Tale of love wrapped in time travel

"Let's Kidnap Sun Jae and run".

Wearing this on her headgear, Im Sol arrives to attend a concert of her favorite star Ryu Sun Jae. Bound on a wheelchair the thirty-something lost her ticket and was forced to enjoy the show from outside of the auditorium. Her agony vanishes as she meets the star on her way home. But was it their first time meeting?Ever since its inception, the love of Im Sol and Sun Jae has undergone more changes than the weather itself. Im Sol who has been fangirling over Sun Jae finds him as her next-door neighbor as she travels back to 2009. Seeing her dead K-pop star alive makes her feel alive again and the chaotic love story begins.

Attempting to time travel love is not a big thing for Korean dramas. The list is endless, from Scarlett Heart Ryeo to Go Back Couple, to recently ended Marry My husband.

Then, why Lovely Runner is creating so much hype:

1. The timeline

Sol is not living in a fixed time zone. She has travelled through various time of her life, while looking for ways to save Sun Jae. Some time, she is living for few months and sometime she is living for few days. It is like a staycation and not a total shift to that time zone.

2. Differences in characters

Characters are different. Modern Sol is polar opposite of her eighteen year old self. In fact, as she is going back to modern time, her cackling eighteen year old self is coming back. Sun Jae is not aware, so his character is not facing any transition in the process.

3. Constant changes

It is very important to keep audience hooked. Monotonous storyline make audience wander whether to watch the next episode or not. However, in this story, the suspense is getting bigger with the magic of time travelling. Whether Sol will have her feet or Sun Jae will live...the answer is still uncertain.

The story deserves an extra credit for giving space to additional characters of the story.

The new arc of character of Seo Hye Won and Song Ji Ho not only add humor to the tale but also add perfect love dose in the story of Sol and Sun Jae. As the story grows, not only love blooms but the threat intensifies. Now a days, Korean dramas loses track after the twelfth episode, but lovely runner ahs successfully kept the charm and suspicion alive. The future of the endearing couple is still behind clouds. Song Geon Hee in the role of sweet and savory Tae Sung has got little to do. The second lead got back seated by the shine of Byeon Woo seok. The director should have drew his role in a better light. His bromance with Sun Jae looked warm but is not creating goosebumps. We still miss our Jun Pyo and Ji Hoo. The supporting cast including well known ajumma and ajusshis are brilliant in their shoes but it is Im Sol and Sun Jae who are eating the cream in chunks.

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Why Chief Detective 1958 is a must watch

Who loves quirky crime thrillers....please raise your hand here as Detective Young Han is here.

Set in late 1950s Korea, it is the story of Young Han who gets promoted to Seoul after catching a maximum number of cow thieves in his hometown. As the upright, fun-loving straightforward 27-year-old steps feet in Seoul, he finds the world in the gutter. Instead of losing focus, he teams up with mad dog Guk Jin, and powerful Kwang Han to save the innocent.

Now after giving an insight of what the theme is, let's dive into facts that will keep you hooked to the story.
1. The period

You have to agree period piece stories exhume a different essence. The costume, the vibes, the music- everything exhibits a time that makes us smile and feel lost at the same time.

2. The storyline

Writer Kim Young Shin has left no stone unturned in penning a prequel to "Chief Inspector." You know the biggest element of a period piece is to keep the aura alive. You are watching 1958...you want to feel the era yet you do not want to feel left out as this is 2024. The director understood the assignment he had been shouldered with and each corner and nook of the story will surely make you feel nostalgic but not left out.

3. The cast

As I heard the name Lee Je Hoon, I heard awesomeness. This man does not settle for less. From his role as the inspector in the time capsule series Signal to his effervescent performance in Taxi Driver, he is the OG actor of the Korean drama industry. His subtle chemistry with Youth of May girl Seo Eun So is soft and warm. Lee Dong Hwi, and Choi Woo Sung in pivotal roles add the necessary layer to this tiny series.

