[Summary] Warrior Baek Dong Soo Ep. 3 & 4

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In these two episodes, the older folks find a liking to knock Dong Joo on the head while Yeo Woon sneaks small smiles at him. Dong Joo’s irresistible eh?

While Kim Gwang Taek wanders restlessly in search of Dong Soo, his fellow brother, Huk Sa Mo struggles to give teenage Dong Soo a normal life. In the higher powers, Crown Prince Sado has started his search to find the prestigious Northern Expedition Book of War. He has one clue – half a coin left behind by King Hyo Jong. This conversation is eavesdropped by Hong Dae Joo’s man and they plan to stop it with the help of Hoksa Chorong Assassins.

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Back to Dong Soo who is still holding up the collar in the sea of flames. Sa Mo ajusshi rushes in and bears the pillar himself, asking the kids to get out. They make it outside but when the place collapses, Dong Soo falls to his knees, sobbing about the possibility of never seeing Sa Mo again. Then he feels someone’s hand on his shoulder – SA MO!! Dong Soo berates Sa Mo for not coming out sooner and reveals his fears: “There are two things I’m most afraid of: 1) Sa Mo dying 2) When no one is around me.” Aw, I love these two! Fortunately, because of the strain he places on his body to uphold the pillar, Dong Soo’s muscle has been stretched (?) and he’s able to function normally again.

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As for our young antagonist, Yeo Woon, he’s being haunted by images from that fatal night. However, when he’s facing Chun, he confesses to not remember what happened that night. Yeo Woon asks about his father and when he learns that he’s dead, he asks who killed him? Chun doesn’t give him a direct answer.

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Elsewhere, Yoo Ji Sun, another key young character is being informed of a top secret by her father, Yoo So Kang. The little tidbits we learn is that her great grandfather was the late Crown Prince’s bodyguard. After the second Manchu invasion, he left to Beijing with two princes – Bong Su & Cheng Chao – in order to create the Northern Expedition Book of War. This book is big map of secret roads and pathways that would allow Joseon soldiers to sneak straight into Beijing.

Turns out that Yoo So Kang has the other half of the valuable coin and the book! This meeting is to pass down the book to his daughter, a very young Ji Sun, who looks as much as I want her to be, unsettled.

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On Crown Prince Sado’s side, he has decided to fight according to the late King’s will. First, he sends his trusted right-hand man, Im Soo Woong, to deliver a message to Huk Sa Mo, announcing recruitment for the warrior camp. Ah, my brain is connecting the dots. Kim Gwang Taek, Huk Sa Mo, Dong Soo’s father, Yeo Woon’s father and Jang Dae Pyo all belong to the warrior camp that protect and uphold the Crown Prince’s orders. Makes sense how they’re so hardcore and refer to each other as brothers.

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Huk Sa Mo takes a trip to his hyung’s house just to see Yeo Woon sitting in front of a grave site, written in the name of Yeo Cho Sang. Yeo Woon follows Chun’s order and pretends he doesn’t know what happened, he only found a piece of clothing belonging to Hoksa Chorong clan. Chun has ordered him to follow Huk Sa Mo home. Like a spy.

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At home, Sa Mo Ajusshi disciplines Dong Soo for not taking care of his body. Yeo Woon smiles slightly when the latter is spanked on the head. He knows…how…to smile? Why am I surprised? Cute smile by the way. It is full of arrogance. Dong Soo doesn’t like Yeo Woon and often mocks his feminine features. It’s totally the hair! haha!

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The following days are hilarious as Dong Soo tries multiple times to beat Yeo Woon. He has a trap set up in the forest but Yeo Woon turns the table around and Dong Soo ends up getting hung upside by one leg. The hilarious thing is Dong Soo’s recycled speech as it changes with the circumstances: “I have two fears, one is losing, the other is losing to you (Yeo Woon)”.

Yoo Ji Sun, now with her destiny sealed, sits by the river, deep in thoughts until Dong Soo screams for help. She simply looks at him and walks away. Luckily, Jin Ju is nearby.

