Korean Drama Reviews

I’ve always meant to put a page on this blog solely meant for my K-drama obsession. So as a first step , I’m going to list down the recent dramas I’ve finished/ am still watching etc and give a short review. Later on , when I have more time, I’ll make it better.Can’t remember everything all in one sitting!

Currently Watching:

 

Scent of a Woman– Lee Dong wook, Kim Sun Ah

 

 

Oh yes, this drama has so much going for it. I’m certainly enjoying this pairing and the great storyline. Kim Sun Ah seems to gravitate towards roles that make me just love her in all her intensity and silliness. The tear jerk scenes are my favorite .

 

Heartstrings– Park Shin Hye, Jung Yeong Hwa

It feels like a typical school romance, and kinda reminds me of Dream High with the story about musicians trying to make it big. I am so close to dropping this one.

Myung Wol the Spy– Han Ye Seul, Eric Moon, Lee Jin wook

I like the farcical tone of this drama and its dark humor. Han Ye Seul is so funny here!

Decided to quit watching:

The Fugitive/Plan B- Rain, Daniel Henney

There was a lot of hype for this drama, and it certainly is a big budget one. Many scenes were shot on location in China, The Philippines, Thailand, etc. I’ve managed to watch 5 episodes of this series, but I can’t take it anymore. Quitting this show is my “Plan B”. *snicker*

My reason? Rain’s character is the only one I find interesting. I love his comedic timing here. The rest are just ho-hum. I really don’t care why the main chick’s running for her life or why her family’s been killed. Even the cops chasing them around were BORING!! To top it all off, Daniel Henney’s acting was HORRIBLE!!Why is Henney even an “actor” when he obviously can’t act? He can’t even speak straight Korean! Most of his lines are in English! He’s definitely eye candy , but other than that, there’s nothing there.

I’m sorry drama, I wanted to love you, but I just didn’t fall.

Hong Gil Dong- Kang Ji Hwan, Song Yoori, Jang Geun Seok

This is a 2008 comedy loosely based on Korea’s Robin Hood. I love you Kang Ji Hwan, but I’m having a damn hard time watching this.

I am Legend-Kim Jeong Eun, Lee Joon Hyeok, Jan Sin yeong, Hong Ji Min, Hyeon junie

I’ve had high hopes for this drama, but unfortunately, I can’t go on like this anymore. I’ve tried to work it out but it just isn’t going well for me. I’ve been cheating on this drama a lot– I’ve skipped a lot of scenes and I’m losing interest really fast and I’ve even started a different show to replace you.  I like the Comeback Madonna band (the fictional band in the drama) but aside from their performances, you’re just a snoozefest to me. I’m very sorry I am Legend. It’s not you, it’s me.

Recently Finished:

City Hunter– Lee Min Ho, Park Minyoung,Lee Jun Hyeok, Goo Hara

Oh yeah, hot  and intriguing . I love Min ho in this drama , he just looks so cool. The story is fast paced, but it’s not entirely to my liking. But that doesn’t prevent me from catching it week after week!

Romance Town- Song Yoori, Kim Min Joon, Jeong Kyo Woon

My mother was the one who got me to watch this. Everytime I came home from work, this show would be on tv. I admit, I wasn’t that interested in the lives of neighborhood maids and how they found love with their employers. I am prejudiced about household help, and haven’t had a good experience with them in the past. Nevertheless, Geon Woo was likeable enough to make me watch.

Greatest Love–Cha Seung won, Kong Hyo Jin,Yoon  Kye Sang

Everybody fell in love with the greatest love, but I didn’t quite get in on the comedy and the love story. I skipped several episodes halfway and just went in for the finale.

Secret Garden- Hyun bin, Ha Ji Won , Yoon Sang Hyun, Kim Sa Rang, Lee Phillip

Marry Me, Mary!/ Mary stayed out all night -Moon Geun Young, Jang Geun seok, Kim Jae Wook

I was excited when they first announced this show, but after watching 5 episodes, I just got bored. MGY and JGS are cute as the leads but the story is just flimsy at best.

Que Sera Sera (2007)- Moon eric, Jung Yoo Mi, Yoon Ji Hye,Lee Kyu Han

I know this aired in 2007 but I only got to watch it this November 2010.

Totally intense drama, certainly not for everyone. I had trouble getting into the groove of things but after 2 or 3 episodes I was into it, but not at a crazed level. While watching this, I regularly asked myself why can’t I pull myself away when the story is so convoluted and …just so wrong. lol! The characters certainly have made their lives miserable and I couldn’t understand why they kept making mistake after mistake when they all seemed like smart people.

