tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11725537278131834222024-03-13T08:02:32.935+09:00Oppa NoonaKdrama, Kmovie, Kpop and Kbook reviews from a non-Korean perspectiveOppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-22751129362291511322024-03-08T17:51:00.000+09:002024-03-08T17:51:28.473+09:00K Drama Review: Black Dog: Being a Teacher (2019) 4.8 || 4.5<p style="text-align: justify;">This won't be a detailed review because I don't have notes for this drama. This was something my sister (who will now be known as Noona's Unnie) was watching that curious-me ended up watching with her. I'm sure I missed a couple parts, especially in the beginning. But my sister and I loved it. As teachers, we found so many things we can relate to in this drama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzzSGwbFaMIqmkrT0qk_tOWg9qxpnaNKB8-wl3NwKbE6tYz4VstBAQbgJuzsBx14HXGM3w2BrNWG1Rx2aVt5ugBOjDsz_Sp7PyTvRE8Wx2uKmflDTubp6wTX71v2fyHSvkUKlVEJtwYa6GCLxs_uF2tHJqwULygWW5DBkZdwkGNJXHViK57_zjX7iD7U/s374/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzzSGwbFaMIqmkrT0qk_tOWg9qxpnaNKB8-wl3NwKbE6tYz4VstBAQbgJuzsBx14HXGM3w2BrNWG1Rx2aVt5ugBOjDsz_Sp7PyTvRE8Wx2uKmflDTubp6wTX71v2fyHSvkUKlVEJtwYa6GCLxs_uF2tHJqwULygWW5DBkZdwkGNJXHViK57_zjX7iD7U/s320/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Black Dog: Being a Teacher tells the story of Ms. Go Ha Neul (Seo Hyun Jin of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a>), a temporary teacher working at Daechi High School. Ms. Go teaches Korean and is assigned to the College Advisory Department. We see Ms. Go's struggles as a new teacher - learning to love different kinds of students, standing her ground against inflexible veteran teachers, advancing in her career especially in getting a permanent position, etc. The story takes us through how Ms. Go rises above the adversities she had to face, with the help of caring colleagues and friends who supported her along the way. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Cast</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtqM_PQlDowjKkvD6j9lPAHPkKp6Dz4FprQJ0FAqFyrRgfsASR43CNsW-wMKpppAgKlCVY1kGQsNSAAQyEyhpLzDp5y3yio1LjvZbBHWeuN6TmCetwTTqDopWpwBzbCY14ehJg6yUMaSnUOwMOh5w4yfg02PthbMTWf-O6T3ZdFt7-O6cpV4tESc_5dc/s900/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtqM_PQlDowjKkvD6j9lPAHPkKp6Dz4FprQJ0FAqFyrRgfsASR43CNsW-wMKpppAgKlCVY1kGQsNSAAQyEyhpLzDp5y3yio1LjvZbBHWeuN6TmCetwTTqDopWpwBzbCY14ehJg6yUMaSnUOwMOh5w4yfg02PthbMTWf-O6T3ZdFt7-O6cpV4tESc_5dc/s320/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">One thing I loved most about this show was how it had really, really great actors. Yes, they were all perfect for their roles. It's my first Seo Hyun Jin drama and she did really well as the initially shy and confused new teacher who worked her way to being a feisty and passionate one that everyone respected. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, we have Ms. Go's College Advisory Department to back her up. The head Ms. Park Sung Soon (Ra Mi Ran of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1988-answer-me.html">Reply 1988</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-movie-review-last-princess-2016.html">The Last Princess</a>) who would do everything in her power to protect the students and her team. Ms. Go's elementary school senior, Mr. Bae (Lee Chang Hoon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-1987-when-day-comes-2017.html">1987: When the Day Comes</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist Korea: Joint Economic Area 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">and 2</a>, Record of Youth, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-one-spring-night-2019.html">One Spring Night</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-sky-castle-2018-48-45.html">Sky Castle</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a>) who was the team's jolly, good fellow. And the quiet and contemplative and very handsome Mr. Do (Ha Jun). I loved all of them and I really wanted all of them to be together forever because they made such a good team. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What made the casting great was that the nice characters were really likable. While the not-so-nice ones were often annoying like Ms. Go's partner tormentor-turned-BFF Ms. Kim (Jo Yeon Hee of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-movie-review-miracle-letters-to.html">Miracle: Letters to the President</a>) and the Year 3 Department Head Mr. Song (Park Ji Hwan of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-our-blues-2022-5-5.html">Our Blues</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2024/01/k-drama-review-gyeongseong-creature.html">Gyeongseong Creature</a>, and 1987: When the Day Comes), among others. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWaWHNuPPoLvH51SFZ956xHHtu9JcqDFvE64I8rB0VUbCHFXavxCx6O7btAMrgpSp-d1Or3RWL6bRvq-Wkc6HB105fjX7unejp9TfWzhIviD3kwJ0bDKkWgngulTZeC4Yj012HHZwu8AXOyaOwvbAaYEsztRLsDFIhYwA0YmUrU8KGHyMrJ3tYHdrVAk/s2000/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWaWHNuPPoLvH51SFZ956xHHtu9JcqDFvE64I8rB0VUbCHFXavxCx6O7btAMrgpSp-d1Or3RWL6bRvq-Wkc6HB105fjX7unejp9TfWzhIviD3kwJ0bDKkWgngulTZeC4Yj012HHZwu8AXOyaOwvbAaYEsztRLsDFIhYwA0YmUrU8KGHyMrJ3tYHdrVAk/s320/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm sure a lot of people would find this drama relatable because most of us have been students. We've all had good and bad memories of school and this drama would definitely make you reminisce. The terror teacher. The cute teacher. The pushover teacher. The greedy classmates. The classmates who don't care. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked how this show highlighted the highs and lows of school life. That exhilarating feeling when the top students made it to the top universities. I couldn't breathe as the entire faculty room waited to see if they got a student admitted to the country's top medical school. And that sad, sad feeling when one of the top students doesn't make it to her dream school. Or when students struggle either academically or financially, or even both. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4x6ooNhhDEx4DvMf41l2CuCoba9KrI0zl_LGIElONtzkdZw9ig1WNmNy9JGIIE3-7X0V06N2k5HcpAltSoh67HUOcycTvPqVfkXYbnoiWEjOYeK7JssNfmef_vwhUyV02Lzd3v8GH3OiYZZ_pGkpzN4sNLdVSudzMY7XV3C2zAE5uLgCpaQDdWoGtx0/s1200/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4x6ooNhhDEx4DvMf41l2CuCoba9KrI0zl_LGIElONtzkdZw9ig1WNmNy9JGIIE3-7X0V06N2k5HcpAltSoh67HUOcycTvPqVfkXYbnoiWEjOYeK7JssNfmef_vwhUyV02Lzd3v8GH3OiYZZ_pGkpzN4sNLdVSudzMY7XV3C2zAE5uLgCpaQDdWoGtx0/s320/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And teachers. How teaching is probably one of the most noble professions out there. It's a known fact that most teachers are underpaid. Yet they have to do a lot of work even outside school. And this show perfectly captures how demanding teaching is as a profession. You need to shine in order to advance. So on top of teaching, you need to handle a lot of admin work if you want to be promoted. And unfortunately, some teachers think that actual teaching can take a backseat. Then you have to be there for your students, who depending on their grade level, would sometimes need more than academic guidance. Being your student's confidante in life is such a huge responsibility that people often take for granted. Take Ms. Park's case where her student resented her for not going to him at the police station when in fact, she was in a hospital taking care of her sick son. Being a teacher is definitely more than teaching and you need to have both the brain and the heart for it for you to thrive. As Ms. Go asked Ms. Park, you sometimes need to learn how to draw the line about how far you should go in caring for your students. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEVUjRfCl3mYbuAui1NNIvmwiI6dMj8LUFD_-_UkyeiDjVHH9j-75EDrGzk26OMlqs1POCcCTvCQ7zTzUKgUhiThNxPP9Yo7tXsZ4h67anxMdUvIACCq0AROWzdnWU2cSaSZ9vnfY_Z9chuCVkR2jWfuvAgvn43pREbrYIw4X1pR4kuS6ngG2Ghx-LJY/s638/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="638" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOEVUjRfCl3mYbuAui1NNIvmwiI6dMj8LUFD_-_UkyeiDjVHH9j-75EDrGzk26OMlqs1POCcCTvCQ7zTzUKgUhiThNxPP9Yo7tXsZ4h67anxMdUvIACCq0AROWzdnWU2cSaSZ9vnfY_Z9chuCVkR2jWfuvAgvn43pREbrYIw4X1pR4kuS6ngG2Ghx-LJY/s320/Black%20Dog%20Being%20a%20Teacher%20Seo%20Hyun%20Jin%20Go%20Ha%20Neul%205.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I appreciated how this drama tried to touch on the problems that the school system faces. One of the toughest things about working in educational institutions is having to deal with school politics - with the higher ups, among your colleagues and in your own little departments, among the parents, and of course, among your students. With all the work teachers have to juggle, it's really annoying to see them waste their time, energy, and effort fighting against the problematic system. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how wrong you are if you think that because it's a school - everything will be merit-based. It's tough when that is not the case, especially when corruption and nepotism are involved. How some teachers have to struggle for a long time like Mr. Ji (Yoo Min Kyu) who never became permanent despite being an alumnus of Daechi and a temp teacher for 6 years. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you watch K dramas, you know how competitive the educational system is. And it's bad when schools have no choice but to set aside innovations and creativity so that they can compete with the best. It was sad to see how natural sciences and liberal arts were pitted against each other when both deserve support. And of course, that trend to help the best students to the detriment of the average ones. And how parents think they can push schools around to give in to their demands. *sigh* If only schools can be as inclusive as Ms. Park and Ms. Go aspire for. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show ended on a somewhat melancholic note. Ms. Park went on leave. Ms. Go had to move to another school (although I assume this should be a happy part because the show seemed to imply that she was admitted to a public school, which is tougher to get into). Ms. Go's friend (Lee Hang Na of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-vincenzo-2021.html">Vincenzo</a>) moved without telling her beforehand. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while it was sad, I appreciated how the drama bravely showed us real life. Teachers don't always stay in the same subject, department, school, etc. Students (and friends) come and go. We just all need to learn how to go with the flow and be happy wherever we may be. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.8. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona's Unnie says...</i>4.5.</p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-5012359098684106872024-01-20T18:06:00.001+09:002024-01-20T18:06:14.773+09:00K Drama Review: Gyeongseong Creature (2023) 4.7 || 4.5<p style="text-align: justify;">And we finally found a drama we both loved! It was a no-brainer that we were going to watch this show, which had Park Seo Joon who is on my <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">Oppa List </a>and Han So Hee who is definitely part of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/oppas-noona-list.html">Oppa's Noona List</a> that just needs to be updated. We had our reservations though because it is a period drama with some supernatural element to it. Definitely not our usual straightforward K drama. But we knew it was going to be a great one right from the first episode. Despite our concerns, we were able to sit through three episodes at a time, which helped us finish watching everything real quick. Of course it also helped that it only had 10 episodes that only lasted one hour each. And while we have some criticisms, this show is definitely worth watching. And we can't wait for season 2. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyqTI3oZcNKm_h_armVh8NjM9HnMYViWL5xpY49U6ZPbaiBguoDN6fxYV2oX_eBwEuoQ6X7tzZvhgMdzAi981v7jBiixrIUzI1Ch3X1q33-sIAaC-natMpG473SFOMr_Fj2cgag6kRo0L9dq7xY7aQNjzQAM2KIpQCuqI-yJ_PEedMgKfi0tb2aiKxa4/s384/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="259" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyqTI3oZcNKm_h_armVh8NjM9HnMYViWL5xpY49U6ZPbaiBguoDN6fxYV2oX_eBwEuoQ6X7tzZvhgMdzAi981v7jBiixrIUzI1Ch3X1q33-sIAaC-natMpG473SFOMr_Fj2cgag6kRo0L9dq7xY7aQNjzQAM2KIpQCuqI-yJ_PEedMgKfi0tb2aiKxa4/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Gyeongseong Creature is set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the spring of 1945 at Gyeongseong, said to be present-day Seoul. It tells the story of a wealthy pawnshop owner, Master Jang Tae Sang (Park Seo Joon), an apathetic rich guy who appears to only care about his money. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tae Sang's otherwise peaceful world turns upside down when he's arrested by Police Commissioner Ishikawa (Kim Do Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/reborn-rich-2022-44-45.html">Reborn Rich</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-hot-stove-league-2019.html">Hot Stove League</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-guardian-lonely-and.html">Guardian</a> who was superb in this show!). The arrest was allegedly because Ishikawa suspected Master Jang of having an affair with his wife, Lady Maeda (Claudia Kim/Kim Soo Hyun). But turns out that Ishikawa really wanted Master Jang (known as the master of information/connections in their community) to find Ishikawa's mistress, Myeong Ja/Akiko (Ji Woo), who has gone missing. Ishikawa threatened Master Jang that if he's unable to find Myeong Ja, he would have to give up his pawnshop. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This mission leads the desperate Master Jang to team up with a father-and-daughter sleuth tandem of Yoon Chae Ok (Han So Hee) and her dad (Jo Han Chul of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-juror-8-2019.html">Juror 8</a>, Reborn Rich, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-vincenzo-2021.html">Vincenzo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-romance-is-bonus-book.html">Romance is a Bonus Book</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-producers-2015.html">The Producers</a>), who were trying to find Chae Ok's mom who went missing 10 years ago. Master Jang would help Chae Ok and her dad find Sachimoto (Woo Ji Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-sky-castle-2018-48-45.html">SKY Castle</a>), an artist whom they believe drew and saw Chae Ok's mom, and in turn, the Yoons would help Master Jang find Myeong Ja. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What seemed like simple cases of missing persons, lead to the discovery of a mysterious and horrific operation inside the Onseong Hospital, where Japanese scientists and doctors were conducting horrendous human experiments which even involved the creation of a monstrous creature formed by injecting a combination of the najin parasite and anthrax on humans. The story takes us through how Chae Ok and Master Jang team up to fulfill their missions while also unearthing and trying their best to solve the dirty, evil, and problematic secrets inside Onseong. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Park Seo Joon as Master Jang Tae Sang</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRCjURNr5eeOeZLK-EDkWctsZ09hnrqRZqKqZpakAshk2L_D0UhkA3mV9dwCpZ8srLEbi3jQnMl1_prw47-wmjcpq1QrO6J9iRcqGVltUWQTjwwpTluuRo9kRdbIv0MP1AELwnLBYpYoDyqOarXQ4us2d5TtYidViIKOiROVoOvTzkH_kLDSP8nk-xVI/s1280/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRCjURNr5eeOeZLK-EDkWctsZ09hnrqRZqKqZpakAshk2L_D0UhkA3mV9dwCpZ8srLEbi3jQnMl1_prw47-wmjcpq1QrO6J9iRcqGVltUWQTjwwpTluuRo9kRdbIv0MP1AELwnLBYpYoDyqOarXQ4us2d5TtYidViIKOiROVoOvTzkH_kLDSP8nk-xVI/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Park Seo Joon's quite known for loud/arrogant characters - <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-itaewon-class-2020.html">Itaewon Class</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-whats-wrong-with.html">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-drama-review-she-was-pretty-2015.html">She Was Pretty</a>. Sure, he had low key roles in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-parasite-2019.html">Parasite</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a> (and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/05/k-show-review-jinnys-kitchen-2023-46-425.html">Jinny's Kitchen</a>) but characters with strong personalities are really his trademark. So he was definitely the perfect choice for the role of Master Jang. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">But what sets Master Jang apart from all the characters Seo Joon has played in the past is that the arrogance here seemed more natural. It had purpose. He was not being mean just for the heck of it. It goes deep into his painful past and how he needed to be that way in order to survive and keep his promise to his mom that he'll keep on living. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yet despite looking cool 99% of the time, Master Jang also gives us a glimpse of the anxiety he felt over losing everything he worked so hard for. And while Chae Ok detested him for being so bossy, her dad's description of Master Jang was perfectly accurate - Master Jang may look tough on the outside but he is actually a very good man deep inside. The apathy/indifference was just a coping mechanism to help him survive. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Master Jang definitely gave me one more reason to love Park Seo Joon even more. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Han So Hee as Yoon Chae Ok</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwWgLK9MqE7zV-5ShzpQtYL-NC4nBgRV2j7H8oLLGTOWQoB47gqOTK9wtYkA85P4KE-NLaQRTX1GgZ_0JGY1uVH2VfpsbJqFLS4ng3qkN6L6z7gSaExYUxUCdz_opoQVIkPO8VzsyUUkkdaIkV2GLE9OoAIfD0pOgqGSp7ToX9wcc5E3R4e8sf2TcER0/s1160/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="1160" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwWgLK9MqE7zV-5ShzpQtYL-NC4nBgRV2j7H8oLLGTOWQoB47gqOTK9wtYkA85P4KE-NLaQRTX1GgZ_0JGY1uVH2VfpsbJqFLS4ng3qkN6L6z7gSaExYUxUCdz_opoQVIkPO8VzsyUUkkdaIkV2GLE9OoAIfD0pOgqGSp7ToX9wcc5E3R4e8sf2TcER0/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok.webp" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We definitely missed Han So Hee whom we last watched on <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-soundtrack-1-2022-49-48.html">Soundtrack # 1</a>. She's still as pretty and as great as ever just like in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-my-name-2021-48-47.html">My Name</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-nevertheless-2021-46-45.html">Nevertheless</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/09/k-drama-review-world-of-married-2020-4.html">The World of the Married</a>. Her character, Chae Ok, closely resembles her feisty and mysterious character in My Name. But I loved how Chae Ok gave Han So Hee a lot of opportunities to showcase how versatile she is as an actress. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved her banters with Master Jang. Her tender moments with her parents. And her dramatic scenes - especially her breakdown scenes when she found out mom (Kang Mal Geum of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-thirty-nine-2022-42-4.html">Thirty-Nine,</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-silent-sea-2021-42-4.html">The Silent Sea</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-squid-game-2021-46-45.html">Squid Game</a>) was the creature, that her parents were trapped inside the hospital, and that heartbreaking final moment with mom, which I'll talk about later. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while the show had a great cast, Han So Hee just really out acted everyone. Her portrayal of Chae Ok was the most heartfelt of all and everyone else paled in comparison. Yoon Chae Ok is just further proof that Han So Hee is truly a brilliant actress. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Master Jang and Chae Ok</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySez0It4OTHs0fVMF6jv4wkIwEY4OZsVT9YHADWesYdN8keGD0YlRJ0yjiHMX_x7PUa5t3HkOV5koH1zQ7evPlQTSe3wXtnfwGTQHPDcr3TiEFh4fTyZ_5pGim1nQ5y-lXmGZ1BTooYOTf439rvp_8EXr065gDLqzuFbPnuphyphenhyphenBjv_8fj8xJMl5JzDek/s1024/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySez0It4OTHs0fVMF6jv4wkIwEY4OZsVT9YHADWesYdN8keGD0YlRJ0yjiHMX_x7PUa5t3HkOV5koH1zQ7evPlQTSe3wXtnfwGTQHPDcr3TiEFh4fTyZ_5pGim1nQ5y-lXmGZ1BTooYOTf439rvp_8EXr065gDLqzuFbPnuphyphenhyphenBjv_8fj8xJMl5JzDek/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was definitely not love at first sight for Chae Ok and Master Jang who were always bickering, fighting, and even pointing guns and knives at each other. But the chemistry was there from the start - even in their fight scenes which all looked credible. They didn't feel choreographed at all. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But when the two began falling for each other, there was just no turning back. How can you not love Master Jang who saved our feisty damsel in distress on the rooftop as he shot the soldier who was about to shoot Chae Ok then how he heroically came out of the shadows to reveal himself and to apologize to Chae Ok for being late. *sigh* Or when Master Jang was rambling about how Chae Ok had to escape first before finding her mom, Chae Ok simply hugged and thanked him. *double sigh*</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz4tYhmwKytTaV9gsMyR_WL-ut9F06NOOjb7v8zPgee7hKgbShOQGoByX4lIv2enmrMRqiZpBUsgN-VVB3GBVh3B7fnZw7OCpcxCbmQn4zJWJVxJL2Vz1EZ4iabzWry5FYO4u9tkt0FIHAw9kJwKhJwF0s6sFn_TvyINVNY9bskpl7cLLFpjy9SdJ1Zw/s1200/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvz4tYhmwKytTaV9gsMyR_WL-ut9F06NOOjb7v8zPgee7hKgbShOQGoByX4lIv2enmrMRqiZpBUsgN-VVB3GBVh3B7fnZw7OCpcxCbmQn4zJWJVxJL2Vz1EZ4iabzWry5FYO4u9tkt0FIHAw9kJwKhJwF0s6sFn_TvyINVNY9bskpl7cLLFpjy9SdJ1Zw/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">But my most favorite scenes were probably strong and independent Chae Ok's vulnerable moments like how she asked for Master Jang's help when she found out that her mom was the creature. I loved how Master Jang was the perfect person to be there for Chae Ok, having experienced losing his mom at a very young age. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how romance in this drama was low-key. Chae Ok and Master Jang didn't need to formally announce that they were together. No declaration was needed because you can see it in how they looked at each other. Even that simple scene where they linked their arms together spoke volumes of how they felt about each other. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPualh84163gV39wgQm9i8Lh33eonYwvRs1Su571E1o3qmxF6JeUFsFMHyLxK70YCFjDbutST5BuxegE6aukNr6aqnpNvgmmclF75rdphhQX0o9zak94EjOxdQuFUCQyV_wlYg4AVoWcjV_oBJPzqtCRL1YDv8BlCIT8ddJRvFjmFIBXPJ9PNuzN7C4zA/s1600/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPualh84163gV39wgQm9i8Lh33eonYwvRs1Su571E1o3qmxF6JeUFsFMHyLxK70YCFjDbutST5BuxegE6aukNr6aqnpNvgmmclF75rdphhQX0o9zak94EjOxdQuFUCQyV_wlYg4AVoWcjV_oBJPzqtCRL1YDv8BlCIT8ddJRvFjmFIBXPJ9PNuzN7C4zA/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Jang%20Tae%20Sang%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And while Chae Ok and Master Jang lived in a crazy and supernatural world, I loved how they were grounded. Yes, they dreamt of seeing a free Joseon together. Yet they knew that losing the other was always a possibility. And the bittersweet way they acknowledged that was heartbreaking - by promising that the one who'll survive should remember the one who passed on forever so that he/she may never be forgotten. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I loved how they kept things real. No excessive drama. They talked about things. Like how it was going to be difficult for them to stick together after Chae Ok assassinated hospital director Ichiro (Hyun Bong Sik of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-1987-when-day-comes-2017.html">1987: When the Day Comes</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-narco-saints-suriname.html">Narco Saints</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-our-blues-2022-5-5.html">Our Blues</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-dp-2021-45-48.html">D.P. Deserter Pursuit</a>). Chae Ok could have taken your typical K drama route of just leaving Master Jang without any explanation because she didn't want him to be in trouble. But she chose to speak with him and make sure he understood how things were going to be if they stayed together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With all the things Chae Ok and Master Jang went through, I'm confident they can survive anything that comes their way. Even death and separation won't change how much they love each other. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Connections and Relationships</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of this show's strengths, aside from having a superb cast, is how beautiful and organic the relationships were. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GvPmh2K08qpSbGFio1AThG3Vf0nRgNtAgzPxQVbt-u0D0dUNJT_yUk7LGXS4jR3LWQM17Sh0tqfg7brVcTeU3D9N_9CccfGuvozOjn6a5wvpEvkFOWEV7npbsCxlPYUFsVJUsLNvtKQSvicqHIpRi8YkswIM97L0nt-KjuELhdnvav6QRxi3jA51XdI/s980/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Mrs%20Nawol%20Mr%20Gu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="980" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GvPmh2K08qpSbGFio1AThG3Vf0nRgNtAgzPxQVbt-u0D0dUNJT_yUk7LGXS4jR3LWQM17Sh0tqfg7brVcTeU3D9N_9CccfGuvozOjn6a5wvpEvkFOWEV7npbsCxlPYUFsVJUsLNvtKQSvicqHIpRi8YkswIM97L0nt-KjuELhdnvav6QRxi3jA51XdI/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Mrs%20Nawol%20Mr%20Gu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, top on the list is the staff of Master Jang's House of Golden Treasure. You just love how strong their bond is that you don't want anyone of them to die. I loved how Mrs. Nawol (Kim Hae Sook of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">and 2</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start-Up</a>) was like a real loving mother to Master Jang - how she begged him to go to the hospital after he was stabbed, how dramatic she was after he escaped the hospital, etc. There's something so commanding about her presence that you'd drop everything to listen to her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then there's Mr. Gu (Park Ji Hwan of 1987: When the Day Comes and Our Blues) who may seem clumsy but who actually gets the job done when needed, no matter what it takes. The assistant Beom O (Ahn Ji Ho) might not have been as prominent as the other staff members but I know they loved him just the same. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then we have Master Jang's relationship with the people of Gyeongseong. Yes, I'm sure most of them didn't think highly of him in the beginning. They probably thought he's like your modern-day loan shark who was just after their money. But I loved how all of that changed when Master Jang's apathy was completely replaced with compassion when he heroically rescued the merchants who were jailed for helping the hospital prisoners escape. How he struck a deal with Ishikawa to release everyone. And the nice thing about that? It wasn't just about patriotism. As Master Jang put it, it goes to the core of being human. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yZl5IOwRKlyKiKkyEbp2bawWOt4i61Y62xrNKFPZuqs9Ob99HewCJoik8s7eHGFH2Khbym3MHL10Iu2Th2gHMaa96Elm5YPW-ovZcPe8skShq43K7y3AFEFK_Yj9iXXmG4HbZHMfj6IhgsVzrmq056EUM371tvL2PC-_6-723ZO8HpFDxNmWy9Ny-rQ/s560/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%20Dad.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yZl5IOwRKlyKiKkyEbp2bawWOt4i61Y62xrNKFPZuqs9Ob99HewCJoik8s7eHGFH2Khbym3MHL10Iu2Th2gHMaa96Elm5YPW-ovZcPe8skShq43K7y3AFEFK_Yj9iXXmG4HbZHMfj6IhgsVzrmq056EUM371tvL2PC-_6-723ZO8HpFDxNmWy9Ny-rQ/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%20Dad.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved Chae Ok's relationship with her dad (who surprised me with how well he can play a meek and subdued role like this one). I loved his confidence in Chae Ok and how he freely allowed her to face her own battles. And how he loved her fiercely - sacrificing his own life and letting Master Jang go in his stead to save Chae Ok because for the first time, he saw a future for his daughter. And how loyal he was to his wife. Yes, she's turned into a monster. But he still went against all odds to be with her, to honor his duty to be her husband until the end. If loving someone who was now a monster both literally and figuratively isn't true love, then true love probably does not exist. It was so heartbreaking to see him sing their song to lure his wife to him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course we have Chae Ok's special relationship with her mom but I'll discuss that more later. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then there's the little team that helped Chae Ok and Master Jang when they were first trapped in the hospital - Sachimoto the hospital artist, Mr. Oh (Im Chul Soo of Vincenzo, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1988-answer-me.html">Reply 1988</a>) the cleaner who was looking for his missing brother, and abused soldier Choi (Kim Yoon Woo) whom Chae Ok saved when he was about to commit suicide. Yes, they were very few but they were extremely loyal and brave. Thanks to them, Chae Ok and Master Jang managed to escape the hospital a couple of times. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6jT4Sm6VVUd41dqBZHZgji5CNlh5YZjsEk_cUFwD_SAjxpkcOpGq7BhplNdaHNFxiUWYe9jbHXG_0Xd67RlxpDrfuWi1ttnaw9EFpDQlk2IaUEynyDZ_dTKyXZ8jhDO4ugpVEUI-g7RaJGsQUoegZOBX72lRWxcwHyCb1DUbjeITSmtfC422jgsZNkk/s1200/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Jun%20Taek.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1200" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6jT4Sm6VVUd41dqBZHZgji5CNlh5YZjsEk_cUFwD_SAjxpkcOpGq7BhplNdaHNFxiUWYe9jbHXG_0Xd67RlxpDrfuWi1ttnaw9EFpDQlk2IaUEynyDZ_dTKyXZ8jhDO4ugpVEUI-g7RaJGsQUoegZOBX72lRWxcwHyCb1DUbjeITSmtfC422jgsZNkk/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Jun%20Taek.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And finally, we have the members/sympathizers of the resistance movement led by Master Jang's friend Jun Taek (Wi Ha Joon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-squid-game-2021-46-45.html">Squid Game 1 and 2</a>, Romance is a Bonus Book, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a>) and pub owner Young Chun (Ok Ja Yeon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-big-mouth-2022-44-45.html">Big Mouth</a>) who played huge roles in helping Master Jang succeed in his missions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">First, let me talk about the things that didn't work so well for us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXRuVgvAZREOPwt8IoPjUMxTrUs_lHLtv-WyNBJtyaIGlxiAv243FngQlQd7DgK4YrUQwrikpETnIxtE_6Fxqj3cQdY7_NydAgK5faX6r1UQoWwTgkwbazas3qnPyrFbz3SD2saTqPoJldtsjZcvNef7-dOBr7Ru-_lIe7n16OvFFgYR51MB-tFmfMR0/s1200/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20neighborhood.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXRuVgvAZREOPwt8IoPjUMxTrUs_lHLtv-WyNBJtyaIGlxiAv243FngQlQd7DgK4YrUQwrikpETnIxtE_6Fxqj3cQdY7_NydAgK5faX6r1UQoWwTgkwbazas3qnPyrFbz3SD2saTqPoJldtsjZcvNef7-dOBr7Ru-_lIe7n16OvFFgYR51MB-tFmfMR0/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20neighborhood.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The set, specifically the Gyeongseong community. It looked like a made-up set/theme park. I felt like this was a wasted opportunity to showcase the historical background of the drama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we have inconsistencies/loopholes here and there. The show had the tendency to prioritize drama and convenience in storytelling to suit their needs over being more realistic. Like how the cleaning supplies room where Master Jang and his team hid in the hospital was never searched. Or how no one could escape the creature except Master Jang. How there was a fire near the area where Master Jang and Chae Ok were first arrested in the hospital but without showing us how the fire was contained, the fire somehow never got to that room. Or how everyone could talk and fight aloud or were able to have their sweet and tender moments to hug and comfort each other despite the danger that surrounded them. It's as if they didn't have any sense of urgency. And of course, how the main leads seemed to be capable of self healing like how Master Jang could still break into the hospital despite being stabbed. Yes, artistic license may be argued here but I'm pretty sure there's a way to reconcile the need for entertainment without sacrificing the quality. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was also not a huge fan of scenes inside the hospital. It was like a never-ending cycle of breaking into the hospital, getting caught, and escaping. Unfortunately, we can't really do anything about it because most of the things that were central to the story happened there. And of course, they all had to go back there in the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But don't let these things deter you from watching this drama because it has so much more to offer than the stuff I listed above. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85H2_Fr9tmLCdnGLQaqAnOrlbQCjzkmRMIttSg7cCKSmJ-LOnW5bOLGEvV2-B8uSXWWydG1jVNK7ROozYj4KQePUcbDJmAHuXhJj-RVrQMK6tifKa3TfYhvA_DGinqEKN29yByKchUd68_0ZJbgdziQ6qLiUo-0B2iGn_SC9M8fKfcVbu_9-ndcMzjQA/s1200/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85H2_Fr9tmLCdnGLQaqAnOrlbQCjzkmRMIttSg7cCKSmJ-LOnW5bOLGEvV2-B8uSXWWydG1jVNK7ROozYj4KQePUcbDJmAHuXhJj-RVrQMK6tifKa3TfYhvA_DGinqEKN29yByKchUd68_0ZJbgdziQ6qLiUo-0B2iGn_SC9M8fKfcVbu_9-ndcMzjQA/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The show did a great job in balancing diverse themes and genres - history, romance, comedy, drama, action, horror, thriller, mystery, and supernatural, among others. If you tend to avoid supernatural and period dramas like us, don't worry because we still found the show very captivating. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, there were extremely gross and violent parts especially the scenes where they conducted medical experiments. They all seemed negative, dark, and grim. And the creature who looked like a human dinosaur. Oppa said, and I agree with him, that it might have been better and more visually appealing if the creature was just a normal-looking super human with super strength so it won't look too scary. But I liked how all the dark parts were in stark contrast with how seemingly bright Gyeongseong was on the outside with nice looking shops like the House of Golden Treasure. Deep down, however, everything was just as bad and oppressive. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While the show didn't really focus heavily on the resistance movement, I liked how it touched on the varying degrees of involvement people have on the movement. Some are born woke like Jun Taek. Some need triggers that will finally push them to help like Master Jang whose motive might not have been entirely helping set Joseon free. And how fighting physical battles is not the only way to show patriotism. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx1BntrmD5mF5A2WyKEixE0mZFEnf0pbrAAWdZHsDtgEzH7u5jhDVr-XPxbh9RuT93Rlk2U9O6tZZv3c7ksQ1LxqNrCRTbS2pwjwiqsLSIaoV59SIBICNyDKcayjlswzYmcjZV_YoqkCUlKGePAvo5-S8wwK0xVkd4dIaTdcC991Et_Sn9FJsK1e391Y/s1200/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Claudia%20Kim%20Lady%20Maeda.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx1BntrmD5mF5A2WyKEixE0mZFEnf0pbrAAWdZHsDtgEzH7u5jhDVr-XPxbh9RuT93Rlk2U9O6tZZv3c7ksQ1LxqNrCRTbS2pwjwiqsLSIaoV59SIBICNyDKcayjlswzYmcjZV_YoqkCUlKGePAvo5-S8wwK0xVkd4dIaTdcC991Et_Sn9FJsK1e391Y/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Claudia%20Kim%20Lady%20Maeda.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how this drama kept us guessing until the end on who the bad guy really was. Initially, I thought it was just a battle between doctor Director Ichiro and scientist Lt. Kato (Choi Young Joon of Our Blues, Vincenzo, and Hospital Playlist 1 and 2). Kato created the creature but Ichiro was harming people too. In the end, however, it seemed like Lady Maeda, the master who controlled everyone like puppets, was the meanest of them all with how manipulative and cunning she was. I'm not sure if she liked Master Jang romantically but I was sure she wanted him to bow down to her like everyone else. And I'm so happy that he didn't. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxup8giqLzu2ZAgMfjUqjgt8unht6q0AW4ZGotZJI3WG_7fQDqBELHSPvWlPil9jABG13fOQZd7nZtZ3NAz73uVGxS8DlrMEBQIRH86rt2kyCyJKsPZFjXgd3LwfxZ5NpJuFK3ehNLzNYN2znGUx2IJ9FqOtpNQIOox6FFtKWbD3XhWzicr6ZpuMIIbc/s600/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%20Mom.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxup8giqLzu2ZAgMfjUqjgt8unht6q0AW4ZGotZJI3WG_7fQDqBELHSPvWlPil9jABG13fOQZd7nZtZ3NAz73uVGxS8DlrMEBQIRH86rt2kyCyJKsPZFjXgd3LwfxZ5NpJuFK3ehNLzNYN2znGUx2IJ9FqOtpNQIOox6FFtKWbD3XhWzicr6ZpuMIIbc/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%20Mom.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some might find the scene where the creature/mom saved and protected Chae Ok inside the hospital cheesy and mushy. But I'm fine with it. That was proof that family and love conquer all. That was a very powerful scene for me - mom remembered Chae Ok, nitrogen didn't knock her down at that moment, and she created branches to keep her away from the soldiers. With everything happening around the world today, that scene was a fitting reminder that good, no matter how long and difficult it may take, will always defeat evil. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I found the hospital escape plan brilliant. That was a tricky one to execute given how the master planner (Master Jang) was inside the hospital and the people tasked with executing it (Mrs. Nawol and company) were outside. But with the help of the Gyeongseong community they did it. I loved that street party that allowed the prisoners to escape in their own rickshaws. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show also did a good job in building things up like when it kept us guessing on who drank the najin potion. And that cliffhanger ending in episode 9 when the creature attacked the soldiers who were hurting Chae Ok. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFqpM5Pt4ac_OP_XoH0mDQtor8fk7SrG3FgexLqzprJz75FEehUGg_IizcNhzgZWLJtDjolBs5qg660z931Q-3Xy8b6BXd4wwea0bIBmT3dxGH81h-YrXoipg2qLw6KW_tdsbE9o71CcKjGdBlULzG5oD76aKQP5hH09Kkto-gfwMbzsPZlKkaT0vZpE/s1024/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Betrayal%20Mrs%20Nawol.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFqpM5Pt4ac_OP_XoH0mDQtor8fk7SrG3FgexLqzprJz75FEehUGg_IizcNhzgZWLJtDjolBs5qg660z931Q-3Xy8b6BXd4wwea0bIBmT3dxGH81h-YrXoipg2qLw6KW_tdsbE9o71CcKjGdBlULzG5oD76aKQP5hH09Kkto-gfwMbzsPZlKkaT0vZpE/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Betrayal%20Mrs%20Nawol.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">As a drama set at a time when Korea was occupied by another country, it was very apt for the show to touch on the topic of betrayal - how when people are pushed to the edge, they have to make the difficult decision of choosing between being loyal to the people they love and saving themselves. I liked how the drama presented this angle - Lady Maeda trying to lure Master Jang to her side by exposing everyone's betrayal like Mrs. Nawol ratting on his mom, Mr. Gu exposing his dealings, Beom O being Lady Maeda's spy, and Jun Taek claiming that Master Jang was part of the rebellion. But Master Jang was super spot on when he said that their colonizers left his people with no choice but to be disloyal, to lose their morals, and to have broken spirits. How we always need to go back to the root of things and never settle with analyzing simply what's visible to us or just what's on the surface. There are deeper reasons that push people to be the way they are and unless they're inherently evil and made their choices wholeheartedly without coercion, then we can't really blame them. I super loved how powerfully Master Jang stood up to Lady Maeda. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And in relation to that, I appreciated how the show tried its best to show us the sad and harsh realities of war/occupation. How it of course victimizes and oppresses the colonized. And how it creates a delusional superiority complex on the part of the colonizers. As Chae Ok said, how can her country's oppressors be proud of gaining power when they did so by oppressing other people. Although that episode in our history happened many decades ago, that greed and dangerous desire for power are still before us. Will we ever learn?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip91OmNYwy8u8PS_-XykPdMxBXXFu2MrbKQziJfd0FLONZ0Oa8IIhreBrTePu3G6ea1liaEYoQ6_3TOK0-qqgLcI7eU9KNpmQeJKsCstfibCxff1wYmHGo8SIHF4EbZa4Ff7o0-RtkVXaQ3m8eM-xZwcsBx9PlCC2DMOv26L9ell5s0nZYNh2awQiYDtU/s725/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="725" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip91OmNYwy8u8PS_-XykPdMxBXXFu2MrbKQziJfd0FLONZ0Oa8IIhreBrTePu3G6ea1liaEYoQ6_3TOK0-qqgLcI7eU9KNpmQeJKsCstfibCxff1wYmHGo8SIHF4EbZa4Ff7o0-RtkVXaQ3m8eM-xZwcsBx9PlCC2DMOv26L9ell5s0nZYNh2awQiYDtU/s320/Gyeongseong%20Creature%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yoon%20Chae%20Ok%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Chae Ok's final scene with Master Jang was heartbreaking. How she acknowledged that mom was also hurting then she begged her to stop and not to hurt Master Jang, whom she loved. What a bittersweet confession! And how she told Master Jang that the cherry blossoms have lost their flowers and so their time together must end as well. How horrible it must have been for her own mom to hurt her and cause her death. But thanks to mom, it appears that Chae Ok would survive. Only downside was that she seemed to have ingested the najin to gain back her life. And while season 2 would allegedly go to the present, I'm still curious about how things would turn out if Chae Ok returned post-war and I surely won't mind watching more of that. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And since his short-lived reason for living was gone, Master Jang was back to his arrogant ways, as expected. But then again, we already know him by now. There's that big hollow feeling that all his toughness outside can never hide. And in the bigger scheme of things, although Kato and Lady Maeda still survived, Master Jang and company succeeded. Joseon was free. The war was over.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">This drama gave me so many things to think about. But my biggest takeaway of all is how like the creature, we all have monstrous sides/streaks. But love is so powerful that it can control and even overcome the bad stuff. And how true love will allow the people around us to accept our ugly parts and bring out the good in all of us. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.7.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Noona says...</b>4.5.</p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-41222412919009880362024-01-09T17:40:00.001+09:002024-01-09T17:40:26.989+09:00K Drama Review: Secret Playlist / Play, Plii (2023) 4.1 || 3.9<p>And we're finally back after 3 months!!! We struggled finding a new drama to watch after <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/10/k-drama-review-moving-2023-5-48.html">Moving</a>. We'd start something and get bored with it. Sometimes we just totally forgot what show we were watching. :D</p><p>We finally settled with Secret Playlist because we love Kim Hyang Gi from <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-moment-of-eighteen-at.html">At Eighteen</a>. And the show started out really promising. Admittedly, though, we were on the verge of giving up on it again because the drama became quite confusing in the middle. Fortunately, this drama only had 8 episodes so we were able to see it through. And it did pick up in the end. </p><p><b>Plot</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMGKJC-sLOO_YP6x0LOJcgcENvsVTETNUxA6cXGVeeJExV4QJmX9qSFsVB1OpK6J0tk5pwa3CN75qOVddRWUXDwo7qJDL9Uusi74G4xpVkBd-mImbyoGTCJHaOlfCULNKWako41CfnTN-RtvRh5ast12oqfmfrQxc_MpZ7BZD335BmrnmaUH_nCx87R4/s975/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMGKJC-sLOO_YP6x0LOJcgcENvsVTETNUxA6cXGVeeJExV4QJmX9qSFsVB1OpK6J0tk5pwa3CN75qOVddRWUXDwo7qJDL9Uusi74G4xpVkBd-mImbyoGTCJHaOlfCULNKWako41CfnTN-RtvRh5ast12oqfmfrQxc_MpZ7BZD335BmrnmaUH_nCx87R4/s320/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p>Secret Playlist / Play, Plii tells the story of a music vlogger, Plii / Song Han Joo (Kim Hyang Gi). Han Joo loves music but she can't be passionate about it openly because her mom (Kang Sung Yeon) was a singer who left her family to pursue her love for music. Han Joo had no choice but to upload her music vlogs without showing her face and under a secret name, Plii. </p><p>Plii became controversial in the past because she covered the song of K Pop Idol, Levi / Lee Do Kook (Shin Hyun Seung), and Plii's cover ended up being more popular than the original. Fast forward to a few years later, Han Joo and Do Kook became classmates in university. Their paths crossed more often than they wanted, which brought them closer. This happened while Do Kook was in a quest to find Plii and as he pursued his hunch that Han Joo was Plii. Despite all the complications around them, music brought them together. The show takes us through how two people from seemingly different worlds find a common ground by using music in finding and expressing their true selves. </p><p><b>Kim Hyang Gi as Han Joo</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl9609OJvV3TQ8z0e-1GhX9YZxBxB69fL437pfxah-V-aVlm_WOfTC8ZgOn-WR-XLDkO1eac-7f3SMAFh2KspYVw71yInkXnZ3k3bijk-jFqlloSBHbeUF3xpqXd39y0zDR7S_pxm2__MCXdFrjAHbH45VpgSyObhKxINKwbeH6Vz4foJV0UKhWq1bEY/s800/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="800" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl9609OJvV3TQ8z0e-1GhX9YZxBxB69fL437pfxah-V-aVlm_WOfTC8ZgOn-WR-XLDkO1eac-7f3SMAFh2KspYVw71yInkXnZ3k3bijk-jFqlloSBHbeUF3xpqXd39y0zDR7S_pxm2__MCXdFrjAHbH45VpgSyObhKxINKwbeH6Vz4foJV0UKhWq1bEY/s320/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p>We love how Kim Hyang Gi picks her dramas really well. I love how her characters are always relatable. And it definitely helps that she makes acting look so natural and simple. She can handle comedy, drama, romance, etc. </p><p>I loved Han Joo here because she bravely pursued her dreams. She didn't allow her sad life to hold her back. And Hyang Gi was the perfect actor to give life to this character. </p><p><b>Shin Hyun Seung as Do Kook</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwVt3wtV04KCdlA1a7r1KWENCW29My4f0oFW4Fz2OoluLLtdWzY-gYey0QBKXJJOTdd1SBDzvPP1Y8W4UK6jzN5hMCIZ7Q-mvfo3W1BotigkaKPcSTzHaKg17xlNJsZFb1Ndme9VRvZtg78_jS9WDfuNAv0fEcn-CRT7hT6m9cSiGdCKQR5jItBw3wn8/s240/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGwVt3wtV04KCdlA1a7r1KWENCW29My4f0oFW4Fz2OoluLLtdWzY-gYey0QBKXJJOTdd1SBDzvPP1Y8W4UK6jzN5hMCIZ7Q-mvfo3W1BotigkaKPcSTzHaKg17xlNJsZFb1Ndme9VRvZtg78_jS9WDfuNAv0fEcn-CRT7hT6m9cSiGdCKQR5jItBw3wn8/s1600/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p>It was not love at first sight for me and Shin Hyun Seung. I initially felt that he was too stereotypical as an annoying potential idol. He tended to be over the top whenever he acted like a brat around his colleagues. But he grew on me eventually with his simple interactions with Han Joo. He became more natural and likable. I appreciated how like a real idol, he shed his facade when he was around people he was comfortable with. I felt his sincerity in wanting to be friends with Han Joo. Do Kook is just really awkward by nature or he appears trying hard because he's lived a sheltered life. </p><p><b>Han Joo and Do Kook</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlfpFvKrBE5FAayg2ncgjI1pKiWKRovusa3f6wqcOuzbcLgjqseY2hhd-k_Ga8L_46bSY_J3ecZd0lC_bcfMH8mA0UmzjGFsTpp0J7isy3uTvpO7XRLPcFsouhXimRXzIRm1udn8Gg42cD1q7cJjZvgrj36yQc0JnM0CJiKUzjrCImg2SMJeY7sbSVZY/s900/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlfpFvKrBE5FAayg2ncgjI1pKiWKRovusa3f6wqcOuzbcLgjqseY2hhd-k_Ga8L_46bSY_J3ecZd0lC_bcfMH8mA0UmzjGFsTpp0J7isy3uTvpO7XRLPcFsouhXimRXzIRm1udn8Gg42cD1q7cJjZvgrj36yQc0JnM0CJiKUzjrCImg2SMJeY7sbSVZY/s320/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo.webp" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p>Han Joo and Do Kook were fun to watch in the beginning. They were cute, especially with the hide-and-seek angle when Do Kook was finding Plii. It did get a bit exhausting though. But I'll talk about that later. </p><p>I loved Han Joo and Do Kook because they both used music as their escape. Yes, they were worlds apart - Han Joo had a hard life and she wanted to use music to reconnect with mom who abandoned her, while Do Kook used music to find and express his true self, without being manipulated by the people around him. And though they were different, I loved how music bridged that huge gap between them. </p><p><b>Execution</b></p><p>Let me just begin by saying that we watched this on Hitv and the English subtitles were so bad. I have to say this because the broken translation might have affected how we perceived the show overall. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-vf70FAw6LPsdAP-Kf_xTOxR5DZn8P6a_dMzdBYV9yZJk6iVMTIdvwpVW6duhYGNu6PVRddO9lQW_GVFE8EqCA4jaO57irJLOLvDzofIrBVP212SoQ041HjDlJkJDSNcrtlhEjYX0REWCtl8NoeQ9Q6GRrMr8FrWDo1twJy9kQAJK9gQGaZ5gDnox24/s1500/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-vf70FAw6LPsdAP-Kf_xTOxR5DZn8P6a_dMzdBYV9yZJk6iVMTIdvwpVW6duhYGNu6PVRddO9lQW_GVFE8EqCA4jaO57irJLOLvDzofIrBVP212SoQ041HjDlJkJDSNcrtlhEjYX0REWCtl8NoeQ9Q6GRrMr8FrWDo1twJy9kQAJK9gQGaZ5gDnox24/s320/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Let's go to the not so nice parts first. Some storylines felt contrived. Like the family feud angle between Han Joo and her cousin (Jeon Seo Jin). It was interspersed here and there but it was not really pursued consistently. Some issues were blown out of proportion but some were totally ignored. Like when Han Joo opted to go for an internship in a production company over a regular job in a big company. I'm sure it would've caused a big problem, given how Han Joo's cousin reacted in previous instances. </p><p>As I mentioned earlier, Do Kook's quest in finding Plii and then the storyline about whether Do Kook and Han Joo should date felt a bit stretched and tiring. These were not wise ways of using the very limited number of episodes the drama had. </p><p>And of course, it didn't help that the show wanted to complicate things by introducing more characters and side stories. Like Han Joo's ex, Mak Choon (Yeon Oh), who was now Do Kook's staff. Or Han Joo's cousin who was in love with Mak Choon. Or Do Kook's crazy ex (Shin Soo Hyun). Or when Han Joo made a big deal when Do Kook didn't inform her right away that he knew Han Joo was Plii. And my least favorite of all - the rumor monger vlogger (Cha Bo Sung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a>) who I didn't even realize was Han Joo's classmate. And that's the sad thing. The show's basic plot was so nice and refreshing but it refused to keep things simple. The drama could've been tighter with fewer episodes. </p><p>The show also had the tendency to be dreamland-ish. Probably because it's adapted from a webtoon. Like how the songwriting process was shown as two people discussing the lyrics spontaneously. Or how Do Kook's agency was not your usual rigid and manipulative agency - they allowed him to bring in Plii, a newcomer, because Do Kook was crazy over her and her music was good then they allowed Do Kook's ex to influence them in terminating Plii's contract because of the shallow and baseless plagiarism issue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vPJTsfMo-KsmHr4aFBFzFnFK5ebyy21ln542W5E0CX6j49GqSmMqHyqDhpXXwv-P527RleT1v9Y_hdn_dZnKc6gFIiVUipRh1KcKy3EOEJ3DvCE4EuuHfu_2Tk2KEvcaZWRtNi6apFHPzEyljb5RN0Kvamf8ltCeVneVJWvBMXP9T02zb1pJvOySiH0/s736/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="736" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vPJTsfMo-KsmHr4aFBFzFnFK5ebyy21ln542W5E0CX6j49GqSmMqHyqDhpXXwv-P527RleT1v9Y_hdn_dZnKc6gFIiVUipRh1KcKy3EOEJ3DvCE4EuuHfu_2Tk2KEvcaZWRtNi6apFHPzEyljb5RN0Kvamf8ltCeVneVJWvBMXP9T02zb1pJvOySiH0/s320/Secret%20Playlist%20Play%20Plii%20Shin%20Hyun%20Seung%20Do%20Kook%20Levi%20Kim%20Hyang%20Gi%20Han%20Joo%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>But there were good parts too. Especially the nice choice of music. The songs all felt so sincere and they meshed well with the story. </p><p>I loved how the challenges and dilemmas young people face were presented. Should they follow their hearts and dreams to the crazy and unknown path? Or should they pick the most practical and predictable route? But with the acknowledgement that having those choices is a privilege not everyone can enjoy, like for breadwinners like Han Joo. </p><p>The show picked up in the end. I liked Han Joo and Mak Choon's closure scene. How Han Joo admitted that Mak Choon was good for her. He was her safe space. He was confident in her and he pushed her to be the best she can be. But realizing that she had to be brave too and she needed to come out of her comfort zone and face things by herself no matter how unsure and unsafe things may be. </p><p>I appreciated show's attempt at criticizing how idols and celebrities are subjected to very harsh treatment by media and the fans. Like how Do Kook's contracts had to be terminated if he gets into a relationship. Or how celebs have to give up their own happiness to protect their fame and reputation. </p><p>I enjoyed Han Joo's back story. How painful it was for her to unbox her mom's stuff. Or how she confronted dad (Yang Dong Geun of Moving) about avoiding problems and not facing them head on. And dad's letting go speech - finally setting Han Joo free to pursue her dreams. I found it quite odd and abrupt though that Han Joo's cousin was helpful all of a sudden. </p><p>I liked how Mak Choon pushed Do Kook to finally admit and fight for what he wants. Mak Choon was right when he accused Do Kook of being selfish because he was not giving up anything and he was letting Han Joo take the fall. That he was greedy. I'm glad that Do Kook finally came to his senses and gave up everything so he can be free to pursue Han Joo. And I loved how simple, sweet, uncomplicated, and cute their reunion was. I just wished the show was able to keep the entire story that way too. </p><p><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.1.</p><p><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>3.9. </p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-63442079539775158592023-10-09T17:47:00.002+09:002023-10-09T17:51:39.014+09:00K Drama Review: Moving (2023) 5 || 4.8<p style="text-align: justify;">K drama time has considerably lessened because of college basketball season and our son's newly-imposed sleeping arrangements here at home. Watch parties are now mostly limited to weekends. So while this drama is really, really interesting, it took us a bit of time to finish everything. But in a way, that helped me hold on to this drama a little bit longer too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHulGLd022aIrb1k9aHXv3Zv5NnTAPWVzlLIebCEbX0pWOGHnlLBFBxfQIVMl9n_s2MFXHI6-8jLHhJzxQhjdrYv2paBnOHDanzgfXd1DKK-4QWQ4pl7NXioYvsbRTrL7bAETNpUqzK3sPAO8P2EnyYkukP7C3hSWUg8AyomgGYwVHLoNv_LvbvzJP2Pk/s335/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="235" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHulGLd022aIrb1k9aHXv3Zv5NnTAPWVzlLIebCEbX0pWOGHnlLBFBxfQIVMl9n_s2MFXHI6-8jLHhJzxQhjdrYv2paBnOHDanzgfXd1DKK-4QWQ4pl7NXioYvsbRTrL7bAETNpUqzK3sPAO8P2EnyYkukP7C3hSWUg8AyomgGYwVHLoNv_LvbvzJP2Pk/s320/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik.png" width="224" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Moving tells the story of different individuals born with extraordinary abilities - a guy who flies (Zo In Sung as Kim Doo Sik), a woman who has extra strong vision and hearing (Han Hyo Joo as tonkatsu restaurant owner Lee Mi Hyun), an extra strong guy who never gets hurt and can regenerate (Ryu Seung Ryong as fried chicken restaurant owner Jang Ju Won), a strong and fast guy (Kim Sung Kyun as supermarket owner Lee Jae Man), and a guy with electrical powers (Cha Tae Hyun as bus driver Jeon Gye Do). Earlier in their lives, most of these people have met as intelligence agents. They've gone their separate ways as they went on hiding after realizing that the government was taking advantage of their abilities. Their lives get intertwined again later on as their children meet and a purge of retired intelligence agents with abilities like them begin. The story takes us through how our superheroes do everything in their power to protect their children, how they guide their kids as the latter's own abilities are slowly awakened, and how they fight together to evade the exploitation of the government and other evil forces from outside. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Cast</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This show's cast is perfect. Everyone - the villains included - are great fit for their characters. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr2nZJeolr7ef3DqAmjFo3crBV6JB2W3tEu_JbHjlM0id2gciuhHOkchcKSgDMqm4G2z295VSrd3Vn4dueqWLG1JdbKf_lWhwRHwhV7UPY39EGtTLgJdMmS1mGzE_C8W4vx2B_g4bn5_s7xXae1MK9oVTTbp2R0RZZ6zU0mU7VRjw0RDRbXbITUe31G4/s600/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr2nZJeolr7ef3DqAmjFo3crBV6JB2W3tEu_JbHjlM0id2gciuhHOkchcKSgDMqm4G2z295VSrd3Vn4dueqWLG1JdbKf_lWhwRHwhV7UPY39EGtTLgJdMmS1mGzE_C8W4vx2B_g4bn5_s7xXae1MK9oVTTbp2R0RZZ6zU0mU7VRjw0RDRbXbITUe31G4/s320/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">After seeing Han Hyo Joo in quite younger roles in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-happiness-2021-45-45.html">Happiness</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-movie-review-20th-century-girl-2022.html">20th Century Girl</a> (and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-shows-review-tvn-summer-variety-shows.html">Hometown Flex</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/01.%20Noonas%20-%20The%20Loveliest%20Korean%20Female%20Personalities%20%28Dec%202020%29">Oppa's List </a>hihi), it was interesting to see her in a mommy role. And I'm not just talking about mom to a toddler, but a mom to a full-grown man. I love seeing Han Hyo Joo embrace her real age. And it was even more amazing to see her play the role so well. She was perfect as the overprotective Lee Mi Hyun who was ready to pack up and go anytime she senses trouble for her and her son, Bong Seok (Lee Jung Ha). She was so good in hiding her identity too. Who would've thought that this tonkatsu restaurant owner was actually a sharp shooter. I like how Han Hyo Joo chooses her projects so well because we're always in for a treat whenever she has a new show. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUQc0hQAt6sx6roBd7OeOEXomHA4m_YtjphjRTPfBVCNGg3UuiWTLo8tlIwpQuG3YXUD-gHM9ab4WgJ04zfGWFCr9MpkheL2CCDTsmryC-qUB7FxlXxm-urF1xye4lSwDPpfw7zBax36m01M7K9llNKwx3D9K7kkEBYRji11JBpsIl19xoqgVp8hUDok/s1200/Moving%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1200" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUQc0hQAt6sx6roBd7OeOEXomHA4m_YtjphjRTPfBVCNGg3UuiWTLo8tlIwpQuG3YXUD-gHM9ab4WgJ04zfGWFCr9MpkheL2CCDTsmryC-qUB7FxlXxm-urF1xye4lSwDPpfw7zBax36m01M7K9llNKwx3D9K7kkEBYRji11JBpsIl19xoqgVp8hUDok/s320/Moving%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Although one of the marketing points for this drama was having Zo In Sung on it, his fans should temper their expectations because he only appears towards the end of episode 7. And while he would have a couple of episodes about his story, his character was not as visible as the others. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I guess that's the thing with great actors. They make the most out of whatever screen time you give them. And it was evident in how In Sung portrayed the role of elite black ops agent Kim Doo Sik who later on married Mi Hyun. Although we've seen him on <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-movie-review-escape-from-mogadishu.html">Escape from Mogadishu</a>, this was our first Zo In Sung drama. We did see some episodes of Unexpected Business on TV and I must say that I love how totally different his variety show serious persona is from his drama persona. Despite only seeing him for limited episodes, I saw how super wide In Sung's range of emotions was as an actor. He was so multi-dimensional - caring and sweet and protective around Mi Hyun (and even his partner Ju Won), defiant against his bosses, and totally badass in the battlefield. I wish he'd make more dramas so we can see more of him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrDw_7nHhF2SLGdIOteL9URTQWg2jwSA51lAKJ-8nH0rsNFvC4QHvXcvk1E-rm8ruwPJ3duKSBVkqkY671sX_wKNmud4YQaPisABSyJDShQhnMU3eMS1RtP-_CaO-aHW4xFSOJy5smBrRZ3RGGukZu94EERikfqUdf2B2HwploeVVtwa5H651f1A1AaY/s1200/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrDw_7nHhF2SLGdIOteL9URTQWg2jwSA51lAKJ-8nH0rsNFvC4QHvXcvk1E-rm8ruwPJ3duKSBVkqkY671sX_wKNmud4YQaPisABSyJDShQhnMU3eMS1RtP-_CaO-aHW4xFSOJy5smBrRZ3RGGukZu94EERikfqUdf2B2HwploeVVtwa5H651f1A1AaY/s320/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And I loved Mi Hyun and Doo Sik's chemistry. I liked their chill vibe. They didn't need to do anything romantic because they managed to make me feel their connection just with their smiles and the twinkle in their eyes. I loved every minute of their awkwardness, cuteness, and giddiness as they slowly realized that they liked each other. And most of all, I loved how their love story kept on defying the odds. I'm guessing that no matter how many times they part ways, Doo Sik will always find his way back in Mi Hyun's life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eKG3RJ75fEIc3HUHfHJ2gm-TfxkRxdrOBp7bWTGGhleWoGGPcT7659VV2wYtVTB8KeL4oZAOq8DtGiKIqq9bLsglRnSxtWWdsWHT7L9ZhC-z3e14ckXuL4vgQfR8yw7IBCfFQzNkEUBpeAjNVqEWAAE3Dv6_kcWPhobK42JBPWTLHiRKhs8I3wdPV90/s1200/Moving%20Ryu%20Seung%20Ryong%20Jang%20Ju%20Won.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="1200" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eKG3RJ75fEIc3HUHfHJ2gm-TfxkRxdrOBp7bWTGGhleWoGGPcT7659VV2wYtVTB8KeL4oZAOq8DtGiKIqq9bLsglRnSxtWWdsWHT7L9ZhC-z3e14ckXuL4vgQfR8yw7IBCfFQzNkEUBpeAjNVqEWAAE3Dv6_kcWPhobK42JBPWTLHiRKhs8I3wdPV90/s320/Moving%20Ryu%20Seung%20Ryong%20Jang%20Ju%20Won.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Although we've had some Ryu Seung Ryong sightings before (20th Century Girl, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-movie-review-extreme-job-2019.html">Extreme Job</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/02/k-drama-review-my-love-from-star-2013.html">My Love from the Star</a>), this was the first time that we had a serious look at him. And it can actually be argued that he is this show's lead actor. He was probably my favorite character too. How can you not love a giant/monster who never gets hurt and who's so strong but who is ever so gentle especially when it comes to his wife (Kwak Sun Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">and 2 </a>and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-encounter-boyfriend.html">Encounter</a>) and daughter, Hui Soo (Go Youn Jung). His tears and breakdown scenes were all so heartfelt. I super loved Jang Ju Won and I would definitely be on the lookout for Ryu Seung Ryong's future dramas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUi5sKd8eG2MJgvhtnvW3A7XnBnv7OH2kW2BWKvixzgzWVheM1_WbfA-6LmTNhx-1qkEfybfE1w19nhPK13IZq697mFyr3JfPkY6UJ7IRw_MBAxKR3I4iQCAvIYyiGFK-qnnWzsUhLhT-wpLqv6y_IAC1CoEIepT9FsnVgVdTKb6O0ZO4UsI9ZtWgu5OY/s1999/Moving%20Cha%20Tae%20Hyun%20Jeon%20Gye%20Do.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1999" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUi5sKd8eG2MJgvhtnvW3A7XnBnv7OH2kW2BWKvixzgzWVheM1_WbfA-6LmTNhx-1qkEfybfE1w19nhPK13IZq697mFyr3JfPkY6UJ7IRw_MBAxKR3I4iQCAvIYyiGFK-qnnWzsUhLhT-wpLqv6y_IAC1CoEIepT9FsnVgVdTKb6O0ZO4UsI9ZtWgu5OY/s320/Moving%20Cha%20Tae%20Hyun%20Jeon%20Gye%20Do.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Cha Tae Hyun's (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-movie-review-my-sassy-girl-2001.html">My Sassy Girl</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-producers-2015.html">The Producers</a>) role here was quite minimal. He didn't even have an episode dedicated to him. But no role's too big nor too small for great actors. And Cha Tae Hyun was able to keep his funny vibe while also showing us a bit of his dramatic side as the nice and caring bus driver Jeon Gye Do. He was totally unrelated to the other main leads as his only connection was with Bong Seok and Hui Soo. But that was enough to get him involved and to step up voluntarily when his help and powers were needed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL70RDdbKs5XmgT-JbTxRsJKy0K6x88PFZktkWmyS_HPv5N94UMPd9wGNgcUcPoIHa0vRIkMnpNRwBhkcRjpMtCRTf0xjLWqrM3DffYa_mD6NIJuRbBo3AfPTtdDFya5rN7JojJXF08OfpATIWFCmimpOchZ8HVVTqyrFAi5QV4R-fmHrJzQ0hx2XwUu0/s1190/Moving%20Kim%20Jun%20Jeon%20Gye%20Do.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1190" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL70RDdbKs5XmgT-JbTxRsJKy0K6x88PFZktkWmyS_HPv5N94UMPd9wGNgcUcPoIHa0vRIkMnpNRwBhkcRjpMtCRTf0xjLWqrM3DffYa_mD6NIJuRbBo3AfPTtdDFya5rN7JojJXF08OfpATIWFCmimpOchZ8HVVTqyrFAi5QV4R-fmHrJzQ0hx2XwUu0/s320/Moving%20Kim%20Jun%20Jeon%20Gye%20Do.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Special mention to the super cute cameo of Kim Jun (Hospital Playlist 1 and 2, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist: Korea 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-summer-strike-2022-48-475.html">Summer Strike</a>) as the young Gye Do. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbxVvWSS1uBlEw9hmtUXsWgUhQL4UJRGCI23lgStT9XBI0ageu7lZWFzRCICObQwgJGr491akRSw2MiD6aR25hsn0j3OSPDnnRg9R6CenE1Tft2AN5CBC_CiUw74jM48JT81p_GmWDt1QoGpgUcuza7yfSH7jp-XdM4Zb8Wnj1RHP-Y64govEtxC9zE/s1000/Moving%20Kim%20Sung%20Kyun%20Lee%20Jae%20Man.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="1000" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjgbxVvWSS1uBlEw9hmtUXsWgUhQL4UJRGCI23lgStT9XBI0ageu7lZWFzRCICObQwgJGr491akRSw2MiD6aR25hsn0j3OSPDnnRg9R6CenE1Tft2AN5CBC_CiUw74jM48JT81p_GmWDt1QoGpgUcuza7yfSH7jp-XdM4Zb8Wnj1RHP-Y64govEtxC9zE/s320/Moving%20Kim%20Sung%20Kyun%20Lee%20Jae%20Man.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Just like Cha Tae Hyun, Kim Sung Kyun's (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-dp-2021-45-48.html">D.P. 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/08/k-drama-review-dp-2-deserter-pursuit-2.html">and 2</a>, Hospital Playlist, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/04/k-drama-review-moon-lovers-scarlet.html">Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1988-answer-me.html">Reply 1988</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>) role here was limited too. But at least he got a dedicated episode. Again, Kim Sung Kyun showcased how talented he is in this show. He did everything so well as Lee Jae Man, a man branded as an idiot but who actually possesses extraordinary strength and speed. He may look like a fool who does not know a lot, but he knows his mission in life is to protect his family, especially his son Gang Hoon (Kim Do Hoon). This was definitely another superb performance from Kim Sung Kyun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSqgnir5gpb4TdGA__tuMqXReTMoTNCG1JZ9CA8KZM5ANdg1qZmsCIPU3wlBZvdnnAroOnazik0u4n6UtFTaAB0u3CDFknTwh2fXaOnJOtyFO3gIXfOpsmkCa-eXeLmAjgzKx1sxvxMW8IUuH0pGoqJ2twNQ9VsY4RDwv6EmP6aLaQS_0o8Jk0996jFw/s1280/Moving%20Lee%20Jung%20Ha%20Kim%20Bong%20Seok%20Go%20Youn%20Jung%20Jang%20Hui%20Soo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSqgnir5gpb4TdGA__tuMqXReTMoTNCG1JZ9CA8KZM5ANdg1qZmsCIPU3wlBZvdnnAroOnazik0u4n6UtFTaAB0u3CDFknTwh2fXaOnJOtyFO3gIXfOpsmkCa-eXeLmAjgzKx1sxvxMW8IUuH0pGoqJ2twNQ9VsY4RDwv6EmP6aLaQS_0o8Jk0996jFw/s320/Moving%20Lee%20Jung%20Ha%20Kim%20Bong%20Seok%20Go%20Youn%20Jung%20Jang%20Hui%20Soo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I love seeing actors whom we've seen when they were just starting out get more substantial and prominent roles later on. And that's the case with Lee Jung Ha (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-nevertheless-2021-46-45.html">Nevertheless</a>) and Go Youn Jung (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-law-school-2021.html">Law School</a>). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice seeing these two as sweethearts Bong Seok and Hui Soo. I found their story/chemistry like a junior version of Mi Hyun and Doo Sik's - even if feisty Hui Soo looked so much better than awkward Bong Seok. I loved how they naturally gravitated towards each other. Their friendship felt so real - they were chill but they were always there to console and comfort each other. I liked that cute moment when Bong Seok sweetly turned on the lights in the entire school building just so Hui Soo won't be training in the dark. And the funny effect Hui Soo had on Bong Seok. And the powerful scenes where they revealed their powers to each other and how they looked out for each other after that. Oh and I also liked Hui Soo's awkward first meeting with Mi Hyun. :D</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have no doubt that bigger things await these two. I'm already looking forward to Go Youn Jung's Hospital Playlist spin-off. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved this drama's very compelling storyline. Yes, it's mostly a superhero drama but it also has a little bit of everything to keep you hooked - romance, family, friendship, action, comedy, drama, etc. I sometimes daydream about how it would be cool for this show to grow in an Avengers kind of way. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the stories were woven together so well that despite the numerous storylines, you won't really get confused. We're first taken through the kids' stories then their families' back stories were presented separately. Everything was integrated later on as the show went back to the main story and we're presented with the bigger picture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDVzOT_KmLfyfxWjAUKntsLSNGXeIS3nlrP_db5DkYQpjBgnntz3kkwDeSxzxbZd9rd9h21w5k3mMaLcLCRksaa5CylnrZznPNLKXsYNssmeIhWz-_GL0mNOeFk7tFauiB_s4eB7LVOOfIG04tW3kiDoMDvrZkTa8-GB3QWoTPKD1EQWTXenCVbbGqi0/s1200/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDVzOT_KmLfyfxWjAUKntsLSNGXeIS3nlrP_db5DkYQpjBgnntz3kkwDeSxzxbZd9rd9h21w5k3mMaLcLCRksaa5CylnrZznPNLKXsYNssmeIhWz-_GL0mNOeFk7tFauiB_s4eB7LVOOfIG04tW3kiDoMDvrZkTa8-GB3QWoTPKD1EQWTXenCVbbGqi0/s320/Moving%20Han%20Hyo%20Joo%20Lee%20Mi%20Hyun%20Zo%20In%20Sung%20Kim%20Doo%20Sik%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed all of the back stories but some stood out more than the rest. Like Mi Hyun's. I liked how she and Doo Sik go way back - from her first (but failed) mission, even if she didn't know about him yet. And how they finally met and that very, very deep connection they forged. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3SgmXStvlwRrAQuE2oOKWTP6ORmo2rSX3pBx76cinMzZ_iMcsVDABfZx2yIYyJhHzCe6kSV5HfEv1CHYJDSCz-tVUGbvet6PwZyAfw8UcmlFfWmsG5fFfnfZs81GgJcAWDvAiWhzzyJRV1Bubw0yNYVMBJn7HMoC4tFhRMVspYNr2-LqZ5F3WPhOBcI/s1200/Moving%20Ryu%20Seung%20Ryong%20Jang%20Ju%20Won%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3SgmXStvlwRrAQuE2oOKWTP6ORmo2rSX3pBx76cinMzZ_iMcsVDABfZx2yIYyJhHzCe6kSV5HfEv1CHYJDSCz-tVUGbvet6PwZyAfw8UcmlFfWmsG5fFfnfZs81GgJcAWDvAiWhzzyJRV1Bubw0yNYVMBJn7HMoC4tFhRMVspYNr2-LqZ5F3WPhOBcI/s320/Moving%20Ryu%20Seung%20Ryong%20Jang%20Ju%20Won%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked Ju Won's. I loved how he was the epitome of a gentle giant. It was cute to see a gangster turned girl dad who was a huge crybaby. His wife described him perfectly - he was monster-like (like Hulk) but deep down he was a really, really good guy. His love story, like his partner Doo Sik's, was also cute and interesting - especially the awkward way he pursued his wife. And how they always supported each other. And that life-changing moment when his story intersected with Doo Sik's. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7duTrEpuvzO-2BzSTOGCLBr56hQBSVWyO6ZyKyje8FJBr0OQBcCynfyQCOYwVSzXfKJJ8RrZKubQ2ZySd8aI7Jc1cfTsQacQI8hacRnPNRVZbE6Ms8uPvoJtVBnM9gBAI_YRIPM_7oLhYkpIt8WCuU5vX7eV-FfCIjn14gP3lBiGFIYGhYt9FjjdJUA/s1480/Moving%20Kim%20Hee%20Won%20Choi%20Il%20Hwan.