Highest Grossing Hollywood Movies Of 2013

Now that 2013 has ended and we’re in 2014. Let’s look at the top highest grossing movies of 2013. This is worldwide gross amount, figures based as of today.

Iron_Man_3_theatrical_poster1. Iron Man 3:

Worldwide Gross: $1,215,439,994

Iron Man 3 is a 2013 American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Iron Man, produced  by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the sequel to 2008’s Iron Man and 2010’s Iron Man 2, and the seventh installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, being the first major release in the franchise since the crossover film The Avengers.

The story in Iron Man 3 picks up shortly after the events of The Avengers. Problem starts when Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) hijacks the airwaves and threatens to bring America to its knees with a painful series of “lessons”. Fortunately, Tony isn’t on his own, and with the help of Col. James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and a young boy named Harley (Ty Simpkins), he pieces together the mystery of the Mandarin, whose final “lesson” promises to be the most painful of all.

 

 

File:Despicable Me 2 poster.jpg2. Despicable Me 2

Worldwide Gross: $918,860,095

Despicable Me 2 is a 2013 American 3D computer-animated comedy film and the sequel to the 2010 animated film Despicable Me. Produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures, both films are directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud. This marks the first time that Illumination Entertainment made a sequel film.

While Gru, the ex-supervillain is adjusting to family life and an attempted honest living in the jam business, a secret Arctic laboratory is stolen. The Anti-Villain League decides it needs an insider’s help and recruits Gru in the investigation.

 

 

 

 

File:Catching-Fire poster.jpg3. Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Worldwide Gross: $804,088,390

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a 2013 American science fiction adventure film based on Suzanne Collins’ novel, Catching Fire, the second installment in The Hunger Games trilogy.

The film is the sequel to The Hunger Games, and the second installment in The Hunger Games film series, produced and distributed by Lionsgate. Francis Lawrence directed the film, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael Arndt (credited as Michael deBruyn). Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen along with Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, Willow Shields, and Paula Malcomson also reprising their roles.

 

 

 

File:FastandFurious6-teaserposter.jpg4. Fast and Furious 6

Worldwide Gross: $788,679,850

Fast & Furious 6 Also known as Furious 6, is a 2013 American action film written by Chris Morgan and directed by Justin Lin. It is the sixth installment in the Fast and the Furious film series.The film stars Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris Bridges, Sung Kang, Luke Evans, Gina Carano and John Ortiz.

Fast & Furious 6 follows a professional criminal gang led by Dominic Toretto (Diesel) who have retired following their successful heist in Fast Five (2011), but remain wanted fugitives. U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) offers to clear the group’s criminal records and allow them to return home in exchange for helping him to take down a skilled mercenary organization led by Owen Shaw (Evans) and his second-in-command, Dominic’s presumed-dead lover Letty Ortiz (Rodriguez).

 

 

 

File:Monsters University poster 3.jpg5. Monsters University

Worldwide Gross: $743,544,940

Monsters University is a 2013 American 3D computer-animated comedy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is the fourteenth feature film produced by Pixar and is a prequel to 2001’s Monsters, Inc., marking the first time Pixar has made a prequel film.

Monsters University tells the story of two monsters, Mike and Sulley, and their time studying at college, where they start off as rivals, but slowly become best friends. Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Bob Peterson, and John Ratzenberger reprise their roles as Mike Wazowski, James P. Sullivan, Randall Boggs, Roz, and the Abominable Snowman, respectively.

 

 

 

File:ManofSteelFinalPoster.jpg6. Man Of Steel

Worldwide Gross: $668,045,518

Man of Steel is a 2013 American superhero film directed by Zack Snyder, produced by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Superman, the film is a reboot of the Superman film series that portrays the character’s origin story. The film stars Henry Cavill in the title role, with Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Laurence Fishburne as Perry White, and Russell Crowe as Jor-El.

Superman is depicted as being 33 years old, at least from the moment he is found, in the present timeline of the film. Cavill is the first British and non-American actor to play the character.

 

 

 

File:Gravity Poster.jpg7. Gravity

Worldwide Gross: $662,944,426

Gravity is a 3D science-fiction thriller and space drama film directed, co-written, co-produced and co-edited by Alfonso Cuarón. The film stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts involved in the mid-orbit destruction of a space shuttle and their attempt to return to Earth.

The film is set during a fictitious Shuttle Explorer’s STS-157 mission. Dr. Ryan Stone (Bullock) is a medical engineer on her first space shuttle mission aboard the Space Shuttle Explorer. She is accompanied by veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (Clooney), who is commanding his final expedition. Despite being set in outer space, the film draws upon motifs from shipwreck and wilderness survival stories about psychological change and resilience in the aftermath of catastrophe.

 

 

 

File:The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug theatrical poster.jpg8. The Hobbit

Worldwide Gross: $658,984,422

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is a epic fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. It is the second installment of a three-part film adaptation based on the 1937 novel The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. It was preceded by An Unexpected Journey (2012) and will conclude with There and Back Again (2014), and together they will act as a prequel to Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

The Desolation of Smaug is set in Middle-earth sixty years before the events of The Lord of the Rings. The wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) investigates a growing evil at Dol Guldur, while Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) continues his quest with thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin(Richard  Armitage), to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch).

