Coffee Prince Store #1 » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Okay okay, so I’m totally behind on Air City (and Bad Couple, and soon to be Flowers For My Life…) but my With S2 girls convinced me I should recap what I want and not worry about doing everything in order. And so, I decided, Air City will have to wait. I promise I’ll get to it. Like I said, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be following COFFEE PRINCE (and I’m wary of jumping into things purely based on hype), but come on, with a name like that, how could I not be watching? It ain’t javabeans for nuthin’. Today’s first episode (cutely labeled “First Cup” instead of the standard, bland “Episode 1″) was cute and entertaining enough — if just for the sheer curiosity of watching one of Korea’s prettiest faces acting like a boy — to merit “breezy summer watch” status.
Like a beach novel for drama addicts. Ella Fitzgerald – “Black Coffee” [ zShare download ] Official site: It is truly one of the more disgusting things I’ve seen in my life: Second Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Kan Miyoun, formerly of Baby VOX – “Kiss” [ zShare download ] Han Gyul asks Eun Chan if she wants to work for him acting as his boyfriend. He can see Eun Chan needs money but doesn’t trust her enough to just lend it to her, so he’d rather hire her. All he wants her to do is show up at his matchmaking blind dates, and she figures it sounds easy, as long as she’s getting paid.
They argue over price, and Eun Chan has to settle for far, far less than she’s hoping (about $100 each time), but says she’ll charge him for all the extras — clothing, food, and each instance of physical touching on an “a la carte” basis (charging per each touch to the face, shoulder, waist, etc). Being in a money crunch, Eun Chan asks for advance payment, which he gives. Despite Han Gyul’s fussiness over his car, not allowing her to touch anything, Eun Chan raises the convertible top and enjoys the ride. Han Gyul, initially annoyed at her antics, smiles to see her having so much fun. Back to the episode. Hahahahaha. Third Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Apls – “Very Special Girl” Pronounced “apples,” the album is called “Sexualmetro,” which keeps making me wonder if it’s an erroneous (or purposeful) misuse of the word “metrosexual.”
Either way, it’s appropriate enough, I thought. [ zShare download ] Han Gyul flatly rejects his grandmother’s proposition that he work alongside the slovenly Mr. Hong in running Wang Ja Coffee (which means “prince coffee”), only to have his grandmother immediately cut off support (partially). She has his car towed, and sends movers over to clear out his apartment, informing them he will be vacating right away. He tries to sweet-talk his granny (also Dal Ja’s granny), who’s upset at Han Gyul’s mother (also Samsoon’s mother) for pampering him so much. (Han Gyul is on bad terms with his father; the two refuse to acknowledge each other for reasons that have yet to be disclosed.)
For some reason, Han Sung and Yu Ju are back together, and all is well. He answers that it’s more like a bad habit. Fourth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Male bonding is too cute. (Now if they could just get rid of that manipulative Yu Ju… I don’t think she adds much.) Btw, I know Coffee Prince is based on a novel, and I was curious to see how the drama and novel differ, so I picked up a copy of the book today. I’ll let you guys know if I find anything interesting. The The Band – “Bang Bang Bang” [ zShare download ] After Han Gyul blows up at Eun Chan for messing up the order, Yu Ju takes him out to cool off.
Despite losing his temper, she tells him it’s nice to see him worked up about something, since he’d always been rather apathetic. To cheer him up, she grabs his hand and swings it like a kid, and although I understand she’s being silly on purpose, this annoys me. Eun Chan scolds Min Yub for ordering the wrong amount — she’d delegated the task to him.
Mr. Eun Chan’s still upset over being unfairly accused, and Han Gyul gets annoyed when she refuses to respond to him. As Han Gyul is really about to lose it, Min Yub speaks up in remorse. Fifth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. What I like about Coffee Prince is that it’s good-natured and feel-good. The male-bonding scenes are fun and energetic, and despite not having some evil force lurking in the shadows, we have plenty of entertainment. Then again, we’re only five episodes in, so who knows what may change. I’ve noticed a lot of shows start off strong for the first two or three weeks, but around episode 6 or 7, they start to falter. And yet because I’m the eternal optimist (hidden in a cynic’s body), I always think, This one will be good all the way through.
I hope this one is. (Note: I’ll be replacing some of the grainy caps with better/clearer images if I manage to get the vastly better-quality MickeyBaby version of the episode, which isn’t available as quickly as the ones I get now.) Coffee Prince OST – “Mocha” by Casker. Han Gyul smiles as he reads the notes attached to the milk Eun Chan brought him: Ha Rim, Eun Chan, and Han Gyul go out for breakfast, where they wonder why Ha Rim’s sleeping at the store. Sixth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Coffee Prince is (so far) proving to be better than I expected. Episode 6 was tons of fun, and starts getting a little more emotionally meaningful, but doesn’t get bogged down with too much seriousness. And the gender-bendy, pseudo-gay-homoerotic mindfuck really gets going! The Smiles – “Rainbow”… The Smiles is an indie-rock band that reminds me of American indie-popsters Of Montreal.