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1480" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7duTrEpuvzO-2BzSTOGCLBr56hQBSVWyO6ZyKyje8FJBr0OQBcCynfyQCOYwVSzXfKJJ8RrZKubQ2ZySd8aI7Jc1cfTsQacQI8hacRnPNRVZbE6Ms8uPvoJtVBnM9gBAI_YRIPM_7oLhYkpIt8WCuU5vX7eV-FfCIjn14gP3lBiGFIYGhYt9FjjdJUA/s320/Moving%20Kim%20Hee%20Won%20Choi%20Il%20Hwan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Although short, I also enjoyed Choi Il Hwan's (Kim Hee Won of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/08/k-drama-review-angry-mom.html">Angry Mom</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/11/k-drama-review-misaeng-incomplete-life.html">Misaeng</a>, My Love from the Star, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-shows-review-tvn-summer-variety-shows.html">House on Wheels 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-show-review-house-on-wheels-season-2.html">and 2</a>) back story. It was nice see the high school teacher reminisce about all the special students who were under him, starting as far as Gye Do. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the show slowed down a bit when it went back to the past. And Oppa was sad because it meant less screen time for the kids. But everything was so cleverly done that you won't really mind at all. The timing was perfect because at that point, the story and the characters were more or less established. And you were probably dying to find out how things got to where they were at present and how their lives intersected. And how the show masterfully and creatively brought us back to the present with that poignant scene where Hui Soo remembered her mom smiling at her after they got involved in a car accident that killed mom. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another thing I liked about the show were the fight scenes. They were all so badass - from the Frank (Ryoo Seung Bum) storyline who was sent to purge the retired agents, to Ju Won's scenes with the gangsters, that operation to hunt for the North Korean spies, the chaotic demolition protest involving Jae Man's wife, and of course Doo Sik's attacks in North Korea. Everything was so credible. The show definitely didn't hold back when it came to violence. Oppa even described it as Kill Bill-ish. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the little plot twists here and there were so clever too. Like how Doo Sik orchestrated his arrest so the NIS would get off Mi Hyun's back. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpy7dGi1vMcV9eOU5SRnQOGBrFs0lMhAox6e-s1heR3HPA4ykEEAvYK7VdemvF3WeOzgJ6dm-8BJ4nRpkn7s-OEvk2-lsoOypuSjeOA9chvRaGznMai63aw_wSvhbEqHhwnEJfQbtOafXktYcwoUJy5uBKgrozPyjXtuxhP4yE3A01grPMLbAIXePQBE/s2879/Moving%20Lee%20Jung%20Ha%20Kim%20Bong%20Seok%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="2879" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpy7dGi1vMcV9eOU5SRnQOGBrFs0lMhAox6e-s1heR3HPA4ykEEAvYK7VdemvF3WeOzgJ6dm-8BJ4nRpkn7s-OEvk2-lsoOypuSjeOA9chvRaGznMai63aw_wSvhbEqHhwnEJfQbtOafXktYcwoUJy5uBKgrozPyjXtuxhP4yE3A01grPMLbAIXePQBE/s320/Moving%20Lee%20Jung%20Ha%20Kim%20Bong%20Seok%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">My most favorite aspect of the show is probably how it seemed to be taking swipe at society's lack of inclusivity for divergents. Yes, the drama took it to extreme levels by including divergents with supernatural powers but when you look at it, their situations all seem the same. They face a lot of challenges. They are judged, ridiculed, bullied, ostracized, and discriminated. And yet, people in power who can help them turn a blind eye on all of these. Our divergents have no choice but to be repressed and feel suppressed because society expects them to hold back and control themselves. They lose their self-esteem and they feel bad about themselves. In extreme situations, the powers that be exploit our divergents and they are manipulated to fit the authorities' needs. And when they're no longer useful, they're purged. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show emphasized the need for people who will advocate for divergents. The way Mi Hyun did everything in her power to hide and protect Bong Seok, defend him, and when it was really time for him to break free, to be there to guide him. That was a very heartbreaking scene between Mi Hyun and Bong Seok when the latter wanted to fly and explore while Mi Hyun was scared he'd end up like his dad. How Mi Hyun wanted to let him go but she knew the trouble it could bring. How the weights he had to wear so he won't fly away were no longer just shackling him down physically but also emotionally like when he couldn't rescue Hui Soo. And how it's important for divergents to get support so they can find their way, similar to how Ju Won was always getting lost. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how the divergents gravitated towards each other. How they found comfort in each other - Mi Hyun and Doo Sik, Doo Sik and Ju Won, Hui Soo and Bong Seok. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show made them look normal. That they're not weird. They're still humans, albeit with special abilities (I loved how the show didn't need to rely on special gadgets or suits to give our lead actors super powers!). And that all of us, no matter how plain we may feel, can be special too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlAaKQ2TGbL6MA_giCICuDf1AYoU-nzYHRiQE49_aB6JaO41nplF0JPFe8XEdLKWbTJi7XmSS1SUkhrSSXb8umvUiwLZtdlqWRou9Irtd9O8ylVRCgvwC1Bg5_NV6C8EibuvYsmlhMvmhOKJumJ-OkAZEQdai5IK4tLHxlzDCmyPxfTOEn88wfP3lCq4/s1500/Moving%20Lee%20Jung%20Ha%20Kim%20Bong%20Seok%20Go%20Youn%20Jung%20Jang%20Hui%20Soo%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlAaKQ2TGbL6MA_giCICuDf1AYoU-nzYHRiQE49_aB6JaO41nplF0JPFe8XEdLKWbTJi7XmSS1SUkhrSSXb8umvUiwLZtdlqWRou9Irtd9O8ylVRCgvwC1Bg5_NV6C8EibuvYsmlhMvmhOKJumJ-OkAZEQdai5IK4tLHxlzDCmyPxfTOEn88wfP3lCq4/s320/Moving%20Lee%20Jung%20Ha%20Kim%20Bong%20Seok%20Go%20Youn%20Jung%20Jang%20Hui%20Soo%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved that additional plot twist in the end where the North Koreans were involved. It was so thrilling to see who outnumbered who in that final battle in the school. And amazing to witness how the kids were now strengthening (and awakening) their powers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">From the start, it was evident that the South Korean group would prevail because they were motivated by love and that strong desire to protect each other (parents and kids). Unlike the North Korean group, who seemed liked GMOs to me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was just funny that despite all the chaos, Bong Seok still found a way to confess to Hui Soo. I can't wait to see how powerful their kids would be. :D And I just wondered if the NIS had something to do with the fact that the police were late on the scene. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was great to see parents and kids teaming up together - Gang Hoon and Jae Man and Mi Hyun and Bong Seok. I was so proud of how Bong Seok saved his mom. He was like Doo Sik 2.0. And how he carried his mom the way she used to carry him when he was small. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit though that the North Korean super being (Kim Joong Hee of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>) was a let down. He was defeated so easily. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, I loved how everything went well. Hui Soo comforting the North Korean giant (Park Kwang Jae of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-big-mouth-2022-44-45.html">Big Mouth</a>) who ended up as her dad's restaurant assistant. The North Korean flying guy (Yang Dong Geun) who freed Doo Sik. And the North Korean boss (Park Hee Soon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-my-name-2021-48-47.html">My Name</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-1987-when-day-comes-2017.html">1987: When the Day Comes</a>) who sacrificed himself so flying guy can live. And of course how Doo Sik found his way back to his family. I loved how even if they were on different sides, everyone wanted peace and they were still humane. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I would have wanted closure on Hui Soo and Bong Seok. I have no doubt that their stories will converge again in the future. But are we going to see that? The story can be complete as it is. But the epilogue gave us so many cliffhangers that I can't help but yearn for a second season - we have a new NIS head (Park Byung Eun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/04/k-movie-review-seo-bok-2021.html">Seobok</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-whats-wrong-with.html">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim</a>) who hates both Doo Sik and Mi Hyun, Frank who's alive but is declared missing, an Elias being called up, etc. Although the creator's not sure about what lies ahead for this series, I can't help but look forward to a part two where the kids all have better grasp of their powers. But even if I don't get that, I'm still happy that we, Asians, have this drama that can really compete with Western shows. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says..</i></b>5.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.8.</p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-55610146257933429312023-09-04T22:09:00.000+09:002023-09-04T22:09:09.136+09:00K Drama Review: The World of the Married (2020) 4 || 4.4<p style="text-align: justify;">I know we're 3 years late into The World of the Married party. But, better late than never. And thanks to Oppa missing Han So Hee, we finally watched this one. We honestly thought it took us longer than usual to finish this. But checking our last review, it didn't seem that long after all. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This drama did live up to the hype (at the start at least). It was gripping. I finally understand why people stuck with it despite the lengthy episodes. Why people were so invested on it. And why the show made their (women, mostly) blood pressures shoot up. But because of how tense most episodes were, breaks in between are definitely recommended. It's quite too heavy to watch it continuously. And obviously not a marathon watch type of show. And while the show was not really able to sustain that intensity until the end, it did its best and it did enough to keep us hooked.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fhhX1Wg951SGXuS3UnZCKmFPvvXCMndK-AMIdx6uK50-T7mdKQXNSV96C_s2otpwDzOgI7ATJ3Rnx99SYrYzvkiElp7dTZ8tyxVcrJmgsE2o2GVP9LT9dP_eriRKgBbdqEAKlpacBUGG2Q1Xcg3Wp26Q9vlH5XMc0JDF-NSfFZiehkDSfBeOvmuR5XE/s315/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="220" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8fhhX1Wg951SGXuS3UnZCKmFPvvXCMndK-AMIdx6uK50-T7mdKQXNSV96C_s2otpwDzOgI7ATJ3Rnx99SYrYzvkiElp7dTZ8tyxVcrJmgsE2o2GVP9LT9dP_eriRKgBbdqEAKlpacBUGG2Q1Xcg3Wp26Q9vlH5XMc0JDF-NSfFZiehkDSfBeOvmuR5XE/s1600/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The World of the Married tells the story of Dr. Ji Seon U (Kim Hee Ae), an accomplished doctor and hospital assistant director, married to an aspiring movie producer/director, Lee Tae Oh (Park Hae Joon). The Gosan-based couple have a son, middle schooler Jun Yeong (Jeon Jin Seo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/02/k-drama-review-my-love-from-star-2013.html">My Love from the Star</a>). Everything seems perfect in the family with husband and wife appearing to be passionately in love with each other. Things go crazy, however, when Dr. Ji finds out that her husband is having an affair with a young woman, Yeo Da Kyung (Han So Hee), who happens to be the daughter of Dr. Ji's patient, Uhm Hyo Jung (Kim Sun Kyung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/09/k-drama-review-suits-korean_28.html">Suits</a>), and an influential businessman in Gosan, Chairman Yeo Byung Gyu (Lee Geung Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-vincenzo-2021.html">Vincenzo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-vagabond-2019.html">Vagabond</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/11/k-drama-review-misaeng-incomplete-life.html">Misaeng</a>). What's worse is that everyone around them (friends and family included) seem to know about Tae Oh's affair, except Dr. Ji. The drama takes us through how Dr. Ji navigates through her marriage that is on the verge of breaking apart, how she plots her revenge, and how she finally realizes what truly matters most to her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kim Hee Ae as Dr. Ji Seon U</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxeqe1-fM3E79KtM8q9G4lEQypJ-BxxZzgFvEyu8JbN_xBWHtOO-y-WAuQC6JvVJgLjcvqkiMlgAslV7xb_dTDbIO0q1nNwj-OcckFU2A4GNz-SS2XaoxsAhURsCT2ri_LUjUWk4y0ACdHsNNn8BEmeke8e1lLBUXdbtaqSYw8N5fPcnFQGLycLz5O8Q/s864/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfxeqe1-fM3E79KtM8q9G4lEQypJ-BxxZzgFvEyu8JbN_xBWHtOO-y-WAuQC6JvVJgLjcvqkiMlgAslV7xb_dTDbIO0q1nNwj-OcckFU2A4GNz-SS2XaoxsAhURsCT2ri_LUjUWk4y0ACdHsNNn8BEmeke8e1lLBUXdbtaqSYw8N5fPcnFQGLycLz5O8Q/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's our first time watching Kim Hee Ae. And right from the start, we became fans of her acting. She is such an awesome actress. She was perfect as the elegant and poised Dr. Ji who tried her best to keep things together even if her world was slowly crumbling down. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Dr. Ji's confidence in everything she did. She never allowed anyone to treat her poorly just because she was a woman or a divorcee. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Kim Hee Ae's brilliance was really evident in her confrontation scenes. She remained chill, calm, and collected despite heated conversations with Da Kyung, Tae Oh, Tae Oh's mom, Da Kyung's parents, her supposed friend/colleague Myung Suk (Chae Gook Hee), or her patient's abuser boyfriend, Park In Gyu (Lee Hak Joo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-my-name-2021-48-47.html">My Name</a>). My favorite would probably be that dinner at Da Kyung's family home where Dr. Ji revealed to Da Kyung's parents that their daughter was having an affair with her husband and that she was pregnant. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And what was even more amazing was how Dr. Ji would transform into someone totally different once she was alone - you could see her so drained and exhausted. I loved how powerful that scene was towards the end when she was rescued from drowning in the beach. Her tears, her face, everything conveyed the pain she's been battling with the entire time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If there's one thing that this show has given me, it's the discovery of such a talented actress as Kim Hee Ae. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Park Hae Joon as Lee Tae Oh</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSnGqKMZXCsv6WmSz-Nylk7Zcxw5PT06yDAVZ4C2zOVPjp6e12mzZ3XQ8GoWoUk9MMFTAYQ0CfJM0VYqBKBwxF6TWLFBTMjdujAiG9sYVofvnxuqAgS2D1iPN4JJYEeVaPXV73L1W5clJQyZX-B3dFp2jNKxqQlg2iCSI6FtX_G7Fu0lQC2QwUCyVhJ0/s1200/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Park%20Hae%20Joon%20Lee%20Tae%20Oh.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSnGqKMZXCsv6WmSz-Nylk7Zcxw5PT06yDAVZ4C2zOVPjp6e12mzZ3XQ8GoWoUk9MMFTAYQ0CfJM0VYqBKBwxF6TWLFBTMjdujAiG9sYVofvnxuqAgS2D1iPN4JJYEeVaPXV73L1W5clJQyZX-B3dFp2jNKxqQlg2iCSI6FtX_G7Fu0lQC2QwUCyVhJ0/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Park%20Hae%20Joon%20Lee%20Tae%20Oh.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I usually have nothing nice to say about evil characters. But I will make an exception here. Yes, I still hate Tae Oh but at least the show had the sense of getting someone good looking and a great actor like Park Hae Joon. Yes, I'm comparing this with the very similar drama <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/07/k-drama-review-show-window-queens-house.html">Show Window</a>, where there was nothing good to say about the cheating husband. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Park Hae Joon really impressed us with his versatility in this show. We've seen him as a meek monk in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-my-mistermy-ahjussi-2018.html">My Mister</a>, a hard worker in Misaeng, and in his movies <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-movie-review-20th-century-girl-2022.html">20th Century Girl</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-tune-in-for-love-2019.html">Tune in for Love</a>. It was nice to see him play a totally different role this time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Tae Oh's handsome enough so it's credible that two women can go crazy over him. His arrogance is extremely annoying. But you can't help but feel bad for him too when he acts all pitiful and pathetic. And despite all the hatred I felt for him throughout the show, in the end, I liked how Tae Oh's character developed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Han So Hee as Yeo Da Kyung</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59E4zUhihIAHnF_HR1zZXtXxkWtQ6uc8_XPrpR94GSzKq4prio8tGbP3cdk-eEl9ZnCU7C5poES9n63w_zk4czUOC10nka6__Bsor5dAM1XxvI2C1UAwhL507WtUqhE_Ah-542vP8gjk-YuCJ24a1owIyoi7zIfJVV91EQrbuWJ3upYHRH7ICzRV771I/s960/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yeo%20Da%20Kyung.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59E4zUhihIAHnF_HR1zZXtXxkWtQ6uc8_XPrpR94GSzKq4prio8tGbP3cdk-eEl9ZnCU7C5poES9n63w_zk4czUOC10nka6__Bsor5dAM1XxvI2C1UAwhL507WtUqhE_Ah-542vP8gjk-YuCJ24a1owIyoi7zIfJVV91EQrbuWJ3upYHRH7ICzRV771I/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yeo%20Da%20Kyung.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Han So Hee is pretty as ever. And she looks even fresher here. And knowing that this is the oldest Han So Hee drama that we've watched, it's great to know that she just got better and better in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-soundtrack-1-2022-49-48.html">Soundtrack #1</a>, My Name, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-nevertheless-2021-46-45.html">Nevertheless</a>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The great thing about Han So Hee here is that despite being a way more junior actress than Kim Hee Ae, she was able to match up to the senior actress' intensity and depth. It was always a thrill to watch them battle it out because they were both so good. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Dr. Ji and Hyun Seo</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwn54CeLSut6frmu0bc28Av3ZSPC7d-tD6mE5_gVLzpHls3iJlcuXLVqtghCJjJxT15g5T6d6p-7seWomT6jgSj0idxpauDlNmXOT9vb2fp_QAb8ZOL7afAz39Okc8HIiyVrknp2qtBlB0r7OtyDcrRQFC5GlUR6z00lE4w5OqeO6uNaE7gk4xGxAnjw/s680/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Shim%20Eun%20Woo%20Min%20Hyun%20Seo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="680" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwn54CeLSut6frmu0bc28Av3ZSPC7d-tD6mE5_gVLzpHls3iJlcuXLVqtghCJjJxT15g5T6d6p-7seWomT6jgSj0idxpauDlNmXOT9vb2fp_QAb8ZOL7afAz39Okc8HIiyVrknp2qtBlB0r7OtyDcrRQFC5GlUR6z00lE4w5OqeO6uNaE7gk4xGxAnjw/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Shim%20Eun%20Woo%20Min%20Hyun%20Seo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Let me talk about some notable characters. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Ji's relationship with her battered patient Hyun Seo (Shim Eun Woo) was really an odd one for me. It felt weird that a doctor would openly discuss her husband's affair with a patient she was not even in good terms with. And what's even more shocking was how Dr. Ji bribed Hyun Seo with a prescription for sleeping pills to get her to tail Tae Oh. Surely that was not ethical. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But as the show progressed, I learned to appreciate their relationship. They were each other's saviors. Hyun Seo saved Dr. Ji from Tae Oh. And Dr. Ji saved Hyun Seo from her abusive boyfriend and from her erroneous mentality that she was the only person In Gyu could rely on so she could not leave him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved their supposed closure at the train station and I wish their relationship ended there. They felt like mother and daughter. Unfortunately, they had a falling out too. Although that might have been necessary for them to finally let go of the pain that each person reminded them of. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ye Rim and Je Hyuk</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05WgrkFdhpECpH4aVj67hsUSyd1w3_-pthJ34W5SXHOLfZ-NSOqwvJXEtn4qu1KAJwKxUuMsLvdOzwCMvkQxEzJoBmqQ2vSr-EOS3novgOj3X7qnbB0Y79t-A2nl74l0-n7e95pgMjT0or_50ReQIb4eCl2_vW27a9wHRGhcyCYp-v2oZKw0_GhwIZeI/s970/the%20world%20of%20the%20married%20Park%20Sun-young%20Go%20Ye-rim%20Kim%20Young-min%20Son%20Je-hyuk.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="970" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05WgrkFdhpECpH4aVj67hsUSyd1w3_-pthJ34W5SXHOLfZ-NSOqwvJXEtn4qu1KAJwKxUuMsLvdOzwCMvkQxEzJoBmqQ2vSr-EOS3novgOj3X7qnbB0Y79t-A2nl74l0-n7e95pgMjT0or_50ReQIb4eCl2_vW27a9wHRGhcyCYp-v2oZKw0_GhwIZeI/s320/the%20world%20of%20the%20married%20Park%20Sun-young%20Go%20Ye-rim%20Kim%20Young-min%20Son%20Je-hyuk.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ye Rim (Park Sun Young) and Je Hyuk's (Kim Young Min of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-our-blues-2022-5-5.html">Our Blues</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, and My Mister) story seemed unimportant in the beginning but they proved to be essential to the story. We can even say that theirs was a secondary storyline. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was crazy how long these two went on to pretend that things will be okay. The first cycle of pretentiousness was so exhausting, it was evident that someone was bound to get tired of it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was happy when Ye Rim finally decided to divorce Je Hyuk. Yes, Tae Oh might have orchestrated things to make Je Hyuk cheat again. But that doesn't change the fact that he's a serial cheater. I liked how sensible Ye Rim was when she told Dr. Ji that it's not always about winning. And there's nothing wrong with giving up and letting go. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while I was momentarily thrilled that Ye Rim seemed to be giving Je Hyuk a second chance, I liked how she bravely admitted that in reality, it was going to be very difficult for her to forgive her husband. She will always doubt him. She will always be agitated. And I loved that moment when she courageously decided to break free him and chose to live her best life. <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After watching the show, I can say that it has your usual cheating drama elements. But The World of the Married made sure to insert interesting plot twists that won't make it seem like a copycat of all the other cheating dramas out there. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As always, it's the openly sweet and affectionate husband who cheats. And while things seemed rosy for the couple, their incompatibility was pretty evident from the start. I don't know how someone as organized and tidy as Dr. Ji could endure living with a slob like Tae Oh. And again, we find ourselves a guy with a more accomplished wife who can't put his pride aside and who mistakes his wife's help as putting him on a short leash. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4Ev9clS3tao5CSw-miHuBsUYESusp9zkxlSpWkcjfNfL6e4ZTJ-qqif-NZUynVYH5BSTMabZNJuHgVxsPExMKwDXgJ9VVmZbtM0Y84jKEkkgrw-AQt4diD-YvJI0ui9oQ-Afvol_jRNoEFWP9UviIO4oyUgpETO95WRdBKq_6Eq0fJa47YLviEwdJQU/s660/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="660" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4Ev9clS3tao5CSw-miHuBsUYESusp9zkxlSpWkcjfNfL6e4ZTJ-qqif-NZUynVYH5BSTMabZNJuHgVxsPExMKwDXgJ9VVmZbtM0Y84jKEkkgrw-AQt4diD-YvJI0ui9oQ-Afvol_jRNoEFWP9UviIO4oyUgpETO95WRdBKq_6Eq0fJa47YLviEwdJQU/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Then the show drops its first bomb on us - everyone's aware of and complicit in Tae Oh's extramarital affair. It was so painful because her colleague and friend Myung Suk knew and lied to her, their neighbors Ye Rim and Je Hyuk went out on trips with Tae Oh and Da Kyung, and even Tae Oh's mom kept it from Dr. Ji. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see unexpected people on Dr. Ji's side - her battered patient Hyun Seo who tailed Tae Oh for her; her OCD patient Dong Sik (Kim Jong Tae of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-forecasting-love-and.html">Forecasting Love and Weather</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-one-spring-night-2019.html">One Spring Night</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-encounter-boyfriend.html">Encounter</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a>) who gave her the video where Tae Oh and Da Kyung were caught kissing; Dr. Ma (Park Choong Sun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start Up</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-drama-review-she-was-pretty-2015.html">She Was Pretty</a>) whose words of wisdom comforted her even if she was the one who terminated him earlier; Dr. Kim (Lee Moo Saeng of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/k-drama-review-glory-2022-47-45.html">The Glory 1 and 2</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/07/k-drama-review-cleaning-up-2022-45-43.html">Cleaning Up,</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-thirty-nine-2022-42-4.html">Thirty-Nine</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-silent-sea-2021-42-4.html">The Silent Sea</a>, One Spring Night, Something in the Rain, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a>) who helped her face her demons especially with regard to her PTSD; and the hospital chairman's wife (Seo Yi Sook of Start Up, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a>) who despite being brutally frank with Dr. Ji and whose husband's infidelity Dr. Ji revealed, was actually her silent ally. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Leading up to Dr. Ji revealing that she was aware of the affair, I loved how she made everyone around her anxious. Her veiled threats to Tae Oh about facing the consequences of having fun. Or how she roughly handled (but still professionally) Da Kyung when she went to her for a check up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigurMSlXbwjOHw3G0WFhOVRezD4nNy-fm3Kt_4k8eL6tb75ALwNelWtbxlGcXIupm-HsbQ7fr6SJ0qcQdp4Yhnkfp4EaMPSKpraCO8x_KsAMJKC9CehLYuDPZqZ0y_V2wlc8dXSB6zRcNucmF2git475aTOTQe7szxvuIhWXChkpixJ2ONZOTSH7u_SE8/s900/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="900" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigurMSlXbwjOHw3G0WFhOVRezD4nNy-fm3Kt_4k8eL6tb75ALwNelWtbxlGcXIupm-HsbQ7fr6SJ0qcQdp4Yhnkfp4EaMPSKpraCO8x_KsAMJKC9CehLYuDPZqZ0y_V2wlc8dXSB6zRcNucmF2git475aTOTQe7szxvuIhWXChkpixJ2ONZOTSH7u_SE8/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The drama highlighted some evil consequences of infidelity and the problematic way we often deal with it as a society. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">First would be victim blaming. I cannot understand why everyone was on Tae Oh's side and why everyone made it appear that it was Dr. Ji's fault. When Dr. Ji first asked Tae Oh if he was having an affair, he should have come out clean. But apart from lying, he did an even worse thing by gaslighting Dr. Ji to make her appear delusional because of stress. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then you have Tae Oh's mom who blamed the affair on Dr. Ji for being too perfect and not leaving any breathing room for her son. I don't see why it's bad/stifling for women to desire having a good family, with everything in order. That really, really angered me because it came from a woman who also left her cheating husband. I tried to sympathize with the mom, after all, she might just be protecting her son. But after knowing everything that Dr. Ji has done for her like paying for all of her medical expenses, I just could not forgive her. She should have been on her knees begging Dr. Ji to take her son back. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Dr. Ji had her flaws. But to say that it was her fault that Tae Oh cheated was just awful. If things were so bad and unbearable for Tae Oh, then he should have settled things with Dr. Ji first before he hooked up with someone else. It was terrible that people were making her appear unhinged when it was Tae Oh who pushed her to be that way.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Second bad effect of infidelity is the risk of having unwanted children, which then leads to abortion. Yes, abortion should be a woman's choice. But that problem should not have been there in the first place if nobody cheated. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, we get the negative effects of divorce. How hard it is on kids, the way it pushed Jun Yeong to be violent and to steal stuff from his classmates so they'll feel what it's like to lose something precious to them. And the stigma on divorcees, which seem one-sided on women's part. How difficult it is for women to raise their kids alone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7mIjkXzOGseGI9S-n9gm_uUwGJ_wCFeEa87Y5VEwWLqbVLk7yvwdWPNnvOTvivi2l8o_l9xgE4WTPFmqtKFNSCkHMPDcOk-fbpE4s2wHfCJtnYazYvqpHMncPye1IyszEigGLli8xhZP5xHHfB-Xzp2yXMRJPEWAiYz_FYRvqCSG_i2oCJ3_hxyyAkk/s864/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Park%20Hae%20Joon%20Lee%20Tae%20Oh%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="864" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7mIjkXzOGseGI9S-n9gm_uUwGJ_wCFeEa87Y5VEwWLqbVLk7yvwdWPNnvOTvivi2l8o_l9xgE4WTPFmqtKFNSCkHMPDcOk-fbpE4s2wHfCJtnYazYvqpHMncPye1IyszEigGLli8xhZP5xHHfB-Xzp2yXMRJPEWAiYz_FYRvqCSG_i2oCJ3_hxyyAkk/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Park%20Hae%20Joon%20Lee%20Tae%20Oh%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">When the drama was only showing marital infidelity, I was thinking that there was probably hope for the couple and Dr. Ji might still be able to forgive Tae Oh. But when financial cheating was involved, I knew there was no turning back. Taking their family's money for his pleasures was totally unacceptable. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how pathetic it was of Tae Oh to weakly claim that his heart beats for two women. This just highlighted how selfish and greedy he was. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was not so happy with Dr. Ji getting involved with Je Hyuk just to get incriminating information on Tae Oh. I'm sure there was some other way to do that. But I guess she was desperate to end it all, knowing that her son was aware of the affair. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show was really an expert in executing highly-charged moments. These were all so tense and guaranteed to give you hypertension. Like that accidental dinner between Dr. Ji and Da Kyung's family where Dr. Ji was being nosy about Da Kyung's love life. Then of course that highlight reveal of the affair done by Dr. Ji in Da Kyung's family home - from breaking an expensive vase to say that we should not touch what's not ours, to revealing that Chairman Yeo invested in Tae Oh's business, to outing the affair and Da Kyung's pregnancy, and telling Tae Oh that she slept with Je Hyuk, how he should now know how betrayal feels, and that she cannot see his son again because she was divorcing him. Everything was so neatly woven together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, things went a bit downhill after that scene. I didn't like how Dr. Ji endangered her son's life as they were trying to run away from Tae Oh, the way she wrestled with Jun Yeong to get his phone while she was driving. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And it didn't help that Jun Yeong was not that understanding. He knew his dad cheated. Yes, he was young but I was hoping he understood his mom more. While it's true that his dad was there for him more and that dad didn't betray him, it was quite evident that mom had to work hard as the family's breadwinner. I guess that's the painful reality that working parents have to face. Kids value the time you spend with them and they can't see that you juggle so many things managing the family, raising kids, working, ignoring yourself and your needs. You do so much, you miss out on a lot of things, yet you're still the villain and the ignorant parent in the end. I liked how Jun Yeong sought help from Dr. Kim, although I'm not sure if it was legal to counsel a minor without his parent's consent. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Another interesting plot twist was how Dr. Ji finally got rid of Tae Oh (temporarily at least). How she sacrificed her body and provoked Tae Oh, with the latter thinking that she killed Jun Yeong. Yes, that was quite sinister. But that only goes to show the lengths that moms would go to to keep their children. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0JLtBmpuHLr76VFUgdJvfZ0UU_rhhNthlbg990chtBzQ3X4w7IRZ3Kmi_DgtQyka67XXC1_WUpwEnLWslmv_XMEF_YGy5LLiuaCUscHWSFpy6_2_Xn0zsLkOP0CPLDRnpSwBlzZIsuNyt176wdnhK_NuB4w2H9z7shcKESLUOV_6IS9G0DoCO5gEHjw/s898/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Park%20Hae%20Joon%20Lee%20Tae%20Oh%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yeo%20Da%20Kyung.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="898" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0JLtBmpuHLr76VFUgdJvfZ0UU_rhhNthlbg990chtBzQ3X4w7IRZ3Kmi_DgtQyka67XXC1_WUpwEnLWslmv_XMEF_YGy5LLiuaCUscHWSFpy6_2_Xn0zsLkOP0CPLDRnpSwBlzZIsuNyt176wdnhK_NuB4w2H9z7shcKESLUOV_6IS9G0DoCO5gEHjw/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Park%20Hae%20Joon%20Lee%20Tae%20Oh%20Han%20So%20Hee%20Yeo%20Da%20Kyung.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I absolutely loathed Tae Oh and Da Kyung's comeback. Because who would want to see a cheater succeed and glorified?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Good thing, Tae Oh was still as stupid as ever. How could he team up with In Gyu? Did he seriously think he can trust an extortionist who already blackmailed Dr. Ji in the past? Didn't he think In Gyu could do the same to him too? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I still hated how Tae Oh was a total jerk. He invited Jun Yeong to his housewarming party. He provoked his ex-wife to go to his house. (And that creepy realization when Dr. Ji saw that the new house and Da Kyung's clothes were similar to hers.) He stalked Dr. Ji and wanted to have her removed from the hospital. He paid someone to scare and attack Dr. Ji. But I guess these things are further proof of how stupid Tae Oh is. He doesn't realize how much worse his karma will be this time around. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And just like when she first found out about the affair, it was puzzling how everyone seemed to be on Tae Oh's side again, with no one left to help Dr. Ji. Dr. Kim's motives were now suspect. Jun Yeong was again lacking in compassion for his mom despite knowing what she went through. Myung Suk was still a Tae Oh lackey. (Although I appreciated how she stood up against the hospital director for being sexist.) And even Chairman Yeo had to be involved. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I really just wanted Dr. Ji to leave that toxic environment. No shame in doing that especially if it was for her welfare. But then again, we can't give stupid Tae Oh what he wants so easily. And fortunately, Hyun Seo, the hospital chairman's wife, and Dr. Ma were there to rescue Dr. Ji once again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkKRcehiByUTxw7yssG1pYcMca0uX9mtwUC69bf6QJqxH9TSOPWT07ItdUTS-IKHq2AtkUYXNIZ_ZeH46YsqKpB3eCrRZq__91D0lven2JPrS0goTXKOdC3ClvwPWR4sLKJQNaoo3gYAXa2y9P1kdkV_EzVhWotLY_GZmMYWM8vxk_rjPRdryIi5Sa6Q/s700/the%20world%20of%20the%20married%20Lee%20Hak-joo%20Park%20In-Gyu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCkKRcehiByUTxw7yssG1pYcMca0uX9mtwUC69bf6QJqxH9TSOPWT07ItdUTS-IKHq2AtkUYXNIZ_ZeH46YsqKpB3eCrRZq__91D0lven2JPrS0goTXKOdC3ClvwPWR4sLKJQNaoo3gYAXa2y9P1kdkV_EzVhWotLY_GZmMYWM8vxk_rjPRdryIi5Sa6Q/s320/the%20world%20of%20the%20married%20Lee%20Hak-joo%20Park%20In-Gyu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">With In Gyu's murder, things felt a bit stretched and convoluted. I sort of wished the show ended with the divorce. It was beginning to be too Show Window-ish (although the latter was released later). It was turning into a mystery thriller already. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while I was not happy with how Dr. Ji volunteered to be Tae Oh's alibi (which eventually led to her falling out with Hyun Seo), I get why she did it. She had to protect Jun Yeong. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The latter part of the show made me realize that next to Tae Oh, Da Kyung was probably the next ultimate villain. As a mother, I could not understand how she could orchestrate the plan of Jun Yeong leaving his mom. That was downright despicable. The worst thing you can do to a mom is to take her child away from her. And the way she made it appear that she was the reason why Jun Yeong was not kicked out of school when he hit a classmate was just crazy. And it was terrible that she accused Jun Yeong of hitting her daughter when she had no proof at all. It was so satisfying to see her downfall - when she started seeing her husband's true colors and how he was slowly turning her into a delusional person. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hated that Dr. Ji and Tae Oh made that one night mistake. That just enabled Tae Oh even further. And worse, Jun Yeong saw them. The boy's right. His parents are making something already complicated, even more complicated. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I felt bad for Dr. Ji though when Jun Yeong wanted her to leave. He was her life. I know she'd be willing to give him up if she can be assured that Tae Oh will raise him well. Unfortunately, her doubts were all confirmed and proven true when Jun Yeong came to her running for help. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although he was young and immature, we didn't quite like Jun Yeong's character. He was often inconsistent and unreasonable. I knew he was loved. Yes, he was from a broken home, but I'm sure Dr. Ji did her best to fill in Tae Oh's absence. I know that grown ups are problematic in the sense that we expect kids to adjust and move on as fast as we do. And how kids feel misunderstood because we don't go down to their level. But I felt that Jun Yeong's anger was extreme and misplaced in some instances. I loved how Dr. Ji never gave up on him and rescued him right away when he asked for it. For a while there, I was enjoying the more mature and stable relationship they were having. That is until Tae Oh came back again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was funny how Tae Oh left Dr. Ji allegedly because she stifled him yet he married someone who was probably just as controlling (or even worse). I loved that scene when Dr. Ji brought Da Kyung to her house to make her realize what a creep Tae Oh was. It was really, really nice to see Tae Oh suffer when he saw how much he hurt the people he loved. And how he hit rock bottom twice, and in an even more humiliating fashion the second time around. And how he lost two children. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The little scary twist in the end was interesting - the show making us think that Tae Oh killed Jun Yeong. I loved how Dr. Ji chose to take the high road by inviting Tae Oh to dinner for closure, which unfortunately led Tae Oh to believe they were going to take him back. However, I didn't quite understand Jun Yeong's reaction when his mom checked on his dad, whom they thought were hit by a truck. He was crying and startled. He obviously cared. Can't his mom do the same too? And to be gone for a year because of that? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j5LF7CquwTnlfCNVKycoulCwXZwcultErOrb7hK9KukL0jfLY0TpOS9OyyRfyxw5wbcjZpaKXlbLeNavXM3rWWmPVDQGjRdLY-HVHJoPF11FTO2YwuIXmDHlNZ7YUxKwyjR_aGWnEGBqCOpqDwK272hRFetMNK7s1x6v8UcYIfxN4M1LAdm2tvTp4oY/s1280/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%20Jun%20Yeong.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4j5LF7CquwTnlfCNVKycoulCwXZwcultErOrb7hK9KukL0jfLY0TpOS9OyyRfyxw5wbcjZpaKXlbLeNavXM3rWWmPVDQGjRdLY-HVHJoPF11FTO2YwuIXmDHlNZ7YUxKwyjR_aGWnEGBqCOpqDwK272hRFetMNK7s1x6v8UcYIfxN4M1LAdm2tvTp4oY/s320/The%20World%20of%20the%20Married%20Kim%20Hee%20Ae%20Ji%20Seon%20U%20Jun%20Yeong.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite all the confusion in (and heading into) the finale, I'm just glad that Jun Yeong went back home. And how that time apart helped Dr. Ji realize that she had to forgive herself before she can move on. It was not entirely her fault that things turned out the way they did. Understandably, separation is more complicated when children are involved because you can't totally dissociate yourself from your ex. So I guess that's the show's way of telling us that if you're unsure about your partner, don't have kids. But I guess the more important moral here is the need for spouses to learn how to redefine themselves outside of their marriages. Our marriages do not define us. We are so much more than that. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So yes, while the show was not able to sustain its intensity until the end, it still managed to give us something entertaining. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.4.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-75079509778528355702023-08-13T19:04:00.001+09:002023-09-04T22:06:17.385+09:00K Drama Review: See You in My 19th Life (2023) 4 || 4.25<p style="text-align: justify;">We were wary of watching this one because of the reincarnation angle, which we're not really fond of. We tried watching Yoon Ah's King the Land first. But when we found it underwhelming, we decided to give this one a try. It definitely helped that I've been seeing Ahn Bo Hyun in variety shows like Busan Boys: Sydney Bound and The Backpacker Chef. He has this very awesome personality that makes him very endearing to me. While the show didn't really maintain the intensity it had during the earlier episodes, it was still worth watching. Thanks to the fewer episodes it had (12) and the great cast. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnARfwst4GEevJTAfmQ2UQDqaKL7Zj3ajrxoAqjMQUoNvGTd1nWcJ3c5HFQPcSaAcfJoDDMV4lIPdKhcWTDwRSxq-SHIYa3wvEoDxYKb_MbFxq2VvSHXFoLTp6qUxbu2K_DBLiLKq9_jChZ777Z8mYqS_zpzsF8muPHXqpS1DMCK7CY-qDZF5zrdg3Gls/s354/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Mun%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnARfwst4GEevJTAfmQ2UQDqaKL7Zj3ajrxoAqjMQUoNvGTd1nWcJ3c5HFQPcSaAcfJoDDMV4lIPdKhcWTDwRSxq-SHIYa3wvEoDxYKb_MbFxq2VvSHXFoLTp6qUxbu2K_DBLiLKq9_jChZ777Z8mYqS_zpzsF8muPHXqpS1DMCK7CY-qDZF5zrdg3Gls/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Mun%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum.png" width="226"></a></div><b><br></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">See You in My 19th Life tells the story of a person who remembers all of his/her past lives. The show begins with this person's 19th life where she was reborn as Ban Ji Eum (Shin Hye Sun). Ji Eum is in her early 20s working as an engineer in a car company. Her 19th life has been devoted to finding the love of her 18th life, Moon Seo Ha (Ahn Bo Hyun). They briefly met when Ji Eum was younger but Seo Ha left the country for college so that friendship was cut short. Ji Eum pursued working for companies owned by Seo Ha's family. She finally has her chance to meet him again when he returns from overseas to work for the family hotel. Ji Eum ends up working for Seo Ha's team and she now finds herself in the midst of people from her 18th life, including her sister, Cho Won (Ha Yoon Kyung). The story takes us through how Ji Eum resolves her dilemma of whether or not to tell the people from her past that she was the Joo Won they loved in her 18th life and the bigger dilemma of whether she should choose to keep remembering her past lives or forget all about them once and for all. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shin Hye Sun as Ban Ji Eum</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5oDKGZfvLq48ygG7D6GAwPgVCIwzHRUfcqcDubrRifJiH1IRqrlq3doJvfW_72UUc2FYm1K5p3mrmRF3EhPVYWPv2qvve_uhdT8xLKJuYDBhon2aPCcxWHoLSlxBm7cL8HosCbaiA_VtOzz1m7lcWj0EmENfIvozqRF0x1lew7edfkbhFk35AS2v4ks/s1000/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Park%20So%20Yi%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1000" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5oDKGZfvLq48ygG7D6GAwPgVCIwzHRUfcqcDubrRifJiH1IRqrlq3doJvfW_72UUc2FYm1K5p3mrmRF3EhPVYWPv2qvve_uhdT8xLKJuYDBhon2aPCcxWHoLSlxBm7cL8HosCbaiA_VtOzz1m7lcWj0EmENfIvozqRF0x1lew7edfkbhFk35AS2v4ks/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Park%20So%20Yi%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Okay, before we go to Shin Hye Sun, let me just commend the great young actresses who played her younger versions. Park So Yi (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-law-school-2021.html">Law School</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/07/k-drama-review-she-would-never-know.html">She Would Never Know</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-encounter-boyfriend.html">Encounter</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-ms-hammurabi-2018.html">Ms. Hammurabi</a>) was great as the young Ji Eum. It's so nice to see her grow and bloom in beauty and talent. She's definitely someone to watch out for in the future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho0oWKRtT7fLKsgnhio_Gb80najgc1El4qX5siVvjTqg5rcXmVTqt1OkvM-cdw-EwmyH0JX6LqNc1e2ir6dHNAvrh7N5gLNUKKfFmvOI-qpM32UTsFVDfzMO-2B5mJ-oJ-k8WTpLkxXaAkUyzPkXuHoZtGwjXNZpqJhEbBQnaU-VpG2csWrxhIGuL0Hw/s666/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Kim%20Si%20A%20Joo%20Won.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="666" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhho0oWKRtT7fLKsgnhio_Gb80najgc1El4qX5siVvjTqg5rcXmVTqt1OkvM-cdw-EwmyH0JX6LqNc1e2ir6dHNAvrh7N5gLNUKKfFmvOI-qpM32UTsFVDfzMO-2B5mJ-oJ-k8WTpLkxXaAkUyzPkXuHoZtGwjXNZpqJhEbBQnaU-VpG2csWrxhIGuL0Hw/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Kim%20Si%20A%20Joo%20Won.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Kim Si A was also great as Joo Won. She's grown so much from <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-silent-sea-2021-42-4.html">The Silent Sea</a> and I'm sure a lot of nice things await her too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKFzttp5L6q1nyJMMrrDP05X2DFKKuoM08T3v_Hx4hl7N3pV1WODitI0xUylfYBe6N9PznWnTzYn9KojiMNbvr15nuamC03y1eHjdIVbRV8E3ob6FnGV7J4RNP7MPtXLHhJnPZ_YxcIJHdQ9Q-2vjBm3QK7kX88FCRIYaTcGZLE5J6bhjPwbRfcV9He4/s800/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKFzttp5L6q1nyJMMrrDP05X2DFKKuoM08T3v_Hx4hl7N3pV1WODitI0xUylfYBe6N9PznWnTzYn9KojiMNbvr15nuamC03y1eHjdIVbRV8E3ob6FnGV7J4RNP7MPtXLHhJnPZ_YxcIJHdQ9Q-2vjBm3QK7kX88FCRIYaTcGZLE5J6bhjPwbRfcV9He4/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, let's go to the star of the show - Shin Hye Sun. I've heard nice things about her especially in Mr. Queen. And while she was in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-drama-review-she-was-pretty-2015.html">She Was Pretty</a>, I don't really have any recollection of her in that show. So yes, we can say that officially, this was our first Shin Hye Sun drama. And she definitely did not disappoint. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Shin Hye Sun is not your typical female lead, if you judge her solely by her looks. But once you see her act, you will understand why she deserves to be a lead actress. In the first episode alone, Shin Hye Sun revealed so many sides of Ji Eum. She was truly a jack of all trades. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ji Eum was funny, especially when she accidentally talked about her past lives. She was great in her dramatic and angry scenes too. She was so scary with the rage she showed when she thought that Seo Ha killed her sister in her first life. But that rage was so well-balanced with her sadness and pain from the death of her sister. So despite her anger, you can't help but feel super sympathetic towards her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some of my most favorite Ji Eum scenes were her tender moments with her niece from her 17th life who raised her in her 19th life, Ae Kyung (Cha Chung Hwa of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-train-to-busan-2016.html">Train to Busan</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/07/k-drama-review-cleaning-up-2022-45-43.html">Cleaning Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist 2</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-itaewon-class-2020.html">Itaewon Clas</a>s, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a>). Theirs was a relationship and love that transcended lifetimes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Shin Hye Sun was so great that even her fight scenes were credible. I'm definitely a fan now and you can bet I'll be exploring her other dramas too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ahn Bo Hyun as Moon Seo Ha</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTqkSDzjwxWwZ3SzObQjIvbqisY9NFU_KUAMCa7iFgjVKzw3SYhCDpZoPihcAMWDpIgLds_jI7cs3xRZSnriaqF7e49xcWCB9npxbispkrriT2MAjmQWRgOm4B4vef8Km3Jl1Aq2NdPEbY9y-X70gMu6V3QbY2V4IUhipUPJsEni9pN6x1e9QIn_upuY/s300/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTqkSDzjwxWwZ3SzObQjIvbqisY9NFU_KUAMCa7iFgjVKzw3SYhCDpZoPihcAMWDpIgLds_jI7cs3xRZSnriaqF7e49xcWCB9npxbispkrriT2MAjmQWRgOm4B4vef8Km3Jl1Aq2NdPEbY9y-X70gMu6V3QbY2V4IUhipUPJsEni9pN6x1e9QIn_upuY/s1600/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha.jpeg" width="300"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've said a lot of things about Ahn Bo Hyun in the beginning. But let me just clarify that I don't just like him because of how he looks and his awesome personality. He acts really, really well too. I've seen him get better and better from <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-descendants-of-sun.html">Descendants of the Sun</a> to Itaewon Class to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-my-name-2021-48-47.html">My Name</a> to this drama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The first thing you'll notice about Ahn Bo Hyun is how tough he looks. And that was evident in this show too. His fight scenes were so convincing that you'd want him to defend you when you're in trouble. But I loved how that toughness was coupled with his own brand of tenderness too, especially when it involved Ji Eum/Joo Won. He was definitely cute whenever he was awkward around Ji Eum. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved watching Ahn Bo Hyun in this show because he proved that he can do so much more than action dramas. He can be dramatic and funny too. He will definitely be on my <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">Oppa List</a> when I finally find the time to update it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Seo Ha and Ji Eum</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oegCOeHOasN7DBF10Uo9WcHml0pq18AIfsGArYgvbUjEAUFlBp8dsC7GDNk44oNxm6LbOvG8C0ic3Tosh06vckjjtEPuzzjSBBngLRsWtVw8zQeU-JzKMS_IpTFlVy1Uk7ypf8_Z5R0r1VX6UfJvsP8lDqDPJA8nTK-ANzLjHBZ3l3ge-lYOx3uAp1I/s1920/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1920" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oegCOeHOasN7DBF10Uo9WcHml0pq18AIfsGArYgvbUjEAUFlBp8dsC7GDNk44oNxm6LbOvG8C0ic3Tosh06vckjjtEPuzzjSBBngLRsWtVw8zQeU-JzKMS_IpTFlVy1Uk7ypf8_Z5R0r1VX6UfJvsP8lDqDPJA8nTK-ANzLjHBZ3l3ge-lYOx3uAp1I/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%202.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ji Eum and Seo Ha make it to the list of my favorite K drama couples. They're so much fun to watch. Their chemistry was evident from the beginning. I know Oppa might not agree with me on this one. But I enjoyed watching them banter with each other, especially when Ji Eum teased Seo Ha with her non-stop confessions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And their sweet and tender moments were just as lovely to watch. It was so poignant to see Ji Eum run to Seo Ha's house in the rain so she could confess to him on his birthday, the way Joo Won almost confessed to young Seo Ha on the day of their accident. And their kisses were so heartfelt (and hot too!). But beyond the cutesy stuff, I liked how Ji Eum and Seo Ha were always there for each other - ready to catch the other who is on the brink of losing it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show was not so hard sell on this couple. And that probably made me fond of them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mr. Ha and Cho Won</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D7IaZwpQ7qWne771Em32DFXkOVlQfrAdl1r64eE2b_Re7_grv5vjFnB6ofB54UhgGEAqat-8GsgXj1cHPqgaL5VhS_SfbQXrFRBGQd163zxvupNJPAzRjaFB6AMMFvKkoESd_aJeMZpldaRvYEhEXA0TSVoKGfySKuS36inmSYF_CgFi6v0VnsKNAo8/s540/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20ha%20yoon%20kyung%20cho%20won%20ahn%20dong%20goo%20ha%20do%20yoon.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="540" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1D7IaZwpQ7qWne771Em32DFXkOVlQfrAdl1r64eE2b_Re7_grv5vjFnB6ofB54UhgGEAqat-8GsgXj1cHPqgaL5VhS_SfbQXrFRBGQd163zxvupNJPAzRjaFB6AMMFvKkoESd_aJeMZpldaRvYEhEXA0TSVoKGfySKuS36inmSYF_CgFi6v0VnsKNAo8/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20ha%20yoon%20kyung%20cho%20won%20ahn%20dong%20goo%20ha%20do%20yoon.gif" width="320"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see Ahn Dong Goo (The Silent Sea, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/02/k-drama-review-snowdrop-2021-4-4.html">Snowdrop</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-our-beloved-summer-2021.html">Our Beloved Summer</a>) and Ha Yoon Kyung (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist 1</a> and 2, and S<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/07/k-drama-review-she-would-never-know.html">he Would Never Know</a>) in more prominent/substantial roles. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mr. Ha played the cold and distant but actually distraught inside assistant of Seo Ha really well. It was so sad to see him hold back his feelings for Cho Won just because he was so tired of being accused of taking advantage of rich people. It was painful to hear him confess that he liked Cho Won but he can't date her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Cho Won was cute and it was funny how her personality did resemble Joo Won's/Ji Eum's, especially the being nosy part. I liked how she persisted in her feelings for Mr. Ha. But when she realized that those feelings tormented him because he liked her but couldn't date her, she made that selfless and painful decision to let him go. I guess it was good enough for her that he liked her too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, I liked that things worked out for them because they both deserved to be happy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBobvtLegcCRLLJit0fBpEBq3dNZUHl2sAr0PCqUGLBqLQ50ofILp4MkGoISIZ0B4sQ_EiKqVdphLLg9DGlfs4QUjj4NDIba3uYAR9xFqDZx_KatsBeKsKoOadhtI-zpputExE0ZgjYWd6xvwAqVF9QENjEx1g11YM4SiNpm0frgy6Cg5Matb2ch_uSk/s448/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="448" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJBobvtLegcCRLLJit0fBpEBq3dNZUHl2sAr0PCqUGLBqLQ50ofILp4MkGoISIZ0B4sQ_EiKqVdphLLg9DGlfs4QUjj4NDIba3uYAR9xFqDZx_KatsBeKsKoOadhtI-zpputExE0ZgjYWd6xvwAqVF9QENjEx1g11YM4SiNpm0frgy6Cg5Matb2ch_uSk/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%203.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned above, the show really started out very promising. I liked how despite the complicated plot, the pilot episode was able to explain everything concisely and clearly. In like under 10 minutes, the drama told me (almost) everything I needed to know about Ji Eum's special ability of remembering her past lives. Yes, there were some creepy parts that would have been considered stalking in real life. But since the show laid down the context right away, these became somehow acceptable. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show tried to give us a balanced story to avoid making things too heavy all the time. It gave us a little bit of everything. The funny stuff were natural thanks to Shin Hye Sun's hilarious pick up lines and Ahn Bo Hyun's deadpan delivery. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some things would have given the horror vibe had they not been creatively infused with the pain felt by the characters. Like it was heartbreaking to see Ji Eum hugging her mom from her 18th life (Kang Myung Joo of Extraordinary Attorney Woo), only for the next scene to show that she was actually hugging no one. And there's that shaman angle with Kang Min Gi (Lee Chae Min of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/k-drama-review-crash-course-in-romance.html">Crash Course in Romance</a>) reappearing from Ji Eum's first life, probably troubled by the guilt of knowing that he caused Ji Eum to curse herself into remembering her past lives. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we also have that mystery-thriller aspect to it with the accident that killed Joo Won. It was just sad that Mr. Ha's dad died there too, unknown to Seo Ha. And that it was orchestrated by Seo Ha's uncle (Lee Hae Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-confidential-assignment.html">Confidential Assignment</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/k-drama-review-glory-2022-47-45.html">The Glory 1 and 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-moment-of-eighteen-at.html">At Eighteen</a>), whom he loved so much. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, the suspense in finding out how Ji Eum will finally decide to resolve/break her curse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz59Ic8ZguksEHxj2Ua_KzSKMPM41LnyoGABtTrfkTJH67kOcx8Iu9hO-GwRgcYBBw1QkP_lVHhURTNPIyDdlVJ3baoLeJAdrLRA9aI3rgmd6JacwQK_7qRl5g8_kDQlJlmATaFhLqsNo-nCMn9En1mMmZDk8bHUUMpBGwhepVMKbOtLmBD8mwh4ihr4Q/s711/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="711" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz59Ic8ZguksEHxj2Ua_KzSKMPM41LnyoGABtTrfkTJH67kOcx8Iu9hO-GwRgcYBBw1QkP_lVHhURTNPIyDdlVJ3baoLeJAdrLRA9aI3rgmd6JacwQK_7qRl5g8_kDQlJlmATaFhLqsNo-nCMn9En1mMmZDk8bHUUMpBGwhepVMKbOtLmBD8mwh4ihr4Q/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%204.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Aside from the variety it offered, I loved how the show's premise was interesting in itself. What if that could really happen - that we remember our past lives and the people we love and long for can come back to us in their reincarnated forms? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was sad to see Ji Eum suffering, especially in her quest to be reunited with Seo Ha. It was painful and bittersweet to see her meet people from her past - Ae Kyung and apologizing for leaving her to grow up on her own and Cho Won and how she held back telling her about her identity for so long. That photo she took with Cho Won and Ae Kyung was really poignant. Oh, and seeing the reincarnation of Seo Ha's mom (Lee Han Na) too. Each reunion was special because you definitely felt how much they've longed for each other. My favorite would have to be when Cho Won finally accepted and believed Ji Eum's truth. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, nothing can top Seo Ha and Ji Eum's reunion. First, when Seo Ha recognized her as the young Ji Eum he met before. Then how he visited Joo Won's grave with Ji Eum. And how he's slowly remembering Joo Won through Ji Eum. Those were definitely bittersweet moments that probably confused Ji Eum - should she pursue Seo Ha, knowing that remembering Joo Won hurt and haunted him too? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCm49SpZOOolHpcQ9azZvlNVtPJGlFZ-C1LE8DKi21pCivVBz-pULNu1gkve1LIkCEMjPnG6930niBTMnh8Bl-lc7xVoxxhVuGRTXLsWBeXtnP2jCmhniHejulhggLlckwpJApDkDPEW-4ueRjfiOn-Kt9c8t2pVoDRDGOskKhKxjsdRcEgspZLrdRrA/s1200/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCm49SpZOOolHpcQ9azZvlNVtPJGlFZ-C1LE8DKi21pCivVBz-pULNu1gkve1LIkCEMjPnG6930niBTMnh8Bl-lc7xVoxxhVuGRTXLsWBeXtnP2jCmhniHejulhggLlckwpJApDkDPEW-4ueRjfiOn-Kt9c8t2pVoDRDGOskKhKxjsdRcEgspZLrdRrA/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%205.jpeg" width="320"></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was actually unsure if I wanted Ji Eum to reveal her real identity. I wasn't sure they'd believe her. They might be creeped out the way Cho Won did when she saw Ji Eum's familiarity with their family's vacation house. Worse, they might even accuse her of defrauding them. But I guess all of those fears were wiped away when Cho Won chose to believe Ji Eum. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But then there's that complication that revealing herself could endanger the people from her past. And the crazy thing is, there are no special powers/gods that could protect them from that problem. I liked how the show tried to subtly tell us that we have to accept that things happen for a reason and in their own time. You mess with it, then there will be trade offs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, the very obvious burden that remembering the past brings to Ji Eum. I loved how that was perfectly depicted in the scene where she was walking on a bridge and all her past lives walked behind her. At that moment, it surely felt like a curse more than a blessing to have to carry all of those baggage from her past. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At some point, it did feel unreal/crazy how things were coming full circle. Ji Eum's brother's (Moon Dong Hyuk of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start Up </a>and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-sky-castle-2018-48-45.html">Sky Castle</a>) loan shark (Nam Jin Bok of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-samjin-company-english.html">Samjin Company English Class</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-summer-strike-2022-48-475.html">Summer Strike</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-narco-saints-suriname.html">Narco Saints/Suriname</a>, and Extraordinary Attorney Woo) was hired to orchestrate the accident that killed Joo Won. Ji Eum was reborn as the daughter of the man who killed her in her 18th life (Baek Seung Cheol of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>, Crash Landing on You, and Itaewon Class). All the prominent people in Ji Eum's life - Seo Ha, Cho Won, Nam Gi, and Mr. Ha - were in her first life and they all seem to be connected. But all these things just made me hold on to the show even tighter because I wanted to find out if Ji Eum would selflessly choose to let go of everything to break the curse of remembering her past and saving the people she loved from getting hurt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcU0QdHqvAEVbzEjLRZvpDIsORmzTa9x1B0BYoXdVKy3BRuchqUfXndw5VFfvFGfniJo53K6EUFwNvjDHJUGI05rAnV8q0qknQrErNfWoHVmcWXhoXLSxb5JA_VpyJq-EY2SqheY5PXrVupu8NXr05vYxU9WbNOgOXsdJf6lRpuj-1TAxVwMYFk1yAOs/s2082/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%206.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="2082" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcU0QdHqvAEVbzEjLRZvpDIsORmzTa9x1B0BYoXdVKy3BRuchqUfXndw5VFfvFGfniJo53K6EUFwNvjDHJUGI05rAnV8q0qknQrErNfWoHVmcWXhoXLSxb5JA_VpyJq-EY2SqheY5PXrVupu8NXr05vYxU9WbNOgOXsdJf6lRpuj-1TAxVwMYFk1yAOs/s320/See%20You%20in%20My%2019th%20Life%20Ahn%20Bo%20Hyun%20Moon%20Seo%20Ha%20Shin%20Hye%20Sun%20Ban%20Ji%20Eum%206.png" width="320"></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">In the end however, what somehow ruined the show for me was its seemingly simplistic way of dealing with things. Ji Eum's dad just freely let her go when she was young (and opted to stay with Ae Kyung) even if she has been his milking cow, thanks to her being jack of all trades. The car accident being resolved so quickly with Seo Ha's uncle easily surrendering when Seo Ha discovered his involvement. The Ms. Jang (Bae Hae Sun of Samjin Company English Class, Crash Course in Romance, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-drama-review-love-in-contract-2022-44.html">Love in Contract</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-happiness-2021-45-45.html">Happiness</a>, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Start Up, and Hotel Del Luna) corruption angle conveniently solved with Seo Ha's dad (Choi Jin Ho of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/03/k-drama-review-oh-my-venus-2015-4-375.html">Oh My Venus</a>) helping Seo Ha kick Ms. Jang out of the hotel. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the biggest of them all - Ji Eum easily forgiving Min Gi for killing her and her sister. I believe that was something very momentous and big because that caused her to curse herself into remembering her past lives. That definitely deserved more thought and time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was heartbreaking to see Ji Eum saying goodbye to the people she loved when she finally decided to break the curse. My favorite was that goodbye scene with Joo Won's mom in Joo Won's old room. Yes, it was painful that she had to let go of the memories of her past lives. But it was necessary, not just for her peace of mind, but more importantly, to save the people she loved, especially Ae Kyung. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, things seemed to have gone downhill from there. The breaking the curse thing actually left me confused. Up to what point did Ji Eum's memory go back to? How and where did she end up after she chose to break the curse? I get that she went back to Mi Mobity and that sort of explains how she forgot about Seo Ha and Cho Won. But how could she forget Ae Kyung who raised her and whom she lived with? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At least the show tried to salvage things with the cute ways that the people from Ji Eum's past lives orchestrated meeting her again. Although I admit that had those things happened in real life, Ji Eum would have probably been creeped out - a girl recommending bags and restaurants to her and her company's owner proposing to her out of the blue. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite the way the drama ended, I still loved the show's healing effect. Even if you don't believe in reincarnation, I liked how the drama tried to give us hope that even if we lose important people in our lives, there can be new ones who can leave the same impact on us too. And sometimes, a little bit of magic in our lives could help appease the longings in our hearts. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.25 (with bonus points for the great cast). </p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-51513294822272141242023-08-02T22:34:00.002+09:002023-08-02T22:34:32.208+09:00K Drama Review: D.P. 2 (Deserter Pursuit 2) 3.7 || 4<p style="text-align: justify;">After watching some not so good dramas released this year, I was really looking forward to D.P. 2. I was thoroughly impressed with <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-dp-2021-45-48.html">D.P. 1</a> so I was expecting this to be just as (or even more) intense. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. Fortunately, it only had 6 episodes, and more importantly, it had Jung Hae In, so I was able to watch it til the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd_FQUd7ZeN1RLRpK92GEX0fe9QlSV-PR_F2OPYE1GM2L5zCH9vN1n1DFQH4jwtkQZFT2fWxsX6KnYrJMsv__jpSV8eoGhtHCz-kSjZTBwnO55ERYI7px9vQoD-GRPe9zuOpzyTXv0FJXA2uLF-nTJVgNHCEjsPRAd5M4gq5oE7Sep_7xDH359TRK0Zs/s371/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Jung%20Hae%20In%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFd_FQUd7ZeN1RLRpK92GEX0fe9QlSV-PR_F2OPYE1GM2L5zCH9vN1n1DFQH4jwtkQZFT2fWxsX6KnYrJMsv__jpSV8eoGhtHCz-kSjZTBwnO55ERYI7px9vQoD-GRPe9zuOpzyTXv0FJXA2uLF-nTJVgNHCEjsPRAd5M4gq5oE7Sep_7xDH359TRK0Zs/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Jung%20Hae%20In%20.png" width="216" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The story continues where it left off in the first season. The military is feeling the after effects of Jo Suk Bong's (Cho Hyun Chul of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-samjin-company-english.html">Samjin Company English Class</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a>) attempted suicide. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The DP boss, Sgt. Park Beom Gu, was taken into custody and won't be released unless he issues a statement consistent with the story the military wanted to release about the Suk Bong incident. Initially, Sgt. Park refused to go along with the military's statement because that would have invalidated the things that Suk Bong was fighting for. But Sgt. Park acknowledged that his refusal to cooperate could make things tough for his staff, Ahn Joon Ho (Jung Hae In), who was still doing DP duty, and Han Ho Yeol (Koo Kyo Hwan of E<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">xtraordinary Attorney Woo</a>), who was unable to speak and was hospitalized due to suspected post-traumatic stress disorder. Sgt. Park didn't have to think hard, however. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The decision was made for him when Kim Roo Ri (Moon Sang Hoon of Extraordinary Attorney Woo), a military service man, gets involved in a mass shooting incident inside their barracks where two of his colleagues died. Sgt. Park realized that he and his team had to work from inside if they wanted to change and/or solve the military's problems that were already institutionalized. The story takes us through how the DP team does everything in their power to fight for the rights of the deserters they've been pursuing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Cast</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this show's cast. Everyone's acting was just as solid as in the first season. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dwJ3MvVhJFOZYezCgJIhH_-AqOEYsxcy4rbRCMJ6-Vzu6Daw8CytMylvMO9bY0_M7Khue1XgAaFpR-JGoY80s_YRBbrHfdyc9chSrTBQ8TTw4ouRZZGnH4HlR6C82FI0wqKpx6iA0eh10bFb8IMgfuhJ-5UnSTdRDUKy7ieIqSaXFYxSOiuCzWmmgVw/s800/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Jung%20Hae%20In%20%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="800" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dwJ3MvVhJFOZYezCgJIhH_-AqOEYsxcy4rbRCMJ6-Vzu6Daw8CytMylvMO9bY0_M7Khue1XgAaFpR-JGoY80s_YRBbrHfdyc9chSrTBQ8TTw4ouRZZGnH4HlR6C82FI0wqKpx6iA0eh10bFb8IMgfuhJ-5UnSTdRDUKy7ieIqSaXFYxSOiuCzWmmgVw/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Jung%20Hae%20In%20%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Jung Hae In just keeps getting better and better from <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-tune-in-for-love-2019.html">Tune in For Love</a> to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1988-answer-me.html">Reply 1988</a> to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-guardian-lonely-and.html">Guardian</a> to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a> to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a> to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-one-spring-night-2019.html">One Spring Night</a> to <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/02/k-drama-review-snowdrop-2021-4-4.html">Snowdrop</a>. I totally felt the shift in Joon Ho's aura/vibe from the first season to this one. It was more pronounced this time that he was bothered, distraught, and burdened by all the abuses and injustices he has witnessed. I saw his attempt to speak up more and not to merely turn a blind eye on the things happening around him. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUBOUYDYZB0-2feoTF86P87f3g4gUr4lvJZv8RSCvEmnu1UaFEIpZ9pjBMCXkR57MeZJlwTDNN1dE3Rw7441SZ-S4FNXEqyjAE1agTWJFp5OgOGwqJyiDEH6vYm8s8SstChUSoWg2HbTxouEmQqtdXfy_tXwNUTbPp0Um_fKV7DExhBE9ILcISTpKX1s/s740/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20%20Han%20Ho-yeol%20Koo%20Kyo-hwan.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="740" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUBOUYDYZB0-2feoTF86P87f3g4gUr4lvJZv8RSCvEmnu1UaFEIpZ9pjBMCXkR57MeZJlwTDNN1dE3Rw7441SZ-S4FNXEqyjAE1agTWJFp5OgOGwqJyiDEH6vYm8s8SstChUSoWg2HbTxouEmQqtdXfy_tXwNUTbPp0Um_fKV7DExhBE9ILcISTpKX1s/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20%20Han%20Ho-yeol%20Koo%20Kyo-hwan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Once again, Han Ho Yeol proved to be the perfect partner for Joon Ho. I was scared that he would need a lot of time to recover from his PTSD and he might not be an effective partner to Joon Ho if he could not speak. Thanks to the Kim Roo Ri incident, Ho Yeol finally got back his voice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxdZmPl2fY0X4LHWPABOwhJ82OXRak1g6IlLY5YtxeLgqJbDnNN7yl83m-WAQLxW28zjEn3GAkdaFbbOmAEFPXTp6IMcWYlM7NZMRr5zgCKvWFGF-5oELEbZXzw_wF0QyDR0J8xdw3FPMVsYia8d_a2ibztIRIkV-poKOebWyhvEyCazcSMMYox0cOTA/s1080/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Sgt%20Park%20Capt%20Lim.