 

 

File:Thor - The Dark World poster.jpg9. Thor: The Dark World

Worldwide Gross: $629,856,752

Thor: The Dark World is a American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Thor, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the second Thor film following 2011’s Thor and the eighth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. T

he film was directed by Alan Taylor, and features Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano, Jaimie Alexander, Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins reprises their roles from the first, with newcomers Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Zachary Levi and Clive Russell joining the cast.

 

 

 

File:The Croods poster.jpg1o. The Croods

Worldwide Gross: $587,204,668

The Croods is a American 3D computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox. It features the voices of Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke, and Cloris Leachman.

The film is set in a fictional prehistoric Pliocene era known as The Croodaceous, a period which contains fantastical creatures, when a man’s position as a “Leader of the Hunt” is threatened by the arrival of a prehistoric genius who comes up with revolutionary new inventions, like fire, as they trek through a dangerous but exotic land in search of a new home.

 

Interesting fact is in 2013, out of 10 highest grossing films, 3 were computer graphics children’s film including Monster’s University, The Croods and Despicable Me 2, 3 were super hero films including Iron Man 3, Thor and Man of Steel. 2 movies were based on teen books, The hobbits and Catching fire. Rounding off wit Gravity, space survival and Fast and Furious 6 movie series.

Check out other Hollywood Movies Posts here: Hollywood Movies

Where To Watch Asian Drama?

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Korean Drama: I Hear Your Voice Poster

 I get asked this question sometimes, even when I started first watching Korean and other Asian Dramas, I too had similar question. While, I am no way an expert still, I found a few ways to watch Asian drama with English subtitles. Without subtitles, I can not understand much. I now know a few Korean Phrases but nothing remotely will make sense. Although, I do admit, sometimes, I have watched drama without subtitles as I had been too impatient to wait.

There are a few ways to watch Korean Drama:

1) Cable TV or Asian Network: A friend of mine, gets Cable network and she sometimes gets Variety shows and drama with English subtitles but it has not worked for me. So check it out, sometimes free local channels may provide Korean or other Asian network shows on certain days of week at some specific times based on local area.

2) Netflix: Netflix is best source of many Asian Drama and movies. I like that you can put your choices in Queue and it will keep coming to your house and you can mail it back from your house. Pretty convenient for lazy person like me and Netflix has many Korean, Taiwanese, Thai, Indian, Chinese Drama and movie to choose from.

3) Local library: If you live in area where is large Asian population, local library might be carrying Asian movies and drama. Not all may have English subtitles so check it. If you find it, you will get to see Asian, Korean dramas for free from your local library.

4) Local Asian DVD Rental store: In my area, there are a few Korean DVD rental place, where I can rent Drama but not all may have English subtitles so ask and you might get lucky.

5) Ask Kdrama Viewer friend: I have one friend who watches it, sometimes we borrow each other Drama series that we have purchased. For example, I have Rooftop prince, and she has other ones so we borrow each others sometimes.

6) View Instantly from Amazon: You can instantly watch some movies and drama as cheaply as 99 cents and more or you can buy dvd series for home. I have actually bought 4 Korean drama series via Amazon, as they are largest and trusted online retailer and carry many drama with English subtitles.

7) Watch it Online: I have kept best for last, as almost everyone (at least most) people have internet access at home or can get it at library or internet cafe, starbucks so watching online is easiest method for most people. Where in online to see it?

  • You tube: You tube sometimes has whole Korean and other Asian Drama complete series with English subtitles. Only bad thing is you have to search and it might not be there next day.
  • Dramafever: Drama fever has the most largest selection of Korean, Taiwanese drama. You have to either watch with ad or pay for membership. You can pretty much find any Drama you’re looking for in there.
  • Hulu: Somes you can finds whole Korean Drama and Movies on Hulu.com
  • Viki.com : I like Viki.com, the subbers usually work very hard to sub the new episode in a day or less. My favorite is timed comments at the top. You have pay membership or watch with ads.
  • Good Drama: This website has lot of Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese Movies and drama and anime as well. It runs on ads or paid subscription.
  • Han Cinema: I recently found out that you can watch it on Han cinema, but basically it links to Dramafever website.
  • Crunchy Roll: It has many Asian drama, anime as well
  • Veoh:This website is great for older drama and TV shows. Many has English subtitles.
  • Dramacrazy: Many Korean, Japanese Dramas and movies

Other Online Live Streaming websites:

I have not tried following websites, but writing it here for information as having an option where to see Korean, Japanese and Taiwanese Drama:

Do you know any other ways to watch Korean drama, movies? Let me know in comments. I will update list as I know more ways to watch drama for you.

Enjoy Kdrama Humor

If you watch lot of Korean Drama or Kdrama, you can really appreciate the humor. Korean Drama watching is serious thing for many fans, including myself. I sometimes get happy when gathering or party gets canceled so I can watch or finish up Korean drama.