They’re both a little twee, a little unabashedly precious, a little offbeat (they’ve even got a ragtime tune on their album). (Also, I keep hearing that there’s a Coffee Prince manhwa, but I haven’t seen any indication of that. At the art gallery opening, Eun Chan recognizes Yu Ju and runs off, trying to hide her face, afraid of being found out. Seeing Han Gyul unexpectedly show up (he’d said he couldn’t make it), Eun Chan tries harder to hide (look at her scurrying behind him).
Feeling uncomfortable, Eun Chan leaves early, and Han Sung apologizes for putting her in such an awkward position. Seventh Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. For me, Coffee Prince is shaping up very nicely. It’s a drama that I bet is going to lead to a lot of accusatory finger-pointing at the label “overrated” but I notice a lot of those complaints generally come from those who haven’t even watched the show.
How can you “overrate” something if you can’t “rate” it? I’m more than willing to admit many popular hits don’t deserve their hype… but for me, I think the buzz level for Coffee Prince is just right. So far. I really, really like the music of the series. Not just the official soundtrack, but the other songs they sprinkle throughout. Humming Urban Stereo – “Insomnia.” After hugging Eun Chan for a moment, Han Gyul suddenly pushes her away and laughs in relief, saying he worried over nothing. However, the moment Han Gyul’s out of view, he tries to get a grip on himself. The next day, without explaining the reason, Han Gyul takes Eun Chan with him to the bookstore. Han Gyul carries the heavy books for her, and tells her they’re for her.
Eighth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. I really like where they’re taking this story. I’m so pleased to discover that they’ve taken what could so easily have been a bit of fluff — cotton candy entertainment — and somehow made it thoughtful, even poignant at times. In other kdramas, I frequently get frustrated at some of the obvious plot manipulations that could be so easily resolved with one honest conversation (I know I’m not the only one yelling at my computer screen, “Just tell her already!”
Or “Woman, how can you not know?!”). But here, I find myself feeling the reality of these people’s quandaries and why they feel the way they do… Particularly so in this episode. 웅산 / Woong (or Oong, or Ung) San – “아무말 말아요” (Don’t say a word). As Eun Chan and Han Gyul kiss, Han Gyul closes his eyes for a moment… before he pushes Eun Chan away, alarmed. But thankfully, that doesn’t ruin anything between them, and they drink together outside. Eun Chan: “How Han Gyul-ian of you. Eun Chan tags along on Han Gyul’s visit to his grandmother. Ninth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. First things first. As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed the episode, and continue to enjoy the way they are progressing the relationship between Han Gyul and Eun Chan.
But let me get this bit of criticism out of the way, and that is that this episode didn’t flow perfectly. There were a few awkward transitions, which felt choppy at first. Disjointed. I think they were busy trying to squeeze in some new plot points to set us up for more stories — like exploring more about Han Gyul’s birth, for instance — and because elements felt shoehorned in, it disrupted the otherwise nice developments of the episode. Thankfully, that bit of awkwardness mostly occupied the first half (minus the very beginning, which was entirely too cute); the latter half was lovely.
(Background) SONG OF THE DAY Arco – “Perfect World.” Now that they’ve agreed to be like brothers, Han Gyul starts off the next morning goofing around and making Eun Chan breakfast. At work, the two continue their happy, giddy new relationship. Tenth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Oh holy frijoles this was a good episode. I’ve been careful (I think) to indicate that I’ve been enjoying Coffee Prince, but held off on a verdict… Given a history of disappointments, I kept expectations low in starting this series; I just hoped it would be light fun.
As of today’s episode, I can say with certainty that I love Coffee Prince. I was so curious to see how they’d handle the pseudo-homosexuality angle, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The story works whether you see Eun Chan as a girl, of course, but also if, like me, you find yourselves occasionally forgetting and thinking she really is a male, or at least some kind of new hybrid gender. I’m telling ya, the actors are selling it, particularly Mr. (Background) SONG OF THE DAY Arco – “Alien.” Eun Chan runs into Han Sung at a neighborhood convenience store, and they sit down for an awkward talk.
Han Sung asks why they need to forget, and seems disappointed in her answer that they should, in order to be friends again. Eleventh Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Oldfish – “같이가자” (let’s go together) [ zShare download ] Oh, zee angst! It keels! (Great acting all around.) There were fewer songs used this episode, with more empty spaces, which I actually appreciate. I have this odd belief (totally unbased in anything tangible) that really good acting requires less music. The night of their kiss, Eun Chan and Han Gyul have their first giddy new-lovers phone call. Eun Chan asks, “Tomorrow… will we be able to laugh together?
