Korean Drama: Full House Review

As far as I’m concern, this is the one of the best Korean drama ever produced next to the all time favorite, Jewel in the Palace. And no, I was not a big fan of Rain. What captured my attention was the chemistry between the two main characters, Han Ji-eun and Lee Young-jea. It was fantastic. Although the series was adapted from a 1993 comic, the story was ‘cooked’ to perfection with all the necessary ingredients of human emotions that made it an all time favorite.

Han Ji-eun and Young jea are two very different people from very different background. Han Ji-eun was an aspiring script writer who lived alone in a beautiful seaside bungalow her father built. Her loving parents passed away when she was about 17 years old. With no relatives to take care of her, Han Ji-eun lived alone and became attached to her friends from school. One day, out of desperation, her friends tricked her to leave for China for a week and then sold her beautiful property to a superstar actor, Young Jea while she was away. These two clowns needed money to prepare for the birth of their unborn child.

Full House OST

On the flight to China, Han Ji-eun sat next to Young Jea, who was filming a movie there. Han Ji-eun tried to make small talk but Young Jea was very aloof and a bit rude. As it was her first flight, Han Ji-eun became sick and accidently threw-up on Young jea’s shirt. He was very angry with her but when he returned to the seat after cleaning himself in the washroom, Han Ji-eun was asleep with her mouth open. He left his shirt in the seat pocket and alighted from the plane with his bodyguards while Han Ji-eun was still asleep.

Later it turned out, they stayed at the same hotel. It was at the hotel that Han Ji-eun met Min Heok, the handsome rich businessman who is also Young jea’s senior and best friend in school. Min Heok was at the hotel to meet Young Jea. When Han Ji-eun realised she had no money left for her filght home and that she was conned by her own friends, she decided to take a bold step by borrowing money from Young Jea.

She convinced him that she was Min Heok’s ex-girl friend who was unfairly dumped and needed help. He loaned her some money and she vowed to pay him back when she return to Korea. Young Jea had other plans in his mind. He was in love with Hye-won but she was in love with Min Heok. Hye-won treated Young Jea like a friend.

Onced back in Korea, Han Ji-eun got the shock of her life when she found her home was totally bare, her savings gone and her credit card spent to the max by her friends. She was furious and tried to find her friends and get her money back. Young Jea returned and was jealous to find Min Heok sharing a light moment with Hye-won at her boutique. He called Han Ji-eun and set-up dinner plans with Min Heok and Hye-won. He wanted to reveal Han Ji-eun to Min Heok, thinking that it would reveal Min Heok’s true colours to Hye-won. But, the plan failed and he found out that Han Ji-eun tricked him. They parted ways that night.

When Young Jea arrived at his new house, he was surprised to find Han Ji-eun at the front door with her lugage. She told him her story and he confronted his agent. The agent cannot explain the fraud but he had no choice but to throw her out. One thing led to the other, and he eventually agreed to let her stay but only as a housekeeper. Later, he forced her into a 3-year marriage contract where in the end, she gets to keep the house.

Han ji-eun eventually falls in love with Young Jea but tries to deny it. Meanwhile he continues to long for Hye-Won. Things became complicated when Min Heok falls for Han Ji-eun, Young jea’s parents involvement in their marriage and the return of her friends.

I cried and laughed while watching this movie, and I saw it three times. I’m not the kind of person to do this but this just shows how good the drama is. I must add that the music had played a large part in the success of this drama series.

Overall, this is definitely a box office drama series that shouldn’t be missed. I’d gladly give it a perfect 10/10.

Click here to get Full House Korean Drama (2004) with English Subtitles

Source written by CheAyu at Korean Drama reviews

January 22, 2014January 18, 2014

You’re Beautiful Korean Drama

You’re Beautiful He’s Beautiful) is a 2009 South Korean musical romantic comedy television drama series, starring Park Shin-hye, Jang Geun Suk, Lee Hong-ki of F.T. Island and Jung Yong-hwa of CN Blue. It is about a fictional musician band A.N.Jell and the relationship between its members when a female, posing as her twin brother, joins the band. It has 16 episodes. If you have not seen it, you can buy it here with English Subtitles: You’re Beautiful with English Subtitles.

