MAN TO MAN (K-drama 2017)
I would admit I watched this drama because of Park Hae Jin. I really like his cold, mysterious, and poker face in all sort of his dramas. Well, in real life, this kind of personality always caught my attention. I find it challenging to deal with them.
Back to the story, this show is all about a ghost agent who is skilled enough to do undercover works in any aspects of his missions. One of his current tasks is to disguise as a bodyguard to one of the most popular actor Yeo Woon-Gwang (Park Sung-Woong). Despite his purpose, he was able to experience a warm relationship with him and the rest of the gangs which will become his strength and weakness.
For 16 episodes, you will enjoy the different elements of the story, despite discovering some hiccups along the way, the show could keep you on edge. A parcel of actions, tactics, humor and a no chemistry love affair will surely give you a chunk of interest and admiration.
Verdict: 8/10
BAD GUYS (K-drama 2014)
Bad guys are forming a team of “top criminals” to catch other criminals. How interesting, right?
This drama is full of bad guys and bad ass which packs strings of big punches and blood. The plot is quite complex, well what do we expect of people that have their own criminal cases, creating a squad immediately, while judging and suspecting one another? it must a chaos, right?
Bad guys will kick you a bickering and rivalry among the criminals and eventually see them becoming a team. With a whirlwind story, a twist and a drama, you will definitely like this one.
Verdict: 8/10
MY SECRET ROMANCE (K-drama 2017)
This drama started so well and dragged to the end. The plot has the potential to be decent enough if they were able to develop the story line. There are so many flashbacks and pointless scenes that were skipped-worthy and some emotions circled by inconsistency.
One point for the visuals in this drama. Second points to the sizzling first scene on the first episode. And the rest, it’s up to you to find.
Verdict: 6/10
Cha Jin-Wook (Sung Hoon) is a son from a wealthy family. His family runs a large company. Cha Jin-Wook only pursues short term love. He meets Lee Yoo-Mi (Song Ji-Eun) and changes. Lee Yoo-Mi has never had a boyfriend before.
A MAN AND A WOMAN -Kmovie
Cast: Jeon Do-Yeon / Gong Yoo
A chance encounters with two people who are not free to love, who met at the right place but at the wrong time.
A one night stand that develops into something deeper.
Sweet and intimate moments you will never forget.
This movie showcases a piece of real life. Maybe this is not for everyone. Maybe most of us would not understand.
As our protagonist struggle to follow their heart’s desire, you will realize the path is very difficult. There are some sacrifices you have to swallow hard because, at the end of the day, it’s not just about you anymore.
A man and a woman is beautifully made. There are only a few dialogues, but everything is well conveyed. A very emotional conflict of harsh reality.
Verdict: 9/10
TUNNEL-2017
Traveling through the tunnel was such a long journey, but nothing to worry, it provides you a comfortable seat while enjoying the mystery and suspense throughout your trip.
This drama is about a dedicated detective who times travel and found himself in the year 2017 after chasing and failed to capture the serial killer. He was stuck in the future and no way to return him to the 80’s unless he can solve the case and find the real murderer.
Tunnel offers you quite a lot of elements blended with crime mystery, suspense, action, comedic and love. A strong and excellent characters portrayals by brilliant cast makes the drama more compelling and nail biting. The plot is reasonably decent with a perfect delight of warmness and integrity.
Kudos to our hardworking detectives, I truly enjoyed the ride!
Verdict: 10/10
THE WINNERS! (53rd Baeksang Arts Awards)
Congratulations to my bae Gong Yoo for winning the best actor award for his amazing performance in Goblin. You are one of the best!
I know right? You’re gonna win! Congratulations to Seo Hyun Jin as the best actress from drama Another Oh hae young. You made me cry in that show!
And here it goes Goblin who take home the GRAND PRIZE AWARD! You are the best of the best!
STRONG WOMAN DO BONG SOON
This show is to be watched and enjoyed while being okay to overlook the plot flaws. In my K-drama land, as long as I enjoy it and pull me out from the real world, then I forgive the imperfections.
Do Bong-Soon (Park Bo-Young) and An Min-Hyuk (Park Hyung -Sik) made the show over the top of cuteness and loveliness. It was effortless to love them and join their journey to experience the romance, power and dark thrills rounded to their lives.
I wouldn’t deny I was hooked from episode 1 and I feel the Oof from my heart when it has ended. Actually, I don’t find the plot exceptional, heroine genres is far from unique, I suppose. But they nailed it. They got it all when they depict their characters and act seems so real. Park Bo Young acting is still excellent, and you’ll gonna love our gentle Park Hyung Sik polished charm of what truly man should behave when in love.
