Mi Jin is on the verge of reaching thirty but has yet to crack her dream civil service job. In the process, she gets scammed and bumps into Prosecutor Gyu, who is harboring a dark secret in his sleeve.

Review

What is the benefit of working so hard?

This is the question Mi-Jin asks herself when she fails the civil service examination again. In her last ten years, she did nothing other than study for it. But all she got in return was to hear that she is in her thirties now, without any experience, so getting a job is difficult. Her best friend Chon Hui is her only confidante. Her never-ending plight takes an unprecedented turn when she finds herself in the body of a fifty-year-old woman every morning and only returns to her true self at night. In between a serial killer is on the loose.

Helmed by Strong Girl Bong Soon director Lee Hyung Min, the story is a perfect blend of romantic comedy with a big dose of horror. Mi Jin is strong and has an effervescent attitude. Even in the darkest hour of her life, she chose to live. This is where director Lee plays his cards. He never makes the story monotonous and cold. In the process of looking for the serial killer, Prosecutor Gyu and Mi Jin form a bond and even find solace in each other. The journey of love is not cliche but resonates with the life of this genre. The mother of Mi Jin resembles Bong Soon- she wants to see her daughter settled and is unaware of her true condition. They are sweet but self-centric. A supportive yet spineless father and an unannounced second lead in the form of idol Jo Won make the tale intricate and intriguing.

Reply 1997 girl Eun Ji is brilliant as the night girl Mi Jin. Her banter with her friend, feeling attracted to the charming prosecutor - the girl brings out all effortlessly as always. Lee Jin Eun as fifty-year-old Lim Sun- the alternate identity of Mi Jin is the twist of the tale. The woman who mostly dons the character of a helpless mother has brought out the invisible kitty from her bag. Her enactment of the twenty-eight-year-old in body of fifty is hilarious and melancholic. Jin Hyuk as prosecutor Gye is remarkable. The man is one of the versatile actors in the Korean drama case. He knows what he is doing. He is effortlessly hot and equally cold - which is needed for this dark role. The supporting cast adds humor mostly, but Byung Hee Ajushhi is the cherry on top.

Conclusion

Korean drama directors always do brilliant in bringing out supernatural stories. This Miss Day and Night is no different again. A fantasy element packed in delving into solving a cold crime case is not just magnificent but more than that.

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3 Reasons you can skip Serendipity's Embrace

The eight episode mini series Serendipity's Embrace recently ended on a happy note. The Jong Hyeop and So Hyun starrer made quite an impression ever since it went on air. But the charm left visibly in the third episode.

Here are 3 reasons why you can skip it.
1. The shallow plot

Who does not love childhood friend turned lovers. It's one of the favourite genre of Asian story. And this one is no different than that. However, given the writer is taking the favourite theme of audience special attention was necessary for the narrative. Keeping the FL naive and ML too loyal made it cliche and unconvincing. The over supportive best friend and light interested second ML was only water on the fire.

2. Thin twist line

When Hye Ji falls for Mr. Son it not only gave frown to Hye Sun but also us. Just why? If her love for Hoo Yeong was that shallow and meaningless, it should not have been dragged till the date. She also never tried her luck with anyone. Why all FL and ML are trying this hard to be pious and thus making themselves appear unconvincing.

3. Smallest story ever

Right episode series.....this is too much. Korean dramas are reducing episode number every year. But eight episode chronicling life from school days to present time is too much. Lack of time is another reason for the poor story frame. Neither characters nor plot got time to get a shape to keep audience hooked.

If you love childhood friend turned lovers there are bunch of beautiful stories out, go and check them. You can start with Casteaway Diva and Love alarm ;)

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Watch your tongue

Song Ki Baek works as a TV announcer. Eyeing for the chair of the prime slot, the sweet talker is everyone's favorite. But his dream comes crashing as he loses his ability to self-censor on air. Enters Han Na who is struggling to keep her position as a variety show writer. As Ki Baek catches her attention, she gets the scoop for her next show.

Cliche Boring Not so happening

Isn't it obvious since inception? Well as Han Na works with him she will find herself drawn toward him. Helmed by Jang Ji Yeon this story has nothing to make the audience feel butterfly or adrenaline rush. The plot is easily decipherable ever since the second episode. Choi Kyung Sun- the person behind the pen knitted a disappointing story overall. The leads lack the professing chemistry which makes the audience want more. They also seemed to be forcing themselves while going through it. Ki Baek's illness seemed to be inspired by Pinnochio and extraordinary Woo- he got stuck in between. It lacked the much-needed power to push the story.
The only beautiful element is Jung Heon. After his shady performance in Extraordinary Woo, the man stole heart in this gummy story. Ever since his appearance he took the burden on his shoulders and made the show watchable. His attraction for Han Na, his genuineness, and his struggle- are all felt through the charismatic performance. Also, the bromance between main leads helps in keeping the spontaneity alive.