Cast

The A*N.JELL

Park Shin-hye as Go Mi Nyu/Gemma (Female) and Go Mi Nam (Male).
Jang Geun Suk as Hwang Tae Kyung (lead vocalist and guitarist of A*N.JELL)
Jung Yong-hwa as Kang Shin Woo (bassist of A*N.JELL)
Lee Hongki as Jeremy (vocalist, rapper and drummer of A*N.JELL)

Supporting & Recuirring cast

Jung Chan as President Ahn
Kim In Kwon as Manager Ma/Ma Hoon Yi (Mi Nam’s manager)
Uee as Yoo He Yi (An actrees & leader of “After School” idol girl group)
Kim Sung-ryung as Mo Hwa Ran (A soloist singer & Hwang Tae Kyung mother)

Go Mi Nyu (Park Shin-hye) stayed at an orphanage with her twin brother Go Mi Nam (Played by Park Shin-hye too, hardly shown) since childhood, when their father passed away. Go Mi Nam becomes music idol and Go Mi Nyu now known as Gemma dreams of becoming a nun.When Go Mi Nam must leave in order to correct his botched plastic surgery in United States, Ma Hoon Yi(Mi Nam’s manager) approaches Mi Nyu’s/Gemma’s to pose as Mi Nam while he recovers.

Go Mi Nyu’s/Gemma’s is against it at first, but agrees in order to fulfill her way of finding their mother,Mi Nyu agrees and leaves church and dream of becoming nun for temporary. She disguised herself as a boy and joins Hwang Tae Kyung (Jang Geun Suk), Kang Shin Woo (Jung Yong-hwa) and Jeremy (Lee Hongki).

At first, Tae Kyung does not like Mi Nam and makes her life hard, Shin Woo and Jeremy are friendly to her. Tae Kyung discovers that Mi Nam is a girl and threatens to reveal it, Shin Woo discovers it but does not reveal it and develops feelings for her, Jeremy has curiosity of Mi Nam’s act. The story follows Mi Nyu/Gemma to keep her lives away from the cameras and some untrusted people, also A*N.JELL members and their trusted people efforts to keep the secret of fake Mi Nam’s(Posing by Mi Nam’s sisters, Mi Nyu/Gemma) from a publicity.

See: White and Pink Camera From “You’re Beautiful Korean Drama”

This drama was very popluar and gained a cult following among fans. Because the drama features a concert footage in it, A.N.JELL actually performed a mini-concert,where it was reported that as many 25,000 fans showed up.The group performed the songs “Promise” and “Still”; Jang Keun Suk also sang “Good Bye” and “What Should I Do,” the latter of which is the track Tae Kyung remakes for his mother in the drama. Park Shin Hye sang her character’s theme song, “Lovely Day.”

You’re Beautiful Drama featured a few items that became hot merchandise to get for many fans. These items are cute, affordable and makes you re-live the drama with your daily life. Those merchandises are as follows;

Korean Drama You’re Beautiful Barrette Hair Clip

If you like the hair pin that Jang Geun Suk’s Character Hwang Tae Kyung bought for Park Shin Hye’s Character Go Mi Nam/Nyu, you can get it for yourself, or ask your significant other to buy it for you.

You can buy it here: You’re Beautiful Barrette Hair Clip

Korean Drama You’re Beautiful Star Necklace

In drama the necklace was expensive, however you do not need to spend crazy money or be part of ANJell band to buy this $15, as expensive looking but not really expensive necklace for yourself or someone you care for.

Click here to buy this necklace at discounted price under $15: Korean Drama You’re Beautiful Star Necklace

Korea Drama You’re Beautiful PIG Rabbit Doll

If you like the hybrid piggy rabbit toy from “You’re Beautiful”, you will love this stuffed toy which you will not have to make it yourself and comes at very affordable price! It is exceptionally like the pig rabbit from the drama. It comes at 55 cm or 21.65 inches height, perfect not too big or small to cuddle or hold it.

Click here to buy Piggy Rabbit at best discounted price here: You’re Beautiful PIG Rabbit Doll

Did you like this Korean Drama? What did you think of it?

You can buy with current discounted price: You’re Beautiful with English Subtitles

January 21, 2014March 1, 2014

Choi Jin Hyuk Needs Happily Ever After In Kdrama Love

Handsome Choi Jin Hyuk Via Dramabeans

Choi Jin Hyuk should have many things going for him. He is tall, very handsome and had a cutest smile that can melt many girl’s heart. From what I have seen from Korean Dramas and interviews, he seems like a polite, nice and humble guy who seems down to earth. So, what does he need? He has yet to get “Happy ever after” in love so far in Korean drama or get a lead role. (It finally happened in 2014 in Kdrama Emergency couple)

Choi Jin Hyuk’s Dramas and Movies:

Choi Jin Hyuk has played minor, supporting roles in Korean dramas until he was noticed in small role in Gu Family book. Here are some of the Dramas, that he played a part;

Drama City (2007)
Pasta (2010)
It’s Okay, Dadddy’s Girl (2010-2011)
I Need Romance (2011)
My Daughter The Flower (2011-2012)
Ms. Panda and Mr. Hedgehog (2012)
Gu Family Book (2013)
The Heirs (2013)
Emergency Man and Woman (2014)
God’s Trick Movie (2014)

Cutest Smile of Choi Jin Hyuk

I first noticed Choi Jin Hyuk in Gu Family Book Korean Drama. Although, he was there for only first 2 episodes and later on he came briefly on screen, viewers noticed Jin Hyuk in small role cameo. He overshadowed other actors in the series, and viewer wanted more of him. He seemed really cute and I felt his pain and joy with him, I felt good when he smiled and looked handsome throughout the small screen time he had. He has a cameo role I was intrigued and I wanted to know more about him and his other dramas and movies that he might have acted in.

