New problems are shaping up to challenge Saet Byul and Dae Hyun in Backstreet Rookie episode 12!
Just when the two are getting even more closer, looming conflicts are in the horizon. Saet Byul’s puppy Ji Wook is a strong contender to the second lead syndrome’s favorite list this season as he keeps giving indirect help to his cherished childhood friend in distress.
Episode Recaps: 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | Mid-Series | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | Finale Week Feature | REVIEW
abbyinhallyuland watches Backstreet Rookie on iQIYI
“He’s different from us. Have you seen the wrinkles on his forehead?”
Saet Byul came at the right time to stop the heated conversation between Ji Wook and Dae Hyun. One seriously cherishes her while the other has been convinced that she is a special person to him.
Spreading like a wild fire, the news that celebrity Ji Wook is filming reaches the school girls who previously fawn over Dae Hyun shamelessly. They shift their devotion to Ji Wook inevitably. Saet Byul notices her manager put some makeup on his face, which he denies.
When Ji Wook comes back from the photo session outside the store, Saet Byul reminds her not to put pressure on Dae Hyun. She states how her manager is not used to stand in front of cameras unlike him.
Eavesdropping on the two friends’ conversation, he beams hearing Saet Byul sides on him. But his elation is short-lived when Saet Byul explained to Ji Wook how Dae Hyun won’t be able to compete with their flawless skin because of his age.
Life is not getting any easier for Dal Shik and Geum Bi who are both nursing their broken hearts. Finding meaning to their lives, they struggle to break away from the disappointment and grief.
“I guess this neighborhood does not suit me.”
While shooting DIY recipe, Dae Hyun was asked not to mention other brand’s tripe, but he explains why he had to bend the rule. He mentions how the act helps local community who runs business nearby like tripe restaurants. The team leader insists so Dae Hyun stands firm on his group by proclaiming he’s the store owner and not his subordinate.
Surprised on Dae Hyun’s guts, the team leader attempts to refute, but Saet Byul finally can’t bear any longer and chides on the insistent team leader. Later, when Yeon Joo arrives, she apologizes to her subordinate’s rudeness.
Wrapping up the shoot, she speaks with Seung Joon over the phone and failed to notice Dae Hyun’s parents. The two heard her mumble how she does not suit the neighborhood. Dae Hyun’s mom lectures her for being snob and saying mindless words that people might overhear.
“She only smiles like that to Manager Choi.”
Noticing a book left by one of the high school girls earlier, Saet Byul silently browses on it. Dae Hyun sees what she’s doing and asks if she has plans to go back to school. She replies going to take GED test as soon as her time permits. Surprised that she changed her dream from a florist to a store manager, Saet Byul shares how she was inspired of how he was awesome with the poor little boy earlier.
Saet Byul further talks about her experience in the store has led her to be a helpful person. His deed earlier cemented her thoughts of becoming a store manager. All the while, Ji Wook stares at them from afar, feeling dejected that Saet Byul can only smile like that to Dae Hyun.
Offering to cover the store, Dae Hyun agrees to go home explaining he needs to rest since he is near his 30’s. Cutely sulking, she teases on his new hairstyle like how younger men like Ji Wook have. Showing he does not have any wrinkles, he head outside and bumps on Ji Wook, who points the same hairstyle he currently dons.
Telling he’s heading home, Ji Wook beams to the idea of tending the store with Saet Byul. Dae Hyun stops him and tells him to go home and rest. But Ji Wook adorably argues that he’s too young to get tired for an all-nighter. Stressing Dae Hyun looks tired and needs rest, the manager replies how he’s full of energy using expression that older people normally uses.
Obviously, both are firm on asserting Saet Byul’s company, they go inside at the store. But the woman they want to be with decides to sleep since the two of them are willing to cover.
“To me, you are my dad and mom. You went through a lot because of me.”
Learning the promised good news from Ji Wook, Saet Byul asks for a half-day leave to attend Eun Byul’s showcase. Ji Wook who wants to join her unfortunately has to attend an urgent schedule leaving Dae Hyun happy, who initially offered to come with her.