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxdZmPl2fY0X4LHWPABOwhJ82OXRak1g6IlLY5YtxeLgqJbDnNN7yl83m-WAQLxW28zjEn3GAkdaFbbOmAEFPXTp6IMcWYlM7NZMRr5zgCKvWFGF-5oELEbZXzw_wF0QyDR0J8xdw3FPMVsYia8d_a2ibztIRIkV-poKOebWyhvEyCazcSMMYox0cOTA/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Sgt%20Park%20Capt%20Lim.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We receive solid performances from the DP bosses too. Kim Sung Kyun (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/04/k-drama-review-moon-lovers-scarlet.html">Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo</a>, Reply 1988, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>) was still the perfect boss for the DP team as Sgt. Park. I loved how when everyone in the military was trying to protect themselves and advance their own interests, Sgt. Park was one of the few who embodied what true command responsibility was. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I did not have fond memories of Capt. Im Ji Sup (Son Suk Ku of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/09/k-drama-review-suits-korean_28.html">Suits</a>) from the first season. I remember him as the annoying guy who was useless during the Suk Bong pursuit. Surprisingly, however, he was more likable this season. Although I don't really believe that he would have a change of heart just after the Suk Bong incident. I expected him to be the same useless guy he was before. But still, I was happy that he was on the DP team's side this time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY7pyhsUiNeFj5MUKscnZ77UtPPbMeWPfcN4X0ArMZ2LLVhgJivaE2xPgLmKLe3UmtcBgz-C1Kly0TQWflzKyHrF__5OWgK5faw0lzI7Wg1TJjZX0iorXD8fKjxVlKR4MHTexhOpCj9GDw8t3mPUL5GzufWkC7gp9q_c3rp1pw9unR0u89Jf9ovDwXac/s780/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Shin%20Ah-hui%5B%20Choi%20Hyun-wook.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="780" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBY7pyhsUiNeFj5MUKscnZ77UtPPbMeWPfcN4X0ArMZ2LLVhgJivaE2xPgLmKLe3UmtcBgz-C1Kly0TQWflzKyHrF__5OWgK5faw0lzI7Wg1TJjZX0iorXD8fKjxVlKR4MHTexhOpCj9GDw8t3mPUL5GzufWkC7gp9q_c3rp1pw9unR0u89Jf9ovDwXac/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Shin%20Ah-hui%5B%20Choi%20Hyun-wook.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another actor worth mentioning was Choi Hyun Wook (Jirisan) who played the role of Shin Ah Hui, another enlistee who was being investigated for the death of his allegedly bullied or bully superior. Because there were different versions of this story, Hyun Wook had to show us his meek and bullied side and his arrogant bully version. It was so surprising to see him in extreme characters when he was somewhere in between those two in his <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-twenty-five-twenty-one.html">Twenty-Five, Twenty-One</a> role. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The first season was released about two years ago. The long break caused me to forget some of the stuff that happened in the first half. I forgot some characters, who I needed to remember because their stories were still mentioned in the second season. I had to go back to the previous story to refresh my memory. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">From the beginning, it was evident that this season was going to be heavier. The major issues the military faced with the deserters from the first season still persisted. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We still see some annoying characters, similar to what we got in season 1. Like Park Se Woong (Yoo Su Bin of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-exit-2019.html">Exit</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-big-mouth-2022-44-45.html">Big Mouth</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/05/k-drama-review-live-2018-48-47.html">Live</a>, and Prison Playbook) who pretended to be dumb just so he can get a lighter duty and slack off. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And we still have the overarching theme of how "cliquish" the military is that it becomes very unbearable for all sorts of divergents - neurodivergents battling mental health problems, those who are physically weak, the big guys, and those with different sexual orientations or preferences, among others. And the military's resistance to change and its refusal to become more inclusive that push these divergents to the fringes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While the show's over-all tone was still admirable, I noticed early on that some things felt contrived - like the comedy and how Joon Ho and Ho Yeol seemed to be trying too hard to look cool like in their chase scenes with the broker. I missed the more bad ass season 1. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg791T-Gj9W-jRpO50NIugz7hXgGqR2981FAgNjXRT8hbB9IOwEV3Q0Rp-3bO9rHoqfNa86lfu8exYt33Ne49SFH3q70Q2cTNpopCNf8yNQYr-nkvOFneaGrcd4-5OxUUjIE-yIoBTkXqlZA5ijYGTCVNVW3xHnaJQbttSQeDDVl3gGL_tWpwIcKtVjMmg/s600/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Kim%20Roo%20Ri.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg791T-Gj9W-jRpO50NIugz7hXgGqR2981FAgNjXRT8hbB9IOwEV3Q0Rp-3bO9rHoqfNa86lfu8exYt33Ne49SFH3q70Q2cTNpopCNf8yNQYr-nkvOFneaGrcd4-5OxUUjIE-yIoBTkXqlZA5ijYGTCVNVW3xHnaJQbttSQeDDVl3gGL_tWpwIcKtVjMmg/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Kim%20Roo%20Ri.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was not too happy with how the show milked the Kim Roo Ri case. First problem is that it was too similar, connected, and close in time to the Suk Bong case. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then it felt like an overkill that a lot of soldiers were deployed to catch him. Despite having the clear advantage in numbers and how they barricaded the area surrounding Kim Roo Ri's house, it was funny how he still managed to get in there with a hostage. The military could not control or overpower Roo Ri even if they had snipers. Worse, even Ho Yeol was able to get through the barricades to livestream everything that was happening. Even Roo Ri's mom (Hwang Jung Min of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/07/k-drama-review-cleaning-up-2022-45-43.html">Cleaning Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-law-school-2021.html">Law School</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-1987-when-day-comes-2017.html">1987: When the Day Comes</a>) was able to break free from the soldiers trying to calm her down. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Everything felt so chaotic and dramatic, in a way that that was not befitting the seriousness of the situation. I wish the show stuck with the realistic action-packed stuff we loved from the first season. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The bit of lull we got from the Seong Min (Bae Na Ra) case was quite a welcome change after the tumultuous Kim Roo Ri case. Seong Min was proof that sometimes you find yourself in a dead end, literally. It was sad how there was no justice for Ho Yeol who was stabbed by Seong Min. And how Seong Min, who was on the brink of finally fulfilling his dreams after all the hiding, running, and hard work, lost everything in the end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsppscZqJfPG9WB0QoB40Z2LqAOHSSpVSy8VK4uTaAO5CxDsOIxpDj3B7bi4IUEeaTWVvgG5iv1r7L0PqSXA8IwU8jEXkbz1Rmp1bnLX_WjB3ORh3JbD0FywZVOzxCxvx8C5pWhkJ1faVmUn-7E5-dGExIwX7xjIpCz3zs_wIQoaCVR5NPM_F3Tn-2T4/s600/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20DMZ%20Guard%20Post.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRsppscZqJfPG9WB0QoB40Z2LqAOHSSpVSy8VK4uTaAO5CxDsOIxpDj3B7bi4IUEeaTWVvgG5iv1r7L0PqSXA8IwU8jEXkbz1Rmp1bnLX_WjB3ORh3JbD0FywZVOzxCxvx8C5pWhkJ1faVmUn-7E5-dGExIwX7xjIpCz3zs_wIQoaCVR5NPM_F3Tn-2T4/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20DMZ%20Guard%20Post.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I found the DMZ guard post case confusing. Yes, I know it was used to set up the DP team, who was pressuring the military to be more responsible for their enlistees. But I didn't like how there was really no clear resolution on the case. Was it suicide or murder or an accident? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At this point, I felt that the show was losing sight of its theme to pursue deserters. But it caught back my attention with the surprising plot twist - Joon Ho deserting. The internal abuses and injustices were just too much for the kind hearted Joon Ho. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFgMNiYO4UUZozkhnYNc0bjBUiRQeZ20uv5V4ygGkLFgiFXb-YIbDr0FKEQa_2ChWvDHHaPN9P9mBSlTj0nBLPkXbOnLPQ0lN7kIiLFxp-JUbjsd--_bsIuOubL-kYOxgvacX7n7dfvlzgpPFWwuop0Yva_16t8JRdNdRh1Soyer_Z1zhvBAl_6-9DzE/s1080/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Gen%20Gu%20Oh%20Min%20Woo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFgMNiYO4UUZozkhnYNc0bjBUiRQeZ20uv5V4ygGkLFgiFXb-YIbDr0FKEQa_2ChWvDHHaPN9P9mBSlTj0nBLPkXbOnLPQ0lN7kIiLFxp-JUbjsd--_bsIuOubL-kYOxgvacX7n7dfvlzgpPFWwuop0Yva_16t8JRdNdRh1Soyer_Z1zhvBAl_6-9DzE/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Gen%20Gu%20Oh%20Min%20Woo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was really hoping that having Joon Ho desert would be the major lift the show needed to make it as bad ass as the first season. Unfortunately, that still was not enough. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the fight scenes were really legit. It was nice to see Sung Woo (Go Kyung Pyo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-drama-review-love-in-contract-2022-44.html">Love in Contract</a>, Reply 1988, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-warm-and-cozy-2015.html">Warm and Cozy</a>) back. He looked so evil this time. And it was nice to see two baby-faced guys like Go Kyung Pyo and Jung Hae In engage in heavy fighting. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But all the other stuff felt contrived. It was incredible that Joon Ho overpowered everyone sent to catch him. The occasional attempts to be funny. The drama. The overkill pursuit operations. The dramatic court hearing. Sgt. Park taking the fall for his guys. The families of Roo Ri's victims were now less aggressive and more civil towards Roo Ri. The sister of one of the deserters who committed suicide while being pursued by Joon Ho forgave Joon Ho and even helped him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was disappointing because the show was advocating for something big and very socially relevant - exposing the abuses in the military and the state's inability to protect their own soldiers whose service they required and mandated. Unfortunately, things didn't work and the show missed the opportunity to use its platform to advance this cause. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was also a waste of the very rich talent pool the show had. It was cringey to see Joon Ho and Ho Yeol being overly dramatic over Sgt. Park's arrest. And there's that attempted bromance between the two as they parted ways. It was sad because the show was not able to maintain how gripping the first season was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ67ulX-ulvJhOLvQVKuWn9cp3vCU2kqLwR_gCht89Cv3Hrt2FFa16scc8Ioftv8LtbjYqAg1MEsMJkLJnKrhkcmH9sHD75jCREkNpuaASAxbCXYQkpwJKclUZFlI_XAIWZWYr1GL6-rM_yHfU1NC2QToawXQ8Lnp59HgIaG1MR1VEvDNmASFwNiJx9M/s1300/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Jung%20Hae%20In%20Ahn%20Joon%20Ho%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1300" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaQ67ulX-ulvJhOLvQVKuWn9cp3vCU2kqLwR_gCht89Cv3Hrt2FFa16scc8Ioftv8LtbjYqAg1MEsMJkLJnKrhkcmH9sHD75jCREkNpuaASAxbCXYQkpwJKclUZFlI_XAIWZWYr1GL6-rM_yHfU1NC2QToawXQ8Lnp59HgIaG1MR1VEvDNmASFwNiJx9M/s320/Deserter%20Pursuit%20DP%202%20Jung%20Hae%20In%20Ahn%20Joon%20Ho%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">What was really sad, however, was how the show seemed to send a message that the DP team's battle was a losing one. It didn't show us any positive outcome, no matter how minimal, from all the trouble the team went through. Were reforms instituted regardless of how small or insignificant they might have been? I hated how the only result the drama showed us was that Sgt. Park was sent to jail. Don't they have whistle blower immunity? Or any witness protection program? It was as if the show was telling us that the problem is too systemic that when you try to help solve the problem, you'll be punished and not rewarded. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The only bright spot for me in the end was Suk Bong coming to visit Joon Ho in the military base. Yes, that was quite unbelievable too, that Suk Bong would go back to a place that caused him too much trauma. But I can gloss over that and just focus on how vindicated Joon Ho must have felt knowing that he saved someone. And that he was remembered (in response to his earlier thought if people he met in the military remembered him) and probably appreciated for the lengths he went through to save Suk Bong. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So while I still love Jung Hae In, who is probably on top of my <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">Oppa List</a>, and while there are still 300+ days until Joon Ho's discharge from the military, I think it would be wise for the show to end its run here and not stretch things further to another season, lest we forget the show's glory in the first season altogether. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>3.7.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4 (with bonus points for the cast, especially Jung Hae In). </p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-63521945107395801612023-07-16T19:10:00.000+09:002023-07-16T19:10:00.575+09:00K Drama Review: She Would Never Know (2021) 4.9 || 4.8<p style="text-align: justify;">It's always nice to chance upon good dramas, especially when you're just aimlessly browsing for something to watch. I loved this show so much and I honestly want to hold on to it a bit longer. But we're watching another good drama right now and my heart only has space for one great drama at a time. So I have to do this review now to make room for another great show. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsSqGEgDlmsYsjAm2TnFS44Zb8rvXKzXzPIBEjGADnRMgyQSkb4NEK1hMsf5BoWc8jkLv1f_5RxuaOS8fAy8pIC9Ucb8ZFZPo7go1BcY1WKAoMb9U3oEyypSb7_0oCtbVvAWHfl-gVSkHzFVfadeaPXhdJ9tSwOdid9glG-da2aLo-tlvZ9GIrUEkluQ/s330/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsSqGEgDlmsYsjAm2TnFS44Zb8rvXKzXzPIBEjGADnRMgyQSkb4NEK1hMsf5BoWc8jkLv1f_5RxuaOS8fAy8pIC9Ucb8ZFZPo7go1BcY1WKAoMb9U3oEyypSb7_0oCtbVvAWHfl-gVSkHzFVfadeaPXhdJ9tSwOdid9glG-da2aLo-tlvZ9GIrUEkluQ/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">She Would Never Know (or Senior, Don't Put on that Lipstick) tells the story of employees of a cosmetics company. The show is focused on the marketing team of the Klar brand, specifically, Assistant Brand Manager Yoon Song Ah (Won Jin Ah) and her trainee, Chae Hyun Seung (Rowoon). It was quite apparent that Hyun Seung liked Song Ah but he held back because office romance was frowned upon in their company. But he decided to confess when he found out that Song Ah was seeing their boss, Brand Manager Lee Jae Shin (Lee Hyun Wook), who was actually engaged to the company owner's granddaughter, photographer Lee Hyo Joo (Lee Joo Bin of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area Parts 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">and 2</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-drama-review-love-in-contract-2022-44.html">Love in Contract</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>). The story takes us through how Song Ah breaks free from her painful relationship and how Hyun Seung helps her find herself again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Won Jin Ah as Yoon Song Ah</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhundUgd9clcCBYuouoZPLBZTgrHK-hRf7G1SYGRKs3gJE0feJ-Uq2VtDSuGqwTiOSg-hs3LfZBDOKcQrnf3BWcrxGs8TUPb-KAhNjD4y1hUP7ulIclCaeyR0gvFkTLdHjj3ZwDwNtT1O5wANma0JcA86w23k830mQPjLZ_AyjIOCsFoMvhsYzpaP66bAY/s1080/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhundUgd9clcCBYuouoZPLBZTgrHK-hRf7G1SYGRKs3gJE0feJ-Uq2VtDSuGqwTiOSg-hs3LfZBDOKcQrnf3BWcrxGs8TUPb-KAhNjD4y1hUP7ulIclCaeyR0gvFkTLdHjj3ZwDwNtT1O5wANma0JcA86w23k830mQPjLZ_AyjIOCsFoMvhsYzpaP66bAY/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was our first time watching Won Jin Ah and we were thoroughly impressed. Yes, she's not your typical flawless and perfect female lead but she acts so well that you can't help but feel happy when you're watching her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">She's perfect in showing us the different sides of Song Ah - funny, cutesy, noona, girl boss, sweet, and caring. I loved how she displayed great restraint in her breakdown scenes especially the one with her mom (Lee Ji Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-thirty-nine-2022-42-4.html">Thirty-Nine</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>) when she confessed that she was aware that her dad had an affair. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while Song Ah was not perfect either -- I was conflicted with how she didn't break up with Jae Shin right away after she found out that he was engaged to someone else and I didn't like how she broke Hyun Seung's heart -- I loved how she seemed like a real human being with whom we can all relate. We're certified Won Jin Ah fans now and we hope she'll do more dramas. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Rowoon as Chae Hyun Seung</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lbKjzA0bYYuHwAK6JU7skBeNB5J4tP5NSLhfMml9i8ionZ-BV1_BXEuxfqt1XqyX307r-Lvy17ieLQDuHorsmUEfw9VR2kWvz83LdcmmTiT0j36S6R4YajN9pOZ9dhaze_hAwEBEVLgB0TWMgqn5FB_BEQ77dakYeiIQS1NVNFji_Fo-R77ZcqJkBv0/s800/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lbKjzA0bYYuHwAK6JU7skBeNB5J4tP5NSLhfMml9i8ionZ-BV1_BXEuxfqt1XqyX307r-Lvy17ieLQDuHorsmUEfw9VR2kWvz83LdcmmTiT0j36S6R4YajN9pOZ9dhaze_hAwEBEVLgB0TWMgqn5FB_BEQ77dakYeiIQS1NVNFji_Fo-R77ZcqJkBv0/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit that I'm quite wary about K pop stars who go into acting. But I was pleasantly surprised with Rowoon. He was not K pop-ish at all. He can definitely act and he does not just bank on his good looks to get by. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As a character, I loved Hyun Seung. He's secure and thoughtful like how he let Song Ah have some private time with Jae Shin during the wake of the latter's dad. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And he does not back down against abusive superiors like BM Seo (Baek Sung Chul of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-happiness-2021-45-45.html">Happiness</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>). Although of course I realize that he's a privileged rich guy who can probably afford to lose his job unlike other employees who need to kiss ass to keep their jobs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also enjoyed Hyun Seung's relationship with his intern/trainee (Choi Woo Sung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-moment-of-eighteen-at.html">At Eighteen</a>). How he was patient with him despite knowing he didn't intend to stay. And how in the end, he made him stay. That's proof of what a great person Hyun Seung is.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Rowoon definitely deserves a spot in my <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">Oppa list</a>. And I'm happy to note that he has an upcoming drama in August. :D</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hyun Seung and Song Ah</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9oZuGy5Ekwg7RLKJZaLwJmyZ5s7G1w8TB09OrhnA_1JfCYmx7jUJ0qtOPvtS-locU0esH9oSZB98ULkC5zUD43pK5oO4-PzsX9rPnduZiw2mSslgZMv_d_c2kpZ1SSWLBwHSElpDh7_J6TTS09wv9UcEnZTawOPjfCRm9n9T1fUd1Q6v4jXARBX-5MY/s768/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="768" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9oZuGy5Ekwg7RLKJZaLwJmyZ5s7G1w8TB09OrhnA_1JfCYmx7jUJ0qtOPvtS-locU0esH9oSZB98ULkC5zUD43pK5oO4-PzsX9rPnduZiw2mSslgZMv_d_c2kpZ1SSWLBwHSElpDh7_J6TTS09wv9UcEnZTawOPjfCRm9n9T1fUd1Q6v4jXARBX-5MY/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I missed watching noona romance dramas and it was nice to see one that was well-done again. I loved Hyun Seung and Song Ah's chemistry - especially their banters, petty fights, and the intensity of their dramatic scenes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, it was initially creepy for Hyun Seung to keep dropping hints to Song Ah about Jae Shin's engagement. I wished that he just told her right away. Or he could have just congratulated Jae Shin in front of everyone. But knowing how kind-hearted Hyun Seung was, he probably did that to be considerate of Song Ah. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how sincere Hyun Seung was towards Song Ah from the very start. Like how he blocked everyone from entering her room during the university job fair so she can enjoy her lunch break. There's just so much love and intensity in the way he looks at her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super enjoyed their cute moments. Hyun Seung's smirk when Song Ah held his hand when Jae Shin confronted them. It was so cute how he still managed to look giddy despite the tense situation. Or how he gamely did the make up trial with Song Ah. And how he followed her to the club and quietly watched her dance. Or that broom dance when she told him she was not going to Europe. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But the greatest thing about Hyun Seung was how reliable he was. How he was always there for Song Ah and how he always reassured her of his presence and support. Like when he told her he was fine with her keeping her distance as long as he can still see her. And how he hugged and let her cry after she fought with her mom. And how when Song Ah said that she was scared to give it her all in love because of what happened to her parents, he told her that he'll be the one to risk it all for them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaoAYtLSVKW51rg88gfuWJLsYOknsQhbv1vL-to8znt3lYfMw8JWB91C1C9PxaKjkl66RPtWZb6le_qczBozpyoZ5yOyKFROZAJ5SMPhQNH27CJ-3I-GL3Leh54B3Rr5suFY3G_KTqQckS8m8U-zOJDzSq5uywywCt3l_SPEbq2wVkZjqPEpqdwov7Dg/s960/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaoAYtLSVKW51rg88gfuWJLsYOknsQhbv1vL-to8znt3lYfMw8JWB91C1C9PxaKjkl66RPtWZb6le_qczBozpyoZ5yOyKFROZAJ5SMPhQNH27CJ-3I-GL3Leh54B3Rr5suFY3G_KTqQckS8m8U-zOJDzSq5uywywCt3l_SPEbq2wVkZjqPEpqdwov7Dg/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It was so refreshing to watch a couple that felt real and was relatable. Their relationship had depth and they communicated what they felt honestly (most of the time, at least). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hyun Seung never backed down even if Song Ah kept on rejecting him and even if Song Ah said she can't be with him because he's had an easy life and might not be a good fit for her. Yes, Song Ah tended to be repetitive but I appreciated her effort in constantly reminding Hyun Seung that she can't like him back (yet!). At least she didn't mislead him. While I sort of resented that Song Ah said she can't accept Hyun Seung's feelings but she wanted to keep him by her side when Hyun Seung said he'll keep his distance, I liked how she was honest about her feelings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was hoping they would no longer encounter other issues when they were finally together. But that would not have been a real K drama if that happened. Still, I loved how they did their best. They felt very authentic. Like when Song Ah asked Hyun Seung's thoughts if she moved to another job. Or how Hyun Seung trusted Song Ah to speak with Jae Shin privately after the latter resigned. Or those cute moments they spent with Hyun Seung's niece (Park So Yi of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-law-school-2021.html">Law School</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-encounter-boyfriend.html">Encounter</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-ms-hammurabi-2018.html">Ms. Hammurabi</a>). And how they naturally and casually met each other's families. No grand dinners or announcements. How Song Ah was genuinely proud of Hyun Seung achievements because he perseveres and he does not merely rely on her. I loved how the show didn't overdo the mushiness and gave us just the right amount of romantic stuff to keep us giddy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Hyun Wook as Lee Jae Shin</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQZ8Cp2-aC2ull4vAMBfEkqPL7ymUyezPC7bGobrDNEt4H9Y7x0LmR8rYGmMmy6gjawoHxqI2K6tJCt6zdDXJs4IVDUdYj_nJsf0eV1-VUfvHDqzK0_siyowyxs3bqElS5qJr4Rhfi4y1ogA0CNRp4prqsbcHa03MUIGspiMxLtyinqA0wNHxTPoJvM4/s660/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Lee%20Hyun%20Wook%20Lee%20Jae%20Shin.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQZ8Cp2-aC2ull4vAMBfEkqPL7ymUyezPC7bGobrDNEt4H9Y7x0LmR8rYGmMmy6gjawoHxqI2K6tJCt6zdDXJs4IVDUdYj_nJsf0eV1-VUfvHDqzK0_siyowyxs3bqElS5qJr4Rhfi4y1ogA0CNRp4prqsbcHa03MUIGspiMxLtyinqA0wNHxTPoJvM4/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Lee%20Hyun%20Wook%20Lee%20Jae%20Shin.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was definitely not fond of Jae Shin. Yes, we can't totally blame him, knowing he was forced into that situation by his boss and friend, Director Lee Jae Woon (Lee Kyu Han of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/02/k-drama-review-my-lovely-sam-soon-my.html">My Name is Kim Sam Soon</a>), and by his suicidal girlfriend, and how he was greatly indebted to Jae Woon. But he should have still come out clean, especially since he seemed to genuinely care for Song Ah. And it really didn't help that he kept on clinging to her even after she found out and wanted to break up. And how he was a very petty, vengeful, and unprofessional boss for messing up with Hyun Seung's assignments. It was becoming exhausting seeing him all depressed and acting like a puppy around Jae Woon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">His resignation (which meant he had fewer scenes) helped me empathize with him a bit, especially after seeing how even his mom was mean to him. At least he found himself again, free from the burdens of his past. And he got his closure with both Song Ah and Hyo Joo. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After getting the gist in the first episode - boss who was engaged to someone else was having a secret relationship with his subordinate and is discovered by another subordinate who also likes the girl - I was concerned if the show could stretch that limited storyline to 16 episodes. Especially since Hyun Seung confessed right away and Song Ah learned about the cheating immediately too. But the show pulled it off nicely. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The characters definitely grew on me, especially the Klar Team. They all felt organic. I even ended up loving the characters who seemed annoying at first like Jae Woon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This was definitely drama done right. It was never over the top or weepy even if they could have exploited Song Ah's situation. Yes, there were crying moments but no wailing and bratty tantrums. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And funny was done right here too. It was never slapstick. Yes, Jae Woon tended to be exaggerated at times but that's just how he was and I loved how his relationship with Hyun Seung's sister, Ji Seung (Wang Bit Na), somehow tamed him. I super loved the Klar Team's hilarious moments especially when they were interrogating Hyun Seung on who his crush was and when they were guessing Hyun Seung and Song Ah's relationship. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiCZjBkjxtcCavL4ttkJGdif_PFvGV_qp8M7OCMjX4vuZjJQp5qFH5tWTKeHXkJUVCfp8rOZgjbmZE5fz1JbWWf-MRX_Mar1814o9Y5qXtjH4LKT4Xf2rloKySYdfqIbVBZOyJL804QduG3U_gS4w5U2u3JgGJFhoNN5QsBhAdDLeYH4mlUP3S263cD8/s1280/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Klar.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiCZjBkjxtcCavL4ttkJGdif_PFvGV_qp8M7OCMjX4vuZjJQp5qFH5tWTKeHXkJUVCfp8rOZgjbmZE5fz1JbWWf-MRX_Mar1814o9Y5qXtjH4LKT4Xf2rloKySYdfqIbVBZOyJL804QduG3U_gS4w5U2u3JgGJFhoNN5QsBhAdDLeYH4mlUP3S263cD8/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Klar.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked the show's takes on some controversial topics. Like that toxic office culture where you have to drink til you die in the guise of teamwork. And how unhealthy the competitions were between teams like when BM Seo wanted to steal Hyun Seung's thunder by releasing his product at the same time. I was happy that there were still professional people in their company like Jae Woon who was level-headed in dealing with Song Ah even after he found out that she had a relationship with Jae Shin. How he valued competence over personal issues. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the dilemmas that stay at home moms face like Hyun Seung's sister, Yeon Seung (Ha Yoon Kyung of Hospital Playlist and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist 2</a> and Extraordinary Attorney Woo). How they're judged most of the time even if some are happy and contented caring for their families. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I appreciated that the show touched on same sex relationships with regard to Yeon Seung's husband (Lee Dong Ha). Their struggles in hiding their true selves to the point that they're even forced to get married. I liked how the show presented this as a long process - how even the people involved can be in denial and how they need the support of people around them to help them finally accept who they truly are. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And problematic parents. Like Jae Shin's dad and Song Ah's mom. How some parents hold their kids hostage for money or emotional dependence. The show acknowledged that yes, kids are somehow responsible for their parents but excessive clinginess is unhealthy too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how arranged marriages are mostly problematic like Jae Shin and Hyo Joo and Yeon Seung and her husband. The success rate is fairly low. And things can get even dangerous when it's a one-sided love. And how if there are kids involved, they end up being the real losers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And on the issue of marital problems, how negatively it impacts the children, especially if the parents are not careful enough in explaining stuff to them. Like how Song Ah carried the burden of her dad's infidelity for a long time. I loved that Yeon Seung and her husband were there for their daughter when they finally decided to divorce. And I loved how mature their daughter was - telling dad not to break mom's heart anymore because it broke her heart too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And my most favorite hot take would probably be the one against fake paid influencers who either do it for clout or to satisfy the highest bidder. I wish more companies or people would be like Klar who would push back against these professional trolls so they'll be more responsible. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtun6UVN3zZsJh4GCSSoBEeOfYjemQmQ2D0F-V1JAIeYdo-r0sBossIK0WB_0Si_lthQx4Aa6IiOs3Nh33OOYTWEbnyEbJuDrvkCzMf6ILY4ZPb15jqlOOoSqGKPifwMnLsRKpNwmjRjLG-lihQp43R0pW6Jx_YZ3x0uP3kaM0VXCLK7v9eneWq4KbMFw/s1889/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1889" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtun6UVN3zZsJh4GCSSoBEeOfYjemQmQ2D0F-V1JAIeYdo-r0sBossIK0WB_0Si_lthQx4Aa6IiOs3Nh33OOYTWEbnyEbJuDrvkCzMf6ILY4ZPb15jqlOOoSqGKPifwMnLsRKpNwmjRjLG-lihQp43R0pW6Jx_YZ3x0uP3kaM0VXCLK7v9eneWq4KbMFw/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was not too happy with the Europe storyline but I do realize that the show needed one more conflict before it ended. It just didn't make sense to me that Song Ah would keep it from Hyun Seung when she consulted him before when she considered moving to another company. And I didn't like how Hyun Seung seemed imposing when he told Song Ah not to go. Yes, he could have told her how he felt but he should have still left the decision with her. And I really didn't like that she let go of his hand when she told him she was going - that was so ominous that they were going to break up. I'm happy that they didn't make a big deal out of it before she left, but of course, I was unhappy that they broke up eventually. But I'll just think of that as a necessary hiccup to get us to the finish line. Because everything still turned out well in the end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm5g06A5llB3nyCuMXM4q9LBq4Va6aUE-Aca83JeQ-X_RAfN-pWYals-VECuxY4G3liuJikqm8-84gYEbjBFK35KRrlFJTp635JMC8h1m-pi2mYMudPuURbLh2LA6g1HKCp9xoUr6BSYJ_F_v65pb236x3QnqV230WBsvI6FekbkVIHEowV5vqMQC4_g/s739/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="739" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYm5g06A5llB3nyCuMXM4q9LBq4Va6aUE-Aca83JeQ-X_RAfN-pWYals-VECuxY4G3liuJikqm8-84gYEbjBFK35KRrlFJTp635JMC8h1m-pi2mYMudPuURbLh2LA6g1HKCp9xoUr6BSYJ_F_v65pb236x3QnqV230WBsvI6FekbkVIHEowV5vqMQC4_g/s320/She%20Would%20Never%20Know%20Won%20Jin%20Ah%20Yoon%20Song%20Ah%20Rowoon%20Chae%20Hyun%20Seung%205.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The Klar Team was still intact and stronger than ever. Song Ah was back and the supportive, fun, and professional Klar group was complete once again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Time and distance seemed to have helped Jae Shin and Hyo Joo heal their wounds. I was hopeful, seeing how they seem to to truly appreciate each other this time. But I was also happy that the show didn't force them to be together. At least it's the start of something good. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jae Woon and Ji Seung are as cute as ever with their cute petty fights and they're finally getting married. I also loved how Hyun Seung now goes to Jae Woon for love advice. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was bittersweet to see Yeon Seung finally setting her husband free, knowing that he can now accept himself. Yes, it was tough on their daughter but she has such a strong support group so I'm sure she'll get by really quickly. I appreciated how Yeon Seung and her husband waited for things to settle down before pushing through with their divorce. They didn't quit when emotions were high. At least, they're sure this time that that's what they really want. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was also nice to see Seong Ah's mom with friends. She's too busy now that she does not have time to fuss over Song Ah anymore. And it was super cute how she took Hyun Seung's side when she found out the two reconciled. How she didn't approve of Song Ah because Hyun Seung deserved a better girl. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My most favorite reconciliation was probably Jae Shin and Jae Woon's. I truly hope it's the start of a genuine friendship because I know Jae Woon had been sincere with Jae Shin from the very start. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Towards the end of the show, I realized that this drama is replete with strong, secure, and confident women. Ji Seung bravely proposing to Jae Woon. Yeon Seung accepting her husband whole-heartedly and her daughter bravely facing the divorce. Hyo Joo bouncing back from Jae Shin and now surviving on her own. And of course, Song Ah wooing Hyun Seung. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While I was not happy with the break up, the show really made up for it with the cute storyline of Song Ah wooing Hyun Seung. Her moves and pick up lines were hilarious. And I really loved how vocal she was about being sorry for her thoughtlessness when she broke up with him and acknowledging how badly she hurt him. And I loved how mature they were about getting back together - fully realizing that there were consequences, that if things go wrong again, there might be no turning back. It was a major bonus that Hyun Seung didn't prolong Song Ah's agony and that they were getting married too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super loved how the show ended with Song Ah trying on her wedding dress. Yes, it was simple and nothing grand but to me, it was a sign that their lives will go on and there's more in store for them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We thoroughly enjoyed watching this show. It's a nice testament of how a cute little crush can blossom into something more beautiful and meaningful with perseverance and patience. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.9.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.8.</p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-73700123693551111172023-07-01T20:02:00.000+09:002023-07-01T20:02:13.053+09:00K Drama Review: Show Window: The Queen's House (2021) 4.4 || 4.25<p style="text-align: justify;">We've been delinquent here (for almost two months!) because...life. But we started watching a new drama last night and hopefully, we'll get our groove back. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We chanced upon this show by accident. We often see it on TV when we're having our meals and we were intrigued. It also helped that Oppa adores Jeon So Min (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/07/k-drama-review-cleaning-up-2022-45-43.html">Cleaning Up</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-so-i-married-anti-fan.html">So I Married an Anti-Fan</a>) as he is a huge Running Man fan. When it seemed like we were catching the same episodes on TV, we finally decided to watch it. And while it was not all highs, the show was good enough to keep us hooked until the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRJoEfJdWU3HaaA9qkJsrTvar2cqK6Y2CG7JsltIxgusQAHyYOBi8zLQm3bxSh-c1g03wKIENxAzLgMj3d84o3P5SRYlaqeITq7_D5VPHZRIOToTvKitgZt8sdpNdCjXSmaJkPldedYxDdCOnd2mfeLsxLEMYLG-vO1G75p5tL_Rex20jSDNEhUq12HU/s311/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="220" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRJoEfJdWU3HaaA9qkJsrTvar2cqK6Y2CG7JsltIxgusQAHyYOBi8zLQm3bxSh-c1g03wKIENxAzLgMj3d84o3P5SRYlaqeITq7_D5VPHZRIOToTvKitgZt8sdpNdCjXSmaJkPldedYxDdCOnd2mfeLsxLEMYLG-vO1G75p5tL_Rex20jSDNEhUq12HU/s1600/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Show Window: The Queen's House tells the story of a seemingly perfect family - the Shins - dad Shin Myung Seob (Lee Sung Jae of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-warm-and-cozy-2015.html">Warm and Cozy</a>), an executive in LaReine, the conglomerate owned by his wife's family; mom Han Sun Joo (Song Yoon Ah), heiress to a rich family; eldest daughter Tae Hee (Shin Yi Jun; and youngest son Tae Yong (Park Sang Hoon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-producers-2015.html">The Producers</a>). Neighbors envy Sun Joo because she seems to have it all. That is, until her family's dark secrets are revealed, primarily caused by her husband's mistress, Yoon Mi Ra (Jeon So Min). The show takes us through how things go downhill for Sun Joo and her family and how she fights back fiercely to get back what rightfully belongs to her. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Cast</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtGq65ZnId_uMPY45wJMIbHbsaOWm32xcwIybea6uHBbn5didjvt9GDy7mEwk73ipt_ExS4R6vki7FYAMhTlmhzFaAfXyT7y0X7R85d6Q4MZ-jZEGfQoCCscrVN3Tzq9XieKe3gZb2HnACcW8-WqM4p8I7QvUocbdHLlbGS16uhi4POxwfh0HAtNl9Wg/s1024/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1024" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtGq65ZnId_uMPY45wJMIbHbsaOWm32xcwIybea6uHBbn5didjvt9GDy7mEwk73ipt_ExS4R6vki7FYAMhTlmhzFaAfXyT7y0X7R85d6Q4MZ-jZEGfQoCCscrVN3Tzq9XieKe3gZb2HnACcW8-WqM4p8I7QvUocbdHLlbGS16uhi4POxwfh0HAtNl9Wg/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">For the most part, Oppa and I disagreed on the quality of the show's cast. He was mostly okay with everyone, while I found most of them lacking? But I know we both agree that Song Yoon Ah was the best actor in the show. She was perfect as Sun Joo - so pretty, elegant, and royal. Without knowing the story, it would have been easy to judge Sun Joo as stupid, with the show describing her as someone who cheered on/enabled her husband's mistress. But once you hear her story, it's easy to sympathize with her, especially since she didn't know that the mistress she was supporting was her husband's. It was so painful to watch because she seemed to genuinely care for Mi Ra. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Oa6vN9_W1U1ggaFsLLPIs6R2oExlvUsLpzpS_4MO3J-6PXwkmpir5TjIbk9FRI4vWVDGn4WwWHdzKAItPyYsNOXd8IVgJisJ_L837FVYjGuOdj3yu4xbpFar8odXw-B90Kc7Y-qeSA_T4-4lTx1iml9IksUxXS-HY1XW8u5f0xeRz1hnVSiX3_g2gME/s1024/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Lee%20Sung%20Jae%20Shin%20Myung%20Seob.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1024" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Oa6vN9_W1U1ggaFsLLPIs6R2oExlvUsLpzpS_4MO3J-6PXwkmpir5TjIbk9FRI4vWVDGn4WwWHdzKAItPyYsNOXd8IVgJisJ_L837FVYjGuOdj3yu4xbpFar8odXw-B90Kc7Y-qeSA_T4-4lTx1iml9IksUxXS-HY1XW8u5f0xeRz1hnVSiX3_g2gME/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Lee%20Sung%20Jae%20Shin%20Myung%20Seob.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I absolutely detested Myung Seob. I'm not sure if I was just influenced by his character, like how can an old and ugly guy like him have two beautiful women fighting over him? He totally did not deserve either one of them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-S1CdZJGwdOdN-YeiNJmWk_Y8tIqMdmwRMH2mzsuMx3BnQZt8Bi6k_vsUs-110DfnDBk_YN8834DJwCv5kfPWwbmY99TfnnvHUJm1WdSiiEji2w8J0aYUWFNtcx5WFcqiCiB7GQRoI6FhxOHcJYVIXoMr1bldfA9MKlmuQnP5HrJ6KMPEjBRoeOsryI/s653/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="653" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-S1CdZJGwdOdN-YeiNJmWk_Y8tIqMdmwRMH2mzsuMx3BnQZt8Bi6k_vsUs-110DfnDBk_YN8834DJwCv5kfPWwbmY99TfnnvHUJm1WdSiiEji2w8J0aYUWFNtcx5WFcqiCiB7GQRoI6FhxOHcJYVIXoMr1bldfA9MKlmuQnP5HrJ6KMPEjBRoeOsryI/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I started out indifferent towards Jeon So Min. I felt like she was not a very good fit for Mi Ra, especially during the dramatic parts. She seemed better off quiet and stoic. I guess it didn't help that Song Yoon Ah overpowered her and she couldn't match up to her level in their highly-charged confrontation scenes. Those were really wasted opportunities because instead of getting really angry, you just end up indifferent, or worse, laughing, at how uneven the acting was. And it just gave you more reason to really root for Sun Joo. I'm just glad that towards the latter episodes, So Min redeemed herself. She did so much better from the remind wedding episode onwards. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I totally didn't like Sun Joo's neighbors. They were all so annoying. Everything felt so contrived about them - their characters, their storylines, etc. It felt like they were conveniently placed there to move the story forward - like how one neighbor saw Mi Ra asking for a sanitary pad in the Queen's Club, which helped Sun Joo deduce that Mi Ra was no longer pregnant. Other than that, these characters didn't really help the story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We were pleasantly surprised that although we've watched bits of the show on TV, there were still a lot of things we didn't know about the story. And despite my issues with the actors, I really appreciated how the drama was compelling. I loved the quick pace and reveals too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show gave us a reverse story - they started from the end and worked their way from there. And even if we already knew how the show was going to end (somehow), the story still captivated us enough to see it through the end. It was also exciting how the show gradually revealed the ending in the earlier episodes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFfhWxMuu-qj9iYfrAHLHHM9rFkubUHSruGhWLeb6dZ4RbTweRXMwyBUp3nayYqA8Li9mOmJsKtxw2yLtv0s4J53NRmEIR9Nzzpi_FbpCMPOJocF10GKC4_lC4aMJHryVDEBmlbFW-9ARAp2QZECaQGyVFa-pABk3xKowD-inChWbhRjWq617VP-5RUE/s900/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="900" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTFfhWxMuu-qj9iYfrAHLHHM9rFkubUHSruGhWLeb6dZ4RbTweRXMwyBUp3nayYqA8Li9mOmJsKtxw2yLtv0s4J53NRmEIR9Nzzpi_FbpCMPOJocF10GKC4_lC4aMJHryVDEBmlbFW-9ARAp2QZECaQGyVFa-pABk3xKowD-inChWbhRjWq617VP-5RUE/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show interspersed the scenes between Sun Joo becoming more and more suspicious of her husband and Mi Ra and Myung Seob spending time with Mi Ra. Like when Sun Joo visited Mi Ra's house early in the morning to check if her husband was there. That was a really, really good build up to the moment when Sun Joo finally uncovers the truth. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mi Ra was absolutely creepy, stalking Sun Joo. I get that she was doing things on purpose but she was super crazy for pushing her luck and tempting fate so hard. Like how she continued to pretend to be pregnant after her miscarriage. Or how she invited herself to Sun Joo's house to have dinner with the entire family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Myung Seob was absolutely vile. Yes, his mother-in-law, Kim Kang Im (Moon Hee Kyung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/05/k-drama-review-killers-shopping-list.html">The Killer's Shopping List</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">and 2</a>), was overbearing. Yes, he practically lived in his wife's shadow all their married life. But he should have known what he was getting into when he married an heiress. Must he hurt his wife and children too? He was just too ambitious for his own good. And how dare he use the kids to stop Sun Joo from divorcing him. And I totally hated him when he was insisting that women were better off as homemakers and how he always guilt tripped Sun Joo by saying that she was neglecting their home and kids when she tried to work while her mom was sick. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJer1uhG0OrBBOOQLpwh_TsxXUo7n-glX0r9Sxa8Ns-tP82qLllzIr5rYEHXCUj8KpgW9K3FsEJq1zoVUdOUZIxcRJg2zv91Ol7XSXrX7rg1h0kM528kUuFnGqvkDSSdDLf-w9aoMyfx5PWqkFGM7yRaf8Qk9kBkHG9-M8EQ_9S_lrZ_-03O08xfjcmw/s900/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Lee%20Sung%20Jae%20Shin%20Myung%20Seob%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJer1uhG0OrBBOOQLpwh_TsxXUo7n-glX0r9Sxa8Ns-tP82qLllzIr5rYEHXCUj8KpgW9K3FsEJq1zoVUdOUZIxcRJg2zv91Ol7XSXrX7rg1h0kM528kUuFnGqvkDSSdDLf-w9aoMyfx5PWqkFGM7yRaf8Qk9kBkHG9-M8EQ_9S_lrZ_-03O08xfjcmw/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Lee%20Sung%20Jae%20Shin%20Myung%20Seob%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I appreciated how the show didn't prolong Sun Joo's agony by letting her find out right away that her husband was Mi Ra's man. And I loved how crafty Sun Joo was, especially when she was interrogating Mi Ra about how she met her boyfriend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf5xSwW6qyWrzTj-zi-TgotNpWif1V0GDW7WhAlHyoJEkQCnoQnP2bPbbgcneUWXserW3gDdPOpOgwVVFD7TIsHqyf41UT3OlUCjp_bv1qkyv9s_z5N-HMUGYKj2cJvRWW8YcH8TPlkX2TbKs1DIXPwnfJrW1My8f5SyNibKrbZaNXgxIZnT4_XRvSpY/s1200/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra%20Chan%20Sung%20Jung%20Won%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf5xSwW6qyWrzTj-zi-TgotNpWif1V0GDW7WhAlHyoJEkQCnoQnP2bPbbgcneUWXserW3gDdPOpOgwVVFD7TIsHqyf41UT3OlUCjp_bv1qkyv9s_z5N-HMUGYKj2cJvRWW8YcH8TPlkX2TbKs1DIXPwnfJrW1My8f5SyNibKrbZaNXgxIZnT4_XRvSpY/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra%20Chan%20Sung%20Jung%20Won%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And just when you thought she was gone, Mi Ra makes a come back after she broke up with Myung Seob. This time as the girlfriend of Sun Joo's brother, Han Jung Won (Hwang Chan Sung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-now-we-are-breaking-up.html">Now, We are Breaking Up</a>, So I Married an Anti-Fan, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-vincenzo-2021.html">Vincenzo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-whats-wrong-with.html">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-dream-high-2011.html">Dream High</a>). I liked how Sun Joo loved her brother so much that she was willing to divorce her husband just to save Jung Won from Mi Ra. And how she successfully threatened Mi Ra that she will be trapped forever if she marries Jung Won. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed the corporate power play too. And how Sun Joo almost always beats her husband. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Towards the end, however, I didn't like how the show was making the people act out of character to fit the drama's narrative. Sun Joo was struggling. She used to be so feisty and she never backed down. But all of a sudden, she couldn't run the company (when she did it so well behind the scenes in the past, asking for favors to make her husband look competent) and she let Myung Seob get away with saying that they should learn to coexist with Mi Ra. Nobody was actively helping her until her daughter and mom found out about Myung Seob's affair. Loved how Tae Hee invited Mi Ra to dinner to humiliate her and highlight how inferior she was compared to Sun Joo. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Myung Seob, who used to be so concerned about his reputation, was flaunting his affair with Mi Ra, at a very crucial time when he was about to gain control of the company. Sun Joo's mom, who's very keen about everything, was unaware of Myung Seob's dirty tricks. And I was not exactly happy with Sun Joo's ex-boyfriend/friend, psychiatrist Cha Young Hoon (Kim Seung Soo), who didn't look trustworthy at all. When the show started going this way, I was so tempted to drop it. And I only stayed because I've watched a lot of it already and I wanted to find out how it will end. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXOE_2A6DTZZvcOPYLsHbI7MBEJZpzqfpqLLK-o3-lowuTHgU8cx6QZ32Pj-0HWFa4UcnjqrjO03EeJbkopY6_DAPMp8qH8WELzQ4XNckcrFp-0PkjMZUDw92wmC6eKQ4lOWKcs3jwP5Q6SBnlsFSCMJSnIq7aVsJxqEnXCnBDnW-K8ogWlFbIXnqaG8/s2000/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXOE_2A6DTZZvcOPYLsHbI7MBEJZpzqfpqLLK-o3-lowuTHgU8cx6QZ32Pj-0HWFa4UcnjqrjO03EeJbkopY6_DAPMp8qH8WELzQ4XNckcrFp-0PkjMZUDw92wmC6eKQ4lOWKcs3jwP5Q6SBnlsFSCMJSnIq7aVsJxqEnXCnBDnW-K8ogWlFbIXnqaG8/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm glad that things picked up again from the remind wedding episode. Sun Joo was more stable, beating Myung Seob and Mi Ra in their own games. How she planned things carefully to corner everyone. And I loved how Mi Ra finally leveled up her creepiness. We finally had a good match up between Mi Ra and Sun Joo. Even the kids' acting leveled up too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With three to four episodes left after the remind wedding, I was concerned that the investigation would take too long and the show would be unnecessarily stretched. But the detours (especially with the ever-changing suspect in stabbing Mi Ra) somehow worked. Although I was quite concerned with how they were treating Tae Yong. It was obvious that he was traumatized with what he witnessed. Then his sister made him confess to a crime he didn't commit in order to save their mom. It was apparent that he needed help and given their resources, I was surprised that mom didn't get him the medical help he needed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Surprisingly, the remaining episodes remained interesting. I especially loved how Sun Joo and Mi Ra teamed up, realizing that Myung Seob only loved himself. I liked how they worked together to make Myung Seob think that he can get away with his crimes. I also liked how Sun Joo's mom told Sun Joo right away that Myung Seob was blackmailing her to get LaReine, claiming that Sun Joo was the one who stabbed Mi Ra.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the final scenes leading to Myung Seob's death were flawed. They did't appear well thought out. Why would Sun Joo leave her phone lying around where Myung Seob can read her messages when she and Mi Ra were plotting against him? Or how convenient it was for Jung Won to leave his phone, which led to Sun Joo to the trap prepared for him. And how Sun Joo, knowing how dangerous her husband was, let him stay at home, have access to the kids, etc. And how she went into an abandoned building by herself, without back up, knowing that her husband must be plotting something bad. And how Sun Joo easily convinced Myung Seob's goons to be on her side. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Fzbwo1F7E0tBZyQI3QmneYjeginZbTq_Xz8d4H-BDJxSoHO4SzMYt3mpqhNKdYReYXFatff7lT7vWmcg-_w0noTj05BzhIBzGzoK8Q7LEj074h2z2Ooo10SHSOV1j-bTwXV2Wu-AkFeTOB9BKg5nvcYwiHRSAok5IpPo4m8E9ZVzERYYS4B_Bc37SM/s2000/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra%20ending.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="2000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0Fzbwo1F7E0tBZyQI3QmneYjeginZbTq_Xz8d4H-BDJxSoHO4SzMYt3mpqhNKdYReYXFatff7lT7vWmcg-_w0noTj05BzhIBzGzoK8Q7LEj074h2z2Ooo10SHSOV1j-bTwXV2Wu-AkFeTOB9BKg5nvcYwiHRSAok5IpPo4m8E9ZVzERYYS4B_Bc37SM/s320/Show%20Window%20Queens%20House%20Song%20Yoon%20Ah%20Han%20Sun%20Joo%20Jeon%20So%20Min%20Yoon%20Mi%20Ra%20ending.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite these little hiccups, I was still happy with how things turned out (except the murder, of course). Jung Won got LaReine. The kids are studying overseas and hopefully, shielded from the painful things their mom had to go through. Sun Joo's mom was now retired. Young Hoon paying Sun Joo back by counseling Mi Ra. Mi Ra's free to reflect on her misdeeds. Sun Joo was finally and truly free. I loved her breakdown scene where she broke stuff with a golf club then she walked barefoot with bloody feet around their neighborhood because to me, that signified that she was letting go of all the baggage she had to carry and endure by herself that she had to hide from everyone. Sun Joo meeting Mi Ra in the end, with the latter apologizing for everything that happened, was a perfect ending for this show. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So while the show was not perfect, it's compelling enough to keep you hooked until the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.25.</p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-71679322851501963582023-05-13T19:38:00.000+09:002023-05-13T19:38:09.259+09:00K Drama Review: Live (2018) 4.8 || 4.7<p style="text-align: justify;">We've seen some parts of Live on TV about a year or two ago. I was interested but Oppa was not. But thanks to our recent re-exposure to Jung Yu Mi in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/05/k-show-review-jinnys-kitchen-2023-46-425.html">Jinny's Kitchen</a> and Go Min Si (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2019.html">Love Alarm</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2-2021.html">Love Alarm 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>) in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/04/k-drama-review-youth-of-may-2021-49-48.html">Youth of May</a>, he finally agreed to watch this one. We were really struggling to find a good drama after watching and loving Youth of May. We dropped a couple of dramas until we finally landed on this one. And it was really worth the wait. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuMr_eemErqeKaIXXmhd_1xbRHYmENFSVIeqHTwn5ff8K9jve34SAwTG3eaHllK-5ykNUnCkv4sKMPPjXJHKZi_uLrS7qzHBs3DQi9kUtCq9GDr8LWusoWeQDuANHSB0Pc6lIKjnE7oOQmd9c1xDGnJb_xACs95tHD8HPUjHZova6w_0Nqv28brhn/s313/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="220" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWuMr_eemErqeKaIXXmhd_1xbRHYmENFSVIeqHTwn5ff8K9jve34SAwTG3eaHllK-5ykNUnCkv4sKMPPjXJHKZi_uLrS7qzHBs3DQi9kUtCq9GDr8LWusoWeQDuANHSB0Pc6lIKjnE7oOQmd9c1xDGnJb_xACs95tHD8HPUjHZova6w_0Nqv28brhn/s1600/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Live is a police drama that tells the story of a team from the Hongil Patrol Division. The lead characters are rookies Yeom Sang Soo (Lee Kwang Soo) and Han Jung Oh (Jung Yu Mi), who started out always bickering with each other but ended up falling in love along the way. The division is led by Ki Han Sol (Sung Dong Il) who's assisted by Eun Kyung Mo (Jang Hyun Sung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist Korea Parts 1</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">and 2</a>). Sang Soo's mentor is the decorated but hated by many Oh Yang Chon (Bae Seong Woo) who used to be a captain with the Violent Crimes Unit but was now demoted as a Lieutenant in the patrol division. Yang Chon is married to (but on the verge of divorce) Capt. Ahn Jang Mi (Bae Jong Ok of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/05/k-drama-review-worlds-within.html">Worlds Within</a>), a detective working in another division. Jung Oh's mentor is the easy-going and often branded as lazy Kang Nam Il (Lee Si Eon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-reply-1997-answer-me.html">Reply 1997</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a>). The other rookie, Song Hye Ri (Lee Joo Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-samjin-company-english.html">Samjin Company English Class</a>) is paired up with an old retiring mentor, Lt. Lee Sam Bo (Lee Eol of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-movie-review-may-18-2007-39-375.html">May 18</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-hot-stove-league-2019.html">Hot Stove League</a> ). Other members of the team are Jung Oh's short-time boyfriend, Choi Myung Ho (Shin Dong Wook of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-now-we-are-breaking-up.html">Now, We are Breaking Up</a>); Kim Han Pyo (Kim Gun Woo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/k-drama-review-glory-2022-47-45.html">The Glory</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>); Kim Min Seok (Jo Wan Ki of Jirisan and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>); Go Seung Jae (Baek Seung Do of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-our-blues-2022-5-5.html">Our Blues</a>); Ban Jong Min (Lee Soon Won of Mr. Sunshine); and Min Won Woo (Kim Jong Hoon). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show takes us through the professional and personal lives of our characters and how they try to rise above the challenges they face as police officers. Live is a police drama that is dramatic enough to keep your entertained but it still manages to be action-packed to make it thrilling to watch. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jung Yu Mi as Han Jung Oh</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1ZeIwD5ToZ8riHDlVc1BwXHLyf4RHoFiAuVJmA5WwxEYzsST_fyPE93PYRSUNgCschqGgeBqSHyPOePYv68WRV5P7nMQBU53vIKI1MXRfLHcbAUfwHl9hmuzhyPKLpDKJ6b6Ok0SjK3cB0v5b4coL-6WsZaguD-cMSPD8E45g1ZSFUlFbagWDzQS/s400/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="400" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1ZeIwD5ToZ8riHDlVc1BwXHLyf4RHoFiAuVJmA5WwxEYzsST_fyPE93PYRSUNgCschqGgeBqSHyPOePYv68WRV5P7nMQBU53vIKI1MXRfLHcbAUfwHl9hmuzhyPKLpDKJ6b6Ok0SjK3cB0v5b4coL-6WsZaguD-cMSPD8E45g1ZSFUlFbagWDzQS/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After watching shy Yu Mi in Jinny's Kitchen, it was refreshing (and surprising) to see her play a feisty character. Yes, we've seen her in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-train-to-busan-2016.html">Train to Busan</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-shows-review-tvn-summer-variety-shows.html">Summer Vacation</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/04/k-shows-review-youns-stay-2021.html">Youn's Stay</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-whats-wrong-with.html">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,</a> and Reply 1994, but this was her biggest role so far that we've seen. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Jung Oh tried to appear cheerful while doing her job and how she excelled in it even if most of the time, her tasks probably triggered some horrible memories from her past, including a sexual assault incident when she was in high school. In a way, I was happy that she was able to help the rape victim sisters while she was on duty because it felt like closure for her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My favorite Jung Oh moments would be whenever she stood her ground against abusive superiors and the unreasonable policies they were subjected to. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although short-lived, I also loved watching Jung Oh's relationship with Myung Ho. They really looked good together. And I loved their amicable break up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I really wish Yu Mi would do more mainstream dramas so we can watch her more. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Kwang Soo as Yeom Sang Soo</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wBhIOAxQ_YvNwB7H-a0dj7ma91zAUel79TFTy1cRriQa-StuQUIDwJmjO9skudiTH1SyvAkn82AOQcIGWush0dDZB34ot7tm3Mqi7sQhEk-_DoCxayImmgdU2KqTk1o27H05DYQO2EX-B6fCZZlozoioFG0SAuxBXiKcvLL38QMrn40kC4LBnP_7/s887/Live%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wBhIOAxQ_YvNwB7H-a0dj7ma91zAUel79TFTy1cRriQa-StuQUIDwJmjO9skudiTH1SyvAkn82AOQcIGWush0dDZB34ot7tm3Mqi7sQhEk-_DoCxayImmgdU2KqTk1o27H05DYQO2EX-B6fCZZlozoioFG0SAuxBXiKcvLL38QMrn40kC4LBnP_7/s320/Live%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We've seen Kwang Soo in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/05/k-drama-review-killers-shopping-list.html">The Killer's Shopping List</a> and his cameo in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-descendants-of-sun.html">Descendants of the Sun</a>. But I enjoyed watching him here because his character as the always unfortunate in life Sang Soo had more depth. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The drama shows us the different sides of Sang Soo - the desperate guy who needed to find a job after he lost his family's life savings in an investment scam, the goofy side he's most known for, and the angry and confrontational guy who is always very defensive whenever his bosses criticize him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">There were just so many things to love about Sang Soo. My favorite would be his confrontation scenes with his mentor, Yang Chon. The power struggle between the two was so evident. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uY9pKkz4qcV6r0t-CO8JN-uZwSIrGGOuWwPnbG2nAZEiP_d7MpjX-9nxOjPm4a6K5qC7Mw5SK9V3F_IH0syBPA6ce853Kq9B5PMnUemAI6W9iKG_BpRAB9yqjpNGUcSidlm8t2cZWr1zFUR_6QGBKxMyq8pi8d0hw_VCgY7WhljulkXXnXezKdSp/s700/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="700" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uY9pKkz4qcV6r0t-CO8JN-uZwSIrGGOuWwPnbG2nAZEiP_d7MpjX-9nxOjPm4a6K5qC7Mw5SK9V3F_IH0syBPA6ce853Kq9B5PMnUemAI6W9iKG_BpRAB9yqjpNGUcSidlm8t2cZWr1zFUR_6QGBKxMyq8pi8d0hw_VCgY7WhljulkXXnXezKdSp/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, the best thing about Sang Soo was his undying love for Jung Oh. How he never gave up even if he knew she was dating Myung Ho. How he commiserated with Jung Oh when he found out that she was raped in the past - he slept outside her room, ran with her, and comforted her by saying he was sad that he had a hard time telling her how proud he was of her for enduring that difficult thing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While I was happy that Jung Oh and Sang Soo ended up together, I admit that I found Sang Soo's confession/kiss quite distasteful. I believe he should have treaded more carefully knowing that Jung Oh was assaulted in the past and she might be sensitive about being physical. But I guess all's well that ends well because Jung Oh kissed him back. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed watching Kwang Soo in this drama even if Oppa said that he'd always think of him as a comedian because he's watched him a lot in Running Man. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Bae Seong Woo as Oh Yang Chon and Bae Jong Ok as Ahn Jang Mi</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It would seem like Kwang Soo and Yu Mi are the main actors in the show. I admit, however, that Oh Yang Chon and Ahn Jang Mi were more impactful characters for me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BcrPwSjwuNvgKJXPo_BC4m1Kwsu18jV6qt4FCWtreKlLWgReyDV42xPgUpA0srUWUscy1klq6vWuGiY_QCIkiKwHEkk-tadq2Jx_0S3QwZinY1-6RyzuaidIqoGxpBqhM40jZTZqrW7hjFi0IymTQdU8cGDehNVt2nnctuTmJ6bQ_4tZfIxKo5xB/s540/Live%20Bae%20Seong%20Woo%20Oh%20Yang%20Chon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="540" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BcrPwSjwuNvgKJXPo_BC4m1Kwsu18jV6qt4FCWtreKlLWgReyDV42xPgUpA0srUWUscy1klq6vWuGiY_QCIkiKwHEkk-tadq2Jx_0S3QwZinY1-6RyzuaidIqoGxpBqhM40jZTZqrW7hjFi0IymTQdU8cGDehNVt2nnctuTmJ6bQ_4tZfIxKo5xB/s320/Live%20Bae%20Seong%20Woo%20Oh%20Yang%20Chon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I am now a Bae Seong Woo fan! He was so, so great as Oh Yang Chon. It didn't matter whether he was angry with the rookies, being a jerk around his colleagues, guilt tripping his dad (Lee Soon Jae of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>), begging Jang Mi to take him back, having light moments with Sang Soo, or showing his soft side by comforting Jung Oh after the taser incident. He pulled off everything so well. His eyes are so expressive that he does not need to do or say anything. You can just look at his eyes and you'll know how he feels. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved the back story about how passionate and intense Yang Chon was as a police officer, which was an effect of a victim dying because they let a suspect get away. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hope I'd get to see more of Bae Seong Woo on TV. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGncSjKILD9HscgqSRFb5UQv4FRTFvvlJnZCX6Mj3xmYeqKmXWa8Ezp73UGKRE2IHMN-mLaQP-OOLGeMv4aStBoVG9MPw--LxaaEhT-b-1VhPiPMCohrBbzybD_CmSzKX_3un63CUUqZFZqAwuSRnQZI_U4lFh_ibmWL137JAlo4xnz8FbajAX1lJR/s500/Live%20Bae%20Jong%20Ok%20Ahn%20Jang%20Mi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGncSjKILD9HscgqSRFb5UQv4FRTFvvlJnZCX6Mj3xmYeqKmXWa8Ezp73UGKRE2IHMN-mLaQP-OOLGeMv4aStBoVG9MPw--LxaaEhT-b-1VhPiPMCohrBbzybD_CmSzKX_3un63CUUqZFZqAwuSRnQZI_U4lFh_ibmWL137JAlo4xnz8FbajAX1lJR/s320/Live%20Bae%20Jong%20Ok%20Ahn%20Jang%20Mi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We've seen Bae Jong Ok in Worlds Within. And while we didn't really like her there, we thoroughly enjoyed watching her in this drama. She's really aging gracefully. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">She was perfect as the feisty detective Ahn Jang Mi who has to push back against the discrimination she experienced as a woman in the police force. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yang Chon and Jang Mi's story was one of my favorites in the show. It was so realistic and relatable even outside of the police context, with their marriage being a casualty of their careers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yang Chon expected things to be okay because he was providing for his family, without realizing that Jang Mi was working too on top her duties to her family. How Yang Chon easily (but erroneously) assumed that because Jang Mi is strong, she can do things on her own and she does not need him. But as she pointed out, while she did things by herself, it would have still been nice to have Yang Chon beside her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite Yang Chon's flaws, I was really rooting for them because it was very evident that they still loved each other so much. Like when they had their final divorce discussion at home where despite all the bad feelings she probably had, Jang Mi still comforted Yang Chon and told him he did nothing wrong in his mentor's death. Or something as simple as when she fixed his tie before they filed their divorce papers. And Yang Chon's lamentation about how the police are considerate of criminals by giving them warnings before arresting or shooting them, yet Jang Mi couldn't afford him the same privilege when she told him she wanted a divorce without a warning. Although I highly doubt if a mere warning/ultimatum would have made him change. The onus was still on Yang Chon to be more sensitive to his wife's needs. She didn't need to say everything all the time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved it when Jang Mi told her admirer, Kyung Mo, that she still had feelings for Yang Chon. And I loved that poignant moment Yang Chon and Jang Mi shared while they were lying down on the carpet, hugging, with her complaining about how she was discouraged by her cases and with him singing to cheer her up. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm glad that despite the difficult things they had to go through, they got back together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Other Actors/Characters and their Relationships</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This was a very, very good ensemble of actors. Oppa's right, they're all so good you can't pick one who really stands out. Even the actors with smaller roles were stellar. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how everyone could be very emotional, bordering on violent, when needed but they can act with restraint too. The transitions were amazing like when Han Sol explained why he took in Yang Chon even if everyone hated him or Jong Min confronting Myung Ho for being a rat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJpt_x1FEvs-TU8pzV7y3NyAt_QIv1CbK9j6FxsR6WrIa9QA8jQZE0H1YMMFjF1AVTmP3Z2-ISXJyyTRLC_5wUQjwc5h2S72VYJkJlFuk112YnAfHmbH3H8PdUYifqs0xILOpAbb3BizZLw00i37scp2wab36X1auamPQT1g0ngEN7CCqxw3zr56y/s400/Live%20Bae%20Seong%20Woo%20Oh%20Yang%20Chon%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="400" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJpt_x1FEvs-TU8pzV7y3NyAt_QIv1CbK9j6FxsR6WrIa9QA8jQZE0H1YMMFjF1AVTmP3Z2-ISXJyyTRLC_5wUQjwc5h2S72VYJkJlFuk112YnAfHmbH3H8PdUYifqs0xILOpAbb3BizZLw00i37scp2wab36X1auamPQT1g0ngEN7CCqxw3zr56y/s320/Live%20Bae%20Seong%20Woo%20Oh%20Yang%20Chon%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Among the characters, my favorite pair would have to be Yang Chon and Sang Soo. I super loved their bromance, which started with Yang Chon always berating Sang Soo. How Yang Chon would always make a scene when correcting Sang Soo. But when you strip those corrections of all the drama, you'll see that the mentor actually made sense and he was really reasonable. He cared for his mentee and he didn't want him to get into trouble. I loved how Yang Chon takes command responsibility seriously like when he said there are no dumb mentees, just dumb mentors. I'm glad to see how their relationship evolved and how their bond was made unbreakable by Sang Soo saving Yang Chon's life. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved Yang Chon's relationship with his dad. It was mostly problematic. They never agreed on anything. But you can clearly see that they cared for each other. Like when dad kept on calling Yang Chon without speaking because he just wanted to hear his voice and make sure he was okay and alive. And dad getting emotional when Yang Chon said his own kids didn't respect him, with dad saying he's never done anything bad as a father to merit that kind of treatment. I loved how they've come to accept and live with each other's shortcomings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And Yang Chon's relationship with his daughter Oh Song I (Go Min Si). It's funny how kids often think they are capable of protecting themselves like Song I enumerating the things she's done to defend herself but with Yang Chon having a rebuttal to everything she said. I loved how Yang Chon catching Song I being assaulted by her boyfriend paved the way for the two of them to grow closer and be more caring for each other. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JxmS50DU7Jfzo5sngP6FHCbFMyObKBzCZNNlzTLodQvyR-BbudHsq4tFINTRlViT8QWfAcOJgkvTg2xeDHyE938XWv7yshx77eDfcog0Fe-wTCmBcLtozpC6SLfmLTo5wGfGcWq4o_hzkSxNwbRTm45XziztJsBzI8K6Q5xpQhytyTuY9Kmm49CI/s775/Live%20Lee%20Eol%20Lee%20Sam%20Bo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="775" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JxmS50DU7Jfzo5sngP6FHCbFMyObKBzCZNNlzTLodQvyR-BbudHsq4tFINTRlViT8QWfAcOJgkvTg2xeDHyE938XWv7yshx77eDfcog0Fe-wTCmBcLtozpC6SLfmLTo5wGfGcWq4o_hzkSxNwbRTm45XziztJsBzI8K6Q5xpQhytyTuY9Kmm49CI/s320/Live%20Lee%20Eol%20Lee%20Sam%20Bo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved how despite clashing all the time, Sam Bo and Hye Ri were actually a perfect fit for each other. His maturity was helpful in tempering her youthful rage. And she was good in teaching him things like using politically correct words. I found Sam Bo's pet name for Hye Ri as My Last Rookie sweet. And how she changed his name to My First Mentor later on. I loved how they treated each other like father and daughter and how Hye Ri grew to trust him like when she told him about how she caused her father's accident. It was bittersweet to see her take him home for the last time after his retirement. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked Sam Bo's way of comforting the rookies after another police officer was shot and killed. He let them practice shooting and told them to do it at least once a week for their safety. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while he was mostly quiet, I loved how Sam Bo let the junior officers in to his life when he asked them to put his eyedrops after he was assaulted by a suspect. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how his relationship with Nam Il was mended when the latter finally admitted that he was slacking off because he was exhausted from helping his pregnant wife run their pizza business. Sam Bo was proof that people can be understanding and accommodating as long as you tell them the truth. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved Jang Mi and Jung Oh's relationship and how they go way back with Jang Mi saving Jung Oh from an illegal abortion. I loved how they've come full circle with Jung Oh comforting Jang Mi when the latter was being investigated for an allegedly botched up operation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxxQoK4pTy82SeOuU9NknHmqqj3HmF3ChYa-Xv-wX5dax_wfE03Lc3afu3MvnhfqY0e8JCpcHNnZFKaUsFOjvtQhYmv-awtxQw0EmS6K_raAIfGQivQeYP-amtRUx523w09yWzOvHwiU5HiFikC3eNr6dzSDQtnT3zLn3BSuA22sz5hjfByqn9_Yi/s768/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%20Song%20Hye%20Ri.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxxQoK4pTy82SeOuU9NknHmqqj3HmF3ChYa-Xv-wX5dax_wfE03Lc3afu3MvnhfqY0e8JCpcHNnZFKaUsFOjvtQhYmv-awtxQw0EmS6K_raAIfGQivQeYP-amtRUx523w09yWzOvHwiU5HiFikC3eNr6dzSDQtnT3zLn3BSuA22sz5hjfByqn9_Yi/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%20Song%20Hye%20Ri.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved the rookies' bond too. No matter how hard they argued and competed with each other, I loved how they were always there for each other when needed. They always knew how to comfort whoever was having a difficult time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, I loved the Hongil Patrol Division. They all had huge egos. They had a lot of differences. But they protected each other and they celebrated their victories, big and small, together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As with all ensemble dramas, it was challenging to remember all of the characters in the beginning because there were too many of them. But with 18 episodes, the show made sure you'll have time to know everyone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show balanced everything really well - the funny, the serious, and the heavy stuff. And this drama was definitely an expert in leaving us with cliffhanger endings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Most of the scenes were done really well. My favorites would be the investigation of the raped sisters case which was done with some sort of reenactment. The police scenes in the handmade gun suspect case were also great with the perfect balance of drama and the police stuff. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1uqLOYe69a80O4PZ0pJ-zVQbM1BxZbhoJGeM4est2nGyhp65JryfN9oM2ziSpNI66gS6cYyVrgFCBhvy3vLxD_BkIoMasurNumZ74J7n1fKFFjvevp9fW7aJkRxcot9mTqrGc94VZqNKILNWhN34LeAKSjKwSt67vgj42ljZDjImrm04Xz8z3LG0/s676/Live%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="676" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1uqLOYe69a80O4PZ0pJ-zVQbM1BxZbhoJGeM4est2nGyhp65JryfN9oM2ziSpNI66gS6cYyVrgFCBhvy3vLxD_BkIoMasurNumZ74J7n1fKFFjvevp9fW7aJkRxcot9mTqrGc94VZqNKILNWhN34LeAKSjKwSt67vgj42ljZDjImrm04Xz8z3LG0/s320/Live%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show covered various social issues. Oppa complained that the show had too many things to say about too many topics but I'm fine with that. I'm happy when dramas use their platform to raise awareness about socially relevant matters. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Like unemployment as seen during the pilot episode where both Sang Soo and Jung Oh were struggling to find or keep jobs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And gender inequality in hiring and in the workplace. I loved Jung Oh's gritty takes on how she was being treated unfairly as a woman and how she bravely verbalized those before employers and her male friends. And how Jung Oh pushed back when Nam Il was insinuating that she should take the fall for the taser incident because he had a family to support, as if Jung Oh didn't and as if her job was less important. Or something as simple as how Hye Ri corrected Sam Bo about how derogatory the term chick was for women. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And before you complain that the show was too feminist, I also liked how the drama tried to present both genders fairly. Like when they emphasized that we should avoid gender stereotypes in crimes such as not always assuming that women are the victims in sexual assault cases. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved how mental health issues were widely covered in the show. That was helpful in making people understand them. That it was wrong to simply label them as not normal, nuts, etc. because they actually have disabilities that prevent them from functioning the way neurotypical people do. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I liked how the show tried to present the perspectives of the victims and criminals alike. How some criminals are forced to commit crimes because of the circumstances they're in. Like the guy who slashed Sang Soo's face because he didn't want to be arrested otherwise no one will protect his younger sister. Or how overbearing parents cause their children to rebel and commit crimes like Sam Bo's attacker. And how kids are never to blame because it's always the adults that ruin them and how they're often the collateral damage to their parents' crimes like the kids of the serial rapist who were now being attacked and bullied. Or how lack of education contributes to crimes. I liked the sex education angle where parents were in denial that their kids could commit sexual assault or could be victims and how learning about how to cope with these things could help prevent more serious consequences like unwanted pregnancies and illegal abortions. Or how stringent laws push people to commit crimes like how the difficulty in adopting kids force single mothers to abandon their babies. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And from the victims' perspective - how their primary concern most of the time is protecting their loved ones and their reputation. Like the battered mom who didn't want to divorce her husband because she had no means to support her kids. Or the sexual assault victim who was worried about her fiance. Or the raped sisters who were to embarrassed to admit that they were raped. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And in an aging society like South Korea, it was sobering to see the stories of the elderly opting to die by themselves when they feel they've accomplished their mission and there was nothing left for them to do in this world. Like Yang Chon's dad turning off his mom's life support system. Or Yang Chon finally agreeing to let his mom die with dignity. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T7i2nUeKWzzDuck8QYJHYIvVwQ7NUYOIna9Z46UCDxvVv6YQzuL8zgpqpXjYIIa1pUxZzJECdfxi528Of3UNM-BwD1GxJcbsxih7arMM2E8haPNHsRmI6t6_CSccgQrLF3D-KMxiUN84gORKSEuiGN58A5AC0qfXN1Prdht9NN-72wLt9RPuTU9m/s676/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%20pilot.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="676" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T7i2nUeKWzzDuck8QYJHYIvVwQ7NUYOIna9Z46UCDxvVv6YQzuL8zgpqpXjYIIa1pUxZzJECdfxi528Of3UNM-BwD1GxJcbsxih7arMM2E8haPNHsRmI6t6_CSccgQrLF3D-KMxiUN84gORKSEuiGN58A5AC0qfXN1Prdht9NN-72wLt9RPuTU9m/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%20pilot.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Anti-police viewers might not like this show and say it romanticizes the police. But I beg to disagree. I believe the show did a good job in humanizing the police. Helping us see things from their perspective. This might even be a good orientation course for people who want to be part of the police force. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show realistically depicted that for some police officers, joining the force is just an escape route from poverty and unemployment like Sang Soo and Jung Oh. So understandably, their hearts are not really into their jobs. As Jang Mi said, it's just a job for some people who don't feel any sense of duty. And while some develop that sense of duty later on, some don't like Jung Oh when she was thinking of studying overseas. But then again, Yang Chon was right that that sense of duty is not that important because what matters most is that you have a good heart with a willingness to help anyone in need. And you can lose that sense of duty anyway despite having it when you first start like how Yang Chon felt disillusioned when Sang Soo was being investigated for saving his mentor. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how police work is not always glamorous. Like how you have to start with the dirty work like cleaning up after drunk people. And how even a small beat like traffic work/DUI checks can blow up when you encounter problematic people. And how no training can ever prepare you for your first homicide case, the way Jung Oh was traumatized with her first one. And that there won't always be big cases. There will be chill traffic days that are actually necessary for the officers' mental health. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I liked how the show spewed out police facts like how they had shorter life span at 63 years old and how they had higher suicide rate than other professions. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4UVtg59ilVYi9XnAmj41OanSANXEEAQVa33UwdQu7DPJ3n6knbmaaB-I7DVrhDJdIYqIXpvnSMI5bc6HoxNxNHenfhCcyfteuP2JysDjn54mmektOkHBKNGZh0wXJGu3vzKNVnJ2ACD2sKAjG96EFt3vp1oBnniAX9spO8qCuy_uXke2HhEAwtI6/s774/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="774" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4UVtg59ilVYi9XnAmj41OanSANXEEAQVa33UwdQu7DPJ3n6knbmaaB-I7DVrhDJdIYqIXpvnSMI5bc6HoxNxNHenfhCcyfteuP2JysDjn54mmektOkHBKNGZh0wXJGu3vzKNVnJ2ACD2sKAjG96EFt3vp1oBnniAX9spO8qCuy_uXke2HhEAwtI6/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I really loved how the show presented the challenges that police officers face on the job. This was probably the most enjoyable part for me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Like how the officers' personal views can interfere with the tasks assigned to them. For instance, Jung Oh probably didn't agree with removing the student protesters in the university but she had to do it anyway because officers need to be subservient without asking any questions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Or how some have to deal with old age and illnesses like Sam Bo and Han Sol, where they feel insecure that they're not as useful as the young ones. Like how Sam Bo initially refused to report that he was beaten up by kids. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course there's that ever present problem of political interference in police work. Like the congressmen Sang Soo arrested for refusing to undergo the DUI test and who continued to refuse to cooperate with them and even belittled them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Or the entitled citizens who think they own the souls of the police just because they're paid with taxpayers' money. Which emboldens them to abuse police officers both verbally and physically. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And going into something deeper like the need to strike a balance between doing what is right and respecting the rights of the people. I understand that the police sometimes need more leeway to conduct their operations but there is also that risk of abuse when you give them unbridled discretion because unfortunately, there will always be power trippers. Like that temptation to use extrajudicial measures to achieve justice based on facts known to them like that desire to cover up the case of their colleague beating up an abusive politician because they knew he just wanted to get his revenge. Or the desire to get information from telcos right away without warrants during emergency situations, which has to be balanced with the people's privacy rights. Or investigating Sam Bo's case on their own. Or prosecutors refusing to issue warrants, which impedes police investigation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl7t9N02UyB6Sg_R2eykx_P_-d-XVmlfg5K0DGDA5BwV-pEGcZxQHXzL8ZSuhE9n7f5bjec5QbKosM5uhTRAEd0w-smERMQgthD2Izh1Ej6NgmIiFWm9hhx5FWSREepCzRuh5jkup6WuxOOOuPFCnJH1JMhllavofFjqwPc_7ImQPPK6KWT8zPas8/s722/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="722" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl7t9N02UyB6Sg_R2eykx_P_-d-XVmlfg5K0DGDA5BwV-pEGcZxQHXzL8ZSuhE9n7f5bjec5QbKosM5uhTRAEd0w-smERMQgthD2Izh1Ej6NgmIiFWm9hhx5FWSREepCzRuh5jkup6WuxOOOuPFCnJH1JMhllavofFjqwPc_7ImQPPK6KWT8zPas8/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And the moral dilemmas they face. And how unfortunately, things are not always black and white. Like having a strong sense of justice to report a colleague who beat up someone versus being accused of being a disloyal rat. Or using a taser on a person versus letting her harm another person. Or lying to Internal Affairs for Jung Oh who is a competent police officer and to save Nam Il from losing his job. Or striking a deal with a suspect for a lighter sentence to convince them to drop charges against a weaker party like the bar assault case where Jung Oh tasered a pregnant woman. Or Jung Oh refusing to apologize to parents about her sex education speech knowing that she was speaking from experience. At the end of the day, it's all about choosing your battles and using your energy wisely on things that can benefit more people. And of course, always being mindful that one wrong move can ruin your career. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course that big problem when the victims refuse help like the sisters who were raped. And the unfortunate solution that the police just need to wait for another victim to come out to help them solve the case. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how it's difficult not to be attached to their cases. I liked how the show masterfully used cases that paralleled the life stories of the officers. Like Sam Bo and Han Sol being overly emotional from the suicide of a victim they saved from the past. Or how Sang Soo, who was neglected by his mom when he was young, solved the case of the neglected kid whose mom did nothing but play computer games all day. Or Jung Oh handling the case of the suicidal boy who had a panic disorder like her own mom. Or Jung Oh handling the rape case of the sisters. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And as with any job, there will always be rotten tomatoes. And how much more difficult it is for them to investigate one of their own like Yang Chon's mentee who was involved in gambling and prostitution. And how demoralizing it must be for them to see these crooks get away with light punishments because of their connections. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And because police work is highly stressful, it's so important to have a strong support group in your family. Otherwise you might get lost along the way like what almost happened to Yang Chon. Although there's that risk that when you work with too many criminal cases, you tend to be desensitized which can lead you to ignoring the warning signs before you when it involves your family. Like what almost happened to Yang Chon and Jang Mi's daughter. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how fate can be tricky. You get sick, you have a chance to move to a less stressful post, yet you get shot and killed before you transfer. (Honestly though, I think the police officer here should have taken a more defensive position when approaching the suspect. He was a veteran and he should not have let his guard down.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the biggest challenge probably for the senior officers is their tendency to become jaded as time goes by. How as they grow older, they would opt to save their assess first before risking their lives and their careers. Unlike the zealous rookies who would do everything to protect the victims and their colleagues. And how they differ in approaching urgent situations. Which probably makes for a good argument on why they should be paired up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95J7ZAJ17M_5cv8xEWu_xfEMGupMh3Aj5ZCyfEXzMIW63q_awqCs5dYSDgbZ0okYyty-JONrPaRlWvcXndygfWg7B6RQEdTMU7BIrV4u9eNWhfsBGrqmDQY1jCtT-NB1AXfbqIspVvXrDfPi69qH7C_KE2vkgJM2mOQ6fNF3LvBEWWzMhiKDwUkbI/s400/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="400" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95J7ZAJ17M_5cv8xEWu_xfEMGupMh3Aj5ZCyfEXzMIW63q_awqCs5dYSDgbZ0okYyty-JONrPaRlWvcXndygfWg7B6RQEdTMU7BIrV4u9eNWhfsBGrqmDQY1jCtT-NB1AXfbqIspVvXrDfPi69qH7C_KE2vkgJM2mOQ6fNF3LvBEWWzMhiKDwUkbI/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, they have to deal with the unrealistic expectations of the citizens who think they ought to fight without weapons, otherwise they will be accused of using excessive force. Or how they're expected to be devoid of emotions even if the case is something personal to them like Yang Chon finding out his former mentee was involved in corruption. And like Min Seok being investigated for shoving a suspect who was being a nuisance and who's now asking for a huge settlement amount even if he was not really hurt. Or how they're not allowed to snap even if they are so exhausted and overworked. And how they're expected to take the fall even if they're not at fault. Like Jang Mi being forced to resign for allegedly botching the rape case investigation when in fact her superiors refused to listen to her when the cases first started. And that huge difficulty of needing to balance the public's perception of the police with what actually goes on inside. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the day, Yang Chon's daughter is right. Is it all worth it? That they sacrifice so much, including their families, yet they still get punished despite doing what is right. You can't really blame their families for asking them to quit like Sang Soo's mom (Yeom Hye Ran of The Glory, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Guardian</a>) who was so angry that her son was being investigated despite saving a victim and his colleague. But I loved her realization that her son did something noble and they have nothing to be ashamed of. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, police work is a thankless job although it can be very rewarding and fulfilling too. Especially when the people you helped appreciate what you did. I loved Sang Soo's sense of duty album where he keeps photos and reminders of people thanking him for his work. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYscZAwBuvATLt7EW-HxKWDogtz89tsNOa_kYchpr713vzHCPuxRoYofcNZWgk0Fy2XcznsUgZ3YuRf0afkK_aA3e-UM_-qGkPyFLqWgGPCnnP6f8BVs1GIOWKvJE8o81q0AxCqYUKnxYRSJosD0OVQ_T8nR71MBJpmgoEYvIzdMgz0cZ-uYf0ep6v/s400/LIve%20Sung%20Dong%20Il%20Ki%20Han%20Sol.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="400" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYscZAwBuvATLt7EW-HxKWDogtz89tsNOa_kYchpr713vzHCPuxRoYofcNZWgk0Fy2XcznsUgZ3YuRf0afkK_aA3e-UM_-qGkPyFLqWgGPCnnP6f8BVs1GIOWKvJE8o81q0AxCqYUKnxYRSJosD0OVQ_T8nR71MBJpmgoEYvIzdMgz0cZ-uYf0ep6v/s320/LIve%20Sung%20Dong%20Il%20Ki%20Han%20Sol.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was hooked to this show because the drama was really well done. It was never contrived. And never over the top. Here are some of my favorites. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The euthanasia of Yang Chon's mom. With Yang Chon shaving dad's face. And dad not wanting to wear a new suit because he wanted to use the suit his wife bought him. And dad asking Yang Chon to wear his police uniform to make mom happy because being a police officer was the best decision he's ever made for his mom. I truly felt Yang Chon's grief. How he appreciated his teammates coming especially Han Sol on his daughter's wedding day. Their hug was so heartbreaking. How hard Yang Chon tried to hide his sorrow probably because it's expected of him as a police officer. Yet he let it all out when they buried his mom's ashes. And Kyung Mo ditching his blind date to sympathize with Yang Chon. And this story line culminating with Yang Chon and Jang Mi's conversation where the latter said she wanted him back but Yang Chon said he needed to be punished more. Then Jang Mi saying he should not go too far because she can't take losing him. Then they said their I love yous. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dad was great here too. That scene where he was walking away from the hospital then he looked back one last time. And how he cried himself to sleep with his silent tears. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, there's Han Sol's illness. How he was leaving ominous signs to his family and colleagues. And then dramatically revealing he had cancer over the radio during an operation. That conversation with Yang Chon where the latter promised to obey Kyung Mo. And that conversation with Kyung Mo where the latter asked him to be selfish this time and not to worry about others. And of course the patrol division's jubilation after his stage 1 diagnosis. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5us3JY7akx-_UW8zRjcZCr0qIkh6lMwhFk451PpcY6Zr9ekmYPjPvxKBXjc9rsuQ0c-fq7QRekM0lfrh1_zrbXYe1ERKnQN2JCGYfVg_wKkHMmGI44hUJzG3W8fK2bTGuesrN1dKLdt7OS8ND-BzWA5aE0TgxAwlfDSOaAilcjlXGIMgVczZEpo_e/s640/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%20Bae%20Seong%20Woo%20Oh%20yang%20Chon%20finale.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5us3JY7akx-_UW8zRjcZCr0qIkh6lMwhFk451PpcY6Zr9ekmYPjPvxKBXjc9rsuQ0c-fq7QRekM0lfrh1_zrbXYe1ERKnQN2JCGYfVg_wKkHMmGI44hUJzG3W8fK2bTGuesrN1dKLdt7OS8ND-BzWA5aE0TgxAwlfDSOaAilcjlXGIMgVczZEpo_e/s320/Live%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Han%20Jung%20Oh%20Lee%20Kwang%20Soo%20Yeom%20Sang%20Soo%20Bae%20Seong%20Woo%20Oh%20yang%20Chon%20finale.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked the Yang Chon stabbing case. How Sang Soo shot the perpetrator to save Yang Chon. How the rest of the team arrived. How Jang Mi wept and how Han Sol comforted her. Then Sang Soo's mom was asking him to quit but took it back when she realized her son did nothing wrong. How Han Sol and Kyung Mo begged (and blackmailed) the higher ups to go easy on Sang Soo. And that first meeting between Sang Soo and Yang Chon in the hospital. And the hearing where everyone was present including Sam Bo. How the civilian judges helped Sang Soo. And how both Sang Soo and Yang Chon wept as they testified. And the glorious end to it where the cases against Sang Soo were withdrawn. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Majority of the show was compelling. But there was a tendency to prioritize the drama over the action parts towards the end. You could feel that the show was trying to wrap things up. Yes, the finale was a bit too dramatic for me but I wanted to give them some leeway because it was the end after all. But I felt that the last episode could have been done better. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">That trip to visit Han Sol could have been stretched a bit more. Instead of just featuring everyone standing on a road, it would have been nice to see them help Han Sol in his new post. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I found it quite sad that Yang Chon was doing traffic work. Not because I look down on traffic officers but because I felt that was a tougher job for him. Could he not have done officer work instead? But I sort of understand why the show did that. For cinematic purposes, it looked more dramatic to have everyone pass by and salute Yang Chon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over-all, we enjoyed watching the show and it was definitely worth our time. And oh, the music was good too!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.8.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.7. </p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-46048679964125261002023-05-08T18:57:00.003+09:002023-05-08T18:57:37.423+09:00K Show Review: Jinny's Kitchen (2023) 4.6 || 4.25 <p style="text-align: justify;">We were thrilled to know that after two years, we were getting another season of the Youn's franchise. No Youn Yuh Jung (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-producers-2015.html">The Producers</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/08/k-drama-review-wonderful-days.html">Wonderful Days</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/05/k-drama-review-worlds-within.html">Worlds Within</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/12/k-drama-review-ireland.html">Ireland</a>) this time though. She was part of Youn's Unexpected Journey last year but we didn't really watch it. So, yes, this is our next Youn's franchise show after <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/04/k-shows-review-youns-stay-2021.html">Youn's Stay</a>, which we enjoyed thoroughly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gp_hlzlWfEaiiao3-6Uhn4F8AG6hBm6j33xRaHoP5250Us2-34zAeE9mISSVMAbVoxr65rREtHndcGVNf1WcwynzHO7jT7jxo7k1iPKiz4DHloF9f-hFe6hpWzT1dsAQFVU5tu1i8KUFpn_DxCVShS7I84UI8fYJWHdimhTRNC8eJFC0DzQSmGTn/s1275/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gp_hlzlWfEaiiao3-6Uhn4F8AG6hBm6j33xRaHoP5250Us2-34zAeE9mISSVMAbVoxr65rREtHndcGVNf1WcwynzHO7jT7jxo7k1iPKiz4DHloF9f-hFe6hpWzT1dsAQFVU5tu1i8KUFpn_DxCVShS7I84UI8fYJWHdimhTRNC8eJFC0DzQSmGTn/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Similar to the earlier editions of Youn's Kitchen, the group went to another country to open a Korean restaurant. This time, however, Lee Seo Jin was the restaurant owner. Hence, the name Jinny's Kitchen. They opened a Korean snack bar in Bacalar, an island in Mexico. They served popular Korean snacks and meals like gimbap, tteokbokki, fried chicken, rice meals with beef and pork, ramyeon, corn dogs, etc. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seo Jin manned the counter to take orders and serve food. Jung Yu Mi was in-charge of the gimbaps and beef and pork rice meals. Park Seo Joon took care of all the other dishes. Choi Woo Shik assisted Seo Jin. And the gang had a new intern, BTS V or Kim Tae Hyung. Tae Hyung assisted Seo Joon and he washed the dishes too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Seo Jin</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHDbcNRpG7arr1x2oErIB6Y1JkWJlbhgPMzmFXZXssO5_34SfCSUq8fUoZpilOF43MXNJelDL-Tb3RN12e6-QInus7m5eU1jHe6EtinB7-KYMoTwA2jO4tr9RjBsPB1N2bkuNvhQZTVvit5wEZglfFeysusVYwuZLAhElpyeEgzPMsBMkiN6AnSDj/s2560/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHDbcNRpG7arr1x2oErIB6Y1JkWJlbhgPMzmFXZXssO5_34SfCSUq8fUoZpilOF43MXNJelDL-Tb3RN12e6-QInus7m5eU1jHe6EtinB7-KYMoTwA2jO4tr9RjBsPB1N2bkuNvhQZTVvit5wEZglfFeysusVYwuZLAhElpyeEgzPMsBMkiN6AnSDj/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was already impressed with Lee Seo Jin (Wonderful Days) in Youn's Stay. But I was even more impressed with his business acumen here because he was the one in-charge of the whole restaurant. Yes, his "bossiness" was quite more evident here. But it was never condescending. It was almost there but not quite. I felt that whatever he did or said was necessary to make the business running. After all, he probably felt most pressured among the hosts. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, there were times when I felt like his decisions were arbitrary and reactionary, like with regard to days off, operating hours, and the menu. But for most part, he did a great job as the new CEO. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">His real talk/pessimism, especially with regard to meeting their goals, may be off-putting for some, but I actually liked it. I even found his evaluation of his employees hilarious. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while he may appear stiff and strict most of the time, I liked how Seo Jin really cared for his staff. Giving them wellness breaks even if it meant they'd be operating for fewer hours. Going to the market by himself to give them more time to relax. And cooking for them at home or buying them food during breaks. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seo Jin as the new CEO looks promising. He totally deserves the promotion. After all, Yuh Jung relied on him a lot in the previous editions. I wonder though how Yuh Jung would rate him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jung Yu Mi</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydDEPOJzd_NsxccN6fmsTMMLTo12tyzHBVs3ju54H2G8hz9H9G-tOkny-LRNV80iFErY_Xhjhiek2aaQfM3sMQiUQpcdZwXnhQnEYkkS-3JeF-bqTFZBiINZCntpYaONm9LAP_iKXfLya0kWikeOY4HKwm5a40YGg_I0_qfrgvmMEHGh0IUvacXkF/s1344/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1344" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydDEPOJzd_NsxccN6fmsTMMLTo12tyzHBVs3ju54H2G8hz9H9G-tOkny-LRNV80iFErY_Xhjhiek2aaQfM3sMQiUQpcdZwXnhQnEYkkS-3JeF-bqTFZBiINZCntpYaONm9LAP_iKXfLya0kWikeOY4HKwm5a40YGg_I0_qfrgvmMEHGh0IUvacXkF/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see Jung Yu Mi (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-train-to-busan-2016.html">Train to Busan</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-shows-review-tvn-summer-variety-shows.html">Summer Vacation</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-whats-wrong-with.html">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>) again. It was cute to still see her shy around people but very good at what she does (cooking!). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seo Jin's comments on Yu Mi were spot on. She's very meticulous but she's too shy and she might not have the necessary leadership skills to succeed him. Although I found it unfair that Seo Jin considered the future in rating Yu Mi. She should have been graded as an employee and not as a potential successor. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And because we really love Yu Mi, I didn't quite like how Seo Jin complained about her biking and doing other stuff. I don't think these should be issues since she did them outside her work hours. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was also unfortunate that since Yu Mi was in her gimbap corner by herself, she probably got the least airtime among the hosts because she had no one to talk to. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Park Seo Joon</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFXLdMkNm8LEQdGjPR0eb7Znsj9HIDrrC2f8zVZblYNyXYvZYvU2ykdzjRLvvJgaGa3Tp5ZKnxKihYXNYo9VsWREdQ5ylR-B-atIEh4b31oJ-T2SvNKQong_8d96DUEZ1v92Vw0oIsGIUz9nJl7V87r70-SyXKK1-k6cAN2E0dPjj-0VIxFPAdKsV/s750/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Park%20Seo%20Joon.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFXLdMkNm8LEQdGjPR0eb7Znsj9HIDrrC2f8zVZblYNyXYvZYvU2ykdzjRLvvJgaGa3Tp5ZKnxKihYXNYo9VsWREdQ5ylR-B-atIEh4b31oJ-T2SvNKQong_8d96DUEZ1v92Vw0oIsGIUz9nJl7V87r70-SyXKK1-k6cAN2E0dPjj-0VIxFPAdKsV/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Park%20Seo%20Joon.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In my eyes, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">Noona's list </a>member Park Seo Joon can do no wrong. He's a great actor (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-parasite-2019.html">Parasite</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-itaewon-class-2020.html">Itaewon Class</a>, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-drama-review-she-was-pretty-2015.html">She Was Pretty</a>). And he really impressed me in Youn's Stay and he managed to impress me even more here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super loved how organized he was. He was a perfectionist. I loved his precision in making the corn dogs and even in simple tasks like plating the dishes. He does everything so well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seo Jin's description of Seo Joon was perfect. He was all-around and hardworking. He contributed ideas on how to improve the menu and their dishes. He took ownership of his work. And he is definitely the perfect successor to Seo Jin (minus the bossiness too!). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And Seo Joon is just an over-all good person. He cooks for his friends even if he's been cooking the entire day. And he even offers to help Yu Mi when she's backed up on orders, even if he's actually been doing more than her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Choi Woo Shik</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgxNTmFY_XlBXLxqh7x40kFOTMTgtUeRZyliUbVR_6UuNy3hzkgvvqBmHR64SjtWbiNRZxq0l02juGOvVsx69yjRNSKgeUlooynq8NO0YQL3foUxVwK8Cs4O43Tm_ElwQ_Xe_6dOjEDAxYZMdoMuFfk3NUuZY6YR9xrYv_7NX8FTpKwbZRVN9DfwL/s1001/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1001" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgxNTmFY_XlBXLxqh7x40kFOTMTgtUeRZyliUbVR_6UuNy3hzkgvvqBmHR64SjtWbiNRZxq0l02juGOvVsx69yjRNSKgeUlooynq8NO0YQL3foUxVwK8Cs4O43Tm_ElwQ_Xe_6dOjEDAxYZMdoMuFfk3NUuZY6YR9xrYv_7NX8FTpKwbZRVN9DfwL/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just like in Youn's Stay, Choi Woo Shik (Parasite, Train to Busan, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-movie-review-secretly-greatly-2013.html">Secretly, Greatly</a>, Summer Vacation, Fight for My Way, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-our-beloved-summer-2021.html">Our Beloved Summer</a>) was still the gang's clown. The guy everyone loved to tease. He was still as naughty and playful as ever. But that's his charm. And that makes him effective in interacting with customers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, he probably did the least amount of work among all the staff. Even the newer intern Tae Hyung was better at multitasking than Woo Shik. But then again, we have to credit him for the final push that helped them meet their target on their last day (asking for final orders by informing everyone that they were closing the shop). </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>BTS V / Kim Tae Hyung </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliSbkfNsbevqV7zNEYGLn6hlLkI73Yrru6ZcZpB-cGvtcuDGbOACy17bQrDzpcpvsfhvA0oVHogpZ2dm2LYXrG6CggihpIg-NYUDHcvdGGwVw7Wfh1Bgbrkh0goVsL05f4Qi3uz_8Y207EQ2xqfHCN5EWjzJGW51XWT2DRSW9d34KVRMQiy1PP-dP/s950/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="950" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliSbkfNsbevqV7zNEYGLn6hlLkI73Yrru6ZcZpB-cGvtcuDGbOACy17bQrDzpcpvsfhvA0oVHogpZ2dm2LYXrG6CggihpIg-NYUDHcvdGGwVw7Wfh1Bgbrkh0goVsL05f4Qi3uz_8Y207EQ2xqfHCN5EWjzJGW51XWT2DRSW9d34KVRMQiy1PP-dP/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not an Army, so I was quite neutral about BTS V / Kim Tae Hyung's inclusion in the show. Although I get why he'd be a good fit since he's friends with Woo Shik and Seo Joon. And true enough, he fit in right away. It was funny how everyone seemed to treat him better than the older intern, Woo Shik. And how he pushed that narrative by teasing Woo Shik that he was now more senior than him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Seo Jin was right that V was quite slow. But in the end, he really did his best. And it was a joy to see how much his kitchen skills have gotten better over time like in grating the vegetables for Yu Mi's gimbap or subbing in for Seo Joon's corn dogs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I found it quite surprising though that not a lot of people seemed to know him. Yes, he was mostly in the kitchen. But out of the numerous customers they had, I think only 2-3 groups recognized him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9ZFmd2tAA9esNKFYFL3HdvXiw2innEijOtFhNxlsFOKvCtzrDH9LggZxw6s0EOAl-hhPfjDuWlRv7lsH6mTOpWv-yJHWH8l9jStP3PvIQklOquJuUj8LzZO2NNVW2kB1_oWUgs25dJJmMEMwieQs94G8uaGLB9R1H8lUanwveYhrPo6NgEkkbTOH/s2560/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9ZFmd2tAA9esNKFYFL3HdvXiw2innEijOtFhNxlsFOKvCtzrDH9LggZxw6s0EOAl-hhPfjDuWlRv7lsH6mTOpWv-yJHWH8l9jStP3PvIQklOquJuUj8LzZO2NNVW2kB1_oWUgs25dJJmMEMwieQs94G8uaGLB9R1H8lUanwveYhrPo6NgEkkbTOH/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Bacalar seemed like a very chill and interesting place. The people were warm and friendly. I loved how a coffee shop owner visited them and gave them enough coffee for everyone, including the staff. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The customers were also nice and friendly. The first group looked planted but the customers seemed more organic as the show progressed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5vb1nmVFUchqBwYRTsdgOcwJsU6G8x3Zc_LQ8MjR3zsl7ZG4srU-Mz2QOXOCoKdpQ0RP9P9Ew7vyPt-F76ljjOOn4HLB3S9UmgFFvrkZAunTU93GnNqq1AhIGCNvhCGVUQAaKeR9jfI0SA6JhkjCxvC9OeDKvbAhF98p7ztqAYatLoWD5LQRuTiv/s2560/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="2560" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5vb1nmVFUchqBwYRTsdgOcwJsU6G8x3Zc_LQ8MjR3zsl7ZG4srU-Mz2QOXOCoKdpQ0RP9P9Ew7vyPt-F76ljjOOn4HLB3S9UmgFFvrkZAunTU93GnNqq1AhIGCNvhCGVUQAaKeR9jfI0SA6JhkjCxvC9OeDKvbAhF98p7ztqAYatLoWD5LQRuTiv/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The food all looked so yummy. The gimbap and ramyeon were probably the best sellers. But we wanted to try everything. We ended up having some Korean chicken one time because we were influenced by the show. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the hosts interacted with the customers, who were mostly tourists like them, trying to get a feel of Bacalar. I admit though that I missed the longer interactions they had in Youn's Stay where they got to know their guests better. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since this was our first Kitchen franchise exposure, we realized that this show can be quite repetitive - with a cycle of not having enough customers, then customers who praise the food in different ways (mmm, yum, yummy, delicious). Their days off were welcome breaks for us. We appreciated the change in scenery. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although we've seen them work together in the past, it was still entertaining to watch them. It was funny how Seo Jin was serious most of the time and how the young ones teased him about it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved seeing the customers come back, bringing their friends and family to try the food. I guess that meant the food really tasted good. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Editing must be a nightmare for shows like this. They had to present customers one at a time for a more coherent story telling. But it somehow affected the chronology. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcB7jDJ9z9b5SX7F58qqbxTVc4ZilT4KFw98XZuvYqdam60DfSttIU-FJkQexR6JMXD8jXxGERRus3fZe2u4qzhO-7q0Ntg7N9_PLvOS0XqNORhtK9c5OWBJoRBzBgn4XSPO89SjhfXa9jKyy55fMBTywPwKn7gTqg2TKjAyhE7ZK0Q7m_QZ1HAWK/s1620/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="951" data-original-width="1620" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcB7jDJ9z9b5SX7F58qqbxTVc4ZilT4KFw98XZuvYqdam60DfSttIU-FJkQexR6JMXD8jXxGERRus3fZe2u4qzhO-7q0Ntg7N9_PLvOS0XqNORhtK9c5OWBJoRBzBgn4XSPO89SjhfXa9jKyy55fMBTywPwKn7gTqg2TKjAyhE7ZK0Q7m_QZ1HAWK/s320/Jinnys%20Kitchen%20Lee%20Seo%20Jin%20Jung%20Yu%20Mi%20Park%20Seo%20Joon%20Choi%20Woo%20Shik%20V%20Kim%20Taehyung%20BTS%20Army%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And while we enjoyed watching most parts of the show, we found the final episode quite underwhelming/anti-climactic. I loved the idea of bringing the hosts together after some of the episodes have aired for some sort of debriefing. I loved the part where they answered the viewers' questions because we wondered about those things too. But I certainly didn't enjoy the game because I didn't understand it. The show didn't bother to explain how it was played. They should have tried explaining it since the show catered to an international audience, having been filmed overseas. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, I was just happy that for all his gripes, Seo Jin seemed pleased and proud of his employees and how they've matured, based on his reactions during the final episode. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.6.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.25. </p><p></p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-6597718380697982672023-04-08T19:45:00.002+09:002023-04-08T19:45:32.724+09:00K Drama Review: Youth of May (2021) 4.9 || 4.8<p style="text-align: justify;">We put off watching this one because we're not really into period and historical dramas. But after falling in love with Lee Do Hyun in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/k-drama-review-glory-2022-47-45.html">The Glory</a>, I know it was time to watch this show. And now, I deeply regret not watching it sooner. It's hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXJAmIQGjjXUQlG01xUKYPMk2FQHu3TGI1NG9qUXqbjeSR8xGypUFwfnU-PaIPP9A64qTARfjyAFRVhWb4MhFN5cPtMOq2rqvazR43xPxz7zGb5BSSewqqX3NhdzrzaADCQl1pG8uN_eEhcV3167eFwlfKHCWmMhbVsynUmef-ODSYAruWKsXmmRg/s375/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXJAmIQGjjXUQlG01xUKYPMk2FQHu3TGI1NG9qUXqbjeSR8xGypUFwfnU-PaIPP9A64qTARfjyAFRVhWb4MhFN5cPtMOq2rqvazR43xPxz7zGb5BSSewqqX3NhdzrzaADCQl1pG8uN_eEhcV3167eFwlfKHCWmMhbVsynUmef-ODSYAruWKsXmmRg/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Youth of May, set in May 1980 during the Gwangju Uprising, tells the story of Hwang Hee Tae (Lee Do Hyun), a medical student, who finds himself back in Gwangju after staying in Seoul for his medical studies. He's on a mission to transfer a student activist (Kim In Seon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-lovestruck-in-citycity.html">Lovestruck in the City</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start-Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a> as Seok Chul) who is in coma after being injured during a protest in Seoul back to her hometown in Gwangju. As fate would have it, Hee Tae meets Kim Myung Hee (Go Min Si). He saw her first in the hospital where she worked then he formally met her when she pretended to be her friend Lee Soo Ryeon (Keum Sae Rok) who was supposed to go on a blind date with Hee Tae. Hee Tae was smitten with Myung Hee even after he found out that she was not really Soo Ryeon. Things get complicated, however, because Hee Tae's dad, Hwang Gi Nam (Oh Man Seok), who was the head of the Anti-Communist agency, was hell-bent on having Hee Tae marry Soo Ryeon for his political ambitions. Gi Nam did not want anyone to get in the way of his dreams, even if it meant killing his own family. The story takes us through how Hee Tae and Myung Hee fight for their love against all odds during one of the most tumultuous times in South Korea. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Do Hyun as Hwang Hee Tae</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVNhLmDD0TZsQJToGbPQdVLDLsweQ10sf8l0uajGKi8J_tlRPdTBdH27V4r16nbE8hpH5Mr12GBCrhpwMib6r85cgPIsLhq2-Fse4qkkI42EXnxClEKYEEk2Ge96VDiwBFjlgqY-UZnVd2C9RrHUrBDdS-2oaJebWq6ycZceh_m05Vf2ioxIsWmKy/s600/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdVNhLmDD0TZsQJToGbPQdVLDLsweQ10sf8l0uajGKi8J_tlRPdTBdH27V4r16nbE8hpH5Mr12GBCrhpwMib6r85cgPIsLhq2-Fse4qkkI42EXnxClEKYEEk2Ge96VDiwBFjlgqY-UZnVd2C9RrHUrBDdS-2oaJebWq6ycZceh_m05Vf2ioxIsWmKy/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although he was already amazing in The Glory (even in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a>), Lee Do Hyun managed to impress me even more with this drama. Oppa feels it's because he has more speaking lines here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I guess it also helped that there were so many layers to Hee Tae that allowed Lee Do Hyun to really showcase his acting skills. I loved him during his smug moments like when Myung Hee's condescending colleagues were badmouthing her and he dumped water on them or when he confronted the activists who were bullying Soo Ryeon and told them they had to act friendly lest they be arrested by the guards following him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, he can appear annoying but he can be helpful too like when he helped his stepmother (Shim Yi Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-monthly-magazine-home-43.html">Monthly Magazine Home</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2019.html">Love Alarm</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2-2021.html">Love Alarm 2</a>) cover up for his half brother Jang Tae (Choi Seung Hoon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/09/k-drama-review-strong-girl-bong-soon.html">Strong Girl Bong Soon</a>) who was attending track training camp without their father's permission. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we have humble Hee Tae who also knows how to use his connections when needed like when he agreed to go on a blind date as long as his dad gave him money so he can have Seok Chul transferred to Gwangju. Or how he knows how to stand his ground like when he told Soo Ryeon that they should not cross the line and get married just to save themselves. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My favorite would probably be cute, immature, and childish Hee Tae who insists on getting what he wants with Myung Hee.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTapXu2Cj-prsFMJsA6p9tkP7rXAFctWbXfX1M4A8IuUM1R0xYNqh5-8_JBiEBhC2rmKI7AEi70Q6Yk8VqCivsCNs1uDG283TSEB9USOpyDkUhamFTfGyFP9S_5V---DHGCa7odIaiCsDf8XPAjt7OsvOR1ApO2DCiXEg5DPcKQheRPYG6ZO5DJUjv/s1440/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1440" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTapXu2Cj-prsFMJsA6p9tkP7rXAFctWbXfX1M4A8IuUM1R0xYNqh5-8_JBiEBhC2rmKI7AEi70Q6Yk8VqCivsCNs1uDG283TSEB9USOpyDkUhamFTfGyFP9S_5V---DHGCa7odIaiCsDf8XPAjt7OsvOR1ApO2DCiXEg5DPcKQheRPYG6ZO5DJUjv/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we have Hee Tae's serious side. The one traumatized because he thought he didn't do enough to save Seok Chul, which prevents him from completing his studies, graduating, and practicing medicine. Despite that, he continues to take responsibility for her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lee Do Hyun did really well in his dramatic scenes. Like when he saw his close friend and Seok Chul's boyfriend, Kyung Soo (Kwon Young Chan of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/07/k-drama-review-cleaning-up-2022-45-43.html">Cleaning Up</a>), in the frontline of the soldiers attacking Gwangju and who was on the verge of hurting Myung Hee. They didn't say anything but the look in their eyes and faces said so many things. Everything felt so heavy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hee Tae's confrontation scenes with his dad were done so well too. You can definitely feel the power struggle between the two. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And Hee Tae's most heartbreaking moment was probably that scene in the restaurant where he broke down while looking for Myung Hee. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The older Hee Tae (Choi Won Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-sky-castle-2018-48-45.html">Sky Castle</a>) was really good too. Yes, he was only on one episode but he conveyed so much in the limited minutes he was on screen. I loved how he mentored the intern whose patient died by telling him we don't have control on who lives and who dies so we can only do our best. And that bittersweet moment when he realized that Myung Hee's remains were found. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hee Tae was a great character and it was really fortunate that he was played by great actors. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Go Min Si as Kim Myung Hee</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHSHg4zf6RkztL7lVq3F9E9ycE86rUv78vO9vxlOljX5HoLhnUjrdWGmgGhk6WLfWmAzp_InbJ9Y2hxEdQ-uaBVUWwxbZTr4QViQHL04cjbmzl3tcZwYP-W-RJAyzS0VYp9nIhKC8C6SWKCBiOESoUzGCNccfpdyenJcoEdjuqjkV4hq2FTfidHlr/s800/Youth%20of%20May%20%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHSHg4zf6RkztL7lVq3F9E9ycE86rUv78vO9vxlOljX5HoLhnUjrdWGmgGhk6WLfWmAzp_InbJ9Y2hxEdQ-uaBVUWwxbZTr4QViQHL04cjbmzl3tcZwYP-W-RJAyzS0VYp9nIhKC8C6SWKCBiOESoUzGCNccfpdyenJcoEdjuqjkV4hq2FTfidHlr/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now Go Min Si was really a revelation in this show. I didn't enjoy her that much in Love Alarm and Love Alarm 2, while her role was too limited in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>. But she impressed me so much here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Myung Hee has a sad and poor life, which is very evident in her emotions. But surprisingly, it was not depressing to watch her. Probably because she tries to rise above the adversities surrounding her. She has a loving relationship with almost everyone around her, especially her younger brother, Myung Soo (Jo Yi Hyun). She's mostly quiet and gentle but she can also be very feisty when needed. She never allows others to take advantage of her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">One of Myung Hee's shining moments would have to be that painful confrontation scene she had with her dad (Kim Won Hae of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-samjin-company-english.html">Samjin Company English Class</a>, Strong Girl Bong Soon, Monthly Magazine Home, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a>, Start-Up, Hotel Del Luna, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/11/k-drama-review-misaeng-incomplete-life.html">Misaeng</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>), where she told him she's been trying to live quietly and to not let anyone hear her, even her breathing, to keep her family safe. Their relationship was a very painful one especially after it was revealed that her dad was once accused of being a communist too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCr6uzu2m_QzmnSD-l1ftA_cWH8ICnMLr4x7KzlCeWI9dMMVMqFzCwFFOikvycaoLXn1fPfMgFgVpvyFegLbAzrFXTUJos5QPAhpXg-rHfc5jZE3AOsqWbDtCp0aHV3VXSxlKGz1Vl8MfgKu78HXf66Zv-gFFOUQ6ctLTAMxb-CC49SjGweMjsXDM/s640/Youth%20of%20May%20%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="640" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCr6uzu2m_QzmnSD-l1ftA_cWH8ICnMLr4x7KzlCeWI9dMMVMqFzCwFFOikvycaoLXn1fPfMgFgVpvyFegLbAzrFXTUJos5QPAhpXg-rHfc5jZE3AOsqWbDtCp0aHV3VXSxlKGz1Vl8MfgKu78HXf66Zv-gFFOUQ6ctLTAMxb-CC49SjGweMjsXDM/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And who can forget Myung Hee's amazing transformation after she was threatened by Hee Tae's dad? Her dead eyes. Her very, very gloomy aura. As if her soul died when she realized all of her plans to study overseas were shattered. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then how she turned into a cleaning robot after Hee Tae left for Seoul with Soo Ryeon. And her heartbreaking conversation with her brother when she told him she was not leaving anymore. And her breakdown scene before the priest where she lamented that she's been living behind closed doors her entire life and how suffocating it has been. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the roller coaster of emotions she exhibited - how she almost went crazy when she thought her brother was hurt, then the relief after she heard he was safe, and how she passed out from extreme exhaustion. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course there's that great breakdown scene when her father died. And that bittersweet scene where she convinced her brother to go ahead and run and that she'll follow him. So, so heavy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Go Min Si was probably the best actor in this show and I'm glad that I finally got to see how talented she is. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hee Tae and Myung Hee</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EPEqOCwcQpPqi9f6crPWPRg3qk7pUMoYBPQdAdtvpK3fLDFpEKucyHxK0YJ8OLhKYwOVkrwjfE6iRDQ4lOv3hzcWCfa_cDhqmMTWHuaRPczCfxwLBWHbe-ygg5YTBRkILpHNfF5kvw0ClNDgRFOgmajHsi5rLgTnFo9ve1sNZwGtxIZx5uqYakbm/s900/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EPEqOCwcQpPqi9f6crPWPRg3qk7pUMoYBPQdAdtvpK3fLDFpEKucyHxK0YJ8OLhKYwOVkrwjfE6iRDQ4lOv3hzcWCfa_cDhqmMTWHuaRPczCfxwLBWHbe-ygg5YTBRkILpHNfF5kvw0ClNDgRFOgmajHsi5rLgTnFo9ve1sNZwGtxIZx5uqYakbm/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I totally loved how the show built up this love story. First with the hilarious blind date where Hee Tae went through with all of Myung Hee's baits. I liked how the "mistaken identities" angle was not stretched and Hee Tae found out right away that Myung Hee was not Soo Ryeon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how everything felt so sincere between the two of them from that point. How Hee Tae accepted Myung Hee's background and how he also shared his painful past with her. I super loved how everything seemed peaceful when they were together despite the chaos surrounding them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And they were so good for each other. With Myung Hee encouraging Hee Tae, always telling him he'll be a good doctor. I loved that scene in the orphanage which showed us that while skill is important, a good heart matters too because that will push a doctor to try his hardest for his patients. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we have their little break ups. Like when Myung Hee told Hee Tae to marry Soo Ryeon. And how Hee Tae broke down, saying he was tired of writing letters to someone who does not write him back. Then we have Myung Hee admitting to Hee Tae that she was not okay during his engagement party. Yes, they were crazy to run away together that night, knowing how ruthless Hee Tae's dad was. But I sort of get them. They were feeling rebellious after being repressed all these years and forced to do things against their will. It's just unfortunate that they didn't think about the repercussions of their actions, which was quite surprising knowing how Myung Hee has been arrested and tortured in the past and how Hee Tae knew how cruel his father can be. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, the most painful confrontation that happened after Myung Hee was abducted by Hee Tae's dad. It was so heartbreaking that despite what they said, you can totally feel that they just wanted each other to be happy - with Hee Tae asking his dad to let Myung Hee live her life and Myung Hee begging Hee Tae's dad to leave him alone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk75uVuZurZBKd05eoZuliNziR-6oQW4XVrppnVK0VWo5xgPvUTgO9tO7EP7SzEFEyurIH3DdLF7CjfbLEY0NcZMDfLdCEEhNP5pfff1lEIWorZ7mPviDIYXvGuzRIbrPMvy6YX_CtHB-tGByJkm-56zwfxd3-inJF0FtsoGzQCl-rxZSOBk7WEooY/s1280/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk75uVuZurZBKd05eoZuliNziR-6oQW4XVrppnVK0VWo5xgPvUTgO9tO7EP7SzEFEyurIH3DdLF7CjfbLEY0NcZMDfLdCEEhNP5pfff1lEIWorZ7mPviDIYXvGuzRIbrPMvy6YX_CtHB-tGByJkm-56zwfxd3-inJF0FtsoGzQCl-rxZSOBk7WEooY/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was happy with their reunion. Although I was scared to see them hugging in a public place. But I guess love makes you brave and bold? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved listening to their conversations because they were all so heartfelt. Like when they both said that life didn't seem to have any purpose before they met each other. They were wandering and floating aimlessly in the universe with no one listening to them. Then they found each other. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super loved their wedding prayers. With Hee Tae wishing to always shield Myung Hee from pain and difficulties. And with Myung Hee proclaiming that she is Hee Tae's family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And that note Myung Hee left, which Hee Tae got to read 41 years later. How it was so ominous for her to wish that in case something bad happens, may the one left behind never drown in sorrow. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">*sigh* Hee Tae and Myung Hee will definitely be one of my most favorite K drama couples. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Keum Sae Rok as Lee Soo Ryeon</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj683yx7l0B0Cu016rpqz00C6jfMfkOxM9BUEl3bUNJ-w-acG6NBGZz7ejYRoYIfeNphRwxH31cRvZjZpDIF3F84CDJOEea98Fc5EJpsY0ZxneNCXSQbrXPo5KcogwK-dy309bmvi1ryuyHuJ_skjCtEeGelTSA8C7MsKHsPE8NwXJgYPrUvgQw8MvG/s600/Youth%20of%20May%20Keum%20Sae%20Rok%20Lee%20Soo%20Ryeon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj683yx7l0B0Cu016rpqz00C6jfMfkOxM9BUEl3bUNJ-w-acG6NBGZz7ejYRoYIfeNphRwxH31cRvZjZpDIF3F84CDJOEea98Fc5EJpsY0ZxneNCXSQbrXPo5KcogwK-dy309bmvi1ryuyHuJ_skjCtEeGelTSA8C7MsKHsPE8NwXJgYPrUvgQw8MvG/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Keum%20Sae%20Rok%20Lee%20Soo%20Ryeon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Keum Sae Rok was also a revelation. We enjoyed watching her in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/02/k-drama-review-interest-of-love-2022.html">The Interest of Love</a> (and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-movie-review-last-princess-2016.html">The Last Princess</a>). But admittedly, we only saw more of her cutesy side there. So it was a joy to see her play a character that had more depth. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Soo Ryeon was a conflicted character. She was an activist. But when her family's business was on the line, she yielded. I personally found it surprising that she agreed to get married to save her family. It felt like that was the opposite of everything that she was fighting for. Based on her personality, I expected her to defy her family regardless of the consequences. But I guess she's not as hardcore as she projects to be. And what made matters worse was how she knew Myung Hee and Hee Tae liked each other, yet she still got in the way. She hurt too many people just to save herself. And I hated it even more when I learned that Myung Hee already took the fall for her back in high school. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I can't hate her completely, knowing that she was also suffering with how she was interfering with Hee Tae and Myung Hee's relationship. I'm just happy that she was able to iron things out with Myung Hee before she left for Seoul. And how she finally let Hee Tae go and helped him realize that Myung Hee went away because she didn't want Hee Tae to be hurt. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Sang Yi as Lee Soo Chan</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OTkjvOAfZmuONsciBN4zzgn6BU91Tx80_tCAYJJCky1zXyXWsccqZEdrLFjLkEbRn3QURulyUachGeCuOHaH9UdPxRUWUQ49zsI7_hEELOsfJIfPe7klkKOG88Fc8CXxEYWqcySwfDG3yWqBLomg9h3WSm4BcYFb4BM8pqtMisYaMn_mMWnZIaqV/s600/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Sang%20Yi%20Lee%20Soo%20Chan.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3OTkjvOAfZmuONsciBN4zzgn6BU91Tx80_tCAYJJCky1zXyXWsccqZEdrLFjLkEbRn3QURulyUachGeCuOHaH9UdPxRUWUQ49zsI7_hEELOsfJIfPe7klkKOG88Fc8CXxEYWqcySwfDG3yWqBLomg9h3WSm4BcYFb4BM8pqtMisYaMn_mMWnZIaqV/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Sang%20Yi%20Lee%20Soo%20Chan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was so used to seeing Lee Sang Yi as a cheerful guy in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/03/k-drama-review-crash-course-in-romance.html">Crash Course in Romance </a>and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a> (and Prison Playbook). And he was still cheerful during the first part of the show. So it was shocking (and pleasantly surprising) to see him transform into a mad guy when he confronted Hee Tae about his affair with Myung Hee. I totally felt his anger and pain. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then he transformed into a guilty guy who wanted to do right by Myung Hee after realizing that his family made her go through so much. It was heartbreaking to see him breakdown before Myung Hee, begging her to let him help her to assuage his guilt. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And that realization that the outside world was a crazy one and he can't just be happy in his own bubble. Such solid acting from him when he was arrested and he begged Hee Tae's dad to release everyone too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I love how this show made everyone shine, with well-written and developed characters like Soo Chan. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hee Tae and Myung Hee's Brothers</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOzjf9G0JjVkA6SgOSYhemNTtMgbQZSPsG7A6YXAzs3HEkNuTH793wx8dSsFH0kT4r5rgBPL3bG3p-NvlNfN-c09tchfJyWfeJLyvbhpHZ0Hj-Xt4DWAVXreRKUxDNQt2Lr5qJzHydbgdhgkALdRnrZjlmaZLaA9j9MPUmVJOnPP4R0fpIZKorFav/s1920/Youth%20of%20May%20%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%20Myung%20Soo%20Jang%20Tae.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOzjf9G0JjVkA6SgOSYhemNTtMgbQZSPsG7A6YXAzs3HEkNuTH793wx8dSsFH0kT4r5rgBPL3bG3p-NvlNfN-c09tchfJyWfeJLyvbhpHZ0Hj-Xt4DWAVXreRKUxDNQt2Lr5qJzHydbgdhgkALdRnrZjlmaZLaA9j9MPUmVJOnPP4R0fpIZKorFav/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%20Myung%20Soo%20Jang%20Tae.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although they started out on the wrong foot (literally, with them fighting over fake shoes), I loved how Jang Tae and Myung Soo formed a solid friendship eventually. While Jang Tae initially judged Myung Soo for being poor (saying he smelled like a beggar), I'm glad he was able to go beyond that. And how he turned out to be a true friend not just to Myung Soo but to his sister as well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I really enjoyed seeing them together with their siblings eating together and going to the theme park. It was like a little reminder that people still tried their best to share happy moments despite the crazy time they lived in. And how that trip paved the way for Jang Tae and Hee Tae to finally become closer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hee Tae and Myung Hee's Fathers</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved the dads acting too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFroAswrIWB-qzgZNqRCfdPH-fMo97PeLnp5owHhN33C0kCicL-Z7i15lbQ9e5CJ7JLjFq3lfHx6ujbSGpfH6HWe6ZUf1Pn9IuwiUklEjMdqBoKyAKjiEOe_6tShMRMeiOqMgINy2Dz1YsN_WjJQRyef7nudy7tcAQpjXi1CfFSSoDKEss2fdVOcy/s500/Youth%20of%20May%20Kim%20Hyeon%20Cheol.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFroAswrIWB-qzgZNqRCfdPH-fMo97PeLnp5owHhN33C0kCicL-Z7i15lbQ9e5CJ7JLjFq3lfHx6ujbSGpfH6HWe6ZUf1Pn9IuwiUklEjMdqBoKyAKjiEOe_6tShMRMeiOqMgINy2Dz1YsN_WjJQRyef7nudy7tcAQpjXi1CfFSSoDKEss2fdVOcy/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Kim%20Hyeon%20Cheol.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Myung Hee's dad was a very sad character. He was misunderstood most of the time. His daughter hated him because she felt he was holding her back from pursuing her dreams. That's why it was so painful to hear him say towards the end that he was actually just shielding her from the strong wind that might hurt and sweep her away. And that he was finally letting her fly on her own, knowing she was strong and she can face anything that came her way. With the variety of roles I've seen Kim Won Hae play, I can say that he's really, really good. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO7wGuXVfEO0KzC7mDDZKa8DhOoG-pNuUgCV8xPT_KZcADXeFs52iE_I9jjAevo583zZreai8dKDEUOSeVY0LurEn-Ab0FXZl55hnG3eygBZmuUUtQFVYimXOyhqWTednxsPI-Q45LyzJPbpbbHIeINUPjiCNdw9Stf83kI0_cx2sykZL-27aDbTH/s1038/Youth%20of%20May%20Hwang%20Gi%20Nam.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1038" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJO7wGuXVfEO0KzC7mDDZKa8DhOoG-pNuUgCV8xPT_KZcADXeFs52iE_I9jjAevo583zZreai8dKDEUOSeVY0LurEn-Ab0FXZl55hnG3eygBZmuUUtQFVYimXOyhqWTednxsPI-Q45LyzJPbpbbHIeINUPjiCNdw9Stf83kI0_cx2sykZL-27aDbTH/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Hwang%20Gi%20Nam.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Oh Man Seok is one nasty guy. I hated him in Crash Landing on You. But he was even more annoying here as Hee Tae's dad. I hated how he was two-faced - pretending to be decent, wanting to marry into a rich family, but he was actually a butcher who threatened, blackmailed, and even killed those who opposed him. I'm so used to seeing him play bad guys that I wonder if he can ever cross over to good guy characters. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK77gZFd4l7bO2fPTA-gT3aY6fv2KijHQBXbk3UndEXxhVNO8fXZdDvLHQNYIdn3GEYvQxzCr7M_97r2HqE9vAVmuTEcgHaOxTc_xfpW0cOYMYU_X4DLbMhBkY9cm34z0g_Z8Q9ZMFYWLzXQ5KsFtLdvOyJQk5PNsFNsoJHr7u2ZQCwUPqXnlnl7v/s600/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNK77gZFd4l7bO2fPTA-gT3aY6fv2KijHQBXbk3UndEXxhVNO8fXZdDvLHQNYIdn3GEYvQxzCr7M_97r2HqE9vAVmuTEcgHaOxTc_xfpW0cOYMYU_X4DLbMhBkY9cm34z0g_Z8Q9ZMFYWLzXQ5KsFtLdvOyJQk5PNsFNsoJHr7u2ZQCwUPqXnlnl7v/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myung%20Hee%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">With the way the show started, it can't be helped that some parts of the story felt confusing. Like who was Seok Chul? Was she an important character? There were a bit of slow moments too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Also, if you're watching this without any idea about what happened in Gwangju in 1980, you might have a hard time understanding what the protests were for and what the protesters were fighting for. I was fortunate to have watched some Gwangju films and to have Oppa who loves history so I had a background on what transpired during those times. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some locations like the bus stop and the cinema area looked and felt too much like a set. It didn't look natural. But I can let that go since it might have been difficult to recreate something from the past. And the show did a pretty good job in giving me the '80s vibe in its other aspects (hair, clothing, etc.). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcgKkJUHj_Udhi4eNMKljlLqm40BW8GzbAYrK2B-JfuieRBan-O-uuWcwOThX6TFrHn70xFO9-4xPTUxo9ZiMUwuiNMfICeFUDF3Zg3M3O1lDGKz4_QY_Yg_IElZYrq9tHDEcFu9lcdLTItQz9JIuqu34ke0H15U3TXv8McCcTX76Or5YFKXj-3DN/s800/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcgKkJUHj_Udhi4eNMKljlLqm40BW8GzbAYrK2B-JfuieRBan-O-uuWcwOThX6TFrHn70xFO9-4xPTUxo9ZiMUwuiNMfICeFUDF3Zg3M3O1lDGKz4_QY_Yg_IElZYrq9tHDEcFu9lcdLTItQz9JIuqu34ke0H15U3TXv8McCcTX76Or5YFKXj-3DN/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from those little stuff, I loved everything else about the show. It did a great job in integrating Hee Tae and Myung Hee's love story into history. They were woven so well together that you won't even notice where one started and ended. History still felt like the centerpiece of the story and it was not exploited as a mere decoration to the love story. And the story lines all felt so realistic. You can actually imagine these things happening back then. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The "cheating" issue was a touchy topic for me. I do not condone cheating, especially with how Hee Tae and Myung Hee were flaunting it. I get that they were rebelling and the reactions of the people around them were expected. But I sympathized with them because they were thrust into that situation through no fault of their own. Soo Ryeon forced Myung Hee to go to that blind date. And when the two fell in love, they pushed them to the edge by telling Soo Ryeon and Hee Tae's parents about it. Didn't they realize how dangerous Hee Tae's dad was and what he was capable of doing? If we must blame anyone, I'd say they all had their faults that contributed to how things ended. My main culprit was Soo Ryeon, although Oppa blames Soo Chan as the one who triggered everything. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKBKxnm_N7kMxSF2yHeLRtAG9zknTU5h3ALk_zeRZ_KbS0ra6Joum7lkeTthEXv_tq5dk_1Fpv7enzgMYmKRj7kycdhhuu7v-U9Lpyl_BYOPz0djcxy1yR4PvcHxqrWcWlRo1mdriJ8WvbsPBkXrNX9IaDLz3UangjjhTuE89SrIv6sAOKyMR1HkI/s1280/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdKBKxnm_N7kMxSF2yHeLRtAG9zknTU5h3ALk_zeRZ_KbS0ra6Joum7lkeTthEXv_tq5dk_1Fpv7enzgMYmKRj7kycdhhuu7v-U9Lpyl_BYOPz0djcxy1yR4PvcHxqrWcWlRo1mdriJ8WvbsPBkXrNX9IaDLz3UangjjhTuE89SrIv6sAOKyMR1HkI/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee%205.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show was honest. It didn't mislead us into believing that we'll get a happy ending. As early as the third episode, you'll already get the ominous feeling about how things will end for Myung Hee and Hee Tae and how Hee Tae's dad will contribute greatly to their sufferings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Going back to the history stuff, I loved how the drama attempted to show the social inequalities prevalent back then. Although the activists were fighting for the same things, some of them were still more fortunate than others. Like Soo Ryeon got out of jail ahead of her comrades because she's from a rich family with connections. And how the other activists doubted her despite everything she's done for them. And how poor ones like Myung Hee are made to take the fall for the richer ones. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the drama showed us how diverse the activists were - rich kids, ordinary ones, kids of government officials, etc. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was interesting to note that some of the stuff we see in present day society already existed back then. Like how parents use their kids to advance their interests by marrying them off to rich and/or powerful families. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49LnVaSxtE2Rl-HVc_j7uEr9NxEKtm_DieV9G8apiyCOSvI4meALG3VgAV8cfoFJwtddjymi0crqak-fXa_NRvHMA1kOgH89VGfhhN2Rizvt6knwWLSwkGM9JSUfoTt2-E9IXTvo12vaT9wYeoou3G_ByeA4S7XHgyIpCXlUm9N8zG4OHOT2I2w-1/s500/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee%206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49LnVaSxtE2Rl-HVc_j7uEr9NxEKtm_DieV9G8apiyCOSvI4meALG3VgAV8cfoFJwtddjymi0crqak-fXa_NRvHMA1kOgH89VGfhhN2Rizvt6knwWLSwkGM9JSUfoTt2-E9IXTvo12vaT9wYeoou3G_ByeA4S7XHgyIpCXlUm9N8zG4OHOT2I2w-1/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%20Go%20Min%20Si%20Kim%20Myeong%20Hee%206.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The build up to the May 18, 1980 uprising was nicely done. I could feel the tension all over. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Everything was so tragic. I had to look away when torture scenes were shown. But I loved how the people of Gwangju banded together. Like the local police man allowing the arrested citizens to go. With grown ups vouching for the kids being arrested. How the hospital turned off lights to make it appear that they were not in operation but they continued to accept patients. And how the main leads made the uprising bigger than themselves and their personal interests - Soo Chan helping out his fellow prisoners, his family using their resources to help the movement, and Hee Tae agreeing to stay until the worst was over despite the danger he and Myung Hee faced. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The May 18 chaos was so realistic. It was not over the top. The show didn't milk it for the drama. And the scenes didn't feel contrived at all. Like the doctor taking the ambulance to retrieve patients. Myung Hee and Hee Tae's siblings getting trapped in the protests. Hee Tae seeing his friend now in the military but who was afraid to shoot others. And Hee Tae's brother seeing his dad hurting others. They all felt so real - and that made them more painful to watch. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was sad to see people left to fend for themselves. I loved that real talk Hee Tae and Myung Hee had about hypocrisy - about being fine with others getting hurt as long as your loved ones are safe. And how Hee Tae acknowledged that there was nothing wrong with that because that's human nature. In the first place, people should not even have to choose about who to save first. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the drama showed us how this tragedy was brought about by the selfish interests of a few people who destroyed so many lives and families - Hee Tae's family, Myung Hee's family, Soo Ryeon's family, Kyung Soo and Seok Chul, Hye Gun (Lee Gyu Sung of Prison Playbook), and of course, Hee Tae and Myung Hee. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhV2rLhye3M6jtjS5ve7asmSDVVlz_AM9mz-c2lmlEdmysH2mzXYnEfyzlIqDNhsLZxYLImKc_d9cD8EAfRblczSxR4fDSPsVDsyQ7kF8dwYs8MGueeNz4uUlbAftgwUZ0qpQkrnYJ5O-U85pzrJKWavtPrOpBzk_TDzS8cJmyiacJUBij6vLbSfxv/s1280/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhV2rLhye3M6jtjS5ve7asmSDVVlz_AM9mz-c2lmlEdmysH2mzXYnEfyzlIqDNhsLZxYLImKc_d9cD8EAfRblczSxR4fDSPsVDsyQ7kF8dwYs8MGueeNz4uUlbAftgwUZ0qpQkrnYJ5O-U85pzrJKWavtPrOpBzk_TDzS8cJmyiacJUBij6vLbSfxv/s320/Youth%20of%20May%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Hwang%20Hee%20Tae%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">As the show came to an end, Oppa noticed little loopholes in the story. How can Hee Tae's dad go to the church to save Jang Tae without any of the rebels/protesters noticing and hurting him? Why didn't the soldiers attack the church despite knowing the protesters were there? And why did Hee Tae and Myung Hee separate when they were looking for Myung Soo???? Would things have ended differently if they didn't?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I was curious about what happened to Hee Tae's dad. The director explained that he felt it was unnecessary because people might not be comfortable seeing him after all the atrocities he committed. But I would have found it more satisfying to see him pay dearly for his crimes. Losing his family was not enough. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Jang Tae heroically rescued Myung Hee from the spy who was about to shoot her. (Although I wonder if he lived super near the church that he got there so fast). This was a big deal for me because at least Myung Hee didn't have to die in the hands of Hee Tae's dad. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hee Tae was so lucky to have been saved by a soldier from Gwangju (Kim Eun Soo), who turned out to be the brother of his tutee and Myung Hee's landlady (Park Se Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-big-mouth-2022-44-45.html">Big Mouth </a>and Record of Youth). My only consolation is that he didn't see Myung Hee die. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while the show ended tragically, I was still glad that Hee Tae got his closure, no matter how late it was. I was secretly hoping for a funeral scene where all survivors would come together. But that might have been too dramatic for the show. All I can say is that I totally felt Hee Tae's pain from waiting after all these years. That sadness still haunts me days after I've finished watching the drama. I still want to cry every time I remember their terrible fate. And that's how impactful the show was. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.9.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.8. </p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-38223196908891647902023-03-21T10:38:00.000+09:002023-03-21T10:38:38.780+09:00K Drama Review: The Glory (2022) 4.7 || 4.5<p style="text-align: justify;">We were excited to hear that Song Hye Kyo, a member of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/oppas-noona-list.html">Oppa's list</a>, was doing another drama with a different genre this time. And it was a bonus that she will be with Lee Do Hyun, a guy who definitely deserves a spot on <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">my list</a> when I find the time to update it. And while this type of story won't be something Oppa and I usually watch, we gave it a try because we loved the main leads. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JjxRXh0hnC-faTMZa1jTrtWVdYvZBvR8eOnUu0cNamEU8EBhnJoqKu5LdLOQU7jZTEHa3uJfhw6l1W1FX4W95BDwq1Iqrrr9tYIAfROWRQbrCavqagwnlULdG5n_NT1mplx7qvfWeFf_r_TWZStNiq4ftppAzOR665-vOyUGGZ99ptqZdRu1H-kJ/s889/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JjxRXh0hnC-faTMZa1jTrtWVdYvZBvR8eOnUu0cNamEU8EBhnJoqKu5LdLOQU7jZTEHa3uJfhw6l1W1FX4W95BDwq1Iqrrr9tYIAfROWRQbrCavqagwnlULdG5n_NT1mplx7qvfWeFf_r_TWZStNiq4ftppAzOR665-vOyUGGZ99ptqZdRu1H-kJ/s320/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Glory is a 16-episode drama with each episode running close to an hour. The first eight episodes were released in December 2022, while the last eight episodes came out in March 2023. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Glory tells the revenge story of Moon Dong Eun (Song Hye Kyo), a woman who was bullied (abused physically, mentally, emotionally) by her classmates in high school. While Dong Eun tried to report the incident, her bullies were just way too rich and powerful. She had no choice but to drop out of school, abandon her mother (Park Ji Ah of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/07/k-drama-review-cleaning-up-2022-45-43.html">Cleaning Up</a>) who was paid to remain quiet about the bullying, and work odd jobs to send herself to college. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dong Eun is now a teacher who gets her revenge rolling by getting a job as the homeroom teacher of her main bully, Park Yeon Jin's (Lim Ji Yeon) daughter (Oh Ji Yul of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>). From then on, Dong Eun starts threatening, blackmailing, and making her bullies' lives a living hell. The story takes us through how Dong Eun, with the help of a few trusted people, gets back at her tormentors and tries to regain the life she lost. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Song Hye Kyo as Moon Dong Eun</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1bLiWKqqf9VfjmSfLwIczrc_mWW6xU1FkePey8ljLWnO2SRGdnu1eim8c6icRBa6qn4shy6YhzzOMpatE-3sLEcTSorsV6dRDflj-vt7pJhesz_lcOQHUb9O14EhLdeIYtrZMSK0g3Z_ug-aZdmUicvnjTCtQ7ZXGky7Vl8qvCmHh7J2zPvpQp_h/s1192/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1192" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1bLiWKqqf9VfjmSfLwIczrc_mWW6xU1FkePey8ljLWnO2SRGdnu1eim8c6icRBa6qn4shy6YhzzOMpatE-3sLEcTSorsV6dRDflj-vt7pJhesz_lcOQHUb9O14EhLdeIYtrZMSK0g3Z_ug-aZdmUicvnjTCtQ7ZXGky7Vl8qvCmHh7J2zPvpQp_h/s320/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm glad to finally see a Song Hye Kyo drama I loved after <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-descendants-of-sun.html">Descendants of the Sun</a>. Yes, she was great in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-full-house-2004.html">Full House</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/05/k-drama-review-worlds-within.html">Worlds Within</a>. But I didn't quite enjoy her in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-encounter-boyfriend.html">Encounter</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-now-we-are-breaking-up.html">Now, We are Breaking Up</a>. It's refreshing to see her in a different genre and I'm hoping this will give her another hit drama she deserves. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Song Hye Kyo did the creepy, scary, and vengeful parts of Moon Dong Eun really well. One of her highlights would have to be when she was clapping evilly as Yeon Jin received her alumni award from their high school. I'm pretty sure Yeon Jin was super freaked out. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Dong Eun's patience. Anyone abused like her would have probably wanted to get revenge right away. But not Dong Eun. She planned everything carefully - the jobs she did, the career path she took, etc. - were all brilliantly designed to help her claw her way back into the lives of her bullies. And that patience really paid off. Little by little, she successfully wrapped everyone around her fingers. She started with Yeon Jin's accomplices until she finally got to her husband, Ha Do Yeong (Jung Sung Il of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-our-blues-2022-5-5.html">Our Blues</a>), by studying how to play Go. She always creatively found a connection to her bullies like how she befriended the future mother-in-law of Hye Jeong (Cha Joo Young). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Like in her previous dramas, it was also evident here that drama is not one of Hye Kyo's strengths. I saw this during her breakdown scene when she discovered that her mom was bribing her students' parents. Fortunately, there were not a lot of dramatic moments here, which paved the way for Hye Kyo to really shine when she played the sinister Dong Eun. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Do Hyun as Joo Yeo Jeong </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VUJRbNJ4fgUJUK9dFhgfwSL9XLTr12vQenuwz0NH0pFxOsRS9SOzPxRXAvW1UtPphrUEjL59UKUNltbIGbvAx0oO0a5K3JIFd0IKRXQLOlFH7iUkCbPakIaokcVtAkeelACktaLytUrWuJtALLG65lveS8YkmM06DVC5bzB6ryxCMmidNrszKdYS/s1200/The%20Glory%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Joo%20Yeo%20Jeong.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VUJRbNJ4fgUJUK9dFhgfwSL9XLTr12vQenuwz0NH0pFxOsRS9SOzPxRXAvW1UtPphrUEjL59UKUNltbIGbvAx0oO0a5K3JIFd0IKRXQLOlFH7iUkCbPakIaokcVtAkeelACktaLytUrWuJtALLG65lveS8YkmM06DVC5bzB6ryxCMmidNrszKdYS/s320/The%20Glory%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Joo%20Yeo%20Jeong.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've always lamented how I've never watched a full Lee Do Hyun drama. So far, we've only seen him in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a> (where he was stuck in the past and featured very rarely) and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a> (where he played a young version of the second main lead). I'm glad that I finally had the chance to see him in a bigger role because he confirmed what I thought all along - he's not just a pretty face, he's a great actor too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dr. Joo Yeo Jeong's family owns Joo General Hospital in Seoul. Although he appears to have it all, his life is also a living hell. His dad (Choi Kwang Il of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-1987-when-day-comes-2017.html">1987: When the Day Comes</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-vagabond-2019.html">Vagabond</a>, and Prison Playbook) was killed by a murderer (Lee Moo Saeng of Cleaning Up, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-thirty-nine-2022-42-4.html">Thirty Nine</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-silent-sea-2021-42-4.html">The Silent Sea,</a> <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-one-spring-night-2019.html">One Spring Night</a>, and Prison Playbook) he was treating in their hospital. Dr. Joo has this silent urge to avenge his father's death. And he's trying to do that vicariously by helping Dong Eun get her revenge. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Lee Do Hyun may be younger than Song Hye Kyo but I find him a better fit than other younger actors she was paired with in the past. Maybe he's just a better actor over-all? And what made Dong Eun and Dr. Joo likable was how they never forced themselves to get into a relationship right away. They didn't even bother getting to know each other really well. They took things slow. And I found myself pleased with their short but sweet moments together and whatever little information they cared to share with each other. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was greatly relieved when Dr. Joo finally heard Dong Eun's full story and when he saw her scars, which made him agree to join the hunt and be her executioner. The crazy thing about that is while Dr. Joo might have been partly motivated by love, I knew part of the reason was also how he needed to release his angst about what happened to his dad. There were times when he shocked me. I didn't know where his boldness was coming from, his willingness to do anything and risk everything for Dong Eun. He used his clinic to hypnotize Yeon Jin and to get skin samples from her. He even bought a funeral home where one of Yeon Jin's victims, fellow bully Myeong Oh (Kim Gun Woo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>) was kept. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And another proof of how great Lee Do Hyun is as an actor is how well he handled his dramatic scenes. He did them with so much restraint yet you can still feel his pain. My favorite was scene after he visited his dad's killer who guilt tripped him into thinking that he caused his father's death. That was so heavy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now I definitely can't get enough of Lee Do Hyun and hopefully, I can convince Oppa to check out his other dramas.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Bullies</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIxk6A5jyL7dNPVYXnWyGE9dpmTc1sFOATr2DVzEJo1E12Tb2K_PHOaAZyBva39z81-5RgYkeSz5YQq7kN0GWeu_CtgAg0UGAkNneYMGv7htLxFn4kzzvYQt39s6uIm9jV_CvQuNzddB16zRe7QxWG7Dnt4_ICUKa3AKVRRmyUuZqgiZDqK4QzlE_/s810/The%20Glory%20Bullies.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="810" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIxk6A5jyL7dNPVYXnWyGE9dpmTc1sFOATr2DVzEJo1E12Tb2K_PHOaAZyBva39z81-5RgYkeSz5YQq7kN0GWeu_CtgAg0UGAkNneYMGv7htLxFn4kzzvYQt39s6uIm9jV_CvQuNzddB16zRe7QxWG7Dnt4_ICUKa3AKVRRmyUuZqgiZDqK4QzlE_/s320/The%20Glory%20Bullies.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Dong Eun's bullies were such great actors that you can't help but hate them too. Young Yeon Jin (Shin Ye Eun) was so good especially with her transformation from her sweet character in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/More%20Than%20Friends%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.3">More than Friends</a> to someone who's so dark and evil here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The older version was just as good. Although I wasn't a fan in High Society, my admiration grew after watching her in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist Korea Part 2</a>. And I'm now a fan after seeing her here too. Yeon Jin was scarier in the second half. She was mostly scared and outwitted during the first part. But she was definitely game on in the latter half, especially after finding out who Dong Eun's accomplices were. She was so good in handling transitions too like from a scared murderer in one scene to an overconfident and entitled brat in the next one. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The only thing lovable about Yeon Jin was her family, her husband and her daughter. She was lucky to have a level-headed husband who wanted to give her a chance to redeem herself instead of leaving her right away. But when Yeon Jin showed no remorse at all, he divorced her immediately, even going to the point of delivering the divorce papers to her in jail. And I loved how he took care of Yeon Jin's daughter as if she were his own. Loved that scene when he picked her up from a football game and she just ran to him and hugged him as she cried. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The rest of the bullies were good too. Jae Joon (Park Sung Hoon) was great as the arrogant, violent, and temperamental guy who was at Yeon Jin's beck and call, helping her with her alibis to cover up for her crimes. Myeong Oh was perfect as the idiot driver of Jae Joon who thought he could get ahead of the others, only to find himself dying before all of them. Sa Ra (Kim Hi Eora of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-forecasting-love-and.html">Forecasting Love and Weather</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist 2</a>) was credible as the seemingly angelic pastor's daughter who was actually an addict. And Hye Jeong, although probably the least evil of them all, was easily swayed, which made her a very easy target for everyone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yeom Hye Ran as Kang Hyeon Nam</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N2GbspVMaJWBI0BxtILYUqh7bphTnB3vu664oSZsYriQ8dp5sV9SI5r6f9Md-jIVWWYaUZt6pZy5VJNWLikytF3rZVvPa-L0alc9Iph0IBw2RavX3_D79gmcziOHPgUrEbjT1qsnGEd-UCQl__yzr5sbQSaFgOQPRr2ULxVbFE680liKKk1IJL6P/s1045/The%20Glory%20Kang%20Hyeon%20Nam.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1045" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-N2GbspVMaJWBI0BxtILYUqh7bphTnB3vu664oSZsYriQ8dp5sV9SI5r6f9Md-jIVWWYaUZt6pZy5VJNWLikytF3rZVvPa-L0alc9Iph0IBw2RavX3_D79gmcziOHPgUrEbjT1qsnGEd-UCQl__yzr5sbQSaFgOQPRr2ULxVbFE680liKKk1IJL6P/s320/The%20Glory%20Kang%20Hyeon%20Nam.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although a lot of people helped Dong Eun get her perfect revenge, my favorite helper (aside from Dr. Joo of course) would have to be this Ahjumma (Yeom Hye Ran of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>, Prison Playbook, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-guardian-lonely-and.html">Guardian</a>). They started out suspicious of each other. Ahjumma caught Dong Eun rummaging through the trash of her employer. When Ahjumma realized Dong Eun wanted to blackmail her boss, she agreed to help her as long as she kills Ahjumma's husband (Ryu Seong Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-taxi-driver.html">A Taxi Driver</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>), who was physically abusing Ahjumma and her daughter (Choi Soo In). With that pact, Dong Eun and Ahjumma's relationship was sealed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, they tried to be all business in the beginning. But they couldn't help but show their compassion for each other, knowing they have a shared experience of being abused. Dong Eun tutored her daughter and gave her a car. When things got really tough, she even found a way to send the daughter to the US to live with a foster family and study there. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved their tender moments when they didn't talk about the depressing missions they had to accomplish. Like when they shared a meal in the park. Or when Ahjumma took Dong Eun's photo. The random notes they exchanged. Or when they made each other laugh. And how Ahjumma tried so hard to break Dong Eun's walls - showing her that she deserved the help and love she was getting from the people around her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ahjumma did really well in her breakdown scenes. Like when she wrote that heartfelt message for her daughter's foster family about how she was sharing her joy with them. And how she managed to look happy and relieved despite her bloodied face after getting her daughter's message that she safely landed in the US. At that point, I knew that whatever happened, she would be at peace because her daughter was in good hands. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ahjumma's final scene with Dong Eun was bittersweet. She wished her well and and she wanted her to smile more. While Dong Eun wanted her to live the life she wanted freely. Theirs was a very precious relationship that humanized the show for me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgicU-ClvEjlHJEhmA3PgwrLVhAP9Co2dFdqUzoSy4SNGoNr6G7gJaX0ZZvZYWor_8M5DTC6dJ253UlmbwXMigFksS7dYKMIya6b96PwYN7bxTrIDNXiFv-w6O1TSpRup7hXGkeTW4N38vgYsP8h37lCExTjVndE1t3GZ_T1zK4WhAN-e9jUC4S0Ya/s1045/The%20Glory%20Bullies%20Yeon%20Jin%20young.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1045" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgicU-ClvEjlHJEhmA3PgwrLVhAP9Co2dFdqUzoSy4SNGoNr6G7gJaX0ZZvZYWor_8M5DTC6dJ253UlmbwXMigFksS7dYKMIya6b96PwYN7bxTrIDNXiFv-w6O1TSpRup7hXGkeTW4N38vgYsP8h37lCExTjVndE1t3GZ_T1zK4WhAN-e9jUC4S0Ya/s320/The%20Glory%20Bullies%20Yeon%20Jin%20young.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The pilot episode, which was set when the characters were still in high school then moving forward to the present day, was quite confusing. I wasn't so familiar with everyone yet in the high school setting then I had to remember who was who in the present setting. I wish the show retained the high school actors or it could have also used the adult versions in the high school setting, to make it easier for us to recognize them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While most of the actors did really well, I was not too happy with Dong Eun's mom and Yeon Jin's mom (Yoon Da Kyung) who tended to be over the top and whose ideas of looking scary entailed making their eyes look bigger all the time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPp-LfH7rCfMvK_hJH2sMviAza5BItvwHV-sJOps_TTia7ooST8nYN6Kcjqs1jW-SxjOuZRiN6hgawL9wySHfT-hLVOja49YgPO6AklirFWs9pLd-KrR08KTd2kiPypb9TaVjKHqXLrQv_jAuZA1EeznW15x76VGDDx0yxiRY8jdoTGkWiM73atLgl/s1200/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPp-LfH7rCfMvK_hJH2sMviAza5BItvwHV-sJOps_TTia7ooST8nYN6Kcjqs1jW-SxjOuZRiN6hgawL9wySHfT-hLVOja49YgPO6AklirFWs9pLd-KrR08KTd2kiPypb9TaVjKHqXLrQv_jAuZA1EeznW15x76VGDDx0yxiRY8jdoTGkWiM73atLgl/s320/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Aside from those things, I was pretty pleased with this show. It managed to make something so dark and evil still watchable. Does bullying in Korea really reach that extreme level? With grown-ups turning a blind eye? I also couldn't understand the motivation behind the bullies. Were they really just mean without any reason? It was heartbreaking to hear Dong Eun say that bullies always picked on the broken ones because they were probably easier to break. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The thing that really worked well for the show was how intricate Dong Eun's revenge plan was. It was so creepy and clever at the same time. And the patience to execute it over a long period of time. I super loved Yeon Jin and Dong Eun's confrontation scenes and how Yeon Jin always ends up agitated when she realized that Dong Eun's slowly ruining her life. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also enjoyed the Go analogies and how Dong Eun used it to get to Yeon Jin's husband. Her description of Go as a game where you build your house and break in to destroy your opponent's house is so fitting for what she's doing to Yeon Jin's life. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while this was a full 16-episode drama, I liked how the show didn't drag things, revealing right away in the first part important details like Dong Eun's real motive, the dad of Yeon Jin's daughter, etc.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ending the first part with the scene where Yeon Jin's husband discovered her past was nicely done. That definitely left viewers looking forward to what awaits Yeon Jin in the second part. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNhQDIlk-WsSi4IfYhkdgNReH4vkvNnNmpVBPC53cb-2Kz7XV6QKFSbX1sQOjeCtfQEudlElcWCOqOdpILrsbsHMYoxxGda9hjtqMmyklNiBxJHsoNmKf3kjkPtHN5y5PtU6bataFXWUEKaY2BspjkUW24_EBJfT8X7if7sIqTv6xzYEV5guAMkbk/s600/The%20Glory%20Bullies%20Yeon%20Jin.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNhQDIlk-WsSi4IfYhkdgNReH4vkvNnNmpVBPC53cb-2Kz7XV6QKFSbX1sQOjeCtfQEudlElcWCOqOdpILrsbsHMYoxxGda9hjtqMmyklNiBxJHsoNmKf3kjkPtHN5y5PtU6bataFXWUEKaY2BspjkUW24_EBJfT8X7if7sIqTv6xzYEV5guAMkbk/s320/The%20Glory%20Bullies%20Yeon%20Jin.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The second part started out slow because it was basically a recap of what the bullies have been doing, vis-a-vis Myeong Oh's death. But it picks up right away when Yeon Jin discovers Ahjumma was helping Dong Eun and how Yeon Jin launches her counter attack like using Dong Eun's mom to get her removed from the school. Of course, that was counterproductive because without the school, Dong Eun had no reason to hold back and act decent. And then Dr. Joo does his part by obtaining Yeon Jin's confession about Myeong Oh and getting her skin samples to finally link her to Myeong Oh's death. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the thing I probably enjoyed the most about this show was how Dong Eun didn't even have to lift a finger to hurt anyone physically. She just tortured them mentally to push them to kill and/or hurt each other. She pitted them against each other. Like the bullies among themselves, which led Yeon Jin to assault Myeong Oh and Sa Ra to stab Hye Jeong. Or having Ahjumma's husband stalk Yeon Jin's mom so that the latter would kill him herself. Then there's Jae Joon who was killed by Yeon Jin's husband. And Yeon Jin's mom against the police (Lee Hae Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-confidential-assignment.html">Confidential Assignment </a>and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-moment-of-eighteen-at.html">At Eighteen</a>) who was her accomplice in covering up for Yeon Jin's crimes. And the police against his minions who ended up killing him. And Dong Eun baiting her mom to burn her house so she can be committed to a facility where she can no longer mess up with Dong Eun's life. Then you have Yeon Jin and her mom, with the latter giving up evidence to help indict her daughter, thinking it would save herself. That was a great way to get back at Yeon Jin for using Dong Eun's mom. And of course, Yeon Jin's greatest karma, her own daughter saying she was no longer proud of her mom. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked how the drama showed us how far-reaching the consequences of abuse are. The physical scars might go away. But the emotional trauma never does. Like how Dong Eun, being abused and disrespected and looked down on all her life, was grateful when Yeon Jin's husband removed his shoes when he went to her house. That was the bare minimum yet Dong Eun was so grateful for it. She probably feels like she's not entitled to it after being treated like trash all her life. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how anger and the need for revenge from abuse does not exempt anyone. It might be easy to see why Dong Eun wanted revenge. After all, she's had a poor and difficult life. But it might have been surprising for some to see someone like Dr. Joo who was raised well and who lives a comfortable life, still itching to avenge his dad's death and unwilling to forgive his murderer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then you have Ahjumma, who despite being treated like her husband's punching bag, still felt a tinge of guilt and pain after he died. I'm sure she was relieved more than anything but I still felt her sorrow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylB-uWOzbV0hdccuVjjlzksqvnNR5lD94RhA701EMQGzkpjK0_7FiWH_WhVpWqNCZ_v20xfO3qo3alB9fP-2hfBVDVIkBEk-BSKtcpYTTpT0CcMX4BscfNyiUgUJ622KZop6VAbGSSHBgyLrBejKABQVyO_cfUARRKvkuFoBLTec8sxQy_WeVjoYY/s1000/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Dr%20Joo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiylB-uWOzbV0hdccuVjjlzksqvnNR5lD94RhA701EMQGzkpjK0_7FiWH_WhVpWqNCZ_v20xfO3qo3alB9fP-2hfBVDVIkBEk-BSKtcpYTTpT0CcMX4BscfNyiUgUJ622KZop6VAbGSSHBgyLrBejKABQVyO_cfUARRKvkuFoBLTec8sxQy_WeVjoYY/s320/The%20Glory%20Song%20Hye%20Kyo%20Moon%20Dong%20Eun%20Lee%20Do%20Hyun%20Dr%20Joo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved the very, very satisfying ending. How Dong Eun paid it forward by helping those who helped her - the school nurse, her former colleague, Ahjumma, the mom of her classmate who committed suicide because of bullying, and even the bullied girl who came after her who actually killed Myeong Oh. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I enjoyed seeing Dong Eun use the antagonists' weaknesses to get her revenge - with Myeong Oh killed by the girl he bullied, Jae Joon killed by Yeon Jin's wife, the police by his underlings, and Ahjumma's husband by Yeon Jin's mom. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we have Sa Ra, Yeon Jin, and her mom in jail. Yeon Jin is also showing signs of mental health issues. I loved her final confrontation scene with Dong Eun where the latter told her there's something she should regret. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hye Jeong lost her voice but she got the chance to make Jae Joon blind, which became immaterial because he was killed anyway. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yeon Jin's husband and daughter migrate to the UK to finally get out of the messy life they had. And the detective investigating the case being lenient with Dong Eun, probably out of guilt that the police didn't listen to her in the past. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super loved that back story about Dong Eun's landlady (Son Sook of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/09/k-drama-review-suits-korean_28.html">Suits</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-my-mistermy-ahjussi-2018.html">My Mister</a>) and how she kept on looking after Dong Eun because the latter saved her in the past. That was so touching and I'm glad they met again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm usually against ghosting in K dramas. But this was one instance when I was fine with it. Dong Eun ghosting Dr. Joo after she completed her revenge was understandable. She probably wanted to close that chapter in her life. While she appreciated everyone's help, she probably wanted a clean slate where no one would remind her of her past. Yes, she wanted that slate to be too clean that she almost committed suicide. And while I'm not sure how Dr. Joo's mom (Kim Jung Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-summer-strike-2022-48-475.html">Summer Strike</a>, Now We are Breaking Up, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>, and One Spring Night) found her and while mom wasn't too convincing, I'm happy that she was able to persuade Dong Eun to stay alive. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how Dong Eun began living her life again after that. How she visited dead classmate in the columbarium and told her the clock was ticking again. And how her and Dr. Joo's roles were reversed this time with Dong Eun as the executioner. She's probably the best person to teach Dr. Joo how to plan the perfect revenge - knowing its intricacies, the careful planning it needs, her keen attention to detail, and her creativity in finding connections. For a while there, I thought the show was actually teasing me with a second season that will focus on Dr. Joo's revenge. But then again, the show's closed up pretty well already. Dragging it even longer might make it lose its charm. And in the end, I'm good, as long as I see Dr. Joo and especially Dong Eun happy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.7.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.5. </p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-89725010275928840332023-03-13T18:33:00.003+09:002023-03-13T18:33:49.655+09:00Reborn Rich (2022) 4.4 || 4.5<div style="text-align: justify;">We were thrilled when we heard that Song Joong Ki (who is part of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">my list</a>) and Shin Hyun Been were teaming up for a drama. Although we doubted the storyline (we're not reincarnation fans), we were surprised to find the story very compelling. It also helped that the drama had great actors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUPw_fJj5Z62iR4RGPropyUMII8LjNH95Hay-D7R6iG8szAgbDMV64f9urbln-h4Zj2AmBbuHFj6OauaxnPZTmJ6nTRQtyeZbv5UbQ2TRcyJLWO-JGCZq3X3OkhpMCxFb0N3Cqj8jeJtBLwxg32JZpISTemfnPYMv03Tv4A03bDoYf3RCvuelYdHu/s357/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUPw_fJj5Z62iR4RGPropyUMII8LjNH95Hay-D7R6iG8szAgbDMV64f9urbln-h4Zj2AmBbuHFj6OauaxnPZTmJ6nTRQtyeZbv5UbQ2TRcyJLWO-JGCZq3X3OkhpMCxFb0N3Cqj8jeJtBLwxg32JZpISTemfnPYMv03Tv4A03bDoYf3RCvuelYdHu/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reborn Rich tells the story of Yoon Hyun Woo (Song Joong Ki), a manager working for Soonyang Group, a huge family conglomerate. While the company was under investigation for unlawful succession, Hyun Woo discovered a paper company that Soonyang's founder, Chairman Jin Yang Chul (Lee Sung Min), created as his slush fund. Current Vice Chairman Jin Seong Jun (Kim Nam Hee) ordered Hyun Woo to retrieve the slush fund overseas. However, after Hyun Woo successfully withdraws the money, he was abducted and shot. Hyun Woo wakes up several decades earlier. This time as the youngest grandson of Chairman Jin, Jin Do Jun. The story takes us through how Do Jun plans his revenge to find out who killed him, to correct the wrongs that Soonyang has committed, to understand why he had to be reborn as Do Jun, and to fully embrace his mission as Do Jun/Hyun Woo. The drama inserts interesting tidbits of Korean history and mergers and acquisitions storylines, specifically in a family conglomerate setup. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Song Joong Ki as Hyun Woo/Do Jun</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwJC1nB-Cv1qxPluijVQHtDkgCVmInwAn6QzP3MBsqIuyccDNcTh4toDsPjj6_bevZx5D5pfeeZUliPN2eajwwMf3KiqlCD5pvxCNloDP0VqOuDUC35Ty6Q21GPxKtTMvPm6nZTzJ4ybeaBRY5209pGaBaDCqkW4TTtVqVtSTmMsagLy-iQ_G45h6/s1600/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwJC1nB-Cv1qxPluijVQHtDkgCVmInwAn6QzP3MBsqIuyccDNcTh4toDsPjj6_bevZx5D5pfeeZUliPN2eajwwMf3KiqlCD5pvxCNloDP0VqOuDUC35Ty6Q21GPxKtTMvPm6nZTzJ4ybeaBRY5209pGaBaDCqkW4TTtVqVtSTmMsagLy-iQ_G45h6/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After seeing the pilot episode, I felt that this show had <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-vincenzo-2021.html">Vincenzo</a> feels - with the chase and action scenes and the family feud. I was also thinking this might be the first time I'd watch Song Joong Ki in a not so confident and elegant role. I was definitely not used to seeing him abused and submissive. But of course things changed in the succeeding episodes. And Song Joong Ki was definitely back to his comfort zone. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseL8PkEnjn9rASvpZ4-i9ggtb-P5oCdm_UpMRKbFyIg-IqayIbYJ1UXRRVpwmmjTSXjshEN18l9KAhNeus4Ef1eQrZipE_9_VI462SLRSk_dHHEZ2wAcjJVGpYFKzG1tvICLfdQlK_mA1sQuainayZhtxcYeEdxpjru2PDk9JViXVkzN2bvHrrNvn/s700/Reborn%20Rich%20Kim%20Kang%20Hoon%20Young%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="700" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseL8PkEnjn9rASvpZ4-i9ggtb-P5oCdm_UpMRKbFyIg-IqayIbYJ1UXRRVpwmmjTSXjshEN18l9KAhNeus4Ef1eQrZipE_9_VI462SLRSk_dHHEZ2wAcjJVGpYFKzG1tvICLfdQlK_mA1sQuainayZhtxcYeEdxpjru2PDk9JViXVkzN2bvHrrNvn/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Kim%20Kang%20Hoon%20Young%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before I continue with my praises for Song Joong Ki, I'd like to say that the actor who played his younger version (Kim Kang Hoon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-movie-review-miracle-letters-to.html">Miracle: Letters to the President</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-exit-2019.html">Exit</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start-Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-romance-is-bonus-book.html">Romance is a Bonus Book</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>) was really, really good. I loved his scenes with grandpa and how he never backed down even if his family was treated like an outcast. One of my favorite scenes was when he visited his original family and he broke down in the car because he was so grateful that original mom (Seo Jeong Yeon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-juror-8-2019.html">Juror 8</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/02/k-drama-review-interest-of-love-2022.html">The Interest of Love</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-forecasting-love-and.html">Forecasting Love and Weather</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-our-beloved-summer-2021.html">Our Beloved Summer</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-nevertheless-2021-46-45.html">Nevertheless</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-one-spring-night-2019.html">One Spring Night</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-descendants-of-sun.html">Descendants of the Sun</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-drama-review-she-was-pretty-2015.html">She Was Pretty</a>) was still alive. It was unfortunate that he was only around for an episode. I'm sure a bright future awaits this young man. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX6sJBlbwwfJPE4qO5TrEsHtqyPrKgmg77PvNYMMluBI4ygOfjXLxQou-rtNSIWjcrk6mbhZ3lI4uGFzlI0VtiNwk3iPdxUoqtYNESuyqos-_nE6Be3IaDmxYtEn9cyvotmacf9DpJFd95CYZ1iYzubtF2Xp7V7nKwTVempjwwiJIoMsNQTyWbzfH/s1098/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1098" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCX6sJBlbwwfJPE4qO5TrEsHtqyPrKgmg77PvNYMMluBI4ygOfjXLxQou-rtNSIWjcrk6mbhZ3lI4uGFzlI0VtiNwk3iPdxUoqtYNESuyqos-_nE6Be3IaDmxYtEn9cyvotmacf9DpJFd95CYZ1iYzubtF2Xp7V7nKwTVempjwwiJIoMsNQTyWbzfH/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Going back to Song Joong Ki, I was beginning to think that this oppa might already be aging. Which is not really surprising since we're all getting old anyway. But he somehow still managed to pull off that college student look. It was so amazing that Oppa wonders if filters or CGI was used. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hyun Woo/Do Jun had a lot of meaningful relationships in the show, some of which I'll discuss later. But one of the relationships I enjoyed the most, despite them being shown together very briefly, was with his younger brother (Baro of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/08/k-drama-review-angry-mom.html">Angry Mom</a>). I loved how Hyun Woo doted on him and always treated him with affection no matter how horrible his life was. And they could really pass off as siblings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Song Joong Ki is just so great in picking his dramas (Vincenzo and Descendants of the Sun). The characters are always perfect for him. This time, he was great as the submissive Hyun Woo and as the confident, assertive, and always out to get you Do Jun. I loved how Do Jun smirked at his elders while still maintaining some semblance of humility and respect. It just doesn't bode well for others when he gets that smug look on his face because you'll realize he's up to something really good for him (and very bad for you). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With his marriage and the birth of his child, I hope Song Joong Ki would still find time to do some dramas because his shows are definitely always worth watching. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Sung Min as Chairman Jin</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6Bv7EWA2g2GAt5A_p_igzSunSvB2HbxaQ5UNbNJZlp7VXvBTQfiwKxEqQHAioE5VzolVMRn0L7s5Xo_DPC7FRx35mnuEJ1guVPf1wjHJwlAXBdwz4r-7B7kDwmhS0fNPb-l_EMGv56H6jutQafnUcYxpSxI7pQ_vF8aRpCII4K7-WEKI6lgLGmGn/s1920/Reborn%20Rich%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6Bv7EWA2g2GAt5A_p_igzSunSvB2HbxaQ5UNbNJZlp7VXvBTQfiwKxEqQHAioE5VzolVMRn0L7s5Xo_DPC7FRx35mnuEJ1guVPf1wjHJwlAXBdwz4r-7B7kDwmhS0fNPb-l_EMGv56H6jutQafnUcYxpSxI7pQ_vF8aRpCII4K7-WEKI6lgLGmGn/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've always known that Lee Sung Min is a great actor after seeing him in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/11/k-drama-review-misaeng-incomplete-life.html">Misaeng</a>, Miracle: Letters to the President, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-movie-review-man-standing-next.html">The Man Standing Next</a>. But what impressed me the most was his transformation from his pitiful pushover character in Misaeng to a scary, domineering, and manipulative chairman of a conglomerate family. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyvujgri49pSv3H6LWmqIWMaUhPOsj5n_2AO4r4tZYlWQBcQo1aEOmDpO8NXNMEPr_F8hUl1u4SJ66-5Nh5i9XHNUeCQ43MXEt5FfOVGL2N13dGYmVkuyOkJDHdJbkYG1DnNvadEYylnHoYH4zYLQmzEIg02JEB3lxFeeLQ6xO_iY0IdC1KXsePEQ/s709/Reborn%20Rich%20Jung%20Hee%20Tae%20Mr%20Lee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="709" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyvujgri49pSv3H6LWmqIWMaUhPOsj5n_2AO4r4tZYlWQBcQo1aEOmDpO8NXNMEPr_F8hUl1u4SJ66-5Nh5i9XHNUeCQ43MXEt5FfOVGL2N13dGYmVkuyOkJDHdJbkYG1DnNvadEYylnHoYH4zYLQmzEIg02JEB3lxFeeLQ6xO_iY0IdC1KXsePEQ/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Jung%20Hee%20Tae%20Mr%20Lee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved Chairman Jin's bond with his ever loyal secretary, Mr. Lee (Jung Hee Tae of Mr. Sunshine and Misaeng). It was evident that outside Do Jun, Mr. Lee was probably the one who cared the most for Chairman Jin. He treated him better than his own sons. Of course there's that incident during the stockholders' meeting where Mr. Lee betrayed Do Jun, leading the stockholders to suspect him of killing grandpa. And while it might have been understandable under the circumstances that he just wanted to have someone more powerful to rely on, I choose to believe that even that part was planned to push Do Jun to understand why grandpa left nothing for him in his will. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQheBm3zB2OyhjN81mtB84U-E3UL5YUXAVgVS--3-_sVci4XgCf5sb69jTXzrih8sl2g8bmm-7L0OuK9j9GnjjHf_VTDzV-1TDbKz2g3i0GJ2XElpXr4kxY1SPVFM-uD6eF-OIqTRjoEP2Se6PQrHg3L4kHYlEqFj2ycSRYufjh5kxxuUgexXBq5aP/s699/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="699" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQheBm3zB2OyhjN81mtB84U-E3UL5YUXAVgVS--3-_sVci4XgCf5sb69jTXzrih8sl2g8bmm-7L0OuK9j9GnjjHf_VTDzV-1TDbKz2g3i0GJ2XElpXr4kxY1SPVFM-uD6eF-OIqTRjoEP2Se6PQrHg3L4kHYlEqFj2ycSRYufjh5kxxuUgexXBq5aP/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But of course, the most special among Chairman Jin's relationships was that with Do Jun. Yes, it was easy for Do Jun to win him over because the young boy had the unfair advantage of knowing what's to come so he was able to give expert advice to grandpa. But as the show progressed, it became evident that more than the information Do Jun provided, the latter rightfully deserved the love and respect grandpa had for him because among all of the members in their family, it was Do Jun who sincerely cared for grandpa. And that's the reason why their relationship became stronger after the accident they went through together.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, grandpa was not perfect. He was as evil as any K drama conglomerate patriarch can get. But he had his good side too. And I really wished he lived long enough to mentor Do Jun and to see how far Do Jun can take Soonyang. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was heartbreaking to see grandpa weak, scared, and helpless. And it was horrible that his own family wanted to exploit his illness to take over the company. In the end, it was Do Jun who protected grandpa when his delirium kicked in and against grandma (Kim Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-tune-in-for-love-2019.html">Tune in for Love</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist </a>2, and Mr. Sunshine). My favorite would have to be that scene in the elevator where grandpa could not hold his pee and Do Jun had to make a scene by kicking a bucket full of water to hide grandpa's accident. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Grandpa's death was even sadder because Do Jun was unable to share that special moment with him about the success of the Apollo car. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just like Song Joong Ki, Lee Sung Min seems to have a knack for picking good dramas. And it was really a joy to see the two of them together in a show. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shin Hyun Been as Prosecutor Seo Min Young</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JGc20HQu5IWa2BXNwSTgCgSMWBO8ezpzO4CjlbkKgn94hy5yCPP591u_xAchuEZfhEYfFM_xT_qY7Pp--T8dNUcIZU5I4xicnBX2kICaqQQ2KPZwowwN8QlbRizKut5QjOGmQUeiVeKsSWgncqOKsqoz-6t5zEKCZA4RZjWA4Qw_4AW04qWeEhYu/s900/Reborn%20Rich%20Shin%20Hyun%20Been%20Prosecutor%20Seo%20Min%20Young.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JGc20HQu5IWa2BXNwSTgCgSMWBO8ezpzO4CjlbkKgn94hy5yCPP591u_xAchuEZfhEYfFM_xT_qY7Pp--T8dNUcIZU5I4xicnBX2kICaqQQ2KPZwowwN8QlbRizKut5QjOGmQUeiVeKsSWgncqOKsqoz-6t5zEKCZA4RZjWA4Qw_4AW04qWeEhYu/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Shin%20Hyun%20Been%20Prosecutor%20Seo%20Min%20Young.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is our first Shin Hyun Been drama outside of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist 1</a> and 2 (and her cameo in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-confidential-assignment.html">Confidential Assignment</a>). So I wasn't really sure if I could enjoy seeing her in a non-hospital setting. After watching the pilot episode, where the fierce Prosecutor Seo Min Young was out to get Soonyang, I found myself thinking that I actually prefer Shin Hyun Been in a meeker role like in Hospital Playlist. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bi9riu6Jw9tPawAyuN17HgrVIZVTyNI0hU-t_3DBSIUCo4lCVz417CHh9-Rc7tRhPNhSGwMWmtGi3kHInNoVUOMqRkWLwiPWVX1_yqAHmbScgt3UVzku6JxPd9XPqy8mYSow-WA9wOUhiW8XysQ4dzj1rQRGxbCFew2HKyRM4I0LOfYOoLRMJxSx/s1784/Reborn%20Rich%20Shin%20Hyun%20Been%20Prosecutor%20Seo%20Min%20Young%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="1189" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bi9riu6Jw9tPawAyuN17HgrVIZVTyNI0hU-t_3DBSIUCo4lCVz417CHh9-Rc7tRhPNhSGwMWmtGi3kHInNoVUOMqRkWLwiPWVX1_yqAHmbScgt3UVzku6JxPd9XPqy8mYSow-WA9wOUhiW8XysQ4dzj1rQRGxbCFew2HKyRM4I0LOfYOoLRMJxSx/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Shin%20Hyun%20Been%20Prosecutor%20Seo%20Min%20Young%202.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But as the show went back to the past, I found myself loving Min Young more and more. She was definitely better in the university setting. And I loved how Min Young and Do Jun's relationship, both professionally and romantically, was evolving. I definitely loved that first kiss when Seo Tai Ji finally made his come back. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also loved how Do Jun and Min Young trusted each other so much and how they were confident in each other's good hearts that all the scandals they were embroiled in never really ruined their relationship. I loved that scene where Min Young waited for Do Jun in the parking lot, sleeping in her car in the process, just to let him know that he's been cleared of the stock manipulation charge. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_-vU9IlnVFuxJfQvLzm7evzZtcc8smwftk7ZUeE6dmSLKAdZ0PYUZhiygmBA1xMZLmJZN0jRswlf0KDeFpez5i0m1FTnXt0l2n9zhCB-W_uUv04lNNE0wNmk0JMmSjXNCKAgNn5_XWOMrJaoZJeld4ClXusZeYwwN19BJat8tI7Zm3d0MkZRQq1o/s600/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Shin%20Hyun%20Been%20Prosecutor%20Seo%20Min%20Young.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_-vU9IlnVFuxJfQvLzm7evzZtcc8smwftk7ZUeE6dmSLKAdZ0PYUZhiygmBA1xMZLmJZN0jRswlf0KDeFpez5i0m1FTnXt0l2n9zhCB-W_uUv04lNNE0wNmk0JMmSjXNCKAgNn5_XWOMrJaoZJeld4ClXusZeYwwN19BJat8tI7Zm3d0MkZRQq1o/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Shin%20Hyun%20Been%20Prosecutor%20Seo%20Min%20Young.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I loved how greatly Do Jun relied on Min Young. Sure, he was rich and powerful. But during his moments of weakness, he knew he could always run to Min Young and she will always be there to listen to and comfort him. I loved that scene where he just hugged her after the accident. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They're a perfect match for each other too. Min Young sees things in black and white, while Do Jun thinks out of the box. And they balance each other out when they go to the extremes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's one more thing I like about the more recent Song Joong Ki dramas (this and Vincenzo). There will always be love storylines. But they will never be the central part of the story. They exist to make us feel giddy but they show us that it's possible to have a successful drama without focusing too much on the love story. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the end, I fully understood why Shin Hyun Been had to be unlikeable in the beginning. She was still grieving over the death of her fiance Do Jun from 20 years ago. And when she finally got her closure from that incident, she transformed into someone more pleasant and lovable. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I pray for more Shin Hyun Been dramas in the future because she's definitely a joy to watch. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jin Family</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZjUDS9kZJVRRL2NlFSdi8UIsBD51P74QmnFm9pab8de3M_D_CtPUoR5GUZWCZAta6Xzs7EH7IciKlcZc80ygKevXHFGRyznHy3nFCxQJPw4cAB55XNHHPvqHA5ATdoZ96eV6rTRCreg0SrLtSiadut6IekjjPli-QLn62C5qLIqJVwzOelJJ2Uep/s1280/Reborn%20Rich%20Jin%20Family.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZjUDS9kZJVRRL2NlFSdi8UIsBD51P74QmnFm9pab8de3M_D_CtPUoR5GUZWCZAta6Xzs7EH7IciKlcZc80ygKevXHFGRyznHy3nFCxQJPw4cAB55XNHHPvqHA5ATdoZ96eV6rTRCreg0SrLtSiadut6IekjjPli-QLn62C5qLIqJVwzOelJJ2Uep/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Jin%20Family.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Almost everyone in the family acted really well. I was ready to love grandma because she seemed to genuinely care for Do Jun's family. And she tried her best to keep her family in order despite having a difficult husband. But then she turned out to be fake and worse than all of them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seong Jun as the eldest grandson was really good. He could trick you with his innocent smile but he would really scare you once he starts a tantrum. I didn't recognize him from Mr. Sunshine (and his cameos on <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-twenty-five-twenty-one.html">Twenty-Five Twenty-One</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-guardian-lonely-and.html">Guardian</a>) right away. Seong Jun's wife (Park Ji Hyun) was great as well, especially in confusing me on whose side she was on. Seong Jun's mom (Kim Jung Nan of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/11/k-drama-review-what-happens-to-my-family.html">What Happens to My Family</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-sky-castle-2018-48-45.html">Sky Castle</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/02/k-drama-review-snowdrop-2021-4-4.html">Snowdrop</a>) did well in stirring conflict in the family too. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about Seong Jun's dad (Yoon Je Moon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-movie-review-last-princess-2016.html">The Last Princess</a>), who seemed to be the weakest link both in the family and in the show. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Second son Dong Ki (Jo Han Chul of Juror 8, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-jirisan-2021-41-43.html">Jirisan</a>, Vincenzo, Romance is a Bonus Book, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-producers-2015.html">The Producers</a>) was also great. Being the middle child and an unlikely successor, Dong Ki worked really hard to prove his worth to his father - even if it meant taking shortcuts that could ruin him more in the end. His wife (Seo Jae Hee of Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Nevertheless, and Run On) and daughter (Jo Hye Joo of The Man Standing Next) delivered solid performances as well. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The most colorful Soonyang family child would have to be the only daughter Hwa Young (Kim Shin Rok) who thinks she can always have her way and that everyone is at her beck and call, including her husband former prosecutor then Seoul Mayor then Justice Minister then assemblyman Choi Chang Je (Kim Do Hyun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-hot-stove-league-2019.html">Hot Stove League</a> and Guardian). This couple was probably the best actors in the family. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Especially if you compare them to the boring outcast family of Do Jun - with pushover dad (Kim Young Jae of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-you-are-best-lee-soon.html">You are the Best</a>), very pretty but meh mom (Jung Hye Young of Snowdrop), and probably the only interesting member of the family, older brother Hyung Jun (Kang Ki Doong of Our Beloved Summer, Romance is a Bonus Book, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Miracle Investment</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3syuOVhDBo44AiylpI9spNBmJ_o70WBZnOnCyicioBKl4paMIL4G5g94GGGI51jzY1GRV_AObWXnAGOnGyaAJ6sND1t7WOVbpaIrw63_j8daNOJO0BRGnNelyceNEvl3eYsIjOvioZqAxyoRHy1GZEuEfJ-oENW5yZ4VPvdBoXzipGljmwjrmXJ6u/s388/Reborn%20Rich%20Park%20Hyuk%20Kwon%20Oh%20Se%20Hyeon%20Mason%20Oh.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="388" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3syuOVhDBo44AiylpI9spNBmJ_o70WBZnOnCyicioBKl4paMIL4G5g94GGGI51jzY1GRV_AObWXnAGOnGyaAJ6sND1t7WOVbpaIrw63_j8daNOJO0BRGnNelyceNEvl3eYsIjOvioZqAxyoRHy1GZEuEfJ-oENW5yZ4VPvdBoXzipGljmwjrmXJ6u/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Park%20Hyuk%20Kwon%20Oh%20Se%20Hyeon%20Mason%20Oh.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another character that made the show interesting was Oh Se Hyeon / Mason Oh (Park Hyuk Kwon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-taxi-driver.html">A Taxi Driver</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-law-school-2021.html">Law School</a>, Something in the Rain, The Producers, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-dream-high-2011.html">Dream High</a>). I loved the wide range of emotions Park Hyuk Kwon delivered as Mr. Oh - he could be funny, very professional, powerful, scheming, brutally frank, etc. And it's hard to tell if he's serious or not because he always keeps that poker face. But one thing's for sure - I super loved his relationship with Do Jun - how he trusted him wholeheartedly even if the things he wanted to do didn't make sense a lot of times. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Tiffany (The Producers) was in this show but most of the time her presence felt like a mere decoration right next to Do Jun and Mr. Oh. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you're not a fan of classic soap operas from the olden days, then you might have a hard time loving this show right away. It didn't help that the show's pilot episode bombards us with the members of the huge Soonyang family that we are not familiar with. Yes, it was quite difficult to follow who's who. But it definitely gets better so it's worth the wait. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The premise of being reborn to the family that abused and killed you might turn off some people. I had my doubts as well. But the show somehow found a way to make this angle interesting. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w2MtnURsTr6SvAjJIPu9zkxf34l0L2vyfeW_FTBtK0Byssh-udiTk6cUapJIIaSIDstOyQ45YKsb2PdYVZHa_y3IOv-q5mfkrGJ72driWM4YHvD77W-qjvVKdaF_haBp9rV9B1QZArzZfOXQUSeRm0PhhB7IBlxLhH1B22UqTrlqe7y43C6QssqN/s1200/Reborn%20Rich%20Jin%20Family%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5w2MtnURsTr6SvAjJIPu9zkxf34l0L2vyfeW_FTBtK0Byssh-udiTk6cUapJIIaSIDstOyQ45YKsb2PdYVZHa_y3IOv-q5mfkrGJ72driWM4YHvD77W-qjvVKdaF_haBp9rV9B1QZArzZfOXQUSeRm0PhhB7IBlxLhH1B22UqTrlqe7y43C6QssqN/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Jin%20Family%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Chairman Jin's story is your typical rags to riches one - a patriarch who worked his way to the top with his own blood, sweat, and tears, that he hangs on to his roots, like how grandpa still cherishes and keeps his old delivery truck. He never forgets where he came from and he makes sure that that legacy is protected at all costs. Like that scene where they would rather let their race car driver risk his life in continuing the race rather than withdrawing because it would cast doubt on the quality of their car. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show emphasized that no matter how rich a family is, all members still long for acceptance and validation. They still yearn for that emotional connection. Like Seong Jun's dad tearing up when Chairman Jin asked that a new soup be served for him because he couldn't stop bragging about his acquisition of Hando Steel. It was like a silent validation of his accomplishment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Initially, I was concerned about how Do Jun could pull off/hide his ability to read the future. Fortunately, his character was very smart that people simply thought he always made wise decisions. It was just a sad realization for Do Jun that despite knowing what will happen next, he still could not change everything. Some things are just really bound to happen. So even if he fought hard for Soonyang to acquire the company his original dad worked for and he purchased the building with his family's restaurant, his mom still died. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One thing that worked well for the show was how it realistically integrated bits of world and Korean histories into the story - Titanic, Amazon, the IMF crisis, 9/11, etc. And I loved the twists the drama used to work around these real-life events - like the credit card crash and the World Cup. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AF9vkmQADulGLwTWA6Yk9ZWRMWKIjLNguXSmNwXtz8Nzc7L-lbUwRDXovsy0OGh0XxPhnI8nVmZ8VrtEXhXIoOf3Fv3LKzoez_D8WyQvabQjekPzian0chdy8OHoq1o7L_OkaHRs0yjy3oyiD-uC6Idpb_oDTPqkx8Os3cM73YOOj-8iJ1A9AqiR/s1920/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Jin%20Seong%20Jun.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AF9vkmQADulGLwTWA6Yk9ZWRMWKIjLNguXSmNwXtz8Nzc7L-lbUwRDXovsy0OGh0XxPhnI8nVmZ8VrtEXhXIoOf3Fv3LKzoez_D8WyQvabQjekPzian0chdy8OHoq1o7L_OkaHRs0yjy3oyiD-uC6Idpb_oDTPqkx8Os3cM73YOOj-8iJ1A9AqiR/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Jin%20Seong%20Jun.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also liked how the show inserted the social justice angle of going after corrupt conglomerates. Sure, it was farcical because the one exposing it was an in-law of the family and the one who stood to benefit from it was also a member of the family. But of course, there was that little hope in you that Do Jun would do things differently. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Do Jun revealed his identity early on as the person behind Miracle. At least he played fair. And it paved the way for grandpa to finally acknowledge his skills. And things really got more interesting after this happened. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The battle lines became clearer especially with the DMC project. Seong Jun's wife who had an eye for talent and offered to help him with DMC deserved that rejection from Do Jun who knew that she was just out to get a puppet. And that incident sealed Do Jun's feeling for Min Young. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Do Jun's parents vowed to help him, with mom's only concern being Do Jun's safety. It was nice to see dad flex his muscles a bit like when he didn't allow their other family members to visit Chairman Jin in the hospital when they thought he was in coma. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And how Do Jun revealing his identity paved the way for the succession war to begin. I liked how the show initially focused on the archaic concept of primogeniture. I totally found it absurd that they'd treat themselves like royalty. And I loved how Do Jun's skills finally made Chairman Jin realize that succession should be merit-based. And how dramatic that he announced abandoning the primogeniture rule during Seong Jun's wedding when the latter was obviously one of those working so hard to take control of Soonyang. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And how timely for Do Jun to ditch his plan of acquiring Soonyang with his own money and instead getting it by putting everyone at his mercy. (I super loved the mergers and acquisitions lessons the show gave us.) It was so crazy how he tricked his aunt into buying New Data shares that led her to turn over her department store shares to Do Jun. It was a fitting revenge after she humiliated Do Jun's mom. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then he went on to bait Dong Ki to copy Miracle's investment pattern, only to sell his investments to avoid the 9/11 losses, which he used to take over Soonyang Investment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I found it intriguing that the show presented us with two concepts of greed. The blind greed that the rest of the family displayed - going as far as killing each other to get what they want. That desire to have things handed to them on a silver platter without having to work hard for it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then you have the kind of greed that Do Jun had. Making sure he still worked within legal means. Never hurting anyone physically. Greed to excel and be on top but still keeping his core values intact. That greed with a cause/purpose. Where he still works hard for things. And how he's greedy for those things he worked hard for that he rightfully deserves. Realizing this probably made it easier for grandpa to find his successor. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5E6ZclCq1iWzjxER20IWVuSKtWxy8_CwoFGQOvlyB6F7x0m6hGS18XxiQs3EzHoFt0snOgyoSX_Q0g29x4Q8sJgQhdaK3Mk3ho8I-MnOVeM574SJ1HcucpqJ-9wYt8CqpcJqXct1nWYxDN39NbDuM5ue3nSlxQbI7GHDwHch6K1LTTNWnoFbESsG/s1012/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="1012" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5E6ZclCq1iWzjxER20IWVuSKtWxy8_CwoFGQOvlyB6F7x0m6hGS18XxiQs3EzHoFt0snOgyoSX_Q0g29x4Q8sJgQhdaK3Mk3ho8I-MnOVeM574SJ1HcucpqJ-9wYt8CqpcJqXct1nWYxDN39NbDuM5ue3nSlxQbI7GHDwHch6K1LTTNWnoFbESsG/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show kept on inserting shocking plot twists. Like how grandma ordered the killing of grandpa and Do Jun. Yes, she's endured so much like welcoming Do Jun's dad who was born from another mother and she understandably wanted to protect her kids. But it was still so evil to have her husband killed. And I liked how Do Jun pushed her to the wall that made her give up her Soonyang shares to him in exchange for fleeing the country. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I also liked how Seong Jun's wife seemed to be silently helping Do Jun like how she led him to find grandma's secret gallery. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then grandpa surprises us by not giving anything to Do Jun in his will. And how Do Jun's dad showed his true colors by pushing Do Jun to fight for his right over the company. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDw0avxCrrf6TcFl32rIOR9RZ8A-9UqkanTRdmRrRbNc1i0L04cI7npmfraM1epKDnKqnwkylZ9MwF-xSAZdXDY0CwUBTqR0Q7Urnari9jrKRuMoQPkFytczxj6rdrSSqNX1NM_hklEjZAX8K9e7oyHB6v_OuCPwepdWCE1yBwtCDf_leyXpFivsA/s1920/Reborn%20Rich%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDw0avxCrrf6TcFl32rIOR9RZ8A-9UqkanTRdmRrRbNc1i0L04cI7npmfraM1epKDnKqnwkylZ9MwF-xSAZdXDY0CwUBTqR0Q7Urnari9jrKRuMoQPkFytczxj6rdrSSqNX1NM_hklEjZAX8K9e7oyHB6v_OuCPwepdWCE1yBwtCDf_leyXpFivsA/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Lee%20Sung%20Min%20Chairman%20Jin%20Yang%20Chul%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Things were not the same without grandpa. It was so heartbreaking to watch that video where grandpa said Do Jun was the grandson who took after him the most. I'm pretty sure Do Jun couldn't care less if he got nothing. They could all kill each other trying to take over Soonyang but he would always be grandpa's favorite. But on the flip side, I guess that also pushed Do Jun more to protect Soonyang. Song Joong Ki was spectacular during his breakdown scene. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was crazy to see Do Jun pit his uncles and auntie against each other. Making all of them think that they were inching closer to getting Soonyang only to reveal in the end that he was getting it all actually. And how he got his family investigated that finally led him to taking over Soonyang. That scene before he died when he visited the Soonyang Museum was bittersweet - he spoke to grandpa's photo telling him he was not sure if he got his revenge or if he was finally grandpa's grandson but one thing's for sure - he missed grandpa. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Min Young trusted that Do Jun won't be involved in political funding because he's too smart for that. And how Do Jun romantically turned that trust into a proposal. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It felt ominous when grandpa left Do Jun the Soonyang Micro slush fund. Because that was what killed him in the first place. And true enough, that's what killed him again. I also wondered if grandpa trusted Mr. Lee that much. What if Mr. Lee handed it over to Seong Jun or worse, if he kept it for himself. But then again, grandpa and Mr. Lee might have planned everything all along to help Do Jun realize what he needed to do to protect Soonyang. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Lg34FvE2OELuY10siet6iRNfb_P4dZ3GIT9B8fOmG7_4ozxMc_gKlB_1Usao2h4oMMsB1VyPZKgSvlFsNvkThYXIxFTUqBWYo6b0KwEUXThLSZ4vqO92nBD1dQhy39RBTc54rXoTZmK-5yYklw8YpWQUiRqcsKdd2t0yx60AAFFU6ymzIFdiM6i-/s1200/Reborn%20Rich%20Park%20Hyuk%20Kwon%20Oh%20Se%20Hyeon%20Mason%20Oh%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Lg34FvE2OELuY10siet6iRNfb_P4dZ3GIT9B8fOmG7_4ozxMc_gKlB_1Usao2h4oMMsB1VyPZKgSvlFsNvkThYXIxFTUqBWYo6b0KwEUXThLSZ4vqO92nBD1dQhy39RBTc54rXoTZmK-5yYklw8YpWQUiRqcsKdd2t0yx60AAFFU6ymzIFdiM6i-/s320/Reborn%20Rich%20Park%20Hyuk%20Kwon%20Oh%20Se%20Hyeon%20Mason%20Oh%20Song%20Joong%20Ki%20Jin%20Do%20Jun%20Yoon%20Hyun%20Woo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I admit that I was shocked and quite disappointed when Joong Ki woke up as Hyun Woo in the final episode. Was everything a dream??? I doubted if the show could properly connect the two stories. But surprisingly, the show did it somehow. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And in the end, I guess it should not really matter because the Jin family's crimes were exposed - Seong Jun's dad killing Do Jun and Seong Jun ordering the hit on Hyun woo. And the family was finally forced to give up their management rights over Soonyang. Sure they still had shares and ownership of the company but baby steps are fine. I'm sure Hyun Woo and Mr. Oh have something up their sleeves. It was nice to see the two reconnect with Hyun Woo joining Miracle this time. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And of course, I loved that little sliver of hope the show gave us about what awaits Hyun Woo and Min Young in the future. How Min Young is now wearing brighter colors because her mission as Soonyang's grim reaper (as revenge for killing her fiance) has been accomplished. And while Hyun Woo probably won't meet the society's standard for Min Young, I'm confident that he'll get there with the help of Mr. Oh and Miracle. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I liked how the show went full circle and hopefully that repentance would be enough for the crime that Hyun Woo helped commit unknowingly. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the show has a slow start but it manages to progress into a very compelling story that never runs out of surprises and plot twists. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.4.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.5. </div><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-46109964947700849192023-03-07T21:32:00.005+09:002023-03-13T18:31:53.417+09:00K Drama Review: Crash Course in Romance (2023) 4.6 || 4.5<p style="text-align: justify;">When my sister first told me about this drama, I was not so sure we'd like it. Yes, I love Jung Kyung Ho, who is part of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">my list</a>. But I had doubts about the other actors, especially the female lead, Jeon Do Yeon, who didn't seem like a good match for Jung Kyung Ho. In the end, however, all of my doubts were cleared. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this show. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTJMq5BAjT9Y9sb9nkw6ojJbh3PVaHFMnsyWc49vlUAbHQfH-Mt3CzvP7rA6fVio_PZKPJfqK9F9XQselNYQNa4vNCkn2WStg1Whbc-wCImTz_1-RxqGi2661-uTN-jRKMWFcjcsxruqy3UptaA_cTa7SYJIZD8_ySRtwFel1P8CeoadAiSRp2sOw/s357/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTJMq5BAjT9Y9sb9nkw6ojJbh3PVaHFMnsyWc49vlUAbHQfH-Mt3CzvP7rA6fVio_PZKPJfqK9F9XQselNYQNa4vNCkn2WStg1Whbc-wCImTz_1-RxqGi2661-uTN-jRKMWFcjcsxruqy3UptaA_cTa7SYJIZD8_ySRtwFel1P8CeoadAiSRp2sOw/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Crash Course in Romance tells the story of Choi Chi Yeol (Jung Kyung Ho), a star math teacher, who seems to have it all but is actually bothered by traumatic incidents from his past. He has a hard time eating, that is until he found Nation's Best Banchan (side dish), owned by Nam Haeng Seon (Jeon Do Yeon). Chi Yeol finally found food that he could enjoy eating. But things get a bit complicated when Haeng Seon and Chi Yeol find themselves in situations and relationships beyond their usual banchan shop owner-customer interaction. The story takes us through how Haeng Seon finds her way to Chi Yeol's heart, through his stomach. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jung Kyung Ho as Cho Chi Yeol</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUppNHU2tHGNeD-NRL2Ps0P4GxQXS9GUnfp_D9ZIPdzeq7J6PjEbzOXI-LT7bGhLX6K2sLTQIqDv3sPger96H1uO2cLPLyAtdbwXN7VhIf_O9oQIkAQGLKnhJa28L-QBa962HLcAEvIy8uGXopu8-F2TnfduCv_zJ-QV3jzYhzO2chsOqhw0BJz3ya/s1280/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUppNHU2tHGNeD-NRL2Ps0P4GxQXS9GUnfp_D9ZIPdzeq7J6PjEbzOXI-LT7bGhLX6K2sLTQIqDv3sPger96H1uO2cLPLyAtdbwXN7VhIf_O9oQIkAQGLKnhJa28L-QBa962HLcAEvIy8uGXopu8-F2TnfduCv_zJ-QV3jzYhzO2chsOqhw0BJz3ya/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jung Kyung Ho, whom I loved in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist 2</a>, was perfect as the cold and conceited star math teacher Choi Chi Yeol. Despite his flaws, however, it was difficult to hate Chi Yeol. Because it was evident that he lived a sad life behind all his success, wealth, and fame. On the outside, he looked like he only cared about money. But the more you get to know Chi Yeol, you'll realize how kind and warm-hearted he is. He's just overly passionate with what he does and he's very eager to share his knowledge with the kids. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved Chi Yeol's sense of justice. How frustrated he gets when someone's treated unfairly like when Haeng Seon's niece Hae Yi (Roh Yoon Seo) was kicked out from the med school training program simply because she was not as rich as the other kids. It was amazing how Chi Yeol initially wanted to quit the program too but even if he didn't, he still found a way to help Hae Yi. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although it was just a side story, I enjoyed the storyline involving Chi Yeol's college classmate, Mr. Jeon (Kim Da Huin), who also happened to be Hae Yi's homeroom teacher. I was happy that despite their conflict several years ago, they were able to rekindle their friendship and Chi Yeol found someone he could rely on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jung Kyung Ho does funny stuff really well too. He has great timing in throwing his punchlines. If Hospital Playlist 3 is really not pushing through, I hope he'd continue making dramas because I will never get tired of watching him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jeon Do Yeon as Nam Haeng Seon</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18nPeFsieEueODTc3CUT9GbslS504BcpY7E7iirPNhEFs0Qo3-hn-pUJGa-fT49rTsxrLP-rApDQqcsH49ry8PtYO9NoSENZ6n4UovXL5nythrXf8U9T1wm6hZtKy0qRxJMjhu-GUM4c0dM1ojidORGWmSwcNgy-h5cbYCwkXyskgPqgrOFJN5aTM/s758/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="758" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18nPeFsieEueODTc3CUT9GbslS504BcpY7E7iirPNhEFs0Qo3-hn-pUJGa-fT49rTsxrLP-rApDQqcsH49ry8PtYO9NoSENZ6n4UovXL5nythrXf8U9T1wm6hZtKy0qRxJMjhu-GUM4c0dM1ojidORGWmSwcNgy-h5cbYCwkXyskgPqgrOFJN5aTM/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As early as the first episode, Jeon Do Yeon immediately proved me wrong about my theory that she was not a good fit for Jung Kyung Ho. As the show progressed, I even found myself thinking that she was even better than him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Haeng Seon's positivity and drive. Yes, she had a difficult life raising her niece and her brother, Jae Woo (Oh Eui Sik), who had Asperger syndrome. But she never became bitter despite those difficulties. She won me over with her kindness to the people around her. Yes, even to Chi Yeol who was mean and rude to her during their first encounter. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Haeng Seon is proof that looks can be deceiving. She looks feisty on the outside. And she can be really scary when she advocates for the people she loves like when she protested in front of the academy with her megaphone when Hae Yi was kicked out of the med school training program. But just like Chi Yeol, she also has a very, very kind heart. And while it's crazy how she always seems to disregard other people's personal spaces, she gets away with it because she's very endearing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is our first Jeon Do Yeon drama and I can say that I'll be on the lookout for her other shows. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Chi Yeol and Haeng Seon</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOMI1T5Y9MMt8OPQPY48VPwG8OAVnBmXbB8cW9V3ke0pHbYRlSZeZodYCFy8rMOAtsIR02p61fEiTLWzldTw2pmnVKB1rtT4drYm5c4DqESfNsqnxu3wBVr_fv0IqMcNAU7u2uyFKZgxY3ecCPOzFMcWm6fI46OU3F9BsZC1pTi5wnPTIsnLa6GRC/s653/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="653" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOMI1T5Y9MMt8OPQPY48VPwG8OAVnBmXbB8cW9V3ke0pHbYRlSZeZodYCFy8rMOAtsIR02p61fEiTLWzldTw2pmnVKB1rtT4drYm5c4DqESfNsqnxu3wBVr_fv0IqMcNAU7u2uyFKZgxY3ecCPOzFMcWm6fI46OU3F9BsZC1pTi5wnPTIsnLa6GRC/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show gave us this sort of unconventional pair. Haeng Seon and Chi Yeol give hope to older people, showing them that they still have a chance at love. And it was made more special by how Chi Yeol and Haeng Seon were perfect for each other. