"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Confucius
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Gratitude is the sweet fragrance of an opening heart." -Aine Belton

Today I stumbled upon this posting in KoreAM magazine about Thick Dumpling Skin by Elizabeth Eun under blogs.

The Housemaid 하녀 (2010) is a remake of a movie of the same name made in the 1960's but with a different take. The director Im Sang Soo 임상수 who makes this attractive thriller with a surprise ending twist. This film stars Lee Jung Jae 이정재 (Air City) as the handsome, entitled and rich husband Hoon who is the master of the household. His young, beautiful wife Hae-Ra played by Seo Woo 서우(Cinderella's Sister) is heavily pregant with twins. They decide to hire a housemaid to take care of the twins and their daughter Nami (who Eun I adores). Strong actress 전도연 Jeon Do Yeon's character Eun I is chosen to be hired after a thorough background check. Veteran actress Yoon Yeo Jung as the elder housemaid Byung Shik (not in the original) who has lived with the family for a long time.

Hae-Ra whiles her days away reading, lounging her days away. Eun I caters to all her needs including washing her intimates among her many duties. One night, when Hae-Ra fails to satisfy her lusty husband Hoon, he later seeks housemaid Eun I. But there are no secrets in this household that escapes the notice of Byung Shik. Later, Eun I finds out she is pregnant with Hoon's child. The ending has a surprise twist by Eun I.

Lee Jung Jae plays the piano playing and red wine swilling arrogant master of the house perfectly. Jeon Do Yeon is a superb actress but I think it was weird she is older than the lady of the house Hae Ra so that did not look right to me. Seo Woo did a great job as the pampered rich wife. Yoon Yeo Jung plays Byung Shik well initially not showing any emotion but later on you understand her a bit better.

Though visually stunning, there is not much a plot. I went to support having Asian Films to continue to be screened at nearby Kendall Theater.

The Trailer (credit: Visotrailers)

 cr:photos Hancinema trailer: visotrailers

Recently, IU 아이유 as Pilsook sang Korean duo from the 1990's 패닉 Panic's hit "Waiting" 기다리다 on an episode of "Dream High"드림하이. Love her rendition and the composer praised her for causing more renewed interest in this 1995 classic.

Panic "Waiting"

IU's version as Pilsook

Lyrics:

neol gidarida honja saenggakhaesseo
tteonagan neon jigeum neomu apa
dasi naegero doraol gil wie ulgo itdago

neol baraboda mundeuk saenggakhaesseo
eoneunal haneuri balgajimyeon
machi tteonatdeon nalcheoreom gamanhi neoneun naege ogetji
nae ape inneun neo

nega dasi nareul bol sun eobseulkka
neoui du nun soge naneun eopgo
iksukhaejin sonjitgwa anggeum..
neol gidarida honja saenggakhaesseo
tteonagan neon jigeum neomu apa
dasi naegero doraol gil wie ulgo itdago

neol baraboda mundeuk saenggakhaesseo
eoneunal haneuri balgajimyeon
machi tteonatdeon nalcheoreom gamanhi neoneun naege ogetji
nae ape inneun neo

nega dasi nareul bol sun eobseulkka
neoui du nun soge naneun eopgo
iksukhaejin sonjitgwa anggeumgateun misoman
huimihage namaseo nareul ulge hajiman

neoneun dasi naege doraolgeoya
neoui mami dasi nal bureumyeon
jujeomalgo dorawa ne nunapui naeaneuro
yeojeoncheoreom neol anajulteni

//기다리다

널 기다리다 혼자 생각했어
떠나간 넌 지금 너무 아파
다시 내게로 돌아올 길 위에 울고 있다고

널 바라보다 문득 생각했어
어느날 하늘이 밝아지면
마치 떠났던 날처럼 가만히 너는 내게 오겠지
내 앞에 있는 너

네가 다시 나를 볼 순 없을까
너의 두 눈 속에 나는 없고
익숙해진 손짓과 앙금..
널 기다리다 혼자 생각했어
떠나간 넌 지금 너무 아파
다시 내게로 돌아올 길 위에 울고 있다고

널 바라보다 문득 생각했어
어느날 하늘이 밝아지면
마치 떠났던 날처럼 가만히 너는 내게 오겠지
내 앞에 있는 너

네가 다시 나를 볼 순 없을까
너의 두 눈 속에 나는 없고
익숙해진 손짓과 앙금같은 미소만
희미하게 남아서 나를 울게 하지만

너는 다시 내게 돌아올거야
너의 맘이 다시 날 부르면
주저말고 돌아와 네 눈앞의 내안으로
여전처럼 널 안아줄테니

=============

cr: romanization.wordpress and vikii Dream High forum (I did not do the gif or photos.) 

