look (ok I should stop). She's practically pleading Kang To to actually mean those words. AHHHH. LET ME DIE.

 I thought it would be Katsuyama at the end to stop Gaksital, but it's Rie instead. Of course, of course. Rie needs to go under more emotional turmoil than she did when she saw Kang To's wound on his right arm.

I think Rie will eventually help Kang To, and lose everything and probably die in the end too. Betraying Kishokai probably means death for any member in the organization. As calm as Ueno Hideki is, he probably won't ever forgive Rie if she does end up siding with Gaksital. 

Lee Kang To - Too sexy.

Can I just say Mok Dan is fucking lucky to have a man like him. Argh.

The way he shouts "Ra Ra" just kills me.

Even if you did whisper to each other, it's still obvious that you guys had some sort of a conversation that didn't have any intensity whatsoever. Which might seem weird to the circus people.

Sexy as usual in his Gaksital outfit o (◡‿◡✿)

Comfort women

Oh my god there's nothing good in watching the episodes at the airing time if you don't understand the important parts. The language used in Bridal Mask include old words that you don't hear in real life today in Korea - and plus my Korean sucks (boohoo). Only when I read the recap of ep 20 did I realize that the Japanese were tricking Joseon people into becoming comfort women.

But I was definitely ticked off when I saw those Japanese soldiers dragging off the girls against their will - they even dragged Sun Hwa along even though she didn't sign her name! OMFG. And seeing one of them kick Mok Dan countless times made me frantically wonder whether Gaksital will come to save her. So fucking cruel. Although Gaksital didn't appear then, he did manage to appear just in time to stop those trucks from transporting Joseon women to China.

Look at them fucking smile. This was where I was ticked off the most. Urgh.

I know it's not clear in the screenshots, but I do clearly remember that they did smile and boy that woman acting all happy and joyful to see these "pretty women" before her...urgh *baaaaaarffff* 

Minor character notes

One of the few supporters Kang To has now. It's sad that Shinji can't be of much help, but it is still nice to see him around. He's adorable hehe.

Loved how he seemed concerned and confused for Rie - his eyes says it all: "Does she know what she's doing?" He's so caught up in the thought that he for a moment forgets to close the car door, and has to have Rie shoot him a look to do so.

What I'm curious about him now is whether he himself knows Lee Kang To = Gaksital. I'm assuming Rie hasn't told him, and even if she did, he can't do anything unless she herself orders him to. So I guess we don't really need to worry about Katsuyama for now~╮(─▽─)╭

The whole time I was watching episode 20 and just thinking - who the hell is she? What is her significance? And I only realized that she's Shunji's nanny's granddaughter when I read the recaps (ugh fail I so did not recognize the nanny's face and I so did not understand why Kimura Taro stopped the car in front of them omg). I love how the writers decided to include her in the comfort women thing - she might make Shunji's evil character waver. Emotional turmoil is exactly what I would love to see Shunji go through. Will Shunji not even bat an eyelash when he hears that his nanny's granddaughter has been taken away to carry out such a disgusting job, or will he do something that makes Kishokai think twice again regarding whether they can trust him as a member? Ooh, very intriguing. But nevertheless, OTL she's so innocent and young how can you do this to her GAH TAARRROOOOOOOO YOU BASTARD

Looking way too happy there, buddy. (-_+)



Alright, I think that's it for now - if I think of anything more to add, I'll update this post later.