Revolutionary Love Episode 7 Recap

Revolutionary Love Episode 7

Byun Hyuk (Choi Si Won) boldly announces that Gangsu’s CEO has decided to directly hire the cleaning crew and eliminate the service contract. The cleaning crew is shocked at the announcement. Baek Joon look imploringly at Hyuk, but he only smiles. Hyuk’s brother can’t hide his pleasure at the unapproved announcement. Hyuk thanks his father for making this decision. The cleaning team thanks his father. His father glares at Hyuk. Reporters swarm around Hyuk’s father demanding to know if this is true.

Hyuk’s father hits him repeatedly for blindsiding him in public. Hyuk explains the cycle of power and abuse that leaves part-time workers without dignity. Hyuk’s father turns on Kwon Je Hoon (Gong Myung) and hits him. Hyuk grabs his father and tells him to hit only him. Hyuk’s father can’t believe his son stopped him. He looks at Je Hoon then backhands Hyuk.

Not a surprise but a disappointment that Hyuk’s father returned to his physical abuse of Hyuk. No one likes to be blindsided, but his reaction is abusive.

  
Baek Joon (Kang So Ra) bursts into the room and tells Hyuk’s father she has something to say. She eloquently states the case of the cleaners even quoting Hyuk’s father’s book. He is impressed. He asks if she is a cleaner. Baek Joon says she was fired yesterday. Hyuk’s father isn’t interested in talking to someone that doesn’t work for him. He tells her to get a full-time position with the company. Baek Joon counters that years of dedication will only lead to dismissal in her 40’s and she’s not interested. Hyuk’s father calls her a coward. Baek Joon has no retort.

Hyuk runs after Baek Joon and apologizes for his father. She dabs the blood from his father shaking her head at his plan. Hyuk promises to keep trying. Baek Joon tells him not to bother because it won’t work. She leaves.

Je Hoon is chewed out by the section chief who assigned him the role to oversee the food event. He’s livid that no one will remember the food, instead they’ll remember the cleaners. Je Hoon apologizes. The section chief declares that isn’t good enough. The phone in the department keep ringing with everyone stating an official statement about the cleaners will be forthcoming.

The cleaning service manager barks at the cleaners regarding their stupidity in pulling the stunt and putting his job at risk. The trio note that maybe the CEO will agree to Hyuk’s suggestion. Hope is nullified when Hyuk entered battered from his encounter with his father. The cleaning manager proclaims he was right and storms out.

The trio tends Hyuk’s bruised face. He apologizes for the mess. They declare he was cool to tell his father the truth about them and to acknowledge them. They ask were Baek Joon is.

Baek Joon watches her mother, her step-father and step-brother who is in the hospital bed unseen from the door. She goes to visit her father’s memorial. She asks him if she’s a coward.

Hyuk waits in vain for Baek Joon to return. At Je Hoon’s apartment door he explains that Baek Joon isn’t home yet. Je Hoon grips the briefcase handle to remain calm. Je Hoon rips into Hyuk for only thinking about himself. Hyuk apologizes for the difficulties he caused. Je Hoon can’t believe that Hyuk even cares about the cleaners. He tells Hyuk he’s getting tired of him. Hyuk stares at Je Hoon as he goes into his apartment.

Hyuk’s father asks the Strategic Manager (the department Je Hoon works in) to add Hyuk to his team. The manager says that Hyuk should be hired through his merits. Hyuk’s father scoffs that Hyuk has no college degree or experience. The Manager says the interns they will hire next won’t be based on traditions criteria but rather the ability to perform. Hyuk’s father hopes Hyuk would qualify.

Je Hoon texts Baek Joon to apply for an intern position and not be stubborn about it.

Hyuk’s father tells Hyuk to apply for an intern position. He says if Hyuk gets the position he’ll consider hiring the cleaners full-time. Hyuk complains that with his lack of education and experience he doesn’t have a chance. His father says it is his only option.

  
Baek Joon, Je Hoon and Hyuk discuss Hyuk’s father’s edict to become an intern. Je Hoon scoff that Hyuk would never be selected. Baek Joon says the company has promised not to looks at resumes. Je Hoon counters that resumes will likely be used during the final selection. He urges Baek Joon to apply. Hyuk likes that idea. Baek Joon tells Hyuk he must apply as the fate of the cleaners lie in his hands.

Hyuk’s mother is floored when Hyuk’s brother tells her that father wants Hyuk to become an intern. She wonders if this is another test. She urges Hyuk’s brother to look out for Hyuk. He demurs he could do nothing. He notes Hyuk is a one-man train wreck. Hyuk’s mother reminds him that Hyuk once shielded him, it is his turn to reciprocate. Hyuk’s brother looks at her stonily.

Hyuk frets he’ll never make the cut if he applies to be an intern.

Baek Joon tells the trio that Hyuk must become an intern for the cleaner to have a chance at being a full-time employee. They can’t believe Hyuk’s education and background could be that bad to eliminate him from the pool of candidates.