Sungkyunkwan Scandal- Mickey Yoochun, Park Min-young, Song Joong-ki, Yoo Ah-in

Omg! I wasn’t expecting this to be soooo good! I love the Joseon F4! LOL! I love the story about the unlikely friendship of the main characters, the bromance, the politics, the intrigue , family dynamics and of course, the love triangle! Moon Jae Shin (Yoo Ah-in’s character) is just so hot! I mean, compared to all the “flower boys” in this show he’s the manliest. and I’m not attracted to flower boys at all– I’d much rather have my man a bit scruffy.  heh. I know Jae Shin’s the second male lead and ultimately, he won’t get the girl, but I can’t help but root for him! And Yong-ha (Song Joong ki’s character) is just so likeable and funny! I can’t decide if he’s a bad guy or a good guy with hidden motives. And why the heck does he dress so flamboyantly( like a girl really) when he’s chasing women all the time? Lee Seon Joon (Mickey Yoochun’s character) is so straitlaced and righteous that he almost makes me want to smack him in the head. I don’t think he ever had a friend before entering Sungkyunkwan so having F4 is new to him. lol! All the while he’s battling with his personal understanding of what is right and wrong and that makes me admire him a lot.

There are so many things going on in this show but it all flows nicely. I was kinda weary at first because I’m not a fan of korean historical settings, but I’m glad I gave in because of the reviews from dramabeans! I’m glad I let myself be influenced! lol! Now I’m hooked! This is such a funny, intelligent, and exciting drama. I definitely recommend it!

Visit the official site!

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho– Lee Seung Ki, Shin Min-ah

I really loved this show! The two main characters are just adorable together! They have amazing chemistry! I loved the mythology the writers injected into this modern setting.Kudos to the Hong Sisters for creating another winner.

I loved how this drama can make me laugh so hard one minute, then have me sobbing the next, then make me feel giddy like a schoolgirl with a crush. There are so many emotions in every episode!

Coffee House — Kang Ji wan, Park Si Yeon, Ham Eun Jung

Entertaining, funny, has an air of mystery, quirky leads,  a different character dynamic.

I think it’s the first drama (that I’ve seen) where the two female leads don’t hate each other. Plus it has a cute  soundtrack! Admittedly, I hated the the last few episodes (after the flash forward) because  it got a bit tedious to watch. I’m really not a fan of the Jinsoo-Eun Young pair, but I think they both did a superb job for the show. I liked the Jinsoo- Seung yeon pairing better. That’s my only complaint, but other than that , this drama was quite unique in its pacing and storyline. Thumbs up!

I heart Kang JiHwan.

Delightful girl Choon-Hyang- Jae Hee and Han Chae Young

I know this is an old show, but I only got to finish it this week.

I really liked how the storyline began, it was a hoot! But afterwards it got too predictable for me.

Mong Ryong (Jae Hee) wearing different necklaces at every new episode totally distracted me, and was a turn off. I have an aversion to guys wearing necklaces for some strange reason. But Han Chae Young (Choon-hyang) was really “delightful” to watch, very pretty too.

Personal Taste — Lee Min ho and Sohn Ye Jin

All episodes til that mind blowing kiss was awesome, afterwards, it seemed like a bit of a mess. But it’s still a cute story! Min ho’s acting has certainly improved (from when he was in Boys over Flowers). One minute they make you laugh then a few minutes later you’re going to cry. Sohn Ye Jin’s acting was really good!

Cinderella’s Sister– Moon Geun Young, Chun Jung Myun, Seo Woo, Ok Taecyeon

One hell of a melodrama. It was terrible to watch because it was just SO SLOW!! I was annoyed with Seo Woo’s character and hated Jung Myun’s. The only character that I felt excited to see was Jung-woo (Taecyeon) . I watched it just to see his scenes! For a first time actor, he isn’t bad!

Oh! My Lady– Choi Siwon, Chae Rim,Park Han Byul, Lee Hyun Wo0

Started slow but gained momentum til the end. I was even surprised at how much I enjoyed it because I wasn’t expecting a lot from this show. I really loved the character development of Sung Min Woo and I liked the story pacing.  And Min woo’s kid is sooooo cute in this drama! This definitely goes on my list as favorites.

The woman who still wants to marry– Kim Bum, Park Jin Hee, Wang Bit Na, Uhm Ji Won, Lee Pil Mo

This drama is about three women in their 30s whose romantic relationships have fizzled due to their career ambitions, but are given a chance to make it all work. I totally loved this drama! It was funny and heartfelt. I loved Kim Bum’s character here. He’s got the perfect blend of boyish charm and rakish rouge. He totally made me fall for him while watching. hahaha!Another one of my faves.

Chuno- Lee Da Hae, Oh Ji Ho, Jang Hyuk

This is only the 3rd sageuk I’ve seen and the 1st one I finished. Not a big fan of historical k-dramas , but I enjoyed this show’s breathtaking cinematography and movie-likeness. The main and supporting actors are totally hot! Glad to see Oh Ji Ho portray someone so manly instead of being the underachiever good guy.

