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More to come… Reviews may/may not be finalised and are mostly done by memory.
Finished but no review done: Let's fight ghost/Shopping king Louie/Hwarang-the beginning
Still watching: Cheese in the Trap/Man living in the house/Legend of the blue sea/ Bride of the water god/Third rate my way
Put aside for now: Vampire Detective/ Oh my ghostess/ 3 Musketeers /Misaeng/ Cheongdamdong Alice/ Hotel King/ That winter that wind blows/ Dr Frost/My loveable girl…
Consider watching: Pride and prejudice/ 3 days/ Come back mister/ Another Ms Oh
W-2 worlds (2016) W-两个世界
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Metafiction, Suspense
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Jong Suk as Kang Chul, Han Hyo Joo as Oh Yun Joo, Jung Yoo Jin as Yoon So Hee (Kang Chul's secretary), Lee Tae Hwan as Seo Do Yoon (Kang Chul's bodyguard), Kim Eui Sung as Oh Sung Moo (manhwa author/artist, Yun Joo's father), Lee Shi Un as Park Soo Bong (Oh Sung Moo's assistant)
Plot: The drama is about two people from two different worlds-the fiction and the real world. Cardiothoracic surgeon novice Oh Yun-joo (Han Hyo-joo) goes to her father's office looking for him and ends up being pulled into the webtoon world that her father created. In the process, she saves a dying Kang Chul, becomes a main character in the webtoon, falls in love and works with Kang Chul to get rid of the villain so as to safely escape with him to the real world.
Zoom into characters: Kang Chul is framed for killing his whole family and lives a life of misery as an outcast who cannot even mourn for the loss of his family properly. It was so miserable for him that he decides to commit suicide according to the storyline. However, the story took for a turn when he refuses to obey the command of the author and hangs on for dear life. Because of that, a new-found will grows in him and he is determined to survive and catch the murderer of his family. From then on, Yun Joo's father is flustered that he cannot control his webtoon characters and becomes fearful of his own creation. As Yun Joo reads her father's webtoon, she likes Kang Chul more and more and empathises with him. Her world is turned upside down when she enters the webtoon time and again due to Kang Chul thinking about her since their first encounter and she has to figure out how to return to her world.
Although people may complain that it is too brain-cracking as it goes, I found it quite a fun watch and like most of the crazy things like the "rules" that can allow Yun Joo to go back to the real world, rules that can allow Kang Chul to travel to and fro the 2 worlds and many others that are slowly revealed. There are also some moments that I found ridiculously funny such as when Yun Joo's father lose his face (sry for the spoiler), and is controlled by the murderer in the story or that Kang Chul can summon characters to the real world by thinking of them as well. Besides making me question if there is another dimension and whether I live in the real world haha, this drama also makes me wonder if authors have the right to control characters' fate (especially giving tragic ending) just like how in real life people in power tend to influence the fate of the weak without caring about what they think.
Found it funny when Yun Joo's father's assistant, Soo Bong, becomes more and more fearful of his job since evil characters are coming to life. Enjoyed how this drama portrays how the fans react to fictional characters with Yun Joo's superior always wanting to find out what will happen next in the webtoon or criticising the plot twist (caused by Yun Joo), and people being excited when they see Kang Chul in real life. Sounds familiar in real life? The faceless murderer in hood really is scary. Kim Eui Sung acted well as both Yun Joo's protective father, and the shameless and cunning villain. Funny how Yun Joo and her father's life are so dramatically messed up by a webtoon, and they cant even control the outcomes in the story which brings about life and death situations to them too.
Love the relationship built between Kang Chul and Yun Joo and their chemistry, my most favourite part of this drama! It was fun to watch how Kang Chul keep thinking of Yun Joo and summoning her to his world much to Yun Joo's exasperation. Liked their romance from how it starts: Kang Chul thinking of Yun Joo as the key to his life while Yun Joo is such a fan, to their lovely marriage to save Yun Joo, to their fight together against the villain and sacrifices made towards the end. Especially liked how Kang Chul makes the effort to use a book which depicts different romantic scenes as a guide and asks Yun Joo to choose so that he can follow through with it, so clumsy but cheesy in expressing his love!
Felt heartbreaking for Yun Joo when Kang Chul summoned her even though he lost his memory, making her come to his world briefly when she is in his subconscious. Knew that no matter what Yoon Joo will somehow be dragged into his world… Finally, liked Han Hyo Joo's excited reactions a lot, especially at the start of the drama as well as how Lee Jong Suk depicts his character's emotional struggle which adds depth to the plot and make his defiance and depressing times more moving.
Why you should watch: It has a very refreshing storyline where we get to learn about how fiction is made: the main plot, the rules in the fiction world and the characters. It is so unconventional and interesting to give life as well as a voice to fictional characters. Watched this some time ago but I guess I was attracted by the plot, and the cast, Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo. Was I chasing each episode? Feel that I did. Cant really remember haha…
Favourite MVs+osts: Where are you by Jung Joon Young
Madame Antoine (2016) 安托万女士
Genre: Psychology, Romance, Comedy
As I love psychology a lot, this drama is quite relevant to me but somehow it just doesnt attract me as it is too slow pace for me and the whole drama just circles around an experiment (which involves 3 guys pursuing a girl) that Choi Soo Hyun (Sung Joon), a psychologist, conducts to prove that there is no such thing as everlasting or true love. There are many cases which makes it feel like a boring report by case since the main storyline is not strong enough for me.
However, what piqued my curiosity to start reading the recaps is when I heard of Soo Hyun's behaviour of feeling pain when a droplet drops on his hand, likely due to past trauma despite being a psychologist himself. I like how Go Hye Rim(Han Ye Seul) is, so observant and sometimes even more effective in healing the clients than Soo Hyun who is more cold and professional. It is funny when she blabbers in French and acts like there is a spirit in her which surprisingly scares people to doing things she wants them to, and causes them to believe in her fortune telling. Liked how Soo Hyun starts to fall for Hye Rim as they start to trust each other and let their relationship grow. Funny when Hye Rim takes on the psychologist role towards the end. Felt happy at how Soo Hyun's psychological problem is resolved totally with the help of Hye Rim. Wonder if it is true that psychologists cant heal themselves?
Jealousy Incarnate (2016) 嫉妒的化身
Genre: Romance, Comedy, News, Office politics
Randomly went to read the recaps since I have been curious about this drama for some time. It has 24 episodes and the storyline is too dry for me haha so I would have dropped it after watching a few episodes.
I thought that it is just about some news anchors, reporters, office politics type of drama but after reading the recaps, I realised that there is a sub-plot of a man fighting breast cancer which is totally unexpected… What really made me continue reading the recaps is how interesting the sub-plot is as Hwa Shin (Jo Jung Suk) furtively goes for his treatment in a clinic filled with women, wears post-operation bra after operation, uses Na Ri's (Gong Hyo Jin) name to register for radiation appointments etc. It just feels awkward haha even though I didnt watch most of it but just read the recaps.
Looks like this drama does bring out its name perfectly as I can feel the strong and saddening jealousy (is it due to the recaper?) in Hwa Shin after introducing Na Ri who crushed on him for 3 years to his best friend and the two started dating since they have interest in each other. I wouldnt have wanted to watch that part as it is too filled with regrets and Hwa Shin further makes it worse for himself. It is funny how the best friends like the same person twice and the interesting part is that the previous girl likes Hwa Shin more even if it is a 49:51 ratio. Is it possible to love 2 people as much? The supporting lead, Jung Won (Go Kyung Pyo) actually looks more handsome than the lead, Hwa Shin, but as the drama goes I like Hwa Shin as a character more. It is fun to see how Hwa Shin has such high standard especially about his work (news anchor) which seems cool but sometimes suffocates people around him while Jung Won is quite perfect but is a "mama boy".
Towards the end (sry for the spoiler), when Hwa Shin announces to the whole world through the news about the prejudice male breast cancer patients face and that he is a breast cancer patient, it is very cool and touching, and it neatly wraps up the whole struggle he faces, and at the same time shows that he can protect Na Ri in his own way when the whole company is spreading rumours about how Na Ri has breast cancer which will affect her future job opportunities. Liked the chemistry between the lead couple and how Hwa Shin changes from the receiving end of the love to the giving end. Dont know why Na Ri likes him with spectacles, he looks super old with them haha. Did jealousy due to his friend really sparked his feelings for Na Ri?
Mirror of the Witch (2016) 魔女寶鑑
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Dark magic
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoon Shi Yoon as Heo Joon, Kim Sae Ron as Princess Seo Ri / Yun Hee, Yum Jung Ah as Shaman Hong Joo, Lee Sung Jae as Choi Hyun Seo, Kwak Shi Yang as Poong Yeon, Lee Yi Kyung as Yo Kwang, Min Do Hee as Soon Deuk
Enjoyed Yoon Shi Yoon's portrayal of Heo Joon! It has been some time since I see Yoon Shi Yoon's acting and it is still good haha! He looks remarkably good in this drama as his character is not only smart, daring and determined but also his unconditional love for Seo Ri. Liked how Heo Joon only sees Seo Ri as the inquisitive girl who he met in the deserted place no matter how much she changes or what she has become. Unlike Poong Yeon who only likes Seo Ri before her curse is activated, Heo Joon who sees her ghostly cursed self actually accepts her even though he is fearful of her horrifying appearance. Kim Sae Ron played her role very well too, gradually developing from her innocent self to a powerful person who can protect others and defend herself. Liked the chemistry between Seo Ri and Heo Joon, how they care for each other and support each other well.
As I like fantasy a lot, it was fun watching Heo Joon and Seo Ri making potions to fulfill people's wishes. When people's earnest wishes are granted, candles will be lit up and they will be closer to breaking the curse. There are many potions such as the intelligent potion that Heo Joon accidentally drank and it is so funny how the words are zooming into his head. Heo Joon also drank the potion for missing the dead and it is heartbreaking when he sees his mother for the last time. It was funny when Heo Joon ends up in Seo Ri's hideout for the second time and caused such a mess, even burning her book of spell. Towards the end, it is moving and sad when Heo Joon and Seo Ri take it upon themselves to sacrifice for each other so that the other can survive.
Disliked the king who cannot do much and only think about guarding his position. Enjoyed the plot twist when Poong Yeon and his father take turn to be made use of by Hong Joo without them knowing, making it interesting to watch as the good people at times take the evil side, and cause more unexpected problems for Seo Ri. I liked Soon Deuk and Yo Kwang as individuals with a strong character rather than as a couple haha. Despite Soon Deuk being a female which is disadvantaged, she is able to survive well in such a time. Yo Kwang's loyalty to Poong Yeon's father is admirable. Despite Poong Yeon's father turning evil, Yo Kwang still does not give up on him and try to make him come back to his senses.
There are many scenes in the dark which makes watching the drama a bit of a strain to the eye. My mother actually commented that the drama is scary and disturbing which may be a factor to consider when you decide if you want to watch. It was a nice closure for Hong Joo but the ending, especially for the lead couple is not acceptable to me. 😦
Why you should watch: Enjoyed the plot, the touching moments, the twists and the development of the characters, especially Heo Joon and Seo Ri.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Moon (Sadness) by Im Jung Hee
Descendants of the sun (2016) 太陽的後裔
Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Medical, Action
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Song Joong Ki as Yoo Shi Jin, Song Hye Kyo as Dr. Kang Mo Yeon, Jin Goo as Seo Dae Young, Kim Ji Won as Yoon Myung Joo
Plot: Shi Jin, as a soldier, kills to protect lives and Mo Yeon, as a doctor, tries to save all lives. Shi Jin and Mo Yeon begin to date, but due to their jobs, their dates don't go well. Finally, they break up after they found out that their values in lives seem to differ too much. Shi Jin takes an order to lead his soldiers on a peacekeeping mission to Urk. Meanwhile, Mo Yeon becomes upset that she fails to become a professor due to a colleague's privileged background and eventually is sent to Urk for voluntary work. They cross paths when they meet at Urk. Will they be able to make up for their differences?
Since this drama is so popular and I am writing this review quite late, I am not going to write Zoom into characters.
Liked how their characters are very distinct: Shi Jin being humorous, Mo Yeon being impulsive, Dae Young being rigid and Myung Joo going all out for love. It was unexpected that Shi Jin falls for Mo Yeon so fast haha which is good since the plot now focuses on whether they can accept each other's jobs and differences. It was fun to watch Song Joong Ki (haha), especially when he tells jokes at many different occasions which adds lots of humour to the often serious atmosphere.
Liked the development of relationship between Dae Young and Myung Joo, and I am surprised by how the couple captures so much attention, even outshining the lead couple at times (didnt want to admit it haha). The touching scenes of separation (eg. the hug when Myung Joo is reaching Urk and Dae Young leaving) and the heartwarming scenes (eg. Dae Young talking with Myung Joo over the walkie talkie when she is infected by fatal virus) hammers the relationship nicely.
Although this drama is about military, I somehow didn't feel worried for their safety and the impression given is that Dae Young and Shi Jin are invincible. The only part that I could feel Shi Jin's vulnerability completely is the episode that he has to harden his heart and kill his past friend/comrade Argus with multiple shots. Argus was once an American soldier but now a money-minded person doing things against morality. At that part, Shi Jin's emotional breakdown was heartfelt which was not frequently seen in this drama where he calmly and coolly handles all life and death situations. The relationship between Mo Yeon and Shi Jin reaches greater depth when their interaction is not only about saving each other's lives literally but also how they support each other emotionally and offer comfort when another is down.
The earthquake scenes are the most gruesome among all scenes and I couldn't really watch them. Thankfully, I didn't get nightmare because of that haha. Towards the end, the scene that Mo Yeon's friends in the hospital thought that they saw Shi Jin's ghost when they see him through the video call is so funny. My sister likes that scene and we couldn't stop laughing.
Why you should watch: Because of the cast (especially Song Joong Ki)! This drama has a solid plot and I enjoyed the suspense, plot twists and thrills. The drama wraps up the job of a soldier and a doctor well and draws a nice comparison between the two seemingly different jobs that actually have the same goal of protecting the people.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Once again by Mad Clown, Kim Na Young
Remember-war of the sons (2015-2016) 记得儿子的战争
Genre: Melodrama, Crime, Thriller
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoo Seung Ho as Seo Jin Woo, Park Min Young as Lee In Ah, Park Sung Woong as Park Dong Ho, Nam Goong Min as Nam Gyu Man, Jung Hye Sung as Nam Yeo Kyung
To me, Yoo Seung Ho and his ability made me watch this but what makes me continue watching is surprisingly Nam Goong Min who acted as the infamous Nam Gyu Man. Looks like it is difficult for Nam Goong Min to be remembered using a nice guy role(Can you hear my heart etc) and he seems to be killing all his evil roles well haha… His character in this drama is unbelievably insane and thinks that he is above the law. It is funny how he shows his anger with his exaggerated facial expression and it just makes me want to continue on to see how he will react when he meets another dead end caused by Jin Woo. Enjoyed how Jin Woo uses his intelligence and his memory to fight against seemingly invincible Nam Gyu Man.
At the start, it is very heartbreaking, especially since the mixed feelings are so well acted out by Yoo Seung Ho. Liked how Lee In Ah plays a more active role as the drama progresses. Liked the development between the lead couple, as well as the people working under Jin Woo in his law firm. One of the heartbreaking moments that touched me is when In Ah rebuts Gyu Man's sister about what Gyu Man's sister thought is a game actually ruins people's lives.
Besides that, Gyu Man's secretary and Dong Ho play a major role in this drama and show that it is tough to not support the people with power but it is still necessary to oppose them when it is right. Liked how Dong Ho win cases, especially being able to make Gyu Man speechless and compromise. However, it is a waste that he changes his mind about Jin Woo's father's case. Dong Ho's relationship with Jin Woo adds depth to the drama plot as they have the chance of being a lawyer for each other and both of their loved ones passed away on the same day. Gyu Man's secretary is really pitiful since Gyu Man, his friend, often vents his anger on him by using violence. It is good to see that he manages to make a true friend which is Dong Ho's secretary haha. Can't believe how he can tolerate Gyu Man for so long, especially since Gyu Man is not just his employer but also a friend.
Overall, the plot is not as good as I thought it will be though since Gyu Man and his rich father wins most of the time and can somehow escape from punishment. The worst part in my opinion is that he also gets Alzheimer… Perhaps the scriptwriter is trying to contrast the idea of memory-having too much and losing them but it is a waste that Jin Woo's perfect memory ability does not shine through the drama and it could have been better made use of.
Why you should watch: Mainly because of the lead couple, Yoo Seung Ho and Park Min Young, and the villain played by Nam Goong Min. The first two episodes are fascinating and the perfect memory ability of Jin Woo is amazing, but if you are looking for a drama with a good and solid plot on law and crime, this may not be the one.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Cold by K. Will
She was pretty (2015) 她真漂亮
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Hwang Jung Eum as Kim Hye Jin, Jung Da Bin as Hye Jin (young), Park Seo Joon as Ji Sung Joon, Yang Han Yeol as Sung Joon (young), Go Joon Hee as Min Ha Ri, Choi Shi Won as Kim Shin Hyuk
It is funny how Sung Joon is such a workaholic. He bangs into walls and even drinks from a vase instead of a cup due to his constant attention on his I pad. There is an unexpected post-trauma phobia Sung Joon has which I think is effectively used haha. Liked the scene where Hye Jin puts her jacket over their heads as she tried to calm him down in the rain. It linked very well to them when they were young. Enjoyed how Sung Joon grows to depend on others and how Hye Jin grows to be more confident about herself. Liked the chemistry between the couple. Fashion is definitely not what I am good at so I can relate to how Hye Jin can't recognise the different brands and types of clothes when she is working for a fashion magazine company haha.
Besides the lead characters, I feel that Choi Si Won acted very well. His character is totally different from my normal impression of him haha. His character added lots of comedy to this drama and touching moments at the end of it. Liked Shin Hyuk's happy-go-lucky personality and how he makes fun of people and jokes with them, especially when with Hye Jin. When I think about him mischievously waiting to see the other person's reaction after he throws a toy spider at the person, it often makes me feel like laughing.
This drama also revolves around friendship, Ha Ri and Hye Jin+ Hye Jin and Sung Joon. Friends are indeed a huge influence in our lives. I liked how it is portrayed that even having one friend makes all the difference in life. You don't have to have many people as friends. You just need that one true friend who will not leave you even if you are an outcast or looked down by others! The friendships are well developed within this drama. In addition, I am satisfied with the ending as it gives a very complete end.
Why you should watch: Didn't expect much from it at first but am really glad that I watched it. Its plot isn't very extraordinary but it has all the fine touches to a good and heartwarming drama. At every corner, there is just enough warmth, romance, comedy. I enjoyed the romance the most haha. I thought that it is just a typical drama that the male lead is able to accept the female lead despite her appearance. However, there is more to it with a so called subplot that Sung Joon is trying to save a company. Totally a fan of Park Seo Joon now haha.
Favourite MVs+osts: You Don't Know Me by Soyou (Sistar) & Brother Su
Orange Marmalade (2015) 橘子果酱
Genre: School, Fantasy, Romance, Melodrama, Vampire
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Yeo Jin Goo as Jung Jae Min, Song Eui Joon as Jae Min (young), Seol Hyun as Baek Ma Ri, Lee Jong Hyun as Han Shi Hoo, Gil Eun Hye as Jo Ah Ra
Despite hearing that people dropped it because the drama did a ridiculous time-travelling etc, I still want to watch this drama because of Yeo Jin Goo! My sister was put off by Ma Ri continuously trying to suck Jae Min's blood at the start and wanted to drop it until I decided to watch it with her and she changed her mind. In this drama, the vampires are not seen as powerful but rather the outsider that humans fear and hate. Because of that, they have to hide or move away whenever discovered. This makes me feel sorry for them and it seems like humans are the mean ones instead. It is difficult living while trying to fit in with others or be like them when you are not. Human's unconscious behaviour due to subjective judgement can really harm others-humans or not.
Enjoyed the development of relationship between the lead couple no matter it is in the past life or in the present. In both times, Jae Min actually accepts her as a vampire despite his initial hate towards vampires. I can see the link between the past and present lives very well which I think makes the time-travelling effective after all. In addition, it is fun to watch mischievous Han Shi Hoo being Jae Min's good friend in the past life. Liked watching Ma Ri's present life family which adds humour and sweetness. The way Ma Ri mentions Jae Min's sweet blood keeps making me think of Jae Min as fleshy and juicy haha…
Liked Jong Hyun's acting in this drama as a rebellious person/vampire in the past and present life. He gives off the very charismatic feel and I like how he insists on his opinion. The scene that he tries to commit suicide the vampire way is so beautifully sad. Amazed by how the vampires pretend they are drinking other drinks such as wine, strawberry milk, or even tomato sauce when they are drinking "processed" blood. They will be punished/ arrested if they use their power even if it is to save humans which I found quite unfair. The power of vampire is really cool, especially how they zoom about in high speed.
The best short Korean Drama that I have watched (compared to Liar Game, Surplus Princess haha). It's been sometime since I can enjoy a whole full album of a drama's osts and the osts in this drama is good (even though none of them are sad enough for my liking)! I also felt a slight tinge of sadness when it was reaching the end, a feeling I get when I become attached to the lead characters in the drama. It is a unique feeling to get unlike the typical satisfaction of enjoying or finishing a drama.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Whole album
Hyde Jekyll and I (2015) 海德、哲基尔与我
Genre: Romance, Psychology, Mystery
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Hyun Bin as Goo Seo Jin / Robin, Park Ha Joon as Goo Seo Jin (child), Han Ji Min as Jang Ha Na, Sung Joon as Yoon Tae Joo/Lee Soo-hyun, Hyeri as Min Woo Jung
I put this drama aside for a while due to the negative comments associated with it. I almost dropped it halfway through but thankfully I didn't. On a side note, I don't usually drop dramas even if I put it aside. My persistence applies to drama watching as well and I will continue with the drama somehow sometime once I start a few episodes unless it is really that bad. I am glad I finish it and I enjoyed the drama throughout.
Honestly, the main reason I continued watching this drama is because I miss my crush who gives off the Hyun Bin feel. Haha. Am I random? If not for this reason, I may watch it a few months later haha. Love the amusement park setting. If I go to Korea, I will definitely visit this amusement park haha.