So it will hit 6 years on June 1st being at my current job. So last year, instead of a raise I got an extra week's vacation-that is money! Anyways, today I got a review and my boss gave me a modest raise. Given the economy and all etc, I am glad to get one! Not that I need to make a ton of money, but every helps with the mortgage and bills.

Money sure doesn't guarantee happiness, but it sure makes things easier. ^^

Given I put in alot of time and get no OT. Also I have worked crazy hours into past midnight before I go on vacations, I more than deserve the raise along with keeping good communications with clients, cost cutting and good record keeping of the finances among the many meeting items.

Made my day! But after you break down the raise, at the end of the day the amount is nominal but it is better than nothing.

I met 주영 back last year in April. We met over at CC's place (only one T stop away from my digs). Over a shared love of 삼겹살 and christening the grill from HMart in Burlington. When CC went home to NY, we decided to be language partners in May/June. It would be a start of a friendship. Before 주영, I only had female language partners. I have found as a whole they were better.

주영 was one who took initiative to make friends and is very outgoing. He does make lame jokes but he has his charm. I appreciated his hard work and desire to be more fluent in English. I initially started him out with idioms/slangs. Later he would just have me answer his questions and edit his journals. He even had me start writing a Korean Journal (ok that did not last that long either though).

Through it all (even after he moved from South Boston to Hynes Convention, Kendall and finally Malden Center) we always managed to make the time to hangout and study. Before I went to Korea and China last fall, he told me to meet up with his bro. His bro is friends with Korean Actor 이선균 (that is another story). I found out that factoid within knowing 주영 thanks to our mutual friend CC. She said that he used to work at a winebar and met alot of celebs who work and live in ritzy part of Seoul. One of them was Lee Sun Kyun. At that time last winter, I was at the height of "Pasta" fever. I loved Alex (not his role) and felt that Gong Hyo Jin and Lee Sun Kyun were naturals as the leads. The story was bleh but the acting was top notch (after poor Sun Kyun stopped screaming). CC then mentioned that her pal 주영 knew someone who was friendly with him. (I did not take that info too seriously at that time.)

As we hung out more and learned about each other, I told 주영 I was going to Korea. Then he told me to go to his bro's wine bar that he manages. I said sure. I did ask 주영 if I could get Lee Sun Kyun's autograph. Truthfully, I wanted to ask if I could meet the actor, but I knew he was filming a movie (thanks to the blogs I read) and it was too much to ask to someone who did not know me. To be careful, I made sure to get a present for his bro. I asked what he liked and got a 4 cd classical music pack. (Long and short of it he hooked me up and that ONE day he had time I was able to see him and my friend and mom loved the experience! So awesome indeed! A dream of a lifetime!)

So 주영 had his ups and downs starting with a bad roomie in Kendall place. Though the digs were awesome, his roomie was not. En route back from South America via Miami, the TSA got them to miss their respective flights causing another 5 hour delay. On top of missing his NU Kaplan classmates, he went to CELOP at BU and did not find it to be a good fit for him. He was missing his KAPLAN pals like crazy. He was on the brink of returning. CC and the other pals were wondering what his next steps were.

During the summer, CC introduced TTL to us. Such a great guy and ended being "a brother from another mother" for our pal 주영. Even my mom liked him when we met up. We had a session at South Station before I had to take the midnight bus to NYC. That time was a last ditch to get the precious China Visas for my folks or else I was going to eat the a TON of money that was put to spend for our flights to China and Korea.

Later for his bday and Xmas, I took him out for Thai dinner. But the Boston Pops and the Radio Show Xmas Spectacular. Both showed Xmas but the holiday season is for couples in Japan and Korea. As in the USA, it is a time for family and gift giving. He loved the Spectacular for the Rockettes and for their legs. But his fave routine had their legs covered up as the soldiers. The Boston Pops was at the historic Symphony Hall, he was mesmerized. He really enjoyed it. Then he had his big party she bang. I got some cake and helped organize after the party ended at 4 or 5am. 현미 rocked helping me out.

