I just watched it...moved to tears.
I agree with all of you. The only way to describe episode 17 is "heartbreaking"
[SPOILER, DONT READ if you've haven't watched episode 17]
Heartbreaking not just because they are apart and suffering but because Kim Tan's spirit was broken down.
When I saw the end of episode 16, I felt so bad for Kim Tan. But I thought, he is going to find her, and fight for their love because from the beginning he has shown such courage, strength and fighting spirit that I never thought he would give up.
When he finally found her and realized the reality of her new life. How much she had lost because of him and knowing there was nothing he could do about it, that was truly heartbreaking.
That moment when he went to the empty apartment and took down the Dreamcatcher was so symbolic of their relationship. He literally was giving up on their love. He is giving up on everything: school, his company shares, his relationship with his brother, his country!!! (Willing to back to the U.S.) and most of all, not seeing her.
I think everybody is so surprised and finally realizing the strength of his love for CES. His father seemed very surprised when he heard Kim Tan destroying his room and crying. His brother finally showed some emotion, being worry for him when he told his father Tan was always strong and now was breaking down. Even YD seemed concerned!
It was truly heartbreaking seeing CES sitting by herself at the beach. Trying to out a smiley face when her mother couldn't find work or when the bookstore lady asked her about school. She is hurting so much, lost so much and there is not much she can do.
It don't know what is going to happen next or how this is going to end but I think both LMH and PSH deserve awards for their performance.