Hyun Bin did a great job in acting both personalities. I especially like Robin with his saviour personality and loving smile. Enjoyed watching the struggle Robin faces as he tries to prove his existence and fight for his survival. Although a person's personality may be kind and easy-going, there may be a turn to determination and frustration when trying to protect what the person treasures just like in this case. The last 2 episodes were really heartbreaking when Robin is about to cease to exist and part with Ha Na. Although Ha Na did not ultimately fall for Seo Jin as I expected, the combining of the two personalities in Seo Jin is a good way to end the drama (sry for the spoiler). It is a waste that Robin has to go but I like how the ending provides a great closure. After all, Robin's personality is part of Seo Jin/ kind of what Seo Jin wants to be deep down in him.
It is funny how Seo Jin behaves like a selfish coward at the start of the drama. Liked the development of Seo Jin's character as he becomes more caring and learns to love. At the same time, he also manages to heal himself and his friend who went through the traumatic experience in their childhood. Amazed at how Ha Na is so good at using rope to go from one place to another such as using a rope to enter a building by the window and escaping with Robin with a long but romantic swing of the rope. She is really sweet with Robin and I also can feel her chemistry with Seo Jin. Wonder why Hyun Bin's arm didn't break when Han Ji Min jumps from the second floor window into his arm haha. Liked how the secretary of Seo Jin overly cares for him as if Seo Jin is his son. Liked Hyeri's acting in this drama as Robin's die-hard fan.
The psychology part of the drama intrigued me a lot. Besides Seo Jin's psychological problems, he has to deal with his childhood friend who wants to take revenge against him. The most amazing part is this friend knows how to use psychology well, making it almost an impossible task to expose him or arrest him. Liked Sung Joon's acting in this drama. In one occasion, the police even got hypnotised and suddenly cannot move, allowing him to escape easily. It is fun to watch how Seo Jin's cousin(?) tries to expose his mental illness but to no avail and indirectly help Seo Jin at certain points.
Why you should watch: Well, you can make a judgement after reading a few reviews about it. In my opinion, it is worth the time. Perhaps this drama's goodness is affected by Kill Me Heal Me (7 personalities)? A must-watch for Hyun Bin and Han Ji Min's fan. If you are not sick of Dissociative Identity Disorder and interested in psychology, you can try this one out.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Because of you by Baek Ji Young
Angry Mum (2015) 憤怒的媽媽
Genre: Family, School, Politics
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kim Hee Sun as Jo Kang Ja, Ji Hyun Woo as Park No Ah, Kim Yoo Jung as Oh Ah Ran, Yoon Ye Joo as Jin Yi Kyung, Ji Soo as Go Bok Dong, Baro as Hong Sang Tae
I didn't know what to watch at first and my sister is quite picky about watching dramas and she often drops drama which may make me drop as I usually watch it with her. Well, since this is a school related drama, I decided to try it with her and we managed to finish haha! As a fan of Ji Hyun Woo, I wouldn't deny that I partially choose it because of that. His character is too ignorant for my liking at the start but I am glad that he grows in the drama from a helpless and naive teacher to a bold teacher who can stand up for the safety of the students and really understand what is going on around him. It is hilarious whenever No Ah treats Kang Ja as a student in need with poor family upbringing (just because she wears an old uniform to fetch Ah Ran in one occasion). It is funny when Kang Ja scolds No Ah with vulgarity or picks a fight once she enters the school and he tries to stop her but to no avail.
It is so "comforting" when Kang Ja beats up the bullies and is not scared of facing any consequences. All types of bullies: the high class, the gangster and the naughty trio cannot really do anything to her. Kang Ja's friend even pretends to be her mum. There are many scenes that make one feel good after Kang Ja enters the school such as Kang Ja's friend beating up the vice principal when he wants more money as bribe and Kang Ja knocking sense into many. It is heartwarming how Ah Ran stands up for her friend, Yi Kyung, no matter what. I would be very grateful to have such a friend like Ah Ran. It is heartbreaking when Yi Kyung is pushed to her death by one of the teachers that she once loved (sry for the spoiler).
Liked the students Go Bok Dong and Hong Sang Tae in this drama. Go Bok Dong is a gangster that follows orders from people above. One of the funny things is he likes Kang Ja until he realises her real age. Enjoyed how he decides to go against the powerful people and finds evidence to arrest the person who murdered Yi Kyung. As the drama goes, I seem to like Sang Tae more and more. At the start, he is just a high class bully with cool spectacles. However, when his family background is revealed and his love for Ah Ran is shown more clearly, he becomes more and more likable and his role becomes more active in the drama. He looks better with spectacles though haha as his looks without spectacles reminds me of him in God's Gift 14 Days. Feel sorry that he has to go against his father who is powerful yet so self-centered and corrupted.
It is depressing when the school collapses due to poor construction (funds for construction material embezzled by corrupted people) and some students pass away. It moves my heart when Ah Ran's stepfather (at first portrayed as good-for-nothing) ends up dying in the school when he tries to prevent the school from collapsing to save Ah Ran. I wouldn't want to study in a school so corrupted haha; parents bribe the vice principal to get the type of questions their children will be tested on; the student with high social status creating study groups and giving out samples of the real examination papers before the examinations. Because of that, the students without a good family background or without enough money for bribery are always not doing as well in the examinations. It was touching when Ah Ran says that it is no use even if she tried her hardest as she cannot easily be the top few in class without cheating.
Why you should watch: Liked the development of relationships among the students, Kang Ja, and Ah Ran. Liked the growth of the students, especially Bok Dong and Sang Tae, and No Ah from the start to the end of the drama. Liked the relationship between Ah Ran and Sang Tae towards the end. Enjoyed how Kim Hee Sun portrays her character, fighting her way through the drama as an admirable and uncompromising mother. Although I dislike the politics part, it is a high school drama one should not miss if looking for something fun to watch!
Favourite MVs+ osts: I love you, I'm sorry by Ali
Hello Monster/ I remember you (2015) 記得你
Genre: Romance, Thriller, Mystery, Psychopath
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Seo In Guk as Lee Hyun, Hong Hyun Taek as Lee Hyun (Child), Jang NaRa as Cha Ji Ahn, Park Ji So as Ji Ahn (child), Lee Chun Hee as Kang Eun Hyuk, Choi Won Young as Lee Joon Ho, Park Bo Geum as Jung Sun Ho, Hong Eun Taek as Sun Ho (child)
Felt really sorry for young Hyun who is misunderstood and even called a monster by his father. This would have hurt any child deeply. Although his father is a psychology professor, he is not able to answer his child's question of why it is wrong to kill another or decipher his child's intentions which in my opinion makes him a failure as a parent… Was interested in this drama due to the character, Hyun. Hyun is such a good criminal profiler and his exceptional ability to draw dots between different features and events attracts me to watch this drama. The dark starting note of this drama further captivates me to watch the drama as it explores the theme of psychology and psychopaths.
Liked the interaction between the police team which consists of a weak but upright and determined team leader, a member who admires Hyun, a member who detests Hyun, a member who is neutral with a hidden background, Cha Ji Ahn and Hyun. It is fun to watch how the member who hates Hyun, calling him by other names and countering Hyun whenever he gets the chance, slowly starts to like Hyun. Liked how the members depend on Hyun but at the same time do their best in the investigation, especially the team leader who is overshadowed by Hyun. The cases are effectively used to provide insights into Hyun and Ji Ahn's past and experience.
Enjoyed the chemistry between Hyun and Ji Ahn. Liked how Hyun mischievously disturbs Ji Ahn like telling the taxi driver to slow down and then asking the driver to speed up when she is about to catch up. It is funny how they take turns to seek refuge in each other's house. Hyun is simply a perfect boyfriend haha. He can cook, does housework chores and cannot stand it when the house is messy. Liked Park Bo Geum's portrayal of Hyun's brother (cute! haha). Despite his psychopathic trait, he is like a child who yearns for love, care and understanding from his brother (which his brother is keen to provide). It was touching when Hyun realises his brother is actually the defence lawyer that is involved in his police cases and blames himself for not recognising him earlier. Hyun's brother's job suits him well haha since he has to defend people who are murderers. It is a waste that Hyun and his brother cannot have a good ending straight away as his brother is a murderer after all.
Personally, I like the title "Hello Monster" more even though "I remember you" fits the drama well as Hyun remembers Ji Ahn and then his brother. D.O. (Do Kyung-soo) acted quite well, injecting a great impact on the atmosphere of the drama. Did not expect Lee Joon Yeong (older version) to be so close to them haha. Shall not give any spoiler. Despite him killing many, I only dislike him for separating the brothers but feel sorry for him because of his past. He is not able to put his gift and intelligence into good use because of his parents. Environment seems to be able to determine how people with a lack of empathy will turn out to be as it affects their choice in life. Fortunately, Hyun uses his natural gift in the right way.
Why you should watch: If you are interested in psychology and want to explore something dark you can try this. The cast acted very well and I enjoyed the drama right from the start. Liked the development of relationships between the characters and the drama's twists that makes me suspect and wonder about who the evil villains really are.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Remember by Dear Cloud
Mask (2015) 假面
Genre: Mystery, Romance, Melodrama
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Soo Ae as Byun Ji Sook / Eun Ha, Joo Ji Hoon as Choi Min Woo, Jun Jin Seo as Min Woo (young), Yun Jung Hoon as Min Suk Hoon, Yoo In Young as Choi Mi Yun
Liked the chemistry between the lead couple a lot! Enjoyed how they often repeat lines said by each other to show their care and concern and how cheesy they are at times. The relationship is extremely romantic as the drama progresses haha. I have a soft spot for dramas that involve marriage before there is real love. As I am someone who treasures relationships between family members, I just like dramas that try to work out love of the couple by letting them be family members first which is the case for this drama. It is fun to watch Min Woo slowly falling in love with Ji Sook, acting and saying things that he usually would not, like initiating to sing the birthday song for her and giving many excuses for not buying another bed or saying comically that he is emotional at night.
The scene that he carries her to the bed and his look when she wraps her arm around him is just perfect. Haha. Their divorce counselling is quite engaging. I liked how the twist is put in place with Ji Sook finally stepping up for Min Woo instead of continuing to follow Suk Hoon's plan. Soo Ae acted the contrast in the character very well from weak and defenseless to being able to see through Suk Hoon's plan, giving him a shocking retaliation. Liked the last episode but Min Woo and Ji Sook's child does not look like them…haha.
Impressed by Suk Hoon who is such a good liar that is not even the least affected when he tell lies. This makes him such a powerful villain who can easily manipulate others even at the times that his lies are almost being detected or exposed. He does succeed in trying to ruin the family in a way. However, he also throws away his own happiness as a result. He could have lived a fulfilling life with Eun Ha whom he loves instead of using her as part of his revenge. It is a pity that Eun Ha passes away because of that. I feel sorry for Mi Yun who only yearns for Suk Hoon's love. Her struggle in the drama to be happy and loved made her departure more heartfelt. Although I dislike her for indirectly leading to a few deaths, I liked how her character adds depth to the drama as she struggles to choose between protecting Suk Hoon and her stepbrother, Min Woo.
Why you should watch: Liked the romance in this drama and the acting by the actors and actresses, especially Joo Ji Hoon and Soo Ae. Become a fan of Joo Ji Hoon after this drama. I looked forward to his scenes when watching the drama and the pace of the drama is good enough to make me chase after it. As long as one can hang in there until Ji Sook changes and opposes Suk Hoon, it is worth the watch.
Click here to watch.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Only one day by Lyn
Falling for innocence (2015) 為純情著迷
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Jung Kyung Ho as Kang Min Ho, Lee Tae Woo as Kang Min Ho (young), Kim So Yun as Kim Soon Jung, Jung Da Bin as Kim Soon Jung (young), Yoon Hyun Min as Joon Hee,
Jin Goo as Ma Dong Wook (Soon Jung`s fiance), Choi Soo Han as Ma Dong Wook (young).
I enjoyed watching how Min Ho starts to change and is exasperated when he does something he normally does not do. Especially liked the scene when Soon Jung hurts her hand and tears start falling off Min Ho's eyes out of his control and he wonders why he is like that. It is funny when Min Ho uses Dong Wook's tricks while trying to catch a criminal and shows off his new gained martial arts skills. Loved how Jung Kyung Ho lightens the mood of the drama with his humour added keeping me entertained throughout. Liked how Soon Jung is portrayed as a capable and smart secretary who does her best to help any boss she is working for and thinks on the boss's behalf.
Liked Min Ho's interaction with his secretary who takes care of him and is concerned about his health. Thankfully Jung Kyung Ho's hairstyle changed haha. I found the company politics kind of boring but its effect on me is being shrank by the chemistry of the lead couple. I admit that the ending is a bit absurd even though it is not a sad ending. The fantasy part of the drama is what keeps me going as it makes me curious to what may happen next which is so unlike Min Ho. I guess this situation won't happen in real life haha. Imagine behaving like someone else after a heart transplant…I am glad that Soon Jung realises the difference in the way her two boyfriends actually are and she is not liking Min Ho because he resembles Dong Wook.
It is sad that Dong Wook's father has to send off his son so suddenly and his son's death is actually caused by his son's best friend, Joon Hee. It is fun to watch how Dong Wook's father treats Min Ho like his son due to the similarity between the two even though he detests Min Ho at first . It is even more sad when Joon Hee's father chooses death to cover up his son's crime. Although Joon Hee seems to be working hard towards gaining more, he is actually losing more, especially the relationship with his poor father whom he could have treasured.
Why you should watch: Thanks to tumblr blogger SomeWhatDiana, I who did not know what to watch managed to discover such an interesting drama. Side-noting to the trend: Nowadays, it seems like many people compare dramas to Healer and a good drama would be one that can somehow be comparable to Healer. Hence, any drama that is described as such caught my attention and this was one of them. At first, I was a bit skeptical about this drama, especially because of the posters haha but ends up liking it for its plot and Jung Kyung Ho's acting.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Paradise by Davink Whole album
Girl who can see smells (2015) 看見味道的少女
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Crime
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Park Yoochun as Choi Moo Gak, Shin Se kyung as Choi Eun Sul / Oh Cho Rim, Nam Goong Min as Kwon Jae Hee and Yoon Jin Seo as Yum Mi.
Really liked the fantasy part of this drama, how the smell can be traced to find things or people and how the scents can help in the identification of people and what they have done. It is funny that Moo Gak is good at doing comedy (haha) while Cho Rim can get to the bottom of crimes quickly and they are doing the job of what the other person is good at. Because of his sister's death, Moo Gak without his sense of taste gobbles lots of food to fill up his empty heart. It is a pity that the sister has to die because of her name but it is needed in order for Moo Gak to be a police and meet Cho Rim.
It is fun watching Moo Gak regain his sense of touch. For example, he suddenly feels itchy at his nose or jerks because of his wound after a kiss. It must be tough living without the sense of taste and touch. Imagine not withdrawing my hand from the fire because I can't feel and not being able to taste the delicious food… Liked the marriage proposal by Moo Gak when he writes words using perfume sprayed in the dark sky. It is simply romantic and unique for Cho Rim who can see scents. Wonder how the words last since the particles from the perfume would have diffused quickly haha.
The pace is really good in this drama. Everything just flows well and it is quick to know who is the murderer. The serial murderer (shall not give spoiler) is acted out very well and really gives people the fear, especially since he seems so kind. I even thought that Doctor Chun was the serial murderer but he ends up being the victim. Haha. The serial murderer even has a hidden room in his house to keep the captives. The serial killer's face-blindness disease does help Cho Rim escape death a few times since he cannot recognise anyone unless they speak.
The police seems to be doing some work in this drama haha, especially Lieutenant Yeom and Moo Gak. It is dangerous yet brilliant that Lieutenant Yeom disguises as Cho Rim and acts as bait to find out the place the serial murderer hides the victims. It was cool when she turns around and shows herself to the murderer much to his horror and shock for catching the wrong person. Towards the end, I think the police becomes so reliant on Cho Rim's ability that they can't even solve crimes without the couple and even prevent them from going for honeymoon… The police, especially the chief, was so arrogant at the start when Moo Gak begged to join their team and after that he is depending so much on Moo Gak to save his own reputation.
Why you should watch: It is a quick drama with great suspense and fantasy. Liked the development of relationship between Cho Rim and Moo Gak. Enjoyed how the police solve the cases together and the hilarious scenes when the couple is doing comedy performance/ practising comedy skits. The barcode serial murder case is quite unique.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Spring Is Gone by chance by Loco and Yuju
Blood (2015) 血
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Medical, Action, Vampire
Enjoyment: 8/10 (due to the ending) Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Ahn Jae Hyun as Park Ji Sang, Baek Seung Hwan as Ji Sang (young), Koo Hye Sun as Yoo Ri Ta, Ji Jin Hee as Lee Jae Wook, Jung Hae in as as Joo Hyun Woo and Son Soo Hyun as Min Ga Yun.
This drama makes it such that vampires are just infected people. Liked the drama at the start when he tries to hide his identity of being a vampire while working at the hospital. He seems like a person without feelings when showing his cold-hearted side. He bluntly tells the patient how long they can live and treats them with scientific reasoning without any care. While humans want to live forever by becoming vampires, Ji Sang on the other hand actually wants to become human.
It is fun to watch when Ri Ta gets closer and closer to finding out about him. Ri Ta even misunderstands him as having some psychological illness like panic attack when he drops the scalpel during surgery as his medicine was exchanged for a fake one. Besides that, she is worried for Ji Sang whom she thinks has a deadly illness when all his measurements such a blood pressure are abnormal. In addition, she thinks that she is crazy after seeing Ji Sang's wound healing by itself. The scene filled with flowers where Ri Ta tries to make Ji Sang sweet-talk is extremely funny. Ji Sang's bed really looks like a coffin. Haha. It was sweet when Ri Ta wears winter clothes in order to be with Ji Sang in that cold coffin-like bed.
Liked Hyun Woo a lot in this drama. He is Ji Sang's friend, partner and caretaker. He is a brilliant researcher and discovers that there are indeed vampires in the world (which no one believes). Because of that, Ji Sang depends on him to find a cure for him to become human. He has a very cheerful personality and cares a lot for Ji Sang. Enjoyed how his robot Luuvy adds humour to the drama, especially when communicating with Hyun Woo. The robot even saves Hyun Woo's life once.
There is a twist which shocked me and perhaps kept me going in this drama. Really surprised by how Ga Yun is actually a vampire helping the vampire chief. Son Soo Hyun acted very well as the innocent-looking trainee and changed completely when it is known that she has an evil side when following orders and dealing with Ji Sang behind his back. Glad to see that the vampires also have feelings. Towards the end, they start to feel that what their leader is doing is wrong and oppose him. Disliked the ending a lot,
especially when Hyun Woo is killed. It would have been better if Ji Sang's team is able to find a cure to treat those people under the vampire chief's research and if there is more conflict about Ji Sang being human or not+ Ri Ta's possibility of getting the heredity deadly illness.
Why you should watch: The first few episodes got me chasing this drama and it kept me addicted until the last few episodes. Liked Ahn Jae Hyun and Koo Hye Sun's acting in this drama. Unlike other vampire dramas, it is interesting that Ji Sang chooses to be a doctor which is a job that good vampires are unlikely to choose/ avoid choosing because of their thirst for blood. Although it is a bit too violent for me, it has enough tension and thrill.
Favourite MVs+ osts: Only One by Tiffany
Kill me heal me (2015) 杀了我,治愈我
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Medical, Mystery
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Ji Sung as Cha Do Hyun / Shin Se Gi / Ferry Park / Ahn Yo Sub / Ahn Yo Na / Nana / Mysterious X, Hwang Jung Eum as Oh Ri Jin and Park Seo Joon as Oh Ri On.
Just a brief overview: Cha Do Hyun (the real person) is very rich and smart but lonely because of his medical condition. Shin Se Gi is a good fighter and the most dominating among all his other personalities. Most of the pain from Do Hyun's childhood past falls on him so he is the strongest physically and mentally. 17 year old artistic and overly intelligent Ahn Yo Sub is the suicidal personality which will find all means to commit suicide. Ahn Yo Na is Yo Sub's twin sister. She appears whenever Do Hyun is under great distress as she does not bear grudge. The only problem is that she will go around chasing idols like a crazy fan. Perry Park's dream is to own a ship with his name on it. He enjoys making bombs and has a happy-go-lucky personality. Nana and X are personalities that are related to Ri Jin.
I personally like the Cha Do Hyun personality the most as he is more courteous and responsible unlike the others and I don't want to root for a personality that will disappear. I will not deny that all the other personalities have their uniqueness and attractive points. Haha. It is interesting that the personalities relate to Do Hyun. For example, both Perry Park and Shin Se Gi are heavy drinkers just like Cha Do Hyun. Both Shin Se Gi and Cha Do Hyun uses the "watch" method at Ri Jin (you will know after you watch) to show the time that something significant starts. It is funny when Ri Jin first meets Se Gi and when Do Hyun thinks that she is a patient instead of a doctor.
It is hilarious when Yo Na is attracted to Ri On and starts chasing him with lots of love. It is very touching when Ri Jin tries very hard to deal with the different personalities with different methods, even calling out to Do Hyun to "resurface". It is depressing that Do Hyun's father unknowingly and indirectly forces the son he loves to split mentally just because of his own anger and incapability. Perry Park resembling his father is thus created as Do Hyun yearns for his loving father. I feel sorry for Ri On who does not stand a chance as he is Ri Jin's brother and only feels miserable and conflicting feelings when seeing Ri Jin with Do Hyun.
Started watching this because of the interesting plot: 7 personality disorder. I am very fascinated by Ji Sung who acts all the different personalities very well, especially episode 9 where 3-4 of his personalities come out one by one. Watching this faster than it can be produced at first but slowed down because of my sister stopping me from watching it on television as she somehow dislikes the lead actress… Glad that I managed to continue. Surprisingly, this is the first drama with Ji Sung that I managed to finish completely.
Why you should watch: This drama is funny when the personality changes (especially when he is Yo Na) but at the same time saddening when Do Hyun is in despair. The plot is quite solid and I am satisfied with the reason for his medical condition, at least it is for someone and not because of the trauma he faces as I had expected. When the truth is finally out, it is so heartwarming and heartbreaking. The ending wraps the drama up nicely and gives time for the different personalities to say their farewells or express their gratitude to Ri Jin. Looks like I may become a fan of Park Seo Joon after this. Haha.
Click here to watch.