In US, my family goes Black Friday sale just after Thanksgiving day, I reserve that day for watching Korean Drama in my pajamas! I stay up at night, as long there is an internet connection for live streaming video on dramafever or youtube.

Check out the Kdrama Humor from other Kdrama experts, fan and bloggers. Be sure to check out their blogs, as they are way cool to read.

“I could give up watching Asian Drama anytime, however I am not a Quitter!”

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Source: Donna Dramaqueen

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How Last Kdrama Episode is decided. Via Pinterest

 

humor2

 

This below is way to funny yet realistic. I may have done something similar to it. 🙂
humor3

 

humor5
Source: Kpopmemo

 

This is so true! Happened to me, my husband could not carry me, I am not thin enough, or maybe my husband is not strong enough. I am sticking to second one. Yeah, that’s it.
humor6
armgrab
My Korean Husband Via Pinterest
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Confusion Via Pinterest

Take KDrama Fan Quiz

Take Quiz To See If You Are True Kdrama Fan. How do you know you are Korean Drama fan?

Quiz Questions includes;
1. Korean Language Test
2. What is Gumiho?
3. Match Lee Min Ho’s Face shade with Correct Drama (This is tough!)
4. Another Name of Namsan Tower (Popular Kdrama place)
5. Match Halmoni’s picture with correct grandson actor
6. Why do Kdrama character come to US?
7. Which is best place to hide if you are in Kdrama?
8. Which statues has most cameo’s in Kdrama?
9.This stuffed animal comes in which kdrama?
10. Which airport is used most to fly to America in Kdrama?

Check your answers and points and see where you stand. Good luck.

kdrama quiz

How Did you do?

Source: MCM

White and Pink Camera In You’re Beautiful Korean Drama

Lately, I have been watching Korean Drama too closely or may be product placement folks are doing good. I found Camera in several shots of “You’re Beautiful Drama with Park Shin Hye and JSK.  Now, You’re beautiful is one of the earlier drama I had seen and loved but rematching second time, I observed things that I missed the first time such as cool camera this time. it It looked very interesting as I had never seen a camera like that before, yeah really!  See below, if you do not believe me.

See our review of “You’re Beautiful” Korean Drama Review:

cam1

cam2Source: You’re Beautiful Korean Drama

I asked my brother who is all Camera expert (but not Korean Drama expert) who did not know. I looked searched internet online sites but I could not do search on image, as that is all I had. I am sure someone will come up soon with image based search soon.  Until then I had to find answer hard way. After searching and looking at yahoo answers, I came with two possibilities thanks to suggestions from other Kdrama addict like me, I thank them for pointing me right way.

I still am not sure, which camera it is out of 2 brand, but pictures comes closer to the images above.

My first guess is that it might be Fujifilm INSTAX MINI Film Camera (Pink Trim)

cam22

Image source: Amazon

Features for Fujifilm INSTAX MINI Film Camera (Pink Trim) are;

  • Fun, credit card-sized prints
  • Motorized film advance
  • Exposure Compensation controls
  • Built-in flash
  • Manual exposure compensation

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S is the compact, ultra-hip, instant film camera that you’ll want to take everywhere. Rounded lines, retro styling, and simple operation make this point-and-click great for parties, art projects, and anywhere you’d like to take instant photos. Like larger Instax cameras, the Mini 7S produces near-instant, vivid, high-quality prints. Unlike other models however, the Mini 7S uses Instax Mini film cartridges for pocket-friendly, credit card-sized images. Bring back the fun of instant photos! Give prints away or trade with friends. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 7S lets you shoot and share amazing pictures with ease. Includes camera strap and 4AA batteries.

You can find this camera Under $100 and with free shipping from Amazon: Fujifilm INSTAX MINI Film Camera

My second guess is that it might be Polaroid 300 Instant Camera PIC-300L in Pink and White Color (I could not find the right image from Amazon)

cam21Source: Amazon

Features for  Polaroid 300 Instant Camera PIC-300L  are;

  • Takes business card size instant color photos
  • Auto flash in low light, auto adjust
  • Electronic shutter 1/60 second
  • Manual exposure compensation
  • Works with Polaroid 300 instant film
  • Takes business card size instant color photos
  • Four scene settings help capture the perfect shot in any light
  • Works with Polaroid 300 Instant Film
  • Automatic Flash feature
  • 1/60 sec electronic shutter

This camera allows you to take pictures you’ll see developed in front of your eyes in minutes. It’s the modern version of the classic Polaroid instant camera you’ve grown to love and it’s just in time for your wedding, anniversary, birthday or other big event! The Polaroid Pic-300 is great for guest books when you want to put a face on your special day, registration events or any other time when you want quick results you can share within minutes. The camera prints pictures about the size of a business card (1.8 inches x 2.4 inches) on paper that’s 2.1 inches x 3.4 inches.

You can find it on Amazon for Under $70 here: Polaroid 300 Instant Camera PIC-300L

Conclusion: I think both cameras are pretty cool! I want to get a good camera that I can take pictures of freeze frames from the screen when I am watching Korean Drama with subtitles. Right now, with current camera it comes bit blurry with freeze frames.