Sexy Gumho of Gu Family Book: Cameo Role

Via NetizenBuzz : You can feel the love and pain: Gu Family Book Doomed Romance

In Gu Family Book Korean Drama, Choi Jin Hyuk plays a role of Gumiho who falls for and protects human noble girl. He has super powers and stays forever young. He falls for and marries the girl (played by Lee Yoon Hee). He even eat her bad cooked food and even tries to become a human being by sacrificing him being of “forever young” and super powers that comes from being a supernatural being, just because he wants to be with her and die with her being in love with her. The only thing Yoon Hee does not know his real identity as Gumiho, so when she finds out, she feels fearful for her and betrays him to authority. Choi Jin Hyuk’s character chooses to dies instead of killing the betrayer and to come back later on as thousand years demon. In the end their love is redeemed but they do not find happiness together.

Via Pinterest: Handsome and Stylish Choi Jin Hyuk in Panda and Hedgehog Drama

Via Couch Kimchi: Don’t they have Chemistry Together? Panda and Hedgehog Drama

After Gu Family Book, I wanted to watch more of his work, so I found Panda and Hedgehog Korean Drama, which had Donghae from Super Junior playing in lead and Choi Jin Huyk as a second lead who is also in love with Yoon Seung-ah’s Panda character. However, he loses the girl yet again to main lead played by Donghae. Now, I like super Junior and Domghae both, but I am not sure about Donghae’s acting ability so much. I have seen Donghae in Skip Beat Taiwanese Drama, he is sure pretty but as an actor he is improving and has a lot to improve. Choi Jin Hyuk acted better, looked better and yet he lost love again. I felt for him.

I also checked out very first “I Need Romance” original Kdrama that started the franchise of I need romance. It labeled as Korean Sex and city and so it was. I was surprised how much open the show was about sex scenes compared to Kdrama I am used to watching. Choi Jin Hyuk plays Rich guy, who is not jerk and falls for lead Noona girl, only to lose out again in love. I was feeling for him as he is much better actor who deserves much more in drama, seeing him loses out in drama again and again did not made me feel better.

Choi Jin Hyuk in I Need Romance (20011) Original series, can’t you feel love? How can leave him girl?

How can anyone say no to Choi Jin Hyuk In I need Romance via Han Cinema

Then recently I saw The Heir with Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye and when I found out he plays a Lee Min Ho’s Brother, I had my hopes up for him finally landing a good role and find a nice girl and have a happy ending. Alas..it was not meant to be. At first, he played heartless, cold brother to Lee Min Ho, which broke my heart as I knew he could do better. As drama progressed his role and his character improved a lot. But he loses a girl he loved by choosing a money, place in company first instead of love. While he did make that choice, we can see how heart broken and sad he was and I too cried for him, with him. I am hoping that one day he can get money, position and love all in Drama or movie he plays as he surely deserves it.

Via mwave: They Both liked each other, only if she was richer or he was braver The Heirs Korean Drama

Via Dramafever: Pain and Anguish of losing love From Heirs Korean Drama

Did you know Choi Jin Hyuk is also talend singer and has sang a few Koream Drama OST (Original Sound Track) Here is one from the 2013 Korean Drama “The Heirs”. Check it out, he is surely good singer as well.

Don’t Look Back By Choi Jin Hyuk : The Heirs

I am looking forward to his new Drama Emergency Man and Woman, also known as Emergency Couple where he plays a lead role first time. While, plot line says that he plays a rich character who falls for poor girl and marries her and they face lot together and in end they get divorce. But there is a hope as they get to meet again and work in hospital together. I am really hoping he gets love of girl this time. So far the series is going well, even though main couple gets divorced in the series, they still have feelings for each others and Choi Jin Hyuk is main lead so there are great chances for him to get the girl and happiness at end of Kdrama, finally! I am happy for him.

Via newsen.com: Maybe finally lucky in love? Emergency Man and Woman Choi Jin Hyuk Korean Drama

Let’s wait and watch what happens for this tall, good looking and talented actor Choi Jin Hyuk. I hope he find love in kdrama land and in real life.

January 17, 2014January 17, 2014

Top Korean Dramas Based In High School

The Heir: Highschool Korean DramaKorean Drama are pretty cool, coming from Kdrama addict. Many of Korean Dramas are based in high school and have high school romance, triumph and trials period. At first I did not think high school drama would appeal to me, as I have passed high school decade ago and moved on. However, somehow I like high school age teen romance drama from Korea.