Favourite MV+osts: Unspeakable Secret by Moon Myung Jin and Auditory Hallucination by Jang Jae In (Feat.NaShow)
Blade Man (2014) 钢铁人
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Action, Melodrama
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Dong Wook as Joo Hong Bin, Shin Se Kyung as Son Se Dong and Jung Yoo Geun as Joo Chang.
Hong Bin's ability to run faster than a car, "fly" into the air, lift a car and sprout iron (when he is extremely angry) amuse me a lot. Managing a company that creates games really suits Hong Bin. Haha. Even when he tries to be good to his workers by treating them to a meal, he forces them to gobble down the food so he can leave early for his date. I admire how Se Dong always think about others before herself, including her selfless act of adopting people and leaving Hong Bin when Chang's mother who is thought to be dead returns. However, the return of the Chang's mother slows down the pace of the drama towards the end. I am moved by the scene where she hugged Hong Bin including his spikes to calm him down when he is angry at his father and cannot control his ability.
Liked Hong Bin's relationship with his son, Chang. Although their relationship is distant at first as his son is afraid of him and Hong Bin is so fierce towards him, they managed to close the gap with the help of Se Dong. As Hong Bin learns to become a more understanding father, his son is able to like him more and express himself more to Hong Bin. Towards the end, Hong Bin looks forward to Chang's goodbye before he goes to work and Chang even feels proud that his father is strong. It is hilarious that Chang sometimes becomes the third party that is cutting down on the time Hong Bin and Se Dong can spend together (much to Hong Bin's anger). It is a waste that Hong Bin's stepbrother does not stand a chance against Hong Bin. He does things for Se Dong and dares to try to oppose his father earlier than Hong Bin and is more direct when he approaches things.
It is fun to watch the interaction between Hong Bin and his secretary. His secretary who has good martial arts skills lands nicely at the bottom of the stairs when Hong Bin vents his anger and pushes him down. He always obeys Hong Bin's orders and is protective towards him. It touches me when he does not mind his whole body filled with wounds as long as he can prevent Hong Bin's condition from being known. It is funny when Hong Bin is overly energised with his power and his secretary has to chase after him. For example, when he is flying among the trees, his secretary travelling on the ground has to try to catch up with him.
Why you should watch: This drama shows another side of Lee Dong Wook's acting as his character adds a lot of humour to the drama unlike his other characters. He portrays the immature side of the character well. The fantasy added into the character makes the drama more interesting which is why I started watching. Liked the relationship between the lead couple and enjoyed the process of Hong Bin growing up to become a good man and a good father.
Click here to watch.
Favourite MV+osts: I Love You by Kim Ji Sook & Cho Hyun Young (Rainbow)
Healer (2014) 治愈者
Genre: Thriller, Romance, Comedy, Action, Mystery
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Ji Chang Wook as Seo Jung Hoo / Healer, Yoo Ji Tae as Kim Moon Ho, Park Min Young as Chae Young Shin.
I am impressed with Jung Hoo's extraordinary martial arts skills when fighting. He can even move from one place to another using the rooftops of buildings alone. He also has very outstanding disguise ability (haha), allowing him to sneak into places without being noticed. It is fun to watch the people's expressions when they finally discover the real him. I especially liked the scene that he saves Young Shin from the crashing elevator. The background music and action are just perfect!
When Ji Chang Wook acts as coward Bong Soo, I almost thought he is like that due to lack of being with people. Haha. I did not expect that it is just a strong cover… It is quite funny that he is doing most of the protecting in face of danger yet make it seem like Young Shin is protecting him instead. He even fakes being upset because of the bugs infesting his house and pretends to vomit but steals a handcuff from the detective. Haha. I enjoyed watching Young Shin break out into weird dances or singing strange songs when she is upset. How I wish I can learn how to pick-lock like Young Shin! I am glad when Young Shin finally finds out that Bong Soo is the night errand guy she has a crush on. The secret date that they only hold hands once without even looking at each other is just too short.
The hacker healer who helps Jung Hoo with his tasks adds humour into this drama. She is often mimicking other's voice and enjoys her time alone in a room filled with computers. She is really good at hacking, even causing a train to stop from her room. She sends announcements by making characters go into Jung Hoo's computer screen and talk. The spectacles that Jung Hoo wears as healer is very cool. He can connect it to the hacker healer's computer and even uses them to read emails or take pictures.
It is tragic that among the friends only one, Moon Ho's brother, does well. Perhaps if he did not betray, he will also face the same consequence as the others? He should have at least felt sorry for them (did he?) or tried to take revenge with his newly gained power and not just satisfy his greed. It is admirable that Moon Ho tries to uncover his brother's bad deeds and pay back whatever he can such as helping to find the daughter of one of the friends. While he can just sit back and earn a lot of money with his brother's "help", he choose to do things that may make the world a better place.
Why you should watch: Despite it boring me when the scenes do not include the lead couple, there is a good mix of romance and action in this drama. At first, I did not want to watch it as I thought it is just another reporter related drama. Fortunately, I went to read the recaps and liked the characters for both the lead which is why I started watching. It gives great satisfaction and the ending is good! I liked how Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young portrayed their characters, making the drama more memorable.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: You by Ben What my eyes say by Tei
Pinocchio (2014) 皮诺丘
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Family
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 3
starring Park Shin Hye as Choi In Ha, Noh Jung Ui as Choi In Ha (young), Lee Jong Suk as Choi Dal Po / Ki Ha Myung, Nam Da Reum as Choi Dal Po / Ki Ha Myung (young), Kim Young Kwang as Seo Bum Jo, Lee Yoo Bi as Yoon Yoo Rae.
When Ho Sang's body is initially missing in a factory explosion, cold and calculating MSC reporter Song Cha Ok (Jin Kyung) alleges that Ho Sang survived and is currently in hiding because he was responsible for the deaths of his men (in order to gain more rating). I really feel sorry for the Ki family when they become outcasts in their neighborhood and objects of national scorn when they did not even do anything wrong. I am amazed at how Song Cha Ok manipulates the news including how she squat down to emphasise the severity of the flood which is supposed to only be knee-deep. It is even more surprising to find out that Song Cha Ok (under a superior's order) manages to divert the anger of the public to Ho Sang and his family just by using news without real solid evidence.
It is a waste that such an intelligent person like Ki Jae Myung (Yoon Kyun Sang) ruins his future because of revenge. I agree with my sister that in this case I would be ironically happy that there is no death sentence for a murderer if not Jae Myung would be dead for killing 3 people. It is cool that Ha Myung read most/all of the books in the library while acting that he is stupid. It must be difficult to get zero for every test when he knows all the answers. I would set reading all the books in a library as my life-long goal. I liked how Ha Myung do things differently from Song Cha Ok even though he tries to take revenge. For example, he proves Song Cha Ok's innocence instead of just being blinded by revenge.
Park Shin Hye acted as a Pinocchio very well, hiccuping very naturally. I would find it very hard to live life as a Pinocchio. Imagine that even hiding a truth will cost me sleepless nights of hiccups… Haha. Liked how the plot goes back to the start by making Ha Myung and In Ha's friend the victim to the same thing that happened to Ha Myung's family. Perhaps if news really affect me in real life (not negatively though) I may be more interested in them…Haha. I feel sorry for Bum Jo. Although his mother does it for him to lead a life in luxury, he has to face the sad truth of his mother's bad deeds. It was funny when Yoo Rae keeps thinking that Ha Myung likes her just because of Bum Jo's lies.
Why you should watch: I avoided watching this drama as I wanted to wait for it to finish producing and finish it quickly. Haha. Enjoyed the development of the relationship between In Ha and Ha Myung. Liked the relationships among the intern reporters and their seniors. The drama did not disappoint me with its intriguing plot dipped with some sadness and good acting of the casts. It just makes one want more after each episode. It was fun watching the rivalry between the two news stations (YGN and MSC) and how they train the intern reporters.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Pinocchio by Roy Kim and Only Person by K Will
Liar Game (2014) 诈欺游戏
Genre: Game, Romance, Suspense, Mystery
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Sang Yoon as Ha Woo Jin (participant of reality show "Liar Game"), Kim So Eun as Nam Da Jung (participant of reality show "Liar Game") and Shin Sung Rok as Kang Do Young (MC and planner of reality show "Liar Game").
All the games are planned well and it is clever how the people trick/ betray each other or work together to win. There is also a background story of how Da Jung, Woo Jin and Do Young are related in the past. To my surprise, Jamie lasted quite long with her quick-wittedness and betrayal instinct. She even painted an innocent image of herself with a wig and some acting to fool the rest of the participants into trusting her. Sung Joon is one of the most good looking participant who managed to stay on in the game for quite long. Haha. I am amazed that one of the participants can see the cards when the emcee is shuffling because of his exceptional vision. I admire that Da Jung is always willing to help others and share her reward with other participants who are in need of money.
Started watching this due to Lee Sang Yoon's refreshing hairstyle. Haha. I was also quite fascinated by the last lecture Ha Woo Jin gave about lies in the 1st episode. He was proving that people tell an average of 3 lies in a minute(if I remembered correctly). Wanted to stop watching it at first as I think it is more of a variety show than drama. However, I continued watching because of the lead couple's acting and skipped all of the rules of the games. I have come to like both the lead since dramas before this such as Kim So Eun who acted in Boys over Flowers. Shin Sung Rok really fits villain roles. Haha. Felt sorry for him that he is sold by Ha Woo Jin's mother as she does not have enough funds to sponsor the orphans and ends up in some unpleasant experiment.
Click here to watch.
God's Gift – 14 Days (2014) 神的礼物-14天
Genre: Melodrama, Action, Crime, Thriller, Time-Travel
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Bo Young as Kim Soo Hyun, Cho Seung Woo as Ki Dong Chan, Kim Tae Woo as Han Ji Hoon (Soo Hyun's husband), Jung Gyu Woon as Hyun Woo Jin, Kim Yoo Bin as Han Saet Byul (Soo Hyun's daughter).
Did not expect the 14 days time-travelling will turn out to be this fruitful. So many things that happened in the past which are left unnoticed are discovered in this time-travel. This makes me wonder if I miss anything around me and take things for what they are when they are not. Soo Hyun even finds out about her husband's extra-marital affair which she did not notice before that. The family seems to be a lot happier with less worries before the time-travelling but I guess it is worth it in exchange for Saet Byul's life. I wonder if Saet Byul's education is not as important anymore since her life is more important. I don't think this happens in the real world as it is normal for parents to expect their child to do well in their studies. Haha.
Soo Hyun is really fearless, even fighting personally with potential kidnappers of Saet Byul. This shows her strong mother's love when her child's death is approaching. It is funny how Soo Hyun is constantly paranoid about Saet Byul's safety and repeats about Saet Byul's death which no one believes her and thinks that she is crazy. It does seem to work as Saet Byul becomes more aware and did not fall straight into the kidnapper's hands.
Liked Saet Byul's relationship with Young Gyu, Dong Chan's mentally challenged nephew. Young Gyu is Dong Chan's brother's adoptive son who becomes mentally challenged after being shot on the head by Woo Jin (but Dong Chan thought that he himself shot him). Saet Byul does not mind his disability and still treats him as her best friend. Young Gyu keeps his promise to protect Saet Byul in face of any danger.
Despite Dong Chan being more protective towards Soo Hyun and both of them sharing woes, I would have liked it more if there is more chemistry. Haha. It is sad that the real murderer of Dong Chan's girlfriend actually indirectly forced his friends into being his accomplice and made their lives so miserable. Feel sorry for Dong Chan's brother who did not do anything wrong yet spend years in prison for a brother who is sure his elder brother is the murderer just because he says so.
Why you should watch: It is really a thriller. It is fun to watch how they solve each mystery and come closer to preventing Seat Byul's and Dong Chan's brother's death. It is interesting to see repeated events happening yet accompanying a twist. It is also a content-rich drama that does not focus on romance. If you like suspense, you should try it. It is a waste that the ending is so open-ended and a bit sudden to me. Liked how Soo Hyun and Dong Chan change for the better after time-travelling.
MV+Favourite osts: Because it hurts by Sandeul (of B1A4)
High School Love On (2014) 爱在高中
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance, High School
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 (at the start, 7/10 towards the end)No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Nam Woo Hyun as Shin Woo Hyun, Kim Sae Ron as Lee Seul Bi, Lee Sung Yeol as Hwang Sung Yeol.
As it goes, I especially liked the sweet couple/ high school lovers, Woo Hyun and Seul Bi. It does not drag long before they are together maybe because Seul Bi is an angel and is very sure who she likes. Woo Hyun who only has her by his side treasures her a lot as a result. However, it becomes slightly unbearable when Sung Yeol and his stepmother keep separating them and when the senior angel tries to hurt them out of jealousy (which angels should not have in the first place). It may be due to it airing once a week that makes it worse. Haha. Did not know that high school love can be so deep and even related to life and death…
An angel who managed to become human is very funny when he pretends he cannot see angels or ghosts and even knocks against the senior angel nose to nose and pretends nothing happened. I am very touched when all the classmates stand up for Seul Bi by wearing a yellow ribbon/band on their wrists. If a suspicious person touches the mark on her arm, she disappears. At that time, everyone is suspicious of Seul Bi as the mark on her arm shines so they come up with this plan to build trust and help Seul Bi. On a side note, the students really utilise the sick bay well and can go there whenever they want (including skipping lessons I suppose). Haha.
Why you should watch: The first episode made me captivated and there are many twists. The fantasy in the first episode really makes one want for more. The drama mixes the high school theme with fantasy well. Nam Woo Hyun, Kim Sae Ron and Lee Sung Yeol acted very well in it, especially Nam Woo Hyun with his first drama as lead. Liked the relationships between the other high school couples in this drama. Quite satisfied with the ending.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: What My Heart Wants to Say – Lel ft. Linzy and Too good by Junggigo (Feat. Minwoo)
Surplus princess (2014) 剩余公主
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Jo Bo Ah as Kim Ha Ni / Ei Rin, Ohn Joo Wan as Lee Hyun Myung, Song Jae Rim as Kwon Shi Kyung, Park Ji Soo as Yoon Jin Ah.
Although it is short, a bit "informal" and weird (at the start and end) unlike other dramas, it becomes like other dramas after a few episodes. I thought that Ha Ni will end up with Shi Kyung just as I wanted. However, as I continued watching, the time that Shi Kyung appears seems to be a lot fewer than Hyun Myung. It is then that I suddenly realise that he is not the main lead haha… Even though Ha Ni loves Shi Kyung at first sight and they even share a kiss, Hyun Myung is more of a true love as he truly helps her and finally wins her heart. Not sure why Ha Ni still disappears even though she found true love. (sry for the spoiler) Maybe it has to be the man who started this whole thing? This is really a unique yet short drama that the person who did more gets the girl. If you want a good laugh, you can try this.
Bride of the century (2014) 百年新娘
Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Family, Fantasy, Comedy
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yang Jin Sung as Na Doo Rim / Jang Yi kyung / Boon Yi and Lee Hong Ki as Choi Kang Joo. Other casts: Sung Hyuk as Jang Yi Hyun (Yi Kyung's older brother/operations manager of Oh Sung Construction) and Park Jin Joo as Oh Jin Joo, Jang Ah Young as Lee Roo Mi and Kim Ah Young as Sung Joo Shin, family ghost.
In terms of characters, Yi Kyung and Doo Rim do not share much in common besides their love for their family. Doo Rim switches back and forth with Yi Kyung. One of the time is because Doo Rim does not know how to play the piano while Yi Kyung majors in piano. Doo Rim manages to escape once when her childhood friend Jin Joo splashes water on the piano to help her. Luckily, Jin Joo recognises her. Yi Kyung is also not able to do things Doo Rim is good at such as slicing fish. Not sure why no one realises the difference. It is fun to see when Yi Kyung is shocked to see the difference in Kang Joo, especially how he becomes worried about her. It is also hilarious to watch how Doo Rim amuses Kang Joo such as when she went for a cake-eating competition and tried to climb over the fence to enter Yi Kyung's house to avoid Kang Joo.
At least, Yi Hyun does have a chance to confess his love for Doo Rim, not like some supporting characters who do not have a chance. Yi Hyun is a character I feel sorry for as he is the stepbrother of Yi Kyung and does not receive much love after his mother passed away while buying candles for his birthday cake. Although his stepmother trusts him, she often makes comments about his relation to them that hurts him. Doo Rim brings much joy to his life. Is it possible to like someone who looks like your blood-related sister?
Much to my amusement, the family ghost does a good job in match-making Kang Joo and Doo Rim! She drops a brick on Yi Hyun which helps Yi Hyun meet Doo Rim and note her similarity with his sister. Then, she changes the direction of the signboards and many others to make the relationship between Doo Rim and Kang Joo closer. It is weird that Doo Rim likes horror movie but I guess it fits this drama well. Haha. As the drama goes along, I found the ghost less and less frightening. While the first brides may pass the supernatural test, they may not pass the test of reality. People will still kill the bride when she is seen alive. The ghost's history is quite unexpected as it stretches to 100 years ago and is related to reincarnation.
Why you should watch: The family ghost makes the drama very interesting and different from other fantasy dramas. The conspiracies happen all because of the supposedly true curse which is actually just a test for true love. This drama is also like a thriller that makes one come back for more and there are many twists. Yang Jin Sung acted very well in the many roles, portraying the different characters very well. Looks like I will also have to look out for dramas by Lee Hong Ki.
MV+ Favourite osts: What I wanted to say by Lee Hongki of FTISLAND and Into my heart by FTISLAND
Angel Eyes (2014) 天使之眼
Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Family, Medical
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 6/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Sang Yoon as as Park Dong Joo, Kang Ha Neul as Park Dong Joo (young) and Koo Hye Sun as Yoon Soo Wan, Nam Ji Hyun as Yoon Soo Wan (young). Other casts: Kim Ji Suk as Kang Ji Woon and Seung Ri as Teddy Seo.
There was a car accident in the tunnel which Soo Wan and her mother are involved. Dong Joo's father tries to save Soo Wan's mother but to no avail as the whole tunnel collapses. Both of them die and Soo Wan becomes blind. Feels sad that both have to die, especially Dong Joo's father who can escape but choose to save Soo Wan's mother. Such a remarkable firefighter spirit!
Love the development between young lead couple which creates a great impact to the start of the drama. Dong Joo even tests for himself what it is like to be blind when Soo Won was blind. After the couple separated, the interesting thing is both do the job of the other. Soo Wan's father is a doctor and Dong Joo's dream is to become a firefighter like his father. They meet as firefighter(Soo Wan) and doctor (Dong Joo). Seung Ri (as a new firefighter working under Soo Wan) adds humour to the heavy plot by using English words and his acting to make scenes funny.
I dislike it when Soo Wan's father keeps separating the couple. He is just using the excuse that he does not want Soo Wan to know that the reason Soo Wan can see now is because she gets an eye transplant from Dong Joo's mother who died. He probably is just guilty that he did not want to save Dong Joo's mother so that Soo Wan can see. He even wants to make Dong Joo his son instead of son-in-law. Happiness can be simple. However, due to the many regrets and wrong decisions people made, happiness seems to be out of reach. At first, I did not like Ji Woon who is Dong Joo's love rival but feel sorry for him as his mother killed someone for him to cover up his crime (at the same time help Soo Wan see) without him knowing and makes him suffer after he knows about it. Can a mother's love be harmful to the child?
Why you should watch: Liked how the drama starts and there are many touching moments but the pace is too slow for me after they finally found each other and focus more on the emotions and romance of the lead couple. They could have gotten together much earlier yet they keep pushing each other away or hurting each other. I would have found it more interesting if they focus on the job of firefighters. It is the lead couple's acting that keeps me going in this drama.
MV+ Favourite osts: Tears Fall by Kim Tae Hyun (DICKPUNKS) and Run To You by Lasse Lindh Whole album
Doctor Stranger (2014) 异乡人医生
Genre: Melodrama, Medical, Action, Thriller, Politics
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Jong Suk as Park Hoon – Goo Seung Hyun as Park Hoon (child) and Jin Se Yun as Song Jae Hee / Han Seung Hee. Other casts: Park Hae Jin as Han Jae Joon and Kang So Ra as Oh Soo Hyun.
I feel sad that Hoon's father has to be sacrificed and his mother became mentally unwell. I think it was bad experience for Hoon when he has to cut up real life people to practise and become an accomplished doctor. The North is involved. I did not like it when the North and Premier Jang keeps interfering and trying to kill or separate the couple. They separated at the start and Jae Hee appeared again after Hoon gets a job as a doctor at Myungwoo University Hospital. Politics is involved as Hoon and Jae Joon compete to operate on the President's heart.
Although some people are supportive of Soo Hyun and Hoon, I still prefer the couple that starts the story. Anyway, Soo Hyun already has Jae Joon to match with. I like what Hoon said "Doctors should be good at healing people while cops should be good at catching people." It is difficult to decide if they should save the person that may endanger their lives but doctors should still follow their principle and treat each patient equally.
It was quite funny when Hoon 1st goes to the hospital. There are many lines with different colours on the floor of the hospital and patients are told to follow the lines. Hoon accompanied a patient and her father as a water delivery boy and they went round and round the hospital in search for the room. On a side note, I would not want to be patients of this hospital where patients are used for competitions and are not treated seriously by the hospital director. Haha.
Why you should watch: Continued watching this mainly due to Lee Jong Suk's acting+I want to watch the good ending between Park Hoon and Jae Hee. Much to my amusement, Lee Jong Suk can smile in many different ways, which adds much liveliness to the typical yet heavy plot. Loved the competitions involved between the doctors and how Hoon always thinks for the patients and is moved by his patient's family's sincerity.
MV+ Favourite osts: Stranger by Bobby Kim, Meet you now by Lee Ki Chan and Promise Instrumental
You're all surrounded (2014) 你们被包围了
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Romance, Action, Thriller
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Seung Ki as Eun Dae Gu / Kim Ji Yong, Cha Seung Won as Seo Pan Suk and Go Ah Ra as Uh Soo Sun.
The child actors acted very well, especially the one who played Ji Yong. The drama is definitely a thriller at the start. They solved many different cases even though they ruined the 1st 2 by starting up a fight when they are undercover and letting their guards down. The 3rd one was solved due to luck. They were actually held hostage at a food stall and the one who held them hostage with some high school girls even let a gas leak, threatening that he will kill them. The funny part is Dae Gu and Soo Sun were handcuffed together and they have to pretend that they are a couple to prevent themselves from being found out that they are police. So funny that four people are needed to catch a captor and tie him in a dead knot.
