So... I'm afraid I'm not as enthusiastic about this drama as many people are. I started watching because I love Ji Chang Wook, I'm not going to lie. However it didn't do much for me. I didn't see as much chemistry between the main OTP as most viewers, and ocasionally, the cheesy factor drove me back.
Also, that element in the past of both main characters that brings them together, I had the feeling I've seen this many other times in other dramas.
It's not that I think it wasn't well made or that it was bad, but it wasn't that extraordinary to me, at least compared to other dramas that have been airing this season.

Things I liked, though? Dong Ha. He was great as the psycho. I usually don't like that cliché-ish super-evil portrayal of most villains in dramas. I know it's the melo factor, but I hate it. However, he did a great job and I hope it didn't go unnoticed and he can be featured in more dramas in the future.

Also, I liked the second OTP and I think Hello Venus's Nara did a pretty decent job. And the resolution of this couple's story was satisfying enough for me.

They also managed to at least create a different and kind of endearing ex-girlfriend character. It ended up being the source of comedy because of its pitifulness.

All in all, this was a good drama, but I recommend not having too much expectations before watching it and maybe you'll end up enjoying it much more than I did.

Leggi di Più

I started watching this drama because of the cast (ok, I admit that I'm a sucker for noona romances as well). I didn't know much about the plot, I wanted the element of surprise.
I had seen Lee Bo Young in God’s gift: 14 days and Lee Jong Suk and Yoon Sang Hyun in Secret Garden, and I thought they had done a great job.

All in all I enjoyed it, but it just felt a little too pretentious at times. It’s understandable, though, since the basic premise is really ambitious: how difficult it is to find the balance between justice and compassion/sympathy/empathy, trust/faith in others, the inutility of revenge, forgiveness... I really like the fact that it adressed those issues.

I also found the love story and the loyalty involved in it really cute.

I love the fact that the lead female character is a strong, bold and independent woman as well, and that the relationship between both main female characters, the grudge they hold against each other, has nothing to do with a man they're both in love with, for instance, as it happens in other dramas. I really liked that plot. I didn't like the plot about the murderer as much, although I appreciate the fact that there is a message of redemption you don't find in other dramas either.

The soundtrack was also great. Indie band Every Single Day already did a great job in Pasta OST and I think they deserve more credit. They don't have enough recognition.

I really recommend this.

Leggi di Più

Just three syllables: Kim Myung Min. Solely his larger-than-life Kang Ma-E makes this drama worth watching.

The rest of the cast also did a good job, including Jang Geun Suk, in a different role from what we're used to see him playing.

This drama focuses mainly in character development (also the major shortcomings in BV lie in this area) and in music. In fact, you could say classical music is the true main character in this, and the repertoire is fairly chosen (although I expected a little more originallity, to be honest).
Therefore, do not expect a typical romance story.
The tension between politics and culture plot had its potential but it was overall a little boring to me. I enjoyed some other subplots much better.

You could call this a minor drama, but still I found it really interesting and I recommend its view.

Leggi di Più

I think I've already said in other reviews that TVN is one of the most innovative channels when it comes to drama plots, scripts and direction. And I believe Flower Boy Next Door is no exception. Of course there is a fair amount of mistakes and clichés all along, but the story is enjoyable and the characters are endearing enough.
Above all, I connected with Park Shin Hye's character the most, even if I'm not a big fan of the actress. She did a pretty good job either way. And I appreciate that she is a little different from many female characters we usually see in k-dramas.
What can I say about Yoon Si Yoon? I had never seen anything from him even though I had read lots of praising about his work. And such deserved praising I must say. His acting style -even his physique, somewhat- remind me a lot of Lee Joon Gi's: he can go from adorably goofy in funny scenes to intensely dramatic in melo. His Enrique Geum should be a classic drama character, even if I cringed and felt second hand embarrassment everytime he tried to speak Spanish (Spanish is my second language).
The actors in supporting roles where also great, especially Kim Ji Hoon and Kim Seul Gi. However Watanabe's story felt like something just to fill up. His character doesn't add much to the plot and is a little stereotyped.
Likewise, Park Soo Jin is really good at playing bitchy characters, but I feel sorry for her because it seems that she's only offered this type of roles. Besides, I really hate this cliché character in dramas.
Anyway, she was funny in this, at least at the beginning.
But what I enjoyed the most were the dialogues between the OTP, which really helped building up the characters, their relationship and also the one with the second male lead.
All in all, I really enjoyed this, even though I'm sad because I feel it's a little underrated.