Top Korean Dramas in High School:

Korean TV networks and viewers does not seem to get tired of High school dramas, as there are plenty of Korean Dramas that takes place in high schools. How else can Lee Min Ho can play a high school kid in “Boys Over Flowers” in 2009 and again as 18 years high school boy in “The Heirs”? I totally buy it, he can pull it off, sort of. Don’t you think?

If you were in Kdrama High school, who would you meet? Here are some notable Korean Dramas where main characters played High School Students and some case University.

Boys Over Flowers:

Majority of the story takes place in Shinhwa Elite High School. Goo Jun-pyo is the leader of F4 and heir to Shinhwa Group, one of the most powerful business groups in South Korea. As leader of the most popular and powerful clique in Shinhwa High, he torments Geum Jan-di after she stands up to his bullying ways, but ends up falling for her instead.

Sang Doo Let’s Go To School:

Cha Sang-doo (Rain) and Chae Eun-hwan (Gong Hyo-jin) grew up as best of friends, who secretly have crushes on each other. Circumstances separates love birds and send Sang Doo to Prison. Whenhe comes across his long-lost first love, Eun-hwan, who is now a high school math teacher in his city. In an effort to regain her love, he returns to high school, first as a security guard and then as a student in her class .

Playful Kiss:

Oh Ha-ni is a not so bright girl and is the bottom of her class. She has a crush on Baek Seung-jo, the smartest and handsomest boy in the whole school. One day, Ha-ni decided to write a love letter for Seung-jo but Seung-jo rejected her through correcting the grammars of her letter. Fate happens when an earthquake strikes Ha-ni’s new buit home and they are invited to his father’s friend house, who turns out to be Seung-jo’s house.

Dream High (Season 1):

Six students at Kirin High School have the dream of becoming K-pop idols. During their school years, they learn how to develop their singing, songwriting and dancing skills while undergoing personal growth. They also go through their love life and start to develop feelings for each other.

Dream High (Season 2):

Like its predecessor Dream High, it follows a group of students at the Kirin High School of Art stars who pursue their dream of becoming K-pop stars. However, it has a slightly different plot with a completely new group of students.

School 2013:

The teen drama depicts the struggles and dilemmas that modern-day Korean youth face, such as bullying, student suicides, school violence, deteriorating teacher-student relations, private tutoring and other real-life high school issues, all within the confines of one small classroom at Seung Ri High School.

To Beautiful You:

The series centers on Goo Joo Hee (Choi Seol Ri), a Korean girl becomes attracted to one of the high jump competitors, Kang Tae Joon (Choi Min Ho). Tae Joon suffers an accident that could potentially end his career. However, Tae Joon attends an all-boys high school and Jae Hee must disguise herself as a boy to enter to help her idol

Shut Up Flower Boy Band:

When their delinquent-ridden school is forced to close down, A few students debate whether it’s even worth returning to high school at all. However, due to an outside confrontation with their new school’s current ruling band, Strawberry Fields, Eye Candy decides to attend Jungsang High out of spite so they can rule the school once again

Reply 1997:

This series that centers on the lives of six friends in Busan, as the timeline moves back and forth between their past as 18-year-old high schoolers in 1997 and their present as 33-year-olds at their high school reunion dinner in 2012, where one couple will announce that they’re getting married

God Of Study:

Based on the Japanese comic series Dragon Zakura, it is about a determined lawyer who takes up a teaching position at a failing high school. To save the school from the ax, he comes up with the unconventional plan of starting a special class curriculum devoted to getting the school’s five worst students into the country’s top university

I Am Sam:

The story focuses on the conflicts between the young teachers and the problems that high school students have. Jang Yi San (Yang Dong-Kun) is a timid and incompetent homeroom teacher who has to teach the only daughter of a highly dangerous mob leader, Jae-kon Yu (Park Jun Gyu).

Hello, My Teacher:

After overcoming numerous hardships and getting her GED, Na Bo-ri rejects job offers from other high schools and works on becoming a substitute teacher at her old high school so she can work side by side with her longtime high school crush, the art teacher Ji Hyun-woo (Kim Da-hyun).

Love Rain:

Story starts its first generation story in college. It’s love at first sight when Seo In-ha (Jang Geun-suk) and Kim Yoon-hee (Im Yoona) meet as shy university students in the seventies. Their love did not get happy ending, will their kids will get theirs?

Goong / Princess Hours:

Yoon Eun Hye plays poor, normal girl who by chance get to get married to royal prince in modern era. Prince is love with some other girl and prince’s cousin who also attends same high school as prince and girl falls in love with her to complicate matters further.

