Showing posts with label Kdrama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kdrama. Show all posts

Thursday, November 25, 2021

Update!

 Hello Hello!



It's been so long since I have posted anything on this precious blog. I was a bit surprised that every month there are still people who come across my post even though my last post was in 2019. I haven't stopped watching K-Drama's but in recent years I just haven't watched as many as I used to. However, there are dramas that I want to chat about. The year 2021 has been a pretty nice year for dramas and I want to share my thoughts. If there are any dramas that you'd recommend let me know and I would love to review them. I started this blog because I wanted a place to make friends and build a community around the joy that Korean dramas have brought me. My desire is still the same. I will also introduce Turkish dramas into my review because they gave me a great source of comfort at the beginning of 2020. I hope everyone that reads this is filled with the joy and satisfaction that comes from watching dramas.



Happy Watchings blissed ones. 

Monday, February 18, 2019

Man Crush Mondays Lee Jin Wook


Hi! It's Monday, so it's time to chat about my Man Crush! This week's MCM is Lee Jin Wook!

This tall glass of fresh water has been on my drama radar since the first year I started watching dramas.

Even though I didn't finish it, "I Need Romance 2" was the drama that I first laid my eyes on Mr. Lee. Ever since then, any new project he was in, I tried to watch.







The Three Musketeers was the first time I saw a full performance from Lee Jin Wook. He played the role of Crown Prince Sohyeon. This character was oozing charm and charisma! Not only did he have wit, but he was also incredibly kind. He was the kind of prince who wanted to be a good King. This drama was way too short, but the cast was impeccable, and the journey was amazing!

Nine: 9 Times Time Travel was one of the best drama's I've ever seen. The writing was brilliant. Park
Sun-Woo was such an enjoyable character to watch. It was such a clever script to watch. The chemistry between Jo Yoon-Hee and Lee Jin Wook was palpable. This drama had so many genres in one, and it made me want to go to Nepal! Grab a seat and eat popcorn because it's a wonderful ride!

The Time We Were Not In Love was a really cute drama. Choi Won is a lovely person. Seeing how smitten this man was over the female lead was endearing to watch. His story of unrequited love, abandonment, and loyalty was so pleasurable to
watch. This drama made me feel warm and fuzzy, but I don't think it was the greatest work. Still, I truly enjoyed it.





Goodbye Mr. Black, this drama was action packed! Cha Ji Won was a smooth military dude from a rich family with everything going for him. The death of his father changes everything, and the life that he once knew has disappeared. This drama was a simple pleasure for me. I can't say I was ever too invested but I liked
how everything turned out. Mix reviews withstanding, I liked how everything concluded.









Voice 2 is hands down the best drama I've ever seen Lee Jin Wook in. I fell in love with this drama so hard. I watched this with bated breath. Do Kang-Woo was the best thing to happen to this series. Go Watch This NOW! This drama was so smart. We go through the episodes trying to see if Do Kang-Woo is a psychopath. Each episode is intertwined beautifully. It left off on a cliffhanger... so I'm keeping my finger crossed for Voice 3.









Monday, January 28, 2019

Mr. Sunshine Review


Well, I have just finished binge-watching Mr.Sunshine. I have so many emotions, feelings and this particular post may feel like emotional vomit.



Mr.Sunshine is a historical drama that illustrates the turbulent times of Korea during the early 1900's. Captain Eugene Choi, a former Korean slave, is posted at the American Legation in Korea. Navigating being an American coming from Korea we see Eugene's past is equal parts pain and grace. Under the wing of an American missionary, and the structure of the U.S Military, Eugene grows up to be a compassionate, honorable soldier, who is always doing the right thing. This drama is a layer of many different Korean experiences and perspectives. We see the corruption of the upper echelon of their society.  We see the frustrations of the lower class who are simply trying to survive. We also get insight into the people who exploit the weakness' of a government that doesn't protect its people. This drama is brilliantly written. It evokes a wide range of emotions that are reflective of real life. The insight of each character's motivation is exquisitely displayed. Each character makes profound sacrifices, and as a viewer if left me bereft.

