This review may contain spoilers
Idiosyncratic SK interpretation of a sequel to 'Sleeping Beauty' from the Prince´s perspective :-)
I would like to see the KDrama "Yong Pal" as an idiosyncratic South Korean interpretation of a sequel to 'Sleeping Beauty' in the modern zeitgeist, which is told from the point of view of the prince - what had actually happened after the two had celebrated their wedding at the time? ..."Yong Pal" gives its own makjang-infused answer several centuries after the Brothers Grimm :-)Obviously, the story also has a critical focus on recent health care topics. Basically, the Hanshin Hospital takes center stage. This belongs to a Jaebeol conglomerate. Yong Pal is employed here as a talented young intern. But Yong Pal also works illegally as a doctor. Provided the price is right, he treats those who need medical care below the official radar of the health care system. Yong Pal gets promoted as exclusive doctor for the discreet care of the VIPs, too. On the 12th floor, the very rich and most influential patients stay within a separate department of the Hanshin Hospital, where, in addition to plenty of luxury and discretion, only the best medical care is guaranteed. Towards the end, Yong Pal also works as a doctor in a simple, small, rural clinic. Thus, in the course of the KDrama the protagonist's field of activity (and challenges with ethics, or rather the lack of it) covers the broad spectrum and the current focal points of the topics in health care (i.e. in South Korea).
In the beginning, Yong Pal is clearly at the center of the story, captivating the audience. The focus shifts after he meets coma patient Han Yeo-jin and helps her to regain consciousness, strength and her rightful legacy as Jaebeol of the Hanshin Group. From then on, everything revolves more around Yeo-jin and her vendetta. This isn't less impressive, especially with Kim Tae-hee's intense acting. However it is different. The second part thus offers pure Korean-style Makjang: more drama is always possible. As a result, storytelling takes another lane. (Many viewers obviously don't seem to have been very happy with that. Makjang fans, however, will definitely get their money's worth.) The transition between the first and second parts is moderated by a transition, which is filled with the blossoming romance between the two protagonists. From then on, however, there is hardly any room for a love-life in the protagonist's bitter fight for inheritance and revenge, in which she is ready to take any means. (You may want to take that against the KDrama as well.)
All in all, "Yong Pal" is a moving story that is grippingly exciting at the beginning and furthermore tells of a makjang-charged revenge. Love story included. Due to the success of the series at the time of broadcasting, actually two more episodes were added.
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The story was all over the place. It started off exciting and I loved the thrill, but as soon as Han Yeo Jin became a part of Kim Tae Hyun's life, it started to drop from there onward. I watch medical dramas for the medical stuff (e.g. surgeries, transplants, medical dilemmas, etc.), but we only ever got the occasional one after the fourth episode. I hated how this become a soppy love story between the money-loving surgeon and the suicidal, rich chaebol's daughter. Not only was it really cringy to watch, I felt like that Tae Hyun was the only one who cared for their relationship. Yeo Jin only saw it as something to rely on when her plans failed, and she even put her revenge over Tae Hyun himself. That's not how a love story should be portrayed and I never want to see something like that done again. Also, too many political scenes.
A lot of people I know exclaim how much they love Joo Won and Kim Tae Hee as actors, and I can certainly understand for Joo Won, but not Kim Tae Hee. Her acting wasn't all that well done in my opinion, and I believe she made no more than three facial expressions. Although she did fit well with her character, her acting still can't be accepted for the way it was done. Anyway, Joo Won was so lovely to watch and I am most definitely watching some of his older dramas now.
Hmm, I can't say I enjoyed many of the quiet, relaxed soundtracks that Yong Pal gave to us, but I most certainly loved listening to Come To Me by K. Will. His voice is so beautiful to listen to, and he definitely makes up for the rest of the album. Oh, but I did also really like the action soundtracks. They were so exhilarating to listen to, even if the scene that accompanied it was boring as could be.
Would I want to re-watch Yong Pal again if I was given some free time? No.
