Throwback Thursday: Playboys
Alright DramaListers, are you ready for another nostalgic stroll down memory lane? Here are a few RANDOM memories during my time in dramaland….
Remember when Won Bin did movies?
We haven’t seen this guy on screen in six years. SIX! Call him CF model, family man, or unicorn - as some K-Netizens like to call him, since we rarely see him and when we do, he's too perfect to be real - but you can't really call him an actor anymore, can you? Recently a new dad, he’s obviously enjoying his life in private. But as a result, I miss his ability to immerse himself into the roles he portrayed (and that voice…and that smile...and….).
Remember when Won Bin did dramas?
His last drama was Friends in 2002! I thought this drama was adorable and when someone asks me to do something, I still respond with, “Okay Okay!” Fukada Kyoko style. His body of work is really tiny when you think about it, but he’s still considered one of the best (and my first drama love).
Remember the original Flower Boys?
There have been other versions (Hana Yori Dango , Boys Over Flowers), and even a string of "Flower Boy" themed dramas (this, this, and this too) and though they are all quite lovely, nothing could compare to: Dao Ming Si and his bandanas, the 90s style oversized clothes, and cheesy lines. All of F4 and Barbie have made such great careers for themselves, but watching this again makes you realize how far each of them have come.
Remember when Rain was the Hallyu king?
Everyone has talked about making waves in Hollywood, but he’s the star who actually dared to step foot in the deep end. Remember Ninja Assassin? I proudly bought my ticket and sat through two hours of blood and gore to support him on opening day. And do you recall his role in Speed Racer? Okay, I couldn't even attempt to watch that movie, even for him. And one can’t forget Rain’s nemesis, Stephen Colbert and his rants about Rain on The Daily Show because of his multiple Time Magazine 100 wins, or how it all ended with a dance-off.
In my early stages of Kdrama fandom, I learned of Rain through Shinhwa (I came across an article where Lee Minwoo was listed as the second best dancer in kpop while Rain was the first! After that, I watched Full House. His charisma and acting skills paralleled his talent as a singer and dancer. I thought there was nothing he couldn't do. In fact, I have only bought the full director's cut DVD Box set of one Kdrama and that was Rain's Love to Kill. I have rewatched it many times.
Rain's family background was tragic but it made him into an inspiration for everyone, including me. He seems like an all around good guy, which explains I have become such a fan. It's unfortunate that his foray into overseas stardom didn’t go too far, and his army and dating life has caused most to turn their backs on him. I hope that one day he can return to drama (and movie) offers worthy of his talent, and perhaps do another overseas tour? Come back to Hollywood! It’s not too late to try again!
Remember Healer?
Okay this is a fairly recent memory, but before Healer came along, I was in a serious drama slump. After the imperfectly perfect production of Bridal Mask, I couldn’t find anything that kept my interest the way Joo Won and Park Ki Woong had. I was dropping dramas like beats and wishing for something (anything!) that could save me from this string of drama boredom. Then Ji Chang Wook and his 'make you fall in love' smile came along. Now I’m asking, where is the next Healer?
Remember Kimi Wa Petto?
I came across this drama at a stressful point in my life and for the first time in my life, I wished I was in the actress’ shoes. I wanted a Momo to show up at my doorstep and distract me from my everyday life (isn’t that what dramas are for anyway?) If it was MatsuJun, I surely would have taken him in! Their relationship was adorable and allowed my imagination to play a little. I thought of Shinhwa’s Minwoo playing the Korean version (mostly because he fit the dancer role, and also into a box haha, and his hairstyle at the time was also quite puppylike). Maybe Kim Sun Ah could be the female lead? Sadly, no one has picked this up as a remake ( we won’t count that mess of a movie starring Jang Geun Suk), although I do still hold out hope.
Remember when Yeo Jin Goo was the best child actor in dramas?
That kid and his female counterpart, Kim Yoo Jung, were so good in their roles that I often felt disappointed when the “adult” versions of their characters appeared. (See The Moon That Embraces the Sun). His ability to express emotion and add realism to his lines at such a young age was astonishing, something that top stars who’ve been in the game for years still can’t accomplish. Recently starring in The Royal Gambler, I felt a sense of pride every time he appeared onscreen. As he is now a teenager, his acting has only gotten better and I look forward to watching him grow up onscreen. I just hope he stays as natural and humble as he is now. He’s become quite handsome, hasn’t he?
Remember how you got here?
I was lead to MyDramaList by my unni after our Shinhwa fan site closed. I started watching more dramas and needed an outlet where I could spazz out with other people who could understand this hobby of mine. I'm extremely thankful for her suggestion. I joined in May 2012 and spent a few days building my list, recalling all the dramas and movies I had seen over the years. At first, I was shocked to see the tally of hours I had racked up. After giving it more thought, I realized that stretched throughout so many years, it wasn't such a bad number nor something to be ashamed of.
Remember your life before dramas?
Me neither, but I bet it was boring.
Of Note: Now that I've gotten settled in my new home, I will submit these regularly (though I don't know how regular). I have some other topics in mind but if you have suggestions, please share!