The legendary Lee Byung Hun plays Captain Eugene Choi. To be honest I've never watched any of his Korean dramas before. I knew he was incredibly famous mostly due to variety shows that spoke very highly of him. His performance was utterly sensational. He exuded a military man, who has a deep sense of composure. Byung-Hun portrayed a man who has deep-seated rage and pain but has learned to channel that energy positively. Despite his cold demeanor we get to see a mischievous side to this character. Quick smiles, flashed across his face, and it gave some insight of how Eugene Choi could've been if he'd been born in better circumstances. The story centers around the love that draws Eugene Choi and Lady Ae-Shin. Despite their differences, they end up falling in love with each other, and they make keen sacrifices for one another.



                                            Kim Tae-Ri is a certified powerhouse.
This is the first drama that I've seen her in, but I was mesmerized by her performance. She's one of those actresses who pulsates with verisimilitude. I found myself completely sucked into the world of Lady Ae Shin. While this young woman is an aristocrat, she joins the rebel army to help liberate Korea from its oppression. Despite having access to everything a young woman could possibly want, her blood boils at injustice and she is unable to simply sit back and embroider while everything around her crumbles. Lady Ae Shin has many layers, and it's hard to box her into one kind of character. What made me adore her, was that she wasn't a damsel in distress. The level of courage she displays throughout this drama was amazing to see. More than love, more than family and friends, her absolute priority was Korea. I loved how she was able to deal with all of the crushing blows and still be a loving and compassionate woman.



Byun Yo-han plays the lackadaisical fiance of Lady Ae Shin. To be honest he was my favorite character. The light attitude he had about the world was refreshing. His simple observations made me laugh all the time. Despite his seemingly carefree life, I loved seeing how astute and insightful he was. I really wanted him and Lady Ae Shin to be together but the dramagods didn't grant my wish hahaha I hope to see a character like this as a lead of another drama.



Gu Dong Mae...this character probably deserves a post of his own. Yoo Yeon-Seok shone in this role. Engulfed in unadulterated rage, Gu Dong Mae has no qualms about taking someone's life. Growing up with the stigma of being a butchers child, he's dealt a poor hand. Escaping Korea due to the murder of his parents and with the help of Lady Ae Shin, he comes back to Korea as a Yakuza boss. I LOVED IT. I don't know why I enjoyed the bloodthirsty satisfaction of him cutting down his enemies, but I enjoyed it. The character broke my heart a little bit because the poor guy was so dysfunctional with his love of Lady Ae Shin. He never had a chance, and whatever scrap of negative attention he got from her, he lapped up and cherished.


The ACE of this show for me was Hina. Kim Min Jung was jaw-dropping in this series. Hina was sexy, intelligent, and deadly. The writer hinted at jealousy, and perhaps creating a nasty second lead, but Hina stayed classy. Everything about her was quick and astute. By far one of my favorite female characters ever. I loved how she hustled fools out of their money. I liked how she corrected injustices. The blurred lines of this character were amazing. The juxtaposition of a woman who is graceful, conniving, and strong was incredibly attractive. I would not mind seeing all K-drama leads similar to this character.









Anyways, if you want to know if this drama is worth your time.... It absolutely is!
Happy Drama Watching!

Friday, January 11, 2019

Warm and Cozy


This cotton candy drama is my all time favorite pick-me-up! There are some "kdrama troupes" that made me cringe a bit, but overall this drama never fails to make me giddy and gooey on the inside.







Baek Gun Woo is the carefree youngest son of a chaebol family. He goes against convention by pursuing his culinary dreams and opening a restaurant in a small community in Jeju Island. On the outside, it seems idyllic, but Baek Gun Woo doesn't have a good relationship with the area, and his restaurant is consistently lacking customers. I adore this character because he's willful, childish and at the same incredibly compassionate. Yoon Yeon-Seok is amazing in every role he plays. His eyes have a special brand of tenderness, and it seemed as though he had a lot of fun playing this role.




While Baek Gun Woo lives a relatively carefree life, as is custom, our female lead is struggling.
 Lee Jung Joo has worked incredibly hard to save enough money to buy a house. She entrusts her cousin to go to Jeju island and find something suitable. Instead, her cousin buys are crumbling property and runs off with the rest of the money. Stuck in a difficult situation, she pulls herself by the bootstraps and proceeds to make something of herself in this small town. Kang So-Ra is my all time favorite actress. I love the animation and portrayal of agitation she brought to this drama.

Baek Gun Woo is under the impression that Lee Jung Joo is terminally ill and he goes out of his way
to try to make her precious amount of time on earth as comfortable as possible. It was adorable to see them develop feelings for each other. They small hints and signals they gave each other made my heart melt, and any time I am in a drama rut, I watch a few scenes from this drama to perk up my mood.


