'Cheese In The Trap' - Episode 3

Episode 3 of 'Cheese In The Trap' picked up the pace in terms of story and character development, receiving positive reviews from the viewers, myself included.

In contrast to the webtoon, which is entering in its fourth season, the drama version increased the momentum, ending the episode with *SPOILER ALERT* Yoo Jung making a bold move by asking Seol out.

In episode 3, you have Seol failing her group project, Seol and Bora fighting, Yoo Jung and Seol clearing up their first misunderstanding, In Ho taking a step closer to Seol. That's not all! You also have In Ho, In Ha, and Yoo Jung coming face to face at the call of Yoo Jung's father, and Yoo Jung asking Seol to be his girlfriend. Wow, there is a lot to cover this episode, so let's jump right into it.

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The episode starts out with Seol showing a more confrontational side when Yoo Jung ignores her the same way he did in the past.

A refreshing change to Seol's initial impression where she was seen trying to avoid confrontations despite it following her around. She no longer follows the cliche damsel in distress trope that K-dramas like to do with their female leads and that's what initially attracts Yoo Jung to Seol.

There is a saying that opposites attract, and no pun intended, but the opposite seems to hold true here. Instead of opposites, Yoo Jung is attracted by how similar the two are and the fact that Seol sees through Yoo Jung's nice guy act. Their similarities are also pointed out by both Kim Kyung Hwan and Joo Yeon, giving depth and a whole new perspective on Seol and Yoo Jung's relationship.

Though I did mention that I have already read the webtoon, generally aware of the sequence of events, it took me by surprise when certain situations popped up so early on. This was especially true when Yoo Jung asks Seol out. But this is also the beauty of dramas based on webtoons or even novels where, for the sake of the drama, they change things around and add in subtle scenes to keep the viewers glued to their seats for the whole 40 minutes.

In Ho's character comes to life in this episode during his brief meeting with Yoo Jung's father, where he shows a much more vulnerable and warm side in addition to what he's shown in the first two episodes. Beneath the tough exterior shell that In Ho holds is a warmhearted, gentle, and sympathetic boy who is just simply misunderstood.

In Ho is the character that many of us can relate to, unlike Yoo Jung, and we can already smell the oncoming second-lead syndrome (SLS) from a mile away. Most likely, this will become In Ho's biggest advantage and strength when faced with Yoo Jung.

While In Ho rapidly make his way into our hearts, Yoo Jung follows closely behind him as he warms back up to Seol, admitting that he was 'acting like a child.' However, his actions towards everyone (but Seol) is manipulative and cunning, making his character a bit easier to dislike. Yoo Jung is the guy that every guy wants to be and the guy that every girl wants to bring home to their parents.

However, the downside to him is that you never really know what he's thinking and he remarkably proficient in hiding his true motifs. He is the definition of hot and cold and that kind of personality can get old, really quick. Thank god he is good looking.

Yoo Jung's relationship with his father is yet another interesting dynamic that adds on to the overall storyline. Unlike the typical hierarchy driven father-son relationships in Korean dramas with the father being the big boss while the son is forced to be filial, Yoo Jung is in the obvious dominant position while his father takes on a more gentle and easygoing role.

As a son, Yoo Jung respects his father up front but ends up manipulating his father just like he does with everyone else.

What's interesting about 'Cheese In The Trap' is that although the core centers around the strange relationship between Yoo Jung and Seol, they do well in developing the characters beyond romance.

The fast, almost rushed, pace is also unique to 'Cheese In The Trap' where they don't dwell on the little details and avoid excessive flashback scenes unlike many thriller romance dramas.

The writer expects the viewers to be smart enough to put the pieces together and only goes back in time to explain Yoo Jung's actions. It's only the third episode of 'Cheese In The Trap' and I have nothing but high expectations from the way that the story is unfolding and can only hope that it won't flop midway through.