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A slow burn love tale

Fan of Bella and Her Beast Charming still makes people believe in fairy tales. But are today's version enough to pop our heart out.

Park Do Ra is an actress who is not willing to work for the upcoming project of a doomed producer. As he keeps on pestering, she keeps on running away. And the story deals with the peeka book.

Highs of the drama

1. The freshness of an unusual pair. Im Soo Hyang paired with Ji Hyun Woo is treat for eyes. Their soft banter, usual hit miss add lightness which pulls romantic stories.

2. Performance delivered by leads as well as additional casts are gem. Every performance deserves an applaud as it is not easy to bring in quirkyness in a myshy romance.

Lows of the drama

1. The story itself is the biggest flaw. It is like watching a concoction of different romantic stories in one go. There's nothing new. Audience already knows how love will happen.

2. Lack of surprise element in the story till far is making the story a drag. Not a single twist has been enough to put smile.

3. Music plays big role in winning audience heart. The background score is not enough to ring in ears even after end of the episode.

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A perfect blend of comedy and horror

Do you remember that hotel for ghosts run by Man Wool? It stole the hearts of people through its quirky lines and ghastly plot. Now, after five years, a narrative has appeared where an owner of a photo studio is here to tell its tale.


Ki Joo is a photographer. He has his own photo studio. However, he does not click photos of normal humans but of ghosts. He is the seventh owner of the mysterious place and has been a diligent worker. And one day his path crosses with Han Boom who works as a lawyer.

Highs of the drama

Following the footsteps of the hit series Hotel Del Luna, the story successfully keeps the zeal alive.

Each episode dives into a fresh incident and tactfully brings in all for the solution, which is heartwarming.

Joo Woon the seventh owner looks convincing and fresh. His subtle romance with Na Ra is surely more beautiful than ever. The leads of the story share a subtle and soft romance.

Lows of the drama

In some scenes, it felt like the director was dragging the narrative. It could have been handle better.

The music score is not outstanding

Overall: It is a fun watch.

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A tale of love and loss

Korean drama watchers love romance, love which burns as it builds. As the trailer dropped, the drama lovers knew what had been packed for them.

Baek Hyun Woo meets Hong Hae In under complex surroundings. What follows is love, angst, and a profound misunderstanding that engulfs them both with time. The story revolves around the protagonists. Their love meets a rough patch as a tragedy strikes. Caught in a roller coaster of emotions, they find each other drifting away caught in a whirlwind of misunderstanding.

Kim Soo Hyun as Hyun Woo is beautiful. You will love his effervescent slipping into the skin of the sweet little husband. The man who is infamous for sticking with rich heiress has got a beautiful score this time. Ji Won as Hae In shines like a moon in the story. Her dialogue delivery, strides, and hair flipping reminds me of Rachel from The Heirs. The girl surely knows how to build the aura. The chemistry between leads is palpable and smooth. Mixing vulnerability and resilience in equal proportions elevates the whole story to a new level.

The story has been creating buzz for a while. This is because of the way they explore the intricacies of human emotions. Even in his venture, It's Okay to be Not Okay, Soo Hyun talked about depression and multiple perspectives. In this story, the director uses family and complexities to weave a web of emotions as the characters develop. This is life, right?

The cinematographer did a brilliant job... Capturing the poignant dichotomy existing between leads evades through the change of tone. Throughout the series, the ensemble cast gives a stellar performance. Each actor whispers life through the skin of the characters. Glorified sung Hoon is back being icy cold sociopath lover doing extremely good in his job. The arc of characters this man is playing is clearly creating a storm. Alas! He is still not getting the girl again.

With Har In and Hyun Woo palpitating and gallivanting in their gallon, it is difficult to assume how love is going to make it. But the poignant exploration characters are making is surely leaving a never-ending mark.

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The new horror series will make you want for more

In the latest series on Netflix, the Korean entertainment industry has decided to give the audience a taste of the new form of aliens.