Enjoy the drama!
Verdict: 10/10
INTROVERTED BOSS (K-drama)
I love the handsome, over-thinker, smart, perceptive, shy and introvert boss. When you know him deeply, despite being an introverted person, he really cares and protects who dear to him. He managed to observe his employees and know their worth.
This drama received a mix comments of disappointment and acceptance. I honestly didn’t anticipate this one to watch, but found myself doing the marathon and finished it for three days without complaining. Yes, I have liked it.
There was so much to like about the introverted boss and so much to understand about his lonely life. He spent years living in his own shell; protecting his weakness, hiding his strength, misunderstood his silence and trying to change his incapability to interact and face with people.
There are lots of kisses, internal monologues and flings in this drama that you would surely enjoy too. It will give you comfort, that though you are different from the rest, there is always someone who will sincerely discover the real you and accept you for who you are.
Introverted boss finale is warm, sweet and the cutest. It wraps up accordingly from where it falls and stands.
Verdict: 8/10
Eun Hwan-Ki (Yeon Woo-Jin) is the CEO of a public relations company, but he is extremely shy. Due to his personality, even his employees do not know him well.
Chae Ro-Woon (Park Hye-Soo) begins work at Eun Hwan-Ki’s company. She is very energetic and receives recognition for her work, but her only interest is in CEO Eun Hwan-Ki. She plans to reveal who Eun Hwan-Ki really is.
Tomorrow With You (K-drama)
Tomorrow with you is another time travel drama that is heartbreaking and beautifully written at the same time. It had one blast for doom, happiness, the rains, and rainbows. It’s about saving whoever you love most, a roller coaster of leaping from the past to the future, change the original plans and face the consequences that filled with unbearable sadness.
I love time travel and no matter how mystifying the plot could be, I would still watch it. But this drama was not complicated as Nine Times Time Travel. Yes, there are some hovels in the plot, but because of this captivating chemistry and the magnetic romance between the main couple, you wouldn’t mind at all.
Lee Je-Hoon as Yoo So-Joon is a CEO of a real estate company. He has the ability to travel through time via a subway. Song Ma-rin (Shin Min-A) works as a photographer and destined to meet an accident where Yoo So-Joon saved her, and later got involved with her life too. These two will give you a ride to travel the emotional mundane of life, a real hitch of every couple do and experience.
Tomorrow with you shows us that we should live each moment in our life, to be true with our feelings and to less worry about our future by trusting the process in the present. No matter what we do, we can never tell what awaits us because life is peculiar and full of unwanted surprises.
I hope our tomorrow with someone we love brings real happiness in our life.
Verdict: 9/10
DEFENDANT (K-drama)
“I’m Seoul Special Unit Prosecutor Park Jung-woo.”
Ji Sung. My favorite Korean actor. He is excellent, versatile and his skills is a top notch. Why Am I saying this? because, in this drama, he will grab your attention from episode 1 to the finale with his detailed acting abilities. He was superb! He sent chills down on my spine and leave me speechless.
Defendant was truly an enjoyable ride. It’s not a surprise they got the impressive ratings that broke its own record. The story depicted not only about corruption, violence, and prejudice, but it’s all about love. A kind of love that you would fight to attain truth and justice, a love that was never returned and lead you to become a twisted person, a love that will give you endless strength to fight.
I would say that this drama upped not only because of the strong plot presented, the acting was astounding too. The cast is actually quite large, but despite, everyone’s character played a significant role to their best (especially the villain) which help the show become more thrilling and remarkable.
If you want to be desperate, lunatic and emotional, this drama is for you.
Verdict: 10/10
HWARANG: The Poet Warrior Youth
- Drama series depicts the story of Hwarang (literally “Flowering Knights”) – an elite group of male youth in during the Kingdom of Silla.
What I like about this show is the beautiful faces of our flower boy warriors, certainly, it helps the show to look striking. However, good looks are not enough to make a drama good and convincing.
The plot would be much better if they were able to progress the story and not just partially divulged, then leaped to another situation and no follow up to what has been untold. I was expecting more fights, blood, and craziness, but never had the taste. It wasn’t right for a historical drama to miss something like that.
Another weak point of the show is the romance sucked. Literally, I have never cared about it because there’s no element of chemistry thumping around for the leads. Bromance was quite fun, but the character development between the two was so slow.