After that, Dae Gu's identity is slowly revealed and he even got stabbed by the same person who was hunting him down 11 years ago. When they thought that the case was closed, it actually wasn't and the bad guys are still trying to get rid of him.
At first, Pan Suk thought that they will just cause disasters but changed his mind after that. Looks like there's a will, there's a way. Even Dae Gu starts to like his job. Interest can be developed after sense of accomplishment is felt. Teamwork is important. As they gather their strength, they can solve crimes. A police is a police after all. They have to chase criminals even when they are on a date. As it reaches the end, there does not seem like there is a major climax and the main part of the drama emphasises Dae Gu's misfortune.
Why you should watch: It is interesting how the police deal with the cases and the hierarchy involved in the justice system. Watched due to Ahn Jae Hyun, Lee Seung Gi and Goh Ahra. Many funny scenes involved and the drama starts off very well. I don't think I have ever seen/noticed Park Jung-Min in dramas before but he played his role as Ji Gook very well, making his character significant and likeable with his unique phrase of "daegu daegu".
MV+Favourite osts: What's Wrong With Me by San E (Feat.Kang Min Hee) and Love, That One Word by Taeyeon
You who came from the stars (2013-2014) 来自星星的你
Genre: Romance, Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 5
A super big hit and a must-watch! Starring Kim Soo Hyun as Do Min Joon and Jun Ji Hyun as Cheun Song Yi.
Plot: If you haven't watched it yet, it is about an alien with many magical abilities who did not manage to return to his planet due to an accident. He remains in Earth alone for the next few hundred years until he meets the reincarnation of someone he loved few hundred years ago. He who does not care to help others started to change his own life as he saved the girl he loved one time after another. As the day he has to leave Earth reaches, he becomes weaker. Will he be able to confess to the girl he loves and survive to the end?
The interesting part is Min Joon changes job and registers for his death every 10 years. I wonder why people run away from him or report him to the police when he used his power to save others. It is so cool that he can stop time whenever he wants. He uses it to save Song Yi or show his love when he does not want her to know or to delete a love message he accidentally sent. If it is me, I would rather make friends with magical beings. Perhaps if I really meet one, I will also run away?Haha. His main magical abilities include stopping time, making things move without touching, teleporting, controlling lights and hearing things far away. If I can choose one, I will prefer teleporting. As my house is a long distance from school, I really want to be able to teleport. It will save time and the energy for walking. I also do not have to squeeze into packed public transports. I will also choose like Min Joon to live a short but meaningful human life than to lead a long but lonely alien life.
After the end of each episode, there are actually hidden scenes at the so called trailer part which one should not miss to get a better understanding of the drama.
Why you should watch: The plot is fresh with romance+fantasy+historical to present+action elements. Every moment seems perfect and I was "chasing" after each episode one by one. Kim Soo Hyun is quite good at acting sad scenes (in every drama) and Jun Ji Hyun makes scenes funny with her exaggerated acting. Both add icing on the cake, making this drama a success. The fact that Min Joon can get heart attacks (ep9,16,19) when his blood is mixed with human's despite his magical abilities makes it more interesting.
MV+ Favourite osts: Hello, Goodbye by Hyorin and My Destiny by Lyn
Inheritors/Heirs (2013) 繼承者
Genre: High School, Romance, Comedy
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Min Ho as Kim Tan, Park Shin Hye as Cha Eun Sang, Kim Woo Bin as Choi Young Do, Krystal Jung as Lee Bo Na, Kim Ji Won as Rachel Yoo, Kang Min Hyuk as Yoon Chan Young, Kang Ha Neul as Lee Hyo Shin, Park Hyung Shik as Jo Myung Soo
Finally finished watching this… I am not sure why but this drama just does not seem to catch my attention. Liked the development of the relationship between Tan and Eun Sung, especially at the start. As it goes, it is interesting to watch the Hyo Shin+Rachel couple and Bo Na+Chan Young couple. There are many funny moments like Bo Na confessed (to Chan Young) without knowing the broadcast light is switched on and let the whole school including Chan Young hear it. It is funny when Tan uses Eun Sung's SNS account to praise himself. It is fun to watch when Eun Sung's mother uses being mute as an advantage when working for Tan's mother. She can cancel the words she has written if it is inappropriate to prevent Tan's mother from seeing it. This prevents her from getting fired because of any rudeness. Unlike Tan's brother who only thinks of the company, Tan only aims to protect his loved ones. I wonder if it is a good choice for Tan to give up the company, especially since he is not that good at studying (maybe he did not try hard enough).
If it is me, I do not think I can survive the many part-time jobs Eun Sung does. Looks like the more things one has the more burden one feels. The heirs of different big corporations do not have such a good life afterall. For example, Hyo Shin does not have the freedom of choosing to study film instead of law. He thinks that his life is suffocating and survives by eating sleeping pills and seeking psychological help. The outline drawing of a dead person seen in a crime scene on their school ground truly reflects the grave situation the heirs may face.
Why you should watch: It is a popular high school drama starring Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, Choi Jin Hyuk, Kang Min Hyuk, Kang Ha Neul, Krystal Jung and many more. The pace for the lead couple is a bit slow to me towards the end, involving the usual battle against the rich guy's father but it is still fun watching them at the start of their relationship. There are also other couples to look forward to.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: I'm saying by Lee Hong Ki and Love is the moment by Changmin
The Master's Sun (2013) 主君的太陽
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Romance, Comedy
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring So Ji Sub as Joo Joong Won / Joo-goon, L @ Kim Myung Soo as Joong Won (young) and Gong Hyo Jin as Tae Gong Shil / Tae-yang. Other casts: Seo In Guk as Kang Woo and Kim Yoo Ri as Tae Yi Ryung.
It is funny that Kang Woo is afraid of ghost-related things when he is a high rank security official. It is also fun to watch when Yi Ryung tries very hard to win Kang Woo's heart. She even indirectly shows him (with herself as example) how to win Gong Shil's heart when it is a one-sided love which makes herself angry. Liked how Joong Won always tell Gong Shil to "get lost" with that repeated hand signal. I feel sorry for Gong Shil as she is always chased around by ghosts who need a favour and she has no way of getting rid of them. Because of that, she loses her jobs, friends and people think that she is crazy. I guess it is good to be normal? Being special means more responsibility.
Each case is quite heartwarming, especially the "four friends" case and the "dog and soldier" case. 3 of the friends think that the fourth friend is a burden who causes a lot of trouble to them. At the end, they decide not to hang out with her and talk bad about her behind her back. With tears in her eyes due to their "betrayal", she ends up in a car accident and loses her life. However, she does not blame them and still remembers the drinks each of them likes to drink. She only hopes that they can continue to live well without her. The soldier has no choice but to put his army dog to death and cannot pull through his army days without his dog so he decides to commit suicide. Joong Won is deeply involved in this case which he tries to imitate Gong Shil when talking about the ghost dog which he cannot see.
The most frightening and spooky ghost to me(almost cannot sleep at night) is the one with 1 shoe on. When Gong Shil took her other shoe, she was chasing her down with blood dripping on the floor. Loved the moment when Joong Won decides to turn back and protect her at that time when she covers her head with her hands in desperation. The most "loveable" ghost is the trash can ghost as he often gives his response to Joong Won who cannot see him by flipping the can and patching up their relationship by making sure that the necklace Joong Won wants to give to Gong Shil (by putting near the ghost) is not taken by others. It is funny when Gong Shil is possessed by ghosts when she is drunk and Joong Won has to deal with them.
Why you should watch: Gong Hyo Jin acted very well such that I did not get sick of how she reacts everytime she sees ghosts. It is some time since I see a drama with So Ji Sub and his acting is still good! The ghosts are not only white but also made ugly which adds on to the frightening effect. Not sure why I am into ghost-related dramas this year as this is the third one when I hardly ever touch dramas or movies related to ghosts. The past kidnapping case of Joong Won did turn into an unexpected twist.
MV+ Favourite osts: Crazy Of You by Hyorin (SISTAR)
Two weeks (2013) 两周
Genre: Action, Romance, Crime, Thriller
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Joon Ki as Jang Tae San and Park Ha Sun as Seo In Hye and Lee Chae Mi as Seo Soo Jin (Tae San's daughter).
Lee Joon Ki is very good at acting in action and historical dramas! The daughter of Tae San is very cute and optimistic which makes the viewer hope that Tae San will survive the ordeal. Tae San helped many people as he seek refuge in those peoples' houses like helping them catch chicken, repairing the burglar alarm, give birth… A murderer who does not seem like a murderer. Overcome by emotions, his love rival is actually a detective who does not believe he is being framed and makes his 2 weeks more difficult.
Looks like blood is thicker than water? Soo Jin seems to like Tae San more than his rival who treats her very well. One who is good will always do good things. It is difficult to change one's nature. Bad guys will just continue to carry out evil deeds while good guys who did bad deeds are because they are facing difficulty. Whenever Tae San wants to give up, imaginary Soo Jin always appears and guides him along the way. A mouse can also bite a cat when it is desperate. This applies in this drama. The bad guys think that they can always make use of Tae San who is not cunning and intelligent. Little do they know that there are times when a person who is desperate and determine can also hinder their plans and escape from their clutches.
Why you should watch: It is a thriller and makes one excited to know what happens next. Every episode means one day past except the 1st and last episode. The action part of this drama is what makes it good! You can just skip the first episode when watching it. It is fun to watch when he destroys the bad guys' plans.
MV+Favourite osts: Run by Nell
Incarnation of money (2013) 钱的化身
Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Comedy, Mystery
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kang Ji Hwan as Lee Cha Don and Hwang Jung Eum as Bok Jae In.
A revenge story focusing on money. I feel happy that he did not execute his revenge using violence or murder and the group of evil people are punished. His love for money does help him after all. Funny scenes include Cha Don literally acting crazy to sneak into the mental hospital to find his mother and his friend funny acting when he goes to the place as a weird cleaner to help Cha Don up.
I learn a lot about the importance of money after seeing this drama. Money can change other peoples' life so does power. If one does not use it well, one will inflict harm on others. The rich man said something in the drama that leaves a deep impression. Rich people do not have to work as hard, they just have to know how to make money grow by itself and know how to make use of hardworking people who studied hard to obtain a good degree. Is it true? This makes me feel that obtaining a degree is not as important. However, in this competitive society, can one survive without good qualification? Besides that, one must not be too greedy and learn to forgive and forget.
Why you should watch: A bit typical for those that watch a lot of Korean dramas. If you would ask why you should not miss it, I think it is simply due to its ability to bind the word "humorous" and "touching" together. Watching this at first due to Kang Ji Hwan with his ability to add humour to the scenes but finds out that the plot is good! There is a twist after he regained his memory and plots for revenge.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: You are the love by Seo In Young
I hear your voice (2013) 听见你的声音
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Lee Jong Suk as Park Soo Ha, Goo Seung Hyun as Soo Ha (child)and Lee Bo Young as Jang Hye Sung, Kim So Hyun as Jang Hye Sung (young). Other casts: Yoon Sang Hyun as Cha Kwan Woo, Lee Da Hee as Seo Do Yeon, Jung Min Ah as Do Yeon (young) and Jung Woong In as Min Joon Gook.
Plot: Park Soo Ha played by Lee Jongsuk is a character to look forward to. He can read people's mind due to a car accident which is useful at the same time cruel to him. Some treats him as a monster. To make things worse, the murderer actually uses Soo Ha's ability to his advantage and is constantly finding chance to hurt them after he is released from jail. As Hye Sung bravely stood up as a witness when he was young and helped catch the murderer of Soo Ha's father, Soo Ha is grateful and promised her that he will protect her from the killer when he is released from jail in the future. He will help Hye Sung become a good public defender and has an overly enthusiastic public defender, Kwan Woo, as a love rival.
A lawyer/public defender should not trust a defendant completely (what Kwan Woo did), yet cannot assume what the defendant said is a lie due to evidence just aiming to make the sentence lighter (what Hye Sung did). People will leave a person who did bad things yet do not repent (Do Yeon's adoptive father). Once a person murders someone, even if the person is the victim, he will turn into a murderer. It is not worth having a crime record for revenge. I would not want to hear people's thoughts. Ignorance is indeed a blessing at times. Thoughts may not be always good and may be unintentional when one is angry. It would be bad if people are hurt by these unintentional thoughts. The evil guy, Joon Gook, in this drama keeps it going too. While he tries to harm them many times to seek revenge, their relationship improves. I feel a bit sorry for the evil guy as he lost his mother, wife and child. However, he should have treasured his remaining loved ones when he can and not let hatred blind his eyes.
Why you should watch: Another drama that I "chased"(watched faster than it can be produced). Watching this due to the attractive plot: reading people's minds. There are many twists (trust me) and learning points in this drama. The plot is good and different due to the fantasy part. There are many different crime cases involved while Soo Ha is helping Hye Sung. It is interesting to see how the lawyers defend for each case. The child actors are very good and set the foundation of the story. Lee Jong Suk and Lee Bo Young acted well and the overly enthusiastic lawyer acted by Yoon Sang Hyun added liveliness to the drama. Lee Jong Suk's character in this drama is amazing! You will not regret watching!
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Whole album Every Single Day by Echo
Gu Family Book (2013) 九家之书
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Romance
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Lee Seung Ki as Choi Kang Chi and Bae Suzy as Dam Yeo Wool .
Plot: Choi Kang Chi is born as a half-human-half-mythical-creature and abandoned. His father is the guardian god of Jiri mountains while his mother is a human. His father saved his mother and their story began as they fell in love with each other. Little did they know their love will turn into a tragic love ending with his father turning into an evil spirit. The story of Choi Kang Chi and Dam Yeo Wool started as they were fated to meet each other by a cherry tree. Like his father, he did not manage to become a complete human as his bracelet came off before he turned 20 years old. Will Choi Kang Chi follow his father's footsteps as he tries to obtain the Gu Family book to become human? Will their story turn out to be a tragic love as predicted by the fortune teller?
Zoom into characters: Kang Chi is a sincere but playful person who stands up for the citizens who are being treated unfairly. His life was going smoothly until his bracelet was cut off and he became a monster, killing many with his sharp claws. After that, he has to learn to prevent himself from changing into a monster when his bracelet is taken off and learn to gain other's trust. Yeo Wool practises martial arts but cannot find a soulmate. After meeting Kang Chi, she bravely decides to follow her fate and not avoid it. She is one of the few who accepts Kang Chi as his true half-human half-monster self.
On top of the tragedy Kang Chi faces, his adoptive family's inn was being snatched away. The lord who adopted him was killed and he was framed as murderer. Someone who he treats as brother was put under hypnosis to kill Kang Chi whenever he could. The adoptive family's daughter was sold to the gisaeng house. I didn't really like the parts on gisaeng. I am touched by the scene that Yeo Wool can still hold Kang Chi's hand after he turned into a monster with claws. The interesting part is his parents did return after all… Kang Chi always saves the day when needed, helping them defeat the bad guy.
One of the important figures in this drama said that there are many humans that act less like human yet Kang Chi sincerely wants to become human so he looks forward to what kind of human Kang Chi wants to become. How does the word humane come about? Does it mean that being human means one is compassionate? Is that why humans harm others and the environment? I hope to become a person that people respect, lead a meaningful life and spread kindness in my society.
Why you should watch: I am always attracted to dramas by Lee Seung Gi! You will know why after you watched it. Lee Seung Gi's second fantasy drama and it is still awesome! This time, he acts as the mythical creature instead. I am fascinated by the mythical and human part in this drama and the characters are developed well as the drama goes along. As one watches it, one will be drawn into it. The cutting at the back of the episodes are good and makes one feel like watching another episode.
MV+Favourite osts: Whole album Love hurts by Lee Sang Gon
Flowerboy next door (2013) 邻家花美男
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Park Shin Hye as Go Dok Mi and Yoon Shi Yoon as Enrique Geum.
Plot:The starting is different from many other dramas as Dok Mi follows the person downstairs in the next block. Whatever he does, she follows, ranging from brushing teeth to eating breakfast. Even the time she wakes up is the same as him. Dok Mi's neighbours are flowerboys too. One is from Japan who goes around the world to learn cuisines, another is a manhwa artist. Dok Mi is a reserved person who seldom goes out of her house. One day, she was caught spying by lively Enrique and her life changes as a result as he insists on bringing her outdoor. Enrique is a creative director who works in the game industry. They seem to have their own way of reading each others mind.
I learn that we should not always stay at home or alone. It is always good to socialise and make friends. If one is doing something to the extent that he/she does not want others to know, it is known as addiction. When the relationship between parents and children become distant, parents may blame video games. Are parents totally not to blame for a distant relationship? Video games are just for entertainment. They are not supposed to bring harm to the player. It depends on how one uses it.
Why you should watch: This was one of the dramas I finished very quickly in about 2 days. Watched at first due to Yoon Shi Yoon's ability to act serious and "cute"/ lively. You will know what I mean after watching this drama. It was a fun drama indeed. It was good enough to keep me captivated. Fun drama about the world of writing and game industry.
Click here to watch.
Favourite osts: Ready Merry Go by Romantic Punch
Suspicious Housekeeper (2013) 奇怪管家
Genre: Mystery, Family
Enjoyment: 9/10 at the start 8/10 reaching the end Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Choi Ji Woo as Park Bok Nyeo, Lee Sung Jae as Eun Sang Chul and 4 children in Eun Sang Chul's family.
Plot: After Sang Chul's wife passed away, Sang Chul employed a housekeeper to take care of his children and make the house clean and tidy. As the rumour goes, the housekeeper can and will do anything the employer says, even murder. She can do anything such as magic tricks, juggling and even cooking food with the same taste as what their mother used to cook. Despite her cool demeanor, she helped the children and Sang Chul in many ways by giving valuable advice.
It is a drama that keeps me captivated especially at the start. Unlike the sad dramas which Choi Ji Woo acted in the past which my mother enjoyed, she acted very well in this one with a completely different character: stiff and cold. I learn some things from it. One should not give up on her dreams. One would rather give up his dreams than cheat. Family is important. A way to unite a family is when one member goes missing and they have to search for that person. Parents are only parents if they fulfill their duty. No matter how bad parents are, children will always see them as parents and hope for their love, care and guidance.
Why you should watch: The mysterious nature of this drama will keep one hooked onto it. The housekeeper can do anything and everything which impresses me. Not really a must-watch but if you like dramas about family, then this one is for you.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Twilight by Yoo Sung Eun
Good Doctor (2013) 良医
Genre: Medical, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Joo Won as Park Shi On and Moon Chae Won as Cha Yoon Seo.
Patients should be cared for with a heart, not just a mind on how to make money. Doctors have to be flexible and think about the best for the patients. When one asks the question of how to become a good doctor, it shows that the person is actually a good doctor. Doctors are not religious men. They have to be rational and are not supposed to give a patient false hope or guarantee. How I wish I have Shi On's brain! He can memorise everything he read before and combine all the information to help him find out the cause.
The most touching case to me is a child singer called Kim Gyu Hyun(ep8-9). He is good at high voice but gets throat infection which may hinder his singing career and make him unable to join the Germany prestigious choir which his mother is determined to help him achieve. After he goes for surgery, he may not be able to sing high notes anymore which he has been doing before he even starts talking. Actually, his dream was not to join the prestigious choir but to sing to those that really need his songs. His dreams are dashed and his mother is just trying to postpone the surgery until they reach Germany, ignoring his agony. Children do have their own thoughts which sometimes parents who only think for their children's future may neglect.
Why you should watch: Joo Won acted as an autistic doctor very well. There are many different cases of children involved and I enjoyed watching it. The amazing part is his medical talent that he has despite his weakness. I especially enjoyed the 1st episode of this drama. If you cannot decide whether to watch, just watch the 1st episode and you will be able to decide.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: How come you don't know by Kim Jong Kook
Nine times time travel (2013) 九回時間旅行
Genre: Time-travel, Romance, Mystery
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Jin Wook as Park Sun Woo and Jo Yoon Hee as Joo Min Young.
Plot: Another time-travel drama. Sun Woo is a workaholic who ends up getting a brain tumor. His colleague, Min Young has a crush on him for many years but he did not accept her love until he discovered his illness and decided to live life in a new way. He was also given 9 chances to travel to the past as his brother wanted to change the past and bring happiness to their family again. His mother suffered a blow in the past and had dementia. His brother died trying to find incense sticks that can help the holder travel to the past for 30 minutes. As he travels to the past, he unravels a mystery related to his family that happened 20 years ago. He even treats his brain tumor in the process and died twice in his time travelling yet managed to survive.
He even made his lover into his niece after one of the time-travels. Happiness can be simple yet difficult to get at times. The definition of happiness can change as time goes. As long as we have what we treasure, happiness can be felt. To me, time-travelling may make one realise things they did not know. At the same time, most things cannot be changed and things are always back to square one. One should not always stay in the past. The past cannot be changed. One should live the present well and plan for the future instead.
Why you should watch: This drama is not really a must-watch for me but more like one to kill time. Maybe because of the time-travelling trend in 2012? I watched it simply to add one more drama into my collection. It is something like tidbits. To me, normal meals are important as compared to tidbits but they can be eaten to add joy in life. The ending was unexpected.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Because it's you by Kim Yeon Woo and Compilation of 3 osts
Five fingers (2012) 五根手指
Genre: Romance, Melodrama, Music
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Joo Ji Hoon as Yoo Ji Ho, Kang Yi Suk as Yoo Ji Ho (Young), Chae Shi Ra as Chae Young Ran (In Ha's mother), Ji Chang Wook as Yoo In Ha, Kim Ji Hoon as Yoo In Ha (Young), Jin Se Yun as Hong Da Mi, Kim Sung Kyung as Hong Da Mi (Young).
As my sister suggested watching a tragedy related drama, I decided to try this but it is not the childhood that is tragic for Ji Ho as I expected. I find In Ha more pitiful instead, especially before working together with his mother. At least Ji Ho grew up with all the (fake) love. In Ha has to go through all the torturous skin transplant operations to be able to play the piano again. Even so, he cannot use one of his fingers that was burnt too badly. Ji Chang Wook made his character someone I can sympathise with unlike other evil. However, I dislike how his character is so blinded by jealousy that he can't see his mother's love towards him or how Ji Ho treats him as a younger brother.