Leggi di Più

When I watch old dramas I really miss those times when the Korean entertainment industry didn't take itself too seriously yet. Back then, Hallyu was not popular outside Korea and dramas had a very specific target audience. Therefore, the production standards were pretty low.
But at the same time, I feel that the stories were sometimes better than in more recent dramas.
That's what I felt watching Delightful girl, Choon Hyang.

I love Hong sisters storytelling style. It's fast, it's hilarious, it's full of references to Korean popular and traditional culture, sexual innuendos... DGCH's plot is actually a modern twist on a Korean folk tale. I loved all the comedic sketches at the end of every episode parodying sageuks scenes.

But above all I LOVED Jae Hee. He does a great, heartfelt job as Mong Ryong. Han Chae Young is not a great actress, but I liked the fact that she took a risk with a different role such as Choon Hyang's. And she has good chemistry with her partner.
Ahn Suk Hwan was also hilarious and endearing as Mong Ryong's father. And the couple who are friends with Choon Hyang and Mong Ryong were quite lovable as well, although she was a little irritating at times.

I like the fact that everything was not solved quickly in just 60 minutes in the last episode; instead, it took three or four episodes to close everything.
And I also like the fact that main female character is a strong independent woman, even though in the original story, her strenght is based on the fact that she can remain a virtuous woman -which was the female ideal type in Joseon era- before the constant harassing of a vicious nobleman.

What didn't I like? Well, I hated the second lead female character. She didn't contribute with anything to the main plot. She was just the ordinary second female lead you find in almost every romcom drama, the evil girl who interferes with the main couple's love story. And the resolution of her character felt too hasty in the end as well.

The soundtrack was a little irregular. But it's worth mentioning the main title song by Jiny, which sounds really cool and is so distinctive that it must have become a classic by now.

Anyways, I really enjoyed this drama and I really recommend it, and I have the feeling that it's sadly underrated.

Leggi di Più

God knows I'm a die-hard Lee Joon Gi fan, and I would watch virtually anything he's in, and that's actually the main reason I watched SWWTN, even though I didn't have many expectations about it, to be honest. And I'm afraid I wasn't disappointed in my low expectations.
I'm not saying it was a terrible show, but I didn't enjoy it and at times I found it plain boring.

The love story was too lame and love scenes too cheesy for my taste. Vampires are supposed to be sexy. I know too much sexiness might be too much too ask for a prime time show in South Korean TV, but even so, I found it too lame.
I haven't read the manhwa either, so I don't know if there's the same campiness in it.

As for the performances, Lee Joon Gi was good, but I prefer other performances of him in other dramas.
I don't particularly like Lee Soo Hyuk and I've never understood the fuss about him, but I admit he was pretty good as the villain. And Lee Yoo Bi... well, she is a good actress, but her role was a little irritating at times.
In my opinion, the best acting in the show was by Kim So Eun -she had already caught my attention in Boys over flowers; she was in fact the only thing I liked about that show-, and Jang Hee In.
The role of the prince was an interesting one, but I'm not sure Max Changmin was the right choice for the part, although he did try hard...

Music and the atmosphere were quite good, but I have the feeling that the producers invested too much in this and in special effects to convey epicness, but they didn't seem to invest so much in the story.

Leggi di Più

There's nothing particularly original to this story, and however it left a good impression on me. Actually I think this is an endearing and underrated drama.

The cast was overall well chosen (which doesn't mean that the acting was impressive; but it was OK). I liked the fact that some members of the band are musicians or idols themselves and they play their own instruments or sing.
Maybe Jo Bo Ah's acting was the lamest, although I didn't hate her character or anything.