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The recruitment plan proceeds with Jang Dae Pyo and Huk Sa Mo taking in potential kids, most of them are orphans. This is great. Awesome warriors hand-picking the next generation of respected warriors? Bring it ON!

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One of the kids is Baek Mak Mo’s child, Yang Cho Ri, who has crafty hands in making weapons. I almost fell off my chair upon realizing who this kid is? 10 cookies points for those who remember…The little brat in Baker King Kim Tak Gu, Koo Ma Jun.

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After some careful contemplation, Sa Mo Ajusshi begins to build Dong Soo and Yeo Woo’ strength and stamina, preparing them for the upcoming vigorous training.

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Upon learning that their fathers were good friends who left earth so early in life, Yeo Woon suggests they become friends as well. Gah. Having Yeo Woon, who is solitary and mysterious, initiates the friendship pretty much sums up the strong bond he feels with Dong Soo and could later break/heal his broken soul. I foresee heart-crushing bromance in the near future.

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Very briefly, we see Hong Dae Joo releasing a convict because he needs someone with great martial art skills to do his dirty work. He later meets with Chun and discusses the possibility of the Crown Prince finding The Northern Expedition Book of War. Chun’s solution is clear: “A life is nothing but a speck of dust.”

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I don’t know what day it is but the village kids all gather to go out and get some foods. Jin Ju announces to Dong Soo that she’s leaving today, his face falls and he awkwardly tells her to walk carefully. Gahh I’m having a girl crush on Jin Ju. She reminds me of Wonder Girls’ Sohee…maybe it’s her cheeks? She’s totally my Dimple Pie from now on.

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Jin Ju looks at him with moony eyes when he’s gotten himself a full meal. This guy and his ego.

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Crown Prince Sado and Han Joo, in their rush to get to the Yoo’s household, brush past and flip over Jin Ju’s bowl, resulting in her fall. Dong Soo feels indignant on her behalf and chases after them to demand an apology. Again, he recycles his speech with new fears: “I only have two fears, one is the lack of food, and the other is hunger.” So pay up and we’re even.

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Crown Prince Sado enters the old house but finds nothing. However, he has company as vile In turns up with his slew of minions. See Sword Saint, you’ve ended his filthy life! Look now! Crown Prince is no longer the weakling from before as he slashes his way around the masked men.

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In the markets, Dong Soo recognizes the girl who refused to help him earlier (Yoo Ji Sun) but Jin Ju is there to pull him away from her jealously. Ji Sun’s purse is then stolen by a thief and Yeo Woon chases after him. Not to be outdone, Dong Soo also runs after him. They trap the thief on a bridge on either sides but Jin Ju becomes the hero as she shoots an arrow (w/ a chestnut at the tip to avoid injury) to knock him over. Dang, my girl, Dimple Pie is so badass!

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Buh….the highlights belong to Ji Sun because she steps out and clears the thief’s name. She didn’t lose anything. “A person’s worth shouldn’t be determined by wealth but by the person’s behavior.” The boys are impressed and Dong Soo is enamored when her hand touches his. Silly boy. Hmps!

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Hunter Hwang waits at home as Dong Soo, Jin Ju, and the villages kids return. It’s time for Hwang’s departure. Gathering up her courage, Jin Ju asks if Dong Soo would marry her when he’s an adult. He calls her crazy but she’s honest and straighforward enough to kiss him on the cheek and quickly dashes down the hill. AHHH! So cute!! I’m not sure who’s happier, me or Hunter Hwang.

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Back to our Crown Prince who is fighting breathlessly until he’s surrounded around a well. Dong Soo makes his grand entrance but falls on his butt. He remembers that there are fish in this particular well which means there’s a way out hence he takes his chances and jumps down. Crown Prince Sado is reluctant to follow and falls over when he’s sliced!

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To make sure death comes, In pours oil into the well and sets it on fire. Down below, Dong Soo successfully finds a small opening. They swim out to the river but exhaustion takes over and Dong Soo forgets about Prince Sado as he walks home.

In the courts, the opposing force calls out Crown Prince’s unreasonable behavior. The King reassures everyone that if Sado doesn’t show up to the Archery Competition, which is an important event in the military, he would strip Sado of all titles and make him a commoner.

