Hur Jun, the Original Story (2013)

With 135 episodes, definitely not a drama that I would watch again. I thought it was well acted by all. I especially liked the fact that Heo Joon's character wasn't a squeaky clean character from the beginning but morphed into the great man that he became over time.

Only the second time seeing Kim Ju Hyuk (Heo Joon) in a drama but definitely a fan of both Nam Goong Min (Do Ji) and Park Jin Hee (Ye Ji). Go Doo Shim (as Heo Joon's mother) as always is a consummate actress. I was impressed with Park Eun Bin (Da Hee, Heo Joon's wife) because there is a 20 year difference in their age (yeah, I was shocked too) but she held her own from start to finish. The rest of the cast was great. There are a couple of the younger actors (who remain nameless) that I will be looking forward to in the future.

Overall, this is a drama only medical and sageuk watchers would possibly appreciate. I don't recommend it otherwise.

Leggi di Più

For those with patience and a little knowledge of the era it's set in, this drama is a gem that is sorely underrated. It's episode format is a little different from most dramas; they aired 30 min episodes 5 days a week for about 6 months. This format let the characters slowly age and grow in a more organic way. This compelling slice-of-life storyline isn't for everyone, especially those that need a shocking revelation every episode to keep their attention. That's not to say that there isn't excitement though, Heo Jun's life was packed full of danger, compassion, intrigue, war, and dedication. The fact that these are actual events just makes it all the more compelling. I found myself eagerly checking for new episodes almost every day.

I am notoriously hard to please when it comes to rating dramas, especially historical dramas, but this one is one of my favorites. I gave it a 9, which is high praise that only a few other dramas have gotten from me.

Leggi di Più

Excellent medical historical K-drama series.

“Hur Jun, The Original Story (Gu-am Heo Joon)” is an excellent medical historical K-drama series.

The young Heo Joon character is a perfect casting, however, the young adult Heo Joon character (Mr. Kim Joo Hyuk) looks so mature. The character does not convey the angst and anger of young rebellious son but more like an enduring humiliation pain by a mature old-ish looking Heo Joon. However, the adult Heo Jeon character (Mr. Kim Joo Hyuk) is perfectly casted. I miss the young street smart character Im Mi Hyun (Miss Kim So Yeon), too bad the character is "killed" in the early episodes.

Compelling performance by Mr. Song Jae Hee as Dashing Constable Lee Jung Myung in “Gu-am Heo Joon”. Righteous Constable Lee Jung Myung steals the show with his intense anguish in “Hur Jun, The Original Story (Gu-am Heo Joon)”, episode 72. His love for Nurse Ye-Jin is so deep and heroic. What a stunning performance, very painful to watch the unforgettable episode 72.

I wish MBC and other big broadcasting companies will produce more of this kind of Medical or Historical K-drama series. “Hur Jun, The Original Story (Gu-am Heo Joon)” is so overwhelming inspiring.

Thank you for producing this medical historical K-drama series.

Leggi di Più

67 effin hours!!! aside from the bragging right finishing this, i get to know the most famous doctor in joseon history.

the drama covers Heo Jun's entire life from childhood till his death. But they only casted 2 actors, one as a child, then the other (Kim Ju Hyuk) as a teen until his old age. i dont know how young KJH was when he did this but he was not convincing as a teen. Nam Gung Min, who is supposed to be the same age (might be older in the story) as KJH is also not believable as an old person. No amount of facial hair can make them look any older. The most funny thing is Park Eun Bin, 24yo IRL (wife of Heo Jun) plays as the mother of Lee Hae Woo (29yo IRL). It just look ridiculous seeing the son looks very much older than her mother lol.

Focusing on Heo Jun's life story, it's very depressing. I dont know if its how Heo Jun character supposed to be, he doesnt show much emotion in here. Heo Jun doesnt seems human at all. He doesnt throw jokes, doesnt show romantic affection, dont throw rage, - it feels like he has no soul. Some of his life decision will put jesus to shame. His righteousness will make you feel a really bad person.


Good thing that the side characters add flavors to the drama. If not for the side characters, this is one depressing drama.

Leggi di Più

A clone!

The drama had a weak and uninteresting start but it managed to pick itself back up after some time. Some patients' stories didn't blend well with what was going on and it passed off as an interruption. It shares a lot of similarities with Jewel in the Palace (2003) but with a less attractive cast. Not only that but it also shares the same problems Jewel in the Palace (2003) had had. You may refer to my comment there. The drama is a remake of the original back in 1999. There was no specific fundamental issues with the base story to prompt a remake. There were too many identical copy-pasted scenes and jokes, they don't take any creative freedom with the core story/scenes to make the remake worthwhile. Although the remake is longer but this came at the expense of its pace since the extended content was poorly utilized and made it a worse experience overall. A lot of over exaggeration/dramatization and a lot less human. I hoped the remake would have a better written ending but no, it was identical frame by frame to the original. I prefer the original over the remake for its roughness, rawness and concise cut, it makes for a better watch.

Leggi di Più

Almost perfect!

One of the most heartbreaking drama I've watched so far. I had to wait days to feel better emotionally and mentally, so I can write my review. The two main lead Kim Joo Hyuk (Rest in Peace ?) and Park Eun Bin were absolutely phenomenal! All the hardships, disrespect, pain, and misery they had to endure from others, and they still remained calm and kind to others is what every people should do, and we would live in Utopia, probably. Sure, it's long it could've been like 100 episode or so and there were a couple of average episodes and some weird plot lines but overall this show, the actors, the writers didn't disappoint me. Also, the music and the score is beyond fantastic. In my opinion, this drama is a must-watch for everyone for one reason! People have to learn how to behave and how to be kind to others! I will rewatch this show many times, even if it's depressing as hell!

Leggi di Più