I still remember Do Min Joo as my favorite alien ever since I watched My Love from another star. The powerful alien whose heart beats for humans has never even thought about harming innocent lives. He tried to save innocent lives and catch criminals.

Cut to 2024:

A bunch of slug-like parasitic creatures have landed on our earth. From using humans as their hosts to transforming their bodies into whimsical forms, it is not just scary but nerve-wracking. This Korean series is finally planning to dethrone the forever favorite Train to Busan.
Based on a Japanese manga which released in 1989, the story has been making headlines whenever brought alive in celluloid.

It was just another normal day in Seoul. But all of a sudden mysterious parasites start falling from the sky. Humans curious by nature, cannot let the scene go past and go close to those differently-looking balls. These creatures take over them thus forcing humans to form an army to fight against these vicious creatures. Su In ends up contracting a parasite as she faces an accident while returning from her job. But the infection could not contaminate her brain forcing her to cohabit with the creature. The parasite can change humans into hideous monsters with an exploding head, eyes, and ears stretching and making them look like half-alien and half-human. You cannot miss the pressure intensifying the transformation.

Jeon So Nee who was previously seen in pivotal roles in the drama "Our Blooming Youth", "Encounter" steps in the shoes of Su In. She balances the half-human,half-alien role victoriously. She enacts her struggle painfully beautifully. Her continuous battle with the parasite inside builds an essence of horror. Lee Jun Hyun is back again as a task force officer after his successful rendezvous in D*P. His camaraderie with Su Min is the sunshine of this dark series.

Encapsulating some best fight scenes and the continuous transformation of humans makes it a must-watch dark tale. So, stop thinking and try a new alien who will break your nerves from the other side of the screen.

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Will Justice prevail?

Nowadays, Korean dramas are centering around heartbreaks and hardships. The latest installment is Cha Eun Woo starrer Wonderful World. The story explores the pain of a parent after losing a child.

The story starts with a happy chapter, unfurling the wonderful world of Soo Hyun who is busy adoring her miracle child Geon Woo, and her supportive husband Kang Su Ho. She is a psychologist and also is busy warming up to the success of her new book. But her wonderful world crashes as her son dies in a hit-run accident. Immersed in grief and guilt the mother ends up killing the perpetrator as he was spared of punishment. As Soo Hyun is convicted of murder., she secludes herself from her remaining life and drives her husband away.
Enters another chapter of the story, Seon Yul who works multiple part-time jobs to make a living. He encounters Soo Hyun in jail where he offers voluntary service. His character builds the suspense that is responsible for the smooth running of the story.

The story was built on a strong plot. However, the director failed to hold the narrative. The inclusion of impossible coincidences and pathetic twists is responsible for ruining the story of 5th episode. The addition of political villains seemed unnecessary as it dragged the title away from its theme. The caricatured villains do nothing but spoil the game of every commoner like they have been doing for every drama. Constant flashbacks and a prolonged '90s scene seemed to have been elongated without any entail. Creating obvious villains is responsible for sprawling the game.

Kim Nam Joo's portrayal of a bereaving mother- oscillating between fury and numbness is the sole survivor of the tale. Her journey from a happy mother to immersed in pain got lost behind a thin plotline. The series failed to decipher her acting spree. Cha Eun Woo - it is good to see the beautiful face of K-pop trying a new genre this time. After his venture into the Island, his enactment of Seon Yul was quite a challenge. He delivered his best shot to date but it seemed luck was not in his favour.

It is really disappointing to watch such a solid cast show drifting apart due to poor direction and cinematography. It is just another series embroiled in a loose storyline and loose narrative.

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A brutal watch

The Korean drama industry always makes sure to deliver two to three stories yearly on school violence. All of Us Are Dead or the Glory has been wowing international fans with their killing game.
Song Su Ji transfers to Baekyeon Girls’ High School in Seoul. Students of this cynical game indulge in a deadly game of ranking to determine who will be the punching bag of the month and who is going to be the top dog of the place. Oblivious to this cruel scene, she finds herself in the den of wolves soon. And soon everyone starts walking all over her.

