What Happens to My Family Ep 34: Tae-joo & Kang-shim Highlights

It pains me that I'm four weeks behind recapping this drama because with all its flaws and predictability, I'm enjoying all the quirky antics and adorable faces of the cast. I'll try to do a roundup recap this coming week, but I couldn't bypass this chance to squee over this episode. I'll do a more formal recap a bit later, but for now, time to gush!

Kang-shim finally admitted her feelings last episode, though she did it to Chairman Moon. As a result, she received a probation and plans to stay home rolling around for a week (I'm jealous). Obviously, Daddy Cha is up and arms about the news and calls Tae-joo immediately. Like an obedient and meek son-in-law, Tae-joo rushes over after his meeting. Unfortunately, Seo-wool slips about the restaurant incident, and Daddy Cha goes ballistic.

Hilarity ensues as Tae-joo runs in circles with a broom-wielding Daddy Cha hot on his heels. Kang-shim intervenes, and Tae-joo hides behind her popping up and down. There's a humorous bit where Daddy Cha promises to not hit him, and Tae-joo looks at him with utter innocence. I love how Daddy Cha treats him like a child, to put it nicely.

Of course, Daddy Cha starts attacking him again, so Kang-shim throws herself at her dad to let Tae-joo escape. At first, Tae-joo states that he can't leave her behind, but Kang-shim kicks him away. Hahaha, Tae-joo flies and then rubs his arm mumbling that it hurt.

He starts heading for the door, but then turns around. Being completely serious now, Tae-joo firmly states that he can't leave. If anyone has to be hit, he will take it all. With that, Daddy Cha readily agrees and Tae-joo gets a beating... off screen, boo!

A disheveled Tae-joo sits next to Kang-shim with Daddy Cha across from them. Kang-shim leaves them when Tae-joo pulls rank, but she nervously watches from outside with all the other female members.

Tae-joo kneels before Daddy Cha and expresses his feelings. He tells him that he can't pretend to be someone he's not and won't bend over backwards to please Daddy Cha. He admits his flaws, but adds that in front of Kang-shim, he wants to be better.

Aw~! I love Tae-joo in part because he's hilarious, but the real reason I adore him is because he's honest and straightforward. He wears his emotions on his sleeves which can come across as childish and overbearing sometimes, but what you see is what he is. Tae-joo won't put on airs or don a mask in order to get what he wants. It was evident from the beginning with his no-nonsense attitude which people often mistook for spite and stubbornness. For example, he outright expressed his opinions to fire some of the employees for being ineffective and outdated without thinking of office politics, and he wouldn't compromise with the rude and pervy buyer that trashed his step-mother and harassed Kang-shim. Granted, Tae-joo could learn to mince his words better, but it's times like these where Tae-joo gets serious and allows himself to be vulnerable that I find very attractive and swoon-worthy. I just find steadfastness and honesty very admirable traits which Tae-joo has plenty.

Tae-joo hands Daddy Cha two envelopes that answer his question: lawsuit or dates? We don't get to know the answers just yet.

Daddy Cha leaves, and Tae-joo comes of the chicken shop shortly after. Kang-shim worries over him asking why he did all that, and he asks why she's making things harder for herself (i.e., why didn't she let him take the fall?). Tae-joo says her reasons are his reasons and smiles.

Young-sul, Hyo-jin, and Seo-wool stare at the two and fawn over them. I'm joining them in spirit.

Kang-shim goes on another blind date that exact same day, and Tae-joo shows up. It's not too surprising though the director tries to build some tension (yeah, he didn't fool anyone). Kang-shim is unnerved and leaves the date saying this is breaking the Chairman's trust. Tae-joo cashes after her and asks what she means. He jokingly asks if she confessed her feelings in front of the Chairman, and when she stares at him doe-eyed, he stares back in disbelief.

He taunts that he's going to call the Chairman if she won't tell him what she said. Kang-shim ineffectually tries to stop him, and finally repeats her words: she's sorry, but she likes Tae-joo.

Kang-shim cries as the snow continues to fall around them. Tae-joo smiles with utter joy and can't suppress his happiness. He hugs and thanks Kang-shim.

He says that this must be love and plants a quick peck on the lips.

She's surprised, and he tells her he's going to do it again, but better this time (hahaha). He dips her back and goes in for a longer kiss. The camera pans and the two continue to smooch enveloped in a huge lighted heart. It's so cheesy, I love it.

Yeah! Now everything is out in the open, and they've shared their first official kiss as lovers. The preview looks awesome since Young-sul and her husband catch our resident couple making out in the car. Hummana hummana!