Heart Strings:

Set at an art university, the youth romance drama “Festival” depicts the sweat and tears of students who run towards their dreams of love and friendship. It includes modern as well tradition Korean music.

Tree Of Heaven:

Bright and optimistic Japanese teenager Hana (Park Shin-hye) lives at a small hot springs inn owned by her mother. When her mother decides to marry a Korean man, she tries her best to reach out to her odd, introverted stepbrother-to-be Yoon Seo (Lee Wan) more than one way. Story takes place in high school and continues after graduation.

White Christmas:

Deep in the mountains of Gangwon, the private, elite Soo-sin High School is attended by the top 1% of students in the country. Their stellar marks are the result of constant pressure and a strict punishment system, to the point where students avoid any activities outside of studying. It is in this atmosphere that seven students and a teacher remain at school for the winter break, joined by Kim Yo-han, a psychiatrist who was forced to take shelter with them from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day.

Jungle Fish:

A drama about school life that sheds light on the serious issue of cheating and falsifying grades, as well as the stress of entrance exams at ruthlessly competitive South Korean high schools.

Winter Sonata:

Story starts off as high school sweet and innocent romance between main leads and supportive characters. Story moves 10 years later to what happens in their lives.

The Heirs:

The Heirs also takes place in elite high school and stars Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye. But unlike Lee Min Ho character from Boys Over Flowers, here Lee Min Ho’s Character Kim Tan is more mature and level headed person,.

Reply 1994:

Set in 1994, six university students from various provincial areas (Jeolla Province, Chungcheong Province, and Gyeongsang Province) live together at a boarding house in Sinchon, Seoul, which is run by a couple with a daughter named Na-jung. The timeline moves back and forth between the past in 1994 and the present in 2013.

January 10, 2014January 3, 2014

Where To Watch Asian Drama?

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:

KoreanDrama. TV
Chia Anime Drama
epdrama.com
Drama.net
Mysoju.com (it seems defunct site now)
Drama Sub

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.

January 5, 2014January 5, 2014

Top Korean Dramas Of 2013

Master’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:

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:

This 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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?

January 2, 2014January 5, 2014

Which Kdrama Is Best For Beginner?

Boys Over Flower: Another Love Story Couple

When I first started watching Korean Drama was by accident and I chose the good Kdrama for expert, but not for a beginner. I watched melodrama which was slow and had many sad scenes. However, somehow, I stuck along 20 episodes of it and survived. Since then I realized that there are much more better choices of Kdramas I could have started with.

Watching Korean Drama is very different compared to American Drama and even BBC mini series sitcoms, it is very unique experience. If you are new to Korean Drama or want to experience the craze about Kdrama, then these are the dramas you should start with.

Things to know before watching any Korean Drama:

Korean dramas are 16-24 episodes long, unlike decade running series like “All My Children” or “General Hospital. That means there is finite time and end.
Korean dramas are over an hour long, without any ads or commercials. If you watch it on some streaming drama sites, they would add their own ads every 15 minutes or so, making it long (Unless you get paid subscription)
Make sure before you buy or pay for Kdrama, it has fully English subtitles, or whichever language you prefer. If you are native Korean speaker, ignore this tip.
Korean drama are slower in pace and culture is quite different compared to US or western culture and drama. Sometimes holding hands between lead pairs can take long time.
There is less importance on physical relationship. Sometimes lead pair can kiss in last episodes, or sometimes they may not even kiss despite loving such as “49 days”. Don’t worry, it will not make it dull or less romantic viewing. Believe me and other Kdrama addict fans.
There will be lot of back hugs, piggy back rides, drinking and eating food together, plenty of guy shower scene as they seemed to do lot of thinking during shower.
Storyline either be modern time, or Joseon era of past, or time traveling between old and modern time such as Rooftop Prince or Queen In Hyun’s Man.
Do not start a Korean Drama just before test, before project is due. Believe me, everything will be left as it is and drama will be finished.
You may lose your sleep, just trying to watch JUST ONE MORE episodes. I have done it plenty of time.
You may start to read Kdrama blogs and recruit other people missing out on watching Korean Drama.

Okay, now that I said what to expect, let’s move on important part such as which is the best Korean Drama to start watching. After watching Korean Drama since 2010 and watching many good, bad, ugly and all in between dramas, I can suggest and share my best drama list for new beginners to Kdrama world.

Best Korean Dramas For a Beginner:

One more thing, first episodes is always a introduction of situations, characters and it is all jumble usually for most Korean Drama. You will have to watch at least 2 or 3 episodes to really get in to drama. So, have little patience and watch 2-3 episodes at least.

City Hunter

This is best Kdrama for beginner in my opinion, as the story takes place in modern time, and has cool spy things, politics, love, revenge all rolled in to one. Of course, having a Good looking Lee Min Ho starring in it, sure helps. Based on a famous Japanese comic, CITY HUNTER is a Korean TV drama thriller starring Lee Min-Ho(Boys Over Flowers( and Park Min-Young (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) that follows a trail of revenge and romance all the way to the presidential Blue House.

