Saturday, June 27, 2020

Choi Taek For the Win!

Reply 1988 has surely touched the hearts of millions of viewers around the world because of its realistic plot revolving around family and friendship. Avid fans had also been rooting for different teams aka the male lead to end up with Sung Deok Sun. Some may be Team Sun Woo, a lot are clamoring for Team Jung Hwan, but I am consistently Team Taek since Day 1. Here are some reasons why I strongly believe Choi Taek deserves our leading lady, Deok Sun.

1. Taek lights up whenever he sees Deok Sun (literally and figuratively).

-Park Bo Gum (who plays Choi Taek in this drama) is known for his killer smile that will make your heart melt and will make you smile, too! And whenever Choi Taek sees Deok Sun, he has that glow! Deok Sun simply has that ability to enamor our shy Choi Taek and he is always all smiles whenever he sees her. Whether it's a rough day or just an ordinary one, seeing Deok Sun truly makes our Choi Taek happy! When he was left with  Deok Sun while the gang has left earlier on after they followed Dong Ryung, you could see in his eyes how delighted he is to be with Deok Sun's company (even if Deok Sun has been teasing or goofing around with him, he is not angered to bits, but even marvels with it).

And who would not want to be with a person like that, who just simply loves to be with you?

2. Taek really adores Deok Sun.
- Through quirks, imperfections, warts and all... Choi Taek is just so fond of Deok Sun. Even during Deok Sun's awkward days, Taek still finds her pretty and cute! Any girl would want to be with a partner who thinks she is the most beautiful in the world, don't you agree?

Proof that Taek is just head over heels Deok Sun and loves her for who she is? Remember when Dong Ryung asked Taek if he is really sure that he loves the weirdo Deok Sun? With a sure smile, he joyfully answered yes!  And if that's not enough to convince you, Taek even told Deok Sun is pretty during the China Baduk tournament and when she was wearing the orange lipstick that Jinjoo and Bora find weird! Deok Sun may have her share of idiosyncracies, but our Taek embraces and accepts them all!

Now that is definitely sweet! ♥️

3. Choi Taek has been consistent and honest with his feelings ever since.
- Taek is your usual shy, introvert and socially awkward guy, but he is different when it comes to his feelings for Deok Sun. In fact, he bravely admitted, without hesitations at that, in front of his guy friends that he likes Deok Sun, not as a friend, but as a woman. He may be quiet and shy, but he has the guts to ask the woman he likes for a movie!

4. Taek values his friendship with Jung Hwan.

- Even if our Taeki loves Deok Sun so much, he is willing to step back and let go the moment he knew Jung Hwan likes Deok Sun, too. He is not selfish, but is also considerate of his good friend's feelings. When we was finally sure he wanted to pursue Deok Sun, he even visited Jung Hwan at the military camp and that is a sign of a true gentleman, indeed!

5. Taek is committed to his goals,he may be silent, but is one true fighter.
- He is not a Baduk Genius and champion for nothing, after all. And this includes how he commits to his feelings with Deok Sun. He may have backed off for years in respect to Jung Hwan's feelings, even so, it did not mean he truly hid those feelings in the closet forever.  The moment he sees the opportunity, he seizes it! There is no backing out for our Choi Taek!

6. His Baduk skills may be his pride, but nothing matters most than the love of his life.
- Taeki is well renowned for his Baduk skills and is critically acclaimed for his wins. Still, he is willing to forfeit a Baduk match just to be with Deok Sun. Our Taeki truly knew his priorities, Baduk may be his pride and bread and butter, but Deok Sun is his love, for whom he is willing to give up anything.

7. For Taek, Deok Sun is his "peace of mind in this crazy world".
- Deok Sun's company and warm hug is enough to comfort Taek after a long and tiring Baduk match. He finds refuge and solace whenever he sees how Deok Sun cares for him. He acknowledges it, again, with his shy and signature smile.

8. His love may be silent and not grand, but is sincere and secure.

- It's true that Choi Taek may not be everyone's cup of tea. For others, he is too timid and introverted. But then again, Taek proves those assumptions about him wrong. He may be shy and awkward, but it does not mean he loves less. His love remains unchanging even if years had passed and all it takes is that one, "but" from Deok Sun for him to fully give his "long overdue" feelings a go. His gestures may not be grand, but he is willing to protect Deok Sun too (and he even pretended that he was smoking so he could join her) and comfort her during her gloomy days. As shy, introverted, and awkward he may be, he is willing to overcome all his fears because his love for Deok Sun is stronger.

And at the end of the day, when made to choose between someone who is sure of his feelings for you and one who has been wishy-washy about it for so long, who would you rather be with? We may be thrilled with a love that's hidden because it gives us excitement and butterflies in our stomach. But when presented with someone like Choi Taek who is certain with his feelings, who accepts you for who you are and is willing to fight for you at all costs, then I am sure he will also be your choice.

A love that's genuine, consistent and never hesitates...that is Taek's love for Deok Sun. And those are the reasons why he deserves to have Deok Sun's love, after all.