Being a story about music I expected a much better soundtrack; not that it's bad at all, but I just expected it would be better. That's just my opinion anyway.

I already said in another review that one of TVN's features is good photography and good camera work, and this is no exception.

Finally, as many other viewers I also regret that Lee Min Ki was there just as a guest actor. That guy simply owned the two episodes he was in. However, I understand how that served to the plot and I would tell people not to stop watching the show because later on he's not in it. You won't regret it if you stick to it. It has a positive message and it's quite refreshing.

P.S. Can someone please give Jung Eui Chul a role that's not the one of a psycho or a loser? I mean, I like the guy. I'd like to see him smile or doing something funny for once and for a change, LOL.

Leggi di Più

As a general rule, I never watch a drama because of an idol (unless I have solid proof that he/she is also a competent actor/actress), but I admit that the fact that Shinee’s Key (my second bias from my top bias group) was in The Guardians is what made me become interested in it in the first place.
It was not, however, the main reason why I watched it and stayed for 32 episodes. There were reasons enough to watch this and I’m going to number a few.

The Guardians is mainly a story about motherhood, revenge, relationships between sons, daughters and their parents and ghosts of the past. Being so ambitious, adressing such delicate issues could either result in a success or a flop, but this series manages to work it out.
The fact that every episode it’s just 30min long –as in many other dramas this season-, makes it easier to watch. And since it’s an action/thriller drama, it makes it more exciting as well.

I think the most pleasant surprise in Lookout was most definetely Kim Young Kwang. He was amazing and his permormance is one of the best this year. Also, there were great choices for the supporting roles. It might be odd to watch Choi Moo Sung playing a villain, since he always plays awkward, endearing characters, like in Weightlifting... or Reply 1988. But he did an amazing job.
On a personal level it was great to see Song Sun Mi. She’s a great actress and I have a soft spot for her since I watchedr in Miss Korea. Kim Tae Hoon (who was also in the great but overlooked Angry Mom) and Shin Dong Wook were excellent as well.

Also, since it’s not an easy thing to find in dramaland, I love plots were the female lead is strong –either physically or psychologically, or both-. Lee Si Young’s character is so badass! And Kim Sun Young is a perfect counterpart. It’s also really nice to see a good female friendship depicted on screen for a change.

The only thing I frowned on a little was that cliché-ish bad-to-the-bone villain/psycho played by Solomon Park, although I think the focus is on the whole corrupted political system enough to forget about that.
Also, as in any action drama where technicisms play an important part, I wouldn’t wonder if there were some plot wholes (regarding anything related to computer hacking, for example). But since I’m always more focused on the plot as a whole, where it’s going, where the characters are head to, as well as the acting and so on, I didn’t give it much importance.

All in all this is a well-rounded drama, one of the best this year and I strongly recommend you watch it. Just one thing: do not expect any romance (except just a little of that usual fanservice writer-nim comes up with when an idol is featured in a drama). I enjoy romance myself as a genre, but if you’re craving for some of that right now, then this drama is not for you.

Leggi di Più

What can I say? Healer has easily become one of my favourite recent dramas. Almost everything in it is perfect: the cast, the originality of the plot, the characters, and above all, the direction.
This is one of the best dramas I've ever seen in terms of directing. And it was not an easy one, since the genres are a little mixed and undetermined: action, journalism, melodrama and romance. You need someone qualified for this job: to get the right pace to make the action scenes thrilling and racy enough; to make the melo scenes touching and the romance scenes not to sappy. And director-nim did great at all those things.

About the cast. Well, Ji Chang Wook was definitely the man for the part. That mixture of Superman and James Bond really suited him. He's an amazing (and swoon worthy) actor.
Park Min Young was also great and her character is a lovable one. She's an easygoing yet brave and strong woman, which I appreciate every once in a while in a drama. The relationship between her and Healer feels natural and real.
And Yoo Ji Tae's charisma and presence fill the screen.

Everyone in the supporting roles is amazing, but I want to mention Woo Hee Jin, whom I loved in Moon Lovers, although she doesn't have much time on screen. And above all, Kim Mi Kyung. Actually, I don't know why her role is considered a supporting role, when her character is the key to Healer's success.