Before he was leaving, we were supposed to as a group go to DC but it got axed as Megabus cancelled our 11:30pm bus. So we ended up spending a sleep over at 주영's digs. We just hung out and ate. I was obsessed with 시크릿 가든 caught up (#9-15) on my iPod Touch (yes First generation though I think 4 is out now). Even go noraebang fix in and learned one of the pals loves the 내 이름은 김삼순 OST fan like myself. Thanks 기준!

Ended up doing TOP OF THE HUB with the gang and it was nice. Earlier that morning, my boss' middle gal complimented me on my outfit. (Yes his young uns are fashionistas-I am not as I would rather travel and eat well instead of fashion! After that, I had to do a last minute gathering at my place to cook. I missed the farewell "Cheesecake Factory" gathering as his hoobae asked me to meet up from NYC. At least I stopped by briefly. My sunday dinner went well. I had to cook for 8 hours (last time I did that was with my folks at their business!). I tried to make flan, risotto, butternut squash for the first time. It came out overall ok. Even the sauteed mushrooms with truffle oil rocked! It was the first time more than 5 people ate at my home. The messagers I have got a workout!

I did get a heartfelt hand written card. I in turn mailed a card and as well as a holiday one with postcards too. Sad 주영 is back in Asia. But we will still be friends even though we shall keep in touch here and there. He starts his final year next month. (Thanks for doing the idioms with me even though we did not finish them.)

I have not been so good about updating in a long time. I took a long break. Last summer, a treasured friend and big sis gave me a crystal. She blessed it with alot of love and patience. Plus she put it in a good spot to give me and those around me in my life "good energy" especially in my home. She says we have a great number. In typical feng shui, we are missing some key and crucial points. But she says that my life has been good so far thanks to my karma, good personality and kindness to others.

Since having the crystal, I have had my share of lifes ups and downs. But I have found that my relations with my baby sis has slowly becoming even closer. (We were never close growing up and being older did not help either.) I really appreciate it alot. Also with my bro, we are better too. Though some might scoff it being absurd to believe in this, I believe that it is not a bad thing. It is something positive so I am glad to have it. My friend even got another crystal as I cannot get enough good luck. This first crystal if it has more cracks, the better it is and luckier. Very cool!

I am truly blessed.

So as I mentioned before, I like IU alot and with her first main storyline with WooYoung it is so cute. Though they are in reality 7 years apart her 17 and him being 22, their story is cute.  I admit I watched all the Pilsook and Jason cuts before even watching the drama. ^^

She first stormed onto the scene and into the fan's hearts (as a result got a bigger part than originally planned) dressed as a piece of sushi. When she aces her audition to Kirin High School she is ecstatic. Even at the audition, they judges shake their heads beautiful voice but due to the appearance driven industry a sad point. But luckily the Director (Bae Yong Jun) thinks she has beauty and potential. Before her audition, you have her answering Jason's question and he says, "Thanks Miss Sushi."

Later on she really develops a full blown crush when he saves her major embarrassment when Insung (JinGook's break dancing buddy) is making fun of her very "large" skirt outfit. The knight in shining armor swoops in saying it is his and rescues her from further embarrassment.

I love how she always leaves him lollipops at his locker which is near hers. When she realizes Jason might not feel the way she feels and she is struggling at Kirin she wants to drop off. But Jason saves the confessing that he wants to sing with her someday together and always liked her voice. This confession renews her drive to want to stay at Kirin. Or her loyalty when playing the piano for Jason and when Sam Dong wanted to challenge him, she refused to play.

When chosen to sing a CF song for Ria, Pilsook is excited for her. But in the end her name is left off. Jason overhears Ria saying to the manager that the singer is too overweight to debut soon. Or when Jason when told though he is the top student, he does not hold as much charisma as Ria and is lucky to be her partner. So in a frustration and fury he goes to noraebang and asks Pilsook along (who is over the moon). Their renditions of songs especially Pilsook's of "Heartbeat" was hilarious.

Or the fact though she is loving her date with Jason, she is a good doobie and goes to the "secret showcase" practice though she would rather be with her crush.

 cr: doschh (Viki fan forum)

(Forums and fans have said that the doll is from South America and costs $50. It supposedly represents Jason (notice the hair similarity?).

