Frankly Speaking - Episode 1-2 Recap
I've been eagerly anticipating Song Ki Baek's return since his unforgettable chemistry with Park Min-Young in their last drama “Love In Contract”. So, let's dive right in!
When a news anchor suddenly loses his ability to filter his innermost thoughts, his tumultuous career spirals into chaos. But there's a silver lining…his candid comments bring a hilarious twist to this rom-com. The romance kicks off with a hilariously awkward and smelly meet-cute between our troubled anchor and an ambitious variety show writer. Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs, unexpected moments, and sizzling chemistry!
This isn’t the first time dramaland has introduced us to an aspiring news anchor with an involuntary truth-telling habit, but SONG KI-BAEK (Go Kyung-pyo) isn’t your typical Pinocchio. Initially, Ki-baek excels at suppressing his inner thoughts and maintaining a flawless professional facade, so much so that it causes him stress-induced IBS. Tensions reach a comedic climax when he finds himself trapped in an elevator with the fiery variety show writer OHN WOO-JOO (Kang Hanna). Get ready for a drama filled with unexpected twists, hilarious mishaps, and a blossoming romance that starts in the most unlikely of places.
Unfortunately, through no fault of his own, Song Ki-baek's pristine reputation crumbles when chaos erupts on live television. His co-anchor's enraged husband storms the news broadcast, exposing her scandalous affair with a celebrity in front of millions. Innocent bystander Ki-baek is thrust into the middle of the on-air drama, bearing the brunt of the husband's fury. While viewers relish the unexpected spectacle, Ki-baek finds himself fighting to clear his name and reclaim his career amidst the fallout.
Instead of sitting back, Ki-baek tries to salvage the broadcast and continue reporting the news, leading to a series of hilarious moments that quickly turn him into an internet sensation, for all the wrong reasons. His earnest attempts at professionalism spawn countless memes, making him both a viral joke and a less appealing candidate for the coveted news anchor position. In this drama-verse, extreme professionalism doesn't earn him brownie points, but it does set the stage for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, redemption, and unexpected twists.
Instead of sitting back, Ki-baek tries to salvage the broadcast and continue reporting the news, leading to a series of hilarious moments that quickly turn him into an internet sensation—for all the wrong reasons. His earnest attempts at professionalism spawn countless memes, making him both a viral joke and a less appealing candidate for the coveted news anchor position. In this dramaverse, extreme professionalism doesn't earn him brownie points, but it does set the stage for an unforgettable journey filled with laughter, redemption, and unexpected twists. Desperate for a replacement, Woo-joo zeroes in on Ki-baek, whose recent fall from grace and flatulence-filled elevator encounter with her makes him the ideal candidate. She suspects there's more to Ki-baek than his polished exterior, and exposing his inner awkwardness promises to be perfect variety show fodder. Trusting her instincts, Woo-joo bets on Ki-baek, setting the stage for a hilarious and unpredictable journey as they navigate the world of entertainment and uncover each other's true selves.
Ki-baek is reluctant to accept Woo-joo's invitation, knowing that starring on a variety show is often the kiss of death for a serious news career and his dignity. However, his hands are tied, as off-camera, even esteemed news anchors are just low-level employees who must bow to the whims of their superiors. Forced into the role, Ki-baek's journey promises to be a rollercoaster of hilarity and humiliation, setting the stage for a drama filled with unexpected twists, comedic mishaps, and a captivating romance that will leave viewers eagerly anticipating each episode.
In Ki-baek’s case, that superior is the capricious and hypocritical MANAGER KIM SANG-JIN (Jo Han-chul), who has a knack for making Ki-baek’s life a living nightmare. Despite Ki-baek's attempts to fend off Woo-joo’s interest with fictional injuries, Manager Kim takes it upon himself to accept Woo-joo’s invitation on Ki-baek’s behalf. This decision thrusts Ki-baek into an unpredictable whirlwind of variety show antics, promising viewers a drama brimming with comedic chaos, riveting conflicts, and an unexpected romance that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
You know how K-dramas are filled with male leads who seem effortlessly perfect at everything? Well, Ki-baek isn’t one of them. His talents are the product of relentless hard work. While this should be admirable, there's a bittersweet undertone to Ki-baek’s manufactured perfection. Rather than pursuing his true passions, he’s tirelessly molding himself into an impossible ideal, hiding his real self in the process. This struggle adds depth to his character, promising viewers a compelling drama filled with heartfelt moments, emotional conflicts, and a journey of self-discovery that is as inspiring as it is intriguing.
