Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo Episode 15
I think we have all been waiting for this episode, where Joon-hyun finally speaks out about his feelings regarding the fake postcards and his biological mother’s abandonment.
I think the episode delivered, although I find bio-Mom’s excuses weak and outright disrespectful to Joon-hyun’s feelings. The firsts few scenes with her were painful to watch, he was so quiet and shy, like he had turn into the little introverted child he once was. I understand there was a lot going on inside him, so he couldn’t find the right words or actions but, at the same time, all this made me think his bio-mother made the right choice to leave him with his uncle, aunt and cousin. I felt he was conflicted more than happy.
The real angst, though, came because his mother didn’t even comeback to see him, she did it to find help for her other child, so from the very beginning we know where her priorities are. Problem is that once again his family choose to feed him flowery lies and half-truths. I’m happy Joon-hyun didn’t stay silent because he is a mature, happy and well-adjusted young adult, and it’s time his family starts to treat him like one. His fight with his mother was heart wrenching but needed because only anger would make him say out loud all of those fears he has been bottling up.
Joon-hyun’s disappearing act was surprising, not because he needed to take a break from his family but because he didn’t call Bok-joo. I was sure that when this happened he would reach out to her immediately, but at the end no matter how much you love someone, sometimes you just need time to process thing. Alone. In the state he left his house, now I see, he wouldn’t have been able to articulate what was happening inside him properly.
I’m proud of Joon-hyun today. He has always being an incredibly endearing, fun and insightful leading man, but today he took humongous steps into becoming an adult who is in charge of his life. At the end, it didn’t matter to him what reason his bio-mother had to comeback, what was important was that he has a family with whom he can feel loved and protected, a home to go back to. And that’s what matters. His mother, like those shoes she gave him, don’t fit into his life. So, by giving back his mother’s handkerchief, he let her go and said goodbye to that little shy and sad boy.
Bok-joo went on a little journey of her own too. The entire situation that Joon-hyun was going through, made her rethink where her priorities are. Weightlifting is still an important part of her life but she also realized how essential Joon-hyun has been in order for Bok-joo to be able to achieve her dreams. This is why I love this show, because Bok-joo and Joon-hyun are best friends before anything else. When he needed her, she did everything in her power to find him and support him through his bad times. And also knock some senses into his head.
As much this episode resolved Joon-hyun’s trauma and family problems, it was also a testament to their relationship. That tacit honesty, respect and love that made them come together, today it was strengthen in a way that makes you (and them) realize this is no puppy love. I can say with confidence that whatever happens in the future, Bok-joo and Joon-hyun are for the long, long run.
Kudos to you, show. It’s amazing what a beautiful relationship you have developed in 15 episodes and I’m looking forward to see what will happen next.
On a lighter note, uncle Dae-ho seems to have found his better half too. GOOD. I like this girl way better for him than Coach Choi. Speaking of which, are Professor Yoon and Coach together now? It seems like it.
Bok-joo made it to the National Team! (YOU GO GIRL). The surprise party scene was another great moment for all our characters, it’s like the actors casted in the show are comedy gold when they are all together in the same room.
But this also means Bok-joo is moving to Taereung for training. Sadly, Joon-hyun didn’t qualify this time, so they will have to do long-distance for a little while. No worry, like I said before they are together and will remain together for long time.
What does worry me is Dad’s disease. I know this is a cheerful show so nothing bad will happen but I have grow very fond of all these characters and hate to see them suffering.
I can’t believe Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo will be ending next week. I’m going to miss this show dearly, not only because it’s my sweet and happy place but also because I have been pleasantly surprised week after week with the strong storyline and character development. Not to mention the constant stereotype breaking and lack of troupes. This kdrama is a true beauty.