The music is good; maybe not extraordinary, but its use is so spot on in every scene that it feel great.

Not much more to say except that this is highly recommendable. Don't miss it and enjoy it.

Leggi di Più

I really liked this drama, although it took me a little while to finish it for several reasons.

I loved the plot and I empathised a lot with the main character. I think it's possible for anyone to relate to his neurotic personality, and with the inner fight we all have sometimes to find balance and happiness, and how the love of someone can make the path smoother.
The story was great: moving, well-written, and the series was well directed (that beginning, though), well edited and with high standard production values.

The music provided the right atmosphere in every scene. The single Auditory Hallucination is awesome and it really conveys the feelings of both main characters and their relationship. It's actually like a dialogue between both.

An honourable mention to Ji Sung, who was absolutely fantastic in the portrayal of the different personalities. As for Hwang Jung Eum, I liked her in dramatic scenes, but to be honest I found her a little irritating in the comedic ones.
Park Seo Joon was also fantastic. I really love this boy, he's a very promising young actor.

There is one thing, however, that I didn't like that much: since the writers realised that the character of Ahn Yo Na was being so successful, I have the feeling that some of the scenes in which she appears were just put there, and in my opinion it feels a little out of place, especially in the last episodes. In the beginning, her appearances were really funny, although that personality in particular didn't make much sense, unlike the rest of the characters, but later on it seems the writers just wanted to exploit the chemistry between her and Oh Ri On.

Aside from that, this was one of the best dramas from 2015 and I strongly recommend it.

Leggi di Più

When I first read sageuk, ghosts, Lee Jun Ki and Shin Min Ah, I thought what's there not to like??

I wasn't disappointed. Shin Min Ah shone more than ever in this, in my opinion. Even More than Lee Jun Ki. Both made the love story really endearing and not sappy at all.
The cast was great all in all. I particularly liked Kwon Oh Jung and Hwang Bo Ra couple. They provided the right comedic relief.
Also Yoo Seung Ho was great as the Jade Emperor, and Kang Moon Young as the magistrate's mother (although she was a bit histrionic at times). Perhaps Yeon Woo Jin was the one I found lamer.
I don't like Han Jung Soo as an actor, but I admit he usually fits the roles he portraits, I guess due to his physique.

I loved the storyline, I guess that's because I love folktales. I love the fact that the plot is inspired by a traditional tale.

The soundtrack is amazing. It reminds me of the epicness of Chuno. I'm planning to get it.

If you're not fond of sageuks, this one is for you. You won't be bothered by all the political hassle you usually find in this type of genre, and it's overall quite entertaining.

Leggi di Più

Reply 1988 was the first part of the Eungdabara series that I ever watched -even though it was released after Reply 1997-, and for that reason it has a special place in my heart.
This one, however was as good or you could say even a little better, since it was the first one. The characters are equally endearing, the cast and the acting is good (maybe not as good as in R1988), the story is simple but touching and it talks about things everybody can relate to (family, friends, love...).
Maybe the cast in Reply 1988 was a little stronger and there was more balance between family issues, friendship and romance stories and especially the most veteran actors were awesome

Among all the actors I loved Eunji's performance and her character (even more than Reply 1988's Hyeri), her sassiness and strength, and also Song Jong Ho's (this man is soooo talented and underrated...). Needless to say Lee Il Hwa and Sung Dong Il were amazing.

The cameos and guest and supporting roles by idols, as well as all the references to korean pop culture were really funny.

One of the aspects I liked more was the subtlety and the finesse with which the subject of homosexuality is addressed. That is something you rarely encounter in a korean drama.

The production details, camera work, photography, were great. But those are some of TVN's features in their drama releases.

All in all, I strongly recommend this drama.

Leggi di Più

There have been great dramas airing this season, but tvN hit it once again. This may have become one of my top favourites of all time.
I love stories that deal with great human questions such as what it means to live, to love, our role in (our own) history, the need to make amends with your own past and being the ruler of your own fate. All of this graced with supernatural and spiritual elements such as karma and reincarnation as well as a lot of symbology and metaphors turns it into a refreshing and touching story about love, friendship and loyalty through time.

