Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju - ep7: Happy Birthday

The feels this ep came solely from Bok-ju, whose crying (over Jae-yi, letting down her father, and betraying her team) blurs her vision of the one person who's continually stood by her side - Joon-hyung. But as always, he's there to remind her that he'll always be there should she need to release some of that stress she carries around with her in that youthful and naive state of hers. Growing pains man. Who doesn't go through them?

Bok Ju's tears were filled with youthful anguish this episode. She knows she did wrong, and as viewers, we too are quick to rationalise how she got trapped in a web of her own making. But at that age, you never think of the bigger picture, and before you know it, the web has grown so vast, that it's almost impossible to escape without getting yourself in a tangled mess. And sometimes, the very people who are there to help untangle you, can't do so unless you reach out to them first. Once Bok-ju realises this, she'll learn that life cannot be experienced within her own little bubble, but that her actions have consequences beyond the realm of her own reality. And I appreciated how the rest tried to understand where she was coming from once her secret was out - it just took longer to get there.

The biggest disappointment was felt by her father, who spent his life doting on Bok-ju, not realising that in fulfilling his life's aspirations through Bok-ju would deprive her of the one thing she now yearns for - to be loved as a woman. A woman who isn't obliged to put on weight, or who has calluses all over her hands. There are many things, I imagine, that you never think of having to sacrifice as a young growing athlete, until one day, you realise that what sets you apart from the rest of the girls your age, are the simple pleasures in life. The hand holding, the open dating, the dressing up, and so fourth. And it was so heart-wrenching to see dad finally see that, but to also recognise how important weightlifting is for Bok-ju. It's part of growing pains to go for what you want, not realising that in doing so, you may end up regretting the one thing you give up. In Bok-ju's case, it's clear that she loves weightlifting, but her focus has currently shifted to something she longs for in the moment, which is Jae-yi - someone who makes her heart flutter. And I'd say, dad gifting Bok-ju a lipstick (as well as being great product placement) was the ideal gift in taking steps to realise that aside from being a weightlifter, his daughter is indeed a woman, and who's only desire is to feel like one.

That's why I loved the moment she broke down in front of her coach, who, like a mother figure, was able to embrace her and provide her with some womanly advice based on her own personal experiences, something that Bok-ju could relate to, and find solace in. Though the coach(es) felt let down, I like how the moment she found out the reason behind Bok-ju's lying, she let go of her anger, and reached out to Bok-ju in a way that would help bring her back without adding too much pressure. Her advice of letting time heal everything, and how one day Bok-ju will find someone who'll love her for who she is was something Bok-ju really needed to hear, and will eventually come to realise. I think deep down, though she knew that Jae-yi could never be end game, she still hoped and gave into the momentary feelings which made her feel alive - sometimes it's a case of the heart wants what it wants, even when knowing that what lies in store is nothing but pain ahead.

And that's ultimately what friends are for. To tell you when things are bad, and to help see you through those bad times. Which is why I felt so sad for Seon-ok, who not only felt let down by Bok-ju, but her friend, Nan-hee too. Argh, the silent treatment coming from a friend you know you've let down but never meant to, is a real killer! I love that the focus of this show isn't just about growing pains relating to the protagonist, but more importantly, the people around her. It's what makes the show so relatable, knowing that you navigate your way through life dependent on the people you feel closest too. And therefore, for Seon-ok to feel out the loop, must have felt like a huge deal to her - a betrayal of epic proportions at that age because let's face it, when the only friends you have discard you from their life, no matter how unintentional it was, then that pain of feeling insignificant stays with you a long time, enough to make you think twice before relying on the same friendships again. Which is why Bok-ju and Nan-hee will have to break down some serious walls for Seon-ok to feel like she can trust them again.

And finally, Joon-hyung, ah sweet Joon-hyung, who although spent much of this episode looking at Bok-ju from the sidelines, was no less significant in bringing back Bok-ju's mojo. He was definitely her pillar this episode, and it was great to see him take a backseat, only showing up when he felt she needed him. Like a true friend, he waited until she was ready to talk and release some of that stress - only then did he lure her in, ha literally! Using sausage as bait! I love that wherever he took her, be it to eat some grub or go wild at a club, he did so with the sole purpose of letting her let loose. He didn't intervene, and nor did he push her too hard. All he did was let her eat and dance the night away to her heart's content, and ended it by saying to look him up whenever she needed to lift her spirits. Now that's friendship goals right there!

My heart ached for Bok-ju this episode!

💛💛💛💛💛