Surprisingly, the finale wrapped up according to my expectations. Well, I never had high hopes, but they ended it on a high note. Though it wasn’t the best of the best, but it has its moments too, enough to watch for a little entertainment.
Verdict: 7/10
STAR OF THE UNIVERSE (K-web-drama)
The story revolves around the romance between Woo-Joo (Suho) and Byul (Ji-Woo). Woo-Joo is a gifted singer-songwriter and Byul is an angel of death.
This web drama was far better than I had expected.
The plot was carefully laid without pushing you to understand everything that was going on.
It was my first time to watch the main leads; the acting was quite impressive and noticeable. Their chemistry was perfect too. The music and soundtracks played throughout the drama was captivating and gives a sense of highlighting emotions.
Star of the Universe is telling us to love those people who are still with us – alive and never took them for granted. We should give time to do the things that make us happy so that when we leave this life, we have no regrets.
The ending? I have mix emotions actually.
Verdict: 9/10
The Legend of the Blue Sea (K-drama)
Sometime during August 1598, newly appointed governor Dam Ryung (Lee Min-Ho) stays for a night at an inn run by Mr. Yang (Sung Dong-Il). During that evening, Mr. Yang shows Dam Ryung a captured mermaid named Sim Chung (Gianna Jun). Later that night, Dam Ryung releases her into the ocean and, before she swims away, Sim Chung reaches out her hand to Dam Ryung which he briefly holds.
In the present day, Joon-Jae (Lee Min-Ho) is a smooth-talking conman with magician like abilities. He works with Nam-Doo (Lee Hee-Joon) and Tae-O (Shin Won-Ho). For their next score, Joon-Jae impersonates a prosecutor and swindles a large amount of money from a wealthy suspect’s mother. Joon-Jae then travels abroad and stays at an oceanside resort. Meanwhile, Sim Chung is swept up in a tidal wave and washed ashore near the oceanside resort. She sees Joon-Jae.
This drama is like my comfort food; warm and familiar.
The legend of the blue sea managed to bring the characters into satisfying portrayal. The relationship of the two main leads stands out as the finest legend of sweetness and impressive fairytale.
Though we have Lee Min-Ho and Gianna Jun’s combined talent, the story writing has not become the perfect drama at all. It was predictable, and though there was an appearing of slight twist and turns, still there was no element of surprise. It was just so enjoyable and relaxing to watch, avoiding you not to be pestered with any inconsistencies that weighed down from numerous episodes.
The finale of the show seized with lots of emotions, apparently with goodbyes and reunions, plus lots of love and kisses. They wrap-up all with perfections, giving everyone a happy and satisfying ending.
I’m pretty sure you will leave the screen with a big smile and a happy heart.
Verdict: 8/10
Romantic Doctor -Teacher Kim- Kdrama 2016
“Boo Yong-Joo was a famous surgeon with the nickname of “Hand of God.” He suddenly disappeared and nobody knew exactly why. Boo Young-Joo is now as Teacher Kim and he calls himself the Romantic Doctor. He enjoys his life in seclusion.
Kang Dong-Joo became a doctor to win somebody over and Yoon Seo-Jung becomes a doctor to be recognized by somebody. After they meet Teacher Kim, they learn about life values and comfort from love.”
Honestly, medical dramas never failed to mesmerize me. I always respect those who value the lives of their patients and hated those who thinks only what they can get from them; either profit or glamor.
Romantic Doctor demonstrates this kind of scenarios in the medical world. The shows possessed with compassion and right prescriptions of righteousness and idealism. Some have a conflict characters which suffered a tragic downfall from their past, but eventually, they got to redeem.
This drama has one of the most heartwarming stories in 2016. I truly enjoyed the show!
Verdict: 9/10
SWEET STRANGER AND ME ( The Man Living in Our House) K-DRAMA
- Hong Na-Ri works as a flight attendant. Her mother passed away 10 months ago and she doesn’t have any other immediate family members. Hong Na-Ri returns to her hometown to visit her mother’s grave. There, she sees a young man at her mother’s grave. The man, Go Nan-Gil, introduces himself as her father. Before Hong Na-Ri’s mother died, she married Go Nan-Gil. He now lives at her mother’s house and runs the small dumpling restaurant that her mother ran.
The Finale, bow.
I can’t wait to end this drama not because it really interests me, but because I just don’t like it anymore.