Do you know which camera it is for sure? My guess is that it is 1st choice Fuji. If you know, do write a comment and let me know, okay?

The Heirs Korean Drama Must Have Products

Korean Drama makes me want eat new food, wear high heels that hurts my feet and buy cute products that Kdrama stars use. As I am currently watching The Heirs series, which is by the best Korean Drama that aired in 2013: See Top Korean Dramas for 2013.

Here are a few Heirs Products that we wish we could have, they are cute and make a great gift for yourself or someone who love Korean Drama The Heirs, or fan of Lee Min Ho or Park shin Hye. Check it out below;

Korean Drama the heirs Lee minho dream catcher handmade+ the heirs drama photo/postcard Lee Min ho Park Shin hye Luck charm romantic Gift set

heirsproduct2

What is Included in the Gift set? (see Image above and below)

  • Handmade same style the heirs deamer catcher
  • Nice gift for your loving one as a lucky charm good dream
  • Free Lee Min ho  card pendant+ 5″ drama photo as a gift
  • Good Christmas gift and decoration
  • Gift wrap to keep the dream catcher in good condition
  • All for around $16 (current discounted price)

heirproduct3heirproduct1

We have found best price on Amazon: Korean Drama the heirs Lee minho dream catcher handmade+ the heirs drama photo/postcard Lee Min ho Park Shin hye Luck charm romantic Gift set

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Korean Drama the heirs Park Shin hye backpack+ Dream Catcher with 5” the heirs photo Lee Min ho same style romantic gift

heirsbagheirsbag2

Bag Features:

  • The heirs Park Shin hye same style canvas backpack
  • Free dream catcher as a gift
  • High quality with good workmanship 27*35*14cm
  • Made of gold blocking stars canvas,wear-resisting
  • Nice Christmas gift or Valentine day gift for the heirs fans

Cute Backpacks are always useful and can be used a hand-free purse or handbag, so you can have your hands free. Looking cute as Park Shin Hye is personal, but bag sure is cute and costs is reasonable. You will not have be an Heir to won it.

We have found best price under $50 on Amazon: Korean Drama the heirs Park Shin hye backpack+ Dream Catcher with 5” the heirs photo Lee Min ho same style romantic gift.

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The heirs Lee Min ho/ Lee minho korean drama titanium panda necklace + the heirs drama postcard 1pc

heirchain1heirschain2

That chain looks great on Lee Min Ho, but I wonder if it would look great on girl, if so I would get one for myself. Should I?

Product Features:

  • the heirs Lee Min ho panda titanium necklace+ 5″ the heirs photo
  • Do not fade, not allergic water-proof, anti-rust
  • Total length of about 50 CM about 44 CM can be adjusted
  • Nice love gift with fine workmanship
  • Gift wrap to keep the necklace in good condition
  • Price is Cheap but looks expensive

I found the best price here: Under $20 The heirs Lee Min ho/ Lee minho korean drama titanium panda necklace + the heirs drama postcard 1pc

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Korean Drama the heirs Lee Min ho Accessories backpack Lee Minho same style romantic gift

heirsp1heirp2

Product Features:

  • The heirs Lee Minho same style canvas backpack
  • High quality with good workmanship 27 cm x 50 cm x 16 cm
  • Nice Christmas gift  or any occasion gift for the heirs fans

If you are interested in getting for your self or giving a gift to loved one, see here as I have best price on Amazon:

Best Price for Korean Drama the heirs Lee Min ho Accessories backpack Lee Minho same style romantic gift

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The Heir Korean Drama/hug Pillow Hand Warmer Plush Owl Doll 3 Size

heirowlheirpillow2

Product features:

  • Korean Drama/Hug Owl/Dolls of the Heirs/Min Ho Lee/KPOP
  • Material: soft plush , pp cotton
  • Manual measurement , there may be 1 to 2 cm in error , 25 ° hand washing

Korean and Japanese pillows and cutesie pillows and figurines are so cute and adorable. US does not have enough of these cute things for adults, so this might be perfect buy for yourself.

To buy it best discount see: The Heir Korean Drama/hug Pillow Hand Warmer Plush Owl Doll 3 Size

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Korean Drama The Heirs Wishbone Necklace

heirwishbon2heirwishbone

Product Feature:

  • Material: Titanium Steel
  • Chain: 16″
  • Pendant: 1/2 × 3/10

I think this necklace is cute and I wish cute guy would give to me, but since he might not have a clue I can ask him for it or buy it myself as it is affordable enough under $30 and looks great for wearing for daily use.

To get this click here: Korean Drama The Heirs Wishbone Necklace

JYJ: Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu

JYJ is a three-member Korean pop group, formed by the former members of South Korean group TVXQ: Jaejoong, Yoochun and Junsu. Their group name is taken from the first letters of each member’s names.In 20 February 2013, JYJ was appointed as honorary ambassadors to help raise awareness for the 2014 Asian Games. The group will participate in producing a music video for the Asian Games and will take on international promotional activities in October and November. In 03 September 2013, teaser of the official MV of 2014 Incheon Asian song ‘Only One’ by JYJ was released on YouTube.