Overall this drama is cheesy and cute. It's a nice time filler, and nothing to be taken too seriously!

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Personal Taste Review


This throwback is a classic feel-good drama. The soundtrack made my heart melt, the characters were quirky, and the chemistry was sizzling. I even hated the "second-lead" in that classic K-Drama way.

I was on the hunt for all things Lee Min-Ho and I found one of my favorite roles he's played. Jeon Ji-Ho is a rising architect, who finds a traditional house to live in to get inspiration. Ji-Ho is cold on the outside and warm on the inside, and it was amazing to see the contrast. He's the kind of character to help a girl out when she unexpectedly has her period. (getting her products and painkillers). In his cold demeanor he points out others obvious flaws and ways they are inefficient, but in his warm actions, he is a wonderful support system through any kind of pain. He's the perfect guy, and perfect roommate, the only thing is he's straight.

Park Gae-In lives in a traditional Korean house and finds herself with a gay roomie. The only problem is Jeon Ji-Ho is in fact, straight. Gae-In constructs furniture, and she has been abandoned by her long-term boyfriend, and her best friend has caused her the ultimate betrayal. This fish out of water starts to find her stride in life when Jeon Ji-Ho comes into her life.


This drama has everything, an arranged living situation, a Chaebol lead, a spunky female lead etc. The story was able to bring these tropes into a new light. We get to connect to the leads in a very intimate way. The insight into their thought process, and into their values was amazing. This drama reveals the Korean societal attitudes toward their gay population. It was an interesting take, and I would love to hear from people who are gay in Korea if this drama resonated with them.


I adored this drama, and I am pretty sure that you will too!


Monday, August 27, 2018

My Secret Romance Review


This cotton candy romance, was a short and sweet treat, that I absolutely enjoyed.

For transparency sake, I have a major middle school crush on Sung Hoon. He's got a dreamy smile, 8 pack abs, and broad shoulders. He's something right out of a webtoon and the first time I saw him I was smitten. So, even if this drama was horrible, I don't know that I can objectively get over how much his performances give me the feels. Cha Jin-Wook is the typical chaebol we always see. He is arrogant, and out of touch with reality, and the guys a big softie on the inside. This character is textbook K-Drama lead, and I loved it!

Song Ji-Eun plays our hard knock life, Lee Yoo-Mi. This woman tries hard not to attract attention to herself. Her mother's career is quite scandalous, and Yoo-Mi doesn't want to be associated with it. She finds her way working a dietician (I believe, but she looked like a glorified cafeteria lady... so her job always confused me a little)

Jin-Wook and Yoo-Mi end up working with each other, and their steamy past catches up with them. They are hilarious as they try to navigate through their palpable chemistry. This drama is only 13 episodes, and though I'd love to go into more detail but it's a shallow drama. If you want something to help a heady dose of "Post-traumatic drama stress", this can help any ailments.


















Like the show, this review is short and sweet, but I hope you get to enjoy both!

Saturday, August 25, 2018

My Wife's Having An Affair This Week Review


The title of this drama sucked me in! I thought this was going to be a melodrama the way "Secret Affair" was. However, this is a comedy, mixed with the heaviness of a marriage that doesn't have it's needs met.

Lee Sun Kyun plays the ever perplexed Do Hyun Woo. Hyun Woo is a sweet guy completely oblivious to the inner workings of his wife Jung Soo Yeon, played by Song Ji-Ho. On the surface, their marriage seems great. They have a beautiful son, they both have great careers, and it would seem all their college dreams came to fruition. Unfortunately, below the facade, there is a lot of stress and inner turmoil that needs to be addressed. Lee Sun Kyun suspects his wife of having an affair and his goofball methods of trying to catch prove entertaining. However, once he realizes that his wife is, in fact,   having an affair, the comedy turns into a touching family drama.


I liked this drama because it reveals the subtle ways we neglect the people that we care about. The heartbreaking ways and differences in which we keep silent when we are hurt. It would've been really easy to throw Jung Soo Yeon under the bus. In the comment section, there were lots of dehumanizing comments about how she was wrong because she cheated on her husband. Soo Yeon's character was more complicated than an unhappy wife cheating on her husband. Soo Yeon was not only neglected by her husband, but she also neglected herself. Trying to juggle work, being a mother, and a wife, she lost herself. I liked how they showed life from her perspective.