You’re Beautiful

This series is about 3 guys in boy band group and one girl, pretending to be a boy in a boy band which surely leads to love, confusion and heartaches. Taekyung (Jang Keun-Suk) is A.N.JELL’s arrogant and insufferable lead singer. Guitarist Shinwoo (Jung Yong-Hwa of C.N.Blue) is too perceptive for his own good, and happy-go-lucky drummer Jeremy (Lee Hong-Ki of F.T. Island) is just plain slow on the uptake. Into the boy band mix comes A.N.JELL’s bumbling newbie, Go Minam (Park Shin-Hye). But what the fans don’t know is that he’s actually a she! Roped into posing as her twin brother, Minam has to hide her real identity. But secrets have a way of coming out, especially when her bandmates start falling for her!

Secret Garden:

Story is cute and has un-realistic plot line, but that will not matter, you will want true love life like them in no time. From shiny tracksuits to cappuccino foam kisses, the fantasy romance Secret Garden provided some of the hottest topics in 2011. Hyun Bin and Ha Ji Won bicker away in the series as an eccentric, elitist CEO and a spunky stunt woman who hate each other almost as much as they’re undeniably attracted to each other. It’ll take some magical intervention to get these two stubborn lovebirds to ‘fess up to their feelings!

Roof Top Prince:

This drama story takes places in both modern and old Joseon era times, however it is mostly in modern present time. There is re-incarnation of both male leads and female leads in both modern and olden era.

Prince Lee Gak finds himself time traveling 300 years into the future with his 3 trusted sidekicks as they are investigating murder of Princess, his wife. They would have to go through considerable challenges as he adapts to 21st century Seoul and Park-ha. Can love last when there is 300 years gap? You will laugh, cry and fall in love with Omurice, J4 (Joseon 4 guys) and lead pair’s love story.

Full House:

This was very popular series in 2004, by singer actor Rain and I can see why, it has every thing Kdrama needs, rich, good looking male lead, pretty, happy go lucky poor female lead, fake marriage contract and love square.

Female lead Han Ji-eun’s loses her house by greedy friend to Rain. She and rain makes an arrangement for her to earn her house back by working at home for him, which leads to Fake Marriage contract and confusion and eventual love. Even though I am not a big Rain fan, I like his acting in this series.

Boys Over Flower:

This is high school romance story between unlikely pair has its origin in Japanese Manga. Only reason you should watch this drama is, unless you have watched Boys Over Flower once you do not know Kdrama. While it has too much hype as most popular Korean dram, you should watch it for experience and who Jan Di and Gun Pyo are, and who F4, fabulous four guys are. Story takes place in high school where F4 are rich, good looking and bully to the core. One poor girl, stands up to them and 2 guys falls for her from F4. How their love survives between evil mom, memory loss and fiance is what makes it fun.

Queen In Hyun’s Man:

To people who complain that there are not enough hot kisses in Korean drama should watch this drama as it has many passionate kisses between the lead pair. They are dating in real life at the time, so I guess the chemistry shows up on screen. The story takes place in modern time but time traveling is also there. Male lead who is smart, considerate and adapts to modern life quickly. Love story has cute, comedy scenes are there and fun to watch, so go ahead and try it.

The Heirs:

The Heirs also takes place in high school and stars Lee Min Ho. But unlike Lee Min Ho character from Boys Over Flowers, here Lee Min Ho’s Character Kim Tan is more mature and level headed person, even though he used to be a bully in past. Kim Tan is in California in first few episodes, his English leaves lot to desire but it will not matter. Love story between illegitimate rich son and housekeeper’s daughter is shown in realistic way. Seeing screwed up lives of rich parents and kids made me feel at ease that I am not rich. Watch this series for fun viewing as it is in modern times that we can relate.

IIjimae:

Unlike other Korean Drama for beginner, this is only Kdrama that is completely takes place in olden time. The reason I picked it here but it story line is similar to Robin Hood. The hero or Iijimae robs and steal to help poor, oppressed people under corrupt lawmakers. We get to see his past story to why he does what he does. There is love from 2 girls that Iljimae has, but does he have time for it? I believe, new Kdrama viewers will love this series even though it is takes place in Joseon era.

Dream High:

Dream high is a feel-good fluff Kdrama that is fun to watch. Six students at Kirin High School have the dream of becoming K-pop idols. During their school years, they learn how to develop their singing, songwriting and dancing skills while undergoing personal growth. They also go through their love life and start to develop feelings for each other. Each one of the students has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, but they strive to debut with the support and guidance of each other. The series was so popular that there is season 2 of Dream High was made with new actors and season 1 actors making a cameos in it.