Objectively, Sweet Stranger started out with so much potential. It was sweet and warm. The whole step-father setup was the main course of the plot, the show was well cast, and there was no doubt from the actors’ performances too, but just like the other dramas without a better plot, the story runs slow, was dragged and a lot of flashbacks which I believe was just shown to kill the time.
In fairness, what I like in some parts of the story is the mature relationship of our protagonist. The couple used to discuss their problems and issues, being honest with each other and trusting their relationship even though things got messed up and scary. I like the Hong dumpling store too, actually I love to eat dumplings. This must be enough.
Verdict: 7/10
ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT (K-drama 2016) Finale
On the way to the airport augment a controversial discussion from the commentary boxes as an adultery themed show which is not appropriate to be exposed. Some passed their opinions how horrible it could be to support such kind of a drama. But wait? Have you seen the whole story before judging the book by its cover?
Well, I was officially sold by this drama, it was morally written and significantly more than just an affair. It deals with one of the major issues and crisis of our society which has been increasing rapidly – Marital Problems – that leads to family separation, annulment of marriage and or divorce.
Mind this that the show is not a lovey-dovey, but for those who are starved of affection, love, support, understanding, and connection to their spouses. The plot is deeper; some episodes will make you uncomfortable, sympathizing what is not right, it would actually make you grin and tremble, you got stuck in the traffic of your own principles, try to toss stones at women who wanted to escape from misery, but eventually you will believe that there is more than of emotional attraction in this world, that there is limit of everything and the feeling alone of being together is unbearable.
On the way to the airport was well directed. Though everything is heightened with sensitivity, but it was carefully executed. The cast performances are amazingly convincing, they are beautiful and sophisticated despite the controversial concept of it.
I recommend for you to watch this drama. It serves as an eye opener to everyone that marriage is not a bed of roses. It conveys that marriage comes with hiccups and sometimes hurricanes. It never asked us to be unfaithful to our partners when we are in the midst of difficulties, but helps us see the other way around; the cause and effect, the solutions and decisions.
On the way to the airport wanted to reminds us that we should always be affectionate, appreciative and respect our partners, and if problem comes, we should settle it by listening to each other woes and finding solutions. In case, it becomes hopeless, loveless and helpless, our heart will tell us what we need to do, and that we have the right to decide for our own happiness.
Verdict: 9/10
Cast:
Kim Ha-Neul as Choi Soo-A
Lee Sang-Yoon as Seo Do-Woo
Shin Sung-Rok as Park Jin-Suk
Choi Yeo-Jin as Song Mi-Jin
Two Weeks (K-drama 2013)
A young man Tae-San (Lee Joon-Gi) discovers he is the father of an eight-year-old girl Soo-Jin (Lee Chae-Mi) with leukemia and must donate his bone marrow to save her life while escaping from authorities for a crime he didn’t commit.
Two weeks have a jumpy roller coaster ride from start to finish. The protagonist’s character development is superb, he established all the way from being weak and futile person to a very committed and loving father who just wanted to protect his life to save the life of his daughter.
The story has a good balance of challenge and involvement, without difficulties to follow. The entire cast is pretty excellent too with terrific and realistic acting. Though there is some dreary part of the show, but then again, it was sheltered with heart wrenching-heartwarming father-daughter scenes.
Two weeks will beat up and beaten you down like a beacon’s life reality of survival and fervor to live. Indeed a must watch drama.
Verdict 9/10
Splash Splash Love (2015)
Splash Splash Love – a fascinating Time-Travel Drama where the protagonist is mysteriously appeared in the Joseon Era, but only on rainy days. This drama is different than the usual since it has only two episodes special, but of course it has all the elements you needed; a story packed with humor, romance, discovery, slight angst and family relationship.
The plot splash greatly like a documented timeline, it was well written, organized and dynamic. The characters portrayed by Yoon Doo Joon and Kim Seul Gi was well executed from simple, effortless, sparkly performances to captivating chemistry that is definitely fun to watch.
What I like about this drama is the major issue and focus of self-discovery. Jang Dan-Bi (Kim Seul-Gi) is an ordinary student from modern era suffering from stress and lack of self-esteem, while Lee Do (Yoon Doo-Joon) is a persistent King of Joseon, eager to learn and who convinced that math and science are the keys to develop his kingdom.
The adventure of Jang Dan-Bi comforted her to become useful and loved by King Lee, after all he who has learned to sacrifice his love by letting her back to the future.
Get ready to on-board with this drama, it will make you laugh and cry.
(Modern Era)
I always find time travel drama as the best one though it will give you heartaches and loads of pain, but for this one, I don’t mind at all.
