Tuesday, October 30, 2018

The Master's Sun


Just in time for the spooky holidays, The Master's Sun, was a drama that put a bit of a chill down my spine. I was first introduced to So Ji Sub here, and I have actively followed his career ever since. I gave this drama a try because of Gong Hyo-Jin. I loved her in "It's Okay That's Love" and when I saw her picture on the poster I didn't hesitate to start this drama. My anticipation was surpassed by the beauty and comedy of this drama.

Poor Tae Gong Sil is afflicted with the gift of seeing ghosts. These spirits harass her into seclusion on a rooftop apartment. Once a vibrant student with her whole life ahead of her, we see a woman who exhausted with the problems of the dead. Gong Sil's demeanor is terrifying, but as we get to know her, we see a woman who needs a good nap. This character was hilarious, and though she had a rough time dealing with all the spirits who needed her, she was always helped poor unfortunate souls find their peace. Gong Hyo-Jin slayed this role. The way she executed different characters, and then transitioned by to Gon Sil, it was an in-depth display of her vast talent. As scared as I was, in the beginning, her character made me laugh so much. As she blossoms into her own, the effervescence of her life, and spirit shone brightly and I enjoyed watching the pitiful caterpillar grow into a butterfly.

While Gong Sil made me laugh, Joo Joong-Won made me snort on multiple occasions. This character was beyond hilarious. Joong-Won is a chaebol who happens to have the magic aura of keeping ghosts away. He finds himself having to deal with a clingy woman, who doesn't want him for romantic purposes, but rather a "ghost-away" spray. So Ji-Sub's expressions made me laugh so much. There was this quirk of his eyebrow that always shot up. It was the most hilarious thing I've seen.

The chemistry between these to leads was steamy. They played off of each other in such a way that you couldn't help but ship them.

Second lead Kang Woo played by Seo In Guk, was incredibly sweet. I didn't ship him with Gong Sil, but his performance touched my heart. The other second lead, Tae Yi-Ryung played by Kim Yoo-Ri was annoying as usual. This particular actress played the second lead in other drama's and I always end up hating the characters she played. I don't know if the character was as annoying as I found it, but it was the regular antics and schemes of a female lead.

If you haven't watched it, enjoy this masterpiece

Happy drama watching!

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Devilish Joy



Devilish Joy had one of the best first episode's I'd seen in a long time. It's comparable to Romantic Doctor. The chemistry between the two leads was palpable. Choi Jin-Hyuk was witty, observant, and just plain ole attractive. One of my favorite actresses, Song Ha-Yoon, was beautiful in this role. I've followed her career for a couple of years now and I am always impressed by the projects that she picks.

Devilish Joy serendipitously brings together Chaebol/Doctor/ Genius businessman Gong Ma-Sung, and spoiled but good-hearted idol  Joo Gi-Bbuem. They have an incredible day together trying to get Joo Gi Bbuem back to her friends. They connect through their fears, and by the end of the day, they are smitten in love. Imagine the most romantic day, and that is the first episode. But the morale of this episode is all good things must tragically come to an end. Gong Ma-Sung overhears a conversation and as he follows the potential culprits, he gets hit by the K-Drama truck of death. 3 years later, they reconnect but their lives are drastically different.

Joo Gi-Bbeum maintained her sweetness despite the transformation of her circumstances. Once a national sweetheart, she is despised because people believe that she is responsible for the death of another celebrity. Her debts have mounted and as the head of her household, she does various jobs to support her dad and her siblings. Joo Gi-Bbuem is exploited in many circumstances, but she remains quietly resilient. Song Ha-Yoon was amazing. She's got these soft puppy eyes, and the various expressions always have a thread of sweetness to them. Playing an idol, she had all the mannerisms and quirks we see in a K-Pop star. The change we see in her body language was a note to her talent.

Gong Ma Sung was...Zaddy hahahaha. The clothing that he was styled in made in attractive. The angles they filmed him in was very nice. I loved how the portrayal of a man who knew he was dying. While he tried to balance the emotional aspects of his condition, I liked how he used a scientific approach. What sold this drama for me was the chemistry between the leads. Choi Jin Hyuk's gaze was endearing, and as I read through the comment section, we all came to the conclusion that he and Song Ha-Yoon must be dating.

This drama isn't without its flaws. Hoya plays the cousin, and the character is...annoying, endearing but annoying. The aunt was needlessly cruel. She was heartless, but we aren't given a substantive reason for the depth of her hate. The character flaws of the Doctor are especially grating. However, the romance between the leads was very enjoyable.

Happy Drama Watching