Thankfully, Joo Ji Hoon changes his hairstyle midway. Haha. Towards the end, Joo Ji Hoon's character is now being labelled the most pitiful character in my sister's list haha. What makes his character so pitiful is that he was hated by his very own mother and in the end becomes the enemy of her while taking revenge. He was genuinely good to both his stepmother and stepbrother but behind his back both are plotting how to get rid of him from their world both in business and music. It is funny how In Ha's mother ends up picking him when she is trying to choose In Ha. In the fire (Ji Ho wearing In Ha's pyjamas)and in the competition(Ji Ho uses 9 fingers at some points), she tries to save/pick what she thought is In Ha but fails twice. Wonder what it would be like if In Ha's father is still alive after In Ha and Ji Ho grow up. Can't imagine…
Nearing the end of the drama, I could feel tears building up in my eyes, starting from when In Ha's mother starts to go blind after saving Ji Ho and In Ha realises it. That moment that each son realises the fact just tugs at my heart. The most moving scene was when In Ha's mother who is already blind chases after Ji Ho's car to finally utter a word of apology and beg for forgiveness but to fall off a cliff. Ji Ho does not even know it and drives off to the airport to leave the country to give his mother time to accept him as her son.
Why you should watch: Finally become Joo Ji Hoon's fan because of this + his new drama, Mask. This drama is really filled with tragedy and has an interesting plot line. It may be a bit long but still worth the watch if you are interested in piano, music and tragedy. Intrigued by Ji Ho's musical prodigy throughout the drama from his ability to play out the same melody on the piano heard from another instrument to him recognising a phone and even know which number was dialed by the pitch of the phone's keypad. Liked Ji Se Yun's acting in this drama. Too bad there is no exactly good ending in the end for the couple.
Favourite MVs+ osts: How Painful It Could Be by POSITION and Don`t love me by Lim Jeong Hee
Rooftop Prince (2012) 阁楼上的王子
Genre: Time-travel, Romance, Mystery
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Micky Yoochun as Yong Tae Yong/ Lee Gak and Han Ji Min as Pak Ha/Bu Yong.
Zoom into characters: Lee Gak is a crown prince in Joseon who time-travels to solve the case after the crown princess passed away mysteriously. Tae Yong is actually a reincarnated version of him who went missing after being pushed down the ship by his cousin. Tae Yong is a good artist and falls in love with Pak Ha at first sight but unable to meet her. Bu Yong is the crown princess sister who was supposed to marry the crown prince but was unable to due to a scar on the face created by her older sister. Pak Ha is the reincarnated version of Bu Yong who lives in America after being abandoned by her step sister. Pak Ha is very optimistic and tries to help Lee Gak as she trusts him.
I feel that Park Yoo Chun is more good looking at the present as Tae Yong especially with spectacles than in the past as the crown prince. Perhaps fashion preference? Haha. I am impressed by the first drama that I watched with Park Yoo Chun as lead, Sungkyunkwan Scandal so I will continue to watch dramas with him in it. Han Ji Min acts very well in historical dramas (such as Yi San), especially with her kind looks and good appearance in historical clothes. The drama was understandable even though it switched from past to present and was displayed very well. If you love someone enough, you will always sacrifice and be considerate towards the person and think from his/her perspective. Are there people around you like this?
Why you should watch: I watched due to the mystery evolving around the crown princess death, the mystery between the sisters and of course Park Yoo Chun. It is hilarious when they first stepped into the future. They made a mess of Pak Ha's (reincarnated crown princess sister) house as they "killed" anything that made a noise or seems to threaten the crown prince. A drama with interesting and meaningful plot+ time-travelling that one should not miss. One word to describe: fantastic!
Click here to watch.
Favourite osts: Hurt by Ali
Queen In Hyun's man (2012) 仁显王后的男人
Genre: Time-travel, Romance, Action
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Ji Hyun Woo as Kim Boong Do and Yoo In Na as Choi Hee Jin.
Impressed by how adaptable Boong Do is to the modern times. He is even capable of stealing clothes or buying necessities to help him to treat himself or get him to Hee Jin. It is fun to watch how Hee Jin tries to mislead him on the use of some items, linking them to kisses somehow such as the use of a tie. It is funny when they first meet and Hee Jin deduced that he is drunk when he asks if he is dreaming. Enjoyed the process of the numerous times Boong Do changing history and coming back to the present to meet Hee Jin, the only one that remembers him. It feels that Hee Jin is alone in this as she is the only one that is worried about Boong Do and cries for him when others don't even remember who Boong Do is.
Especially loved the sad parts towards the end of the drama when they cannot reach out to each other as Boong Do's talisman fails to work and when they are standing back to back in different time periods sending a wave of sadness to Hee Jin. If one can endure the toughest time, a good ending is sure to come. Do not give up. As the saying goes, there is always a rainbow after a thunderstorm.
Why you should watch: This is another drama that leaves a deep impression as the events unfold. They have great chemistry. By the way, they are actually real life couple. The plot is brilliant and it is different from rooftop prince as Boong Do travels to and fro between the past and present rather than staying in the present. The perspective is also different as he is not a crown prince but rather a scholar who wants to help Queen In Hyun after his family is executed.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Another time, the same sky by Joo Hee 8eight
King 2 Hearts (2012) 回避两心
Genre: Politics, Romance, Mystery, Action
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Lee Seung Ki as Lee Jae Ha and Ha Ji Won as Kim Hang Ah.
Plot: At first, I thought it would be boring as it is about politics. However, once I started watching it, I got sucked into it. In order to connect the South and North Korea, Jae Ha's brother, the king, wants to form an army force with South Korean and North Korean and send them for an international competition. Without knowing, Jae Ha signed an agreement to be part of it. Hang Ah is part of the North Korean army. As both of them work together, they ended up as a couple to improve the relationship between the 2 countries and deal with the evil who aims to create chaos and cause harm to the South Korea royal family.
As his brother was being murdered, Jae Ha suddenly bears the responsibility of being the king and Hang Ah suddenly becomes the queen. Both have a lot to learn but as long as they are willing they can do well. The evil is disgusting, playing with lizards, torture equipments, weapons and drug injections. It is interesting to see news from the television in South Korea and North Korea. The king also has a diary that can be activated by the king's voice which will be useful (hint).
Intelligence is important but people are more important. When we have people as our support, it gives us strength and helps us overcome challenges. There are always people who try to create chaos and war but we can always prevent wars from happening. As long as the leaders act appropriately, citizens can avoid the sufferings of war. We should treasure the peace we have now and remember the importance of harmony.
Why you should watch: More to the politics side but there are many interesting scenes to look forward to and allows one to learn more about the culture of Korea. Scenes to look forward to is the bombing of the track mill which the lead couple is running on and the competition between South Korea+North Korea and US. One will enjoy the simple romance involved.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Love is crying by K Will and Missing you like crazy by Taeyeon
Haeundae Lovers (2012) 海云台恋人
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Kim Kang Woo as Lee Tae Sung and Jo Yeo Jung as Go So Ra.
Plot: "Haeundae Lovers" is a romantic comedy happening in Haeundae (Busan) that tells the story of Lee Tae Sung (Kim Kang Woo) who meets and falls in love with Go So Ra (Jo Yeo Jung), who is the daughter of a gangster. While Tae Sung was following a drug trafficker, the drug trafficker was knocked down by So Ra's van. Due to a misunderstanding, Tae Sung thinks that So Ra is helping the drug trafficker escape. Tae Sung thus goes undercover at her house using a product name as his name and body builder as his occupation. On another occasion, he fights with the drug trafficker and ends up losing his memory. As he has nowhere to go, kind-hearted So Ra allows him to stay at their house and he is unexpectedly forced to be her fake husband. Tae Sung starts to change and is able lead a happy life.
After he was hit in the head and thrown into the sea, the drug trafficker took his car but got into a car accident and died, causing everyone to think that Tae Sung is dead. This is a good thing as he is able to start life anew and do things the way he wants. He is so satisfied with his life that he does not take the medicine which will help him recover his memory. His talent of memorising things straight away and habits still stays with him. I am impressed that he can memorise things so fast. How I wish I have that ability.
There is a big change after Tae Sung meets So Ra. The romance is developed well and I could see their dependence on each other. Tae Sung helps So Ra get back the hotel but in the end he is actually related to the person who snatched the hotel from So Ra's family. Tae Sung actually has more than two identities as fate plays with him. He even marries twice. I wonder how it is like to lose one's memory even though I don't want to try. The uncles of So Ra adds on to the funny parts of the story. It is funny that So Ra's uncles hate prosecutors yet they got deeply involved with one. Whenever Tae Sung is in trouble of getting found out at So Ra's house, he always uses the phrase "this is the first time I feel like this" and gets out of the situation. It is hilarious to watch. One should be good to our subordinates and learn how to lead a meaning and happy life in our own ways.
Why you should watch: May not be a well-known drama but it has a very satisfying storyline and many funny scenes. It is humorous and addictive as the story is well-developed. I like dramas that involve losing memory. It brings a twist to the story. The multiple pasts and identities of Tae Sung makes the drama even more interesting.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Farewell is coming by Kang Min Kyung
Arang and the Magistrate (2012) 阿郎使道传
Genre: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Joon Ki as Kim Eun Oh and Shin Min Ah as Arang / Lee Seo Rim.
Plot: A nobleman named Kim Eun Oh comes to town searching for his mother after hearing a rumor that she is staying at the village of Miryang. He has the special ability to see spirits, but pretends he doesn't because he gets annoyed when spirits come up to him asking for a favor. Arang has lost all her memories when she became a ghost and is unable to rest in peace until she finds out how she ended up dead. However, after appearing to three magistrates, none of them survive the fright of seeing her. When she finds out that Eun oh is able to see her, she begs for his help. In this game of supernatural stakes, Arang and Eun Oh who fall in love gradually have to pay the price because Arang has only three full moons in which to solve the mystery of her death and defeat their enemy, a fairy of Heaven who feeds on human souls.
The first episode is interesting to start with Eun Oh pretending he cannot see Arang. Although there are ghosts involved, it is more of a fantasy than horror. There are some funny parts such as Arang begging the magistrates to help her. All the magistrate are frightened to death by her as she appeared in many different ways such as half body or from the roof.
Why you should watch: It is well-portrayed and the plot is creative. It is a historical drama involving the Jade Emperor, God of Hell, grim reaper, ghosts and fairies. If one is looking for a fantasy drama that is different from the others, one can try this.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Love and love by Baek Ji Young
To the beautiful you (2012) 致美麗的你
Genre: Comedy, Romance, High School
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Choi Min Ho as Kang Tae Joon and Choi Seol Ri as Goo Jae Hee.
Plot: A comedy romance involving a girl "infiltrating" into an all boys school to help his idol, Tae Joon, start jumping again. Tae Joon is a high jump athlete but is unable to jump after his last championship at an international competition. There is more than just a sprained ankle that is keeping him from jumping. His mother passed away as he clinched the gold medal in the high jump competition. Jae Hee who is adopted lives in the United States. She has lived her life with the help of Tae Joon who inspires her and gives her motivation so she wants to help him in return.
Wonder how people can enter an all boys school just by cutting the hair and acting like a boy. The second male lead adds colour to the drama by adding a lot of humour. Something funny is Tae Joon kisses the first person he sees after he drinks alcohol.
Why you should watch: Seems a bit like a typical high school drama with a very good start. In the first few episodes, many things happened and every moment is used well. There are funny parts in this drama such as the suitcase scene.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Closer by Taeyeon and It's me by Sunny and Luna Whole album
I miss you (2012) 想你
Genre: Melodrama, Mystery
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoon Eun Hye as Lee Soo Yeon, Kim So Hyun as Lee Soo Yeon (young) and Park Yoochun as Han Jung Woo, Yeo Jin Goo as Han Jung Woo (young).
Tragic start but good ending for the lead characters. It was too cruel for me to watch the separation of the lead couple so I just read about what happened. Hyung Joon plays a important role in the later part of the drama and is a character I feel sorry for. Hyung Joon is actually Jung Woo's step uncle even though he is younger than Jung Woo. From young, he is forcefully separated from his mother as Jung Woo's father prevents him from inheriting a huge fortune. He even becomes physically disabled as a result. He does no wrong yet misfortunes keeps befalling him. In the end, he loses everything even his mother and Soo Yeon.
People usually call this a second lead syndrome? The second lead leaves a deeper impression on me. He does not feel love since young so he also does not know how to feel compassionate. He has become a murderer since young age and it seems a second nature to him. Is it really because of his misfortune that he turns out this way? Will he be better if he was born in a family full of love? It is a waste that he places revenge as the priority.
Young Jung Woo and Soo Yeon make a sweet couple. Jung Woo teaches Soo Yeon a hand signal that can help her forget all her misfortunes. Bad memories should not be remembered and we should work towards creating good memories. I can feel how much joy Jung Woo brings to Soo Yeon's life. While rain may not mean a good sign, rain in this drama helps Jung Woo and Soo Yeon meet and helps them reunite.
Why you should watch: I enjoyed the development in the lead couple's relationship at the start of the drama and enjoyed Hyung Joon's role in this drama as it reaches the end. Even though Hyung Joon only has revenge in mind, it brings the story to a greater depth. If you are looking for something to stir your emotions, you can try this.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Tears are falling by Wax
Innocent man (2012) 无辜者
Genre: Melodrama
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 6/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Song Joong Ki as Kang Ma Roo and Moon Chae Won as Seo Eun Gi.
Plot: Ma Roo was such a brilliant doctor yet cannot be one as he went to jail as a murderer for his girlfriend, Jae Hee. He sacrificed his well being for his girlfriend only to be dumped by her for a rich man. He approaches Seo Eun Gi (Moon Chae Won), the daughter of the chaebol group executive in order to execute his revenge yet falls in love with her. One day, Eun Gi who loves him finds out his motives in getting close to her and decided to hit him with a car. He did not dodge. After the car accident, Eun Gi has to learn to read and write again and Ma Roo may die if he does not receive treatment. They met again as Eun Gi who has no recollection of the past finds Ma Roo who is in her photographs and Ma Roo decides to help her take over the company. When she knows of her past, what will be her reaction?
Ma Roo even places his girlfriend as a priority as compared to his sister, Choco. He did not choose to save his sister when she was very ill and choose to save his girlfriend. Not sure why he did that though. The betrayal must be very painful. If not for Jae Hee, he would have saved many people as a doctor. What a waste! Happy that Eun Gi treats his step brother well at the end of the drama. After all, he does no wrong. It is his mother that does all the wrong doings.
I learn that we should treasure our lives. Song Joong Ki plays the bad guy for the 1st time? When one acts evil, the looks change too. I did not believe that but I have come to believe it. There is no such thing as a evil looks, just that when one do evil deed, one will seem evil. It is sad to see that they love each other yet cannot enjoy moments together truly. When one loves the other, the other has ulterior motive. When one loves the other, the other finds out about the past and hates him. Quite a lot of kissing scenes especially before the car accident.
Why you should watch: Not really a must-watch to me. The pace is too slow for me but it may differ for different people. It's the lead couple's acting that keeps me going in this drama. Lee Gwang Soo acted fine as Choco's boyfriend and Ma Roo's best friend.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Really by Song Joong Ki
Operational Proposal (2012) 求婚大作战
Genre: Time-travel, Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoo Seung Ho as Kang Baek Ho and Park Eun Bin as Ham Yi Seul. Other cast: Lee Hyun Jin as Kwon Jin Won.
Zoom into characters: Baek Ho is a foolish guy who gives up on himself easily and makes Yi Seul angry by not getting her "hints". After Yi Seul gets marry, he decides to change all the mistakes he made in the past and get a chance to win Yi Seul's not just heart, but also the whole person. Yi Seul is actually a forgiving person but finds that both of them are just not made out to be. With Jin Won wooing her, she gives in to his wooing when Baek Ho does not make a move.
I felt sorry for him as he looked so depressed in the 1st episode. He gets to exchange a baseball for a chance to time-travel. The baseballs are precious to him as they have the autographs of the famous baseball players but he is willing to exchange them for a better chance in getting the girl he cannot live without.The time conductor is actually related to him. I am touched by how he is willing to risk everything to get the girl he wants after he realises how important she is to him after losing her once. He does not give up even though every time she ends up with another guy.
Yi Seul actually knows Baek Ho well and likes him but Baek Ho makes too many mistakes in life due to his foolishness so he ends up losing her. It is funny for the first few times of his time-travel as he ends up saying "No!" at the wrong times and even disrupts a kissing scene in a school play Yi Seul is in. When the guy that ends up marrying Yi Seul all the time finds out that Baek Ho time-travels, all the pieces of the puzzle actually matches up and he even says to himself, "How can I beat a guy that time-travels?" Actually, coming to think about it, Jin Won wins all the time and Baek Ho is the one tirelessly changing things one at a time. Perhaps he is just impressed by Baek Ho's determination? Looks like fate is quite unchangeable and persistent, considering the number of attempts Baek Ho made to change fate.
Why you should watch: A different and must-watch time travelling drama that does not travel to the past or future by few hundred years. It focuses on the male lead trying to change the mistakes he made in the past as he grows up to increase his chance of being together with the girl he loves.
MV+Favourite osts: If u love me by J Rabbit
Fermentation family (2011) 发酵家族
Genre: Family, Romance, Food
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Song Il Gook as Ki Ho Tae, Park Jin Hee as Lee Kang San, Lee Min Young as Lee Woo Joo, Choi Jae Sung as Kang Do Sik, Kang Shin Il as Lee Ki Chan and Kim Young Hoon as Oh Jae Hoon.
Unlike other food related dramas that cooking competitions are often seen, this restaurant only aims to enrich people's lives. At different seasons or timing, different types of Kimchi are being made. The drama shows case by case on how people who ate that particular Kimchi benefited from the owners' (Kang San's parents) generosity and kindness. The case that touches me the most is the father and daughter case. The father is about to commit suicide as life is too tough and decides to eat a last meal before leaving so he brings his daughter to this restaurant. As the food is delicious and Kang San's father told him to come again another day, he manages to live each day thinking that that meal will be the last but ends up awaiting the next meal at the restaurant. When watching, it is funny whenever my mother says "no wonder the restaurant will go bankrupt" when they do "charity work" like giving food for free but I think it is worth it as a restaurant is only successful if people still remember it by heart.
I find that the character Woo Joo was acted out well and I liked it very much. She does not know it when people have ulterior motive and thinks about everything very simply. If I know her personally, I may find it annoying when she does not understand things. However, in a drama, it is very fun to watch. Is it possible to have a person like that in the world if he/she is not slightly dimwitted? The kid in this drama is really cute. Despite being abandoned by her parents, she is sensible and thoughtful. Liked her relationship with Ho Tae a lot. Jae Hoon really seems like a gentleman literally. He cannot stand it when the place is dirty (and many others) which makes me enjoy the relationship he has with Ho Tae who has contrasting personality. I am happy that Kang San chooses to help her own family business. Although family business is difficult to sustain when it reaches the next generation, it is a waste that they who are capable of continuing the priceless business do not.
Why you should watch: It is a heartwarming, inspiring food related drama that spins around a mystery. I really like Song II Guk's acting since Jumong (one of my favourite long historical dramas). As his character works at the restaurant, he starts to get involved in helping people personally in the cases (cleverly too) which I take pleasure in. Rather than the heartwarming part, the part that keeps me addicted to it is the mystery revolving around Ho Tae's past.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Afraid of Love by FIX and Heaven, Earth & Man by Park Sun-Joo
Dream High (2011) 梦想起飞
Genre: Romance, Comedy, High School
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Bae Suzy as Go Hye Mi, Kim Soo Hyun as Song Sam Dong, Taecyeon as Jin Gook / Hyun Shi Hyuk, Ham Eun Jung as Yoon Baek Hee, Jang Woo Young as Jason and IU as Kim Pil Sook.
Plot: Dream High tells the story of six students at Kirin Art High School who work to achieve their dreams of becoming music stars in the Korean music industry. Go Hye Mi is a student who had majored in classical music but has to give up her dream by entering Kirin Art High School to pay off her father's debt. However, she needs to get two other students to also come to the school in order for her to enroll in the school conditionally. These two students are Song Sam Dong, who lives in the countryside, and Jin Guk, whom she accidentally meets while trying to escape from a loan shark. Yoon Baek Hee, formerly Hyemi's sidekick, becomes her rival in school because Hye Mi betrays her during an audition to enter the school.
Sam Dong is good at singing but pretends he cannot sing due to his mother. Jin Guk is good at dancing but cannot realise his dreams as his father wants him to go overseas and study. Pil Sook is good at singing but does not have a good appearance. Hye Mi has a wide range of pitch but is too arrogant. As the few of them with weaknesses gather together, will they form a good team? Will they always be looked down by others as if they are rotten apples and never get a chance to shine?
Wanted Hyemi to end up with Jin Guk even though ending up with Sam Dong is not bad (sry for the spoiler). Love the couple Jason and Pil Sook. Despite Pil Sook's appearance, Jason is always thoughtful towards her. It is interesting that a teacher grade the students' singing according to how many people in the audience paid attention.
Dreams are important. With dreams, one can achieve more than they can imagine. Everyone has their own talents. One should not look down on others. Even the worst teacher can lead a group of students with weaknesses as long as he has the heart.
Why you should watch: A high school drama that consists of Bae Suzy, Kim Soo Hyun, Jang Woo Young, Taecyeon, Ham Eun Jung and IU! It is interesting and content-rich as they try to prove their talents.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Love high and Dreaming by Kim Soo Hyun
Heartstrings (2011) 為我著迷
Genre: Romance, Comedy, High School
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Jung Yong Hwa as Lee Shin and Park Shin Hye as Lee Kyu Won. Other casts: Woo Ri as Han Hee Joo and Kang Min Hyuk as Yeo Joon.
Plot: Lee Shin is a vocalist and guitarist of the band "The Stupid." Shin is known for his good looks and strong passion for music, but in reality he is cold, lacks interest in anything unrelated to music and has neither dreams nor plans for the future. Lee Kyu Won is a bright and outgoing student who was born into a prestigious family and is majoring in traditional Korean instruments, especially the gayageum. Due to the contrast in music chosen as major, constant arguments occur and they decided to fight it out. Lee Kyu Won lost the competition as her string broke so he had to be Shin's slave from then on which built on their relationship.