Hyuk goes to the front of the building and finds his brother and Je Hoon waiting. His brother claims he wants to see where Hyuk lives. Je Hoon says the café would be more conducive. Hyuk tells his brother to come up to the apartment and see where he lives. He heads towards the apartment Hyuk’s brother follows. Baek Joon spies Hyuk’s brother following Hyuk. She sends Je Hoon a questioning glance.

Hyuk’s brother notes that father wants Hyuk to apply to be an intern. He tells Hyuk not to do it because he’d never pass the interview. He plops an envelope of money on the desk. He tells Hyuk to take the money and run to a foreign country. He promises to fund all Hyuk’s needs. He warns Hyuk not to be trouble anymore.

Flashback…Hyuk’s brother begs Hyuk to save him keep the situation a secret from their father. He promises to do whatever Hyuk wants. Hyuk takes the blame for the hit and run. His mother is stunned his father hits him and demands he take responsibility. His mother pleads that Hyuk is too young. His father stalks out of the room. Hyuk stares at his brother who says not a word.

Hyuk muses that once again his brother wants him to do as he says. He says he’s tired of it. Hyuk’s brother asks if Hyuk will apply for the intern. Hyuk smiles and ask if his brother will cheer him on. Baek Joon sees Hyuk’s brother burst out of the apartment. She sees Hyuk shoulders slumped. She enters the apartment. Hyuk tells Baek Joon what he said to his brother. Je Hoon assures Hyuk’s brother that Hyuk shouldn’t apply. Hyuk’s brother tells Je Hoon not to do anything. He says its time Hyuk learn what the real world is like.

Baek Joon offers to apply for the intern position too. Hyuk is happy to hear that. She details the hiring process.

Baek Joon takes Hyuk to a bookstore and piles on the books for Hyuk to brush up on various subjects.

Hyuk studies. Je Hoon asks if he thinks the studying will work. Hyuk gets a text from Baek Joon to keep studying. He complies. They study together to prepare for the hiring process. The lady of the trio manages to get the interview questions and answer from past intern hiring processes by being kind to someone in HR. She passes along the documents to Baek Joon. Hyuk isn’t excited to get more documents to read and memorize. Another person of the trio passes along crucial documents. Baek Joon is grateful. Baek Joon brings out Hyuk’s dinner and finds him sleeping. She wraps a blanket around him.

Hyuk returns to Je Hoon’s apartment exhausted from all the studying. Je Hoon asks how things are going. Hyuk admits doing as Baek Joon wants him to do is hard.

Je Hoon tells Baek Joon to stop pushing Hyuk. He tells Baek Joon that Hyuk’s brother will bock him. Baek Joon doesn’t care. She believes that Hyuk is trying to be responsible. Je Hoon counters that Hyuk is doing this only for her. Baek Joon counters that’s okay if Hyuk is sincere. Je Hoon lets the exhausted Hyuk sleep on this bed. Je Hoon hears the ping of incoming text messages on Hyuk’s phone. He reads the messages of encouragement from the trio.

The mystery tenant stares at Je Hoon’s door. Ha Yeon Hee (Kim Ye Won) returns from her day as a flight attendant and spies him. She says hello and looks at him hopefully. He gets the message and without a word, carries her suitcase up the stairs. Later she tells Baek Joon that the mystery tenant has a crush on her. Yeon Hee compliments Baek Joon on the food. Baek Joon says the Gangsu red chili paste is the secret. Baek Joon flashes back to her father bringing home Gangsu red chili paste and declaring he developed it and it would become a cornerstone. Yeon Hee asks how the studying is going and when the interviews being. Baek Joon admits the interviews begin tomorrow. Yeon Hee wishes her luck.

Hyuk and Baek Joon arrive just in time. On their way into the building the trio waits with good luck signs and wishes.

Je Hoon’s father calls Hyuk’s mother that Hyuk arrived for the interview. She’s impressed her son wasn’t late.

Baek Joon and Hyuk take the round one test. Hyuk initially struggles then remembers all the support he has behind him. Suddenly he’s able to focus and answer the questions.

Hyuk’s brother is surprised to learn Hyuk pass the first round of testing. The cleaning team is ecstatic. The service company manager reminds them this is only round one.

The second round is a taste test where out of four foods in multiple categories the Gangsu food must be identified. Hyuk recalls all the Gangsu foods that Baek Joon fed him while studying and appears to whip through the test with ease.

After the test, Baek Joon and Hyuk are excited they passed round two. Hyuk grabs Baek Joon for a 5 second hug. Je Hoon spies them.

Hyuk’s mother is thrilled Hyuk passed the second round. She asks if Baek Joon also passed. That is confirmed. She wonders if Baek Joon is the woman the shaman foretold.

Hyuk’s father is thrilled with Hyuk’s progress. His brother and other manager don’t look as enthused.

The third round is an interview in front of a five-person panel that includes Hyuk’s brother and the manager. Hyuk impressed with his humanity. He passes.

Outside the building Baek Joon says she’ll buy Hyuk dinner. They are touched when five of the cleaning crew (the trio plus two others) put on a sparkler and sign display that ends with the invitation to dinner. Hyuk is touched and amazed that even though they aren’t family or the woman he loves, he’s touched. Baek Joon murmurs they are colleagues. They head to dinner.