Watched some time ago:

Coffee Prince- Yoon Eun Hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun Gyeon, Chae Jung Ahn

My all time favorite drama. This is the one that got me hooked! Choi Han Gyul and Go Eun Chan remains to be my all time favorite drama couple! Lovely chemistry between the leads, funny, charming, entertaining, touching all at the same time! I totally cried watching this! I definitely recommend this one! Great soundtrack too!

Boys over Flowers- Lee Min Ho, Kim bum, Kim Hyun Joong, Kim joon

Eye Candy galore, a bit fickle, but entertaining to watch. I think Kim Hyun Joong totally murdered the Hanazawa Rui character (the original one) and I hate him for it. I didn’t understand why there were too many loopholes in the story and why everybody missed seeing each other when they all have their own damn cellphones!! I loved Lee Min ho’s character Gu Jun Pyo because he was so grumpy and he thinks he’s the best thing ever when he’s really not. LOL!

You’re Beautiful- Jang Geun Seuk, Park Shin Hye,Lee Hong Ki, Jung Hong Hwa, UEE

Jang Geun Seuk’s character is another grumpy character I love. He’s forever “eyeliner guy” guy to me. LOL! I didn’t like this show at first because I thought the premise was just cheesy. But I stuck with it and found it really entertaining and funny! I would recommend this to anyone.

My Girl- Lee Da Hae, Lee Dong Wook, Lee Jung Ki, Park Si Yeon

At first I was annoyed with Lee Dae Hae’s character and thought it was a bit too over-acting, but I warmed up after a few episodes. This even became one my favorites! Loved the chemistry between the leads. Fell for Dong Wook while I was watching. lol!

Shining Inheritance- Lee Seung Ki, Han Hyo Joo, Bae Soo Bin, Moon Chae Won

Quite a different love couple. I thought it was such a chore to even finish an episode but I warmed up to it somehow and really got into the story midway. I think Hyo Joo’s is so cute.

Take Care of the Young lady– Yoon Eun Hye, Yoon Sang Hyun

I only watched this because this was Eun Hye’s next project after Coffee Prince. Was disappointed with her portrayal but thought the overall rom-com wasn’t TOO bad. Sang Hyun totally saved the show in my opinion.

Queen of Housewives- Kim Nam joo, Oh Ji Ho, Yoon Sang Hyun, Sun Woo Sun

Such a hilarious mess of gossipy women fighting over status, money and their husband’s careers.  Mismatched marriages and vindictive friends galore. Didn’t think the main couple looked good together because Kim Nam Joo looks a bit too old for Oh Ji Ho. But I enjoyed it a lot!

My Name is Kim Sam Soon- Hyun Bin, Kim Sun Ah, Danny Henney, Jung Ryo Won

Slow pacing in my opinion but a really nice story. I like Sam Soon a lot. nice Soundtrack too.

Couple or Trouble – Oh Ji Ho , Han Ye Seul, Park Han Byul

Based on a Hollywood movie. Flimsy story and bad acting all the way. Oh Ji Ho’s on screen charisma made me stick with it til the end. Totally crushed on Jang Chul Soo while watching this.

This is also memorable to me , because my boyfriend and I watched this series together! hahaha! He claims it was because it was summer in the US so all his favorite tv shows were on break, so he gave in . (We watched it during the summer season in the US–so that’s around July- August)  But I think he secretly wants to watch my dramas too, he’s just embarrassed to say so!

Will it snow for Christmas? – Go Soo, Han Ye Seul

Melodrama with eye candy. I didn’t understand why the characters had to live that way, torturing themselves. And I definitely didn’t like the ending even if it was on a positive note. I watched this because of Go Soo only. *swoon*

Hello Miss- Lee Ji Hoon, Lee Da Hae

Just a waste of time. I still wonder why I even finished the series. hahaha! I think it was because I thought Ji Hoon was cute? (This was so long ago) They tried to hard be funny and it wasn’t THAT funny really.

Goong (Princess Hours) - Yoon Eun Hye , Joo Ji Hoon, Kim Jong Hoon, Song Ji hyo

Eun Hye was cute in this drama. Fantastic set and wardrobe. Made me want to be a princess. I thought the story was cute but too slow.

Last Scandal of my Life – Choi Jinsil, Jeong Junho,

Jewel in the Palace/Dae Jang Geum  – Lee Young-ae, Im Ho

Tried to watch but couldn’t finish /haven’t finished (old and new dramas, no particular order)

1. Full House

2. Smile, You

3. Beethoven Virus

4. Bad Guy

5. Autumn Tale

6.Goong S

7. Iris

8. Lovers in Prague

9. The Ice Queen

Want to watch:

1. Flowers for my life

2. The world that they live in

Any other recommendation?

**Photos from HANCINEMA