The two sisters lock gazes as Eun Byul marks her debut stage. However, she had a small mishap on stage, but her determination had her continue her performance albeit her nose bleeding. After the event, Eun Byul went viral with her tenacity. She calls her sister and talk about Eun Byul’s feeling about her debut.
She tells Saet Byul how she’s the first person she thought of after the event. Feeling grateful for all the sacrifices Saet Byul did for her, she confessed how much she wants to thank her and encourages her to hang on a bit more – because she’ll give her a good life.
“Why did you hang out with bullies? You should have known better!”
Forced to meet the unruly girls, Eun Byul learns about her bad-looking photos that would compromise her career if those get leaked. The leader of the bullies learns her connection to Ji Wook, whom she has liked for a while, so she asks her to have him meet them. In return, they promise to delete the photos of Eun Byul.
Remembering Saet Byul’s words that he is now Eun Byul’s protector, Ji Wook agrees to meet the bullies. He chides Eun Byul after they all part ways, and the latter begs him not to spill it to Saet Byul who hates asking favors to other people.
Ji Wook calms down Eun Byul not knowing it was captured by the bullies’ camera. Contrary to what they promised, the bullies continue threatening Eun Byul. Cornered, her sister finally get the picture of the mess she’s in. But, Eun Byul goes to her stubborn self and refuses her help.
“You told me you want to study someday. Let’s start right now.”
Unable to get a good sleep because of her woes, Saet Byul receives a message from Dae Hyun to come early. When she arrived, he drags her right away to the break room where she sees her own study table. Dae Hyun tells her that she will help her study.
Boasting how cool he is as a manager encouraging her self-growth, Dae Hyun blabs how she must have done good in her past life to meet him. Touched by the gesture, she goes to his arms for an embrace.
But, Dae Hyun pushes her away. Pouting, she gets surprised when he takes her back in his arms, and tells her that he wants to hug her first. He made her promise to work and study hard to which she gladly acquiesce.
“I’ll turn everything back to normal.”
At the head office, Ji Wook’s campaign is a big hit and Yeon Joo’s PR team are celebrating. The team leader accidentally slips piquing Yeon Joo’s interest. After a quick research, she finally learns how Dae Hyun took the blame of a failed campaign which she initially spearheaded.
Yeon Joo also learns that Seung Joon orchestrated the plan knowing Dae Hyun won’t say no especially if it will implicate her. Picking up her things, she knows where she should be at that moment.
At the store, Saet Byul is problematic with her studies and checks on if her tasks are in order. Waiting for Dae Hyun to arrive, she spots him approaching. However, Yeon Joo also arrives to call his attention. Emotionally burdened, she goes to his arms and tells him that she will set everything right.
Episode 12 Peak Points & Afterthoughts
Thank god, I don’t have a younger sister like Eun Byul. *chuckles
Previously, I mentioned how there’s no hard-hitting conflict in Backstreet Rookie, I’m taking it back since I really don’t know how fictional world can solve a problem like Eun Byul. She just took us on a sweet “grateful for Saet Byul” declaration, only to still be adamant that she can’t solve her problem alone, and she needs her sister’s help for that.
Also, I appreciate that my clamor on my previous recap was addressed this episode because I really want to see Saet Byul finally having a life that is entirely her own.
I thought Yeon Joo would just fade away to the back scene and I couldn’t care less if there will be closure for her and Dae Hyun properly. It seems we will have a busy penultimate and finale episodes ahead.
Will Ji Wook be implicated by Eun Byul’s wrong choices? Does Saet Byul need to give the bullies stronger lesson since the first one seem to not straighten them out? What will happen to Fire Volcano and Aphrodite? Will Dae Hyun’s heart swing again for Yeon Joo granted how her mom treated his family?
All these questions we’ll look forward to answers in the last two weeks of Backstreet Rookie!
Photos: Screencaps from iQIYI