The ghost scene was funny. Their relationship started unknowingly and ended up as they retraced their past footsteps and found each other halfway. An ending that tells a lot (sry for the spoiler). Another couple that I like in this drama is the drummer, Jun Hee, and a hardworking dancer. I wonder how the dancer, Hee-joo, survives without eating much food and doing vigorous dancing. The couple is so sweet as the drummer gets her to eat and lets her enjoy. He even helped her pass the audition when she missed it. Although Hee-Joo is hardworking, she is deemed as not having enough talent as her singing is unable to move the peoples' hearts. Is hardworking really not enough? I suppose talent and results matter more than hard work and efforts? I am touched when Kyu Won gives up the opportunity to be lead actress in the musical and let Hee-joo do lip singing.
Music can be bring joy, can it bring harm as well? When one is into music as a career and do not succeed, should he continue or find another job to support the family?
Why you should watch: The sound tracks of this drama is quite good and the content of the drama is good with little "dragging"! This one is also about music but is different from Dream High as this is more about a musical the students plan with teamwork.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Whole album
Myung Wol the Spy (2011) 间谍明月
Genre: Action, Romance, Comedy
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Han Ye Seul as Han Myung Wol and Eric as Kang Woo. Other casts: Lee Jin Wook as Choi Ryu and Jang Hee Jin as Joo In Ah.
Plot: An elite North Korean spy, Han Myung Wol, and her partner, Choi Ryu, infiltrates South Korea on a mission to disrupt the Hallyu Wave by kidnapping one of their top stars, Kang Woo. Despite her proficiency at her job, Myung Wol's one weakness is her uncontrollable curiosity. Hijinks ensue when she falls in love with Kang Woo instead.
I don't really understand why North Korea wants to disrupt Hallyu Wave. Haha. The interesting thing is the North Korea Army uses radio to communicate with spies in South Korea and army messages can be coded into normal phrases to prevent South Korean from getting any information. Liked the couple Choi Ryu and In Ah too which is unexpectedly formed. Wanted Choi Ryu to have a good ending (not saying the ending is bad).
Why you should watch: The starting was intriguing and there were many funny parts when Myung Wol tried to get close to Kang Woo using various methods under older spies help and guidance such as being his bodyguard, his fiancee and even a supporting actress.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Afraid of love by Bobby Kim and More than anyone in this world by Lena Park
Man of honour (2011) 荣光的在仁
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Chun Jung Myung as Kim Young Kwang and Park Min Young as Yoon Jae In. Other casts: Lee Jang Woo as Seo In Woo.
Plot: Jae In's father was actually the owner of a sports clothing company and Young Kwang's father is actually his chauffeur. In Woo's father is Jae In's father working partner. When Jae In's father realised that In Woo's father committed a crime, Jae In's father asked him to turn himself in. As they had a quarrel in the car, a car accident occurs. Without knowing, Young Kwang's father accidentally saved In Woo's father instead of his boss. From then on, In Woo's father gives Young Kwang's father money to make sure no one knows of it and takes over the company. On their way to the hospital, the car that Jae In and her mother were in overturned due to the slippery road and they are separated as a result.
Zoom into characters: Kim Young Kwang (Chun Jung Myung) is a baseball player on a minor league team, former 4th hitter of the major league team, an innocently confident man who never stops trying his best to re-live past glories. Yoon Jae In (Park Min Young) works as a nurse's aide and is a struggling young, cheery, bright girl who always maintains a positive attitude despite her poor background and dreams of becoming a nurse. She meets Kim Young Kwang at the hospital when he sustains injures. As they struggle to overcome their fates, they find love. Seo In Woo (Lee Jang Woo) is the future heir of a sports clothing company and also the clean-up hitter for the a professional baseball team that his father owns. He has a mental illness due to the stressful environment he is in which Jae In will help him overcome.
When In Woo had a nose injury, all the doctors treat him as he is rich while Young Kwang who sustained serious injury was ignored. Another example of reality and inequality. Young Kwang's determination and Jae In's optimism are something I want to emulate. Something to look forward to is the interviews and auditions carried out as all 3 of them apply/ are forced to enter a department in the company. They would have to pass each test to go to the next round. Tests include selling one's goods to another, carrying bricks of the same worth as one's desired salary and many others. The higher the salary, the more responsibility it comes with. One should only take what is sufficient and what they can afford. Not only objects, an idea can be sold too.
Not sure why Lee Jang Woo usually have curly hair when he is not the main lead and kind of straight hair when he is the lead. Haha. A waste that Jae In chooses to be a nurse instead of leading the company which she is also capable of. I guess one should find jobs related to our passion and interests and not one that is for the power and money.
Why you should watch: Not really a drama that keeps one glued to the screen but it lets one sees things from different perspectives. More about life than romance.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Who You Are To Me by Hyorin
City Hunter (2011) 城市猎人
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Min Ho as Lee Yoon Sung / John Lee and Park Min Young as Kim Na Na.
Plot: The story takes place in Seoul, 2011. Lee Yoon Sung is a talented MIT-graduate who works on the international communications team in the Blue House. He plans revenge on five politicians who caused his father's death with his surrogate father Lee Jin Pyo and eventually becomes a "City Hunter." In order to take revenge, he went through tough training. He is also able to use technology to help him show the world the evil deeds done by the politicians.
After watching this drama, I become more aware of the whereabouts of CCTVs. Haha. As Yoon Sung sneak into places he should not, he always avoid CCTVs. It is a thriller and Lee Min Ho's character is fascinating: the hero in disguise. He has to pretend he cannot fight in the Blue House during training even though he is very good at it. I am glad that he did not kill the politicians but expose their bad deeds unlike what his surrogate father would have done. The technology from the Blue House is really advanced. He can even use a spectacle to do recording.
Why you should watch: It is amazing that he can use a bag as a parachute. One will be amazed by how he deals with situations and his skills at fighting+escaping.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Suddenly by Kim Bo Kyung and It's alright by Yang Hwa Jin
Lie to me (2011) 對我說謊看看
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoon Eun Hye as Gong Ah Jung, Kang Ji Hwan as Hyun Ki Joon, Sung Joon as Hyun Sang Hee and Jo Yoon Hee as Oh Yoon Joo.
Gong Ah Jung, a level 5 Ministry of Culture official, gets entangled in a web of lies when she mistakenly lies that she's married to Hyun Ki Joon, a hotel manager from an affluent family. Their relationship is further complicated when Ki Joon's ex-fiancée and a close friend of his brother's, Oh Yoon Joo, reappears in his life. As time goes, real feelings are at play instead. Are they able to hide their lies forever or make them come true?
Many humorous scenes are involved since both the lead are capable of lightening the mood and bringing laughter in this simple romance. It is very entertaining to watch the light-hearted romance and how they turn lies into reality. It is fun to watch Ki Joon start to "act" like they are really in a marriage and even kisses her in front of people who know Ah Jung at a housewarming gathering. I feel sorry for Hyun Sang Hee who has a crush on his brother's girlfriend twice and does not stand a chance at all. It is fun watching Ki Joon's secretary as the middleman and always thinks for his boss's benefits.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Really want to say hello by M to M
Can you hear my heart? (2011) 是否听见我的心
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 7/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kim Jae Won as Cha Dong Joo and Hwang Jung Eum as Bong Woo Ri.
Plot:The love story of Cha Dong Joo, a man who's been rendered deaf after an accident but pretends he can hear, and Bong Woo Ri, a woman who's intelligent but pretends she's dim-witted to protect the dignity of her mentally handicapped father. He wants to take revenge on his stepfather who took over the company by killing his grandfather. In order to do so, he has to pretend he can hear. Others were fooled by him except Woo Ri who had a deaf mother.
The most interesting part is how Dong Joo pretends to be able to hear. He is able to talk on the phone with words replacing a voice. He has a watch which will vibrate when his doorbell rings, kettle water boils etc. I am touched by Woo Ri's father's love for his stepchildren. Even though he is dimwitted, he treats Ma Roo and Woo Ri as his own children.
Why you should watch: Romance between the deaf and a woman with a dim-witted father. Touching storyline that makes it heartwarming.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Can you hear me by Zia and Only you can hear my heart by Kim Jae Suk
Me too, flower (2011) 我也是花
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 7/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoon Shi Yoon as Seo Jae Hee and Lee Ji Ah as Cha Bong Sun.
Plot: A drama about Bong Sun with complicated family background and Jae Hee who started life from scratch without his parents. Jae Hee becomes a rich person and accidentally killed someone in the past. Bong Sun is just a low rank policeman who has a hot temper. They often have conflicts which helps the story develop.
Why you should watch: The extreme sweetness and cuteness of their love is the unique thing about this drama.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Dreaming by BEAST
Protect the boss (2011) 守护老板
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 6/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Choi Kang Hee as No Eun Seol and Ji Sung as Cha Ji Heon.
Plot: No Eun Seol finally gets a job as a secretary at a law firm after struggling with unemployment due to lack of qualification, only to fall in love with her boss, Cha Ji Heon, the youngest son of a chaebol family. Ji Heon has crowd phobia. Whenever he needs to present his work, he will escape after half of the presentation. People think that he is an immature and irresponsible person but actually he is not. Eun Seol will help him get rid of the phobia and improve the relationship between him and his father.
Why you should watch: Interesting story which uses the phobia as a base. Many comical scenes that makes one laugh his/her head off.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Let us just love by Apink
Secret Garden (2010) 秘密花园
starring Hyun Bin as Kim Joo Won, Ha Ji Won as Gil Ra Im, Yoon Sang Hyun as Choi Woo Young/Oska (Joo Won's cousin)
The drama tells the story of Kim Joo Won (Hyun Bin), an arrogant and eccentric CEO who maintains the image of seeming perfection, and Gil Ra Im (Ha Ji Won), a poor and humble stuntwoman whose beauty and body are the object of envy amongst top actresses. Their accidental meeting, when Joo Won mistakes Ra Im for actress Park Chae Rin, marks the beginning of a tense, bickering relationship, through which Joo Won tries to hide a growing attraction to Ra Im that both confuses and disturbs him. To complicate matters further, a strange sequence of events results in them swapping bodies. Joo Won has met Ra Im's father in a tragic encounter which has caused him to be claustrophobic and cost Ra Im's father's life.
MV+ Favourite osts: That Man by Hyun Bin
Coffee house (2010) 咖啡馆
Genre: Writing, Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kang Ji Hwan as Lee Jin Soo, Park Si Yeon as Seo Eun Young and Ham Eun Jung as Kang Seung Yeon.
Jin Soo is one of the weirdest characters I have ever seen so far. He sharpens all his pencils by knife until a certain sharpness before he is satisfied. Besides that, he brews coffee like a master. There is a certain time of the year that his ears will become oversensitive and he can hear voices from far away, making it difficult for him to sleep. When he is bored or stressed, he will start playing dominoes. He often escapes from events prepared by Eun Young at the last minute or disappears for a period of time without contact. His character is always contradicting and he is quick to lie. Despite him being a writer, he actually studied in a medical school. The most funny torture given to Seung Yeon to me is Seung Yeon hula-hooping while trying to pick up a phone on the ground/ table.
I was fooled by the name of the drama. I thought that it will be focusing on coffee but it is not really about that. The coffee house is just owned by the publishing company. Haha. I wanted Seung Yeon to end up with Jin Soo as she is more of the one who changes him. Although she thinks things too simply, she can easily cooperate with Jin Soo and change Jin Soo's mood. The only reason that may make me change my mind is that Eun Young knows more about Jin Soo since she is his long-time friend.
Why you should watch: It is fun to see Jin Soo's interaction with his secretary and how he changes into someone that is more considerate towards others. It is an engaging drama due to Jin Soo's weird character and unexpected things he may do. Liked how Kang Ji Hwan portrayed his character(as usual). I watched this drama after seeing Park Si Yeon and Ham Eun Jung as evil supporting characters that I (slightly) dislike and wanted to skip it at first. To my surprise, they can act as well as good characters too. Haha.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Coffee house MV and I don't want to know goodbye by Hwang Ji Hyun
King of baking (2010) 面包王子金卓求
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Action
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Yoon Shi Yoon as Kim Tak Goo, Eugene as Shin Yoo Kyung, Lee Young Ah as Yang Mi Sun and Joo Won as Gu Ma Jun.
Plot: Kim Tak Goo is the eldest son of Goo In Jong, the president of Samhwa Enterprise, a legend in the baking industry. Although he is an extremely talented baker and seemed destined to succeed his father as president, Goo In Jong's family plotted to rob him of his inheritance because he was born to In Jong's mistress. Tak Goo's determination to become number one in the baking industry drives him to rebuild his career from scratch despite the many trials and tests he faces.
Zoom into characters: Tak Gu drops out from elementary school and fights his way with one thought in mind: to find his long lost mother. The amazing thing is he got a unique sense of smell which can tell when fermentation is finished so that bread can be baked to their best. He finally finds the kidnapper in a bakery and his life start afresh as he starts to wash his hands in flour instead. Yoo Kyung is Tak Gu's first love and will break up with Tak Gu as she is blinded by revenge against the lady of Samhwa Enterprise. Mi Sun likes to bake cake more than bread. She will help Tak Gu along the way as he learns about baking bread from scratch.
His determination is what keeps the drama going. Scenes to look forward to include the trial when he is being tied to another competitor and they have to make sure the rope does not come off or they are eliminated from the competition. Teamwork has been developed after this trial and they can bathe, work and sleep without inconvenience. He also has to overcome his phobia of fire after being burnt once. He has to pass the tests of making the most filling bread, most amusing bread and happiest bread. Most filling does not mean putting lots of fillings into it. Hunger is the best sauce for food. The test for making the most filling bread actually tests if the person cares for others, whereas most amusing bread actually tests if a person is creative and embraces challenges. The happiest bread is what a baker will make everyday.
There is still prejudice against females. Females are less likely to be the boss of the company. Goo In Jong does not allow her eldest daughter to learn about the business and only allow sons to learn and follow him when he visits the company. Hence, his daughter has to start from the bottom of the company and work her way up. Education is able to change a person's life. Even if one is not born in a rich family that does not mean one cannot succeed. I feel that this is the best drama Yoon Shi Yoon acted in so far with a good portrayal of the mixed feelings his character feels. Joo Won acted as the bad guy quite well and Yoon Shi Yoon's character's competitor. He acted so well that I dislike his character when I seldom dislike the bad guys. Haha. He is able to express anger through his eyes alone.
Why you should watch: Will regret if you do not watch this! It is a content-rich drama with a heartwarming storyline which does not focus on romance. It will make one want for more after watching one episode as you will want to know what happens next. I enjoy watching the many tests and trials Tak Gu faces at Pal Bong Bakery where he competes to make the best bread for each test.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Hope is a dream that doesn't sleep by Jo KyuHyun
God of study (2010)学习之神
Genre: High School, Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
Plot: When scrappy and abrasive lawyer Kang Suk-ho (Kim So Roo) is put in charge of the liquidating Byung Moon High School, he sees his own troubled past in the problematic students who live their lives with no dreams. He then offers to teach them and proclaims that he will get five students accepted into Cheonha University, the most prestigious college in the country. Quirky and earnest English teacher Han Soo-jung, who believes that the purpose of education is not about getting into a good college, likewise initially objects to Suk-ho's teaching methods and motivations. Everyone calls Suk-ho crazy while the director cannot wait to sell off the school. What will become of the fate of the school and the five students?
The five students acted very well, portraying each of their stories. Hwang Baek-hyun's (Yoo Seung-ho) parents died and he lived with his grandmother in a shabby house. He was a bad student who fights a lot but after he studied in the special class he slowly reached his goal. Na Hyun-jung (Park Ji Yeon) is left alone in a big house after her parents divorced and only come to think that she is precious too nearing the end of the drama. Gil Pul-ip (Go Ah-sung) doesn't have a father and had problems with her mother who opens a bar and loves a married man. Hong Chan-doo (Lee Hyun-woo) moves whenever there is music and loves dancing but his rich father wants him to study abroad. Oh Bong-goo (Lee Chan-ho) grew up in a meat restaurant. His parents don't really care about his education. The actual reason that he joined the special class was to get rid of the bullying because of his appearance but realised that he actually forgotten his promise of being a vet when his pet died. This drama really emphasises the importance of doing well in examinations. 100 marks all the time! Haha.
Why you should watch: The students always have to attend study "training" camps and the teachers have very weird and sometimes funny method of teaching them to let them improve a lot from scratch. Even mathematics can become a sports. Really touched by their determination in trying to do their best and liked how the relationship among the 5 students develop.
Click here to watch.
MV+ Favourite osts: Because I am weary by Ernest
My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010) 我的女友是九尾狐
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 3
starring Lee Seung Ki as Cha Dae Woong and Shin Min Ah as Gumiho.
Plot: Dae Woong is an action actor who enjoys doing many stunts. When his grandfather sends him overseas to study, he escapes and ends up in a remote temple. Cha Dae Woong then accidentally releases a gumiho, a legendary fox with nine tails that eats the livers of humans. Out of shock, Dae Woong falls down a hill and becomes unconscious. The gumiho saves his life by lending him her fox bead. When he finds out that she is a gumiho, he ends up doing crazy things to prevent the girl from eating his liver. As the gumiho loves Dae Woong a lot, she decides to become human. The gumiho drank a magic potion while Dae Woong continues to have the fox bead. Little did they know that after 100 days, one of them will have to die. If Dae Woong continues to have the fox bead, Gumiho will die as she slowly loses one tail at a time and eventually her life. If Gumiho takes back her fox bead, Dae Woong will die as his life will be sucked into the bead which will help Gumiho become human. What will they do when they find out about it?
Why you should watch: Captivating fantasy plot and good acting. Their love is very genuine, especially Gumiho's love for Dae Woong. Will regret if you do not watch it. The first and one of the best fantasy drama I ever watched.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Fox Rain by Lee Sun Hee , Losing my mind by Lee Seung Gi and I love you from now on by Lee Seung Gi
Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010) 成均馆绯闻
Genre: Historical, Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Micky Yoochun as Lee Sun Joon and Park Min Young as Kim Yoon Hee. Plot: Sungkyunkwan Scandal is set in Sungkyunkwan University in the late Joseon era during the reign of King Jeongjo, revolving around the exploits and love stories of four youths. When her younger brother's illness worsens and their family is in danger of being evicted from their house for lack of money, Kim Yoon Hee enters the school under his name, disguised as a boy in her desperation to support him. There, she becomes friends with the intelligent and upright Lee Sun Joon, the playboy Goo Yong Ha (Song Joong Ki) and rebellious Moon Jae Shin (Yoo Ah In). The quartets who are from high class noblemen status, middle class noblemen status, commoner status and the lower class status will be given a task to accomplish by the king.
All 4 of them have their own talents and they work together to achieve something greater.
Why you should watch: A girl in an all boys' school setting in historical drama. Fresh and entertaining throughout. I like how Yong Ha acted by Joong Ki insists on finding out if Yoon Hee is a girl. Jae Shin who is rebellious is also attracted to Yoon Hee's personality. A short, light-hearted historical drama one should not miss.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Found you by JYJ and For you it's goodbye, for me it's waiting by Jaejoong
Princess Prosecutor (2010) 检察官公主
Genre: Mystery, Romance, Comedy
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 3
starring Kim So Yeon as Ma Hye Ri and Park Shi Hoo as Seo In Woo.
Plot: Ma Hye Ri is a woman with an excellent memory and ability to focus, which allowed her to pass the bar exam with ease. Despite her talents, she is more interested in being fashionable and dislikes hard work, so she is far from being an ideal prosecutor and has doubts about her suitability for her job. Through her conflicts with senior colleagues and struggles with difficult cases, however, Hye Ri gradually matures into a brilliant prosecutor with a sense of duty and justice. In Woo is a mysterious person who plans well and secretly helps Hye Ri along the way…
Zoom into characters: Hye Ri is from a rich family and goes through torture to lose weight. Thus, she treasures her body a lot and likes to be fashionable. In Woo who leads a happy life suddenly becomes an orphan after his father is being framed for murder and his mother passed away in a car accident when they are in America. He promised himself to take revenge so he comes back to Korea as a lawyer. He plans in a way that Hye Ri will become a good prosecutor and dig out her father's wrong doings.
What In Woo did not foresee is that he will fall in love with Hye Ri. Things become more complicated after that and he even wants to give up his revenge plan that he has been planning for many years. The way he looks out for her, even helping her when she is in trouble is done so well that Hye Ri does not realise he has an ulterior motive. He seems like a superhero to her and his heart drop when she confesses to him. I am surprised that his plans actually worked even though there are many different factors that may affect the success of the plan. It is real people he is dealing with. There are many funny scenes such as Hye Ri paying him back in cash once, thinking that it will be difficult to count all the money but In Woo even brought a money counter to count the cash.
Hye Ri changed a lot from the start to the end. At first, she acts like a princess, goes home on time and does not take her work seriously. It is true that there are such things as working hours but it should depend on whether the person has finished her job. There are always Overtime even when studying. Her character is very amusing to watch and it is fun seeing how she matures and grows.
The most interesting part is In Woo disguising himself as different people when meeting people who can serve as witnesses as they know who the murderer is. Instead of taking revenge on the people who lied as witnesses, he helps them and sincerely wants them to prove his father's innocence. Taking revenge is not always the solution to everything. I heard that after watching this drama, one will become Park Shi Hoo's fan and it is true.
Why you should watch: If you are interested in law and cases, you can try this out. One of my favourite dramas in 2010! They have good chemistry. Park Shi Hoo's character was played well and made the drama more fabulous! Addictive revenge drama with a distinct storyline.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Goodbye my princess by Monday Kiz
Fugitive Plan B (2010) 逃亡者
Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Bi / Rain as Ji Woo and Lee Na Young as Jin Yi / Jini K.
Plot: During the Korean War, a vast amount of money disappeared. Now, some 60 years later, the money has reappeared, leading to a frantic chase across the globe. Jin Yi (Lee Na Young) is a seemingly innocent woman who has hidden motives for approaching Ji Woo (Bi), a detective. Her plans are complicated by an unexpected romance developing between them, as well as the numerous pursuers hot on their trail. Kieko (Uehara Takako) is a famous Japanese singer who also gets tangled up in a relationship with this man. Little do they know that her father Hiroki (Takenaka Naoto), apart from being a business man, is a powerful Yakuza. In this love triangle, who will finally win the love of Ji Woo?