During the final selection, Baek Joon passes. The selection committee which consists of Hyuk’s brother, the manager and HR consider Hyuk next.

The dinner is a festive affair.

Hyuk’s brother states that Hyuk’s humanity won’t work in a real office environment. The manager doesn’t agree and says humanity matters at Gangsu. It’s a deadlock so HR declares Hyuk has failed.

The manager reports to Hyuk’s father that the vote was not unanimous, so Hyuk failed. Then the manager says he played his wildcard. We see CEO Min (service company) informed that the service contract has been dissolved. He’s livid.

That was satisfying.

Hyuk takes his acceptance letter to his father. He asks that the cleaning crew be hired full-time and allowed to eat in the cafeteria.

Hyuk and Baek Joon stand outside Gangsu. They smile. They stride into the company lobby. Hyuk looks at Baek Joon with adoration.

Hyuk stuns the section chief and Je Hoon when he is assigned as their intern.

Baek Joon rejoins the cleaning team. The trio is sorry she did not get the internship.

Flashback to Baek Joon’s interview. She states her intent during this process was to prove she wasn’t a coward and she’s achieved that. She asks the panel not to select her as she doesn’t want the job.

Je Hoon can’t believe that Baek Joon turned down the internship. Baek Joon counters that she likes the freedom of part-time. Je Hoon surprises her and asks her feeling for Hyuk. Baek Joon asks why she needs to tell him. Je Hoon admits their relationship bothers him. Baek Joon asks why. Once again Je Hoon misses the opportunity to admit his feelings and says he’s Hyuk’s keeper and needs to know. He asks if she likes Hyuk.

Hyuk is surprised to learn he’s in charge of making coffee for others on the team. The section chief gives Hyuk that job to get a contract legally signed by the other party. Hyuk explains his first task to the trio and Baek Joon. They are surprised his first task has that kind of responsibility. Hyuk asks Baek Joon to drive him since his license is suspended until the end of the month. Baek Joon flashes to Je Hoon’s question. She agrees to drive him for the right price.

Hyuk and Baek Joon arrive at the warehouse, but no one seems to be around. Baek Joon knocks. Baek Joon opens the door. Baek Joon enters and Hyuk follows. They find empty soju bottles and ramen bowls. They are horrified to find a man’s body hanging from the rafters. They both scream.

My Thoughts

Hyuk earned the internship but it wasn’t easy. Were you surprised when Hyuk’s brother voted against him? I wasn’t either. Were you surprised when a young Hyuk took that blame for a hit-and-run accident when his younger older Hyuk’s brother begged him to? I wasn’t either. Interesting that Hyuk’s humanity saved his brother as a youth but his brother declared it was useless in the company environment.

Production and Writing. Writer Joo Hyun continues to mix light and serious in each episode. The plight of the part-time workers, the abusive father that still loves his son and wants his success, and his back-stabbing brother. Director Song Hyun Wook integrates the campy elements in clever ways. The celebration outside the building with the sparklers by the cleaning team was surprisingly touching.

Byun Hyuk (Choi Si Won) nailed it when he stated his gift was humanity. That is the allure of Hyuk. Though his maturity has a long way to go, Hyuk is someone you want to root for. Under the tutelage of Baek Joon, Hyuk buckled down and studied. Hyuk must have been seriously disappointed when his brother offered to buy him off. Again Hyuk’s father abused him. Sigh, I’d prefer that element be eliminated. But Hyuk’s father is rooting for him, hoping he’ll succeed. Hyuk’s mother rooted for him to and turned an assessing eye on Baek Joon. Hyuk was touched by the support he had from the cleaning team, surprised that caring acquaintances provided more support than his own family.

Kwon Je Hoon (Gong Myung) missed another opportunity with Baek Joon. He is consistent in this. He could have admitted his feelings for Baek Joon, but instead claimed his interest was work related. He had to be impressed that Hyuk literally took a blow for him. We saw that he cares when he tucked into bed. Je Hoon’s dynamic is complicated. He can’t be simply his friend. He’s been Hyuk’s overseer for a long time and for most of that time Hyuk has behaved as a willful toddler. Is Je Hoon having the hardest time adjusting to Hyuk’s evolution?

Baek Joon (Kang So Ra) declined the internship. She kept true to her mandate not to work at Gangsu the company that fired her father and sink him into a decline which imploded her family. She doggedly tutored Hyuk for the interview. Without her help, he had no chance. I’m not overly excited that the cleaning trio got contraband study material, but it was their contribution to the hiring process. Baek Joon had every right to question Je Hoon’s pointed question if she liked Hyuk. Has she admitted the truth to herself?

Ranking the episodes (on a scale from 1-10) had me rank this episode as very good.  My episode ranking chart is below.

About KJT (aka kjtamuser)

Asian drama fan. I watch and blog dramas on https://kjtamusings.wordpress.com/.

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Tagged with: Choi Si Won, episode 7, Revolutionary Love
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