Molly03

the only one i can think of is called sky castle, another kdrama. i haven't watched it myself, but i think it firts the mold of being about the pressures of society and the insane lengths parents will go to see their kids succeed.

Blog:
https://creatrip.com/en/blog/9064

English language Korean newspaper article:
https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230628000655

sorry, i don't understand your question?
the ksat is the korean university entrance exam. students begin studying for this exam really early on in high school, the country basically shuts down on the day of this exam even grounding flights so that students aren't disturbed by planes flying overhead during the exam period, and compared to the american sat it's a much more difficult exam.

hagwon is the name for a private learning academy. the root word "hak" means school. these academies are all across sk for students of different ages, and some of them specialize is different types of classes. like some for art, some for language, etc.

I found this article from a quick google search. I'm not vouching for the accuracy of this particular author/publication, but the sentiments conveyed in the article mimic what I've heard/watched from other legitimate sources and south korean students.
https://www.icwa.org/south-korean-students-struggle/

Yup. And it's gonna get a whole lot messier lol

Many of them don't. That's the insane part. If you're interested you can research this. It's a serious problem in SK.

As per the novel, you're right. He did fall for "Tong's" back, which was actually always Joe. :)

Do you want to know if you're right? Read my next comment....

Not me being busy stalking this page and reading comments while I'm supposed to be doing my own university homework. Someone tell me to go study!!!!😩😩😩

Blame the government and society. The educational system (made/backed by the govt) makes it impossible for students to get into good or even decent universities with only regular/traditional schooling. These kids need to attend extra classes at hagwons or with private tutors after school until late into the night and on weekends in order to get into universities. (It's not like in other countries where extra turoting/classes makes you "better". In Korea you need this extra to be only "good" or competent.) The society and culture is also such that not attending university is unacceptable. Students who don't go to university are really looked down upon and percieved as less than and deficient. The pressure is insane. Parents shell out hundreds and thousands of dollars for this and students are pushed beyond their limits. That's the sad reality.

Talk about a "slow burn"...these two strike crazy sparks off each other!! I've rarely seen chemistry done this well. Mature chemistry too!!! This is pure fire.

Now, talk to me about this 15+ rating. What does that mean in Korea? Is that like PG-13? Because if yes, and they keep things kid-friendly after this buildup, then I will riot!!!!!!

They're closely modled after the real exams. Most of these mock tests follow the KSAT standards and models (Korean SATs). Students are training for them.

He didn't know that she'd asked her team leader to shoot down his application. All he knew was that she met him to try to talk him out of it. In that sense, he didn't know that she was "messing" with his application, just privately counseling him against the job, which is inappropriate.

Time will tell. But I do think she cares for him deeply.

Some people will use resources given to them, others prefer to do it all on their own. Both methods have their merits. IMO it doesn't hurt to hear from a sunbae who's more experienced, but that's my own opinion. I respect anyone who holds a different view.

He's not being nice. He's interested in her romantically. That's why he's doing this. Two birds, one stone. One, he doesn't get her mad or cost her anything. Two, they get to spend more time together as a "pair".

I don't think he's nice. I think he's nice to her. There's a difference.
Based on how he spoke to her at the park, "How would you feel if I told your workplace that you're meeting privately with a job applicant?" , and how decisive he's being about this new career path, I get the feeling that he's no "Mr. Nice Guy". Maybe not someone overtly bad, but not anyone I'd want to cross, or even compete with . Had it been any other teacher he'd have taken that offer without blinking imo.
While there's evidence that he's a quick thinker, I do think her advice helped him in coming up with a solution to the marketing offer faster.

I didn't pick up on her looking at him with annoyance or like she despises him. Where/when specifically did this happen- would you happen to remember the time stamp?

More like, "This is my last gift to you."
Imagine you're switching careers, totally blind, and you have an old friend or acquaintance who's been in the industry for years. Wouldn't their insight be helpful?
Yes, she could have been nicer or friendlier in her delivery. But the advice she gave him was true and she was not trying to manipulate him anymore. She switched to speaking formally to him and addressed him as "teacher". Her mood was bad, therefore her delivery was scary and unfriendly. But her advice and her intentions were sincere. It also prepared him for when the director blindsided him with that marketing offer later on.

Same!!

This!!!! You just wrote everything I wanted to, and described it so beautifully. This show is a work of art. I'm hoping they keep it up. If they do, and it has a happy ending, then this'll end up being one of favorite rewatches.

I'll respect your opinion. But let me leave you with this thougt. After he passed the exam, he texted her saying how did, and calling her is tutor. To me, that shows a lot. It's not just her that's holding on to that relationship. As viewers, based on the synapsis of the show, we know that he likes her romantically, and part of why he's doing what he's doing is because he wants to be with her. But she has no clue. So, despiter him telling her earlier on to respect his decision as an adult, he still goes and texts her and refers to her as his tutor.
By the end of episode 2 we can see three things: she was right in the advice she gave him at the restaurant; he's determined not to run roughshod over her despite external circumstances or pressuers; and and she's treating him like a collegue.