Overall, the writers of Yong Pal should be glad that I even gave it a 7 out of 10. If it wasn't for Joo Won and most of the other actors, and the soundtracks, this drama would have definitely been a lower rating.
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As some other people have already mentioned, the drama truly shines in the first couple of episodes. The comedy, the action, the melodrama, the music and the cinematography – everything is spot on, and you feel like you are witnessing the birth of a new masterpiece. However, you flip the page, and the direction of the drama suddenly takes an entirely new turn.
Contrary to other people here, I do not think the story turned boring or bland. While the latter episodes can by no means compare to the stunning start into the drama, they are still above average of what we get presented in K-drama land.
Even though it turns into a revenge drama and you might argue the focus of the main character also changes, it's still a fresh breeze in a chaebol world ruled by men, revenge plots driven by men, where hatred and cold-bloodedness are traits mainly expressed by men. Han Yeo-Jin is a character that breaks with the stereotypes of an idealistic, warm-hearted female lead, who fights for the weak and poor and would never use underhanded means that go against her ideology. Yeo-Jin is tough, powerful, adamant and, at times, even cruel. I loved her in that role, even though my heart broke for her at the same time. The relationship between her and Tae Hyun is one of such deep understanding, that it is even more painful to see them suffer.
The drama definitely has its flaws: repeated flashbacks, too many characters without a conscience (like, seriously, the amount of hateful and spiteful people in this drama is ridiculous), obvious plot-twists, an ending that left lose ends and could have been so much better... But despite all that, I really enjoyed it a lot, and I suffered and laughed with the characters, and Doo Cheol might just be one of the coolest characters in drama history!
Enjoyment is still the biggest factor in a show for me, so I really do recommend the drama.
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Over time the writers seemed to have lost what the story was supposed to be about. From about the 6th episode things started going downhill and instead the drama started taking a new direction. Which is fine if you create an appropriate set up to do this. But this never happened, it felt as though the first couple of episodes was spent setting an amazing scene for the drama and after a while the writer were like "hmm nah". Which is a shame because the first episodes were the best ones. It was clean and slick and the story was there.
In terms of characters and cast, Joo Won was essentially carrying this drama. This drama highlighted why he is such an amazing actor. Every emotion that passed on his face was resonated in his body language and tone of voice. You found yourself rooting for this doctor who looked at patients as though they were bags of money from the very first episode. My only experience of watching Joo Won was in Ojakgyo Brothers (which he was amazing in) and so went in having high expectations in his acting. He made a great doctor, was very charismatic and had that loveable rogue feel. My only criticism was that towards the end he became slightly meek and I found myself expecting more from him. However I'll pin this on the writers, not on Joo Won.
Kim Tae Hee on the other hand was a bit of a mixed bag for me. When she had her whole revenge/cold thing going on her acting seemed to be okay. Her acting wasn't consistent enough for me to think she was an amazing actress and at times she was slightly lukewarm. The chemistry between Yeojin and Taehyun was lovely and sweet and made me smile. The director made the kiss scenes look beautiful.
I really enjoyed the music in this drama and the soundtrack really brought out the emotions. My favourite one would definitely be Nightmare- Yong Junghyun (BEAST) and Heo Ga Yoon (4 minute). Ga Yoons voice sounded beautiful in this song and she has a lovely tone.
Overall, Yongpal started off strong with Joo Won displaying his amazing acting skills. The initial episodes and set up was amazing and left me wanting more. Eventually the strong start fizzled out with only a scattering of 'edge of the seat' moments in the drama.
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I think the main problem people had with this show is that it started off promising one thing and it ended with another. Yong Pal goes from bad ass to hopeless romantic, and if you aren't on board with that transition you might feel bitter. The show is a romance, and so if you are looking for a drama to fulfill your needs of crime, and crazy behavior this might not do it for you. However, if you are looking for a beautiful romance, that intertwines revenge, drama, and crime in small ways, this will be perfect. This an intense story, and never has a dull moment.