Appears Beak Ha Rin who is the mind of this torture play. As the story progresses battle between Ha Rin and Su Ji intensifies as none of them wants to let go of the leash.

Bona as Su Ji delivers a strong graph throughout the season. She establishes herself as a maestro in drawing the attention of the audience on an emotional note. Compared to her performance in Twenty-five Twenty-one, she comes out as a stronger player in the ring. As her character suffers she starts replying more cruelly. Jang Da a as Ha Rin delivers a cream performance. Her effortless enactment of the vicious character has made the audience forget all the cruel queens from the past.

Korean Dramas are sharpening their hands in making thrillers. Each and every character are arch nemesis of each other and variances in character layers never make the story monotonous. The pain dripping from the face of Su Ji to the remarks of Ha Rin- the audience lived on edge throughout the ten episodes. It is important to eradicate this type of cruelty from educational institutions once and for all.

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Impossible to watch

The premise of the story was simple-
A poor-born boy learns about his real bloodline and decides to take what is rightfully his. He seeks the help of his childhood friend Han Tae Ho to seize their spot in this blood-lusting world.
An exciting confrontation was promised between two worlds whose people never unite. But the interaction is the worst scenario possible.

The opening was quite intriguing. Tae Ho finds himself in a murder scene while holding the weapon. Soon, it shifts backward with In Ha crossing the path with Tae Ho. And the narrative starts losing strength. The known conflict between leads and a bunch of unexplained narratives. The director fails to keep hold of the multiple tracks thus making it difficult for the audience to understand whom to follow. The narrative shifts from school to University fails to maintain a smooth transition. The story seemed like a bother as it progressed.

Lee Jae Wook who has previously impressed the audience with his performance in Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary You seemed too confused and lost throughout. It appears the actor also does not know what he is doing just like the audience is unaware of the situation. Lee Jun Young who was recently seen in Mask Girl as Kang In-ha has delivered a disappointing performance as the main antagonist. His revenge holds no ground and his tools are indecisive throughout. Choi Hee Jin and Hon Suju are side cast despite being leads of this thriller piece. Poor storytelling style and lack of knitting in the story makes the journey more cliche. The impossible heir seems impossible to watch.

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Could have been better

The trailer promised a feel-good story -
A rich heir asks his struggling actress best friend to marry him so that his grandfather cannot have things in his way. Enters the good-looking, bit childish younger brother who falls head over heels for his to-be sister-in-law.

Enemies to lovers ...check
Good-looking hero, good-looking heroine...check
Girl in rags and a rich hero....check

It is like watching a Lee Min Ho drama served in a new bowl. The plot is the narrative of Korean dramas released this year are losing the plotline with the seventh episode. The narrative is going haywire and the director is forcefully dragging the story. Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, the story had a promising premise, but a loose adaptation format.
It is again fairy tale coincidences, excessive hardship running to a smooth life, and an impossible love enveloped with denial.
After historical fiction, Under the Queen's Umbrella, and the zombie story After School Duty, Moon Sang Min is back with a romantic comedy. His portrayal of Ji Han is careless and would have been better if he had been more focused. Jeon Jong Seo as Na Ah Jeong is an unnecessary flower girl. Her struggle is real as she is entangled in a triangle where the third angle does not exist. Kim Do Wan gave a warm performance in last year's Doona. His Lee Do Han is the only logical in the entire mess. His subtle yet confident delivery put sense into this fiasco. Park Ah In, Kwan Hae Hyo, and Bae Yoon Kyung add the needed motion to this story. The director could have used them better to make the storyline strong and entertaining.
The cameos in every alternate episode are only fun. You can not miss that out.