It's Ki-baek's relentless desire to project a perfect image that drives him to obsessively study dodgeball in preparation for his appearance on Men on the Run. In a twist of fate, his preparation goes hilariously awry, as he neglects the crucial elements of variety show success, like charming the camera, promoting the sponsor's PPL, and navigating the demands of a high-maintenance K-pop idol. What unfolds is a chaotic and entertaining spectacle, where Ki-baek’s misguided efforts lead to side-splitting moments and unpredictable drama.
The K-pop idol in question is not just any guest star, he’s Ki-baek’s nemesis in the Men on the Run dodgeball game, and he’s a total jerk. Even the usually composed Ki-baek can’t help but hurl dodgeballs straight at the idol’s face, unleashing his pent-up frustrations. However, this reckless behavior clashes with Woo-joo’s carefully crafted variety show formula. Determined to get Ki-baek back on track, she pulls him aside for a crash course in reality TV etiquette, setting the stage for a clash of personalities and a whirlwind of hilarious, eye-opening moments.
During his impromptu "Variety Shows 101" lesson, Ki-baek takes a shocking tumble into the building’s electrical breaker, getting jolted in a way that scrambles his brain and zaps away his filter. This is the filter that normally keeps his unfiltered thoughts at bay. When he and Woo-joo return to the filming location, now moved outdoors after Ki-baek's mishap knocked out the power, Ki-baek can’t hold back. His newly unleashed honesty leads to an explosive confrontation with the K-pop idol, who’s caught mistreating the staff.
Ki-baek delivers a blistering takedown to the insufferable K-pop idol, savoring the moment of justice. But his triumph is short-lived as footage of his verbal, and nearly physical, assault goes viral, plunging him into a storm of online backlash. His career ambitions evaporate overnight, and with each new outburst of unfiltered honesty at work, Ki-baek finds himself sinking deeper into professional obscurity. This makes his world unravel in a dramatic spiral of regret and redemption, where every truth he reveals pushes him further from the spotlight and deeper into chaos.
Eventually, Ki-baek finds himself at rock bottom, with Manager Kim relegating him to the network's Branding Awards Ceremony, an event that’s less about celebrating success and more about handing out participation trophies. This seemingly trivial gig becomes his last chance to salvage his reputation, setting the stage for a dramatic and unexpected journey as Ki-baek grapples with the fallout of his choices and strives to reclaim his place in the spotlight.
Though it seems like a career dead end, Ki-baek clings to Manager Kim's promise that hosting the Branding Awards Ceremony is his chance for redemption and a shot at impressing the network. In the meantime, he takes an unplanned staycation, using the time to recalibrate his mind and make a fresh start. As the day of the awards show dawns, Ki-baek appears to have returned to his former self, ready to face the spotlight once more. But with tensions high and stakes even higher, will his newfound calm be enough to turn his fortunes around?
Woo-joo is also at the awards show, on the hunt for fresh talent to star in her next groundbreaking variety show. After Ki-baek's disastrous cameo on her previous show, the insufferable K-pop idol pulled out, leading to the cancellation of Men on the Run. Now, Woo-joo is under pressure to brainstorm a new concept and discover a dynamic host who can reignite her career. As the drama unfolds, the awards show becomes the perfect backdrop for an unexpected twist in Woo-joo’s quest to find her next big star and maybe, just maybe, for a surprising turn in Ki-baek’s tumultuous journey.
KIM JUNG-HEON (Joo Jong-hyuk), the variety show superstar adored by fans across Seoul and beyond, is fiercely interested in Woo-joo’s next big project. When he encounters her at the awards show, he eagerly expresses his desire to collaborate. But Woo-joo is far from thrilled. Their past romance has left her giving him the coldest of shoulders, and the frosty reception makes it clear their relationship ended in a dramatic and unresolved fashion. As tensions simmer and old flames resurface, expect sparks to fly and drama to intensify as Woo-joo navigates this high-stakes reunion.
To everyone’s surprise, Jung-heon also spots Ki-baek, who greets him with a polite yet distant air now that he’s back to his normal self. While Ki-baek might have reverted to his old habits of deception, his body language speaks volumes. It’s clear he’s not exactly friendly with Jung-heon either. The tension between them adds an intriguing layer to the evening, hinting at deeper, unresolved conflicts that promise to unravel in the most unexpected ways.