Members

Stage name Real name Date of birth
Romanized Hanja Romanized Hangul
Jaejoong 在中 Kim Jaejoong 김재중 January 26, 1986
Yoochun 有天 Park Yoochun 박유천 June 4, 1986
Junsu 俊秀 Kim Junsu 김준수 December 15, 1986 )

In 25 February 2013, JYJ was invited to perform at the Presidential Inauguration ceremony in front of 70,000 people. This inauguration was very special because Park Geun-hye was the first female president in Korea. JYJ was the only K-pop group that being invited to sing at the president inauguration.

If you are interested in JYJ information check out the following sites;

JYJ3.net : This site one of the best for all JYJ related new, information, humor. It gets updated a few times a day and great many people supporting and writing on it.

SharingYoochun.net: Even though website name is Sharing Yoochun, they actually share not only Yoochun, Not Only JYJ but also DBSK orginal 5 members. I love this this site and has great information regarding all 5 DBSK members.
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JYJ Wishing New Year! Source: jyj3.net best source for JYJ news, information on net

Question to: Yoochun, what would you do if your girlfriend was crying?
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Source: Photo Bucket

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JYJ: Junsu, Jaejoong and Yoochun

Below is message that sorry husband wrote to his JYJ Fangirl Wife!

Translation:

“Hyemi yah!! Please come back home. I was wrong!!
From now on, if you tell me that you want to go watch JYJ’s concert, whether it’s abroad or anywhere I’ll let you go. I won’t even sleep to book JYJ’s concert ticket at Interpark for you… You and I, we have been together for 8 years already~ Me too, I have totally become JYJ fan…”

Photo: JYJ Telzone
Translation by: The Little Pear of JYJ3 | source: JYJ3

Top Korean Dramas Of 2013

masterssunMaster’s Sun: Korean Drama

Year 2013 has ended and 2014 has began. What were the top and best rated Korean Dramas of Year 2013.  According to several website survey done by Korean Drama fans have picked following Korean Drama Series as top Korean Drama for year 2013.

If drama ended in 2013 then is considered to be 2013 Drama list for voting. However, if a few drama that started in 2013, but will end in 2014 will be part of 2014 drama series voting to make easy voting choice.

There were about 88 Korean dramas that aired during year 2013. Some of them are obviously better and many are not. I did not even realize before writing this post and before research that there were so many Korean dramas were released.  Obviously I have not seen all of them and nor I should.  See below of all drama that aired in Korea on various Television network.

(Scorll Down to see Top Korean Drama Pick for 2013)

88 Korean Dramas Showed in Year 2013

100 Year Legacy (MBC)
Advertising Genius Lee Tae Baek (KBS2)
All About My Romance (SBS)
Answer Me 1994 (tvN)
Birth Secret (SBS)
Blue Tower (tvN)
Can We Get Married ? (jTBC)
Cheer Up, Mr. Kim (KBS1)
Cheongdamdong Alice (SBS)
Childless Comfort (jTBC)
Crazy Love (tvN)
Cruel City (jTBC)
Cruel Palace – War of Flowers (jTBC)
Dating Agency: Cyrano (tvN)
Empire of Gold (SBS)
Family (KBS2)
Fantasy Tower (tvN)
Flower Boy Next Door (tvN)
Glass Mask (tvN)
Goddess of Marriage (SBS)
Good Doctor (KBS2)
Good For You (MBC)
Her Legend (jTBC)
Here Comes Mr. Oh (MBC)
Hur Jun, The Original Story (MBC)
I Hear Your Voice (SBS)
I Love You (SBS)
I Miss You (MBC)
I Summon You, Gold! (MBC)
Incarnation of Money (SBS)
IRIS 2 (KBS2)
Jang Ok Jung (SBS)
Jeon Woo Chi (KBS2)
Jung Yi, The Goddess of Fire (MBC)
KangChi, The Beginning (MBC)
King’s Dream (KBS1)
Lee Soon Shin is a Best (KBS2)
Level 7 Civil Servant (MBC)
Looking Forward to Romance (KBS2)
Mandate of Heaven: The Fugitive of Joseon (KBS2)
Marry Him If You Dare (KBS2)
Maybe Love (MBC)
Medical Top Team (MBC)
Monstar (Mnet tvN)
My Daughter Seo Yeong (KBS2)
My Love, Madame Butterfly (SBS)
Nailshop Paris (MBC QueeN)
Nine: 9 Times Time Travel (tvN)
Play Guide (tvN)
Princess Aurora (MBC)
Pure Love (KBS2)
Queen of Ambition (SBS)
Royal Villa (jTBC)
Rude Miss Young Ae 11 (tvN)
Rude Miss Young Ae 12 (tvN)
Scandal : a Shocking and Wrongful Incident (MBC)
School 2013 (KBS2)
Secret (KBS2)
Shark (KBS2)
She is WOW (tvN)
Short Family (E-Channel)
Sincerity Moves Heaven (KBS1)
Special Affairs Team TEN 2 (OCN)
Sword and Flower (KBS2)
That Winter, The Wind Blows (SBS)
The Birth of a Family (SBS)
The End of a World (jTBC)
The Great Seer (SBS)
The Heirs (SBS)
The King’s Doctor (MBC)
The Master’s Sun (SBS)
The Queen’s Classroom (MBC)
The Queen of Office (KBS2)
The Sons (MBC)
The Suspicious Housekeeper (SBS)
The Virus (OCN)
Thorn Flower (jTBC)
TV Novel – Dear Love (KBS2)
TV Novel – Eun Hee (KBS2)
TV Novel – Sam Saeng (KBS2)
Two Weeks (MBC)
Ugly Alert (SBS)
Unemployed Romance (E-Channel)
When a Man Falls in Love (MBC)
Who Are You? (tvN)
Wonderful Mama (SBS)
Your Neighbor’s Wife (jTBC)
Your Woman (SBS)