Liked Rain's acting in Fugitive Plan B. His character is very weird and funny even though he is good at making plans and fighting. As a detective, he seldom gets personally involved while he makes money but this time it is different. It is something like a escaping drama where the couple escapes many times from the police and the bad guys while thinking of their next step. Ji Woo is always very confident while Jin Yi is brave and calculative. It is fun to watch how their plans work and how they escape danger each time while their relationship develop.
Why you should watch: Fun and action-packed drama. Comical at times due to Ji Woo's weird personality.
Click here to watch.
Birth of the Rich (2010) 富翁的诞生
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Ji Hyun Woo as Choi Suk Bong and Lee Bo Young as Lee Shin Mi.
Plot: The drama follows the story of a man, Choi Suk Bong, who believes that he is actually the son of a rich father and heir to a chaebol group. He searches high and low and meets Lee Shin Mi, who is actually a chaebol heir but acts nothing like one, with her scrimping and frugal ways. Although they get off to a rocky start, with her help, he struggles towards his goal of attaining wealth.
He even goes into people's bathroom when they are bathing to see if they have the necklace his father owns. Is he looking for his father or does he just want to be rich? A scene that makes me think is the scene in the 1st episode. When two boys were at wrong, the teacher asks about the boys' fathers. When one says his father is a policeman, he got punished. When the other says that his father is a rich man, he was not punished. Is the society so realistic and unfair?
Why you should watch: This drama makes me a fan of Ji Hyun Woo and it is portrayed well as his character makes his journey to find his father through desperate means and finally obtains success and becomes rich.
Click here to watch.
Cinderella's Sister (2010) 灰姑娘姐姐
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Melodrama
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Moon Geun Young as Song Eun Jo and Chun Jung Myung as Hong Ki Hoon.
Plot: Used to being dragged from one broken home to another by her manipulative, money-grubbing mother (Lee Mi-sook), Eun-jo doesn't know what to make of her mother's latest catch Dae-sung (Kim Kap-soo), the solemn head of a traditional rice wine brewery. She forms a bond with brewery staff Ki-hoon (Chun Jung-myung)and it is his betrayal that will hurt the most. However, Dae-sung's genuine kindness to her eventually melts Eun-jo's defenses, and she learns to trust and love her stepfather. Naive Hyo-sun, meanwhile, stubbornly seeks affection at every turn, only to slowly realize she's losing Ki-hoon and everything else in her life to her cold stepsister. Reluctant sisters Eun-jo and Hyo-sun both experience angst and rivalry, as their polar-opposite personalities and love-hate relationship bring them through many ups and downs from adolescence to adulthood.
With warmth and kindness, one can influence the people around them. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster ride.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: It has to be you by Yesung and Calling out by Luna and Crystal
Mischievous Kiss (2010) 惡作劇之吻
Genre: Comedy, Romance, High School
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kim Hyun Joong as Baek Seung Jo and Jung So Min as Oh Ha Ni.
Plot: Based on the popular manga, Oh Ha Ni is a clumsy student who falls for the perfectionist, Baek Seung Jo. Oh Ha Ni is a sweet, lively and happy high school student. She has a crush on Baek Seung Jo, the smartest boy in school despite being chased loyally by Bong Joon Gu herself. When she confesses to Seung Jo through a letter, he brings it back to her, after grading it harshly and commenting that he hates stupid girls. When Oh Ha Ni's new house suddenly collapses, her father's friend offers for him and Ha Ni to stay with them. Unknown to Ha Ni, her father's friend is actually Baek Seung Jo's dad. Seung Jo plays with her by kissing her for a few occasions. Does he really likes her? As they continue to live under the same roof, Seung Jo helps her with her study and they enter Parang University together. Can Ha Ni win his heart as she continues to show affection or will she lose to an equally clever girl as Seung Jo?
Why you should watch: It is slightly similar to Boys over Flowers. If you enjoyed Boys over Flowers, you can try this which focuses on the lead couple.
Click here to watch.
Personal taste (2010) 个人取向
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Son Yeh Jin as Park Kae In and Lee Min Ho as Jeon Jin Ho.
Plot: Jin Ho needs to find out more about the design of her house so he decides to live there. In order to do so, Jeon Jin Ho who is a straight guy has to pretend to be gay to become a roommate to Park Kae In. His hobbies include organization and ironing, and he's known for his stoic poker face. He's a stickler for cleanliness, but he also has a talent for figuring out women's feelings. Kae In is very trusting even though she has a habit of being betrayed. However, that doesn't stop her from giving people the benefit of doubt and Jin Ho is no different. How will Kae In react when she finds out that her gay roommate is actually not a gay at all and that he has fallen for her?
Why you should watch: A more mature version of character acted by Lee Min Ho after Boys over Flowers. Good chemistry. Not really a must-watch to me but you can try it out if you are a fan of Lee Min Ho and Son Yeh Jin.
Click here to watch.
Cinderella Man (2009) 男版灰姑娘
Genre: Romance, Switch
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kwon Sang Woo as Oh Dae San / Lee Joon Hee and Yoona as Seo Yeo Jin.
Watched this some time ago so this review is by memory. It is sad when Dae San only gets to know his whole real family when he replaces his brother. If his brother does not have health problem or meet him, he may not even know about it. He seems to have it all then: the knowledge of his real parents, money… However, when he starts to lose the trust of the people he knows as he seems like a totally different person with rich clothes, high status and doing things by follows the big company's purpose, I think it is not worth it. Too bad his brother never returns and leaves him in his position. Probably if Joon Hee has Dae San as a companion since young, he would not have felt so lonely in the family where everyone else is blinded by power. It feels good when the people in that family tries to get rid of him after sometime as an imposer but cannot as he is related by blood with them.
It is funny when Dae San replaces Joon Hee and does many things that Joon Hee would never have done such as his way of talking to their grandmother (intimate greetings). I feel sorry for the mother of Joon Hee and Dae San. How can the grandmother be so cruel as to separate the child from the mother? Dae San and Yeo Jin's relationship is put to test as Dae San starts to do things in the perspective of a big company and pretends he is rich Joon Hee and not her lover, poor Dae San.
Lesson learnt: try not to replace somebody even though you are given money for it will bring more trouble to you. Haha. For me, I would rather lead the poor but fulfilling life than the luxurious but lonely life. Money cannot buy everything. What about you?
Why you should watch: Interesting plot of one twin replacing another just by looks and nothing else. How funny that Dae San just needs to wear a pair of spectacles and everyone is fooled. It is fascinating to watch and it includes heartwarming moments as the drama goes. Yoona acted well in this drama. Although it is not a very well-known drama with Kwon Sang Woo such as Stairway to Heaven, I enjoyed it a lot.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: I thought you were mine by Shin Seung Hoon and I cannot mention that I love you by Ok Juh-yeon
Shining Inheritance / Brilliant Legacy (2009) 灿烂的遗产
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Han Hyo Joo as Go Eun Sung and Lee Seung Ki as Sun Woo Hwan. Other casts: Bae Soo Bin as Park Jun Se, Yeon Joon-seok as Go Eun-woo (younger brother) and Moon Chae Won as Yoo Sung Mi.
Plot: Go Eun Sung's life is similar to Cinderella's. After her father died, her step-mother, Baek Sung Hee, took away all of her assets and her younger brother, Eun Woo, and suddenly disappears without a trace. When the CEO of a food company, Jang Sook Ja, suffers amnesia and can't remember who she is Eun Sung takes her in. However, Eun Sung does not know that she is the grandmother of Sun Woo Hwan, the man who she switched bags with at the airport. How will their constant bickering lead them to realize that they care more about each other than they let on?
Zoom into characters: Despite being taken everything from her, Eun Sung perseveres and works really hard to fulfill her dreams. Woo Hwan, on the other hand, becomes an irresponsible and disrespectful person as he caused his father's death. He hates it when people says that he looks like his father or see his father through him. He also hates the food produced in the company as he feels sick of it.
Watched sometime ago. Looks like Han Hyo Joo's character is hard to get? Bae Soo Bin plays the supporting role in both this and Dong Yi when Han Hyo Joo is involved. Haha. It is such a waste even though I don't mind Woo Hwan ending up with Eun Sung (sry for the spoiler). Her musically talented brother was Eun Sung's motivation until she lost him. Even though she is from a rich family, she does not act like a princess and is humble and polite. Eun Sung's spirit is one I can learn from. Her father should not have pretended that he is dead just to claim insurance money. (Sry for the spoiler) How is he so sure that the stepmother will take care of Eun Sung and Eun Woo when she already has her own daughter, Sung Mi, who is much more precious to her? He should not have been so irresponsible and made his children suffer. He is just escaping from the problem instead of facing and solving it.
A company belongs to everyone working in it, not only the shareholders who have high rank as everyone in the company contributes to the achievement of the company. Shareholders are supposed to make decisions wisely and not just trying to take over the company. Every worker's effort and hard work should be appreciated.
Why you should watch: Genre: Romance. It is a typical poor girl and rich guy happy ending drama with conflict but also worth watching. The casts acted their roles well. Liked how Lee Seung Gi portrays his character in his first drama as lead.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Love is punishment by K Will
Who are you? (2008) 你是谁 ?
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Spiritual
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yoon Kye Sang as Cha Seung Hyo and Go Ah Ra as Son Young In, Kang Nam Gil as Son Il Gun.
Seung Hyo was supposed to die after a car accident which many people hoped for. However, Young In's father begs the grim reaper to give him more time. Therefore, he is allowed to use Seung Hyo's body. It is very funny whenever he changes to II Gun. It is like complete change in character in 1s. He always ends up doing funny thing which makes people misunderstand and sometimes meets up with the woman he loves when he was alive, causing even more misunderstandings. It is hilarious to watch Seung Hyo's facial expression after 3 hours when he suddenly finds himself in weird costumes or at wrong places. II Gun seems like an onlooker, at the same time indirectly helping Seung Hyo and Young In get together (much to II Gun's disgust at first). Without II Gun, Seung Hyo would have passed away as he was severely injured and did not feel any purpose in being alive. It is funny that his secretary even tries to ward off ghosts in his office after noticing his strange behaviour (including being good to her).
Although II Gun and Young In care for each other, they just do not express it or keep finding fault in the other. As Seung Hyo, II Gun even goes to his daughter's graduation ceremony but obviously Young In does not recognise him. The only thing familiar is the chant he says before they eat which he usually says with his daughter. II Gun suddenly became rich due to his paintings right before he dies, leading to him being murdered. They would not have believed that they would have such a day!
Why you should watch: It is a very funny yet heartwarming drama with fantasy involved. Yoon Kye Sung acted very well, completely different when he is Seung Hyo and II Gun. There is great chemistry between the lead couple and one will be drawn into it. Although it is a sad spiritual drama, it is not as heartbreaking as other spiritual dramas as the main characters still await a happy ending.
Click here to watch.
Powerful opponent (2008) 强敌
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Mystery
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Chae Rim as Cha Young Jin, Lee Jin Wook as Kang Soo Ho and Lee Jong Hyuk as Yoo Gwang Pil.
Plot: Cha Young Jin is the first female to ever work as a bodyguard in the Presidential resident, Chungwadae. Young Jin and Ryu Gwan Pil work as bodyguards assigned to watch over the president's son, Kang Soo Ho. They are assigned to guard Soo Ho for 15 months. However, it is not an easy task as Soo Ho always have mischief tucked in his sleeves. With some memory loss due to a sad past, Soo Ho slowly recovers his memory and undo his misunderstanding with Gwan Pil.
Click here to watch.
Time between Dog and Wolf (2007) 狗与狼的时间
Genre: Action, Romance
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 3
starring Lee Joon Ki as Lee Soo Hyun / Kay and Nam Sang Mi as Soo Ji Woo.
Plot: In order to avenge his mother that was killed brutally by Thai criminal syndicate Cheongbang, Soo Hyun decided to take matters into his own hands in one of his operations and cause the failure of the police operation. After that, he becomes an undercover NIS agent after staging his death. Hiding his past, Soo Hyun infiltrates the Cheongbang with revenge in mind, leaving Ji Woo behind. Under the pseudo-name of Kay, he passes through the backstreets of Bangkok. What Soo Hyun didn't know was Ji Woo, the one he loved, is the daughter of the same villain, who killed his mother and father. While he was protecting Ji Woo secretly as ordered, he saves her and ends up losing his memory. He started thinking he was a part of Cheongbang and helped them with their bad deeds. At the same time, his job was to protect Ji Woo and they met again.
Time between Dog and Wolf mixes action with losing memory well. No matter Soo Hyun is a police or he is a part of the gang, there is a lot of action involved. Lee Joon Ki acted very well in it, displaying the many emotions his character feels from scared at first when things are related to the gang to happy when in love to hatred towards the gang to confident when he thinks he is part of the gang. He is also a good fighter. It is funny when he rescues Ji Woo the first time and Ji Woo was so shocked as she thought that he was dead. He even gets a chance to date the same girl twice (as a good guy) before and after he loses his memory (as a bad guy).
Why you should watch: Unexpected twist in the story after he lost his memory. First action drama that I loved very much! There are many twists in this drama which I enjoyed very much.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Foolish heart by Lee Soo
Sad Dramas (sad endings):
Snow Queen (2006) 雪之女王
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Hyun Bin as Han Tae Woong / Han Deuk Gu and Sung Yu Ri as Kim Bo Ra.
Plot: This is about a brilliant genius at Mathematics and a girl who had an incurable illness. Tae Woong's best friend, Bo Ra's brother actually wanted to recommend his own sister to him. Little does he knows that Tae Woong already met his sister when both of them were trying to escape from something in life. The girl had a crush on him and they decided to meet another day. On that day, Tae Woong beats his best friend, Jeong Kyu (Bo Ra's brother) in an international Mathematics Olympiad, Jeong Kyu commits suicide. Therefore, he loses touch with her without finding out her name until they met again at a hospital. What will Tae Woong do when he knows that Bo Ra's brother is Jeong Kyu?
Doing this by memory as I watched it long ago. It is a sad love. They long for each other yet cannot be together. If you hope to draw out tears, you can try this drama. Watching 49 days is more effective to me. Haha. My first drama with Hyun Bin and Sung Yu Ri in it and I liked how they portrayed their characters and was attracted to Hyun Bin's acting.
The first depressing point is when Tae Woong's best friend, Bo Ra's brother, commits suicide because he did not accomplish great results in the Mathematics competition. Not only was he beaten by his best friend who got 1st (I think), but he also did not achieve top three in position. It is such a waste that he makes the decision of dying instead of facing it. That is the kind of stress faced by those who always achieve good results and when they fail, they are criticised by others and cannot accept it themselves.
The second depressing point is Tae Woong's mourning for his friend. Because of that, he did not keep his promise of meeting Bo Ra before her major operation. I can feel that Bo Ra's father dotes on Bo Ra's brother more than her. She is happy that her father visits her at the hospital but it is actually because of his brother's accident. Her brother's accident also affects her as she is close to him. Tae Woong, despite being a Mathematics genius, did not continue to do Mathematics anymore.
The third depressing point is Tae Woong trying to hide his feelings after knowing that Bo Ra is his best friend's sister. Finally, it is Bo Ra's death. It is depressing for the father who loses both his children so early. To me, it is also as heartbreaking for Tae Woong who loses two people who he shares his sorrow and happiness with.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Loveholic by Echo
49 days (2011)
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Yo Won as Song Yi Kyung, Nam Gyu Ri as Shin Ji Hyun and Jo Hyun Jae as Han Kang.
Plot: A young woman named Ji Hyun was enjoying absolute bliss as she was about to be married with her fiancé, but her perfect life is shattered in a car accident that left her in a coma. She is given a second chance at life by a reaper, but it comes with a condition: she has to find three people outside of her family who would cry genuine tears for her. She thought that it would be a easy task but it is not. She has to borrow a living person's body while she works out her way to survive. She will solve the mystery related to her family and discover the people who truly loves her.
One will realise nothing is more important than the love ones around us and to treasure them and appreciate what they did for us. The most amazing scene is the funeral scene where the grim reaper shows her that not all tears are genuine. Some are fake while others are for many other reasons.
Even though the ending is sad, the 49 days she went through is still worth it. If she did not go through it, she would not have known what his best friend and fiance have been planning behind her back. I feel that this drama has stirred much of my emotions. Ji Hyun is always hopeful with life and even tries to better the life of the woman whom she is using the body. It is heartbreaking that such a cheerful and optimistic person has to leave when she even obtains the three tears and a chance to live again. Although Yi Kyung wanted her to leave when she first became able to see her as a spirit, I am glad that Yi Kyung decides to help Ji Hyun out. I am touched when in the hospital room, Ji Hyun jumps out of Yi Kyung's body to sing a song to her parents with the music in the background. Although she cannot be heard by her parents, it is her doings that moved me.
It is saddening that Han Kang did not manage to confess his love before the accident and has to lose her after the 49 days. Although he tries his best to help Ji Hyun in the 49 days after realising who she actually is, he still loses her eventually. Even the grim reaper's story is so sad. He was going to propose to Yi Kyung but he passed away with regrets without clearing her misunderstandings of him. Hence, he became a grim reaper for 5 years(if i am not wrong) to say his last goodbye to Yi Kyung and help her move on in life.
Tears drawing sad drama. Especially as it comes to the end, I just cannot stop my tears from falling. The heartwarming scenes and the heartbreaking scenes are what made this drama so uniquely sad. First spirit related drama I watched and it leaves a deep impression. I still remember that it is quite disturbing to me at that time when her soul jumped out of her body. Haha. Lee Yo Won acted very well as the hopeful Ji Hyun and the Yi Kyung that has given up on life.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Tears are Falling by Shin Jae
Mystery/ Law/Crime:
The Devil (2007) 魔王
Enjoyment: 7/10 Pace: 6/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Joo Ji Hoon as Oh Seung Ha, Uhm Tae Woong as Kang Oh Soo and Shin Min Ah as Seo Hae In. When Homicide Detective Kang Oh Soo hit a dead end in his investigation of two seemly unrelated murders, except for the Tarot cards left behind at both crime scenes, he sought help from Seo Hae In, a woman with Token-object reading ability. She revealed that the killers were different in each murder, but the victims were chosen for their connection to a death of a high school boy. Later, the cases proved to have one more thing in common: the suspects have the same defense attorney, Oh Seung Ha. Seung Ha's defense for his clients severely shaken Oh Soo's conviction to catch the Tarot Card mastermind. Oh Soo was reminded that years ago he had killed a high school classmate in a fight. He was acquitted of all charges and began his life anew. Now, someone has came back to revenge the boy's wrongful death by killing those who got him off.
To me, it is a sad revenge story. As the cases unfold, more people are killed and more people are hurt. Revenge and hatred will only cause destruction to one. When Oh Soo was acquitted due to his parents' power, they should have cared more about the victim's family.
Click here to watch.
MV+Favourite osts: Don't love me by Uhm Tae Woong
Partner (2009) 伙伴
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kim Hyun Joo as Kang Eun Ho and Lee Dong Wook as Lee Tae Jo. The word 'Partner' takes a different meaning when it is used in law firm. Partners are the people who survived from the power struggle. They are executives who are on the top of the law firm pyramid. Enterprises are law firm's partners. Law firms fight each other to become a partner of business. They struggle to be close to power and to become a slave of money. There are some lawyers who want be the partners of commoners as well. They are willing to be the spokesperson for the underprivileged. It is a story about partner; the one who is going to stay by your side and fight together in front of law.
Is there justice? Even if your family is the evil, will you defend them or fight for justice? If you are interested in law and cases, you can try this drama. Became a fan of Lee Dong Wook after watching this drama. Haha. Not only is it about law and justice, it includes a twist when Tae Jo's lawyer family is involved in preventing the real criminals from being punished for deadly contamination of water. This case leads to the death of Eun Ho's husband (Tae Jo's friend as well) and many others. While Tae Jo knows that his family is in the wrong, he experiences the power struggle, helplessness, sorrow and even dilemma. On the other hand, it is not easy for Eun Ho to bring up a son as a single parent. Her goal to become a lawyer leads her to becoming Tae Jo's assistant and eventually partner in upholding justice.
Click here to watch.
Vampire Prosecutor (2011) 吸血鬼检查官
Enjoyment: 7/10 Pace: 7/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Yun Jung Hoon as Min Tae Yeon (Prosecutor) and Lee Young Ah as Yoo Jung In (Prosecutor) A mystery investigative drama about a vampire. Prosecutor Min Tae Yeon (Yun Jung Hoon) is bitten by somebody and becomes a Vampire. Tae Yeon rejects the life of a vampire and he survives by drinking the blood of dead people and still lives as a righteous prosecutor. Tae Yeon also uses his new founded abilities as a Vampire to prosecute powerful persons normally thought above the law. A mysterious case then occurs and the evidence points to a Vampire as the perpetrator. Tae Yeon now knows that he is not the only Vampire. He also ponders why he became a Vampire and what truths may lie behind their motives.
Click here to watch.
Some historical dramas to consider:
If you are looking for a long historical drama to watch, I would highly recommend Jumong, Horse Doctor and Dong Yi. They leave the deepest impression on me + I am satisfied with the endings+ there are many twists here and there + I watched them a few times without feeling sick of it. They are about the journeys of the main character as he/she encounters setback and achieve a lot to become a better them. They lose many things and have to use their wits to survive.
Legend of the Prince (2006) 朱蒙
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
starring Song Il Gook as Jumong, Han Hye Jin as So Seo No and Song Ji Hyo as Ye So Ya (Jumong's wife). Twenty years later, overshadowed by Kumwa's sons Taeso and Youngpo, Chumong is a weak, cowardly, promiscuous prince. Exasperated, Yuhwa arranges for his training in swordsmanship and the martial arts. Chumong begins his training in a prison, where his instructor is chief jailor. He entraps himself with an apprentice priestess, missing his royal duties, and he is expelled from the palace. Chumong accidentally sets fire to the Puyo blacksmith's workshop, betraying its existence to the Han. He is stripped of his title, and his two adoptive brothers send assassins after him. Chumong encounters three robbers, Oi, Mari and Hyeoppo, who take him in when they learn his identity. He also meets 21-year-old Sosuhno, Yuntabal's daughter, and establishes a relationship with the Keru clan. He meets a blind old man, who tells him he used to belong to the Tamul Army; unbeknownst to him it is his father, Hae Mosu. After escaping the prison together when Taeso and Youngpo try to kill them, Hae Mosu trains Chumong in fighting and archery.