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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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The latest South Korean drama helmed by the man behind epic love tales "Romance is a bonus book" or "crash landing on you", this story is an elusive reminder that not all love stories are destined for happy ending. An unconventional tale of love has an undeniable charm of its own.


Doon (aka Suzy Bae) appears at the opening scene with lots of applaud ad cheering and soon loops into water. The opening scene does not take time to plunge into the deep sorrow and impending loneliness that has been eating the shining star. Enters Woon Jun, a civil engineering student who does not seem to be bothered by her presence. He harbors a long crush for her childhood friend Jin Joo. Life would have been so easy if Won Joon and Jin Joo had confessed their feelings in time but we all know destiny always had a cruel plan in its sleeve.

Yang Se-jong portrayal of shy yet caring and determined lover- Woon Joon is like the melted butter we need on hot chips like Doona. She is eccentric, vulnerable and highly selfish. But there is a little child inside who is seeking a warm hug fir herself. You can scold her but cannot hate her. The brief kiss at the beginning which put the loner hearts at turmoil to steamy romance which deciphers desires of two young hearts touch today's love chords. We fall in love quick this days, but scares to live in it.

Jin Ju and Woon Joon reminds us how failing to understand what we want makes us lose the person we want most. The warmth that friendship shared throughout is something to be envious of. The vivacious Choi I-ra, one lovely piece of Woon Joon's childhood, her cute banter with other two house mates -Yun Tae and Jeong Hoon gives the much needed break needed in this poignant tale.

If you are looking for a mush romance, then this is not your room. Its a far away tale from Cinderella romance or "celebrity" set up. It is a reality check of hard life which even million heart winner celebrities faces.

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A Savage Tale

First I would like to say that this is an awesome piece.
Instead of roaming through the lives of royals, this story is centred around a commoner who has been framed by her in laws and faces death. Saved by a kind hearted girl, she decides to go for revenge.

Highs of the drama
1. The plot as it offers uniqueness through its fresh concept. The story goes through the life of a common girl instead of delving into a princess's life. The twists and turns which follows keeps the story intriguing.

2. Performance
Leads have effortlessly slipped into their role. Jin Yan and Xin Yue did a terrific job in their first drama together. Their chemistry is swoonworthy.

The drama is highly recommended for its powerful storyline.

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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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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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A different superhero story

Nothing just an ordinary family living a very ordinary life.

Bok Man Heum is struggling with her family as she wants their power back. Her son Gwi Ju jumps off from a cliff and power does not return. Does Da Hae comes in for the rescue? But it appears the girl has an ulterior plan on her sleeve.

A small and simple opening is unacceptable and unpredictable for superhero dramas. Unlike flying with wings or making their way through eye power, these heroes are struggling. Fighting their demons, they lack their sense of trust in the process. Interaction with normal humans does not help them. Then what is it to build their power again...

Highs of the drama:
1. Plot: It makes the audience think. You will wonder what is wrong with them as each episode builds.
2. The narrative: The director pays attention to building the nuances. The complexities of blood relations are no different than humans. This is the biggest flavor.

Lows of the drama
1. Too many challenges: It is like their struggles take no break. It comes one after another.
2. Poor chemistry: The leads lack the charismatic vibes which often pull the story.

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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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Old theme served in a delectable plate

A student was seen running through a dark alley, before ending up blood smeared on road.



After Pyramid Game few months back, Korean drama is back with another high school hierarchy drama. The backdrop is an international school which is regarded as one of the most influential school of Korean. The school works with the mood of Ri an - son of the founder of the school. His mood is souring each day with his tumultuous relation with Ji Ae. Enters a student with scholarship - Mr. Ha.

Reasons to watch the drama

1. The first thing which will work is the plot. Watching a thriler is always fun. And here thriller has been served right.

2. Fresh chemistry: Chemistry does not lie within leads only. The performance observed between characters in charge of pulling the story must align well which is identified in the story.

3. Performance delivered by actors have been terrific. They bore the burden of pulling the story well off.

Why skip..

1. Same hierarchy issue in school. Korea should focus on reducing this hierarchy order in their school. They infact harbour bullies in school more than in other place.

2. Well know theme makes the story predictable at many places. Even though twist is fresh, you just know what's coming next.

Verdict

A school drama with no melodramatic love angle. Twists and turns loaded as story peddling through the mess life of both upper hierarchy and lower hierarchy. If you have missed Pyramid Game, go for it. Also this time it is a boy who is up for revenge.

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