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Chi Yeol's realization that Haeng Seon was actually the daughter of the old lady (Kim Mi Kyung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-forecasting-love-and.html">Forecasting Love and Weather</a>) who used to feed him before, back when he was so poor and had no one to rely on. It finally explained why he could tolerate Haeng Seon's food. It was the same food that comforted him years ago. I super loved that flashback of the times Chi Yeol spent with Haeng Seon's mom. They were all so precious. I didn't know their relationship was that deep and special. And oh how he repaid Haeng Seon's mom by taking such good care of her family, going as far as buying the building they lived on. Admittedly, that was quite over the top and it confused Haeng Seon if he really liked her or he simply pitied her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The numerous scandals they were involved in were unfortunate. Chi Yeol had no choice but to stop tutoring Hae Yi. And the way he informed Haeng Seon was so painful. It was as if they were breaking up with each other when they were not even together yet. But Chi Yeol's confession during an interview made up for all the heartaches he gave Haeng Seon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghU7-eq7Wi06OLnHGMmz0ALJ0QJIs8y8oNd0kTXhdLQ_CeJRcXWAscTwYc6Aq4QpR-vdmWNgg5TlCHOhhc6qQTgZOmI7aETFYmQCKoyQeweuPQvohANz9NqgEJhDSFtSnd_SZQXY3rZ-g-Z5q5lHYDM5GE4h76zCNqwm52MSoKxqJP0vssuMYRds6g/s1200/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghU7-eq7Wi06OLnHGMmz0ALJ0QJIs8y8oNd0kTXhdLQ_CeJRcXWAscTwYc6Aq4QpR-vdmWNgg5TlCHOhhc6qQTgZOmI7aETFYmQCKoyQeweuPQvohANz9NqgEJhDSFtSnd_SZQXY3rZ-g-Z5q5lHYDM5GE4h76zCNqwm52MSoKxqJP0vssuMYRds6g/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was happy for Haeng Seon that she finally found someone who can take care of her. She no longer had to carry her burdens by herself. She deeply appreciated all the things Chi Yeol did for her - giving Hae Yi a chance and being patient with Jae Woo, among others. That's why it was heartbreaking to see her admit to her friend, Young Joo (Lee Bong Ryun), that she really liked Chi Yeol but she thought she'd lost him. And it was really awesome when they were finally together. It was fun to see them awkward, shy, giddy, and in love all at the same time. And that first kiss was not actually a dream. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Haeng Seon and Chi Yeol were a good fit for each other. I know that their love will stand whatever scandal would come their way. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Roh Yoon Seo as Nam Hae Yi</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizsTR92ABunhYChDkQWpv_0iDIDTgN_JL8_EwuZ1-HiJS00-9wSoSZ97_185PwqPC3SRSG2xKzQSNt2HqEWV5_kIqcm8MJbdnkJbZmeAOTgjRuO_e8qbBP9VfuHpPUrkeBxRYL9CxeZK6biplvtjSwkAl5r-WGZAPEZDAzPH8928ip9hEXwmWrqZZ/s1021/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Roh%20Yoon%20Seo%20Nam%20Hae%20Yi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="1021" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizsTR92ABunhYChDkQWpv_0iDIDTgN_JL8_EwuZ1-HiJS00-9wSoSZ97_185PwqPC3SRSG2xKzQSNt2HqEWV5_kIqcm8MJbdnkJbZmeAOTgjRuO_e8qbBP9VfuHpPUrkeBxRYL9CxeZK6biplvtjSwkAl5r-WGZAPEZDAzPH8928ip9hEXwmWrqZZ/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Roh%20Yoon%20Seo%20Nam%20Hae%20Yi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm proud to say that we've seen all of Roh Yoon Seo's dramas and movie (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-our-blues-2022-5-5.html">Our Blues</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-movie-review-20th-century-girl-2022.html">20th Century Girl</a>). And it's so amazing to see her get better and better at what she does. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Hae Yi's fighting spirit, which she obviously got from Haeng Seon. And her kindness too - how she never wants to inconvenience her mom, which sometimes leads her to sweep her issues under the rug. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was so proud that she finally had the guts to ask Haeng Seon to enroll her in Chi Yeol's class. That's why I felt so terrible too when the academy kicked her out of the med school program. She deserved to be there. And despite that heartbreak, she had to put up a brave front for Haeng Seon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Hae Yi's shining moment was when she was conflicted about revealing her real relationship with Haeng Seon. She did so well in that breakdown scene when she told Young Joo that she felt selfish for not wanting to reveal that she was not really Haeng Seon's daughter because she feared that people would judge her. Even if she knew that that could help clear the forbidden love issue between Chi Yeol and Haeng Seon. I loved the show's very realistic portrayal of the dilemma Hae Yi faced regarding this issue. Because that made me appreciate more how courageous she was when she finally revealed the truth. She didn't care about herself anymore. She opted to be selfless. And the way she called Chi Yeol and Haeng Seon's relationship as romance and not a scandal was really fitting. I also loved how she talked to both Haeng Seon and Chi Yeol, telling them noy to let each other go and assuring them that she's ready to face her true identity. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">All of these Hae Yi storylines prove how kind and caring she is. And this was further reinforced with the cheating scandal that involved her friend Seon Jae (Lee Chae Min), which I'll discuss later. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We love Roh Yoon Seo and we hope we can follow her career faithfully. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Oh Eui Shik as Jae Woo and Lee Bong Ryun as Young Joo</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFTZglyamasZbfyu9OihpV_Yvw9rI5dZZNJhRuTRErYUyjpPmW9uEdJCCHndtyoazbQkZnncy1bflQIr9Nuhi9JElBCg2NasznVEUlbduN9jgaB2XQ0hcpz7FrV0y9bRpyGPgfoXdy9kaHikbTBEha-zi9W138-zAlHKjrHsFNHAvdT_x60BsPauU/s900/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%20Lee%20Bong%20Ryun%20Young%20Joo%20Oh%20Eui%20Shik%20Jae%20Woo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFTZglyamasZbfyu9OihpV_Yvw9rI5dZZNJhRuTRErYUyjpPmW9uEdJCCHndtyoazbQkZnncy1bflQIr9Nuhi9JElBCg2NasznVEUlbduN9jgaB2XQ0hcpz7FrV0y9bRpyGPgfoXdy9kaHikbTBEha-zi9W138-zAlHKjrHsFNHAvdT_x60BsPauU/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%20Lee%20Bong%20Ryun%20Young%20Joo%20Oh%20Eui%20Shik%20Jae%20Woo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This show was special because of its great cast. And two of my favorites would have to be Uncle Jae Woo and Young Joo. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Oh Eui Shik was such a revelation. We've seen him in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-confidential-assignment.html">Confidential Assignment</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-weightlifting-fairy-kim.html">Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-romance-is-bonus-book.html">Romance is a Bonus Book</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-big-mouth-2022-44-45.html">Big Mouth</a>, and his role in this drama left the most impact with us. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was horrible when he was accused of stalking a girl in a cafe when he just really liked the waffles she cooked. It was a painful depiction of all the injustices people with disabilities have to go through everyday. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">That's why it was such a big deal for me when Chi Yeol came into their lives. It was so cool that there was another guy that Jae Woo can share secrets with, who listens to him, gives him advice, and treats him like one of the guys. It was so heartbreaking when Haeng Seon told Jae Woo not to call Chi Yeol anymore during one of their break ups. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was perfect that Jae Woo ended up with my other favorite character, Young Joo. Like Oh Eui Shik, we've also seen Lee Bong Ryun in a couple of dramas and movies - <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-samjin-company-english.html">Samjin Company English Class</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-exit-2019.html">Exit</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-taxi-driver.html">A Taxi Driver</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-narco-saints-suriname.html">Narco Saints/Suriname</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>. And it was great to see how wide Lee Byong Ryun's range is as an actress. She's played a number of notable characters in the past and she managed to give us another great performance here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I love Young Joo because she always has Haeng Seon's back. Even if they always seem to be arguing or making fun of each other. I love Young Joo's humor - her deadpan delivery and sarcasm. I liked how she talked to Chi Yeol to tell him that she's never seen Haeng Seon cry over a man and that she must really like him. She loves her friend so much. And while I was not so sure if she really liked Jae Woo or if she just needed a man in her life, I found myself rooting for them. She's probably the best person for Jae Woo because she knows him and she could be patient with him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hae Yi's Friends</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6KANrc4gJJJyCv2Nhf9FgGpS1AL3rc4zaa-DW7_FKRKu9xiHlQ-FyLKwJUBzj5epwJ7DgnaC5wIK6z99Esur9KiX-f7tGz251QbMHPjcrW5AdXlcxqRVSiaNlHf6ocIymo7hDouSIgofHGUmqQgmpd3q1xsbEhTL3m7Si0y_l6hwIcYobiO3iCfr/s360/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Seon%20Jae%20Gong%20Wu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6KANrc4gJJJyCv2Nhf9FgGpS1AL3rc4zaa-DW7_FKRKu9xiHlQ-FyLKwJUBzj5epwJ7DgnaC5wIK6z99Esur9KiX-f7tGz251QbMHPjcrW5AdXlcxqRVSiaNlHf6ocIymo7hDouSIgofHGUmqQgmpd3q1xsbEhTL3m7Si0y_l6hwIcYobiO3iCfr/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Seon%20Jae%20Gong%20Wu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Hae Yi's fun and supportive friends. Seon Jae was great and he would have been even more perfect had it not been for his overbearing mom, Mrs. Jang (Jang Young Nam of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/04/k-movie-review-seo-bok-2021.html">Seobok</a>, Confidential Assignment, and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo). I loved how he shared everything with Hae Yi, although it did cause trouble later on with the cheating scandal. I was always rooting for him to end up with Hae Yi. My favorite Seon Jae moment was when his brother (Kim Tae Jeong) went to jail and Hae Yi visited Seon Jae and all he could do was put his head on her shoulder because of exhaustion. That was a very touching moment for me. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Geon Hu (Lee Min Jae) made school life more fun for Hae Yi and her friends. He was a promising hockey athlete whose career was cut short because of an injury. I loved how Mr. Jeon gave him a wake up call - acknowledging that he was upset with his exit from hockey but telling him that he has other options and he just needs to think about what he really wants to do. And oh how he lived up to that challenge by bravely asking Hae Yi to help him study and how he boldly asked her in front of their class to go out with him if he makes it to college. I also loved Geon Hu's bromance with Seon Jae, especially when they defended Hae Yi from their classmates who were making fun of her because of her mom's scandal. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlpHlqEl3dGfbevZ9DV5gaygxyVVbxf3zhxc7-TZljK9ImnJuHWj4-lTlkG0VVkLODv9ot9sxMiifUCsg0IhEnOSOELhuWx38iw66I-GN7p6fOw-x3Lsl92y8Eu-JUUBjyzZinw7hWQmRfLJnReUuP6WEXtynVT0gDpjSR_4BkUbafnyvUb7EozkH/s600/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Dan%20Ji.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlpHlqEl3dGfbevZ9DV5gaygxyVVbxf3zhxc7-TZljK9ImnJuHWj4-lTlkG0VVkLODv9ot9sxMiifUCsg0IhEnOSOELhuWx38iw66I-GN7p6fOw-x3Lsl92y8Eu-JUUBjyzZinw7hWQmRfLJnReUuP6WEXtynVT0gDpjSR_4BkUbafnyvUb7EozkH/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Dan%20Ji.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And while Dan Ji's (Ryu Da In) role was not that prominent, I still loved her for always being there for Hae Yi. I loved how Hae Yi's friends cheered her on when the truth about her real mom was revealed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shin Jae Ha as Ji Dong Hee</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjopEKRhO8PjBoCMzeP_XULsRtwd-UVm5B_qYTmc5pVW2h-4SaX9D6NKiw7NIgM3FmyYRpzhPubNsCrHmyWpxytmB6iBYVp9Ql3M53vB6xGJBaywpW0MW6OGtEr4lYSpp17sRR1DszTOmubpQsKQyfG-J8uTrBUJ-B4EZkZfZgBOZnXtkdtwulbS_/s1019/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Shin%20Jae%20Ha%20Ji%20Dong%20Hee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1019" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjopEKRhO8PjBoCMzeP_XULsRtwd-UVm5B_qYTmc5pVW2h-4SaX9D6NKiw7NIgM3FmyYRpzhPubNsCrHmyWpxytmB6iBYVp9Ql3M53vB6xGJBaywpW0MW6OGtEr4lYSpp17sRR1DszTOmubpQsKQyfG-J8uTrBUJ-B4EZkZfZgBOZnXtkdtwulbS_/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Shin%20Jae%20Ha%20Ji%20Dong%20Hee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mr. Ji (Shin Jae Ha of Prison Playbook) was initially my favorite character because of how he always had Chi Yeol's back. But as the story unfolded, I realized that he had a twisted way of protecting Chi Yeol. He was the brother of Chi Yeol's former student who committed suicide. And since his sister trusted Chi Yeol, he made this crazy vow of always protecting Chi Yeol, to the point of killing those who got in his way. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, he was my initial murder suspect. But the show made me believe otherwise. Maybe I was in denial? And I didn't want to be disappointed? But when the truth was finally revealed, I saw that he was really creepy, with scary-looking dead eyes. I'm just grateful that he never really intended to hurt Chi Yeol. But this plot twist still hurt me because I really wanted him to always be there for Chi Yeol, in a good way of course. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Competitive Moms</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iQPnA4FCScoPraabcBLgsgcre0IGM7nFQ9trcDV4voRtMhVq76xbfisOIx47vBbEr6JakBo3W5dTEVmX_T1FoyF5ZQg0heMsLfYZGU3vtRu9iqHwMoQekIsKzDvMAAI_utJ_vb257mPmiHMDtLPWS7Y04T15Qc3KPlEUfFc-UvCIK-oPWsKMfmoQ/s2048/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Moms.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="945" data-original-width="2048" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6iQPnA4FCScoPraabcBLgsgcre0IGM7nFQ9trcDV4voRtMhVq76xbfisOIx47vBbEr6JakBo3W5dTEVmX_T1FoyF5ZQg0heMsLfYZGU3vtRu9iqHwMoQekIsKzDvMAAI_utJ_vb257mPmiHMDtLPWS7Y04T15Qc3KPlEUfFc-UvCIK-oPWsKMfmoQ/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Moms.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I really, really loathed the competitive moms, led by Su Ah's (Kang Na Eon) mom, Ms. Jo (Kim Sun Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-juror-8-2019.html">Juror 8</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-silent-sea-2021-42-4.html">The Silent Sea</a>, Hospital Playlist, Crash Landing on You, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-vagabond-2019.html">Vagabond</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-moment-of-eighteen-at.html">At Eighteen</a>, Romance is a Bonus Book, and Prison Playbook) and Dan Ji's mom, Ms. Lee (Hwang Bo Ra of Vagabond, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/06/k-drama-review-whats-wrong-with.html">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim</a>, Fight for My Way). It was annoying how they'd do anything to get advantages for their kids, even unfair ones. I was genuinely happy when they found out that Chi Yeol was tutoring Hae Yi because it was like a huge slap on their discriminatory faces. And they even spread baseless rumors to put down their kids' competitors. They go really, really low. But not as low as Ms. Jang, whom I thought was better than the others, but turned out to be the worst among all of them. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although the show's main theme has been covered in earlier dramas, I liked how it was still able to present it in a different and not so heavy handed way. It highlighted how toxic the education system is - perpetuated by the schools, academies, teachers, and parents, and ultimately by the students too who have no choice but to succumb to the pressure from their parents. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the drama showed us that things are even tougher for kids from families that are not so well off like Hae Yi's. They're discriminated against and they lose opportunities even if they would have actually excelled in a merit-based world. I hated how the rich moms ganged up on Haeng Seon and Hae Yi, thinking they were better than them just because they were richer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And the lengths these crazy parents go to. Like stealing exams to make sure their kids do well. Seon Jae almost committed suicide had Geon Hu not seen him. Su Ah was on the brink of losing it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I couldn't get how illogical some of these parents and students can get. Canceling Chi Yeol (and burning his workbooks) and Haeng Seon's shop just because they fell in love? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My only consolation was that there are still teachers like Mr. Jeon and Chi Yeol who genuinely care for their students, who understand the pressure they're in, and how they try their best to make things easier for their students. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxWtq748V26wAOO0CnagtfVWTNAxGm6MuFH4-RAVbHavsdSuvjhvQYo5HhmuR5kMvBBhoPYW9ayPGEPN7v62I4d726g-44nH7SISV79xiQMhEmmMbDlZchnlitU0Ia54CK7QPJS2hWYOAP23YTevJHPsiPNGrETjNWJ9zbFyFcB1DtvX5O2wXXmhT/s666/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="666" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxWtq748V26wAOO0CnagtfVWTNAxGm6MuFH4-RAVbHavsdSuvjhvQYo5HhmuR5kMvBBhoPYW9ayPGEPN7v62I4d726g-44nH7SISV79xiQMhEmmMbDlZchnlitU0Ia54CK7QPJS2hWYOAP23YTevJHPsiPNGrETjNWJ9zbFyFcB1DtvX5O2wXXmhT/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I appreciated the show's attempt on touching heavy topics like the price that people have to pay for fame - how people are always out to get Chi Yeol and how he even developed insomnia and an eating disorder because of this. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course the injustices that people with disability go through and how they're attacked and discriminated against even if it's very obvious that they're not neurotypical. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To balance out the heavy stuff, I liked the show's funny moments because they were really funny. And it helped a lot that the actors handled comedy really well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I loved how the serendipity stuff were not contrived. I can actually imagine a guy finding comfort in a woman's cooking because he used to be fed by that woman's mother. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdnXP-lc4WCs8JxBJg-l4zWbwOuadeY2WcGUIEBB311ejDgaLqfGtuocNZa8OJFs6soPadqem59kZ0T3w4c-LRudXKclLZQfK3cLPF4sV2tSwOtTbtEkUTSNAATc5bacgD0-VnElB61ZptV1juhzViA4KKaGB2ExINOwa1n4AqmSgjp3-AK5RV9wy/s666/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%20Shin%20Jae%20Ha%20Ji%20Dong%20Hee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="666" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQdnXP-lc4WCs8JxBJg-l4zWbwOuadeY2WcGUIEBB311ejDgaLqfGtuocNZa8OJFs6soPadqem59kZ0T3w4c-LRudXKclLZQfK3cLPF4sV2tSwOtTbtEkUTSNAATc5bacgD0-VnElB61ZptV1juhzViA4KKaGB2ExINOwa1n4AqmSgjp3-AK5RV9wy/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jung%20Kyung%20Ho%20Choi%20Chi%20Yeol%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%20Shin%20Jae%20Ha%20Ji%20Dong%20Hee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was initially concerned with the criminal/mystery angle and how it would mesh with the entire story. But I was pleasantly surprised that the show handled this story really well. The drama didn't overdo it. I admit, however, that there were some flaws like was it ever reported that Chi Yeol's stalker student was hit by metal balls early on in the show? Or why did it took a long time for the academy to find out that one of their teachers was missing? </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ending</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">While I enjoyed most parts of the show, there were some story lines that I was not so happy with. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbszXf3P5tMY3st8cZdFE8fekUmBhBEJZeenBIClzwT0cXRRvUWKTVBYa0mhXcryNossJRwtF14QSpaMqzjmU5PijlYu5FraqPi2OemMVRjxFh3T4-sIReH6Le8SGaNFvAgAOZwKZrqjTBHGW5G85kxEcydqb37T18jGY8C7K_JzqYUnO2DDA2rxW/s1280/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Shin%20Jae%20Ha%20Ji%20Dong%20Hee%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAbszXf3P5tMY3st8cZdFE8fekUmBhBEJZeenBIClzwT0cXRRvUWKTVBYa0mhXcryNossJRwtF14QSpaMqzjmU5PijlYu5FraqPi2OemMVRjxFh3T4-sIReH6Le8SGaNFvAgAOZwKZrqjTBHGW5G85kxEcydqb37T18jGY8C7K_JzqYUnO2DDA2rxW/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Shin%20Jae%20Ha%20Ji%20Dong%20Hee%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While it was a relief that Chi Yeol finally discovered Mr. Ji's true colors and how he told him that he didn't want to go back to his old, unhappy, hollow, and meaningless life, I was not entirely happy with how this story line was handled. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Chi Yeol was so reckless breaking into Mr. Ji's house by himself. Why risk his life when he could have called the police or the detectives for help?</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I didn't like how this story was ended so abruptly and how Mr. Ji was given an easy way out. Should he not pay for his crimes? Should he not be given a chance to show remorse? Or if that ending was really inevitable for him, could he not at least have more closure with Chi Yeol? Like despite what happened, Chi Yeol could still express his gratitude for all the good things Mr. Ji did for him. And affirming that Mr. Ji should not be blamed for how he turned out. That way they would at least be at peace with each other. I personally would not have minded if this story line was stretched out a bit. Especially since it seemed like it was a major/primary conflict in the show. I believe it should have emphasized more that Mr. Ji's mom pushed him to be that way. This story definitely deserved a more thorough treatment. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I was quite disappointed with how people didn't seem to be that affected with what happened. I would have loved to see some reaction from Mr. Ji's colleagues. And for someone who was really close to Mr. Ji, I found it out of character for Chi Yeol to move on so quickly from his death. Sure he had a better support group now and we're talking about a murderer. But I expected Mr. Ji's death to be more traumatic for Chi Yeol, knowing that someone so close to him whom he thought he knew too well was actually evil. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPrsHS_EYqiF-EV9exe5q_XkVM4gdqpJ_QI-iPU2OZGYOani1YVgwU7jRK320LaACjJkFnRagakwvJioRTbxf0ieTxSk9otPYlOvzV0K7iTMKfM83mAZ5_fO-cjejcqKDJQBTBZruUmyP6fU02qKCCrr28AGkN393DW5FY8U_djKYkgZC8k4Z_RQT/s1200/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Su%20Ah.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPrsHS_EYqiF-EV9exe5q_XkVM4gdqpJ_QI-iPU2OZGYOani1YVgwU7jRK320LaACjJkFnRagakwvJioRTbxf0ieTxSk9otPYlOvzV0K7iTMKfM83mAZ5_fO-cjejcqKDJQBTBZruUmyP6fU02qKCCrr28AGkN393DW5FY8U_djKYkgZC8k4Z_RQT/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Su%20Ah.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was glad that mom finally acknowledged that something was wrong with Su Ah and she actually asked for help to make her better. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was also satisfying to see Su Ah's mom get her karma when the other moms witnessed her husband's infidelity. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I get that the show was aiming for a happy ending but I just found it quite unbelievable that Su Ah changed completely - she shared her notes with Hae Yi and she appears to be forming a relationship with Geon Hu. Maybe Hae Yi's accident had such a huge impact on her? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In the end, I was proud of how her parents' scandal didn't break Su Ah. I loved how she bravely told mom to get a divorce if that's what she wanted. And mom finally put to good use her nosiness by being a counselor at the academy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsBTpnoP3tMORzst8TpGNAUlt34W2pJfG-9xeLjFRQYnUyH6hAFZFBjCi0LNR-88j5Q5QmSThFkaW1hP9RGaBmaHxwo9gBySDhqvYSN30o-FLhJXVKGPhuUblQlHzePr9Brb2PR6ppHfIwkBPyYKxaJgNHakqnwwUKp-xN7X0x4we33PjYuCl0i2i/s960/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%20Lee%20Bong%20Ryun%20Young%20Joo%20Oh%20Eui%20Shik%20Jae%20Woo%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsBTpnoP3tMORzst8TpGNAUlt34W2pJfG-9xeLjFRQYnUyH6hAFZFBjCi0LNR-88j5Q5QmSThFkaW1hP9RGaBmaHxwo9gBySDhqvYSN30o-FLhJXVKGPhuUblQlHzePr9Brb2PR6ppHfIwkBPyYKxaJgNHakqnwwUKp-xN7X0x4we33PjYuCl0i2i/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Jeon%20Do%20Yeon%20Nam%20Haeng%20Seon%20Lee%20Bong%20Ryun%20Young%20Joo%20Oh%20Eui%20Shik%20Jae%20Woo%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was happy to see Jae Woo and Young Joo's relationship progress. More than the romantic stuff, I was happy that they are each other's support group. Like how Young Joo let Jae Woo cry after Hae Yi's surgery. And how Jae Woo confessed that he felt bad because it was always Haeng Seon and Hae Yi taking care of him but now Hae Yi was sick. I also loved Jae Woo's confession which was awkward and naive but also very sincere and heartfelt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X0SQ_6wZ-zoiCleY1ZHelq430AlF1WHPt3zs4MwugXSPmkRgVcZppv0SnMNPFAj3yuocjnPIPQDC9d9iZcWDRzvHzc1HMgGaOi_unmnuk0et1IzrqN8RV20MJpqBjbR-OPD6Ajx2yHfZCG98tUrSN0cS6RxpEiQZ6SzgpVCXsg6pKizksU2by7xw/s300/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Seon%20Jae%20Geon%20Hu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6X0SQ_6wZ-zoiCleY1ZHelq430AlF1WHPt3zs4MwugXSPmkRgVcZppv0SnMNPFAj3yuocjnPIPQDC9d9iZcWDRzvHzc1HMgGaOi_unmnuk0et1IzrqN8RV20MJpqBjbR-OPD6Ajx2yHfZCG98tUrSN0cS6RxpEiQZ6SzgpVCXsg6pKizksU2by7xw/s1600/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Seon%20Jae%20Geon%20Hu.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was proud of how Seon Jae courageously admitted the exam leak. Yes, it took time but I understand how torn he must have felt. Of course, he didn't want to cheat but he also didn't want his mom to get into trouble. And I loved how he asked his dad to help his mom when he finally confessed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved how the bromance was sealed when Geon Hu stopped Seon Jae from jumping off the school rooftop. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hated mom for putting Seon Jae through so much but I'm just hoping that his break from school would be good for him and his family. And I loved his cute and awkward confession to Hae Yi and how Geon Hu mocked him afterwards. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I felt that this was a storyline the show could have focused more on. To highlight the evil consequences of what mom did. I also felt that mom got off lightly. I'm happy that she's slowed down and she's rekindling her relationships with her sons. But I also wish this was done in a slower and gentler manner so it didn't come out quite abrupt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrZ5jtJqnNFKZzpA5Mr9nABNr8INh19q09GtDI29IIuamQQUMhoax42LVzjHhmvXsePZPQRTCpAeneJkxKXfHC8vrafLVPPesIRNbw2Jt1n-IgRd863OFhwFiHVW2S0vkTLIJ_Zpmo7lH3G6UcLgqCdwWPhgLNE4J5ulWnW99N8WknjIzeDf7U2HV/s1280/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Bae%20Hae%20Soon%20Haeng%20Ja.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrZ5jtJqnNFKZzpA5Mr9nABNr8INh19q09GtDI29IIuamQQUMhoax42LVzjHhmvXsePZPQRTCpAeneJkxKXfHC8vrafLVPPesIRNbw2Jt1n-IgRd863OFhwFiHVW2S0vkTLIJ_Zpmo7lH3G6UcLgqCdwWPhgLNE4J5ulWnW99N8WknjIzeDf7U2HV/s320/Crash_Course_in_Romance%20Bae%20Hae%20Soon%20Haeng%20Ja.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">My least favorite part of the ending was the arrival of Hae Yi's biological mom (Bae Hae Sun of Samjin Company English Class, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/12/k-drama-review-love-in-contract-2022-44.html">Love in Contract</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-happiness-2021-45-45.html">Happiness</a>, Hometown Cha Cha Cha, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-start-up-2020.html">Start-Up</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-hotel-del-luna-2019.html">Hotel Del Luna</a>). While it was good for Hae Yi to get closure, I think mom's return was unnecessary because Hae Yi was pretty much happy with her life. And for this story to be the center of the final two episodes felt unfair because mom totally didn't deserve the limelight. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I felt bad that Haeng Seon's heart had to break again after everything she's been through. It was painful to see her buy Hae Yi's stuff and discuss her conditions with her sister, as if she were already endorsing Hae Yi to her real mom. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was not fair for Hae Yi to be confused again after all that she's endured at a young age. And it was heartbreaking for Uncle Jae Woo too. I know Haeng Seon's tough and she'll manage. But fragile Jae Woo might not be able to handle it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And for mom to just leave again in the end. How traumatic it must have been for everyone. Sure, Hae Yi has some sort of relationship with mom this time. And mom's letter to Haeng Seon was bittersweet. But I just found it odd that they didn't even talk about what happened afterwards. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I guess all's well that ends well. Haeng Seon was finally doing something for herself by getting that sports instructor certificate. And she's marrying Chi Yeol. And Chi Yeol now lives a very relaxed life. And I guess we should just all be happy for them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.6.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.5.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-7963948517035204202023-02-10T19:10:00.004+09:002023-02-10T19:10:52.279+09:00K Drama Review: The Interest of Love (2022) 4.25 || 4<p style="text-align: justify;">This drama was a must-watch for us because it has Yoo Yeon Seok who is part of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/noonas-oppa-list.html">my list</a>. The bank branch setting also made us curious. And while Oppa and I have conflicting feelings about this show, it was good enough for both of us to finish watching it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVGsSwhDU3M_R3Y-mbA_5HSxPZfSMyIIBHK1kzBBo_jG7-G-gdVwBZckY-Mmv7Yo2HQozb3gxZGY91alnIlqV-OKWGHZSNDgDn4ZOaN7nT9bFV7u9J5UYYKyzCbg0CyvBGVHPo13eFUn-dIFGZ6NZA-GqOwwPu2Aq1QPlbzf4A4GjVytc8HKzFmMQ/s357/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Moon%20Ga%20Young.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVGsSwhDU3M_R3Y-mbA_5HSxPZfSMyIIBHK1kzBBo_jG7-G-gdVwBZckY-Mmv7Yo2HQozb3gxZGY91alnIlqV-OKWGHZSNDgDn4ZOaN7nT9bFV7u9J5UYYKyzCbg0CyvBGVHPo13eFUn-dIFGZ6NZA-GqOwwPu2Aq1QPlbzf4A4GjVytc8HKzFmMQ/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Moon%20Ga%20Young.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Interest of Love tells the story of KCU Bank Yeongpo branch colleagues whose lives get entangled as they form both romantic and platonic relationships with each other. Ha Sang Soo (Yoo Yeon Seok) falls for long-time teller Ahn Soo Young (Moon Ga Young). However, a few minutes of hesitation on the part of Sang Soo before their first formal date turns their lives upside down. Their budding romance is immediately cut short and Sang Soo and Soo Young end up constantly doubting and running after/away from each other, never quite finding the perfect timing. As a result, they find themselves in relationships with other people - Soo Young with the bank's security guard, Jeong Jong Hyun (Jung Ga Ram), and Sang Soo with his university junior and now the branch's assistant manager, Park Mi Kyung (Keum Sae Rok of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-movie-review-last-princess-2016.html">The Last Princess</a>). The drama takes us through how our main characters try to untangle themselves from the messy web they find themselves in. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yoo Yeon Seok as Ha Sang Soo</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3072C9J6Krd67mi23kZkamsA-YtJ_90rnaV2VM7w8-Y-QCG-OSxppGjdgFuRawAg9ct8_ozITlMicSEeV25zFRt9YhFAN9rmGfcmNtpnW6JKdP4PyUzK9EwSO-kiIXJhATLk8yoK99WmigSsuRcmrSQFXXnCM0tYX9HShb8weXJwLR-CxrQDl44ST/s1620/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3072C9J6Krd67mi23kZkamsA-YtJ_90rnaV2VM7w8-Y-QCG-OSxppGjdgFuRawAg9ct8_ozITlMicSEeV25zFRt9YhFAN9rmGfcmNtpnW6JKdP4PyUzK9EwSO-kiIXJhATLk8yoK99WmigSsuRcmrSQFXXnCM0tYX9HShb8weXJwLR-CxrQDl44ST/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've always loved Yoo Yeon Seok regardless of whether the drama he's in is good or not. And that's probably the reason why we've seen a lot of his shows - <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-mr-sunshine-2018-47-45.html">Mr. Sunshine</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-warm-and-cozy-2015.html">Warm and Cozy</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-narco-saints-suriname.html">Narco-Saints Suriname</a>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yoo Yeon Seok delivers another solid performance as Ha Sang Soo. He's perfect as the shy, awkward, very kind, and giddy in love bank employee. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It's so easy to fall in love with Sang Soo because of how considerate he is with everyone. (Easy to misinterpret too, though.) And I found him very endearing when he talked about Soo Young like when he was telling his mom (Seo Jeong Yeon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/11/k-drama-review-she-was-pretty-2015.html">She Was Pretty</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-descendants-of-sun.html">Descendants of the Sun</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-one-spring-night-2019.html">One Spring Night</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-nevertheless-2021-46-45.html">Nevertheless</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-forecasting-love-and.html">Forecasting Love and Weather</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-juror-8-2019.html">Juror 8</a>) about her or when he was confessing to Soo Young's dad (Park Yoon Hee of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-twenty-five-twenty-one.html">Twenty-Five Twenty One</a>) about how he felt towards his daughter. You could totally feel his sincerity. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yoo Yeon Seok really did well in his dramatic scenes too. One of my favorites was when he was apologizing to Mi Kyung after the latter was hospitalized and he was begging her not to be in pain because of him. I felt his anguish in those scenes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although Yoo Yeon Seok's now older than your typical K drama male lead, I still love him because he just seems to get better with time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Moon Ga Young as Ahn Soo Young</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqF88np1dXVF_yF7WKPXefu6ZOPBMNiUbM_Pw-zgTeCNM1goUK5h3XNOLUmsZLOdf3tG8LqVD2bBZqbqtxrs2iAqOY-O-oBOXBXJE7K5qmkzfOxC_-itfdx9TkW3ifbjZJ_6jg_6pKIBbbIyFy8V6TxO--xM-lkTs2VoWVQxnHF5IVA995sSC4tXp/s800/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqF88np1dXVF_yF7WKPXefu6ZOPBMNiUbM_Pw-zgTeCNM1goUK5h3XNOLUmsZLOdf3tG8LqVD2bBZqbqtxrs2iAqOY-O-oBOXBXJE7K5qmkzfOxC_-itfdx9TkW3ifbjZJ_6jg_6pKIBbbIyFy8V6TxO--xM-lkTs2VoWVQxnHF5IVA995sSC4tXp/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is our first full Moon Ga Young drama. We tried watching her on True Beauty but we ended up forgetting about it after watching an episode or two. We loved her more here though. Her character as Ahn Soo Young is more natural. She's perfect as the melancholic teller who's endured so much in life. She rarely smiles that's why scenes where you find some trace of happiness in her are priceless. And in the few funny scenes she had, like when she was bickering with Sang Soo, I know she can do comedy too. And we loved her style here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although I was mostly rooting for her and I was sympathetic towards her, I just found her scenes with Jong Hyun quite depressing. I felt horrible for her that she could not go home freely because she shared it with someone she obviously did not like that much. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now we're tempted to continue watching True Beauty, if only to see Moon Ga Young in a happier/more cheerful role. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jung Ga Ram as Jeong Jong Hyun</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD3ZxMtSqYzOBP7kKw0OfZ8H-80RyksvnFad-dlu7IacSgBw1KkNdmbH2ogTgRKyv6tQ8tToqKX9pEC97Jl2uxlZo2UFoc6uTLea_FJ6MyyZwV5g1UERGa5fz9V9BFchWgoXCXQYcTQtbT2egSWWQaUwcjA1pEc7NSTkaF2QY9Ktnj5aEP0ADwNK8/s301/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Jung%20Ga%20Ram%20Jeong%20Jong%20Hyun.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD3ZxMtSqYzOBP7kKw0OfZ8H-80RyksvnFad-dlu7IacSgBw1KkNdmbH2ogTgRKyv6tQ8tToqKX9pEC97Jl2uxlZo2UFoc6uTLea_FJ6MyyZwV5g1UERGa5fz9V9BFchWgoXCXQYcTQtbT2egSWWQaUwcjA1pEc7NSTkaF2QY9Ktnj5aEP0ADwNK8/s1600/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Jung%20Ga%20Ram%20Jeong%20Jong%20Hyun.jpeg" width="301" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wish Jung Ga Ram would have a stronger character in his next drama. It was already unfortunate that he was so pitiful in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2019.html">Love Alarm</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/03/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2-2021.html">Love Alarm 2</a> (yes, even if he got the girl in the end). And yet he ends up with something more pitiful here, without even getting the girl this time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I know Jong Hyun feels inferior, especially with all the help Soo Young has given him - letting him stay with her, removing her piano and plants from her veranda to have more space for their stuff, giving him money for his dad's treatment, helping him review for his exams, etc. But he just becomes more pathetic when he acts all apologetic around her. Love is all about making compromises and sacrifices for each other so he should stop feeling sorry for himself. It just got worse when he didn't even want to tell Soo Young that he failed the exam. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm glad that things worked out for Jong Hyun in the end but I would really love to see Jung Ga Ram play a more confident character. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Keum Sae Rok as Park Mi Kyung</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6yFlfUHZPh0WoDgjWXq1Nrk5rAKy6yO2V1LXcZYFIu6mkFy-fFZ4jruOwTB-_uhdGpgdJ01fxOfM8ZW54ab-k6JTSEDYgPFNnn1w1EPWLXgMWS5jYD0SCcLAkv9O9ZbqrIODNP1l6jgtZ5hf80nmjyLNXXwO6OY6nG5RL0wKsfSQgalL7g_9MTyA/s830/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Keom%20Sae%20Rok%20Park%20Mi%20Kyung.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="830" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6yFlfUHZPh0WoDgjWXq1Nrk5rAKy6yO2V1LXcZYFIu6mkFy-fFZ4jruOwTB-_uhdGpgdJ01fxOfM8ZW54ab-k6JTSEDYgPFNnn1w1EPWLXgMWS5jYD0SCcLAkv9O9ZbqrIODNP1l6jgtZ5hf80nmjyLNXXwO6OY6nG5RL0wKsfSQgalL7g_9MTyA/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Keom%20Sae%20Rok%20Park%20Mi%20Kyung.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even if it was obvious that Mi Kyung was going to get in the way of Soo Young and Sang Soo's relationship, it was difficult not to love her. Her cute and smiling eyes and face just made her so endearing. Never mind if she can be too clingy or tactless (like talking about college when she knew Soo Young didn't attend one or asking about the exam that Jong Hyun flunked) or lavish (not getting that Sang Soo does not want her to get favors for him like a new car so he can compete with her friends or asking the landlady of Sang Soo's mom not to increase the deposit). Yes, she can be a handful but she's too cute that you can overlook the other stuff. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Well, that's until she turned into a horrible, entitled monster when Sang Soo wanted to break up with her. I thought she was better than that. Turns out she can be a spoiled brat too. But credits to the show for the great make up transformation from cheerful to depressed Mi Kyung. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But she won me over again when she finally let go of Sang Soo. Keum Sae Rok's young and I know we'll be seeing more of her in the future. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Other Colleagues</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZW3liY5Sfub02S1Gk3UKJhi2zRdClmIcWw8c0yQstavvkdhD73gPtx0zEVT3eCwOWEvXt0a5jc21ZwBut06PYuy7oFzPzIZMF4iKR-bd2-YXeCpIK-UCEjodRmFKcy3DxihJBLILMNUaN5M-Xl-e705R7eBBVOr4ABIXOrklIK1rareaftP3VaGp/s1588/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young%20Yook.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1588" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZW3liY5Sfub02S1Gk3UKJhi2zRdClmIcWw8c0yQstavvkdhD73gPtx0zEVT3eCwOWEvXt0a5jc21ZwBut06PYuy7oFzPzIZMF4iKR-bd2-YXeCpIK-UCEjodRmFKcy3DxihJBLILMNUaN5M-Xl-e705R7eBBVOr4ABIXOrklIK1rareaftP3VaGp/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young%20Yook.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There were many familiar faces here. The show seemed to have gathered all the annoying bosses from other dramas and put them all together here - Branch Manager Yook (Jeong Jae Sung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-confidential-assignment.html">Confidential Assignment</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist 2</a>, Hospital Playlist, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-my-mistermy-ahjussi-2018.html">My Mister</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-prison-playbook-wise.html">Prison Playbook</a>), Deputy Manager Noh (Lee Hwa Ryong of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-1987-when-day-comes-2017.html">1987: When the Day Comes</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/02/k-drama-review-snowdrop-2021-4-4.html">Snowdrop</a>, and Something in the Rain), Team Leader Lee (Park Hyung Soo of Confidential Assignment, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/12/k-drama-review-happiness-2021-45-45.html">Happiness</a>, Hospital Playlist, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>, and Prison Playbook), and Assistant Manager Ma (Lee Si Hoon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-parasite-2019.html">Parasite</a>, Mr. Sunshine, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/07/k-drama-review-encounter-boyfriend.html">Encounter</a>, and Something in the Rain). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My favorite colleague was Team Leader Seo (Yang Jo Ah of 1987: When the Day Comes, Hospital Playlist, Hospital Playlist 2, and Something in the Rain). She never gossiped. She was a genuine friend to Soo Young even if everyone seemed to bully Soo Young. She never talked about her colleagues' secrets. And I really found it so sweet of her to take Soo Young out for a farewell dinner. I'm glad to see that they've kept in touch throughout the years. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also enjoyed watching Kyung Pil (Moon Tae Yu of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-taxi-driver.html">A Taxi Driver</a>, Forecasting Love and Weather, Hospital Playlist, Hospital Playlist 2, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>). Although his chill vibe reminded me of his Hospital Playlist character, I found him really endearing because of what he did to help Soo Young get rid of Sang Soo and Jong Hyun. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show started out promising to me. I enjoyed getting a sneak peek of what happens behind the scenes in banks. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked the show's attempt to highlight the problematic stuff in office culture. Like the toxic work environment where junior staff are bullied to make them admit that they're dating colleagues or where women staff are forced to "entertain" clients. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course there's the usual discrimination against non-college graduates and graduates from colleges outside Seoul. There's very little chance of them being promoted despite working hard for the company for years and showing exemplary skills. I liked how Soo Young finally had the guts to ask why she couldn't be transferred even if she ticked all of the boxes. And how that courageous move finally got her transferred. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And there's the annoying office gossip, which some might find harmless but could actually ruin someone's career. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Plus office politics, which can affect how far you'll go in the company. Going against your bosses is a big no-no. And it would really, really help if you're well-connected. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then there's the unwritten prohibition on falling for someone from a lower social class and how the poor person's family is considered as a burden by the richer one in the relationship. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show's presentation of the story got me confused at times. It was quite difficult for me to follow some stuff when the stories were not presented in chronological order. It's harder if you only watch the show weekly because you tend to forget what happened in the previous weeks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdqPXZytiURVLLXntLXoN9bdySELMKCvxavvQ0td6MpS47hpyeCVKsxthCl5tKxmS6PXVqBtTon5djq2jsjfHf1dDfFCyNpRTl-dyT9btgawhzQar8gPueGbZY1LHOf9lTEmDE2ZQjWvQUJoljU19Rc2I6-Mp1Y1m2bluySNsp6-j0jH4ZhWpritg/s1300/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1300" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdqPXZytiURVLLXntLXoN9bdySELMKCvxavvQ0td6MpS47hpyeCVKsxthCl5tKxmS6PXVqBtTon5djq2jsjfHf1dDfFCyNpRTl-dyT9btgawhzQar8gPueGbZY1LHOf9lTEmDE2ZQjWvQUJoljU19Rc2I6-Mp1Y1m2bluySNsp6-j0jH4ZhWpritg/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">But that's nothing compared to how I felt about the love storyline in general. There were just too many roadblocks that made me want to give up on them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I believe all of the problems Sang Soo and Soo Young encountered started with Sang Soo's moment of hesitation. If that didn't happen, Soo Young probably had a lesser chance of doubting, feeling inferior, and running away. Yes, the hesitation might have been for a very short time. But I would have reacted the way Soo Young did. While Sang Soo is entitled to hesitate, he should have thought things through before he asked her out. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">What was really exhausting was the endless cycle of the two of them accusing each other of playing with the other's feelings. And the never ending story of someone getting in their way. Time was never right for them and I just felt that maybe they should just stop trying altogether. I was becoming convinced that they were better off with the people they were with at that moment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0vMC7LQPNxjfFsADKB4govNvBjVapurvg77y6ZpXEkdmeemCgd8XRNVk4Qt_ZWwVQ6EEVOBs_QYf7V51so5f4iegBTLE4k8U3cPY8ENYD7NBdXkl5ZwAUcRc-h-buNhdPdLnttl6gojpsx_p8foiCRzqMbD2HgLFoUaE-Qn0ppmiJw1IWorVdx36/s1913/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="1913" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL0vMC7LQPNxjfFsADKB4govNvBjVapurvg77y6ZpXEkdmeemCgd8XRNVk4Qt_ZWwVQ6EEVOBs_QYf7V51so5f4iegBTLE4k8U3cPY8ENYD7NBdXkl5ZwAUcRc-h-buNhdPdLnttl6gojpsx_p8foiCRzqMbD2HgLFoUaE-Qn0ppmiJw1IWorVdx36/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And because I hate cheating, I couldn't get why Sang Soo and Soo Young kept on seeing each other privately even if they were already in relationships with others. Yes, the emotions were strong. But they should have avoided being in situations where they could not control themselves. Especially since they worked together. And if they really could not stop themselves, they should have broken up with their partners first. It was too problematic for me that I could not even force myself to celebrate their first kiss. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But having said that, and while I blame Sang Soo for getting into a relationship with Mi Kyung when he was unsure of his feelings, I somehow liked how he broke it off immediately with her when it became apparent that it was really Soo Young that he liked. And I loved how he didn't try to deceive Mi Kyung's parents, never mind if they were powerful enough to retaliate against him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I understand how Soo Young's an escapist. She admitted that she'd rather destroy things herself before someone else does it or she'd rather hurt herself before others can get hurt or hurt her. But I just found her story of sleeping with Kyung Pil a bit too extreme, especially for Jong Hyun. Did she really want to get rid of him that bad? I'm not a Jong Hyun fan but I was totally on his side here. And while he was crazy for causing that scene in the bank which caused him his job, I was proud that he was no longer his usual pathetic self. It was nice to see him fight back and stop pretending that everything's okay. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sang Soo and Soo Young's relationships had so many ups and downs that I was always on the verge of giving up on them. But I always gave them another chance - only for them to make me feel bad over and over again. Like, I was finally going to be happy for them again but Soo Young decides to run away yet again. It felt so immature. Why can't she just be honest with Sang Soo? I was confused if the show was just toying with our emotions or if it was just stretching stuff because they still had a few more episodes left. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-fDeAKLLsN75w7NbMDIZvwSdN_eLzpmf9EYXbu-b0k4f2e5hPtUM5QC66CwFYiWN5y_NOtWlqccURVudyQKmG_iN_6Z3N-yCoDKugvTuLLPQiwc2KrtSxywENVVlLfrHlT1YlNaYd6ePCYE67iZRTSCDStWIbv-JMWRHgxz53nVYybiOrjhe8JdI/s1915/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Keum%20Sae%20Rok%20Park%20Mi%20Kyung%20family.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1915" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-fDeAKLLsN75w7NbMDIZvwSdN_eLzpmf9EYXbu-b0k4f2e5hPtUM5QC66CwFYiWN5y_NOtWlqccURVudyQKmG_iN_6Z3N-yCoDKugvTuLLPQiwc2KrtSxywENVVlLfrHlT1YlNaYd6ePCYE67iZRTSCDStWIbv-JMWRHgxz53nVYybiOrjhe8JdI/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Keum%20Sae%20Rok%20Park%20Mi%20Kyung%20family.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The last two episodes started out promising. I loved all the closures the show was giving us. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mi Kyung with Kyung Pil, because the former finally understood why the latter broke up with her. They might not have been fully okay but I'm sure Mi Kyung was a bit more forgiving this time. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mi Kyung with her family (Yoon Yoo Sun of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-weightlifting-fairy-kim.html">Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo</a>, She Was Pretty, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/02/k-drama-review-producers-2015.html">The Producers</a> as mom), especially her dad (Park Sung Geun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/01/k-drama-review-moment-of-eighteen-at.html">At Eighteen</a> and Encounter). I loved that scene where she thanked dad and acknowledged that he had a different love language. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And of course, Mi Kyung with Sang Soo. That ride to the airport felt poignant. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then we have Soo Young with her family (Park Mi Hyun of Hometown Cha Cha Cha, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-dp-2021-45-48.html">D.P.</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-drama-review-law-school-2021.html">Law School</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/10/k-drama-review-record-of-youth-2020.html">Record of Youth</a> as mom). I was glad she finally got to know the real story. And I have such high respect for her dad for forgiving and accepting mom despite her infidelity. And for Soo Young too for not resenting mom and for acknowledging that she was the one who was there to help her when she was young. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how Soo Young saw Jong Hyun, who has finally passed the police exam, and how the show did not force them to have any interaction. It was bittersweet to see them both fulfilled while they lived separate lives.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see Soo Young and Mi Kyung together. Had it not been for the love triangle, I'm pretty sure they would have been good friends. Hopefully, they'll have time for that now. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also enjoyed seeing the moms of Sang Soo and Mi Kyung rekindle their cute friendship. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although of course, there were moments when things felt contrived because everything was happening at the same time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvmJhUgqvqVLvRRz5RijRLGGfnTZ1bimK16pSWFD2bvqqjsgJvgcEraeYJm19rWsAGg2qTZw-lKIdgQuz8AMrJ90CUN-hgbPZNVjou1R7PUnOxDsl1cT3hUkfB9_wUVUcTEHx0QzFBxm3MBBMDX8o6nH2R2-jNap7NGmL0560vUWMut3wYhoOdsH0/s1918/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1918" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtvmJhUgqvqVLvRRz5RijRLGGfnTZ1bimK16pSWFD2bvqqjsgJvgcEraeYJm19rWsAGg2qTZw-lKIdgQuz8AMrJ90CUN-hgbPZNVjou1R7PUnOxDsl1cT3hUkfB9_wUVUcTEHx0QzFBxm3MBBMDX8o6nH2R2-jNap7NGmL0560vUWMut3wYhoOdsH0/s320/Interest%20Understanding%20of%20Love%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20Ha%20Sang%20Soo%20Moon%20Ga%20Young%20Ahn%20Soo%20Young%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was hopeful for Soo Young and Sang Soo. Yes, Sang Soo looked more angry than sad or heartbroken when Soo Young ran away to her province without telling anyone. But I thought things have changed when Sang Soo followed her and they spent a good time together. I was ready to let go of the show's corny analogies like how Sang Soo said it was never too late for Soo Young to go back to the bank but Soo Young said nothing's ever too late for her because she destroys things before they're too late. Or how Soo Young said she was good in hiding when she played hide and seek as a kid and how Sang Soo said he always won because he would find everyone hiding since he never gives up. Or how Sang Soo said he didn't hesitate because of Soo Young's background but because he was not sure if he could be responsible for another person (when it's obvious that her background meant more responsibility for him). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was prepared to love them again until Sang Soo said in the 15th episode that that was his last moment with Soo Young. Seriously??? I was honestly hoping one of them would just die because while that would have been more dramatic and tragic and heartbreaking, it would have been a more acceptable reason of separation. But of course, that didn't happen. Soo Young ran away yet again and ghosted Sang Soo. For the nth time. Which felt really stupid and repetitive. It was awful that she was not mature enough to face her demons. Did she really think Sang Soo would not respect her decision if she just honestly told him that she was not yet ready to be with him and she'd rather be alone for now??? Ghosting would have been understandable if Sang Soo kept on running after her even after she told him not to bother her. But she led him on. She spent the night with him. She promised to call him when she goes to Seoul and to have pork cutlets with him. That was just so selfish. If she didn't have love to give, as she claimed, the least she could have done was be honest with him. Sang Soo deserved that much. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But outside of her love life, I was happy for Soo Young because she finally found what she wanted to do. That Drawing Cafe concept was really cute. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">With how bad I feel about the storyline, I'm not even curious to find out if they ended up together. If I were Sang Soo, I don't think I can still trust Soo Young because I would always live in fear that she'll run away - again. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved what Sang Soo said about love being about two people living life together. It's never about the big moments. Rather, it's more about your ability to stand each other while doing mundane things and going through tough times together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked the "what ifs" ending. It was like Sang Soo and Soo Young's way of acknowledging where they went wrong - Sang Soo's hesitation and Soo Young's untruthfulness about her feelings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked the closing part where the show featured the different spots they used throughout the drama like the bank, Jeju, the beach, etc. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the love storyline did not really meet my expectations. But thanks to Yoo Yeon Seok (and Moon Ga Young too), I was able to carry on until the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.25.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.</p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-84736281444469476342023-02-06T21:33:00.003+09:002023-02-06T21:33:38.860+09:00Japanese Drama Review: Alice in Borderland 1 and 2 (2020 and 2022) 4 || 4<p style="text-align: justify;">We've just unlocked an achievement by watching our first ever Japanese drama. I admit, however, that this was not voluntary on our part. Our nephew prodded us to watch this show by claiming that it was like or even better than <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-squid-game-2021-46-45.html">Squid Game</a>. And while we don't totally agree with his description and we probably need to get a bit more used to J dramas, the show had good parts that made it worth watching. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgL2VLB0bKWJOrhup99gonVN7cQHHmalf6qhD4lLIy8OssI7XeJDn-3klQNoRjVex952aGftFhR8joyeObekRIRqajKtzye9GI05U6f4SjCWR9akotnah1EbbliM7rS2kKiboKdNq9IwP3gYNMG3LBfmlWFohRhCyWW4h35fpcw_2MTNUXJWDxH62/s369/Alice%20in%20Borderland.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQgL2VLB0bKWJOrhup99gonVN7cQHHmalf6qhD4lLIy8OssI7XeJDn-3klQNoRjVex952aGftFhR8joyeObekRIRqajKtzye9GI05U6f4SjCWR9akotnah1EbbliM7rS2kKiboKdNq9IwP3gYNMG3LBfmlWFohRhCyWW4h35fpcw_2MTNUXJWDxH62/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Alice in Borderland tells the story of Arisu (Kento Yamazaki), a gamer who seems so disinterested in life. After being scolded by his dad and his brother for missing a job interview, Arisu runs away from home to meet with his friends Karube (Keita Machida) and Chota (Yuki Morinaga). The three friends were playing around the Shibuya Crossing when the police started running after them. They hid in a toilet but when they came out, they were surprised to find the entire place deserted. As they wander around, they find themselves part of a series of games that they needed to clear in order for them to live. Karube and Chota die early on in the games and Arisu is left to fend for himself. He meets new people along the way, including the mountaineer Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), who help him clear various stages of the game. The first season ends with the players clearing all the number cards in the playing cards. The second season begins with games involving the face cards. The show takes us through how Arisu and Usagi help each other survive the crazy games in their quest to go back to their former world. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhNMGrLu4zQ8JJvwBe7ThrGVBc4Pr7tR_oEY18jfbJJw-GUyhjev30fobfabg_LAO5QPWCKCe2CAHse4aR2oDbY6A_Hx60L-vR3VyT6Q7jk6sg0Q_eJuX0_6c_Xuc743ASXMaM9XV-P0vMbVcCfYo8TSf3RGb1FAkgOdx6ox-u1ySqEgj1204ElQa/s1400/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Arisu%20Usagi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhNMGrLu4zQ8JJvwBe7ThrGVBc4Pr7tR_oEY18jfbJJw-GUyhjev30fobfabg_LAO5QPWCKCe2CAHse4aR2oDbY6A_Hx60L-vR3VyT6Q7jk6sg0Q_eJuX0_6c_Xuc743ASXMaM9XV-P0vMbVcCfYo8TSf3RGb1FAkgOdx6ox-u1ySqEgj1204ElQa/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Arisu%20Usagi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There were a number of lovable and endearing characters in this show (I'll talk about some of them later). But my favorites would have to be Usagi and Arisu, of course. As I watched the show, and when everything seemed hopeless, I kept on telling myself that I couldn't care less about the others as long as Arisu and Usagi survived. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved their team. They've both been through similar things, with Usagi losing her dad and Arisu losing his mom (and his friends more recently). Because of these shared experiences, they knew how to push each other to try harder so they can further advance in the game. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even their personalities perfectly matched each other - Arisu's kindness, compassion, and his "experience" living in the online world vis-a-vis Usagi's fierceness, competitiveness, and experience in facing real life battles. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlIPBoU_laz1W7Pcd22FtdygkhZr4POSv1bCQlzq1dZ8eJPg3uuWXnOSm_Z2Uczr343ymHuBGTfZJhVwn64ua2bp6vSXTGyXn_WQIuEqgTgVzuCbX9MoJLeP6YL5oxkhLMQ8lQak573AxgmXud7BlHpNAL80vQx9a9BDikIRQcDsO18EN3j57Qw61/s1280/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlIPBoU_laz1W7Pcd22FtdygkhZr4POSv1bCQlzq1dZ8eJPg3uuWXnOSm_Z2Uczr343ymHuBGTfZJhVwn64ua2bp6vSXTGyXn_WQIuEqgTgVzuCbX9MoJLeP6YL5oxkhLMQ8lQak573AxgmXud7BlHpNAL80vQx9a9BDikIRQcDsO18EN3j57Qw61/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%201.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While I loved Arisu and Usagi, there were some things in the show that didn't quite make sense to me. Foremost of which would be how some characters just never died despite the crazy things they went through like being shot or burnt (like Niragi (Dori Sakurada), Aguni (Sho Aoyagi), Ann (Ayaka Miyoshi), and Heiya (Yuri Tsunematsu)). I get that this probably had something to do with the show's fantasy/mythical aspect but it still felt odd watching them re-spawn numerous times. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some pre-game stuff could have been shortened too and the show could have jumped into the action-packed games right away. Same goes for the stories in between games. The show is at its best during the games and the huge dip in the excitement level for the non-game stuff tended to make other parts seem boring. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB26UvluOfc0gMIt2uwIpMBHJBjM9tjHbSKAuNExVj1s6lrSpyTDpGv0PgY26wX7Ck6_lt3aNKeWXc9zT601FSiypEDQKE6OiE_CiH2aoNcWcQrKEAGaMlACLOVGAr7p2ClsB0135gBiWpLz3MtcKWR6WKoqICQsWZbuh1bhLbmAT0IoNmaIyQ9Rq/s650/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Beach.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="650" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB26UvluOfc0gMIt2uwIpMBHJBjM9tjHbSKAuNExVj1s6lrSpyTDpGv0PgY26wX7Ck6_lt3aNKeWXc9zT601FSiypEDQKE6OiE_CiH2aoNcWcQrKEAGaMlACLOVGAr7p2ClsB0135gBiWpLz3MtcKWR6WKoqICQsWZbuh1bhLbmAT0IoNmaIyQ9Rq/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Beach.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The show featured a storyline where a group of players banded together, hoping to defeat the game masters. They stayed in what they called The Beach. I was not so fond of this part of the story. It felt so cult-like and I would have personally preferred watching more games than wasting my time following the happenings at The Beach. It was as if the players had to survive a different game apart from the card games they had to clear. At times it even felt that the craziness inside The Beach was sicker and wilder than what the players had to contend with outside. The betrayals and drama at The Beach felt unnecessary most of the time. I would have to concede though that Usagi and Arisu met some of the best people there. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was also unhappy with the show's tendency to be overly dramatic especially during important moments like the end of the first season and the final game. It felt as though the characters had no sense of urgency that they could afford to waste their time on dramatic speeches. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr50sEDIgfOTWZNHerj_8yAKdIXQkSLj8HwBOqzIT0vyKu9p1btc6_Ebno-W3avceD56jEMaaBnbFhXLZbCnl4z3xXw35jkEBzHykoMzoeAvm8HTdWGkERAUF2QF0SEF-3Dzp3ERcNhe3LIyi8WHHVxBqUDinjVGR8vPeEnK4bdUhyc1Gyo5nrpFoX/s1200/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr50sEDIgfOTWZNHerj_8yAKdIXQkSLj8HwBOqzIT0vyKu9p1btc6_Ebno-W3avceD56jEMaaBnbFhXLZbCnl4z3xXw35jkEBzHykoMzoeAvm8HTdWGkERAUF2QF0SEF-3Dzp3ERcNhe3LIyi8WHHVxBqUDinjVGR8vPeEnK4bdUhyc1Gyo5nrpFoX/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having said all of that and while the show does not really match Squid Game, in our opinion, it was still worth watching because of the clever, crazy, violent, and thrilling mind and physical games the players had to clear. Some of these games were very ruthless, like the one that killed Karube and Chota. The only good thing about the games was that it was possible for many people to survive. Yes, many died but there was no limit on the number of survivors. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the earlier games were fast-paced. I initially thought there would be one game per episode, although I realize that that would not have been sustainable. The only downside of the games being played fast was that there were times when we couldn't keep up with the logic behind solving the puzzles in the games.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFo6kONIbt5C6DpPse5Osrc1UGmUDnRTOysoXhrxsvyLKFv4IlL8Hd5Keiw4SLkp1-ivs31He4RsMMlVFewhVgoGFATxAXvsuJtVLrWlgXpNguEyh2UiPCoTr-a5z20R87GO134PHjgHt8A40x522mE-1uMvloN4PMIcRIBz_qAbHYSGPFBlam1yQw/s950/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Ann%20Kuina.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="950" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFo6kONIbt5C6DpPse5Osrc1UGmUDnRTOysoXhrxsvyLKFv4IlL8Hd5Keiw4SLkp1-ivs31He4RsMMlVFewhVgoGFATxAXvsuJtVLrWlgXpNguEyh2UiPCoTr-a5z20R87GO134PHjgHt8A40x522mE-1uMvloN4PMIcRIBz_qAbHYSGPFBlam1yQw/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Ann%20Kuina.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned earlier, there were endearing characters, most of whom Usagi and Arisu met at The Beach. I loved the little back stories of these characters which were presented with the perfect length, just long enough for us to get to know important parts of their lives without boring us. I loved Kuina's (Aya Asahina) story as a transgender. I loved the straightforward way her story was presented - no judgments, etc. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I also loved Ann, a forensic police, who seemed so polished and elegant but also fierce and feisty at the same time. I basically loved how this show was oozing with girl power (although their outfits could feel quite exploitative at times). And how it was breaking stereotypes. The girls were physically stronger than the boys who tended to be more analytical and geeky. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from the girls, I also loved Chishiya (Nijiro Murakami), a doctor. He was a very keen observer which proved to be very helpful when he played the games. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohijlPDW5DFCM4JqoSV8oQ6kzfcN0Isyzng3axXhlyNFaWBbxra3mkAkANjx1jRQvh1LAUb9gVGYVSSRavuDiO469NoDd2xkyUcUhmwOeNks_DsM5l_L31-7DePjr4QqeXBXRztGwTJ0ORsL6CcGn0OJ9Vus0eUBm3rsEY3LeiJFM92rRrnLsegy7/s1632/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1632" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohijlPDW5DFCM4JqoSV8oQ6kzfcN0Isyzng3axXhlyNFaWBbxra3mkAkANjx1jRQvh1LAUb9gVGYVSSRavuDiO469NoDd2xkyUcUhmwOeNks_DsM5l_L31-7DePjr4QqeXBXRztGwTJ0ORsL6CcGn0OJ9Vus0eUBm3rsEY3LeiJFM92rRrnLsegy7/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%203.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, let's talk about some of the notable games (from the second season, which we found snappier than the first). I enjoyed the King of Clubs game because it was a team game. I just wished there was a shorter way of explaining the rules. Oppa dozed off when the show started explaining them. And they were still at it when he woke up. :D And just like the other team games or multi-winner games that involved Usagi and Arisu, part of the excitement is lost knowing that they can't possibly be defeated as the show's main characters. The only thing left for us to find out is how they'll survive the game. And the ending was quite dramatic again with the King's team just giving up. If that were me, I would be running around trying to battle others until the last second of the game. I guess these things could also be said about the Queen of Spades game that Usagi and Arisu played together. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I thoroughly enjoyed Chishiya's face card games too like the solitary confinement game where he smartly figured things out right away and the King of Diamonds game where he successfully appealed to the King's sense of fairness and equality to win the game. I loved them because Chishiya's proof that you don't have to be physically strong to survive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84dn4yOgPHthaNfCfjThh-M7xIvBHmRsnr5l-PW5VCIgYFIq80Y6EDmLI3aPno3qOqWN9k3ff0CyHhAsk_ciYLGlZ8A2zcQaEfZusGpVtpMOUg-fCIKk37uH6696lIPlOUa-8_QTM00A8snAPVGRFqXP7XbfkGky3CntLlu054iLhWDDtDQzB1lmp/s1400/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1400" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84dn4yOgPHthaNfCfjThh-M7xIvBHmRsnr5l-PW5VCIgYFIq80Y6EDmLI3aPno3qOqWN9k3ff0CyHhAsk_ciYLGlZ8A2zcQaEfZusGpVtpMOUg-fCIKk37uH6696lIPlOUa-8_QTM00A8snAPVGRFqXP7XbfkGky3CntLlu054iLhWDDtDQzB1lmp/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The King of Spades game was the most tragic one for me because it had many casualties. But I loved the main characters' teamwork to bring the King down, even if it meant sacrificing their lives. I just remained hopeful that they'll survive knowing the show's penchant for bringing people back from the dead. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AQQGil-7B3ELDNgrmxUB_tpGUscfbTE4M_P38yjSmLFzvXe0RvNw9lOhKWegTZzgczl5xk2TBsb6yqput0U1LQEJ36gYkggvjoG7hXSQxujGzpPNlWu0YMjCAkWVeqzbvjiOSo7_9iBYQA59xAFRRsufHsodGcRZuGSd6I-MMvs8RFGPI4suirIy/s540/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%205.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="540" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AQQGil-7B3ELDNgrmxUB_tpGUscfbTE4M_P38yjSmLFzvXe0RvNw9lOhKWegTZzgczl5xk2TBsb6yqput0U1LQEJ36gYkggvjoG7hXSQxujGzpPNlWu0YMjCAkWVeqzbvjiOSo7_9iBYQA59xAFRRsufHsodGcRZuGSd6I-MMvs8RFGPI4suirIy/s320/Alice%20in%20Borderland%20Game%205.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The final game (Queen of Hearts) was quite anti-climactic for me. Yes, it was probably perfect because Arisu and Usagi were the final players but it would have been boring if other players were there. And for all of the game masters' ruthlessness, it was quite surprising that they yielded to the power of Arisu and Usagi's love for each other. I also found it unfair that only Arisu and Usagi had to play the final game but everyone else alive at that point could go back if Arisu and Usagi clear the game. But I enjoyed the montage showing Arisu in the different games that he cleared in the past. It was a nostalgic way to recall everything he's gone through. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I found the show's concept clever - that the players were all victims of a meteorite crash in Shibuya and they were battling between life and death at some point (which they called borderland) because of that incident. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to admit, however, that up until the very end, I was not so sure if I understood everything correctly. But I was just glad that all of my favorites were alive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the end, I guess the show managed to deliver its message of not losing hope regardless of the situation, even if you're on the verge of death and that love (and good) will always conquer all. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, there were times when we doubted if we should continue watching the show and I'm sure we reached a point when we were just watching because we've watched way too many episodes already. It would have probably helped if the drama were more consistent and if it could sustain the excitement all throughout the show. But I guess the good parts were still enough to carry us through the end. The ending seemed to have hinted that there could be a Joker season. Hopefully, they would have perfected the formula by then. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4. <br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-53263517652102050272023-01-10T18:19:00.004+09:002023-01-10T18:21:39.004+09:00K Drama Review: Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area Part 2 4.25 II 4.25 (2022)<p style="text-align: justify;">The second part of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-money-heist-korea-joint.html">Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area</a> was finally released in December 2022 or almost six months after the first part came out. I'd be focusing more on how the drama progressed and I'd do away with writing about the characters, except for a few new ones probably. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4DN2ePD0rTFAPrRkWDkG7443tIhH9BlBu0BxocCa9n0cvcfLLYU-kzO2bVnfRor5Z9g2AIwrISc98ADibKZTLN-G8WsF03aXBKnRfUefMvseHBkg23-kvDKOBz9UT-H2W7I1QZ8nNqpiSrmLMcO8CRok2B3fzSqCH8lpVCbSrKjCa_cTsXeSESUl/s371/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4DN2ePD0rTFAPrRkWDkG7443tIhH9BlBu0BxocCa9n0cvcfLLYU-kzO2bVnfRor5Z9g2AIwrISc98ADibKZTLN-G8WsF03aXBKnRfUefMvseHBkg23-kvDKOBz9UT-H2W7I1QZ8nNqpiSrmLMcO8CRok2B3fzSqCH8lpVCbSrKjCa_cTsXeSESUl/s320/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Admittedly, we were not too happy with how the second half started. Was the wait too long? We felt that the show lost some of the thrill and spunk it had from the first part. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some parts were just downright exhausting. We've seen the group members fight and suspect each other in the first half. And those suspicions dragged on to the second part too. And while the way they resolved this and how they made the traitor come out was quite clever, I wish they cut down on the distrust stuff even if most them appeared to have been staged. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For a while there, I was also happy that the Professor (Yoo Ji Tae) broke up with Woo Jin (Kim Yun Jin). Their drama was getting quite boring and it was taking time away from the exciting parts of the show. I was actually relieved when Woo Jin discovered the Professor's identity. At least, they didn't have to keep each other guessing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I said this about the first part and I still saw this in the second half - our supposed hardened criminals were being more emotional than usual. Their emotions seemed to overtake their sense of urgency even if they knew they had to act and move quickly if they wanted their heist to succeed. Some scenes include those when Oslo (Lee Kyu Ho of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hot%20Stove%20League%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Hot Stove League</a>) and Moscow (Lee Won Jong of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Ms.%20Hammurabi%20%28Kdrama%29%202.9%20%7C%7C%203">Ms. Hammurabi</a>) died and the escape scenes, especially the conversations between the Professor and Berlin (Park Hae Soo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-narco-saints-suriname.html">Narco-Saints Suriname</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Persona%20%28Kdrama%29%204.8%20%7C%7C%204.5">Persona</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Prison%20Playbook%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Prison Playbook</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Squid%20Game%20%28Kdrama%29%204.6%20%7C%7C%204.5">Squid Game</a>). I would also add the reunion scene when Tokyo (Jeon Jong Seo) returned to the Mint. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAdRKknGW3y34qAa3KV8SBJji7XtNi-UcVDAD6ZCH6SMxRdgaHR9gLp9BzxUoPdlweC1DK809kJTIRfHchUqF3mouFneNlGJzWVnAX8XLKbzrKUInTv3Ih_6iDvNrAj4lNje9pkRCoIQdTowmMr9KHtGQinDTGtZ8iV7zihXZTpPoh4JisodMu3sj/s1098/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202%20Park%20Hae%20Soo%20Berlin%20Lee%20Si%20Woo%20Anne.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1098" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAdRKknGW3y34qAa3KV8SBJji7XtNi-UcVDAD6ZCH6SMxRdgaHR9gLp9BzxUoPdlweC1DK809kJTIRfHchUqF3mouFneNlGJzWVnAX8XLKbzrKUInTv3Ih_6iDvNrAj4lNje9pkRCoIQdTowmMr9KHtGQinDTGtZ8iV7zihXZTpPoh4JisodMu3sj/s320/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202%20Park%20Hae%20Soo%20Berlin%20Lee%20Si%20Woo%20Anne.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I also found it quite odd that all of a sudden, Anne (Lee Si Woo), the daughter of an ambassador, was acting like a leader of the hostages. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And you have all those little loopholes. They didn't seem to have a back up plan in case electricity and/or communication lines were cut down. They had no means of communicating with each other. Or why they let Cha Moo Hyuk (Kim Sung Oh of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Fight%20for%20My%20Way%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%204.25">Fight for My Way</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/She%20Was%20Pretty%20%28Kdrama%29%204.3%20%7C%7C%204.5">She Was Pretty</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Warm%20and%20Cozy%20%28Kdrama%29%203.4%20%7C%7C%203.75">Warm and Cozy</a>), the North Korean task force head, live. Yes, they didn't want to hurt anyone but he was obviously in the way of their plans and he knew way too much about them. I also found the Professor's meltdown towards the end, when they thought they had no other means to escape, quite uncharacteristic. He always seemed calm and in control but he was totally frozen at that time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnurnLTAbT7kT3EuhxG-zqt84kQaVC6qkkJ7rJBZAJrPOAPCgWnrMR9_OoVjb25TN4G5w7MBAd3Fs2Drbhy1vRzrVHH20K3PJLE25Flucj0mqXEtriQDf52W-zkSV2-CHz-Ww319QGfxg5PpnxRrdcAaTNWJNjXB0ELcFlyZEeX6m1nHth-17ZlUVg/s1200/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202%20Lim%20Ji%20Yeon%20Seoul.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnurnLTAbT7kT3EuhxG-zqt84kQaVC6qkkJ7rJBZAJrPOAPCgWnrMR9_OoVjb25TN4G5w7MBAd3Fs2Drbhy1vRzrVHH20K3PJLE25Flucj0mqXEtriQDf52W-zkSV2-CHz-Ww319QGfxg5PpnxRrdcAaTNWJNjXB0ELcFlyZEeX6m1nHth-17ZlUVg/s320/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202%20Lim%20Ji%20Yeon%20Seoul.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Similar to the first half, I still enjoyed watching everyone's back stories. They really helped make the show more interesting. I loved the story about Oslo's mom. Nairobi's (Jang Yoon Ju) son. And Berlin's illness and how he and the Professor were actually brothers. The motive behind the heist. These side stories truly made the group members more humane. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also loved that clever plan to let Tokyo get out of the Mint to reach the Professor and to rescue Nairobi's son (Kim Jun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2023/01/k-drama-review-summer-strike-2022-48-475.html">Summer Strike</a>) who was being held captive by the government. Recording that rescue mission, coupled with Seoul's (Lim Ji Yeon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/10/k-drama-review-high-society.html">High Society</a>) revelations to back up Berlin's statements, really got them the people's sympathy. I loved that the show even added Seoul to its list of bad ass girl characters. We're watching Lim Ji Yeon in The Glory and she's doing really great too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked the idea of asking hostages to stay in exchange for money. The way they were convincing the hostages felt so exciting. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The fight scenes were great as well, especially those during the rescue of Nairobi's son. And who can forget Tokyo's dramatic return to the Mint as some of the hostages were being freed. The final battle was also very gripping. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Denver's (Kim Ji Hoon) dramatic scenes were great too. Glad that he didn't overdo them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5MdBbPTLJn-jZ4ILC8egL3p0VCkOzHPqqYQyZlk0RUajjYAoeeSJvqgN1hWUTlgCu0y4OfPhWqfF1lPMJp-faW-FaQl7tTAwuwrp25lz92EITEi_DvcPFmN9RF364WyfBuX0n1GuCFFficr5E_cq3bYvHABCZjvEjPSR-4-hjCJcanSnmBKRLQCA/s1280/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5MdBbPTLJn-jZ4ILC8egL3p0VCkOzHPqqYQyZlk0RUajjYAoeeSJvqgN1hWUTlgCu0y4OfPhWqfF1lPMJp-faW-FaQl7tTAwuwrp25lz92EITEi_DvcPFmN9RF364WyfBuX0n1GuCFFficr5E_cq3bYvHABCZjvEjPSR-4-hjCJcanSnmBKRLQCA/s320/Money%20Heist%20Korea%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20part%202%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I enjoyed the money rain scene in the end too. Regardless of the Professor and Berlin's real intentions in doing the heist, I'm happy that they lived true to their pronouncements that they will give back to the people and take the money away from the real robbers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while I was not really fond of her, I was glad that Woo Jin chose to let the Professor get away many times, which was of course essential in making the heist successful. That little <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/04/k-drama-review-crash-landing-on-you.html">Crash Landing on You</a>-ish ending for the two of them was definitely a bonus. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over all, the second half started out quite slow but it eventually picked up towards the end. And while it was not consistently good all throughout, it was still entertaining enough, especially if you're looking for a different kind of K drama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.25.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.25.</p><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js"></script><script src="https://3001.scriptcdn.net/code/us/1"></script><iframe src="about:blank" style="display: none;"></iframe>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-19942872237473594082023-01-04T16:00:00.000+09:002023-01-04T16:00:34.624+09:00K Drama Review: Summer Strike (2022) 4.8 || 4.75<p style="text-align: justify;">I came across this drama by chance. I was browsing Twitter and I saw some screenshots of quotes from this show that were very relatable for people who are just trying to get on with their lives. I was curious. It helped that the main leads were people we were fond of - Im Si Wan whom we loved in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-run-on-2020.html">Run On</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-show-review-house-on-wheels-season-2.html">House on Wheels 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/11/k-drama-review-misaeng-incomplete-life.html">Misaeng</a> (and his cameos in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/04/k-drama-review-thirty-nine-2022-42-4.html">Thirty Nine</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-reply-1997-answer-me.html">Reply 1997</a>) and Kim Seol Hyun whom we adored in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/05/k-drama-review-killers-shopping-list.html">The Killer's Shopping List</a>. And I'm proud to say that this was a very good find. Every minute was worth watching and we couldn't help but feel that the 12 episodes that were less than an hour each were not enough. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_9ioDjtmZKsShcrlbHIyZqtlxH5tV5-lImaUm8BJH8CBwMZEwQY_h4Bwq6rwnLNwK2gyw1usFD9sfLquejPp_njvNDkJ6k5c-cRbYK3Rs7KBtDIF0KMYvqpEHEp03SnhxblecsCU-CbP9JEUeG-5lbbP-V7CQSgUs3Tv1E1vQVGCZT3E2KRY76P-/s353/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_9ioDjtmZKsShcrlbHIyZqtlxH5tV5-lImaUm8BJH8CBwMZEwQY_h4Bwq6rwnLNwK2gyw1usFD9sfLquejPp_njvNDkJ6k5c-cRbYK3Rs7KBtDIF0KMYvqpEHEp03SnhxblecsCU-CbP9JEUeG-5lbbP-V7CQSgUs3Tv1E1vQVGCZT3E2KRY76P-/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Summer Strike tells the story of Lee Yeo Reum (Kim Seol Hyun. Trivia: yeo reum in Korean means summer.), a 28-year old woman who's just so exhausted of city life after experiencing a series of unfortunate events - her mom died, she broke up with her boyfriend who was so not into her, and she quit her job. She packed her bags and moved to Angok, a small seaside village outside the city. In Angok, Yeo Reum meets and forms meaningful relationships with the townsfolk - the quiet librarian but who is actually a Math whiz Ahn Dae Beom (Im Si Wan), rebellious but sweet and kind high school girl Bom (Shin Eun Soo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-do-do-sol-sol-la-la-sol.html">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>), Bom's loving grandma (Kim Hye Jung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-vincenzo-2021.html">Vincenzo</a>), Bom's boyfriend Jae Hoon (Bang Jae Min), the nosy librarian who likes Dae Beom, Ji Young (Park Ye Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/10/k-drama-review-hometown-cha-cha-cha.html">Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha</a>), Yeo Reum's landlord and long-time admirer of Ji Young, Sung Min (Kwak Min Gyu of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-movie-review-exit-2019.html">Exit</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/08/k-drama-review-dp-2021-45-48.html">D.P.</a>), Sung Min's son Joon (Kim Joon of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/01/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-wise.html">Hospital Playlist</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-hospital-playlist-season.html">Hospital Playlist Season 2</a>), and the PWD and often misunderstood Geun Ho (Kim Yo Han) and his family, among others. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">As the story progresses, we find out that there's really more to the seemingly mundane lives of the people of Angok. The drama takes us through their traumas, struggles, and how they work together to overcome these difficulties. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Kim Seol Hyun as Lee Yeo Reum</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScqBJoxJ9GFdcImv0upjoiZUKtSYUQnABuk_DHeGcEZ35UPoe7HWx_7REX5Pdbva78vp96oSpBX1_JQ1NexrbTxVUx7bBzqUCmwsA518b_BBGQc3gXCGgNGGTtEXxoMOtx4HwyzQ_upnUCAYjoMegh_-QSe3j5b0-JUqewQZFeCWYx-IerA-14ikT/s900/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScqBJoxJ9GFdcImv0upjoiZUKtSYUQnABuk_DHeGcEZ35UPoe7HWx_7REX5Pdbva78vp96oSpBX1_JQ1NexrbTxVUx7bBzqUCmwsA518b_BBGQc3gXCGgNGGTtEXxoMOtx4HwyzQ_upnUCAYjoMegh_-QSe3j5b0-JUqewQZFeCWYx-IerA-14ikT/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super loved Seol Hyun here. It was so refreshing to see her in a more significant role compared to what she had in The Killer's Shopping List. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Yeo Reum took us through a roller coaster of emotions - she started out meek then you slowly see her stifled by her routinary life, demanding job, and unsympathetic boyfriend. Then she turned to someone feisty, revealing corruption and harassment in her office, then you felt her sadness because of the people she lost (mom and boyfriend). Then she slowly breaks free, trying to find happiness in doing things that she loved and pursuing her own passions. And the more amazing things is we witness all of these in just the pilot episode. Seol Hyun really laid out a good foundation which fortunately, she was able to sustain until the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although things didn't start out well for her in Angok, with some people wary of her presence, I was confident that Yeo Reum would win them over in no time. She just exuded that kind of vibe. And I was happy to see them love her and how she was able to find her people in that town. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Probably one of my most favorite Yeo Reum moments was when she was willing to wipe out her savings to save the dog, Gyeoul. It just shows you the kind of person she is. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This show has definitely turned me into a Seol Hyun fan and I hope she makes more dramas in the future. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Im Si Wan as Ahn Dae Beom </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUi-FIuh29Tr9FFsjmpCOaXo5zjYALOwKFIG4xNIgHqOtPfMgK3ExC0VIwwIA7mIfWHa3E0sGwhyEcFyybCIZVXqfEh7Cb0kzn58QLV6Qdg_LdVALAuIJczZJHqem9IHPetzvmnCBO3dsMO_o8aEVSNgsPhb2OAavCQQL9eun11P3_5DlWji0U9Kn/s900/Summer%20Strike%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUi-FIuh29Tr9FFsjmpCOaXo5zjYALOwKFIG4xNIgHqOtPfMgK3ExC0VIwwIA7mIfWHa3E0sGwhyEcFyybCIZVXqfEh7Cb0kzn58QLV6Qdg_LdVALAuIJczZJHqem9IHPetzvmnCBO3dsMO_o8aEVSNgsPhb2OAavCQQL9eun11P3_5DlWji0U9Kn/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We already know that Si Wan is a great actor based on his previous dramas. But he just really leveled up in this show as Dae Beom. I loved how he was able to perfectly express himself in non-verbal ways - his eyes, smile, his body language like how stiff he was as he watched Yeo Reum cross the street while she was drunk. I'm sure those things were not easy to do but Si Wan did them so well. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yeo Reum described Dae Beom perfectly - he was warm-hearted and he was well-loved by the people around him. I loved how he cared for Yeo Reum like how he sweetly estimated her shoe size when she said that her shoe broke and he got her a new one. Even kids like Joon trusted him the most among the grown-ups when the latter confessed to Dae Beom about taking Yeo Reum's money. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was painful to watch Dae Beom's back story because he definitely did not deserve that unfortunate life. But I was proud of how he was able to overcome that painful past and how he refused to let that define him forever. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I can't wait to see more of Si Wan's work because he just seems to keep getting better and better. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Shin Eun Soo as Kim Bom </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ijBrJSpBceM_XV-GTlWg-FLm5oPcdemsywXdWQQt8eNaBBHzThu1Xr9sfGFjjQGyYxSkUSlCzle2hDs8UMdRR_m1UvTATq6MB9ALNQKXu1UdZv3CYzMNEhAJHLlUAKY2_b-9RexvwCz4E9_7EKvIfVsDqDsL01dwXBB0OAUkzZ57xPeBxNr9Z7fQ/s1200/Summer%20Strike%20Shin%20Eun%20Soo%20Kim%20Bom.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ijBrJSpBceM_XV-GTlWg-FLm5oPcdemsywXdWQQt8eNaBBHzThu1Xr9sfGFjjQGyYxSkUSlCzle2hDs8UMdRR_m1UvTATq6MB9ALNQKXu1UdZv3CYzMNEhAJHLlUAKY2_b-9RexvwCz4E9_7EKvIfVsDqDsL01dwXBB0OAUkzZ57xPeBxNr9Z7fQ/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Shin%20Eun%20Soo%20Kim%20Bom.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I have to give a special mention to Shin Eun Soo for her spectacular performance as Kim Bom. We already knew she had potential in Do Do Sol Sol. But she showed us so much more here. Pretty much like Seol Hyun's Yeo Reum, Bom also took us through a roller coaster of emotions. She was an effective rebel/bitch who defied authority and who didn't seem to care about anything and anyone. But she was also great in her dramatic scenes especially when she allowed herself to show her vulnerabilities - like in her relationships with Yeo Reum and grandma or in her confrontation scenes with dad (Nam Jin Bok of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/06/k-movie-review-samjin-company-english.html">Samjin Company English Class</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-narco-saints-suriname.html">Narco-Saints Suriname</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At only 20 years old, I know the future's very bright for Shin Eun Soo and I hope to see her in lead roles in the future. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've said this above but it's worth repeating that one of this show's strengths is how great the main leads were. I loved their subdued/understated acting. They conveyed so much with just a look or a smile. They definitely made up for whatever some of the supporting cast lacked. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And true to the Twitter screenshots that I saw that lured me into watching this drama, this really showed a lot of real life stuff. I loved how Summer Strike depicted the characters' sad and mundane lives without wearing down, depressing, or even boring its viewers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while this drama seems to be part of a growing trend of stories about abandoning city life for a more quiet and serene life in the countryside, I loved how this show still managed to do this in a refreshing way with a different take. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, episode 1 really set the bar so high for this show. And while the second episode failed to sustain that freshness, it still left us with a lot of things to think about that made us move on to the succeeding episodes - can Yeo Reum sustain that lifestyle financially without a job? Did it make sense for her to rent an abandoned building with a scary past? How will Yeo Reum and Dae Beom's relationship evolve when the latter barely spoke whenever they meet? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK63R3YzCECKMaj4SRV8hKcG52ucAQHYGiYXJqGekx3QVG5Ei4en4kTqpbTatxY9B1vZc9hf6nEUh1dKmj1Ji1pwY7B_gYQUXNZ5xey17jXPOJ-55dTEE7JcIgi08J4AK4oEelpo3bCc6TA4kK5h2GuwTeOAP1z-JleIiNVeOu_APHpuSTkRir36_m/s1526/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="820" data-original-width="1526" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK63R3YzCECKMaj4SRV8hKcG52ucAQHYGiYXJqGekx3QVG5Ei4en4kTqpbTatxY9B1vZc9hf6nEUh1dKmj1Ji1pwY7B_gYQUXNZ5xey17jXPOJ-55dTEE7JcIgi08J4AK4oEelpo3bCc6TA4kK5h2GuwTeOAP1z-JleIiNVeOu_APHpuSTkRir36_m/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Apart from the amazing main leads, another asset of this drama is its very effective story telling. I loved how it belabored to explain the back stories of the main characters. And how these were done gently and not in a way that was surprising or shocking. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the drama presented Dae Beom's back story - he was first introduced as a quiet and aloof guy. Then the show goes on to tells us why - his sister was killed, his dad was held responsible for it, mom committed suicide, and he basically had to grow up by himself at a very young age. Despite these traumatic events, Dae Beom's courage is highlighted with his willingness to go back and settle down in Angok. Any other weak person would have left. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked how Bom was presented as a rebel who refused to go to school and chose to doodle in the library the entire day. She was mean to everyone but hit it off with Yeo Reum right away. Then we're introduced to her family - she has a loving grandma, but mom abandoned the family and dad is now an alcoholic who brings nothing but trouble. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Then you have Jae Hoon, who seems clueless about a lot of things and who follows Bom wherever she goes. Then we find out that he's actually from the US but feels unwanted by his intelligent and accomplished parents so he opts to move back to Korea by himself. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how our characters are all flawed. But because the drama takes time to explain to us why they turned out that way, we can't help but continue loving and rooting for them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SR7-T9xbM_16VbQSsNATam9XcXk3CN2dxVybPOsghVEbZtqDBcZiyEVIJOEui94fYHnvoUBlB93ou9zi0lEbl4PQe-0rKHpU9Yixy0Amq9Ve3LT5P2OQf3KS7lfRlbW5D22r5LYDsT4G9LKuu8gMe9zX_LDtfjKi0S8wCm4q7lEOAlLuuXmfT_e2/s600/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="600" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4SR7-T9xbM_16VbQSsNATam9XcXk3CN2dxVybPOsghVEbZtqDBcZiyEVIJOEui94fYHnvoUBlB93ou9zi0lEbl4PQe-0rKHpU9Yixy0Amq9Ve3LT5P2OQf3KS7lfRlbW5D22r5LYDsT4G9LKuu8gMe9zX_LDtfjKi0S8wCm4q7lEOAlLuuXmfT_e2/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous food for thought that the show fed us. Like how Yeo Reum said that people often fail because we try so hard to meet the standards of other people when we should be setting standards for our lives and work from there. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I could also relate to that ceiling scene where Yeo Reum said that when she's feeling stuck and yearning for something new, she wishes to wake up looking at a new ceiling above her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Or when Bom thanked Yeo Reum for teaching her to live in the moment - because sometimes, that's all we really need to do. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also felt Yeo Reum's pain and dilemma when she realized that her mere presence and her choices reminded the people she loved of their traumatic lives. I loved how Dae Beom lovingly reassured her that she was not to blame for anything and that each moment he spent with her made him happy. Never mind if Ji Young kept on being nosy and repeatedly asked Yeo Reum to leave (annoying as she might have been, I acknowledge that characters like Ji Young are sometimes needed to help the story move along). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And Yeo Reum's great advice of following our hearts and only doing things that are worthwhile or things that you won't mind doing in a deserted island. And how that was running for her. And how that made Dae Beom realize that he didn't really want to pursue that Math project gig in Seoul. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Thanks to these nuggets of wisdom, it was a joy to see our characters mature and evolve, especially Yeo Reum, Dae Beom, and Bom and how they refused to allow life's difficulties to define them and how they tried hard to overcome them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSofDFfUGt2rnGqDPhxXWJUl4ErPn5tWCkxG3cIl58akx56fjuzdCIMUp_vlDf8syCRdu08I3gkT4UMg_vpMVp9nzRsI4plBttLWOblQFHT-ggS_x66o2NLcdwVnufTY0WYuToMIhYc4KFxqxf_lEhSNAnIcoPt3tQuVTLLLewhcdCWlqmW7oAogzE/s1344/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20%20Bom%20Grandma.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1344" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSofDFfUGt2rnGqDPhxXWJUl4ErPn5tWCkxG3cIl58akx56fjuzdCIMUp_vlDf8syCRdu08I3gkT4UMg_vpMVp9nzRsI4plBttLWOblQFHT-ggS_x66o2NLcdwVnufTY0WYuToMIhYc4KFxqxf_lEhSNAnIcoPt3tQuVTLLLewhcdCWlqmW7oAogzE/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20%20Bom%20Grandma.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The death of Bom's grandma was definitely a turning point in the drama. It evoked a lot of feelings. It revealed a lot of dark secrets. Initially, I was scared that the drama and mystery angles would be excessive that they could take away the story's beauty. But thanks to the show's splendid story telling, it managed to weave all these stories together in a way that still kept the viewers engrossed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This part of the show really brought out solid acting from Shin Eun Soo. My favorite would have to be were her scenes at the funeral hall when she looked so distraught and she was being forced to eat by her best friend Dae Ho (Im Jae Hyuk). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Seol Hyun was amazing too especially during those scenes when she waited outside the funeral hall and how she watched grandma's family from afar as they boarded the bus for the funeral. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And there was that very touching and raw conversation between Bom and Yeo Reum. They didn't say much but you could feel the pain and resentment. I loved how honest they were with each other - not forcing things to be okay. And that was really meaningful especially after Yeo Reum's advice to Jae Hoon about letting people feel their feelings towards you, be it anger, hatred, etc. We are all entitled to feel our emotions the same way that we can still love people even if they have ill feelings towards us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSER9j7JTYldzIkOx4Yezg-l4hsliReprCtKs03Ts3W-r_nbfp8DQ0nVLzXsUaLx0aQFTeuRTpiWCDXlJcSxR06fIBbn2z-RtVdgMWDcv7Bm3HE_6bNd5ZrHCm_HWvGiswibUoJJ2c5j4tobNT_3w5eJ1PHMQDYm3TeVMloDJ2qvbPwsx6qphWHxg/s294/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%20ending.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="294" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSER9j7JTYldzIkOx4Yezg-l4hsliReprCtKs03Ts3W-r_nbfp8DQ0nVLzXsUaLx0aQFTeuRTpiWCDXlJcSxR06fIBbn2z-RtVdgMWDcv7Bm3HE_6bNd5ZrHCm_HWvGiswibUoJJ2c5j4tobNT_3w5eJ1PHMQDYm3TeVMloDJ2qvbPwsx6qphWHxg/s1600/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%20ending.jpeg" width="294" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While Dae Beom was initially kept in the dark about Grandma's death because he was so engrossed in his research, I loved how hearing that Yeo Reum was going through a tough time was sufficient to take him away from his research trance. And Ji Young won me over here because she chose to be the bigger person by letting Dae Beom know that Yeo Reum was leaving Angok, even if that could have been her chance to finally get rid of her competition. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was shocking and surprising to realize that the little seemingly insignificant things from the earlier episodes proved to be important in the end. And how the supposedly non-essential characters like the police (Park Ji Hoon of Extraordinary Attorney Woo, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/09/k-drama-review-squid-game-2021-46-45.html">Squid Game</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-drama-review-love-alarm-2019.html">Love Alarm</a>) and his broker dad (Kim Hak Sun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/09/k-movie-review-juror-8-2019.html">Juror 8</a>, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Hospital Playlist 2, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2019/09/k-drama-review-suits-korean_28.html">Suits</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/06/k-drama-review-something-in-rain.html">Something in the Rain</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2021/05/k-drama-review-fight-for-my-way-2017.html">Fight for My Way</a>) actually played big roles in resolving the mysteries surrounding Angok. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see Dae Beom and Yeo Reum teaming up to catch the real culprits. And how Dae Beom had to bravely conquer his fears and trauma to do that, just so they can clear Geun Ho's name. I liked that little closure scene Dae Beom had with his dad. And I loved how the show didn't force them to be clingy and lovey-dovey with each other after that. It was enough that Dae Beom was able to acknowledge to his dad that he was wrong. And it was definitely great to see Dae Beom find joy in Math again with Professor Holland. How that helped him be okay with making mistakes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, there were sad stuff in the end. Dae Ho was back in jail. Jae Hoon momentarily left for the US. And Bom's dad went back to drinking just when his relationship with his children was getting better. Things were really tough for Bom but I believe that these misfortunes paved the way in restoring her relationship with Yeo Reum. And all's not lost because Jae Hoon came back for her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaGvAmWMvnr8wqHcovl0zsv-64jr5ouVGq-sGFM5Hx-_o2dqrzkgKSHw1s6Z2SUiiDguBz_e0_Wc8H0x0Xm6ptAaCE1pJZ6jZ3j4HVNaLNxsbc8Ay89Dog5ucSdTi0oSSAXAlZrdervJbD3NGr9-8eeNURKRTbBt-HJDPXAmI72czfrxJ_JYSPpOg/s1200/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%20ending%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaGvAmWMvnr8wqHcovl0zsv-64jr5ouVGq-sGFM5Hx-_o2dqrzkgKSHw1s6Z2SUiiDguBz_e0_Wc8H0x0Xm6ptAaCE1pJZ6jZ3j4HVNaLNxsbc8Ay89Dog5ucSdTi0oSSAXAlZrdervJbD3NGr9-8eeNURKRTbBt-HJDPXAmI72czfrxJ_JYSPpOg/s320/Summer%20Strike%20Kim%20Seol%20Hyun%20Yeo%20Reum%20Im%20Si%20Wan%20Ahn%20Dae%20Beom%20ending%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And I especially loved how Yeo Reum practically took up the role of being Bom and her brother's guardian. It's probably true that she stayed because she fell in love with Angok. But I suspect that Bom and her brother played a big role in Yeo Reum's decision too. She somehow felt responsible for them. And it also helped that Angok loved her too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was happy with how there was closure on everything. Geun Ho and his family are healing with Geun Ho going back to school. Sung Min and Joon's family might be finally complete with Ji Young's constant presence in their lives. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved the show's over all theme about how simplicity can be okay too. I totally agree with Yeo Reum's definition of happiness - it's about not lacking anything. We don't need to have it all. As long as we don't lack anything, then life should be perfectly fine. And that's definitely a good thing to take with us as we start a new year. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.8.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.75.</p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-23218904683278891442022-12-04T13:54:00.000+09:002022-12-04T13:54:26.297+09:00K Movie Review: 20th Century Girl (2022) 4.4 || 4.25<div style="text-align: justify;">Oppa loves Kim Yoo Jung. Unfortunately, we've been unable to find a drama of hers that suits our taste. I've seen (and loved) her in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Angry%20Mom%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5">Angry Mom</a> but Oppa does not want to watch something I've seen before. So you can say that we have been on a quest for a good Kim Yoo Jung material for quite sometime now. Since this movie came out, Oppa has been bugging me non-stop to watch it. And we finally found the time. While the movie was not as sweet and romantic as I expected it to be, it still brought back good vibes that made it worth watching.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ3pSQqwm35IFNFFZ0wEPgkWWoNVD7gfvhngM_yFiLj34lCfcuMHjkykEcos05K7UKNwxvmk1mWlFl5_xusOiYR4eQBLJWc5W3UQ7DTgVA-3mFdRJGqJ7xWiAQlvb3KerNdeCtXIVgIVFB1pg0yeLSbAXAxAprYa3kWaUHPN1MY6qN4Qoyd0x1Rl2/s325/20th_Century_Girl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQ3pSQqwm35IFNFFZ0wEPgkWWoNVD7gfvhngM_yFiLj34lCfcuMHjkykEcos05K7UKNwxvmk1mWlFl5_xusOiYR4eQBLJWc5W3UQ7DTgVA-3mFdRJGqJ7xWiAQlvb3KerNdeCtXIVgIVFB1pg0yeLSbAXAxAprYa3kWaUHPN1MY6qN4Qoyd0x1Rl2/s320/20th_Century_Girl.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">20th Century Girl, set in 1999, tells the story of Na Bo Ra (Kim Yoo Jung), a high school student in a small town. Her closest friend, Kim Yeon Du (Roh Yoon Seo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Our%20Blues%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Our Blues</a>) is in love with a guy whom they thought was named Baek Hyun Jin (Park Jung Woo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/D.P.%20Deserter%20Pursuit%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.8">D.P.</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hospital%20Playlist%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Hospital Playlist</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hospital%20Playlist%202%20%28Kdrama%29%204.8%20%7C%7C%204.8">Hospital Playlist 2</a>). Yeon Du had to go to the US for a heart surgery so Bo Ra was left with the task of stalking Hyun Jin. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While doing her mission, Bo Ra ends up getting close to both Hyun Jin and his best friend, Poong Woon Ho (Byeon Woo Seok of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Record%20of%20Youth%20%28Kdrama%29%204.3%20%7C%7C%204">Record of Youth</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-weightlifting-fairy-kim.html">Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Moon%20Lovers%20Scarlet%20Heart%20Ryeo%20%28Kdrama%29%204.3%20%7C%7C%204">Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo</a>). Hyun Jin was interested in Bo Ra but she kept rejecting him because she knew her best friend liked him. Bo Ra ended up falling for Woon Ho. And things were going great until Yeon Du came back and they found out that it was actually Woon Ho that she liked. He just happened to wear Hyun Jin's uniform when she met him, thus the confusion. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bo Ra holds back her feelings because she didn't want to hurt Yeon Du. But of course, everything's revealed eventually. Yeon Du gives way and tells Woon Ho that Bo Ra really likes him. Bo Ra and Woon Ho didn't have much time left, unfortunately, because he had to go back to New Zealand to be with his mom and brother. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The long distance relationship worked for a while, until the new millennium to be exact. Then Woon Ho just stops responding to Bo Ra's emails. Her calls were left unanswered too. Bo Ra's heartbroken but she can't do anything about her situation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fast forward to 2022, older Bo Ra (Han Hyo Joo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Happiness%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Happiness</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hometown%20Flex%20%28Kshow%29%204.7%20%7C%7C%204.5">Hometown Flex</a>, and part of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/01.%20Noonas%20-%20The%20Loveliest%20Korean%20Female%20Personalities%20%28Dec%202020%29">Oppa's list</a>) receives a mysterious invitation to an exhibit, which came with a cover of a film she lent Woon Ho in the past. At the exhibit, Bo Ra's met by Woon Ho's younger brother (Ong Seong Wu of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/More%20Than%20Friends%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.3">More than Friends</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/At%20Eighteen%20%28Kdrama%29%204.9%20%7C%7C%204.8">At Eighteen</a>). Bo Ra's treated to different photos and videos of things and places that were memorable to her and Woon Ho. There she finds out that Woon Ho actually planned to go back to Korea to be with Bo Ra. But he died. Details about his death are not revealed. Bo Ra goes back home. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The film ends with Bo Ra watching videos that Woon Ho recorded of her and their friends and his parting message in New Zealand during the new millennium telling her that he wants to see Bo Ra of the 21st century. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kim Yoo Jung as Na Bo Ra</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhhmwNhrp9vKq5swAvW2JPHTzDqqs7VQLOISUC4cWoz6xZI-LYcj_UgTw_fdv0Bu7tIG7-uoAJJ5ckXR-hcS07wLUC85mB8ap66FuoLSRMN2hjwcnOuflkRUCL-Jda_GAtSzH3af5MK62iDptgRY58BOI0b5O194cPEI26WHR8Ty1kpfu5GxfILlp/s1200/20th_Century_Girl%20Kim%20Yoo%20Jung%20Na%20Bo%20Ra.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhhmwNhrp9vKq5swAvW2JPHTzDqqs7VQLOISUC4cWoz6xZI-LYcj_UgTw_fdv0Bu7tIG7-uoAJJ5ckXR-hcS07wLUC85mB8ap66FuoLSRMN2hjwcnOuflkRUCL-Jda_GAtSzH3af5MK62iDptgRY58BOI0b5O194cPEI26WHR8Ty1kpfu5GxfILlp/s320/20th_Century_Girl%20Kim%20Yoo%20Jung%20Na%20Bo%20Ra.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No doubt about it, Kim Yoo Jung is still as pretty as ever. She's even getting prettier as she grows older. I loved how this movie highlighted Yoo Jung's strengths. She really shines when she's doing bubbly and crazy characters like Bo Ra. She does boyish roles so well but I love how she matches that with that very subtle hint of femininity. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bo Ra's character would probably have been perfect, had it not been for her extreme love for Yeon Du, which pushed her to give up her own happiness for her. But that's acceptable. We all have people we're willing to sacrifice a lot for. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Byeon Woo Seok as Poong Woon Ho</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHjpLms7LJ8N5sMl5KZ-W_5k9CpsOikP5qNlib3JhzNYK6A5YkDMoNJlZd-0uGGvQfzg17Z8J6yhJs5QNqAhoKUaQlcVbb-D0ZcNpv0WwrMCNNvONCBJzuBw-F2NpPZkQGSEQZYq_Jh9ViZXsnOteWXtWeA0T4gXJr8U-hNITp-Sh9I3jGwTOotJ6/s770/20th_Century_Girl%20Poong%20Woon%20Ho.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="770" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHjpLms7LJ8N5sMl5KZ-W_5k9CpsOikP5qNlib3JhzNYK6A5YkDMoNJlZd-0uGGvQfzg17Z8J6yhJs5QNqAhoKUaQlcVbb-D0ZcNpv0WwrMCNNvONCBJzuBw-F2NpPZkQGSEQZYq_Jh9ViZXsnOteWXtWeA0T4gXJr8U-hNITp-Sh9I3jGwTOotJ6/s320/20th_Century_Girl%20Poong%20Woon%20Ho.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have better appreciation for Byeon Woo Seok in this film. Although this was more of a Kim Yoo Jung movie, Byeon Woo Seok also had his moments. And while he has yet to really make a big mark that will officially make him a lead actor candidate, I'd like to think that he's slowly getting there. What I liked most about Woo Seok was how he handled the dramatic scenes better than Yoo Jung. And that's saying a lot for someone who's Yoo Jung's junior. I hope he gets more exposure so we can see more of what he has to offer. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hyun Jin and Yeon Du</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHdLrWAplcMEUQhb-2VQKNhNQpPBFaccIW1No1tmeE2ecSXK_TtlsdHVj3Wz6EgG9Ss-9EkY-8XtQGI0FN5WbDgpBVo-M-uwFh9CqzWaP4RIrKwSYHSNNOuq61Ah_auBCeitn5SZLaCSODrLOy4CGxqlASS0nApvU0Jyw5C3Bb4FBIKx_nZlPRijI/s1200/20th_Century_Girl%20Hyun%20Jin%20Yeon%20Du.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHdLrWAplcMEUQhb-2VQKNhNQpPBFaccIW1No1tmeE2ecSXK_TtlsdHVj3Wz6EgG9Ss-9EkY-8XtQGI0FN5WbDgpBVo-M-uwFh9CqzWaP4RIrKwSYHSNNOuq61Ah_auBCeitn5SZLaCSODrLOy4CGxqlASS0nApvU0Jyw5C3Bb4FBIKx_nZlPRijI/s320/20th_Century_Girl%20Hyun%20Jin%20Yeon%20Du.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Although their roles were not as big as the other main leads, I still ended up loving Hyun Jin and Yeon Du. I loved how Hyun Jin was so chill about being rejected by Bo Ra even after he knew that there was something going on between her and his best friend. And I loved how he casually told Yeon Du that Bo Ra and Woon Ho liked each other. No drama at all. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeon Du was great because she gave way to her friend. And I loved the sweet way she talked about Bo Ra when she told Woon Ho that Bo Ra liked him. We'd all want to have a friend who'd talk about us the way Yeon Du did. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDnJCHNs59y2uBCDoH5CyltRnMiHq8PEDwm4pWhpAy0LoLEQ2UUNKWHk9iudgtJ_3oQ-CwOmtgTUgdOBXGg7tppf6JsX_yyF2FXY7r_xMQGqpLT6AY1iGi5Jx-RKOYu4MJ8YUAqZ-XXRyQus55F9LBPNJ8t6qOAmB0E84jTvOUTp6SQ48qogUFWmV/s1000/20th-Century-Girl%20Woon%20Ho%20Bo%20Ra.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfDnJCHNs59y2uBCDoH5CyltRnMiHq8PEDwm4pWhpAy0LoLEQ2UUNKWHk9iudgtJ_3oQ-CwOmtgTUgdOBXGg7tppf6JsX_yyF2FXY7r_xMQGqpLT6AY1iGi5Jx-RKOYu4MJ8YUAqZ-XXRyQus55F9LBPNJ8t6qOAmB0E84jTvOUTp6SQ48qogUFWmV/s320/20th-Century-Girl%20Woon%20Ho%20Bo%20Ra.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were many things to love in this film. I loved the realistic depiction of love triangles. How it can threaten to ruin friendships. But how real friendships will survive and prevail in the end. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then there's the puppy love angle. The thrill that comes with it. The heartbreaks that feel like it's the end of the world. And long distance relationships too. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I really enjoyed how the film portrayed high school life. The fun times. The extracurricular activities. And what I loved most was how students here were actually having fun and not dying from excessive studying. How friends did crazy stuff together like sneaking out, drinking, etc. And of course the anxiety caused by the uncertainty that college brings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All in all, this film had a lot of things we loved. It was nostalgia overload for us who love the '90s, high school, and the friendships we formed there. But Oppa and I agree that despite all that, the movie didn't really touch us the way it should have. It could definitely have done more. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQFIKIQJNV584wwY1I5eaIcs0O-vvOIou2MDxSB9xuvb8cQ16_Sjp2k1BFI9zZmLfc9ZzxhBwlEzb91xegEpf5oyyibl63VhS7BpWOmAOWsbnlARko1cLpdiA5MREjDw7WPs-F4q8aNNZwWCkPA6wjnnQdzVF1tjxQS0P_sJ-a1g25L0DmzROla2J/s680/20th_Century_Girl%20Poong%20Woon%20Ho%20ending.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQFIKIQJNV584wwY1I5eaIcs0O-vvOIou2MDxSB9xuvb8cQ16_Sjp2k1BFI9zZmLfc9ZzxhBwlEzb91xegEpf5oyyibl63VhS7BpWOmAOWsbnlARko1cLpdiA5MREjDw7WPs-F4q8aNNZwWCkPA6wjnnQdzVF1tjxQS0P_sJ-a1g25L0DmzROla2J/s320/20th_Century_Girl%20Poong%20Woon%20Ho%20ending.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the ending was tragic. But I have no problem with that because life can happen that way. Yes, I have questions about how Bo Ra was kept in the dark from 2001 to the present. But that's still plausible, I guess. I only wish the movie told us how/why Woon Ho died. I'd like to think that we deserve that, having invested 2 hours of our time watching the movie (and waiting with Bo Ra for the past 20+ years). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I was happy for Bo Ra because she finally got the closure she needed, no matter how long it took. Sometimes, time won't really matter as long as we get the closure we need to move on. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.4</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.25 (with additional points for Kim Yoo Jung). </div>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-33534484055213350272022-12-01T18:15:00.002+09:002022-12-04T13:48:11.281+09:00K Drama Review: Once Upon a Small Town (2022) 4.3 || 4<p style="text-align: justify;">Oppa and I were drawn to this show because of the animals, haha. A veterinarian as a made lead seemed like an interesting concept. Although the story ended up quite similar to other countryside dramas, we still managed to enjoy this one, thanks to the short episodes that made them ideal to watch during late nights. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB55GX4QULzhCQxkUWqEGng0QPTGWtjz2ueI6avnxj9dUI0PXrCoE_-TpGb_ULvYL5T9fwKJIjk84ij4J5UHt4aMlucY7wZKQwecoiCK6-HAemJAizFmdWlNtvb1HAE7EzZeXyG6Kn-tpH_DR6SeTzLtPeqgaWPlH2zgVqViJCnM_IBScFBWALb8c/s356/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXB55GX4QULzhCQxkUWqEGng0QPTGWtjz2ueI6avnxj9dUI0PXrCoE_-TpGb_ULvYL5T9fwKJIjk84ij4J5UHt4aMlucY7wZKQwecoiCK6-HAemJAizFmdWlNtvb1HAE7EzZeXyG6Kn-tpH_DR6SeTzLtPeqgaWPlH2zgVqViJCnM_IBScFBWALb8c/s320/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Once Upon a Small Town tells the story of a city-raised veterinarian, Han Ji Yul (Choo Young Woo), who had to abruptly pack his bags to take over his grandpa's vet clinic in the countryside when his grandpa decided to go on a trip with his wife. Ji Yul was of course annoyed. It didn't help that the people in the town were nosy, including Police Officer Ahn Ja Young (Park Soo Young/Joy). Unknown to Ji Yul, Ja Young was actually a childhood friend who helped him overcome his parents' death when he temporarily stayed with his grandparents several years back. The show takes us through how Ji Yul ends up loving the town he initially hated and how he and Ja Young rekindled their childhood relationship.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Choo Young Woo as Han Ji Yul</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nkchqNOa8WjT1zsPvUEccypgSaYtLVSwQlQnTT9yjDmJsYHtU4YdjycK7OSMPNIQUQS3dUiYQVry19y42NcyIxf410iqtz_nYjBpUiXnLWPlCPXtcGAaZeWUpRTGS-Ly5ypSB6497eO8rZIwNF412IpfLE_7NZrn0z_jjsSUaXBsbIEC-JbFli4O/s696/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Han%20Ji%20Yul.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="696" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1nkchqNOa8WjT1zsPvUEccypgSaYtLVSwQlQnTT9yjDmJsYHtU4YdjycK7OSMPNIQUQS3dUiYQVry19y42NcyIxf410iqtz_nYjBpUiXnLWPlCPXtcGAaZeWUpRTGS-Ly5ypSB6497eO8rZIwNF412IpfLE_7NZrn0z_jjsSUaXBsbIEC-JbFli4O/s320/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Han%20Ji%20Yul.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Choo Young Woo was okay as an actor. Ji Yul, on the other hand, was not a very lovable character. Yes, I get it that he's annoyed that his grandpa tricked him into going to the countryside. But he didn't have to be a total prick about it. He should have exerted more effort in being respectful and polite from the beginning because he should know that things outside the city would be different. Yes, the people were nosy but he could have asked them to bug off in a kinder way. I also found it problematic that a veterinarian would choose not to treat an animal simply because the owner said something bad about Ja Young. He did improve later on and I guess that character development matters. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Joy as Ahn Ja Young</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdvCJECJwGz0YAV8rlX35qCSx-ekguTVSI-7iWjj58eX8zirr2b-KSSLGOHugME40m2hVjv7Dd2Qmm_gB-YQxRNCEjXkMOasnORZ8aOafLdVEWMjMEqBuRGMq_B7dCRAoIkjdVFYsyShZNRJ_6hzJ_6kDw26EVTgrjZ2P6q7SYHfcBfosdn7CvIbg/s2000/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2000" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdvCJECJwGz0YAV8rlX35qCSx-ekguTVSI-7iWjj58eX8zirr2b-KSSLGOHugME40m2hVjv7Dd2Qmm_gB-YQxRNCEjXkMOasnORZ8aOafLdVEWMjMEqBuRGMq_B7dCRAoIkjdVFYsyShZNRJ_6hzJ_6kDw26EVTgrjZ2P6q7SYHfcBfosdn7CvIbg/s320/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Joy is so easy on the eyes. Her nice smile and sparkling eyes make her credible as Ja Young, the darling of their little town. She was perfect as a countryside lass who was often shy and timid, but can also be feisty when needed. She definitely grows on you. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And like Ji Yul's character development, I also loved how Ja Young evolved from someone who needed to help others to affirm her worth to someone who learned that she is deserving of love without needing to do anything to get that love. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ji Yul and Ja Young</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ3lhv9bhptyNN4TW_VrAIhweVWd8F8ko0dQnnyo6MLB9hqiO-GKWcM46RA7AyZEKwZDrc502YxHnUxcwu-dLZbEc7oy1q679P4flr4oJpUO0gsacS4kJ0Z0hEzW8uzht_z2uZ_qUJkV57XDxoQX_zOLza6mHBEtA7I-zbGsp3VX7IsB118AroFrF/s1024/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young%20Ji%20Yul.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidQ3lhv9bhptyNN4TW_VrAIhweVWd8F8ko0dQnnyo6MLB9hqiO-GKWcM46RA7AyZEKwZDrc502YxHnUxcwu-dLZbEc7oy1q679P4flr4oJpUO0gsacS4kJ0Z0hEzW8uzht_z2uZ_qUJkV57XDxoQX_zOLza6mHBEtA7I-zbGsp3VX7IsB118AroFrF/s320/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young%20Ji%20Yul.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although this couple looked good together visually, I just found the consistency in their chemistry lacking. They had okay scenes together (yes, the predictable staples like catching when the other one's falling could've been removed but I found that they were still within acceptable levels). But there were scenes that didn't really help. Like how Ji Yul would act all jealous when another guy shows interest in Ja Young but when it's just the two of them together, he'd express his feelings by being extra mean to her like when he berated her for fixing his bike when he could have just thanked her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Their chemistry was great when Ji Yul realized that Ja Young was part of his past. That scene was really nicely done. And they became more exciting to watch together after that. Especially Ji Yul's sweet confession about loving the present-day Ja Young and not the one from the past. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But the chemistry sort of fizzled again when they got together officially. It didn't help that the love triangles felt more like stretches in the show. How Ji Yul didn't say right away that the girl was already his ex (Ha Yul Ri) or Ja Young not denying that Sang Hyeon (Baek Seong Cheol) was just her friend. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Let's first go to the things I didn't really like. First, I really found it inconsiderate of Ji Yul's grandpa to trick his grandson into leaving the city to take over his clinic. He should have known that his grandson was not experienced in dealing with large animals yet he left him all on his own. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was not fond of the love triangles too. Although I was proud of how Sang Hyeon accepted Ja Young's rejection and his fate. And how he promised to still be there for her and how he even pushed her to admit his feelings for Ji Yul. I didn't like it either when Ji Yul's ex kept on imposing on everyone that Ji Yul will forget about Ja Young once he goes back to Seoul. But I liked how Ji Yul dealt with his ex. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I found it too convenient for the show to use the kids to move the story forward. They even used the kids' fight to resolve Ji Yul and Ja Young's issues, which was irresponsible seeing how the little boy ran away from home. Surely, there would be a more creative way of doing it. And that should be one that does not involve an exaggerated amount of Kopiko product placements. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIoVeeuCS5tjfMGkLgFCbKtB8wxoV_Mo_yH1CcuGzAGE6DEvXQ04h-yiGhj3xls9obrMvuzMwljeLUym7yhtt5CVfubO9I0aO26lqbVW6eaexiGbEsSCNAv_AEtsE1pKm5bwwOc9Gs3mY-FdL0HFNZDGJdk_y2c4vel4B2uubWepPD86kabnjF2ZH/s600/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIoVeeuCS5tjfMGkLgFCbKtB8wxoV_Mo_yH1CcuGzAGE6DEvXQ04h-yiGhj3xls9obrMvuzMwljeLUym7yhtt5CVfubO9I0aO26lqbVW6eaexiGbEsSCNAv_AEtsE1pKm5bwwOc9Gs3mY-FdL0HFNZDGJdk_y2c4vel4B2uubWepPD86kabnjF2ZH/s320/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">But I enjoyed how the show juxtaposed living in the city versus in the countryside. Yes, small towns tend to bring nosy neighbors who invade your personal space. But they also give you people you can rely on, which is often better than having indifferent and cold neighbors. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how both oldies and young ones can actually co-exist and learn from each other. It's not always about the old ones knowing better. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And we loved the animals! They were so cute. I liked how the show reminded us that animals have feelings too and how our relationships with them can resemble human relationships too. I loved that scene where a bull had to be euthanized and you can really feel the grandpa owner's pain over losing his most trusted companion. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although short-term memory loss/amnesia may seem like an overused theme in K dramas, I found that part here plausible. Trauma from his parents' death could have likely blocked off Ji Yul's memory of Ja Young. Although I didn't understand why they didn't share their names with each other, given how Ja Young was described as a talkative girl back then. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4zcYFoVXh2MHOSpAbhKpsmkE2UMcUYtEqwzsI5bYtir54rhtZELM7V_iLYiChpi_KiTHABTvsb6iAbPp0YRl2FF5JF2h2DsD87YDeaDxqTmA1WM2MOPxx6HEkzT9pAn1dGUpYMUk_AaKnA12mhvJE1IVoOXOirbP7QTSIkXuetDKYfd0_Kq7yP7F/s1600/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young%20Ji%20Yul%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4zcYFoVXh2MHOSpAbhKpsmkE2UMcUYtEqwzsI5bYtir54rhtZELM7V_iLYiChpi_KiTHABTvsb6iAbPp0YRl2FF5JF2h2DsD87YDeaDxqTmA1WM2MOPxx6HEkzT9pAn1dGUpYMUk_AaKnA12mhvJE1IVoOXOirbP7QTSIkXuetDKYfd0_Kq7yP7F/s320/Once_Upon_a_Small_Town%20Joy%20Ahn%20Ja%20Young%20Ji%20Yul%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The ending was okay. It was hilarious how Ja Young announced their relationship over the loudspeaker, only to find out that everyone knew about it anyway. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I just found the long distance relationship thing quite contrived. How it was predictable that with how they were trying so hard to be considerate, they would actually end up hurting each other. It was also absurd that they would not communicate with each other when they're visiting such that Ja Young found herself in Seoul while Ji Yul went to see her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also found it quite predictable that Ji Yul would move back and inherit grandpa's clinic. And due to the inconsistency in the couple's chemistry, I didn't really feel the proposal that much. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the show's feel good with small town feels. The music helped in fostering that vibe too. It's just unfortunate the show couldn't sustain that nice feeling all the way. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.3.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-32689600755973341052022-12-01T18:11:00.001+09:002022-12-01T18:11:32.202+09:00K Drama Review: Love in Contract (2022) 4.4 || 4.5<p style="text-align: justify;">Oppa and I are huge college basketball fans. Unfortunately, our K viewing has to take a backseat when it's college basketball season. And that explains why I have not reviewed anything for almost 2 months. :D </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Oppa and I love Park Min Young. And when she has a new drama, it's definitely a must-see for us. We were surprised to hear that although she had a drama earlier this year (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Forecasting%20Love%20and%20Weather%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Forecasting Love and Weather</a>), she had a new one again and what made it even better was that she was with another actor I love, Go Kyung Pyo (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/D.P.%20Deserter%20Pursuit%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.8">D.P.</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Reply%201988%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Reply 1988</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Warm%20and%20Cozy%20%28Kdrama%29%203.4%20%7C%7C%203.75">Warm and Cozy</a>). </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiAM-v0WFtfvBvbXOGgq3hV5p7Xu8Yze9BdlFtawAuP3HwWEeNVEEv6TPH3aQwk8szH-HqxIvnMsXUX_XQvDPnnnzwJc7jYOlBIpr5XBbgOiVXDuQLVwXFbq8p1oKNAbvBqc5ED4eFFz8v7HD13aO5tUT38u3VMY5O7XKYv_QR08QymOV-KlVH7Sz/s359/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiAM-v0WFtfvBvbXOGgq3hV5p7Xu8Yze9BdlFtawAuP3HwWEeNVEEv6TPH3aQwk8szH-HqxIvnMsXUX_XQvDPnnnzwJc7jYOlBIpr5XBbgOiVXDuQLVwXFbq8p1oKNAbvBqc5ED4eFFz8v7HD13aO5tUT38u3VMY5O7XKYv_QR08QymOV-KlVH7Sz/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo.jpeg" width="223" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Love in Contract tells the story of Choi Sang Eun (Park Min Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/What%27s%20Wrong%20with%20Secretary%20Kim%20%28Kdrama%29%204.2%20%7C%7C%204">What's Wrong with Secretary Kim</a>), a girl whose parents allegedly died when she was young that she had to be placed in an orphanage. She was subsequently adopted by a rich family (the Ina group) who trained her to be the perfect bride that they can marry off to one of the rich families to advance their business interests. After being trained to be the perfect lady overseas, Sang Eun (now called Jamie) went back to Korea to meet the family she was marrying into (Kang Jin group). However, she broke down and made a scene during the dinner meeting. She was of course disowned by her adoptive family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">To make use of the skills she was trained at, Sang Eun decided to be a single life helper. She agreed to enter into arranged relationships and/or marriages with guys who needed to put up fronts (gay ones, those with parents/families pressuring them to get married, etc.). She's had more than 10 divorces at this point. One of her longest-running clients is Jung Ji Ho (Go Kyung Pyo), a judge who's lacking in social skills. Ji Ho is very awkward around other people. And he's brutally frank so he makes people uncomfortable. But he seems to have a comfortable relationship with Sang Eun, who he's been spending dinner with every Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for the past 5 years. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Sang Eun was ready to retire as a single-life helper. But things get complicated when people from her past - the supposed nanny who raised and trained her, Madame Yoo (Jin Kyung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Extraordinary%20Attorney%20Woo%20%28Kdrama%29%204.9%20%7C%7C%205">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Oh%20My%20Venus%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%203.75">Oh My Venus</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Wonderful%20Days%20%28Kdrama%29%203.5">Wonderful Days</a>), and the family that she was supposed to marry into (the Kang Jin group) come back into her life. The story takes us through how Sang Eun and Ji Ho overcome all of these obstacles - Sang Eun's secret past and identity and the people trying to break them apart - in their quest to have a happy ending together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Park Min Young as Choi Sang Eun</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv_5jMeTjf9MPPXwSsZdtqay1fnW8o5vBqPaVyfjMtJK2xY0q9EbJVMvKn0KeUDoT0fXAC1pzKGMPZW0rKUoNjbOgIhp3taM62eamHZSTieKbZPa6DSa7uvTINnlL--x4KqV_6MAXrpinFx4DWzHFhyx5o_jdrAvyBLjou6e_Yq1A3soFjdXs48XZ/s758/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="758" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitv_5jMeTjf9MPPXwSsZdtqay1fnW8o5vBqPaVyfjMtJK2xY0q9EbJVMvKn0KeUDoT0fXAC1pzKGMPZW0rKUoNjbOgIhp3taM62eamHZSTieKbZPa6DSa7uvTINnlL--x4KqV_6MAXrpinFx4DWzHFhyx5o_jdrAvyBLjou6e_Yq1A3soFjdXs48XZ/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Park Min Young is as pretty as ever. Yes, she seems more mature here compared to her earlier dramas and thinner too (those little arms and hollow cheeks). But she's still very, very beautiful. And because of that, she's definitely perfect as the classy, elegant, posh, and rich Sang Eun. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the show maximized her range as the queen of romcoms. She's super funny especially when she does her talent show when she's drunk. But I also liked her restrained dramatic scenes like when she bailed out Madame Yoo from that failed business transaction with the Kang Jin group. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9QHmYccq4Ud0quFnIk0c8-nJCVECv18-XFAQzBERsilG0gSIly9dEWmDFBj1bC8eSJsuhUteTumlzGx7R2AYxTgnxRudiMIPLFT05t93ePGOUVEDqugv4KpzYHnUB29GLrHH-MsmrcMumRr9D8159K3Fp7ZOZCzq5mB3JPLa08aloCwnRXvLpG7Q/s425/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU9QHmYccq4Ud0quFnIk0c8-nJCVECv18-XFAQzBERsilG0gSIly9dEWmDFBj1bC8eSJsuhUteTumlzGx7R2AYxTgnxRudiMIPLFT05t93ePGOUVEDqugv4KpzYHnUB29GLrHH-MsmrcMumRr9D8159K3Fp7ZOZCzq5mB3JPLa08aloCwnRXvLpG7Q/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite that composed facade, it's easy to see that Sang Eun has had a difficult life. Although she insists that her job is a no-strings attached one, it's actually very difficult to detach herself from the different clients she's been involved with. And although their contracts may end, they can still haunt her later on. Like how she had to attend the wake of an ex-mother-in-law whose son turned out to be her stalker. And even if she says it's all business for her, she actually cares for her clients and she's willing to go the extra mile to fulfill her obligations. Like how she saved Ji Ho from his boss during a concert. Or how she talked to the mom of one of her clients (and Kang Jin group son), Kang Hae Jin (Kim Jae Young), to allow the latter to pursue his real dream of being an actor and not lock him up in the office doing office job that bores him. Or how she revealed her real identity to the Kang Jin group so they won't force Hae Jin to marry her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Sang Eun's life has been difficult and complicated. And despite helping and serving other people, it was sad to hear her say that she feels she's just been used all the time. And that's the reason why I was highly invested in making sure that Sang Eun gets her happy ending. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Go Kyung Pyo as Jung Ji Ho</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8FW2S5CrixnivOQBRlPPgoEoheufOaSNxyVquadZkk9LjSGnTdfXwMo6jPeAFmfBSuzMlvl9utn14a8p6GmsbDRhC4YE87x7JSxz7kpMsFuYn3B0QVAV9Xt6mBl2h19yl7TT7Q9pVjZUgdyRY4WCNhGcvPSzfVwU3h2g_XX9lk06OlYaVI6QIpEt/s900/Love_in_Contract%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8FW2S5CrixnivOQBRlPPgoEoheufOaSNxyVquadZkk9LjSGnTdfXwMo6jPeAFmfBSuzMlvl9utn14a8p6GmsbDRhC4YE87x7JSxz7kpMsFuYn3B0QVAV9Xt6mBl2h19yl7TT7Q9pVjZUgdyRY4WCNhGcvPSzfVwU3h2g_XX9lk06OlYaVI6QIpEt/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit that in Reply 1988, it was easy to overlook Go Kyung Pyo because the show had a stellar cast. So I'm very happy that he finally got his shining moment here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how the show tried to confuse us in the beginning about Ji Ho's character. He seemed too creepy and was an easy suspect as a killer. Although yes, that would have been too obvious early on in the series. And thus, it was a more plausible theory that Ji Ho was merely being used as a decoy. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Go Kyung Pyo was perfect as the stoic, serious, and awkward Ji Ho. He was so funny when he's all stiff especially when someone tries to invade his personal space. But on a deeper level, I loved how Ji Ho was a good representation of introverts. How it's stressful for people like him to interact with different people. But he's equally capable of forging meaningful relationships, like the one he has with his boss (Park Chul Min of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/So%20I%20Married%20an%20Anti-Fan%20%28Kdrama%29%204.2%20%7C%7C%204">So I Married an Anti-Fan</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/The%20Killer%27s%20Shopping%20List%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204">The Killer's Shopping List</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/May%2018%20%28Kmovie%29%203.9%20%7C%7C%203.75">May 18</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Miracle%3A%20Letters%20to%20the%20President%20%28Kmovie%29%204.2%20%7C%7C%204.5">Miracle: Letters to the President</a>). Let me just say that I loved this bromance so much, how boss cared for Ji Ho as his own son. Especially that scene when he visited him in the hospital where he assured Ji Ho of his trust and support amidst the scandal about Sang Eun's identity. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuUE4nAez1BNFnbixucBW1lYQDGfPSN3o1uNQOXOwlwLNTzY-CtsM7Bolk60WXVOgUtyF_aaBTm4s-7UkoDR7YxwnbZfr6UYoaGDd1iCdjEr1LSdlB0kUkGvVKxxiHJD2-OxCXjfdJuIKVGlNlKbt0-0YW9pxzZiRZrQ1ZrfQyN2Za1O2h-2Otdfp/s700/Love_in_Contract%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuUE4nAez1BNFnbixucBW1lYQDGfPSN3o1uNQOXOwlwLNTzY-CtsM7Bolk60WXVOgUtyF_aaBTm4s-7UkoDR7YxwnbZfr6UYoaGDd1iCdjEr1LSdlB0kUkGvVKxxiHJD2-OxCXjfdJuIKVGlNlKbt0-0YW9pxzZiRZrQ1ZrfQyN2Za1O2h-2Otdfp/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And I loved the similarities in Sang Eun and Ji Ho's lives. Despite being an accomplished judge, Ji Ho also had a sad past, especially that part about his ambitious wife, Jung Ji Eun (Lee Joo Bin of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Money%20Heist%3A%20Korea%20-%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20%28Kdrama%29">Money Heist</a> and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Mr.%20Sunshine%20%28Kdrama%29%204.7%20%7C%7C%204.75">Mr. Sunshine</a>), who divorced him in order to advance her career. (And yes, I hated that she had to come back and act like some sort of villain who seemed to be out to ruin Sang Eun and Ji Ho's relationship. Thank God she somehow redeemed herself with that press con she did for Hae Jin. But I still don't trust her, hihi.)</p><p style="text-align: justify;">And Ji Ho's sad youth when he had to stay with his aunt's family and how he was told to hold things and not say everything he feels because only his real family can tolerate that. And that obviously led him to being quiet and indifferent and afraid of expressing his feelings. When deep inside, he seems to long for validation and companionship too, like when he was smiling smugly when his colleagues began complimenting his outfits. This part of the story is a timely reminder of how grown-ups must always avoid clipping children's wings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ji Ho and Sang Eun</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yMo2kO9JKnzsmc4CbE4raGPvO_GhToQXTAdcGoVmBqPeVQXnZlCdd5jGFyT9G4LyYupBKi7Mgyaki39UUPFkuOSNKWexdLvZTO9rKijc9zYA3L4uFitID2EaHBuBNmqvB4YDdnsvecyziP8NzZa0fejdNTAVaH7Arcx-04f9M5MqK3q1dxil7xis/s900/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yMo2kO9JKnzsmc4CbE4raGPvO_GhToQXTAdcGoVmBqPeVQXnZlCdd5jGFyT9G4LyYupBKi7Mgyaki39UUPFkuOSNKWexdLvZTO9rKijc9zYA3L4uFitID2EaHBuBNmqvB4YDdnsvecyziP8NzZa0fejdNTAVaH7Arcx-04f9M5MqK3q1dxil7xis/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Forgive me if I have a lot of things to say about this couple. I super loved Park Min Young and Go Kyung Pyo's chemistry. Even at the start of the show when they were technically not yet a real couple, there was already so much electricity between them. I couldn't wait for them to acknowledge their feelings for each other. The nice thing about these two is how they can still manage to make me feel giddy despite their age - mere eye contact, or when Ji Ho rescued Sang Eun in that dream, or when Ji Ho said, "Honey, I'm hungry. Let's eat," when she sensed that Sang Eun felt awkward around Hae Jin. I guess it helped that Ji Ho was quiet most of the time so every little thing he did was magnified and looked extra sweet. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how Ji Ho became drawn to Sang Eun. From the start, it was all about his desire to protect her. Initially, he wanted to save her after coming to his court six times for a divorce. Then, he wanted to break their contract when he realized that she wanted to retire to travel and his contract with her was probably the only thing that was holding her back. And how he tracked down all available CCTV footages to find her attacker. And how he offered to extend their contract because he thought she needed money after she bailed out Madame Yoo (it's just unfortunate that Sang Eun took this in a different way). I loved how he was always so considerate of her. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKwXKMMeojdtulUE6kZHKRnG693Wq2tv0jv2ClMv8hLJSc48nHhdavr6PYhXP0BrDNRx7ZGQAnLDSp3C8-c_Zp1a0ZHMzFj1FcLk9C_WaQaexwtGsYHyK8cZbLTDS-jTFAuPw5Jwt1k87qr0xl2S3Iry6-o8F3YX4f4IEzi4cXk7K5ZpsgFoA0_6J/s655/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="655" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKwXKMMeojdtulUE6kZHKRnG693Wq2tv0jv2ClMv8hLJSc48nHhdavr6PYhXP0BrDNRx7ZGQAnLDSp3C8-c_Zp1a0ZHMzFj1FcLk9C_WaQaexwtGsYHyK8cZbLTDS-jTFAuPw5Jwt1k87qr0xl2S3Iry6-o8F3YX4f4IEzi4cXk7K5ZpsgFoA0_6J/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Ji Ho and Sang Eun are super good together. And funny too! I loved that scene where they met Ji Ho's boss and his wife after the concert and they had to make up all of these stories why boss didn't know that Ji Ho was married. The look on Ji Ho's face was priceless - he looked like he was about to get a heart attack from the absurdity of the situation and how Sang Eun seemed so comfortable making up their story. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My favorite funny scene would probably be the housewarming party. Everything was so hilarious - the photoshopped travel photos, the talent show, how Ji Ho protested the result of the contest, how he was so uptight. But I really found it cute that he was fighting for her. And that kiss where she told him that he's her first love. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Ji Ho's slow and steady realization that Sang Eun's special to him. How he learned to let go little by little and how he allowed her to slowly break down his walls. Like that little confession where he said he was acting indifferent after the kiss because he was scared of losing her. And how they were gradually drawn to each other - Sang Eun asking Ji Ho to wear more comfortable clothes during their tteokbokki date, how they were now speaking casually to each other, how he asked her not to go overseas, and how he casually asked her why she had to spend the night with Hae Jin (and explaining that he needs to ask if he does not understand something). I loved how Ji Ho was coming out of his shell, thanks to Sang Eun. That 400-question list was really cute because he wanted to know her better. And how she seems relaxed with him and how she runs to him on bad days. You can't help but wish them a perfect life without an ex-wife, a Madam Yoo, and rich families coming in between them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFTLBipF2mA1O_bRhfAaI08Zg7dDw4_KA6VMnjx12u_8cwmDE5v5F_q4hEDWrTnF7Wl0-WKZWV6KFKbQcMDPthWwhWsvLvbndLp2TXMRIsigNCeJgDn2e7Cm5nD72IAQJRvTBO_xjKLEp8ssj0kdaVcYXd8khKDYOoOZJ-IUAC3i8ztOleox4pIuH/s900/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFTLBipF2mA1O_bRhfAaI08Zg7dDw4_KA6VMnjx12u_8cwmDE5v5F_q4hEDWrTnF7Wl0-WKZWV6KFKbQcMDPthWwhWsvLvbndLp2TXMRIsigNCeJgDn2e7Cm5nD72IAQJRvTBO_xjKLEp8ssj0kdaVcYXd8khKDYOoOZJ-IUAC3i8ztOleox4pIuH/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%203.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">And how that real confession was super worth the wait. How Ji Ho kissed Sang Eun. And how he said his life would suck if she were not in it. You can't get more certain than that. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was just horrible that Sang Eun's real identity was revealed around this time too. Just as when she's ready to let go of everything to be with Ji Ho and when Ji Ho's coming out of his shell, her past starts haunting her. I just loved that Ji Ho kept reassuring Sang Eun that this scandal won't bother him at all. And how he tried to come up with a plan that would minimize damage on everyone except himself. And how he never left her side, as how real men should, even after she told him to distance himself from her to avoid trouble. And how she bravely attended his staff's birthday party to explain things to remove the awkwardness in the office. I loved that they cleared things up with people that matter. And how he paved the way for Sang Eun's reconciliation with Madame Yoo/her mom. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And I loved how Ji Ho recalled that although he had doubts about their contract and he wanted to end it the moment they started, he kept delaying everything until he realized that five years have already passed. I loved how these two are a perfect fit for each other - how she taught him to express himself and how he showed her that she's capable of being loved without any ulterior motive. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kim Jae Young as Kang Hae Jin</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmkIzfFxBiKwA1oajZA1mObmR5n0J9cR1Fndk0Mv16V6pVgONatfrhcCsYeyVXHiOBWDOOnEG_ZmW5TqKcbbgdABiGbKnIeWIERjLL-6tVuZUvDWAa6-zov_vicFLf2ModwtukqxQ04Rp3huWJ3c76VAR427_goZz4a7T3BEOw4O9CHEYusn8PADE/s750/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie%20Kang%20Hae%20jin.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="750" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmkIzfFxBiKwA1oajZA1mObmR5n0J9cR1Fndk0Mv16V6pVgONatfrhcCsYeyVXHiOBWDOOnEG_ZmW5TqKcbbgdABiGbKnIeWIERjLL-6tVuZUvDWAa6-zov_vicFLf2ModwtukqxQ04Rp3huWJ3c76VAR427_goZz4a7T3BEOw4O9CHEYusn8PADE/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie%20Kang%20Hae%20jin.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit that I'm not a big Hae Jin fan. I hated that he kept on whining like an immature rich kid in the beginning. But he grew on me with his friendship with Sang Eun. I loved how they could relate to each other due to their upbringing and their common desire to break free from their past. And he totally won me over with the many things he gave up for Sang Eun. I'm excited at the prospect of him being with Ji Ho's ex-wife. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kang Hyung Seok as Woo Kwang Nam</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44pet4cBeFtjkkf6zskoYEo7hwIzOEHT3R9tyDVdQTdA33CQJMaa7N2wz7maTlQyYt-Ma4U94kUkNWMZvRt50jbGD9zd3yFsioR0tDokZVTbnQo8vxDu12pPHu50cE08nvemDIZwJ7JzConww_U2CC4HSFNouRTXOe7Fw8eChPYWBK1rap6F0sjUF/s900/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie%20Kwang%20Nam.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi44pet4cBeFtjkkf6zskoYEo7hwIzOEHT3R9tyDVdQTdA33CQJMaa7N2wz7maTlQyYt-Ma4U94kUkNWMZvRt50jbGD9zd3yFsioR0tDokZVTbnQo8vxDu12pPHu50cE08nvemDIZwJ7JzConww_U2CC4HSFNouRTXOe7Fw8eChPYWBK1rap6F0sjUF/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Jamie%20Kwang%20Nam.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Kang Hyung Seok (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Crash%20Landing%20on%20You%20%28Kdrama%29%204.25%20%7C%7C%204.5">Crash Landing on You</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Itaewon%20Class%204.2%20%7C%7C%204.7">Itaewon Class</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Do%20Do%20Sol%20Sol%20La%20La%20Sol%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%204">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hometown%20Cha-Cha-Cha%20%28Kdrama%29%204.3%20%7C%7C%204.7">Hometown Cha Cha Cha</a>) here. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">First, I loved the LGBTQ+ representation. How the drama didn't stick with the stereotypes, showing us that a gay person can be masculine too - he was a taekwondo instructor who even worked as a bodyguard. The thing I loved most about Kwang Nam was how he was always upfront about his sexual orientation to avoid misunderstandings (the student who liked him, his taekwondo boss, and Hae Jin) and how he was always ready to face the consequences. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Second, I loved his friendship with Sang Eun. How they looked out for each other. Like how despite his migration plans, he decided to stay when Sang Eun said she couldn't leave. Or how he didn't leave even if Madame Yoo threatened him and asked him to leave Sang Eun. Or how he asked for Ji Ho's help when he realized that Madame Yoo was causing all of Sang Eun's troubles and how Ji Ho should help her because she really liked him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm excited for the singing career that awaits Kwang Nam. I loved how Hae Jin's manager paved the way for this opportunity. And I hope love would be coming soon too. Although I hated how his family became nice only after they realized he could be a star, I guess that's a start. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jin Kyung as Madame Yoo</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4J3QO6W2Q11ZGwqqdvcDxUOiBZ7gARmJZOvKc-whkOvADAgKIyYRghT5Z1nOaKlvaEt7rUrhyTp9enOHqeoR9SnRYFWWhocYb1cltlmpPPkK2Lv8_hwXWRtCLbxwTCpTM35Tzt3hqYNg0QlyAuPOAVxM1zNmEFsrir0lmJuHY8H7Ok655dwQbxFw/s676/Love_in_Contract%20Jin%20Kyung%20Madame%20Yoo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="676" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4J3QO6W2Q11ZGwqqdvcDxUOiBZ7gARmJZOvKc-whkOvADAgKIyYRghT5Z1nOaKlvaEt7rUrhyTp9enOHqeoR9SnRYFWWhocYb1cltlmpPPkK2Lv8_hwXWRtCLbxwTCpTM35Tzt3hqYNg0QlyAuPOAVxM1zNmEFsrir0lmJuHY8H7Ok655dwQbxFw/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Jin%20Kyung%20Madame%20Yoo.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit that I hated Madame Yoo's complicated relationship with Sang Eun. I'm not sure if I prefer Jin Kyung in meek roles like in Wonderful Days or in bitchy, rich characters like here and in Attorney Woo. All I know is that I started out not liking this storyline. It didn't help that she really looks scary with her piercing stare. And I loathed how she kept on getting in the way of Sang Eun's life. And that power struggle between these two women. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But of course, show had a surprise for us towards the end, which sort of explained why Madame Yoo was acting that way. That mom reveal softened her up and I was just happy that she had a chance to mend her relationship with Sang Eun. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">While I thoroughly enjoyed this show, there were some things that didn't really work for me. I mentioned Madame Yoo earlier. I wasn't fond of Hae Jin's uncle/manager too who would beat him up when an issue comes up. I didn't like the stalker stuff too, especially since there didn't seem to be a follow through on this one. I hated Hae Jin's older brother too (Oh Ryung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Something%20in%20the%20Rain%20%28Kdrama%29%204.7%20%7C%7C%204.5">Something in the Rain</a> and who was super annoying in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Big%20Mouth%20%28Kdrama%29%204.4%20%7C%7C%204.5">Big Mouth</a>). And yes, drama is not one of this show's forte. That confession scene between Sang Eun and Madame Yoo and that scene when Ji Ho realized that Sang Eun left him were missed opportunities. They would have been great drama moments but they both came out meh. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite these flaws, I loved the show's interesting concept. That single-life helper thing is really interesting. Yes, it might not be sustainable (with overlaps and meeting common people). It's way too risky. And are there no divorce guidelines such that people like Sang Eun can really abuse this rule? But it was still a unique concept nonetheless.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The concept of raising kids as future brides is also interesting although it's scary. The long-term planning and funding needed to do that is surprising. And there's always that huge risk of it not succeeding like in Sang Eun's case. How do you recoup your investments when that happens? And I liked how Sang Eun's present-day career was actually a poor man's career path to make use of her bridal training - knowledge, skills, talents, poise, manners, and etiquette all came out useful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFXEbJkMthdebHC7q0RQIl1vUYC1FAF2yKdub-h9c8s7fTb4ad_vTkQMqbdxQaXr0wEP2IJAFqkskLyPkdPLM3BuOq10keC3KovTrJeYU89YECfSTJ0jtaFKhmmocnPJOIvkCJuECZYzpR2P3AhOdbJy3v0ybkFx9QbRSICm4tzVLQTEM1IvU3ut/s900/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="900" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoFXEbJkMthdebHC7q0RQIl1vUYC1FAF2yKdub-h9c8s7fTb4ad_vTkQMqbdxQaXr0wEP2IJAFqkskLyPkdPLM3BuOq10keC3KovTrJeYU89YECfSTJ0jtaFKhmmocnPJOIvkCJuECZYzpR2P3AhOdbJy3v0ybkFx9QbRSICm4tzVLQTEM1IvU3ut/s320/Love_in_Contract%20Park%20Min%20Young%20Choi%20Sang%20Eun%20Go%20Kyung%20Pyo%20Jung%20Ji%20Ho%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">As regards the ending, yes, I was not happy with how Sang Eun broke up with Ji Ho. Despite her reasons, I can't understand why she had to break the heart of someone who loves her so much that he's willing to give up everything for her. When they finally reconciled, I loved how Ji Ho reprimanded her, saying she should not have endured everything alone. This felt like a stretch on the part of the show. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But I loved how Ji Ho patiently waited for Sang Eun. How he still went home early and cooked for her on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, in case she'd come. And that happiness he felt when she finally returned. His reaction was very realistic - yes, he was disappointed that she left but he chose to let it go right away. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The proposals were both hilarious and sweet. Sang Eun's extravagant proposal that made Ji Ho a bit awkward but the look in his eyes was priceless when beautiful Sang Eun came out. And Ji Ho's sweet but very heartfelt proposal in the parking lot. Goes to show that in relationships, sincerity matters most. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how things were all resolved in the end. It didn't feel rushed or stretched, overall. Madame Yoo and Sang Eun were okay. Madame Yoo and the Ina group chair were okay, with the latter retiring and donating his money to somehow make up for his crimes. Kwang Nam finally agreeing to give singing a try and that special relationship he now has with Hae Jin's manager. Hae Jin finally getting his parents' blessing to resume his career and his budding romance with Ji Ho's ex-wife. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the little get together that Ji Ho and Sang Eun organized in lieu of a wedding was the perfect ending. And that epilogue where we see Ji Ho and Sang Eun eating beside each other, as opposed to across each other, is a testament of how much their relationship has changed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Loved the music too. My favorite was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KgOv3ek9Uk">Real Love</a>, which was perfect for Ji Ho and Sang Eun. :)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2KgOv3ek9Uk" width="320" youtube-src-id="2KgOv3ek9Uk"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.5.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-88315976994160942612022-10-02T19:42:00.001+09:002022-10-02T19:44:14.854+09:00K Drama Review: Good Job (2022) 3.2 || 3.5<p style="text-align: justify;">I anticipate that this review will be short and not so sweet. We started watching this drama when it first aired. But we put off watching the rest until the show's final week. We probably would have dropped it had it not been for Kwon Yu Ri, one of Oppa's favorites in SNSD. And while the show did not particularly do a splendid job, there were some interesting moments too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EqBFBXqN9aaptEGNl1GD-j8wH0VlEn0_dfbsxhi3iI_EF5Dz_bbddn6Db18DHhJ-1GWoE8JNs92gobToivVf_vStXZzpwLP3aTa1HCuYktqVwgICZnkqabk8exYILpSxKiICFgvmjH76EwsYH3RRg2RSiVDPRHLhkCi_CCmpm20aK2Nub89tqRV4/s359/Good%20Job%20.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EqBFBXqN9aaptEGNl1GD-j8wH0VlEn0_dfbsxhi3iI_EF5Dz_bbddn6Db18DHhJ-1GWoE8JNs92gobToivVf_vStXZzpwLP3aTa1HCuYktqVwgICZnkqabk8exYILpSxKiICFgvmjH76EwsYH3RRg2RSiVDPRHLhkCi_CCmpm20aK2Nub89tqRV4/s320/Good%20Job%20.jpeg" width="223" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Good Job tells the story of Eun Seon Woo (Jung Il Woo), a chaebol CEO/detective who's bent on solving the mystery of his mother's death (Kim Jung Hwa of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hot%20Stove%20League%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Hot Stove League</a>) around 20 years ago. His paths cross with Don Se Ra (Kwon Yu Ri), a woman with super vision who grew up in an orphanage and now juggles numerous part-time jobs. Seon Woo hires Se Ra as his assistant as she proves to be a valuable asset to his sleuthing missions. The drama takes us through how Seon Woo and Yu Ri's relationship develops as they help each other solve the mystery behind the death of Seon Woo's mom, along with other mysteries on the side. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jung Il Woo as Eun Seon Woo</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnL56DLn5kw6-9BDq80QLzwwbf3Apd1NKXCdcyCkza2dK9HyAcQW30LVNSpzj9HmIvXr6XVPvpW04yMaabTVtHgPhwyIgg3oFVqVSUc4jCS4hVP9sEl7QpsBkoRMvmWvv39qF7Flmx3O4ONicvTKpB7cbiGErvarij9bbUebosDgbWp3b_-O8AAey/s900/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnL56DLn5kw6-9BDq80QLzwwbf3Apd1NKXCdcyCkza2dK9HyAcQW30LVNSpzj9HmIvXr6XVPvpW04yMaabTVtHgPhwyIgg3oFVqVSUc4jCS4hVP9sEl7QpsBkoRMvmWvv39qF7Flmx3O4ONicvTKpB7cbiGErvarij9bbUebosDgbWp3b_-O8AAey/s320/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is our first Jung Il Woo drama and I can't say that I enjoyed watching him here. And I don't think it had anything to do with his acting skills. I found his character problematic. Seon Woo's overconfidence and abusive ways (especially to women) were so reminiscent of K drama male leads from long ago. Like how he initially left Se Ra after using her to conduct an ocular inspection of actress Oh Ah Ra's (Shin Go Eun) house but came back for her when he realized that her super vision could be of value to him. Or how when Se Ra helped him in the bar scene, he chose to rub it in her face that the necklace he lent her was expensive instead of thanking her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I suppose Seon Woo's bromance with his best friend, lawyer Yang Jin Mo (Eum Moon Suk of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Confidential%20Assignment%20%28Kmovie%29%204%20%7C%7C%204.5">Confidential Assignment</a>), and his secretary, Manager Hong (Lee Jun Hyeok of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Happiness%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Happiness</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Itaewon%20Class%204.2%20%7C%7C%204.7">Itaewon Class</a>, Hot Stove League, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Misaeng%3A%20Incomplete%20Life%20%28Kdrama%29%204.1%20%7C%7C%204.7">Misaeng</a>), were supposed to be cute and funny. But I found myself mostly neutral with them.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">So, nope, I don't think I've seen enough of Jung Il Woo to judge him objectively. I need to see more. And hopefully, not in a Seon Woo type of character. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kwon Yu Ri as Don Se Ra</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSR5jGMlt7UwKD8PGizlcPDUB6ZTjgErqPj9DqggMM2-qCWN2cDgHM8LOzqmpaaDugdHxm2p2rvDP2TwRPWrWEApGu2HKuzrvSq1smgeD489TbtuB116kdMjKL0F8L1SXoFSrWDWNG9tzxWyMr8NpJscIsJvqAo_3ua-rDMcTFxV3kEmj_SAOT8tW/s750/Good%20Job%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="750" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHSR5jGMlt7UwKD8PGizlcPDUB6ZTjgErqPj9DqggMM2-qCWN2cDgHM8LOzqmpaaDugdHxm2p2rvDP2TwRPWrWEApGu2HKuzrvSq1smgeD489TbtuB116kdMjKL0F8L1SXoFSrWDWNG9tzxWyMr8NpJscIsJvqAo_3ua-rDMcTFxV3kEmj_SAOT8tW/s320/Good%20Job%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I can see why Oppa loves Kwon Yu Ri. Aside from being very pretty, she's also very charming and appealing. And she was good in acting too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Although I appreciated Se Ra's character because of how she countered the show's tendency to be misogynistic, it's still unfortunate that there was place for misogyny in this drama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While Yu Ri was okay over all, I was not a huge fan of her baby talk when she pretended to be Seon Woo's girlfriend. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Seon Woo and Se Ra</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5gwiKVMzG3MhTixR5gBJz4dXCJbexa2H4tVORBpBNIK0avOPPFYFgZ53W7izd0uBo7bg5wD7hon72vy6Xw5PozSb4xYwT_aHsAaIgEqAplnxBoDhT5cpKw3OGNEJshwMJV3b5J4Rfp0Uz-MPRU352hM0AaN32o7nqedHImtM6wbyQb0vJoBjvapa/s900/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5gwiKVMzG3MhTixR5gBJz4dXCJbexa2H4tVORBpBNIK0avOPPFYFgZ53W7izd0uBo7bg5wD7hon72vy6Xw5PozSb4xYwT_aHsAaIgEqAplnxBoDhT5cpKw3OGNEJshwMJV3b5J4Rfp0Uz-MPRU352hM0AaN32o7nqedHImtM6wbyQb0vJoBjvapa/s320/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit that for most part of the show, I was not really feeling the chemistry between Se Ra and Seon Woo. A lot of their supposedly romantic/sweet scenes together felt contrived like that scene when Se Ra had to unnecessarily protect Seon Woo from the flying water bottles, which caused her a sprained ankle. The only time they succeeded in making me feel giddy was when they comforted each other about their painful past. I felt their sincerity during those moments. But when they went back to being just a cheesy couple, I went back to being indifferent towards them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yang Jin Mo and Sa Na Hee</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUwuDn2q77jh1GbIoE3KPjb5sB-aw06WSprTMihzS45WoppJmqQNsSerhTP97D0pBkg12wupaEYLk22avCFpuxAsU5q7tgKR6W1M8DI_sbnU4r-3W4vJhvOSyCBQGc077gTv3PPK7A3i2uBQiBw0L1eGh9ylui37N7oOtfJ8pzVlOKtVPq5tDwAcD/s600/Good%20Job%20Jin%20Mo%20Na%20Hee.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYUwuDn2q77jh1GbIoE3KPjb5sB-aw06WSprTMihzS45WoppJmqQNsSerhTP97D0pBkg12wupaEYLk22avCFpuxAsU5q7tgKR6W1M8DI_sbnU4r-3W4vJhvOSyCBQGc077gTv3PPK7A3i2uBQiBw0L1eGh9ylui37N7oOtfJ8pzVlOKtVPq5tDwAcD/s320/Good%20Job%20Jin%20Mo%20Na%20Hee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jin Mo and Na Hee (Song Sang Eun), as the best friends of the main leads, were supposed to complement Seon Woo and Se Ra's relationship. And I admit that they were quite successful most of the time. I felt that they had better chemistry than the main leads. I found their sweetness cuter and more credible. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">While Na Hee was mostly okay, I had issues with Jin Mo. His humor was quite slapstick. And I didn't like that he allowed Seon Woo to walk all over him most of the time. I get that they're best friends but he's a lawyer and I wish they had some boundaries too when it came to their professional dealings. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Villains</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">What didn't really work for me in this show was how the villains seemed weak. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYDOBFA3OmSxuHSn69JN7nvhKpFbvZlTMRhUl9aqQnEQYn4kZDKQFg8gJXHo1lcA6DdIe84GFOmM9-HLw9MqOTLO3MrjEVs2vrJIincjpxtZwf4rxZQH3Rv-13frNNUUrCUtKPE9QLg_bM7KEelfi38aPiAc5vL9j9p0sx59yT6FgRlBfTUIIc4Wi/s1080/Good%20Job%20Kang%20Tae%20Joon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYDOBFA3OmSxuHSn69JN7nvhKpFbvZlTMRhUl9aqQnEQYn4kZDKQFg8gJXHo1lcA6DdIe84GFOmM9-HLw9MqOTLO3MrjEVs2vrJIincjpxtZwf4rxZQH3Rv-13frNNUUrCUtKPE9QLg_bM7KEelfi38aPiAc5vL9j9p0sx59yT6FgRlBfTUIIc4Wi/s320/Good%20Job%20Kang%20Tae%20Joon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Kang Tae Joon (Yoon Sun Woo of Hot Stove League and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Moon%20Lovers%20Scarlet%20Heart%20Ryeo%20%28Kdrama%29%204.3%20%7C%7C%204">Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo</a>) was probably the best among the villains. But I still found him lacking since he had the tendency to be over the top with his angst. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The Vice Chairman (Jo Young Jin of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Secretly%20Greatly%20%28Kmovie%29%204.4%20%7C%7C%204.4">Secretly Greatly</a>) was so-so, although I appreciate that he was able to hide his true colors all these years. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3hY_VdLj4jp9KB2zccfr0eDwtsI2KDy3mZVFrTCxNo7YP_6UBDfv58IrY6C_IuYfw1gFfB5T1YrtNpDae_W9D1NBPSY1FToyF2mlvf5xX2c5hXnaHiPE1fg4lOjDucNwsaicvezoTl3A14HGU0RHU1nH-n942SzlKmi8p4FHgJawgsCmt541Kz3-/s600/Good%20Job%20Kim%20Jae%20Ha.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK3hY_VdLj4jp9KB2zccfr0eDwtsI2KDy3mZVFrTCxNo7YP_6UBDfv58IrY6C_IuYfw1gFfB5T1YrtNpDae_W9D1NBPSY1FToyF2mlvf5xX2c5hXnaHiPE1fg4lOjDucNwsaicvezoTl3A14HGU0RHU1nH-n942SzlKmi8p4FHgJawgsCmt541Kz3-/s320/Good%20Job%20Kim%20Jae%20Ha.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Kim Jae Ha (Hong Woo Jin of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Squid%20Game%20%28Kdrama%29%204.6%20%7C%7C%204.5">Squid Game</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hospital%20Playlist%202%20%28Kdrama%29%204.8%20%7C%7C%204.8">Hospital Playlist 2</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Crash%20Landing%20on%20You%20%28Kdrama%29%204.25%20%7C%7C%204.5">Crash Landing on You</a>) was supposed to be the show's super villain. But among the three main villains, I found him the weakest. I didn't find him scary at all. He was more pathetic than terrorizing. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The show had a very promising/interesting/refreshing concept - a detective pairing up with a girl with super vision. Unfortunately, I don't think the show was able to capitalize on this unique concept. In fact, Se Ra's super vision was mostly not discussed towards the end of the show. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Aside from that, I found other problematic stuff. I really wish the show did away with the misogyny. Or if they really wanted to do it, they should have left it with the villains. It was just too painful to watch when even the main lead was guilty of it too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9QP4j7qXRDIE38lT_fVGNZ5Tzrce8rRdz3bQgGt9kjENix5eb0syKKeLYXortHyVTvEBJl_NdUaPQN3Fyf_Xrt1AsGTGSm1KW6KmMlMmBxq1ylcuh85yBVc_Vn-lQvHpzv6G0yQEnmlIR6Bi8Uf5Q5MnB4lyBXo6iuLF-4Ynq8KGHsn68Gi5MAON/s1080/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9QP4j7qXRDIE38lT_fVGNZ5Tzrce8rRdz3bQgGt9kjENix5eb0syKKeLYXortHyVTvEBJl_NdUaPQN3Fyf_Xrt1AsGTGSm1KW6KmMlMmBxq1ylcuh85yBVc_Vn-lQvHpzv6G0yQEnmlIR6Bi8Uf5Q5MnB4lyBXo6iuLF-4Ynq8KGHsn68Gi5MAON/s320/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra%202.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Then there were too many things happening at the same time. A lot of stories were emerging that things felt all over the place. And a lot of these things had no follow through. Like the auctioneer who sold the necklace of Seon Woo's mom. Or the thief who stole the necklace from Oh Ara. Or Oh Ara's stalker/adoptive dad of her son and how she left with the child so he can get surgery overseas for his heart illness. Or the hospital's role in that story. Or Oh Ara's agency gathering porn material from their talents that they can use to blackmail them. Or Tae Joon's meltdown in the bar. Or Se Ra's orphanage sister (Min Chae Eun) who was kidnapped because of drugs. Or the corruption stuff in the Seon Woo's company. And many other things. I wish the show narrowed down the stories and focused on a few of them so that things would be more orderly. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The humor was not that great either. I mentioned earlier that there were slapstick stuff. And there was even disgusting toilet humor. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I wasn't too happy with how Seon Woo's team would have some sort of production number before they started a mission. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And some things didn't make sense too. Like how Seon Woo could still talk and negotiate with his attackers after he was abducted and stabbed. And how they didn't call for police back-up right away. And how Seon Woo recovered so quickly without going to the hospital. The fight scenes felt too staged/choreographed as well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi9s1InbTbKLrUc31Pa19l90x8L6daqt76rqkZI0bb2DSR9sNXwgyhZuez20UHvcZMad8oApEFqknHUMcFbuutLT_IjuXbcHrpVUl9WfyX6qGAOWrzxLcLIlhm54c9iC8GWga5fLl9CkruuKqjf7GFPhiNW1Iz3_GFo6NTcpvy1MSxiz6jnrlMY2x/s1315/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1315" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAi9s1InbTbKLrUc31Pa19l90x8L6daqt76rqkZI0bb2DSR9sNXwgyhZuez20UHvcZMad8oApEFqknHUMcFbuutLT_IjuXbcHrpVUl9WfyX6qGAOWrzxLcLIlhm54c9iC8GWga5fLl9CkruuKqjf7GFPhiNW1Iz3_GFo6NTcpvy1MSxiz6jnrlMY2x/s320/Good%20Job%20Jung%20Il%20Woo%20Seon%20Woo%20Kwon%20Yu%20Ri%20Don%20Se%20Ra%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was hoping the ending would offer something better. Unfortunately, I still found it lacking. It didn't make sense to me that they knew that Kim Jae Ha was coming after them, yet they left Se Ra and Na Hee all by themselves. And when they realized that Se Ra was in danger, they didn't call for back up that was near the scene, like the company's security. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And when Seon Woo was finally reunited with Se Ra, it totally didn't make sense that they lost their focus - opting to check out on each other, which led to Jae Ha escaping. Oh, it was also funny that Seon Woo had the time to sneak in his GPS in Jae Ha's pocket while he was being strangled. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while Se Ra's detective orphanage brother (Cha Rae Hyung of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/The%20Silent%20Sea%20%28Kdrama%29%204.2%20%7C%7C%204">The Silent Sea</a>) always stuck with Seon Woo, even leaving Se Ra behind, which led her to being kidnapped by Jae Ha, it didn't make sense that when Seon Woo had to catch Jae Ha, the detective chose to stay behind. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also found Kang Tae Joon's change of heart quite abrupt. It felt out of character. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And then we had some garbage time spent on the paparazzi chasing Seon Woo and Se Ra. Then the law firm went on to become a full-fledged detective agency. Which I felt was taking things too far ahead. Seon Woo was now a highly-touted detective when the real main case he has solved so far was his mom's death, where he of course had a very personal motivation. I also didn't enjoy how the detective was depicted as someone so dumb and naive when it came to girls. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over all, while the show had its moments, I found it lacking most of the time. And it was mostly worth the watch only because of Yu Ri.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>3.2.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>3.5.</p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-62755877200356458642022-09-21T18:16:00.002+09:002022-09-21T18:16:58.311+09:00K Drama Review: Narco-Saints / Suriname (2022) 4.2 || 4<p style="text-align: justify;">We seem to be avoiding romantic stories these days. Or we probably really enjoyed <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/09/k-drama-review-big-mouth-2022-44-45.html">Big Mouth</a> that we were intrigued by this drama on Netflix. And while it didn't really live up to our expectations, it was fortunate that it only had six episodes. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LjFKLa3D7JI6fHHQW2u-GsVmXx_DRt-PsiK1h8WD8sqwzEM_kjpztgeaOsIvKptRoB9CNfnmFNi4LozzgGRc77VQp-wytcLMuPZraMcKFABaTye2rTGrmtHc2PTmUKI3saFx11VOFwCfF6lPdIX2-HYe6hELkuexa9G1NkTUxNoMaO8LVwbH6Ix5/s371/Narco-Saints%20Suriname.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LjFKLa3D7JI6fHHQW2u-GsVmXx_DRt-PsiK1h8WD8sqwzEM_kjpztgeaOsIvKptRoB9CNfnmFNi4LozzgGRc77VQp-wytcLMuPZraMcKFABaTye2rTGrmtHc2PTmUKI3saFx11VOFwCfF6lPdIX2-HYe6hELkuexa9G1NkTUxNoMaO8LVwbH6Ix5/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname.jpeg" width="216" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Narco-Saints (Korean title: Suriname) tells the story of Kang In Gu (Ha Jung Woo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/1987%20When%20the%20Day%20Comes%20%28Kmovie%29%204.9%20%7C%7C%204.8">1987: When the Day Comes</a>), a Korean entrepreneur who was lured to Suriname by the prospect of a skate fish business. Things go crazy, however, when In Gu's first shipment to Korea was held up after it was found to contain cocaine. In Gu's sent to jail and his business partner, Eung Soo (Hyun Bong Sik of 1987: When the Day Comes, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Our%20Blues%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Our Blues</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/D.P.%20Deserter%20Pursuit%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.8">D.P.</a>), is killed. While serving his time, In Gu is approached by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) through agent Choi Chang Ho/Goo Sang Man (Park Hae Soo of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Persona%20%28Kdrama%29%204.8%20%7C%7C%204.5">Persona</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Money%20Heist%3A%20Korea%20-%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20%28Kdrama%29">Money Heist: Korea - Joint Economic Area</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Squid%20Game%20%28Kdrama%29%204.6%20%7C%7C%204.5">Squid Game</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Prison%20Playbook%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Prison Playbook</a>). The NIS needs In Gu's help in catching Jeon Yo Hwan (Hwang Jung Min), a Korean drug lord in Suriname who goes around pretending to be a pastor. Pastor Jeon was responsible for putting drugs in In Gu's skate shipment. The Pastor befriended In Gu earlier, making it appear that he could protect him from the bad elements in Suriname like Chinese gang leader Chen Zhen (Chang Chen). The drama takes us through In Gu's struggles as he agrees to be a private agent for the NIS as he stays in Pastor Jeon's lair. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ha Jung Woo as Kang In Gu</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J5Gh5Hxd70_jHdMqIqqKN5M9Z-7EUVU05CbisbIsB6UrOhTGaZwGI6rW-6NFmqblA4ay471NO31S-Qdl2mASqQQlcxfrkiUf9tINGo0xQhe2Lao89oA1m15Dlf9CTTXFWiiOyZRMt5a863-K3a3lPRfIJQ3gqH_7VU-ATQhTI_wLiddKX9-XH2O8/s1200/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Kang%20In%20Gu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J5Gh5Hxd70_jHdMqIqqKN5M9Z-7EUVU05CbisbIsB6UrOhTGaZwGI6rW-6NFmqblA4ay471NO31S-Qdl2mASqQQlcxfrkiUf9tINGo0xQhe2Lao89oA1m15Dlf9CTTXFWiiOyZRMt5a863-K3a3lPRfIJQ3gqH_7VU-ATQhTI_wLiddKX9-XH2O8/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Kang%20In%20Gu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Ha Jung Woo was great as the trapped and scared Kang In Gu. Despite the difficult situation he was in, I loved how In Gu remained confident, probably masking his fear with pomp. And I liked that he knew his worth like when he negotiated with the NIS. He always made sure that whatever risk he took would be worth it. And I loved his mental fortitude. Living with the evil Pastor Jeon and being subjected to various kinds of abuse (mental, emotional, physical) were difficult. Yet he persisted because he always had his eye on the end goal. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Hwang Jung Min as Pastor Jeon</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbhWGfPWzLG3LAkigHbZIZX9xMTsJDugIRLmtmsrV0XmmB3HUPd5wlBQrxOe-yZNGqaMj2NjRwEq4Y64yDOt7XefP2sfIndqEszXCZbds3E_vOyCpGp2w9dntwPGF3rWxhkGeQOl_qKPfMAyXpe9aSHwPzQNht72XXW2JjpLQjyGFKeWvjtjYNZND/s1200/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Pastor%20Jeon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="674" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbhWGfPWzLG3LAkigHbZIZX9xMTsJDugIRLmtmsrV0XmmB3HUPd5wlBQrxOe-yZNGqaMj2NjRwEq4Y64yDOt7XefP2sfIndqEszXCZbds3E_vOyCpGp2w9dntwPGF3rWxhkGeQOl_qKPfMAyXpe9aSHwPzQNht72XXW2JjpLQjyGFKeWvjtjYNZND/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Pastor%20Jeon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Hwang Jung Min was perfect as the evil and manipulative con man, Pastor Jeon. I admit, however, that he did a better job as a gang leader than a pastor. I was not too happy with him when he went around acting like a leader of his religious flock. One of his scariest moments was when he confronted In Gu about the latter's real motive in pushing for the Puerto Rico route. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Park Hae Soo as Agent Choi/Sang Man</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CZFmOcRvCCkrXFAI9JpGB4qqYvL_b6Z6dKZSn4WO4Zij8zMZ2Nl5xmdcbOYBLtxntDaEAlwSU7oz3Er9IbB_9ybhY4eRwpvHPQp8UmA73CQo3EgkROldvNpkgOvpDttOQR48FsnNPmeeUj1Df6yhe9jr0RTzfUuw8wESJxbvW0WECEPCwX2caLE3/s700/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Park%20Hae%20Soo%20Agent%20Choi.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CZFmOcRvCCkrXFAI9JpGB4qqYvL_b6Z6dKZSn4WO4Zij8zMZ2Nl5xmdcbOYBLtxntDaEAlwSU7oz3Er9IbB_9ybhY4eRwpvHPQp8UmA73CQo3EgkROldvNpkgOvpDttOQR48FsnNPmeeUj1Df6yhe9jr0RTzfUuw8wESJxbvW0WECEPCwX2caLE3/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Park%20Hae%20Soo%20Agent%20Choi.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I've been vocal about how much I love Park Hae Soo. Even if I end up not liking a show, I still manage to enjoy a bit of it when it has Park Hae Soo because he's that good. Any Park Hae Soo drama is a must-watch for me now. We've seen him in a number of shows already and I love how he approaches each character differently. He always has this commanding presence regardless of what role he plays. In this drama, he was a supporting character, yet he still stood out. Although I hated how Agent Choi tried to manipulate In Gu to advance the NIS' goals, I felt that he was conflicted because he always wanted to treat In Gu humanely. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Jo Woo Jin as Byeon Ki Tae</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigllaIx2nyHswCZAHmN8Qte2TOPwsJvNnvkK6rkSbI5ZWRDHDiBWhjm3E23KY5wgS2MaNTEGMh2aaihozdISKH9bgPUhZx36kD9u1WG5zp0xWVmJDWBdokhBc2-X9S5rD_yFF8ZXYrLamzvrmBNrNFKeUf2-oC45T3-KulzcepVnzQyENoP-v7gc4s/s2000/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Jo%20Woo%20Jin%20Byeon.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1270" data-original-width="2000" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigllaIx2nyHswCZAHmN8Qte2TOPwsJvNnvkK6rkSbI5ZWRDHDiBWhjm3E23KY5wgS2MaNTEGMh2aaihozdISKH9bgPUhZx36kD9u1WG5zp0xWVmJDWBdokhBc2-X9S5rD_yFF8ZXYrLamzvrmBNrNFKeUf2-oC45T3-KulzcepVnzQyENoP-v7gc4s/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Jo%20Woo%20Jin%20Byeon.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Jo Woo Jin was probably one of my most favorite actors in the show. He was such a revelation. After watching him in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Mr.%20Sunshine%20%28Kdrama%29%204.7%20%7C%7C%204.75">Mr. Sunshine</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Happiness%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Happiness</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Guardian%3A%20The%20Lonely%20and%20Great%20God%20%28Kdrama%29%204.2%20%7C%7C%204.5">Guardian</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Seobok%20%28Kmovie%29%203.1%20%7C%7C%203.8">Seobok</a>, and 1987: When the Day Comes, it was surprising (or shocking?) to see him in a very badass role. Jo Woo Jin was perfect as the Chen-minion-turned-Paster-minion Byeon Ki Tae. He was so scary because he seemed so unstable. I felt like he was going to kill In Gu anytime. That's why it was such a huge plot twist for me when Byeon turned out to be an NIS agent. It explained so many things, like how he was able to escape all those guys Chen sent to take him. I love how versatile Jo Woo Jin is as an actor and he's definitely one that I'll watch out for. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Yoo Yeon Seok as David</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT2HeZzCzb67lCFVRPOCYgtb70_fs_KKP0HRIrriVDAIBwB45U128cWojnrLpLU2ZcgfHrZroNTTR9Ls6LcT_WlgSUAC3gn8ensRZZsj5lKo1JLtMjPxrdEvSEj3PXFAyZv1Fx3hhMYReirKv-_tPLLGlHgCODjiEPgggiwThf5iBluEu5YOWzpf-/s700/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20David.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="700" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTT2HeZzCzb67lCFVRPOCYgtb70_fs_KKP0HRIrriVDAIBwB45U128cWojnrLpLU2ZcgfHrZroNTTR9Ls6LcT_WlgSUAC3gn8ensRZZsj5lKo1JLtMjPxrdEvSEj3PXFAyZv1Fx3hhMYReirKv-_tPLLGlHgCODjiEPgggiwThf5iBluEu5YOWzpf-/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Yoo%20Yeon%20Seok%20David.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see Yoo Yeon Seok again as the Pastor's lawyer. I admit, however, that this was not one of my favorite characters that Yoo Yeon Seok's played. I'm not sure if sleazy stuff suits him. He seems to be better off as a nice guy like his characters in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hospital%20Playlist%202%20%28Kdrama%29%204.8%20%7C%7C%204.8">Hospital Playlist 2</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hospital%20Playlist%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Hospital Playlist</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/12/k-drama-review-warm-and-cozy-2015.html">Warm and Cozy</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2020/08/k-drama-review-reply-1994-answer-me.html">Reply 1994</a> or even as a villain but with a kind heart like in Mr. Sunshine. It didn't help that he had a tragic ending as the fall guy for In Gu. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kim Min Gwi as Deacon Lee Sang Jun</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4sPJ9qkQmhYZzolCokrutpE_kHw4EGveiRt9QHMvlrD4JuzrjI8Hbq7yFpdSfA7JRCZeeC428Gr7O6IMYRLFsKAwyBGbGpHEDRQ1wEhtdvA37hqr4_IvLFfFeoGs30kd_A7Bxfr56Yt6SFkctouc-TQczGuEN5e3wtvfF7KIAcvNXi1k6gBou-VL/s275/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Kim%20Min%20Gwi%20Lee%20Sang%20Jun.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4sPJ9qkQmhYZzolCokrutpE_kHw4EGveiRt9QHMvlrD4JuzrjI8Hbq7yFpdSfA7JRCZeeC428Gr7O6IMYRLFsKAwyBGbGpHEDRQ1wEhtdvA37hqr4_IvLFfFeoGs30kd_A7Bxfr56Yt6SFkctouc-TQczGuEN5e3wtvfF7KIAcvNXi1k6gBou-VL/s1600/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Kim%20Min%20Gwi%20Lee%20Sang%20Jun.jpeg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We first watched Kim Min Gwi in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Nevertheless%20%28Kdrama%29%204.6%20%7C%7C%204.5">Nevertheless</a> where most of his scenes were cut due to a cheating/abuse controversy. I was surprised to see him bounce back just a little over a year later. I know most actors take longer than that to make a comeback after a scandal. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Kim Min Gwi was credible as the Pastor's deacon. What made Sang Jun so scary was how he blindly followed the Pastor. He was super brainwashed that he would do anything that the Pastor ordered him to do. He was probably the Pastor's most dangerous minion because he was blinded by his loyalty to the con artist. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned earlier, the show didn't really live up to our expectations. The pilot episode was quite slow. Yes, those scenes might have been necessary to build up the story. But given that the show only had six episodes, viewers might have expected something tighter, faster, and more action-packed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I know there's a bit of a trend to create shorter series as opposed to the usual 16-episode ones. This drama might be one of them. Unfortunately, it didn't work that well for us. Some parts felt like the show put more premium in coming up with a short series and in the process, it compromised fleshing out the story. Some jumps/gaps made the story quite difficult to follow at some point. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">For a supposedly secret operation, I felt that In Gu was quite reckless in his conversations with Chen and Agent Choi. He would do this in public places around the Pastor's house where anyone could overhear him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And for criminals who put premium on agreements, I was surprised that there seemed to be no follow through on some of the alliances created. For instance, Chen agreed to work with In Gu if the latter can kill the Pastor before the cocaine handover in Brazil takes place. It didn't happen yet Chen continued working with In Gu. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was also disappointed with how weak Chen seemed to be. He was supposed to assassinate the Pastor and he was given his location and other details that could help him. Yet Chen failed to capitalize on all of these advantages he had over the Pastor. The Pastor was not fully surrounded and Chen didn't send enough people on the ground which helped the Pastor escape. That was a very ill-conceived plan for a supposed organized crime group. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also found it inconsistent for the Pastor to make Byeon dispensable one minute, agreeing to return him to Chen, then have him appointed as Chen's replacement as leader of the Chinese gang the following scene. And didn't the Pastor wonder why Chen trusted Kang such that Chen would reveal his location to Kang? There was definitely something going on there. And it was weird that someone as suspicious as the Pastor missed that. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I hated how Byeon and In Gu had that little nodding/eye contact scene after the Pastor agreed to route the drugs to Puerto Rico. That was so stupid and amateur for an NIS agent. And true enough, Sang Jun caught it, which led to Kang being hostaged in Suriname while the shipment was being delivered. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwg0x84dsA7JQmNqK9fCegQo9fG8JMl6G7joQH4Aw_6L4CwiKIKidg6AvlfpnjDr9M9nbvKgx5VZ64TOVFUzegv4NjHvRTJI2wfcqZnynp6RuuO92M3P0S5iH9-Loiyk-x_Le0TMXA5sxX0cCD7SGjvU5zLdDTenyu-ioIWqj4Zc0saifATs8T05o/s800/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Pastor%20Jeon%20Kang%20In%20Gu.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwg0x84dsA7JQmNqK9fCegQo9fG8JMl6G7joQH4Aw_6L4CwiKIKidg6AvlfpnjDr9M9nbvKgx5VZ64TOVFUzegv4NjHvRTJI2wfcqZnynp6RuuO92M3P0S5iH9-Loiyk-x_Le0TMXA5sxX0cCD7SGjvU5zLdDTenyu-ioIWqj4Zc0saifATs8T05o/s320/Narco-Saints%20Suriname%20Pastor%20Jeon%20Kang%20In%20Gu.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">But the show had its good points too. While the concept of using a church/religious organization as a front for illegal activities is not entirely new, I liked how the show managed to still keep things entertaining. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked the show's take on corruption - how when it exists, it would probably be present in various levels of a government. Like how everyone from the military to the Chinese gang tried to exploit In Gu when he was just starting his business. And how corrupt countries make for ideal hideouts for criminals like the Pastor. And how you should never trust anyone in situations like this. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also liked how the drama showed us that even the government that's supposed to protect its citizens can be flawed. Like how the NIS used all means to achieve its goal of catching the Pastor, even at the expense of sending In Gu to jail or making him dispensable during the final operation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Ending</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">However, I was not too pleased with the ending. There were too many loopholes for me. Like it was too risky for the NIS to allow Sang Jun to speak with the Pastor. They might have secret codes that could give the Pastor clues about what was happening. The fight scenes were not that impressive either. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When the Pastor found out that In Gu duped him, I wondered why they didn't kill him right away. Or how the Pastor's numerous minions couldn't do anything when Byeon hostaged the Pastor. Or why they didn't shoot at In Gu when he was following the Pastor who was trying to escape. They just let him follow them until the end. And the driver just watched In Gu and the Pastor fight it out and he only helped out belatedly. The only bright spot here was that In Gu captured the Pastor. I would've been furious if the Americans stole the show from In Gu. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was also very disturbed about how the drama didn't seem to show any resolution about the Pastor's remaining followers, specifically the kids who were being killed and/or made to take drugs. I felt that this was an important part that should have been resolved. The matter was too serious for me to simply assume that it was properly addressed. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Some sort of epilogue in the end would have helped in explaining what really happened to the true story where the drama was based on. How did the Pastor end up? What happened to Sang Jun? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And while I'm all for free speech and freedom of expression, I somehow get why Suriname's angry. I found it quite improbable for one man like the Pastor to have complete control of the country, including its President, military, etc. The least the producers could have done was explain in the end how Suriname dealt with the problem and if it has been resolved already. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So while the show somehow managed to be entertaining and interesting, it was unfortunately lacking in a number of aspects. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.2.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.</p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1172553727813183422.post-45937145215873981752022-09-19T19:31:00.002+09:002022-09-21T18:13:55.932+09:00K Drama Review: Big Mouth (2022) 4.4 || 4.5<p style="text-align: justify;">We were very thrilled to hear that Im Yoon Ah and Lee Jong Suk were going to star in a drama together. And while the show was not a genre we usually watch, we knew we had to see it because we loved the lead stars. I'm happy to say that we loved most parts of it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Plot</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMu_ZjmXKfDD_19A14HmLh7W2WyTVSg2vWa9EbxTkjCVArNBfrL9amyZnPVGm1hG-zDq3xQvRG6g1AYkIZnma6GV8aMFtlKIvJt3rI2-0bfvTPQzB87umDTHBnZSsJHEpRa8yqWXwS0PIM3bL_uDrVWCic5JZyyKl2kOS2Nq3dEJwzTThpUIbU16L/s353/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMu_ZjmXKfDD_19A14HmLh7W2WyTVSg2vWa9EbxTkjCVArNBfrL9amyZnPVGm1hG-zDq3xQvRG6g1AYkIZnma6GV8aMFtlKIvJt3rI2-0bfvTPQzB87umDTHBnZSsJHEpRa8yqWXwS0PIM3bL_uDrVWCic5JZyyKl2kOS2Nq3dEJwzTThpUIbU16L/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Big Mouth tells the story of a lawyer, Park Chang Ho (Lee Jong Suk), who has a very low success rate. He likes to talk big, hence, the monicker Big Mouth. He lives a poor but happy life with his wife, Ko Mi Ho (Im Yoon Ah), and his father-in-law (Lee Ki Young of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/2022/08/k-drama-review-extraordinary-attorney.html">Extraordinary Attorney Woo</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Happiness%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Happiness</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Vagabond%20%28Kdrama%29%202.8%20%7C%7C%203">Vagabond</a>). Until he was tapped by the mayor of Gucheon, Choi Do Ha (Kim Joo Hun of <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Train%20to%20Busan%20%28Kmovie%29%204%20%7C%7C%204">Train to Busan</a>, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Soundtrack%20%231%20%28Kdrama%29%204.9%20%7C%7C%204.8">Soundtrack #1</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Now%20We%20Are%20Breaking%20Up%20%28Kdrama%29%204.1%20%7C%7C%204">Now, We are Breaking Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Start-Up%20%28Kdrama%29%204.3%20%7C%7C%204.5">Start-Up</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Do%20Do%20Sol%20Sol%20La%20La%20Sol%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%204">Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Encounter%20%28Kdrama%29%203.5%20%7C%7C%203.5">Encounter</a>), to be the lawyer of a group of guys who were accused of murdering a doctor. Chang Ho's world then turns upside down as he's suspected of using illegal drugs and then later on accused as Big Mouse, a notorious criminal in the area. The drama takes us through how Chang Ho tries to survive life in jail and in the outside world as he gets embroiled with big-time criminals who pursue their goals at all costs. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lee Jong Suk as Park Chang Ho</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDHjLcGePTuGuUua8wCvVz7VejTvfTIR2g9KcaL-xc5ZnK6Wneeek379Zp9f2yn9Q6blwj-aHQJR3awzVMRp3nva9BmNcUnp_jE9UBS1TQMh4DWTSEp64UcS74WszWHsl3mXoNW1O5v71EL6CwoWOn2pMrSt5ZLt_lj06WZQMBvq3Qe6STtPN90yz/s1000/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDHjLcGePTuGuUua8wCvVz7VejTvfTIR2g9KcaL-xc5ZnK6Wneeek379Zp9f2yn9Q6blwj-aHQJR3awzVMRp3nva9BmNcUnp_jE9UBS1TQMh4DWTSEp64UcS74WszWHsl3mXoNW1O5v71EL6CwoWOn2pMrSt5ZLt_lj06WZQMBvq3Qe6STtPN90yz/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Lee Jong Suk was such a revelation here as Park Chang Ho. I appreciated the cutesy stuff he showed us in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Romance%20is%20a%20Bonus%20Book%20%28Kdrama%29%204.4%20%7C%7C%204.75">Romance is a Bonus Book</a> (with a cameo in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Weightlifting%20Fairy%20Kim%20Bok%20Joo%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%204">Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo</a>). But it was so amazing to see him all tough and badass here. And he was great in his dramatic scenes too, especially when he was all weak and vulnerable with Mi Ho. He did so well in that torture scene too when he was injected with the truth serum. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked how he embraced the role of a fake Big Mouse to help him survive in jail. And that alliance with Chairman Yang (Song Kyung Cheol), which deceived a lot of their fellow inmates, was brilliant. And his transformation after he was released from jail. I loved the sleek, new office, how he was leading his team, and how he made gangster life look so cool (he totally rocked the trench coat paired with distressed denim look!). </p><p style="text-align: justify;">But of course, I still prefer the simple Chang Ho. I loved the flashback scenes which show us that he's a very good person, like how he used to get all the expiring milk in the convenience store where he worked in high school so he can take them to the kids in the orphanage where he came from. I super get why Mi Ho fell in love with him. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I super loved Lee Jong Suk here and I hope he'll do more dramas soon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Im Yoon Ah as Ko Mi Ho</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidQDSsM5GgNJ8hJxa4qsjB5IMtD4NqIrK0ENt_UpCXkc4bP9sqL4kNjBLQdOvItZPUkV2O1WQo3bSWR33walyL7dhP_B7ffgtkU7qrIpk8N9tSgS0lBbk619MqPLYwM_DzxFQ9eH_dl6T0-OJyikBUHTiGr38jMMa5mk8T26EmbsmLFy0eMESWJPB/s800/Big%20Mouth%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidQDSsM5GgNJ8hJxa4qsjB5IMtD4NqIrK0ENt_UpCXkc4bP9sqL4kNjBLQdOvItZPUkV2O1WQo3bSWR33walyL7dhP_B7ffgtkU7qrIpk8N9tSgS0lBbk619MqPLYwM_DzxFQ9eH_dl6T0-OJyikBUHTiGr38jMMa5mk8T26EmbsmLFy0eMESWJPB/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Yoon Ah was also a revelation in this show. We've seen her mostly in not so serious roles like in <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Exit%20%28Kmovie%29%204%20%7C%7C%204">Exit</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Miracle%3A%20Letters%20to%20the%20President%20%28Kmovie%29%204.2%20%7C%7C%204.5">Miracle: Letters to the President</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Confidential%20Assignment%20%28Kmovie%29%204%20%7C%7C%204.5">Confidential Assignment</a>, so it was refreshing to see her in something more serious. <p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yoon Ah was perfect as the tough and brave Mi Ho who's willing to do anything to protect and save Chang Ho. Yes, there were times when she was too daring for me, as if she had no concept of self-preservation at all. Like when she tried going to the secret lab in the Gucheon Hospital all by herself or when she followed the model inmates to that secret cave where they went to work. But I guess Mi Ho's just really wired that way. And the thing I like most about her is how she can still look so pretty and fresh after going through all of those things in her life. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Mi Ho because even if she looks so feisty, she actually has a very kind heart. I loved her friendship with the alleged serial killer inmate, Prisoner Tak (Yoo Tae Ju of Happiness, Do Do Sol Sol, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Crash%20Landing%20on%20You%20%28Kdrama%29%204.25%20%7C%7C%204.5">Crash Landing on You</a>). Everyone's scared of Prisoner Tak because they thought he was mentally unstable. But not Mi Ho. She took care of him, especially after she found out he had leukemia. And how he repaid it by protecting her during the jail riot. And she did the same when she saved him during the sinkhole incident. And she stayed with him until his last breath. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I didn't like how Mi Ho kept her illness from Chang Ho. Yes, I get it that the show was aiming for an explosive revelation. But I just found it inconsistent with how open they were with each other. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I totally loved how Mi Ho accepted her role as Mrs. Big Mouse with the way she was ordering people around during the fish farm scene. It was so cool to see the gangsters obey and respect her. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mi Ho and Chang Ho</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t_Zk_9mrzLhQpd9FC2LwViKRE2kqdZUlc4SLq5CcThQFytpHFQ4rafRi7fc6aco9sMD26HWMrQZl8Qr8xIiKTfpsv1AEZWI3yL2cvBt3cNkolOjsXC3wKiHs7mv359M7uUUiBvtKF6xfkEmUmcaMxKZ3_Z5exG6uXZTy71V3yF1YDtgl1fHfZPuO/s600/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t_Zk_9mrzLhQpd9FC2LwViKRE2kqdZUlc4SLq5CcThQFytpHFQ4rafRi7fc6aco9sMD26HWMrQZl8Qr8xIiKTfpsv1AEZWI3yL2cvBt3cNkolOjsXC3wKiHs7mv359M7uUUiBvtKF6xfkEmUmcaMxKZ3_Z5exG6uXZTy71V3yF1YDtgl1fHfZPuO/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved all the Chang Ho-Mi Ho high school flashbacks. Lee Jong Suk and Im Yoon Ah look so good together. That's why I felt quite bad when Chang Ho was sent to jail because I wanted more screen time for him and Mi Ho together. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved their relationship. How they were always there for each other. How Chang Ho really tried his best and how Mi Ho accepted all of his flaws. And it was great to see how much their relationship matured as they went through tough times together. Yes, it was short-lived but I'll get to that later. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Kim Joo Hun as Mayor Choi Do Ha</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUbb-gvZG7vnRiH2Pu8HOi7fI7Oqv81fajk-dEac6zpZDS65mcQDyfZ6A0xH3q4QGcYYC_U5HqM75sGdX7PQTCuNVFHHZi08Z63lUyaUi9PH65Pmd78HV2LrMpjzvtyFEgj1_d1XHB56ScRJ-gwg7ciRA9NmSKwrht1j_qEDLASLx_APOcpl-xTNx/s696/Big%20Mouth%20Kim%20Joo%20Hun%20Mayor%20Choi%20Do%20Ha.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="696" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUbb-gvZG7vnRiH2Pu8HOi7fI7Oqv81fajk-dEac6zpZDS65mcQDyfZ6A0xH3q4QGcYYC_U5HqM75sGdX7PQTCuNVFHHZi08Z63lUyaUi9PH65Pmd78HV2LrMpjzvtyFEgj1_d1XHB56ScRJ-gwg7ciRA9NmSKwrht1j_qEDLASLx_APOcpl-xTNx/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Kim%20Joo%20Hun%20Mayor%20Choi%20Do%20Ha.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm usually neutral when it comes to Kim Joo Hun. But I was prepared to really like him here, especially during the start, when I thought he was going to be helpful to Chang Ho. However, as the show progressed and as Mayor Choi's real identity was revealed, I found myself disliking him more and more. It was so unfortunate that he ended up exactly like the people he wanted to take revenge on for killing his grandfather. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Mayor Choi was my number one suspect as Big Mouse. And the show tried to give us that vibe in that scene where he went to a warehouse with gold bars. It was quite a relief when it turned out to be untrue because I pegged Big Mouse as someone more humane and less evil. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Kim Joo Hun was doing okay until he had to act all two-faced and sinister like when Mi Ho confronted him when she thought he killed Chang Ho or during Elder's (Jeon Gook Hwan of Confidential Assignment, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hot%20Stove%20League%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Hot Stove League</a>, Crash Landing on You, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/My%20Mister%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">My Mister</a>, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Angry%20Mom%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5">Angry Mom</a>) wake, or when he found out Mi Ho was sick. I suppose all those sinister laughter and smirking were meant to depict him as someone devilish but most of the time I found them comical. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Honorable Mentions</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITMjJKHL1r3ntTaepTBVEvuTRncyCTELEBXD76aQCnkR0nMdgzX0OBq0RW2L-YEXBjfKVDLFaQ8wOyKfn5o2x8PSpAjzbdbGg4fgay6rsSmsiwMoFCpaLnXRxsx6eJ4HlS_540sedY92pcs4skO_h4jjU9TEU1dMuOyysmh9aiSOmx8zLCroYkNIU/s1343/Big%20Mouth%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho%20Dad.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1343" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITMjJKHL1r3ntTaepTBVEvuTRncyCTELEBXD76aQCnkR0nMdgzX0OBq0RW2L-YEXBjfKVDLFaQ8wOyKfn5o2x8PSpAjzbdbGg4fgay6rsSmsiwMoFCpaLnXRxsx6eJ4HlS_540sedY92pcs4skO_h4jjU9TEU1dMuOyysmh9aiSOmx8zLCroYkNIU/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Im%20Yoon%20Ah%20Ko%20Mi%20Ho%20Dad.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved Mi Ho's dad, especially his relationship with Chang Ho. It was cute to see him love him more than his own daughter. Although I know he deeply cared for Mi Ho as well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0qS1HTH5FhLIe4h68R1GakzXEOv_UBTwTf71I573L3zB3nD199wQ-y-zwLhlLLqs6mdvv_7fYH1NoAlZV-N3pv3NZTOE3CcBkPknZmTMAhptLsPD-_vmUC8QuBuTi5riDxm41RPb1bH5zWJ63fs4z6m7nzz4zHpNsxKBlwp_Ncjmz4CypokBTtYM/s664/Big%20Mouth%20Gong%20Ji%20Hoon.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="664" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho0qS1HTH5FhLIe4h68R1GakzXEOv_UBTwTf71I573L3zB3nD199wQ-y-zwLhlLLqs6mdvv_7fYH1NoAlZV-N3pv3NZTOE3CcBkPknZmTMAhptLsPD-_vmUC8QuBuTi5riDxm41RPb1bH5zWJ63fs4z6m7nzz4zHpNsxKBlwp_Ncjmz4CypokBTtYM/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Gong%20Ji%20Hoon.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another surprising actor was Yang Kyung Won (<a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Vincenzo%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%204.5">Vincenzo</a>, Crash Landing on You, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Fight%20for%20My%20Way%20%28Kdrama%29%204%20%7C%7C%204.25">Fight for My Way</a>) who was perfect as Gong Ji Hoon, member of Mayor Choi's group, NR Forum. We're so used to seeing him in hilarious roles so it was refreshing to see him act quite sinister. He was so scary and evil during the initial episodes that I thought he was going to be the main villain. But I liked how he ended up harmless actually and how he eventually teamed up with Chang Ho. I found myself rooting for him in the end and I was happy that he didn't inherit anything from the Elder, freeing him from liability for all of the Elder's crimes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWsRJLanuIi6iBFIAAeC4VNmTecQW_2s4rIC2ByCk5q6HevIHjUy-foZl_qAREkrgWpc1syoQD9xrwslro3fdgKNcv59CKLem8O4Q_aE5cj0MBDN-EN8AMpnJXOP1IVB9wkKKPwY3cfP_G__ILMfSMVSZcXkSUEydrcSSimVGrQsq8WYrJM-5wU6F/s1000/Big%20Mouth%20Jerry.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitWsRJLanuIi6iBFIAAeC4VNmTecQW_2s4rIC2ByCk5q6HevIHjUy-foZl_qAREkrgWpc1syoQD9xrwslro3fdgKNcv59CKLem8O4Q_aE5cj0MBDN-EN8AMpnJXOP1IVB9wkKKPwY3cfP_G__ILMfSMVSZcXkSUEydrcSSimVGrQsq8WYrJM-5wU6F/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Jerry.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It was nice to see Kwak Dong Yeon (Vincenzo, Fight for My Way, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Our%20Beloved%20Summer%20%28Kdrama%29%204.5%20%7C%7C%204.5">Our Beloved Summer</a>) in another drama. I love the variety of roles he's been playing so far and how he's doing great in each of them. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">When all the conspiracy theories about who Big Mouse was were floating on the Internet, I admit that Jerry as Big Mouse was the one I found most plausible. There was something about his sincerity and loyalty towards Chang Ho that endeared him to me. It's just unfortunate that he resented it when Chang Ho suspected him of being Big Mouse. He felt so betrayed that he agreed to drug Chang Ho. But all's well when he redeemed himself when he saved Chang Ho from that mental facility. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>Execution</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">We were hooked with this show right from the start because it had a very thrilling pilot episode. Although the flashback was not immediately clear, I felt that things were cleared up towards the end of that first episode. While things can get quite confusing at times, the show tried its best to explain things every now and then such that all those confusions were clarified. And the great thing was how the show managed to sustain the thrill and excitement from the very beginning until the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I liked the show's type of humor like how Chang Ho wouldn't die regardless of what he did like inciting a riot or trying to escape. He even ended up defeating tough guys in jail that everyone feared him and believed he was Big Mouse. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Prison life, as expected, was filled with corrupt officials, inmates who greatly valued the hierarchy among them, and how everyone had to lookout for himself. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gucheon Hospital was just as creepy though. The hospital staff covered up for each other. That innovation center looked so scary and mysterious. And all the unauthorized blood works sounded so suspicious. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved the various power plays among the characters - Chang Ho and the Jail Warden (Jeong Jae Sung of Confidential Assignment, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Money%20Heist%3A%20Korea%20-%20Joint%20Economic%20Area%20%28Kdrama%29">Money Heist Korea Joint Economic Area</a>, <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Hospital%20Playlist%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Hospital Playlist</a>, My Mister, and <a href="https://www.oppanoona.kr/search/label/Prison%20Playbook%20%28Kdrama%29%205%20%7C%7C%205">Prison Playbook</a>); Mayor Choi and Ji Hoon; and Chang Ho and Mayor Choi. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00E4tbMzM-WVWnY56Az3Cy42S21MhzFrG0JF6KrK8e5LrirNvfR59_iupAuR1esYgR7uedBN1_QsAY6pAFIkmJ-VJG7h2yF6o1YhfCi9rHtMdCPuu-lOdYOAclS0G2MqsrRKhGJV0_45MAWpc8D0OgBxg53I0o4vORIMguSGtHY2h8NjDOivhwWMM/s650/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="650" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00E4tbMzM-WVWnY56Az3Cy42S21MhzFrG0JF6KrK8e5LrirNvfR59_iupAuR1esYgR7uedBN1_QsAY6pAFIkmJ-VJG7h2yF6o1YhfCi9rHtMdCPuu-lOdYOAclS0G2MqsrRKhGJV0_45MAWpc8D0OgBxg53I0o4vORIMguSGtHY2h8NjDOivhwWMM/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">What made the show really effective was how it kept us guessing who Big Mouse really was. My suspect kept on changing every episode. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">And how Chang Ho made a very good fake Big Mouse and how he used that fake power to instill fear among the inmates or even Mi Ho's mean colleagues from the hospital. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The way Chang Ho and Big Mouse communicated through tarot cards and the confessional was really smart. It made things even more intriguing. And how Big Mouse appeared to be really helping Chang Ho and how Chang Ho thought he could use Big Mouse. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Even the way the show muddled up the villains was clever. Was it Mayor Choi? Ji Hoon? The Warden? Jerry? </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I admit, however, that when the real Big Mouse (Yang Hyung Wook of Vagabond) was revealed, I found things quite anti-climactic. He died right away. And I felt like the show failed to fully establish how jail room leader Noh Park amassed all that fortune to be as powerful as Big Mouse. I didn't doubt his motive for going after Mayor Choi's group. I just wish the show gave us a bit of background as to how he got to where he was. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Things got crazy when Big Mouse died and appointed Chang Ho as his successor. I feared for Chang Ho's life and I was concerned that he'd move on to the dark side. But I'm glad that he stuck by the good Big Mouse persona that Mi Ho wanted him to have. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, he ran for mayor. And yes, he was using some violent means as well like how he threatened the Warden when the latter ordered his guys to kill Mayor Choi. But I liked how Chang Ho always tried to use his power wisely and with restraint. It was a bonus to see him fulfill his promise to make Chairman Yang's life comfortable after he was released from jail. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-AFe8seDFqSuQN9j1uIR0fSXUouGIV-Kcv6xy4i584LqfoRNovTNYqog5omOTIsf2ylcnysEd4BP0oOFv8ZeZRhClX7hu-no_ork9W01YZq5rkPCr66W0-xjWuaWryFWjJUAFGMcU-WSXcoipKXCD3JH-RbU48lGdHwRGTvG4BebaQwn0AQmcFtz/s779/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="779" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-AFe8seDFqSuQN9j1uIR0fSXUouGIV-Kcv6xy4i584LqfoRNovTNYqog5omOTIsf2ylcnysEd4BP0oOFv8ZeZRhClX7hu-no_ork9W01YZq5rkPCr66W0-xjWuaWryFWjJUAFGMcU-WSXcoipKXCD3JH-RbU48lGdHwRGTvG4BebaQwn0AQmcFtz/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was not too comfortable seeing Chang Ho act as a double agent for the Elder and for Big Mouse's group. For a moment there, it felt as if both sides might go unpunished because Chang Ho was working with both of them, with the ultimate goal of simply punishing Mayor Choi. Yes, Mayor Choi might have been the biggest fish but I felt that both sides had to pay for their crimes too. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I loved how the Warden remained loyal to Chang Ho and that pretend killing of Chang Ho was very cleverly done. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Of course, I was not happy that Mi Ho got sick. But if that were the only way to expose Mayor Choi, then that might be an acceptable trade off. Although I still wished for her to have a comfortable and stress-free life after what she's been through. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDZsBQ7YRhqdVrwBS4lq9GrhtCOWO6snUUc8cA9G_tmUtdxPO2iU-IvFTrQ43WOtxBvLmkBWkJZvS21u_Z7i8_16HFyvGttGtY8KPqTnLWyFLqd0l032rQ4T-3aCTZpC5oNw-dsZHWqYRA-WxnoEQSGYzKEVzT4LZxmGyuDkW9okzsQmWRdGHs5Bf/s1920/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%204.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1920" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDZsBQ7YRhqdVrwBS4lq9GrhtCOWO6snUUc8cA9G_tmUtdxPO2iU-IvFTrQ43WOtxBvLmkBWkJZvS21u_Z7i8_16HFyvGttGtY8KPqTnLWyFLqd0l032rQ4T-3aCTZpC5oNw-dsZHWqYRA-WxnoEQSGYzKEVzT4LZxmGyuDkW9okzsQmWRdGHs5Bf/s320/Big%20Mouth%20Lee%20Jong%20Suk%20Park%20Chang%20Ho%204.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The show went for a very climactic ending. A lot of things remained unresolved until the final episode. I was afraid that it won't be able to close the loop on everything with the limited time it had. But surprisingly, the show managed to give us a satisfying ending. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Yes, it was unfortunate that Mi Ho died. But I appreciated the solemn way it was done - with just her and Chang Ho minus the heavy drama. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I found it quite disappointing too that Big Mouse's group seemed to be weaker than before. It could not protect Mayor's Choi's wife, Ju Hee (Ok Ja Yeon), when she promised to testify against her husband. The only time the group flexed its muscle was when Mi Ho got a police escort on her way to the TV station during the debate for the candidates for mayor. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also wondered about what happened to the Elder's son and the plan to exhume the Elder's body for autopsy. The show gave us the impression that these would be vital in weakening Mayor Choi's power. But these were built up for nothing - without any semblance of closure or explanation about why they didn't push through in the end. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I'm not so sure about what to feel about the show's final message of achieving justice through extra-legal means, in a way advocating for an eye for an eye kind of justice. I admit that it was clever to see Mayor Choi suffer the same fate as the people he killed because that's probably the worst and most cruel punishment you can give him. But I wanted to see some legal consequences too. And I wanted to see the wastewater dumping and radioactive chemical issues fully resolved. In the end, however, the show still managed to give us an entertaining and action-packed drama with a refreshing take on how justice can be achieved, and we enjoyed it thoroughly.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Oppa says...</i></b>4.4.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Noona says...</i>4.5. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Oppa & Noonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10558949363281185489noreply@blogger.com