Ki-baek starts off the awards show in stellar form, but when a makeup artist touches up his shine, the powder triggers an unexpected sneeze, and whoops!, his brain’s check engine light flashes once more. His off-script commentary becomes irresistibly candid and riveting, much to the amusement of us, the viewers. However, one award recipient, deeply offended by Ki-baek’s spontaneous mention of his past drug scandal, erupts in fury. The evening takes a dramatic turn as the actor delivers a shocking slap that knocks Ki-baek out cold, abruptly ending the awards show in a stunning and chaotic finale.
What follows is a mind-bending dream sequence so surreal, you’d think Ki-baek had indulged in illicit substances. When he snaps back to reality, his life has plummeted from bad to devastatingly worse. No wonder he seizes the chance to join his bestie, YOON JI-HOO (Go Kyu-pil), on a fishing trip where he doesn’t have to talk about his troubles unless he wants to. This retreat promises a blend of introspective moments and unexpected escapades, offering Ki-baek a chance to escape his chaos and find some much-needed clarity.
Meanwhile, Woo-joo is on the hunt for locations for her next variety show, and it just so happens she’s in the same coastal town as Ki-baek. As Ki-baek clambers onto a rocky ledge, venting his frustrations to Poseidon and any sea cucumbers that might be listening, Woo-joo spots him from a distance. Mistaking his dramatic gesture for a man on the brink of a tragic leap, she fears he’s about to end his streak of humiliations in a dramatic fashion. This dramatic misunderstanding sets the stage for an unexpected and intense encounter that will change both their paths.
Of course, Ki-baek isn't actually contemplating a tragic leap. But when Woo-joo, in a misguided attempt to rescue him, scrambles up the rocky ledge, she inadvertently startles him, sending him tumbling into the ocean. True to K-drama fashion, she ends up taking a plunge herself, creating a chaotic and comically drenched moment that kicks off a wild adventure. Their unexpected fall into the sea sets the stage for a series of humorous and heartfelt escapades that will intertwine their fates in thrilling ways.
DramaZen's Opinion
Frankly Speaking kicks off with a delightfully quirky start, but I’m still on the fence about whether this particular brand of humor resonates with me. The hit-or-miss jokes over these first two episodes have me intrigued, but feeling uncertain. I do appreciate the creative use of cut scenes and CGI that add a unique flair to the characters' environments, like the animated mosaic in the jjimjilbang. However, Ki-baek’s surreal bath scene with a talking shark was undeniably bizarre. The show’s blend of imaginative elements and offbeat humor promises a wild ride…whether it’ll win me over remains to be seen!
That surreal dream sequence, combined with Ki-baek’s brief visit to his family, offers a revealing glimpse into his real-life relationships. While his coworkers might assume he hails from a wealthy background, the truth is far different. Ki-baek’s family struggles with financial hardship, and his brothers contribute little to the household. This eye-opening revelation sheds light on the stark contrast between his public persona and his private struggles, adding layers of complexity to his character and deepening the drama’s emotional impact.
Ki-baek channels most of his earnings into supporting his struggling family, fueling a sense of being used and harboring deep-seated resentment. Given what little we’ve seen of his family, his feelings seem justified, especially since his brother and mother appear more focused on money than on his well-being after his scandal with the insufferable idol. Yet, Ki-baek’s chip on his shoulder about his humble beginnings suggests he might also be unintentionally pushing his family away while trying to uphold his public image. This tension between personal sacrifice and familial expectations adds a gripping layer of complexity to his character.
The first few episodes have certainly set the stage for Ki-baek’s character, but Woo-joo remains a bit of a mystery. What we do know is that her role demands an intense level of subservience. Driven by high energy and a fierce determination to make her show a hit, she navigates the cutthroat world of television with a tight grip on her temper, often biting her tongue to placate those in power. As the drama unfolds, we’re left craving a deeper look into her complex world and the sacrifices she makes behind the scenes.
Unfortunately, Woo-joo’s fierce drive to make her show a success means she often turns a blind eye when her quirky, lovable rookie writers and crew are mistreated by the so-called “talent.” However, we later see a glimpse of her regret for not standing up for them. The real breakthrough comes when, in a drunken confession to Ki-baek, she reveals her admiration for him standing up to the insufferable idol. This candid moment offers the first real peek behind her manic pixie work persona, showcasing a depth to her character that adds layers of complexity and empathy.
Overall, I’m eagerly anticipating a few more episodes to fully grasp these characters and solidify my take on the story. Right now, it feels like the drama could either take a nosedive into absurdity next week or emerge as a surprising hit. Regardless of which direction it goes, one thing’s for sure: we’ll be thoroughly entertained by Ki-baek’s refreshingly unfiltered takes on everything and everyone. Buckle up—this rollercoaster is bound to be a wild ride!