Verdict: 10/10
Moonlight Drawn By Clouds -Finale (K-drama)
Moonlight Drawn By Clouds wasn’t a perfect drama, but it was loved and elevated by every one of its all parts. No wonder they had an unfailing high rating till the end, plus the cast were able to build a solid fundamental of popularity from this show.
The plot is apparently the same as other Sageuk drama we are watching; a political and power struggles in the palace, society inequality, hateful villains and falling in love to someone you shouldn’t be. Nothing is new right? but what makes this drama special was the influence of our protagonists when it comes to their acting execution.
Park Bo-Gum as Lee Young (Crown Prince) acted greatly the moment you saw him on screen. He was able to express his feelings and emotions with his eyes, used different manifestation on his faces which reflects a kind of depth beyond the attractive look on his surface. Undeniably, he acted so well in this drama with his super pretty face. I’m quite sure you can’t take your eyes off him.
Kim You-Jung as Hong Ra-On (Traitor’s daughter), even she disguised as a male, she still the most beautiful man in this drama, she was shining and brilliant too. Though for the entire episodes, I have never thought her as man, but there’s no doubt of her acting skill, she’s always been consistent in every way around.
Jin Young as Kim Yoon-Sung, the tender, daring and passionate person who falls in love with Hong Ra-On. Though he struggled so much as part of Kim’s family who hungers for power and cause the royal family instability, he was able to follow the right shadow, though it leads him to his death. Death of showing what it just by protecting the people you love. Oh, he got me with his performance and charm. He’s so convincing in his part.
Honestly, I don’t feel the element of surprise in this drama. I was just enjoying the lighthearted plot, the simple development of each character, the magic charisma of our prince, the lovey-dovey and the sold romance of our protagonist. I was in heaven from episode one to ten, but just got bored in the middle because of the sluggish pacing of the story. The last two episodes hit me with excitement though it shows lops and trims, some questions to raised, but left buried.
They wrapped up the finale carefully and neatly. Covered carefully, for not giving space to welcome any fierce reactions from the viewers. Neatly, for the happy open ending, far from disappointments, but not too close to perfections.
After all, what we need is just a happy ending to satisfy our soul of imagination.
Thank you Moonlight for the ride full of fun and cheesy moments!
Verdict: 8/10
Cinderella & the Four Knights (K-drama) 2016
“Cinderella’s nowadays don’t have time to meet princes because of their damned part-time jobs. And that’s why you mustn’t wait around for some stupid prince, but rely on yourself to survive instead. Got that?” – Ha Won
Our Cinderella lives in a reality of having multiple part-time job just to support herself. She has a doubtful, unsupportive father, meanness step- mother and a jealous step-sister. She never dated anyone too.
Despite of her conditions, our Cinderella, Eun Ha-won grew up with a positive personality and refined by a strong set of morals. She’s a feisty Cinderella who’s fully aware of her self-worth.
The Chairman, grandpa Kang decides that it will be better with a girl like Ha-won to be his grandsons’ butler. He offered Ha won to live with them at Sky House for three months and assigned her to turn his grandsons into decent human beings, in returns, she will receive an incentive to pay for her college tuition and can go to abroad. Though Ha won was tempted, she rejected the offer, but later accepted it.
Meet the four knights.
- Ahn Jae-hyun as Kang Hyun-min
The Player. The eldest cousin, an arrogant playboy and smooth-talker who’s used to getting whatever he wants in life.
- Jung Il-woo as Kang Ji-woon
The Thug. The middle cousin. A wild and rebellious on the outside, but he is soft hearted, extremely lonely and sensitive on the inside.
- Lee Jung-shin as Kang Seo-woo
The good-for-nothing. The youngest cousin. A popular singer-songwriter and top star. He is a sweet, playful guy who is affectionate towards Ha-won.
- Choi Min as Lee Yoon-sung
The hardworking and loyal secretary of Chairman Kang, and bodyguard to the three Kang cousins and Ha-won.
You will learn to like, hate and love this drama.
You will like it at the beginning. It was entertaining and captivating.
A big yawn in the middle of the whole episodes. You will find lapses parts and losing actions in the plot. There’s a little bit nowhere of the characterization too. There were some monotonous scenes that left the viewer’s mind blank and heart empty.
It was best for the last two episodes, but when everything started to be interesting and before you enjoy it, the drama has ended. It was an abrupt short cut to a happy ending.
What I love in this drama is totally not about the plot, but the four knights pretty faces.
Verdict: 7/10