Top Korean Drama for 2013:

My picks for best dramas are based on dramas that I have personally seen and liked or disliked, and has some influence by other Korean drama expert and fan forum chats. Without further ado, here are my top pick for Kdrama.

1. The Heirs:

heir

 

My favorite actors Lee Mino and Park Shin Hye are both in it so I had to watch it and I would say it was best 2013 Korean drama that aired this year. “The Heirs” depicts the friendships, rivalries and love lives of young, rich heirs led by Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) and a girl named Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye). The series follows a group of privileged, rich, elite high school students as they are groomed to take over their families’ business empires. These wealthy students seem to have everything under control, except their love lives.

2. Marry Him If you Dare:

marryhimThis series also known as Mirae’s choice. Set in the world of television broadcasting, Na Mi-rae travels back in time to prevent her 32-year-old self from marrying news anchor Kim Shin, thus sending her past self down a different path and enabling her to pursue the things she really wanted in life. It was great, except ambiguous  ending that left me and others baffled.

3.  Master’s Sun

masterssun

The story line seemed unique and interesting and so was the drama. Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub) is the stingy and greedy CEO of Kingdom meets the gloomy Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin), who started seeing ghosts after an accident. Their lives take a new turn as they work together to deal with the terror and sadness brought about by the spirits, while delving into a kidnapping incident in Joong-won’s past.

4. That Winter Wind Blows

winterwindblows

This series is based on the Japanese drama I Don’t Need Love, Summer. Oh Soo – An orphan who doesn’t care about anything after the death of his first love, he becomes a high-class gambler and playboy. Desperate to find money to repay a debt or forfeit his own life, he becomes a con artist who sets sights on a new target: Oh Young, pretending to be her long-lost brother.

5. I Miss You

I_Miss_You_-_Korean_Drama-p1

I watch everything that has Park Yoochun, so I had to watch it. High school sweethearts Jung-woo and Soo-yeon were separated in a horrifying tragedy that continues to weigh down on them as adults. Now a guilt-ridden detective, Jung-woo has been desperately searching for Soo-yeon for years, but when he crosses paths with her again, she has already become someone else with a new identity.

6. Answer Me 1994

answeme1994

Going back to past (to 1994). Six young students from Jeolla Province, Chungcheong Province, and Gyeongsang Province room together at a boarding house, while attending a university in Seoul. The boarding house is run by a couple (Sung Dong-il, Lee Il-hwa) with a daughter (Go Ara), exploring kpop and Korean baseball in early nineties.

7.  Two Weeks

twoweeks

This is Lee Joong Ki’s comeback acting series after being discharged from mandatory military service. Orphaned at a young age when his father left and his mother committed suicide, Tae-san became a small-time gangster. After getting falsely accused of murder and learning that he has a daughter with leukemia, Tae-san spends the next two weeks in a life-or-death struggle to save himself and the girl.

8. Secret

Secret

Kang Yoo Hung sacrifices her future by going to prison in her boyfriend Do-hoon’s place after he kills a woman in a hit-and-run accident. But in exchange for her devotion, he abandons her. Refusing to give in to despair, she emerges from prison a stronger woman who’s determined to make a fresh start and live differently. As story unfolds, secrets began to reveal

9. I Hear Your Voice

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Goo Seung-hyun as young kid- He receives a secret ability of being able to read people’s minds by seeing their eyes after witnessing his father’s death. After Jang Hye-sung testifies in court, he swore that he would protect and guard her if he ever meet her again. 10 years later, he meets Jang Hye-Sung, now a public defender and helps her while falling for her.

10. Cheongdamdong Alice

cheongdamdong-alice

Han Se-kyung is an optimistic girl living her life with the belief that “hard work is my strength. The Korean president of Artemis, a famous luxury brand. Although he was born into a rich family, he is estranged from his father and built his company based on his own hard work. He says he will never trust women again after getting hurt by one; actually, he desires true love more than anybody else.

Which are your Favorite 2013 Korean Drama?