Hae Mo-su is assassinated by Taeso and Youngpo, and Chumong swears to avenge his father. Realizing that Chumong is Hae Mosu's successor, Kumwa lets him return to the palace. During a battle between Chinbun and Lintun, Chumong is missing and presumed dead. He is found by the Hanbaek chief, whose daughter Ye So-ya helps Chumong recover before the chief is killed. Chumong is sent to Xuantu to curry favor with the Han. On his way, he is rescued by Mari, Oi, Hyeoppo, Musong and Mo Palmo. In Puyo Taeso seizes power, marries the Xuantu governor's daughter and becomes a tyrant. He tries to force Sosuhno to become his concubine, but she marries Woo-Tae (not knowing Chumong is alive). Chumong returns to Puyo and marries Ye So-ya.
One of the best historical drama I ever watched. Content-rich and interesting plot. People's life can change depending on the people they meet. Robbers can eventually change their life and become courtiers if they meet a person that find their worth. Hence, social network is actually very important. Who you meet may be what you will become. When people try to kill you or when faced with desperate and dangerous situations, one can mature faster and more skills can be learnt at a faster rate.
Click here to watch.
Yi San (2007) 李算
starring Lee Seo Jin as Yi San / King Jeong Jo, Han Ji Min as Seong Song Yeon and Lee Jong Soo as Park Dae Su.
Hong Gil Dong (2008) 洪吉童
Enjoyment: 9/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Kang Ji Hwan as Hong Gil Dong and Sung Yu Ri as Heo Lee Nok. Robinhood story and many action scenes involved. What happens if you are supposed to be king and someone carve a sword and say your brother is supposed to be king instead and everyone believes so? Will you be a good king? If you become the king, the friend you know who helped you be king is against your policy? Will you kill him? Is there equality?
Hong Gil Dong is a robinhood story with many action scenes involved. Hong Gil-dong is the illegitimate son of a minister. He is very bright and smart but was told that he could not accomplish anything in this world, due to his illegitimate status. Heo Yi-nok is an upbeat, naive and carefree girl. She meets and befriends Gil-dong. Yi-nok has a past she is unaware of: she does not know that her real parents were murdered. She eventually develops feelings for Gil-dong. Lee Chang-hwi is planning a revolution, in which he tries to overthrow the king and takes his place as he believes he is the rightful king of Joseon. He coincidentally bumps into both Gil-dong and Yi-nok. He forges an alliance with Gil-dong which helps him. At the end, there is a struggle between Hong Gil Dong Group and the king as Hong Gil Dong aims to have equality among the people while the king does not.
I like Kang Ji Hwan and Song Yu-ri acting in this drama. There are also twists as Yi-nok start to know her past and she struggles to choose which side she should follow: the king or her lover. Liked how Hong Gil Dong deals with situations very cleverly. Really dislike the king for trying to get rid of Hong Gil Dong's group after he made use of them to get his throne. It is unexpected that it turned out that Lee Chang-hwi is not the rightful king afterall. His family planned it. Feel slightly sorry for the present king. If he knows that he is the rightful king, he would have taken his place more seriously. Not really satisfied with the ending but you can still try it for the plot.
Click here to watch.
Iljimae (2008)一枝梅
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 3
starring Lee Joon Ki as Iljimae / Yong / Lee Geom and Han Hyo Joo as Eun Chae. His family is framed for treason and the whole family was executed as a result. He managed to escape death and loses his memory. Hence, he is being adopted by his stepbrother's (once) family. Character by Lee Jun Ki who left behind a painting depicting a plum tree branch to make his mark after robbing corrupted government officials to give to the poor has clever ways of going in and out of the king's palace and disguising himself. While he robs to give to the poor, he gets nearer to the truth he has been searching for. The picture on the sword which kills his father will eventually lead him to the person who killed his father. He falls in love with the girl whose father framed his family. Park Shi Ho's character is involved in the deed to frame the family. To prevent his son from being silenced, his mother lies that he is that family's son. Thus, Park Shi Ho's character becomes Eun Chae's stepbrother. Character by Park Shi Ho, his stepbrother, will be hot on his heels as an official in that era, without knowing the person he is catching is actually related to him.
Lee Joon Ki's role in this drama as Iljimae is very cool! The starting is really sad but it becomes a thriller after that. As Iljimae, he commits crime cleverly and only leaves a painting behind. Liked how his adoptive father teaches him how to pick-lock and be like a professional thief. The interesting thing is he has an intelligent stepbrother who is an official after his every move. Although his stepbrother misses him each time, he is still able to figure out what Iljimae did and gets one step closer to solving who did it. I feel that the stepbrothers are both very pitiful. Park Shi Ho's character taken in as an illegitimate son (his mother saved him by saying he is that noble's son after he was almost silenced for a deed) is very lonely and not treated like other family members. Iljimae lost his whole family after they are framed and has to try to survive on his own without getting caught. Too bad there is no good ending in this drama for Iljimae… Despite the ending, it is highly recommended!
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Queen Seonduk(2009) 善德女王
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 9/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Lee Yo Won as Princess Duk Man, later Queen Seon Duk, Ko Hyun Jung as Lady Mi Shil, Uhm Tae Woong as Kim Yoo Shin, Park Ye Jin as Princess Chun Myung and Kim Nam Gil as Bi Dam (King Jinji and Mi Shil's son).
Queen Seonduk will be about the life of Princess Duk Man who was later known as Queen Seon Duk, the first Queen of Silla. As the queen has girl twins, a prophecy leads to her abandonment as a baby. After an unconventional childhood in the Taklamakan Desert, Deokman eventually returns to Silla disguised as a boy and trains as a Nangdo. There, she joins forces with her twin sister and the naive commander Kim Yushin to oppose the villainous Lady Mishil, a royal concubine and high-ranking official who will stop at nothing to rule Silla herself.
Liked how the plot is as Duk Man goes through hardship which makes her stronger and a better person to oppose Lady Mishil with her bravery and quick-witted planning. She even went for a battle as a Nangdo. Duk Mun is an amazing character whose sincerity even makes rain fall on a place with drought and quick-wittedness helps her escape death many times. Kim Yushin's skills in fighting is more on strength than tactic as he just practises hitting something hard many times without real skills. However, it does pay off afterall… I especially liked the character Bi Dam who is Mishil's son. He is mischievous but very good at fighting and is able to fool Mishil as he is really difficult to read. Mishil is really the calmest bad guy I have ever seen. Haha. Even though the storyline is very interesting and captivating, I did not like the ending as Bi Dam betrays Queen Seonduk in the end.
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Dong Yi, Jewel in the Crown (2010) 同伊
Enjoyment: 10/10 Pace: 10/10 No. of times I watched it: 2
Set during the reign of King Sukjong in the Joseon dynasty, the story focuses on Dong Yi, a water maid who gains the trust of Queen Inhyeon and later the favour of the king when he is moved by her prayers for the health of the Queen during the court disputes caused by Jang Hee Bin. Dong Yi becomes a concubine with the rank of Sook-bin and bears a son who will later become the 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo.
Dong Yi is a sensible and intelligent girl but her family is from a secret group that helps the poor escape. The group is framed for murder of the nobles which caused her to lose her whole family except her brother's closest friend which she calls brother. She survives on her own and finally meets up with her long lost brother. She solves many mysteries in the palace and overcomes many difficulties to become the King's favourite concubine. This drama is on a sadder tone which makes it heartwarming.
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Jejungwon (2010) 濟眾院
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 8/10 No. of times I watched it: 1
starring Park Yong Woo as Hwang Jung and Han Hye Jin as Yoo Seok Ran. Jejoongwon is the first modern hospital in Korea established in the Joseon era in 1885. Yeon Jung Hoon plays a nobleman who gives up his status to enter its ranks. Park Yong-woo plays a butcher's son who becomes a physician, while Han Hye-jin enters Jejoongwon as an interpreter but takes on medical training to become a doctor. A story of a butcher, one of the lowest rank in the society then becomes a doctor out of a coincidence his great skills at sewing and cutting. He falls in love with a girl from a noble family. I don't think (don't really remember) the ending is bad. It is interesting to see the butcher who cuts beef daily is able to do western surgery (cutting up a person) well due to his skills. While Hwang Jung is a caring physician, Yeon Jung Hoon's character just wants to be the best.
There is still a social hierarchy and people think that people of the low rank have no right to learn or practise medicine. An interesting scene is when Hwang Jung does a blood transfusion to save his love one of higher status and he is surprised that there is no such thing as blood of lower status.
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Deep rooted tree (2011) 树大根深
starring Jang Hyuk as Kang Chae Yoon, Song Joong Ki as teen Lee Do (later King Sejong)Han Suk Kyu as King Sejong and Shin Se Kyung as So Yi. Watched mainly because of Song Joong Ki who acted as the king when he was young but become captivated by how Jang Hyuk as Kang Chae Yoon tries to solve a case and finds himself embroiled in a massive conspiracy. I am also touched by Chae Yoon's love for Dan Er.
Princess Man (2011) 公主的男人
starring Moon Chae Won as Lee Se Ryung and Park Shi Hoo as Kim Seung Yo. A tragic love story between the daughter of Prince Suyang and grandson of Kim Jong Seo.
Moon that embraces the sun (2012) 拥抱太阳的月亮
Enjoyment: 8/10 Pace: 6/10
starring Kim Soo Hyun as Lee Hwon and Han Ga In as Wol / Heo Yeon Woo. "The Moon Embracing The Sun" tells a love story between King Lee Hwon and a female shaman named Wol. Yeon Woo was born from a noble family. She met the crown prince one day out of coincidence and they fell in love. With her intelligence and kind heart, she was selected to became the crown princess. However, the Queen Jeonghui (Lee Hwon's grandmother) wanted another person to be crown princess so that she can hold power in the palace. She threatened a female shaman to use dark magic to take Yeon Woo's life. Soon after, Yeon Woo had a mysterious illness and eventually passed away. Due to her mother's good deed, Yeon Woo was saved but with no recollection of her past. Finally, she lived as a shaman. Due to the king's poor health, she was kidnapped and send to the palace. As a human talisman, she met the king again…
Unlike most historical drama, this story focus on shaman and dark magic, the spiritual side of the palace. I am touched by the king's love for Yeon Woo. He only loves one girl in his life.
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MV+Favourite osts: Back in time by Lyn and The Sorrow Song of Love bgm
Faith (2012) 神医
starring Lee Min Ho as Choi Young and Kim Hee Sun as Yoo Eun Soo. Other casts: Ryu Duk Hwan as King Gong Min and Park Se Young as Princess Nogook.
This drama shows the love between a warrior from the Goryeo Period and a female doctor from the present day, their love transcending time and space.
Yoo Eun Soo (Kim Hee Sun) is a 33-year old plastic surgeon in the year 2012. She was originally a general surgeon, but quickly found that it was an overworked, under-paid profession and jumped ship to plastic surgery. Her dream is to someday open her own practice. One day, Choi Young (Lee Min Ho) kidnaps her and takes her back to the Goryeo due to the need of her medical skills. Their love story spans centuries but also warring beliefs. He gave up on love to be an unflinching warrior until he meets Eun Soo and has to balance protecting the king and protecting the one he loves.
Horse Doctor (2012) 馬醫
This drama tells the story of a veterinarian in the Joseon Period as he goes through various obstacles and becomes a royal physician. Baek Gwang Hyun (Cho Seung Woo) will be the aspiring Royal Physician. Lee Sung Ha (Lee Sang Woo) will be his rival. Kang Ji Nyeong (Lee Yo Won) who has good memory would be the female physician involved in the love triangle. Jang In Joo (Yoo Sun) is a talented acupuncturist interested in Gwang Hyun and knows of his past.
This drama shows the journey of a horse doctor, one of the lowest class in the society that their lives are not even as treasured as that of a rich man's horse, as he becomes a doctor who heals people. He has exceptional acupuncture skills and is gifted in healing people.
Liked how the drama goes as Gwang Hyun faces many difficulties due to his social class when he is actually the son from the upper class. Ji Nyeong on the other hand tries to hide her identity of being in the upper class in order to be a physician that is treated like others. Unlike normal love rivals, (although Sung Ha disapproves of her being with Gwang Hyun) he only thinks for Ji Nyeong and does not force her to marry him even though their marriage has been set since young.
It is interesting as Gwang Hyun tries to become a doctor who cures human after he is punished severely for attempted murder when he tried to save one of the horse doctors using acupuncture. He may not be good at knowing the patients' illness due to lack of experience but he is definitely quick-witted, caring and willing to learn. Enjoyed how Guang Hyun uses his knowledge in treating animals to help solve diseases that are thought to be incurable. Although by doing that he may offend the people, especially those in the royal family, he will not give up in trying to treat them. Really admire his determination in this whole drama. When his right hand is severely injured and he has a fever, he still went to take the acupuncture test in his determination to become a doctor who treats human and not being looked down by others. He even used his body to experiment on a new cure for an incurable disease. I admire Ji Nyeong's eagerness to give up her position and tell the truth when she learns about the truth of her real identity.
Liked Kim So Eun acting as the princess who has a crush on Gwang Hyun after he treated her pet cat. The princess is always being told by the court lady that she can never dream of having Gwang Hyun but the irony is Gwang Hyun is not from the lower class. It is a waste that she have to give up on him even though I prefer Ji Nyeong to be with Gwang Hyun. Haha. It is funny whenever the princess orders her so called bodyguard to do ridiculous things like finding an item (which ends up to be a woman's underwear) which can give Gwang Hyun luck. The lead couple acted well in this drama and I am glad that the ending is a happy one!
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Favourite MV+ osts: It hurts and hurts by Yaerin
Jang Ok Jung (2013) 張玉貞
starring Kim Tae Hee as Jang Ok Jung (later Lady Jang Hee Bin), Kang Min Ah as Jang Ok Jung (young), Yoo Ah In as Lee Soon (later King Suk Jong), Chae Sang Woo as Lee Soon (young).
This drama tells the story of Jang Hee Bin (Kim Tae Hee), one of the most famous royal concubines in the Joseon Dynasty who was behind the deposition of King Sook Jong's (Yoo Ah In) wife, Queen In Hyun (Hong Soo Hyun). However, unlike the countless dramas and movies about this famous villain, this drama will tell the story of Jang Ok Jung before she became concubine Jang Hee Bin and focus on her role as a fashion designer and cosmetic maker in the Joseon era.
Liked Yoo Ah In's acting in this drama and how his character intelligently leads the country and controls his courtiers. However, it is a waste that it did not focus on Jang Ok Jung's ability in making fashionable clothes after she becomes the king's concubine, making it seem more like just a fight for power in the palace.
Long Series (patience required) :
For long series, I do not really watch the whole drama but just "slot in" at interesting and important parts when my parents are watching.
Jang Bo Ri is here (2014) 张宝利来了!
starring Oh Yeon Seo as Jang Bo Ri, Yoo Eun Mi as Jang Bo Ri (child), Kim Ji Hoon as Lee Jae Hwa, Jung Yoon Suk as Lee Jae Hwa (child), Oh Chang Suk as Lee Jae Hee, Jo Hyun Do as Lee Jae Hee (child), Lee Yoo Ri as Yun Min Jung, Shin Soo Yun as Yun Min Jung (child)
This drama is about two families, two women, two mothers who have to deal with very unexpected surprise when their daughters' identities changed overnight. Jang Bo Ri (Oh Yeon Seo) who grew up with her poor family suddenly becomes wealthy overnight after she discovers that she's a daughter of a wealthy family. In contrary, Yun Min Jung (Lee Yoo Ri) suddenly has to adapt herself from living in luxury to her poor family.
Started to watch this drama as it is in Singapore's channel u and my sister who likes Jung Yoon Suk since Good Doctor was drawn into watching it. After that, my whole family starts to become glued to it after my sister watches it online using smart television. It is a good long series drama and it does not drag a lot. Lee Yoo Ri really can act well as the bad guy haha. Liked the relationship between Jae Hwa and Bo Ri. Jae Hwa is even willing to accept Bo Ri's adopted child as his own. Liked Jae Hwa and Bo Ri's personality a lot. Towards the end, as Bo Ri has to deal with cunning Min Jung, she becomes more steel-hearted. Looks like we cannot be too kind when handling the bad guys. If not, we are bound to be bullied and pushed around. I also enjoyed the process of Min Jung's boyfriend taking revenge and his relationship with his daughter adopted by Bo Ri.
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King's family / Wang's family (2013) 王氏家族
Enjoyment: 8/10
Did not expect it to be that engaging even though I do not watch every episode. I like the second daughter's part of the drama the most and I support the couple the most. Her husband makes the most significant change, from poor to rich to even poorer. Although he has a lawyer degree, he does not put it to good use and the family income is mostly from his wife. They finally managed to buy a house due to his wife's effort. Although her husband is always looked down by her family, he always stands up for his wife. They are still a loving couple (with cute children) until her husband finally gets a job and he has an extra-marital affair, blinded by money. Finally, he gets chased out and becomes a beggar after being discovered for stealing things from the rich lady's house to save his wife. In the end, he becomes a househusband and it is his turn to look out in case his wife has an extra-marital affair. I loved the romance between the couple the most. I admire the second daughter. She is able to achieve many things from scratch with her own hard work. I really dislike how their mother treats the second daughter. She does the most to help their family anytime but their mother only treats her badly, even causing her miscarriage of her 3rd child.
I also liked the third daughter part. Although the pace is a bit slow in the development of their relationship, I enjoyed the competitions she participated in which is set up by her father-in-law who hates her. Her lover is the most good looking in this drama to me. Haha. However, he does not really make a good husband in my opinion, especially at the start. He seems to be unable to help the third daughter with her relationship with his father and fails to realise his birth mother's ulterior motive.
I think the most pitiful character is the first daughter's husband. When his company goes bankrupt, he has to stand up on his own feet alone. His mother-in-law looks down on him thereafter even though she once enjoyed his wealth. The first daughter does nothing to help and even says that she regrets marrying him and giving birth to their children. She cannot stand doing any work or living in a small apartment. As a mother and wife, she does not know how to take care of the children or cook a meal for his husband. When he worked till late at night as a delivery man, he starves and has to act as a cat when "stealing" things from his mother-in-law's kitchen to avoid being discovered. However, towards the end of the drama, he ends up with 2 women and is unable to handle things well much to my disappointment. He treats his own children better than the stepchild (who is actually also his real child), showing his bias.
It is interesting that almost every family member of the family has a phrase they repeat very often. The first daughter always says that she participated in a beauty contest in the past as if it makes a big deal. The second daughter's husband always exclaims that he is about to go crazy. No matter what the situation is, he is able to bring up that phrase effectively much to my amusement. The old grandmother in the family says from time to time that "it is nothing as compared to war" or she should die early when things do not go her way. The last episode about the future is so ridiculously funny. Hahahaha.
Why you should watch: This drama never fails to tug at my heart with the touching scenes such as when second daughter's husband stands up for her against her family/ when the third daughter and her boyfriend experience longing/ when the first daughter's husband company went bankrupt. Although it is a long series drama, its pace is just right and it does not beat about the bush.
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Giant (2010) 巨人
starring Lee Bum Soo as Lee Kang Mo, Yeo Jin Goo as Kang Mo (teen), Park Jin Hee as Hwang Jung Yeon, Nam Ji Hyun as Jung Yeon (teen), Park Sang Min as Lee Sung Mo, Kim Soo Hyun as Sung Mo (teen), Joo Sang Wook as Jo Min Woo, Hwang Jung Eum as Lee Mi Joo, Park Ha Young as Mi Joo (child)
This drama tells the story of three siblings who grew up in the 1970's. Lee Kang Mo, his older brother Sung Mo and younger sister Mi Joo were separated at a young age when their father was killed in a smuggling scheme and their mother also died subsequently. When they are able to reunite years later, they had all reached adulthood and are determined to exact revenge upon the people responsible for their misery.
It was very tragic when they separated, especially Kang Mo and Mi Joo. Really liked the character Kang Moo in this drama, from when he is young acted by Yeo Jin Goo to when he is an adult. He is very intelligent and mischievous. Because he has a brother he can rely on, he is not very hardworking and still can fool around without much serious consequence. Liked the plot development as Kang Mo later becomes his father's best friend's adoptive son after helping him solve a very serious problem and gradually sets his foundation in the construction industry. Disliked Jung Yeon's stepbrother as he is good-for-nothing and greedy. Liked the development of the relationship between Jung Yeon and Kang Mo.
Was kind of surprised when I see Kim Soo Hyun in this drama but too bad his character is not the main character. I somehow predicted that his character will not be able to take revenge even though he knows who are their enemies and eventually dies (sry for the spoiler). It is funny that both Kang Mo and Mi Joo likes the (so called) enemies' children. Jung Yeon's father is partially to blame for the murder and he benefited from it. There is also a struggle when Kang Mo knows about what his adoptive father did. It is an enjoyable long series drama, especially when Kang Mo solves problems related to constructions and when he uses clever ways to do business.
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Likeable or not (2007) 爱也好,恨也好
starring Han Ji Hye as Na Dan Poong and Kim Ji Suk as Kang Baek Ho. This drama is a story about love, family, and the realism of people's dreams. Definitely worth the time!
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Favourite osts: Likeable or not
East of Eden (2008) 伊甸園之東
starring Song Seung Hun as Lee Dong Chul, Yun Jung Hoon as Lee Dong Wook, Lee Yeon Hee as Gook Young Ran / Grace, Park Hae Jin as Shin Myung Hun and Han Ji Hye as Kim Ji Hyun. The drama will be about two men whose fates are crossed from the very first day that they were born. Both men were born in the same hospital. When he was a teenager, Lee Dong Chul witnessed the death of his father. From then on he promised to seek revenge on the man who caused his father's death, Shin Tae Hwan. But unbeknownst to everybody is the fact that Dong Chul's younger brother, Dong Wook, was switched at birth with Tae Hwan's son, Myung Hun. Dong Wook grows up to become a prosecutor and vows to help his brother seek revenge. But what happens when they find out that they're not brothers? What will Dong Chul do when he finds out that his real brother was raised by Shin Tae Hwan and that the brother that was beside him all these years is the son of his enemy?
Click here to watch.
Other long Korean Dramas that you can consider watching:
Smile, Dong Hae
Here comes Mr Oh
Pure Pumpkin Flower
My daughter, flower
Do give feedback! Will update as soon as I can. Thanks for your support! Hope you enjoy reading it!