Han Gyul receives a request to meet from the mysterious stranger, Lee Myung Jae. [Note: The following is explained much later in the episode, but I didn't want to interrupt the flow of the recap (as if that should be a concern) so I'm explaining here. Eun Chan arrives for work dressed as a girl, mentally prepared to tell Han Gyul everything. He sneers at her apology, asking about Han Gyul: “Do you know how much he suffered? Han Sung arrives home to find Yu Ju packing her things.
Yu Ju: “What should I do while I wait? “Go Eun Chan. Twelfth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. I wish Coffee Prince were a man, so I could marry it. We’d be happy together making beautiful latte art and raising lots of musically inclined children. Unless…… ……*gasp*…… ……Coffee Prince is a GIRL?!?! Linus’ Blanket (라이너스의 담요) – “Labor in Vain” [ zShare download ] [First off, credit where it's due -- thanks for the compliments on the new Coffee Prince-themed banner.
Eun Chan still comes to work despite being told to quit. Eun Chan: “In the beginning, I never thought you’d like someone like me. Han Gyul: “When I said I liked you even as a man, I didn’t care what the world would think of me, disregarding my friends, family. Phew, way to reduce me to a sniveling mess in the first five minutes. Han Gyul tells Mr. Eun Chan packs her things and leaves. Han Gyul has no desire to talk to his cousin, but Han Sung calls and says all he has to do is listen. Han Sung: “That day, she was really beautiful. Yu Ju apologizes for not telling Han Gyul about Eun Chan, and explains that she’s leaving.
Thirteenth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. This episode was, as I suspected it might be, entirely full of small, sweet moments. As much as my romantic-loving side would love to believe things remain in an Episode 13 zone of optimistic happiness, the side that’s all too familiar with dramas can only brace itself for what lies ahead. It’s like walking along a razor’s edge of tentative, hopeful, but momentary happiness — lovely in the moment, but you’re aware that at any point the teeniest misstep may cut you. Or maybe that’s just my uneasiness born of cynicism — creating problems where they don’t (yet) exist. Crispy Rhodes / 크리스피로즈 – “Crispy Paradise” [ zShare download ] Note: To anyone who requests that I post a recap “quickly” — These episodes air in Korea from approx 10pm-11pm, which is 6am in my time zone. Adorably, Han Gyul asks Eun Chan on a date for that evening.
Han Gyul blusters, “Then when can we go on a date—?” Han Gyul: “You like me, don’t you?” Thus Han Gyul loses. Bummed, Eun Sae chats with Mr. Eun Sae glumly tells Mr. Fourteenth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Cuuuuuuute. I’m also no longer worried about the issue of familial opposition. Do I expect drama?
Of course. But will it be the heart-wrenching kind? Instant Romantic Floor – “Luv Punch” (radio edit) [ zShare download ] Min Yub has been taking after Ha Rim’s playboy tendencies, which Ha Rim mentions in Eun Chan’s presence. But it’s too late, and Eun Chan has heard enough to figure out that Min Yub’s cheating around on Eun Sae. Han Gyul reports the cafe’s finances to his grandmother and takes the opportunity to show his affection after the previous episode’s rocky family issues. He also meets with his father to discuss the possibility of franchising Coffee Prince. He arrives at the cafe as Eun Chan’s busy studying about different coffee beans. They head over to have dinner with Han Sung and Yu Ju, and Han Gyul observes her familiarity with Terry with some jealousy — how often did she come by for the dog to know her so well?
Yu Ju: “But you loved Eun Chan even thinking she was a guy. Fifteenth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. (“Can you hear me now?”) One thing I’ve noticed about the acting in Coffee Prince: Aside from the generally solid performances given by the main characters in any given scene, also worth pointing out are the reaction shots.
By which I mean: the responses of those not performing the main action or dialogue in the scene, but rather reacting to it. A lot of times, actors aren’t very conscious of their reaction shots (actors are vain; why act when I’m not “on”?) , but when they do deliver a great reaction, it gives a scene that extra layer of completeness, three-dimensionality. Oldfish – “Movement.” It’s the day after the end of Episode 14, and Eun Chan asks Han Gyul repeatedly, happily, if he’s truly not going to leave for New York. Enjoying her response, Han Gyul asks if that makes her that happy, and she nods yes. Eun Chan tells him that after meeting his grandmother, she gained newfound motivation to become a cool, impressive woman worthy of him. Eun Chan doesn’t see things his way. Sixteenth Cup » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture.
Seventeenth Cup (Final) » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture. Coffee Prince Behind-the-Scenes Special » Dramabeans » Deconstructing korean drama and kpop culture.