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A much known story served in a new glass

Min Min has paired with Eun Sang finally after a long period of 10 years. for this medical drama. The biggest element of this medical fiasco is, it is not revolving around patients and hospitals. It focuses more on life of people behind the white coat and their struggle.
Jeong Woo, a successful plastic surgeon has faced jeopardy in his career as a patient dies in his hand at the operation table. To save money and pay off the huge debt that has been piling up. And he meets his arch-nemesis as he returns to Busan.

There is a certain charm in love stories which encompasses the journey of childhood friends to lovers. The director wanted to use the old storytelling style here to draw the attention of the audience. As Jeon Woo and Ha Neul are against each other. during school days, their hearts fell as they met again in their thirties. School scenes are quite beautiful and warm. Ha Neul who is struggling with her depression is the only support that keeps Jeon Woo going in his hard time. Isn't that too cliche...
Park Hyun Sik and Park Shin Hye could not stir up the interest of the audience. Neither their romance nor their jealousy was worthy to put a big smile on parting lips. They tried to look convincing but the chemistry of Hyun Sik with Park Bo Young still tops the chart. Yong Park and Kong Seong Ha could have performed better if the director had given them better screen space. They deserve a story together. Their short story was better than the leads themselves.

The story offers not a single surprise element. Every twist can be easily guessed. Even the moment of Jeong Woo falling for Ha Neul is not that sweet. Oh Hyun Jong who made an epic Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo failed in putting hearts in our eyes.
Other than a few scenes, the story is like rewatching an old drama of 2016 in a new case.

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A well known tale in a new envelope

It is the story of the Grand Prince who has been held captivated by the Qing dynasty. HE wants to learn about their war tactics and defeat them. But,.....
The opening episode is a wholesome. The director successfully traversed from the Joseon to Qing dynasty. The subtle difference in terms of culture, belief and work has been captivated. The Prince returns with a happy heart to his Kingdom only to be stopped at the door by guard. Here begins the the quest where the throne rightfully goes to Grand Prince and the incapable prince needs to step down. Like other historical dramas, it is also tells the tale of blood thirsty kins aiming for the crown. The capable Grand Prince needs to stay put and the incapable King wants to hold the throne even if at the cost of his beloved brother. The spare heir is benevolent and like always the crown keeper is the curse.

In the process of delivering historical stories, one of the key aspect is to malign the King. This is becoming so typical of the period pieces. A conniving Queen and the puppet King screams while carving path for Grand Heir to the throne.
The intriguing point of this historical drama fiction is the plot. Its fighting over the crown but the unusual suspense will keep you hooked. Helmed by Nam Gook, the male and female lead of the story is bound by play of Baduk. That Glorious game which made audience hooked last year with its subtlety. This time, the surprise is no miss. Hee Soo is determined to take down Lee In but her heart betrays her every minute. Lee Shin Young, whom you have seen as the dignified North Korean soldier in Crash landing on You is back as Myung Ha. He successfully triggers audience sentiment for him as the lone survivor of traitor father, who wants to teach the King lesson. His chemistry with Shin Se Kyung is soft and spicy, just essential for the gruesome plot.
Cho Nam guk, the man behind Good Detective leaves a taste of mystery throughout the story as character finds themselves developing with the story. Till the end, you don't know what is waiting for you....

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Monotonous watch

The trailer put me in spin as romantic comedies are my go to stories. The star cast drew my attention as Mr. Queen has been teaming with K2 for the first time.
Once upon a time, a boy and girl was entangled in love fate as soon they were born. Their love story bloomed by the shore of Seoul but a cyclone paid an uninvited visit to the long stretches of Jeju only to wash the blooming love. So, did they leave each other or did they fight for their love.