When she gets the guts to admit she likes him, I like her usage of a song and post its. As she waits nervously he comes over to her. Due to his good manners he cannot not go and say he is flattered but does not like her the way she feels for him. Later she talks to him, she realizes he is debuting and going to be gone for 200 days as a member of K Group (Baek Hee and JinGook made it too). Pilsook says would he reconsider her request then? Jason thinking back to Ria's comment about her losing weight agrees. He admits to her, he liked her enough to go to noraebang.  Why would he hang out with her if he didn't like her company. Plus he ends up dissing his showcase to help Pilsook out in her secret showcase.

After the success, the K group comes back. Jason looks around for Pilsook but doesn't see her. He smiles when he sees the usual lollipop. But he totally passes by the "new" Pilsook. But when he hears, "Long time no see" in a recognized voices he does a visible "DOUBLE TAKE." You can totally tell he is digging the new and improved Pilsook. But to his frustration, she never mentions the 200 day confession again. He even hints but she pretends not to know. I liked how he mirrors her dance movements when she stares at the Dance Contest poster. He shocks her when she twirls around and he saves her from falling over. (Soooo cute!) Awkward.

Later at the dance contest, when push comes to shove she chose Sam Dong over Jason (he was not good about showing up for practice) when he thought he had her tie breaking vote in the bag. Later, after snaring 3rd place at the Dance Competition, Pilsook says some hard to hear words to Jason. Jason said if he was in the solo-they would have won! This is when Pilsook rips into him after he says I did not want to ask but why did you not follow up on our bet. Pilsook admits she started the 200 day diet because of him. But she realized he was not worthy of her dedication to lose weight. She cannot like a person who has no hopes and dreams or ambitions. Dieting was difficult and at times she wanted to die but she persevered. Jason is upset upon hearing this. But Pilsook says she is still his number one fan. But pissed off, Jason just storms out.

The students are going to Japan but our fave underdogs cannot afford until Professor Kang has a deal with Mr. Ma to sing at a Japanese wedding (groom and bride are Kpop fans) their airfare will be covered. Pilsook at last minute cannot attend as she has Hep A. Jason (still unwilling to admit his feelings) wonders where Pilsook is and why she did not go. When he finds out that she has hepatitis from Sam Dong he is wonder which one? So Jason searches on the internet and gets into a tizzy realizing some of kinds of hepatitis are life threatening. Sam Dong said he has no clue and gets chastized for being a bad friend for not knowing. Frustrated he talks to Hye Mi, she was going to say "A" to Jason. But of course, trusty Hye Mi is testing Jason and pulls a trick and says another one. So after the MV shoot, Jason jets back to Korea to see Pilsook. He frantically rushes to the hospital to only find her jumping rope outside.

When he realizes he has been had by HyeMi, he corrects Pilsook's assumption that he came due to "not doing his schedule or dissing it".  Clueless, Jason is about to admit how worried he was for her. He is about to stalk away when Pilsook faints. Her rushes to her side and carries her back to the hospital after crying for help. He is by her bedside when she wakes up, Pilsook asks why is he still there. He just says he wanted to hear her singing (too chicken to confess he missed her and was worried). So he leaves and Pilsook sings Panic's song "Waiting."  (Even the songwriter thanks IU for causing  more interest again in his song. Plus her remake is fantastic!) Jason who is about to finally leave, overhears her sad emotive version of "Waiting." Now it is my new fave noraebang song!

The next episode you see Jason now sporting glasses. Also when offered by his boss to go to England, he opts to take a music composition class and decides to turn a new leaf . To prove his point, he is more nerdy he dons classes too in that meeting. This shocks other K members as well as including Pilsook when she spots him at the music composition class. When he overhears she is pretending to say she is Sam Dong (to avoid himg being expelled and losting the bet) he saves her by "posing as him" instead.  The explosion of cuteness from her smile is adorable realizing Jason did it.

As she drops off her daily lollipop, she finds stuck on her locker, Jason's Japanese test and he got a big fat A+. It is cute when Jason coolly walks and grabs his lollipop with Pilsook jumping up and down with excitement. (He wants to be worthy of Pilsook to like him. LOVE IT!) Then true to her klutzy nature she falls down.

Fan's have sharp eyes, I saw this posting in a forum.

So during the music composition class, HyeMi vows if all three of them Pilsook, Hyemi and Sam Dong get A's (only three A+'s a class) then Professor Kang must be reinstated. This time Professor Shi is on their side. she gives them a tip to get emotions and watch a movie or talk to someone as they are still young. Jason leaves a movie ticket on Pilsook's locker. When she is at the movie theater, Jason (covered up in a muffler-as he is part of the popular group K) sidles up next to her. He is there purely for research, so she should not be confused. Cute that she offers her popcorn to him. ^^

Pilsook is inspired by the movie outing and garners an A+ for writing about love. Hye Mi also gets an A+ but Sam Dong's song is late but he gets an honorable mention and opportunity to be in the showcase. The third A+ was for BaekHee's plaguarized song and even the teacher noted how professional the song seemed.