Joo Won is one of my all time favorite actors, and I think he did exceptionally well in this show. Prior to this I saw him in Good Doctor, & I found it nostalgic seeing him play a doctor again. If it wasn't for Joo Won, Yong Pal's transitions could have been really awkward, but he played it through perfectly and made doable. I had really high hopes for Kim Tae Hee, I've never seen her before, but have heard good things. Her character seemed very apathetic to me the whole drama. I was never able to tell what she was feeling, and compared to Joo Won she just seemed really bland. I really tried to like her, but she just never grew on me. Had a more suitable actress been picked this drama might have been a 10/10 for me.
The music in this drama was well done, and captured the emotions well.
I would definitely rewatch this drama, and I think for those that didn't like it the first time around might appreciate it more if they gave it another chance.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama would have been great if it had been longer spoilers don't read if you gave not watched!!!! it ruins the element of surprise.. this drama had horrible editing and music. but great acting. aah Kdramas have changed. The female characters get better and better. which is why i gave it an 8. This woman was the best female lead. strong, she never whined at all. she just dealt with it.She was smart. she could rule countries of course she would most probably be a dictator but still. wow which is why its a must watch. i have never seen a female lead who commands this much respect still have goosebumps. In the middle i started to wander is this the same drama i started with.Also this was the most understanding couple, they got straight to the pointy, well most of the time Was this review helpful to you?
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It is just too much revenge for me that after I watched the whole drama, I felt like a dork, following all the evil plots after plots. This critic for me is the same for Innocent Man.
Acting: was awesome
Music: just right, my standard is, as long as it doesn't irritate my ears and it is not repetitive
Rewatch: Nope, its just too much vengeful spirit.
The ending was great, but they really saved it for the last.... If that did not happen, I will be extremely frustrated...
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I really liked the protagonist couple. They formed a very sweet, cute and sympathetic couple! Sometimes even sugar water! They were not that kind love and hate, that fight, cry with one another, are sullen, cause scenes of jealousy, and then quietly will hit.
The script itself the drama did not there much room for romance in itself, of course there are many scenes of the two and many kisses to. But nothing very amusing scenes and surtantes the couple, but again, still loved very Yeo Jin and Tae Hyun. The characters matched so well! Love couples who are learning and helping throughout history!
We have in the same drama melodrama, medicine, thriller, romance and action. The dialogues and personalities of all the characters were very well written and developed in history! I loved the way we have Tae Hyun as an anti hero and then gradually we acquainting us the reasons behind their actions, and at the bottom it ends up being the hero of most of the characters. Already Yeo Jin traces all that difficult path from victim to avenger.
Conclusion: I LOVED Yong Pal, in large part because of beloved actors, but also and mainly for the plot of the story and rhythm of the plot. Intermingled medicine more fight between CEO's of a very cool way, showing how power and money generate corruption everywhere, even in a hospital. And how can they do come out the worst of human beings.
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The story is this:
“Kim Tae Hyeon is a talented surgeon. Desperate for money to pay his sister's medical bills, he adopts the code name Yong Pal and offers his medical skills to those in need of medical attention but who cannot do so publicly, dealing with gangsters and corrupt plutocrats”
Why add the whole “Yeo Jin” and the chaebol’s stories, politics…? Why oh Why not stick to the initial and simple plot above?
Yong pal is a total Badass but Tae Hyeon (the character) disappointed me to no end. I believe they had the perfect actor for the role, but decided to turn a tiger into a house cat.
I am disappointed with you show, because we could have been best buds and now, you’re just the brother in law I only want to see during Christmas holidays (and I’m being nice).
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I guess having a great end is more important to people than a great overall drama. Funny, action-packed, romantic, thrilling drama. Sometimes a bit too much flashbacks, but overall an awesome drama.
There were episodes where you simply can't believe how much cool scenes got packed in. Even by episode 13 or so, you'll feel like you've been through an entire drama worth of tension, laughs and tears.
The entire cast is awesome, especially the leads Tae Hee and Joo Won. The supporting cast are all familiar faces in kdramas. Some incredibly cool (and expensive) action scenes. Great for someone interested in medicine (but not so nitpicky about scientific details). Highly recommend!
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