One thing is annoyingly becoming common in romantic comedies which is a love connection happening when leads are growing. This may used ignite spark at the beginning but now it is the biggest turn off. This is the biggest loophole for Sam Dal and Young Pil story. They have been unconditionally and irrevocably in love only to break up at the age of thirty. Love does not fade and enmity does not make them sour. You know what's happening next.
Penned by the person responsible for cult classic like 18 again and Hi Bye Mama, this story is just an elongated drag of some of 208 or 2019s sweet stories. Director Cha Yeong Hoon who is known for making joker in When Camellia Blooms failed to bring the allure. The cinematographer did a wonderful job in snapping the beautiful shores.
Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Soon fit perfectly in the shoes of the leads. But their chemistry did not make butterflies. Kang Yeong Sook as Bang Do tried to turn heads but attention mostly vanished before the yellow car.
Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Soon fit perfectly in the shoes of the leads. But their chemistry did not make butterflies. Kang Yeong Sook as Bang Do tried to turn heads but attention mostly vanished before the yellow car.
The story is a perfect amalgamation of love, enmity and humor. The friendship of the five who gets along even after staying apart all these years will tear you. Even though it is a love that we know, watching the journey through various nooks and holes makes it a beautiful watch.

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Gyeongseong Creatures: A rough monologue watch

Time is 1945 and place is Gyeonseong which is old Seoul. Just few years left before getting free from evil holds, and Spring has arrived arrived earlier this year. A girl comes in Seoul, hiding behind a huge hat and learning the truth that has never been sold. Boys are complied to join the force if want to live. If you deny, you will not be beaten but will be tortured to death.

Jang Tae Sang- self made man, heart of every celebration and the hand behind golden treasure gets caught as a suspect of secret donor of the independence army? The golden house- from things received in dowry to Italian suit — everything is bought here for mere won. Jang Tae Sang is the hand behind the house and also is the one whose finger operates everything in Bonjeong. They use the saying “if you want anything in Bonjeong, go through him”. Now the question is — is a good person or a bad person?

Fear sucks human life. It is worse than death. Fear makes you do things which even you don’t know you are capable of. It brings out your darkest side and makes you nerdy You forget what you are capable of and instead crouches down even before trying. In the earnest hour of 1945, old Seoul witnesses people getting missing from their homes, leaving no trace behind. With Japanese army nestling all over Joseon, people are biting own family, it is difficult to distinguish between evil and bad.

Adapted from a Japanese manga, this morose series focuses in the Japanese occupied Korea in late 1940s. Helmed by Jung Dong Yoon-the man behind psychological thriller Its okay to be not okay the series consists of only ten episodes. Historical dramas presented by Korea have always came with an unexpected twist. Kingdom already gained immense popularity with zombies in Joseon time. Now the pre-independence time comes with unsung creatures that are disrupting lives through their impeccable abilities. Unlike creature showcased in two installments of Sweet Home, this latest creature who are developing in 1940s still have heart inside. The fight of Chae Ok’s mother will melt your heart.

Park Seo Joon, after delivering stellar performance in critically acclaimed The Concrete Utopia, and the slow burner Dream, the man has returned with an expected grey shade this time. His Tae Sang has been born out of greed-the greed for recognition and acclamation. His eyes speaks of the pain which he hides behind his expensive outfit. Han So Hee is becoming the new charmer with magic wand. After her effervescent performance in Soundtrack, she is back as dark Chae Ok, who is in a lookout to find her mother missing for more than ten years. She brings in the nuisance and touch of arrogance that Chae Ok needs. Kim Hae Sook as the filial subordinate to Tae Sang fills the mother space just as much needed. Im chul Soo, Jo Han Chul, Choi Young Joon as supportive cast adds as the perfect hem to this storyline. After playing the bad guy with silver lined heart in The worst of Evil, Ha Joon is back with another thriller. Learn his character as you watch the story.

Though the fantasy thriller played utmost in weaving every element-from romance, horror to political mix throughout this historical remix, it failed in balancing the taste as the story shaped up. The love story between Chae Ok and Tae Sang failed to bring the taste we hope in war love. And then the political crux which is just as we calculated felt not so necessary in the trail.

If you are a fantasy series fan, just rewatch Kingdom, All of us are Dead and even Duty after school. Zombies are still panache than this crux creatures who appearing less convincing.

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