So, pick any one of the drama and start watching Korean Drama, soon you will be viewing more complex and wonderful world of Korean Drama in no time.

January 2, 2014December 31, 2013

The Camera In “To Beautiful You” Korean Drama

If you see Korean dramas like I do, you start to notice little things. When I was watching Roof Top Prince I saw a white camera being used to take pictures, then friend told me that she saw the same or similar white camera in Flower Boy Next door. I almost wanted to re-watch the drama to pause to so I can take picture and find out what camera was it. But, then I got busy with other Korean Drama.

Image source: To Beautiful You Kdrama

Alas, I was watching “To Beautiful You” Korean Drama With Shinee’s Choi Min Ho and F(x)’s Choi Sulli based on Japanese Manga, I saw the same white camera again. I thought it was fate and I had to find out what camera was it and make it on my next buy it list. Little detective work and internet search paid off and I found what camera was it! I want one!

I thought of sharing my little detective work, just in case some one like me who might be wondering and losing her sleep! Are you ready? It is Samsung NX1000 White :20.3MP Digital Camera with 20-50mm Lens. Pretty cool huh?

Here are the features for the camera from Amazon. com listing;

Source: Amazon Customer Image

Samsung NX1000 White :20.3MP Digital Camera

20.3 megapixels Samsung Smart Camera NX1000
1/4000 fast shutter and Built-in WiFi. 20.3MP APS-C Sensor Customized for the NX System
Professional-grade
20.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor produces images that rival those of any premium DSLR.
Each individual pixel has a large sensor area and receives more light
The higher sensitivity allows you to shoot during low-light situations without graininess or other noise.
The new sensor also provides Full HD video output capabilities.
1/4000 Fast Shutter Shutter speed can make the difference between capturing an iconic image
The NX1000’s 1/4000 shutter speed gives you the flexibility to shoot like the pros-at varying speeds and light exposures.
The NX1000’s shutter even automatically adjusts itself
Electronically controlled focal-plane shutter reduces exposure errors.
High Speed Capture The NX1000 features super-fast High Speed Capture capabilities
The result is a fast and precise AF System that captures life’s fleeting moments.
Instant Sharing via WiFi
1080P Full HD Stereo Movie Recording
High Speed Capture

If you want to buy it, it usually sells for $500-$600, but I have found best discounted price here: Samsung NX1000 White :20.3MP Digital Camera

If you buy the camera or have it, let me know how is it working for you. Have you watched the “To Beautiful You’ Korean Drama?

April 15, 2013January 18, 2014

Boys Over Flowers Korean Drama Review

Boys Over Flower:

I did not know the hype of boys over flower so much when I started out watching Korean Dramas so It was not my first watched nor it is my most top favorite Korean drama. So, why I am writing about it? Boys over Flowers created a Korean wave and made a culture impact that still visible since 2009, when it was first aired.

The show starts with bulling and blood in high school, where a kid is ready to die to avoid all F4’s bullying. There seemed to be no signs of law and order or good teacher, adult to stop all of these atrocities. I thought I would stop it but after watching 2 episodes I got hooked and curious enough to see the end, so I invested over 25 hours to watch this and I can say I was not disappointed. The bully and all characters grows with time and you can understand loneliness around all richness and money. F4, flower four boys are surely handsome and easy on eyes which surely helps female fan base like me.

If you are fan of Lee Min Ho, then this is show for you. The guy has charm and he makes his character alive, one can feel his pain and agony. I did not care much for the Jan Di’s character, as she hardly shows any feeling or care towards Goo Joon Pyo. I like the character played by Kim So Eun as Jan Di’s best friend Chu Ga Eul. She could have been a lead lady, she is pretty, holds her dignity while caring for a guy and is level headed.

Buy Boys Over Flowers With English Subtitles

Cast:

Koo Hye Sun as Geum Jan Di
Lee Min Ho as Goo Joon Pyo
Kim Hyun Joong as Yoon Ji Hoo
Kim Bum as So Yi Jung
Kim Joon as Song Woo Bin

Kim So Eun as Chu Ga Eul (Jan Di’s best friend)
Kim Hyun Joo as Goo Joon Hee (Joon Pyo’s elder sister)
Lee Hye Young as Kang Hee Soo (Joon Pyo’s mother)
Han Chae Young as Min Seo Hyun (F4’s best friend/Ji Hoo’s ex girl friend)
Lee Min Jung as Ha Jae Kyung (JK Group’s CEO’s daughter and Jun Pyo’s fiancee)
Lee Jung Gil as Yoon Seok Young (Ji Hoo’s grandfather)
Jung Ho Bin as Jung Sang Rok (Kang Hee Soo’s Chief Secretary)

Geum Jan Di (Koo Hye Sun)

As I mentioned earlier, Jan Di’s character confused me a bit. When I see her pictures on internet, she looks pretty but during most of the show she looked not so pretty most of time, sometimes she looked cute but never pretty enough comparing to other korean Drama heroine. She was about 25 when this series came out as a highs chooler, she was older compared to all F4s, but being small and petite worked in her favor.