Ye Ji Won, Lee Sang Yeob, and Boa were downright magical in this drama!! Their characters were hilarious and touching. The side stories and their beliefs about navigating relationships were eye-opening. Overall the cast for this drama really executes the storyline perfectly.

I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good laugh, with a great morality perspective!

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Third Rate My Way/ Fight for My Way Review


I knew I was going to watch "Fight for My Way" because Park Seo Joon stole my heart in the hilarious drama "She Was Pretty". The trailers for this show were pretty enticing and the drama didn't disappoint.

4 childhood friends go through adulthood trying to make their dreams a reality. Two of the friends make it a point to chase after their dreams no matter the cost. Ko Dong Man and Choi Ae-Ra assess their lives and realize that they aren't fulfilled. In their journies to achieve their dreams, they've been knocked down and humiliated. With no external promise that they will reach their goals, internally they are burning to prove that they aren't 2nd rate adults, but people who can accomplish just as much as their peers.

Kong Dong Man, played by Park Seo Joon, is an endearing meathead. His entire life had been centered around fighting until he is unfairly disqualified for cheating. He makes the best of it by becoming an exterminator. However enthusiastic as he is with his position, he longs to prove to himself that he could've been a great fighter. With the support of his long-suffering coach, he is whipped back into shape to compete. Dong Man is loyal and sweet. His interactions with Choi Ae-Ra were hilarious and I enjoyed their friendship. 

Choi Ae-Ra played by Kim Ji-Won, is one fiery lead. This hard worker has always wanted to be an announcer, but when she can't be one, she finds an occupation which allows her to use her skills. I loved how she was in her relationships. She was sweet, lovable, and a boss! The way she stood up for her friends was incredible. I loved her character and Kim Ji-Won's facial expressions were executed with perfection.

Song Ha Yoon was the gem in this show. I loved how vulnerable and open she was. All this character wants to be is a homemaker. She's made sacrifices for her boyfriend, and it was refreshing to see her stay true to herself. I loved this character, it was nice to see a woman allowed to want to be a homemaker not because it's a backup plan. Her character absolutely melted my heart.


I really enjoyed this drama, especially with all the special guests. I would definitely recommend this drama to everyone. 

Monday, August 20, 2018

Come and Hug Me Review


By the time I finished this show, my eyes were swollen from crying so much. Be prepared to cry every single episode. I cried, then I cried some more, and then I cried because my eyes stung from crying so much! If you want something light-hearted, skip this. If you want something real, you want something that will help you unload a truckload of unshed tears... this is for you. I waited until the last episode to start this drama. The synopsis was pretty dark, so I figured, I'd wait for the reviews to roll in before giving it a chance. While I loved this drama, I'm not sure if I should've watched it on-air or if binge watching it was better. It was a breathtaking drama, and I was worn out when it finished.

The drama is about Chae Do Jin and Han Jae-Yi. Chae Do Jin comes from a precarious background, comprising of a shady father, a violent older brother, a stepmother who works too much, and a precocious little sister. Han Jae -Yi, on the other hand, comes from an affluent family. Her mother is an actress, her father is a lawyer, and she has a devoted older brother. Outgoing and cheeky Han Jae-Yi pulls Chae Do Jin into her shenanigans, and Do Jin reluctantly befriends her. They find their fates intertwined by unspeakable horrors, and in their adult lives, they have to navigate their love for each other.

Chang Ki-Yong's performance was utterly stunning. I hope he wins awards for this role because it was brilliant. We never know how sane he is in this drama. He portrays a kindhearted brother and lover. He's a loyal and faithful leader in his police academy, but when he's interacting with criminals we get a glimpse of low-key insanity. The torture and harassment Do Jin has to put up with was heartbreaking. Every episode I wanted to hug him, and give a huge dose of unconditional love. Luckily he has a great support system in his stepmother and sister. We watch him navigate a truly painful existence with such kindness, and understanding and it touched my heart that he wasn't the least bit jaded. He was constantly putting himself in the shoes of others' and it was incredible to see. Do Jin has become my favorite k-drama character, displacing Lee Sang Yoon's Park Dong Joo character in "Angel Eyes"

Jin Ki-Joo plays effervescent Han Jae Yi. She works as an actress, and she tries hard to maintain a bright outlook. Despite losing her family, she keeps a sweet disposition. However kind she may be, she definitely isn't a pushover. She turns into a feisty firecracker when need be. I admired her strength and her commitment to love.