Training Commander, Im Soo Woong, arrives at the scene with Han Joo sobbing on the ground, convinced that the Crown Prince has perished. Without hesitation, Soo Woong jumps into the well. They find Prince Sado sprawled on the riverbanks. Relieved.

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Meanwhile, we finally see Sword Saint, Kim Gwang Taek hanging on a cliff with one hand. Looks like he’s getting into shape again.

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The Archery competiton commences and the Crown Prince shows up last minute, to the dismay of Hong Dae Joo. Soo Woong visits Sa Mo Ajusshi and shows him the broken coin to which Dong Soo leads them to the house with the exact same words. They have found the descendents of the Yoo’s family. On their way back, Yeo Woon picks up the newly created sword that is made from his father’s spear.

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This is it guys. Dong Soo and Yeo Woon join the other 48 kids in the warrior camp “Jang Yong Wi”. I’m literally shaking in this potential awesomeness. Let’s hope that the other kids get a chance to shine. The captain in charge of training is Jang Dae Pyo and Sa Mo ajusshi bids goodbye to Dong Soo. No!

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In the dining hall, Dong Soo befriends Cho Rip, a scrawny boy who wishes to become Joseon’s best blacksmith. Later that night, the boys challenge Yeo Woon to a fight. Dong Woo stirs awake and joins in with them. The next day, Dong Soo shapes up his speech again: “I have two fears, one is to starve, and the other is to lose.”

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Crown Prince Sado visits the Yoo’s family and presents his other half coin as evidence. The book is being kept at Chong Am Temple and Yoo So Kang heads out to get it. Another shocking truth is revealed, in agreement with the late King, Yoo Ji Sun is Crown Prince Sado’s woman. She is not to be touched by anyone else. Ughh. Three men for one girl? Plus, he’s so old! What about my Dimple Pie?

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At the warrior camp, the boys are abandoned on an island, they either stay and starve or swim back on their own. Those who survive will become real members of the Warrior Camp. This scene reminds me of FullMetal Alchemist when the Elric brothers are placed in an island as part of the training method. Cho Rip fidgets nervously because he can’t swim very well. I feel for you buddy because my fear for sharks and everything unknown in the deep waters will convince me that starving is an easy out.

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One by one the boys head out to the open sea and swim. Every once in a while, Yeo Woon turns around to check on Dong Soo. You big old softie. Cho Rip panics and Dong Soo swims back to help his comrade. The mini me is screaming: “Come back Yeo Woon! Come back.” Yeo Woon reaches the shore first as he looks around frantically for signs of Dong Soo. Sadness betrays his calm expression and he smiles slightly when Dong Soo and Cho Rip make it back.

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However, the person who made it back with someone’s help is to be eliminated. Dong Soo finds this idea easier than death. Dae Pyo tells him otherwise but the young lad stands up for his belief which turns the head of Yeo Woon.

Dong Soo: “Abandoning martial arts is like abandoning a good friend. I do not want to become that kind of martial artist. If killing a friend for victory is considered martial arts, then I don’t want to learn.”

Alice: Sitting here and bathing in the glory that is Warrior Baek Dong Soo.

For once, I want to see more of the child actors. If not, Nam Ji Hyun didn’t get to showcase her acting chops. Park Gun Tae as the young Yeo Woon is a great force to be recognized. Subtle acting that I appreciate.

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If we saw a menacing Yeo Woon in episode 2, here, we see him carrying a fragile heart. I can’t blame him for the past because his father failed to nurture him in a loving way. In the last scene of episode 4, I think Yeo Woon displays conflicting emotions. He’s worried and sad because Dong Soo didn’t make it. But in a quick time frame, he seems relieved. Not because he’s succumbed to the dark side but more like he doesn’t want to break the bond with Dong Soo in the future. It’s better to end things now. However, the thought quickly vanishes because his wants to see Dong Soo outweighs everything else.

And the sword…how symbolic is that. I really hope none of the ajusshi dies in his hands, blood staining the sword made from his father’s spear.