We find that Pilsook trying to take a new shot for the Showcase as all her shots were of her pre-diet so she has Insung help her take a new "full" shot of herself on her cell. Cutely Jason walks by twice to block the shot. Then he asks what is he doing and ends up telling Pilsook I can help you. He has the photographer doing his photo shoot to come 30 minutes earlier to help him out and take pics of her. Cutely he has her instead of wearing her uniform and angel costume. Even Pilsook thinks the outfit is a bit much but Jason loves it. 

 The photographer grabs her attention when he comments who is this gal to him and what about all the pics of the other gals on his  cellphone? This sure gets Pilsook's attention. Later on, Pilsook has a chance to sneak a peek but her cute conscience warring with her curiosity causes her a bit of stress. But by the time she can make a decision, Jason gets his cell phone in time. He even asks who is in the cell. Jason is just relieved that Pilsook did not sneak a peek. (Fans are guessing they are pics of Pilsook. **Fingers crossed.)

SPOILERS alert!

Now that episode 13 (shown 2/15/2011 in Korea), they have basically FINALLY admitted to each other their feelings. YEAH! Sad it is ending soon as it is only 16 episodes long.

When Jason realized that he was overwhelmed with jealousy knowing Pilsook was meeting SamDong alone. Sam Dong wanted help from Pilsook due to her having perfect pitch. he rushed to see what was going on. HyeMi who was onto him took him at his lame excuse about the library drags him over. Love how HyeMi and Pilsook became friends in this drama. Cute how Jason restrains himself from being caught wanting to hit HyeMi and instead says "nice hair."

So Jason confronts Pilsook. But not before she hears him on the cell saying "I love  you and I miss you" to a female friend. Each tries to get the other to say they are jealous but are not able to. Frustrated Jason storms off to quickly return to tell her, he actually was jealous. Cute smile in response, Pilsook admits she was jealous too. They both sheepishly smile cutely at each other and Pilsook offers her beloved bread to him. Jason accepts it by taking a bite establishing their new status.

DREAM HIGH episode 13-the scene that changed their relationship status:

(Jason comes over to Pilsook who is angry at him because she heard him telling someone that he missed and loved them (it was his mom). She assumes it is one of his many women. Jason asks her if her meeting with Samdong went fine and she wonders why he's curious about that.)

Jason: This is advice from a sunbae that has already debuted so listen well: You shouldn't meet mean alone so that it's just the two of you. I wouldn't misinterpret it, but others would. That's how scandals happen.

Pilsook: What about you? You way were speaking to Julie or Jolie just now, shouldn't you be the one that should be careful? Speaking to a girl like that, saying, "I miss you" and "I love you". It's easy for people to interpret those words wrong. Of course, I would never misinterpret it.

Jason: What is this? Advice or jealousy?

Pilsook: What about you? Advice or jealousy?

Jason: I asked first, so you answer.

Pilsook: I don't want to! You answer!

Jason: Fine. On the count of three we'll both answer.

(He counts to three and neither one answers.)

Jason: Hey! Why didn't you answer?!

Pilsook: And you? Why didn't you answer?!

Jason: Let's stop this.

(Jason leaves, but comes back after a few seconds and turns Pilsook around to face him.)

Jason: Ok. I was jealous. What about you?

Pilsook: I was jealous too.

(They smile at each other and Pilsook lets Jason take a bite of her bread.)

cr: tumblr

This is cute after they are basically admitted to liking each other, they sit next to each other and this is adorable. When getting to their class, they have to pick up some paper but both are saying you go first, no you go first after accidentally touching hands. During their test for pitch, I love how Jason goes from adoration when looking at Pilsook to unhappiness looking at Sam Dong (He wanted to sing with her darn it.).  I like how the screen writer has kept the story not too outlandish. I liked their acapella version of "Can I  Love You" by Jinwon and Changmin (of 2AM from the OST) Only 3 more episodes left!

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Credits: gifs/photos and other artwork are not mine. I got them from Drama Addicts Anonymous in the Vikii fan forum for Dream High. Some posters from Hancinema.