Besides, all the three main choices for the main roles are perfect. Yoo Ah In, whom I recently watched in Secret Love Affair and mesmerized me with his talent, has easily become one of my Top 5 Korean actors. Im Soo Jung, for whom I have a soft spot ever since I watched Park Chang Wook’s “I’m a cyborg but that’s OK” (I strongly recommend that movie!). And Go Kyung Pyo, for whom I also have a soft spot ever since I watched Reply 1988.

Chicago Typewriter is an amazingly written drama. Plus, it feels like a movie, as if everything was already planned in advance and it finds its perfect closure at the end. I mean, it must have obviously been planned in advance, but you know how TV series work sometimes: depending on how the audiences respond some things from the original script might be altered along the way. But in this case, beyond the usual commercial concessions the plot feels perfectly drawn.

The soundtrack is great and the music is perfectly used in every occasion to match the dramatic intensity of the scenes.

Summing up, this is one of the great dramas this season, and as such, it’s a must.
Oh, and I want Han Se Ju’s mansion!!!

Leggi di Più

I'm a fan of Lee Jong Hyuk ever since I saw him in Chuno. He played a villain with an interesting story and he managed to steal scenes from Jang Hyuk himself. So you could say he is one of the reasons why I decided to watch this. It's a pity he doesn't appear in more dramas, although I believe he's busy acting in musicals.

I applaud the originality of the plot, and the message of the story, which basically tells you that love requires courage, and there are two types of people in this world when it comes to facing love: those who'd rather watch from the distance and imagine what it could have been instead of making a move, and those who take the risk once and once again even if they fail, simply because it's worth it.

As for the cast, and back to Lee Jong Hyuk, he's THE actor in the show and he really fits the role.
I found Sooyoung's character a little irritating at first, but I ended up liking her, and I think she did a pretty decent job.
I found Lee Chun Hee's subplot a little lame and boring, though. It's such a pity, because I really really like Lee Chun Hee and I think he's an underrated actor that deserves better roles in better dramas.

But one of the strongest points in the cast is the large amount of cameos. My favourite ones were Jung Yu Mi and Gong Yoo. The fact that there were different mini stories developing at the same time than the main plot. This helped relieving the strees being put on the main story all the time, and it helped conveying the message either way.

However, I feel that the closure was a little messy; actually that's nothing new in Dramaland, but a little disappointing when you feel you're watching something fresh and new, and it ends up having the same flaws you usually encounter in other stories.
That's why I feel that, even though I enjoyed this drama all in all, it had the potential to become much more than it ended up being.

Leggi di Più

Go Ho's plot is quite simple: a young, independent woman's struggles to keep a balance between her professional goals and her love life. The action is set mainly at her job place, and the relationships are mostly between her and her boss and coworkers.
In the end, she reaches maturity in both areas: she gets to know her coworkers better, breaking the barriers that lead to creating certain stereotypes, and she gets over her broken heart and starts a new love relationship. That's, summing up, the whole story.

Its main achievements are basically in the way the story is told. I guess it's innovative in that aspect. First of all, the series is divided in 4 episodes of 60min each, although you can watch it in its 20 episodes / 20 min. format and binge on it just like I did.

All in all it's nice to watch, everybody can relate to this modern story and its characters, who are just average people and not the clichés Korean dramas have us used to.
It's well cast, although I'm not particularly fond of Kwon Yu Ri. Actually, my favourite performance was by Lee Ji Hoon, Go Ho's ex-boyfriend and cute Shin Jae Ha, her cheeky playboy co-worker.

This drama didn't leave a huge impact on me, to be honest. Not because of the simplicity of the story, because Reply 1988 or Reply 1997 had simple plotlines and they're two of my favourite dramas. I don't know, it's something completely subjective, I guess. But since it's short, it's lighthearted, well-paced and well-done, I really recommend it.

Leggi di Più