K-Drama Reaction: Chicago Typewriter

It’s the moment we have all been waiting for. Just as we all thought we are ready for the big reveal, it’s still painful to learn the truth this way. Though the show gave us hints of Shin Yul’s (Go Kyung-pyo) death, we remained in denial that maybe, just maybe, he died because of natural reasons… and not because of someone’s murderous act.

This hour extends the solid depiction of our trio’s relationship in the 1930s Kyungsung, and how it relates to their connection in the present. Han Se-joo’s (Yoo Ah-in) decision to go all-out in his love for Jeon Seol (Im Soo-jung) stemmed from the memory of Seo Hwi-young’s unrequited love for Ryu Soo-hyun. How sweet and clever of him to realize that maybe he sacrificed his love for Soo-hyun in his past life so that they can love freely in their next life after the country’s independence.

The evil in the present timeline is also slowly creeping in in the form of dead stalker-fan’s sister. I don’t know what’s her deal but don’t you think there’s enough going on in the lives of our heroes already? I need more answers! We don’t need another villain!

Se-joo’s semi-conversation with Daddy Baek is also a significant improvement for his part. They may not fully repair their adoptive father-son relationship, but I sincerely hope Se-joo will soon warm up to him even just as his former mentor.

And since this episode is a mix of happy thoughts and sad revelations, I am happy to announce that Seol can finally see Yoo Jin-oh (Go Kyung-pyo)! Jin-oh’s theory of calling people their past life’s names for him to become visible actually worked. Their reunion was so heartwarming that it left me on the brink of tears.

But because this show is one hell of a rollercoaster ride, all the happiness were swept away in one snap after the major reveal about Yul’s death. After touching Seol’s pocket watch, Jin-oh’s memory flashed back and he saw himself in front of the typewriter dying of a headshot… which means, yes, he was the one gunned down by Soo-hyun.

What bugs me right now is the possible motive behind Yul’s murder. He said Soo-hyun would never betray Hwi-young, but she was able to shoot Yul dead. Why? Are we going to see their friendship fall out soon? Or was she corrupted by another person? Are there more betrayals in coming episodes?