I’m genuinely nervous about the upcoming two episodes of Miss Korea. That’s a good place to be in because it means this drama has really gotten to me. I’m not watching dispassionately like observing a particularly well-drawn painting. I feel like I’m one of leading lady Ji Young’s friends and family cheering section and personally sitting behind the computer but cheering her on nevertheless. So far nothing in MK had led me to question its ability to keep the storytelling quality high and this faith also makes me certain that win or lose the Miss Korea crown Ji Young will still be in a far better off place than when she started out in the drama. There remains so many conflicts to resolve and with 6 episodes this drama can do it if it understands how to structure the final pay-off. Will the baddies like Kang Woo’s brother at Bada and even resident jealous relationship wrecker Lee Yoon get their just desserts? Will Jae Hee gain the freedom to be herself in the public eye? Will the two competing queen makers Madams Ma and Yang continue their bickering rivalry with an eye towards Miss Korea 1998? What job will Ji Young do in the long run? I’m sure Vivi will survive and the Vivi cream a blockbuster item but will the team stick together, or will the lovely Dr. Ko marry a certain gruff softhearted gangster ahjusshi. Of course there is the question of whether Hyung Joon and Ji Young will be able to stay together since every K-drama loves to throw in a final minute separation anxiety for the OTP. Before getting to all these questions being answered, the actual Miss Korea 1997 pageant is right around the corner in the drama as the first stills have been released by MBC showing the two most promising contenders in their evening gowns. Ji Young’s entire look is absolute perfection, her hair a lustrous wavy waterfall to the side and her blue, green, and silver embroidery ornate gown the stuff of legends when seen on stage in the visual arena of a beauty pageant. Jae Hee’s normally stunning buttercup yellow chiffon strapless ruched mermaid gown is classy but just doesn’t have quite the pop and pizzazz as Ji Young. MBC went all out in re-creating the pageant and even has the MC showing up to make it as authentic as possible. Seeing the pageant filming completed makes me realize the pageant scenes are likely coming in the next 2 episodes which then begs the question as to what the drama will do with the final 4 episodes after revealing who is Miss Korea 1997. Please continue to surprise me, drama. I sorely need some picking up after a disappointing start to this drama week.