In episodes 2 and 3 of Channel A’s Check-in Hanyang, the Haona Four (Lee Eunho, Hong Deoksu, Chun Junhwa, and Go Sura) bond as members of the “Haha Room” while facing off against the elite “Choeha Room” interns in a high-stakes game: Ssangpaechigi.
The Game: Ssangpaechigi
The game involves rolling two dice, with the player whose dice total is highest declared the winner. If a pair (e.g., two 3s) is rolled, it’s called a ssangpae, and it beats any non-pair total—even a higher one. If both players roll a ssangpae, the one with the higher pair wins. Simple rules, yet plenty of drama!
Historical Connection
While it’s uncertain if a game like Ssangpaechigi existed in the Joseon era, dice-based games were well-documented. Six-sided dice were found as early as the Silla Dynasty, and records of dice games during Joseon suggest this fictional game could plausibly have existed. The name and rules of Ssangpaechigi, however, appear to be a creative invention for the drama.
Rising Stakes in Ssangpaechigi
The intense match ends in a tie (2:2), leaving the final round to be decided. Lee Eunho, in a dramatic twist, suggests the participants remove their tops for a “manly” showdown. This results in all players, including those from Haha Room and Choeha Room, stripping down. However, Hong Deoksu, being a woman in disguise, faces a crisis.
At this critical moment, Seol Maehwa, the Daegakju (chief innkeeper), and the three department heads of Yongcheonru discover the scene. The sight of the bare-chested chaos nearly results in expulsion for the players, but Maehwa intervenes, offering them a second chance.
The Hongpae Mystery
The Hongpae is a red token required to become an intern attendant at Yongcheonru. Hong Deoksu manages to acquire her Hongpae through a game of Ssangpaechigi with a character named Manseok but only secures half of the token. To complete her application, she forges the missing half and becomes an intern.
However, things take a dark turn when Manseok is found dead, clutching the other half of the Hongpae. The police (Podocheong) suspect a link between the murder and Yongcheonru. Innkeeper Chun Makdong advises Maehwa to let the issue escalate, but Maehwa takes action to uncover the truth, focusing on identifying the forger.
The Investigation
The three department heads, overseeing reception, management, and food service, devise a plan to identify the counterfeit Hongpae. The food service head reveals that the ink used for authentic tokens was mixed with honey, allowing them to distinguish genuine from fake. The counterfeit token’s number points directly to trainee #30—Hong Deoksu.
Crisis Peaks for Hong Deoksu
Seol Maehwa and the department heads search the trainee dormitories for #30, only to stumble upon the Haha Room and Choeha Room participants mid-game. Hong Deoksu faces exposure on two fronts: her secret identity as a woman and her involvement with the counterfeit Hongpae.
Yet, Maehwa spares her from expulsion—for now. The looming questions remain:
- Will Deoksu’s disguise be uncovered first, or will she be framed for murder?
- How will she navigate the mounting threats to her safety and her mission of revenge?
The next episode promises more suspense as Deoksu faces one peril after another. Stay tuned!