I also could not fathom that why all the guys either was loving her or wanting to protect her. Her character came across as confused and occasionally heartless, especially when Lee Min Ho character did so much her and her family, she kept on thinking of Yoo Ji Hoo instead. At first shown as feisty female, who can kick ass. However, as show progresses, she becomes typical Korean cliche heroine who ends up crying a lot and not fighting much. I am not against crying females, as I cry myself at littlest thing but then again, I am not trying to pass a kickboxing champion too.

When she goes to Macau to meet Goo Jun Pyo and he breaks off the relationship, she is sad for moment and then she goes off to site seeing with Yoo Ji Hoo all around and shown smiling and happy while Goo Jun Pyo who broke off the relationship looked more pained and in love compared to her. It bothered me much and felt she did not deserve the love if she was not willing to work hard for him to show her emotion. But of course, this is modern take on Cinderella so story revolves around her and we wish for her to succeed and find happiness.

Goo Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho)

When this drama came out, Lee Min Ho was a newcomer and this drama made him the star loved by many people in Korea and Japan. He is one of the reason I wanted to watch and find out about all hype about it.

I did not care much about his curly hair style or unique fur wardrobes that he wore. He is handsome, tall and can act just by showing his eye expressions. He made the bully character likeable. I like scenes where he spends time with Jan Di’s family, has a sleep over, makes Kim Chi and so on. He is nice guy, innocent child inside hiding behind cold, angry persona. He did well to show that, at least to me and my friend.

If you want to know more about star necklace he gives to Jan Di, see here: Boys Over Flower Star Necklace

Yoon Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong)

Someone wrote that out of all F4 Ji Hoo was most beautiful! Apart from Jan Di and Jun Pyo, he had biggest part and being part of love triangle. I heard he was offered the role of Jun Pyo but he chose Ji Hoo Role instead. I can see why, his character has many things that are positive, he plays music well, he is actually one of F4, who does not take part in bullying much and helps Jan Di many times and becomes friend and protector of her over the time. I like scenes with grand father and family issues that we all face regardless of how rich or poor we may be.

He hair style and color reminds me of Kang Jun Sang of Winter Sonata and he laughs and has similar mannerism as well.

So Yi Jung (Kim Bum)

Kim Bum had a big role and it was nice to see his character of playboy who is really good guy lost somewhere surprised me. He is cute and has a nice smile, however it was hard to imagine as a playboy and heartbreaker, as he looks innocent and young to be bad. That just me, I still enjoy his character and his talent at being a potter.

Don’t they look cute Together?

I liked to side love story of him with Ga Eul that developed slowly but surely. I think these two supporting character had more love and chemistry together compared to main lead, don’t you think? I wanted to know more about them and their life.

Song Woo Bin (Kim Joon)

Woo Bin seemed more Americanized and said Yo Yo,. and Wasss up type of things. We know he is from the mob family and handsome but we do not get much know much about his life outside of F4 and friend circle. It’s too bad, it would have been nice.Other Characters:

Goo Jun Pyo’s Mom was one nasty lady, as Jun Pyo called “Old hag” (at least in english translation, I am not sure what does it mean in Korean, is it same?) She is so ruthless to break Jan Di’s family and her so her son can be married to rich. I hated her, that means she was good at acting as nasty lady.

Goo Jun Pyo sister had a small role but whenever she came, she left a impact as a loving sister who wants to do right thing and not afraid to share what she thinks. She becomes big supporter of Jan Di as well.

Jan Di’s parents are big money minded, poor parents who do not plan things well and leave kids alone more often than they should. One thing is for sure, despite all their shortcoming, they seemed like a family who loved each others, including Jan Di’s little brother.

Ga Eul, Jan Di’s best friend was cute and much more level headed compared to Jan Di. I liked how she held on to her dignity while liking Yi Jung.

Lee Min Jung as Ha Jae Kyung was likable in some sort of way. She seemed so much more fitted and similar to Goo Jun Pyo’s Character, in some other time, they might have been perfectly fit for each other but it was not meant to be for this one.

Many other supporting characters with small roles were great. While this show is not Oscar worthy in acting part, for entertaining in super duper and 100% great. As I said, I could not stop watching, it was not love story that held me but it was charm of all F4! They all wore suits, and nice clothes and looked great in even crappy designer clothes somehow.

F4: Flower Four or Fabulous Four?

Buy Boys Over Flowers With English Subtitles

Have you watched it? What did you think of it/