Heo Jun-Ho was electrifying in his role as the abusive father. I was filled with terror everytime he was on screen. His presence was menacing even when he was trying to be friendly. The dead shark eye stare he would give made me get goosebumps!


Nam Da-Ruem, this majestic kid, has struck gold once again! Every performance he shines with vulnerability and emotion. The depth to this kids acting is amazing. I was so happy to see him deliver once again. Ryoo Han-Bi was adorable. I loved how capricious her character was, it was incredibly entertaining to watch. 

Overall, I love this drama, this could be the best drama of 2018! 

Sunday, August 19, 2018

What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? Review



The first episode of this drama was pure comedy genius. The audio in this drama added so much!!! I consistently laughed so hard almost every episode. The writing was witty, the dialogue was reminiscent of a 1940's screwball. For all of its hilarity, the mystery aspect of this show was thrilling. The serendipitous connection between the characters is typical of K-Drama's, but it added so much value to the story.


Park Seo Joon, one of the greatest kissing male leads of all time, plays narcissist Lee Yeong Joon. The quirks of his eyebrows, the tilts of his head... every minimalistic movement added so much to the overall delivery of this character. Seo Joon played the typical chaebol male lead, but he added a je ne sais quoi that I've never seen before. Yeong Joon is oblivious, persistent, thoughtful, self-sacrificing, a bulldozer wrapped into one. The romantic gestures were wildly over the top, the jealous inquisitions were hilarious, and the chemistry was off the charts. This unique character dragged me through the feels, despite myself. The smoking chemistry between Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young added gasoline to the hardcore ship I had of them.

Park Min Young plays Secretary Kim Mi Soo. Like the typical female lead, she is self-sacrificing and has a heart of gold. She is also the long-suffering secretary that delivers a solution before the problem is even addressed. Kim Mi Soo should be a director, a chairman, or something with a higher pay grade and more power because she is integral in making that company run. She's a doting baby sister, she's the bridge of communication between her boss and her co-workers, and she is the glue that holds everything together. I loved this character because she was willing to give up her career to focus on her self after a decade of making unimaginable sacrifices for her family. Unfortunately, her quest to find herself doesn't manifest to it's fullest potential but I think the way she grew in the series was phenomenal.

Lee Yeong Joons best friend Park Yoo Shik plays a heady comedic role in this drama as well. He delivered every line perfectly and helped to elevate some of the heavier emotions with his sardonic commentary. In a strange way, he was essential to this drama. Kang Ki Young always makes a lasting impression, and I'm really happy to see him consistently in the drama's that I watch.




The ensemble cast was just as entertaining as the leads. Each of them had a pretty developed storyline, but I will admit that I skipped some parts because the cringe factor was just too much for me to handle. However, I had a great time watching this drama and I would recommend it to anyone. They also had shoutout episode to "Because It's My First Life" and it made this drama all the sweeter for me.

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Black (Korean Drama)



This drama sucked me in because of  Song Seung Heon. Every role I've seen him play, it's been an awesome ride! And bonus... he's the sexiest thirst trap in the K-Drama game (cheekbones, abs, chiseled jawline... this list can go on and on)

"Black" was this whirlwind adventure of mystery, love, and paranormal navigation. Black is a grim reaper played by Song Seung Heon. He's a rough, tough, bounty hunter type, who is trying capture all the souls who are trying to run away from their judgment date. He then posses Han Moo Gang (also played by Song Seung Heon) to find a runaway grim reaper-in-training. In the midst of searching for the runaway, he begins investigating Han Moo Gang's case and it takes us through an interesting ride.

Go Ara plays Kang Ha-Ram who plays the typical k-drama lead. She's spunky, she's smart, and she's got a heart of gold. She gets premonitions of how people are going to die. She teams up with Black to help prevent people from meeting their untimely death. She tries not to get involved, but inevitably she helps those who need help, which often times causes her to be in danger.

The romance in this drama is sweet and short. It's cute but it's not necessary. What makes this a gem of a show is the action and the mystery aspect. The deeper they get into the case, the crazier the story gets. The best way to describe it, is "Truth is stranger than fiction"

The ensemble cast adds a lot to this drama. The characters are filled and have a developed storyline. They also add to the mystery and intrigue of the show. While I enjoyed the ride, the ending wasn't nearly as amazing as the journey. It wrapped up nicely, but I wasn't really satisfied.