How To Make Omurice From Roof Top Prince

rooftopImage source: www.therebelsweetheart.com

One of the interesting thing I have noticed about myself is that when I watch Korean Dramas, I get completely hooked, especially if Drama is really good. I like food they eat, I drool as I watch female lead eat a lot, and still look very skinny. (I wonder why it does not happen to me? Maybe I do not have the high metabolism “Korean Genes!” )

Ever since I watched Rooftop Prince (Shh…don’t tell anyone, I have watched it already twice the whole series!) I drool every time, Han Ji Man’s Character makes Omurice for J4 or better known as Joseon four, Prince and his 3 companions. As they drooled over the food and left the plate clean. I wanted to eat with them.

What is Omurice?

Omurice is surprisingly comes from contemporary Japanese cuisine consisting of an omelet made with fried rice and usually topped with ketchup. I thought it has roots in Korean Cuisine, I guess many Asian food and culture are sometimes inter-related.

Omu and raisu being contractions of the words omelette and rice hence the name Omurice. It is a popular dish both commonly cooked at home and can be found at many western style diners in Japan. The dish was brought to Korea during Korea under Japanese rule,and today it is a fixture on gimbap restaurant menus throughout South Korea. Omurice is also popular in Taiwan, another territory that was occupied by Imperial Japan. Children, in particular, enjoy omurice, and it is often featured on kids’ meals. (Source: Wikipedia)

Japanese Omurice Method

How To Make Omurice?

Since I am not in K-drama land, I had to search how to make Omurice myself and make it suitable for my taste, as I am not big on meat. If you ever wondered how to make Omurice, here is my customized version of Omurice recipe. Here I have seen many videos and recipes and modified and tested the recipe until it came out okay.

RooftopPrinceEpisode2038Image source: www.pelangidrama.net

(Almost) Vegetarian Omurice Recipe By Drama Girl (me)

Ingredients :

  •  2 small Carrots
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1 cup frozen or fresh Red, Yellow and Green Capsicum
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 8 tablespoon Tomatoes sauce
  • 6 Eggs or use Egg replacer for vegetarian
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger and garlic puree
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 cups steamed rice (I used leftover cold rice)
  • Olive oil for stir frying
  • Tomato Ketchup and Chopped Cilantro for  for Garnish

Direction:

  1. Chop and cut Carrots, Red Onions, Capsicum (if using fresh)
  2. Preheat a wok or large nonstick Omelet pans on medium heat
  3. When Pan is heated, add 3 tablespoon olive oil
  4. Add ginger, garlic paste and stir fry it for a few seconds
  5. Add frozen peas and cut vegetables and onions
  6. Stir fry it fast with wooden spatula for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are soft and cooked
  7. Add Tomato sauce and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to vegetables
  8. Mix it well
  9. Add steam rice to mix and mix it well on low heat for 1 minute or so
  10. Once everything is mixed, take it off from heat and keep it aside.

Make Omelet cover:

  1. Take about 2 eggs for each serving.
  2. Beat eggs in mixing bowl, add salt and pepper to taste
  3. Heat frying pan, add oil,
  4. When oil is hot, add egg mixture and pour it covering the bottom of the pan
  5. Make it very thin, large Omelet
  6. Place rice and vegetable mix in middle and fold the sides of omelet like a burrito on each 4 sides
  7. Do it slowly, especially at first so you do not break the Omelet.
  8. Slowly flip it on a plate, garnish with Tomato Ketchup spread and Chopped Cilantro
  9. Repeat 2 more times. Roughly makes 3 servings.
  10. If by chance Omelet breaks, it is still edible and tasty but may not visually look great. I got it better for 4th time.
  11. If you use egg replacer for Vegetarian Omurice, it may come out little different but still works, I tried it.
  12. Enjoy and share it with friends and family while watching Roof Top Prince!

By the way, if you wanted to buy Roof Top Prince Korean Drama series with English Subtitles, Amazon have it best deals right now;

See: Roof Top Prince Korean DVD set (English Subtitle)

Korean Ramyun or Ramen Noddle Hacks

noodle4Ramyun/ Ramen Noodle Isle:

I always ate Ramen noodles as a broke, starving college student and did not care much about it. That was until, I started watching Korean drama, now I have new appreciation for Ramen or Ramyun as Korean Native would say.  I am went around to search for Ramen noodle history and I found Zengirl’s post : Inexpensive Food: Ramen Noodle Hacks which has done extensive search, so I got permission to share it here with my thoughts.

In typical Korean drama, there is at least one Ramen/Ramyun noodle eating scene. In Boys over flowers, Lee Min Ho’s Character eats Ramyun once and he likes it a lot, so later he wants to eat it again and does not know how to cook it. So he eats uncooked Ramen noodles. Usually in Kdrama, ramyun is cooked in pot and pot lid is usually used as plate or eaten straight from the pot, something I learned was not a good manners by family members, but when Kdrama actors does it, it seems cool trend. now I too want to eat my Ramyun in pot lid with metal chopsticks just like my favorite Korean stars!

ramen1

Image source: Kimpoppers

Ramen Noodles History:

Instant noodle were first marketed in Taiwan, which was under Japanese regime in late 1950s.In early 1970′s Japanese Company called Nissin introduced “cup Noodles”, which you can still buy at grocery store, which comes in waterproof Styrofoam cup, and all one has to add is boiled or warm water for noodles to be cooked and ready to eat in no time.

Instant noodle is one of the major inexpensive food, eaten in many countries, specially popular with not so rich, college students who can eat cheap and quickly make these noodles for their busy college life. There has been said, that about 95 billion people in world eat some type of instant noodles. Top Noodle consuming countries are China, Indonesia, Japan, and south Koreans along with many South Asian Countries such as India too.

Instant noodle have been criticized for low protein, vitamins and fiber while being rich in carbohydrates. One can add fibrous veggies with vitamins to make it much rich and healthy in nutrients.

I asked my Korean friends and tried out 7 different brand/version of Korean Ramyun and here three that I liked, other 4 were so so. Here are the favorite Korean Ramyun Noodles, if you ever wanted to cook for yourself at home.

noodle1Nong Shim Shin Noodle Ramyun:

This Ramen is the best Ramen in the world. It is very spicy and has great flavor. It is so much better than the $.10 Ramen you find in your avg. grocery store. Authentic Korean ramen. Add some egg to it, and you’ll be in Ramen Heaven. Many native Korean seemed to agree that it is one of the best Ramyun. If you like less spicy food, then use less of spices packed with it, simple as that.

This Shin noodle is made in the USA and it is a American version of the very popular Korean instant noodle.

You can try you local grocery store, order it online with discount and home delivery from amazon: Nong Shim Shin Noodle Ramyun

 

 

noodle2Nongshim Neoguri Spicy Seafood Noodle Ramyun

This is one of the tastiest brands of ramen ever. There quick and easy to make, no prep work needed, just boiling water. The noodles are thicker then those card board cup o noodle and so much more tastier. The sauce is spicy so it’ll get you sweating on a cold night. I recommend eating these while watching your favorite TV show or if you need a quick noodle fix. As an added bonus, after you finish off the noodles, you can add a bowl of rice to the soup and enjoy a 2nd serving! Eat it with Kimchi and you will again be in heaven!

This is spicy ramyun noodle, so if you like less spicy food, use less amount of spices that comes with the package.

You can buy this Ramyun here: Nongshim Neoguri Spicy Seafood Noodle Ramyun

 

 noodle3Nongshim Chapagetti Chajang Noodle

East meets West with spagetti-style noodles in a secret Chajang sauce (Chinese black soy bean sauce). Chapagetti is “chajang” + “spaghetti”, chajang myun (noodle) being a Korean interpretation of a Chinese dish.

Chajang literally means “fried sauce”. It’s a thick, black, soybean paste that’s slightly sweet. For the instant version, Nong Shim replaced the paste with a mix-in powder. Inside the bag are 3 flavoring packs: a packet of sauce powder, an oil packet, and a dehydrated vegetables packet. Preparation is easy. Just add the vegetable pack to the noodles when cooking, drain, then add the other 2 packets and stir well before eating.

A tip for you all: Don’t boil the water first and then add the noodles. I recommend having the noodles in the cold water as you bring it up to a boil. For some reason it adds another level and the noodles come out tasting better.

Click here to buy: Nongshim Chapagetti Chajang Noodle

Nongshim Ramyun Noodle Review

Top Instant Ramen Noodle Hacks:

Since I am vegetarian, I am sharing vegetarian hacks that I know and have used successfully in kitchen. Ramen Noodles have come a long way in US and I have eaten a lot during my college years.

Adding Veggies:

  • Adding, red onions, green spinach, Thinly sliced cabbage, lettuce, Scallion, will do wonder. Once I put home grown potato because my son wanted to try it, and it worked out so well.
  • I have tried also broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, sweet peas, corn, and other veggies in the noodle. Some vegetable may need to be pre-cooked before as instant noodle cooks quicker.
  • One can add frozen or boiled veggies inside the Ramen noodle too.

Add Sauces and Condiments

  • In addition to vegetables, I like to use my own spices, sauce or condiment with Ramen noodle. You can try curry power, ginger, garlic paste, soya sauce, chili sauce, miso paste, bean paste (from Chinese or Japanese store), African Harrisa paste, Garam Masala and Emli sauce  (Indian Store)

Other Cooking Suggestions:

  • I have made Vegetarian Pad Thai with Ramen Noodle instead of Thin Rice noodle and while it looks different, it taste wonderful.
  • Make Chinese sweet and sour chow mien or low-mien with Ramen noodle. You can use pineapple chucks or pineapple for sweet ingredient.
  • Make Spaghetti with sauce and wheat balls with Ramen Noodles.
  • Make a cheesy, noodle with cheese and tomato sauce.
  • Instead of Mac and Cheese with Macroni Pasta, Make Ramen and cheese for kids.
  • Make Ramen Veggie Primevera, Ramen Fettuccine, or Ramen with extra virgin olive oil and garlic to make simple pasta dish with instant noodles.
  •  If you make vegetarian Shepard pie, make it with Ramen noodle instead.
  • I have also make Green spinach salad with walnuts, and broken pieces of ramen noodles (extra crunchiness) with red wine vinaigrette dressing.

How To Make Korean Ramyun Noodle

Enjoy your Ramyun Noodles while watching your favorite Korean Drama! Let me know how it turned out.