DreamingKoreanBallad
Minnesota
The cast all did a pretty decent job portraying all sorts of characters, from goody-too-shoes to cheaters and everything in-between. When I watched the first episode I was a bit confused about the re-use of the same cast - so I thought it was a continuation of the first episode when I moved on to episode 2 but every episode is different.
If you want to explore different relationships and want something short to pass time - and especially if you want something you've probably never seen in drama-land - then you could give this a try - it's not my favorite drama out there b/c of these reasons - but it was a decent to watch once (for me personally I won't re-watch it - once was enough).
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Story: About a woman who's husband is cheating on her and she finds out she has an incurable disease. (The two stories overlap and then separate in the middle - the beginning is more about the affairs and the latter half is more about the disease). Also we have the main leads sister (who is also a main lead) who happens to be in an illicit affair herself with her first love who left her for money & power - her story will develop and shift focus halfway through as well ^_^
Cast: Choi Jin Shil as Sun Yi a woman who saves money and lives as thriftily as possible who married a man 3yrs younger and has 2 children and after 10yrs of marriage finds out about her husbands affair and the fact that she has cancer. Her acting was great - you will cry for her and with her. She had a hard life and wasn't appreciated by her in-laws until too late.
Sun Hyun Joo as Sung Moon I really despised his character early on - he was a real jerk. But I began to appreciate him in the end.
Lee Tae Ran as Young Yi (She's the reason I decided to watch the drama) was definitely my favorite character, I really enjoyed her character, her hurts, pain, her looking on her own relationship after seeing her sister and her love in the latter half of the drama. (Plus she had great fashion sense!) She is a really loving sister to her older sister, she truly appreciates and loves her. She may have been a bit misguided early on but by watching her sister turmoil she changes.
Nam Goong Min as Je Pak Sa was a wonderful addition to the cast in the latter half (I think he was introduced in episode 11) - His presence made the depressing atmosphere of the drama not so depressing lol - he was a light shining in the darkness you could say ^_^ His appearance for me was totally unexpected (as I didn't know he was in this drama) but I welcomed him with open arms! I loved his pursuit of Young Yi ^_^
Music: Perfect for the drama - I especially loved the OST by 'The One': "Thorn", and "Letter" by Jung Hyun Lee
It has re-watch value for sure but it would definitely be hard to re-watch b/c it's so painful. But there are a lot of lessons to be learned in it.
Drama Quote: "I said: Married couples must have been sworn enemies in their past life, that they meet again so they can take revenge on each other. I think I was wrong. I think they meet again, so that they can forgive and love each other."
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Story: "The bright and dark side of the world of stars is dramatically captured in this drama by giving a realistic depiction of singer-wannabes ambition and their dash for stardom.
A story about the painstaking work it takes to become a popular singer, the intrigues and betrayals arising from constant meetings and partings, and heartbreaking love that blooms amidst all that. It presents viewers with a glimpse of a life that burns like a flame." MBC (taken from Asianwiki).
Cast: Hwan Hee as Rex - He's been in the industry since he was 13 and he's being suffocated by not being allowed to do the kind of music he wants to do. He tries to break free. I liked him, despite his rude demeanor and sour attitude, he is really just an innocent kid who doesn't know how to share his feelings gracefully - I found him adorable and loveable ^_^ Half of my heart shipped him with Sangmi.
Ji Hyun Woo as Hyuk Joo - He was a rebel in school disobeying everything and was even a part of a gang, he turns into a dancer and goes through hardships with his teammates to make it. I liked him and the other half of my heart shipped him with Sangmi as well lol - He was a total fool in love and that was what mattered most to him... which honestly made it easier for my heart to be split in two. He loved dancing as it made him happy. It was his first dream so to say.
Seo Ji Hye as Sangmi - She was the awkward girl who is a huge fan of Rex - a total devoted and loyal fan - b/c of an incident she tries her best in a field she isn't good in and in doing that she discovers her true talent. I loved her! (to be honest I love any character SJH plays when she is equally innocent, sweet, smart and loveable) ^_^ As I said above I shipped her with both guys hehe - of course if I had to choose I did prefer one over the other but there were a few times where I was ready to kick him to the curb lol
Kim Ok Bin as Hee Soo - I didn't like her personally as a character - she was very selfish and at times quite manipulative (as Hyuk Joo's friends said) she's not all bad however - she is nice but she was just too selfish (and in that there was a lesson to be learned for the viewers) - With all choices there is a price to pay.
Nam Hyun Joo (Poppin Hyun Joon) as Manjong - He's a part of Hyuk Joo's dance team and for me he was the cherry on top of the Ice cream so to speak lol - I was totally shocked when I saw him as I didn't know he was in this drama! but I was even more surprised when I realized he wasn't just a "guest" but had a "supporting" role to play in it! Needless to say I loved it and loved his role in this drama even more - he was smart, clever and entertaining and he always gave good advice!
The rest of the supporting cast was great and I enjoyed everyone - it wouldn't be the same without one!
Music - I loved most of it (there was one English rap song played early on that I did not like and one song of Rex's that I did not like b/c well... uhm... yeah lets just leave it at that - you'll know why if you watch it lol - it's the lyrics ya'll) - but I LOVED at least 3 songs if I remember correctly - one was by Rex (or Hwan Hee) called 'Tomorrow' (and I actually listened to it before I watched this drama several times lol - I have it on CD - I LOVE it), there is a Ballad song by Ji Hyun Woo 'The Single Eyed Fish' (and I'm a total ballad lover so it speaks to my very soul lol), and one BG ballad song by a female artist that I don't know that I really liked. I also quite enjoyed Hyuk Joo's fathers Trot Song lol
Re-watch Value 8/10 - Definitely worth re-watching - and I recommend it to music lovers!
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Story: Basically about the quote above - Do you marry someone you don't love just because your statuses match well and peoples eyes are on you? or do you marry for love even if it ends up making you struggle? < That's the main point of this drama and I thought it was very well played out.
Cast: Seo Young Ji (Han Ji Hye) A poor girl who lives with an alcoholic father and her 2 siblings who also dreams of being a fairy-tale writer. She goes on a blind-date in replace of Ah-Mi with the intention of turning him off - but no matter what she tried, he just became more attracted to her & they ended up dating. I liked her for the most part - there were a few times where she talked inferior that got on my nerves. But I think she is one of the best characters that HJH has played - it really suited her. Joon Woo (Kim Suk Hoon) His parents are rich and of course he benefited from that and opened his own Art Centre, he's been going a several blind dates recently but when Young-ji shows up, he is instantly charmed and attracted to her, when he finds out her true identity - he comes to face a decision - to follow his heart or to follow the comfortable laws of society. I loved him <3 Ah-Mi (Song Sun-mi) a Plastic Surgeon with a huge reputation in the field - she's had a hard background involving a materialistic father and hateful half-sisters - in order to beat them she wants to marry someone who will make her look good - she struggles with following her heart - she thinks marriage and love are two separate things, I liked her but she did make me upset a few times. Do Kyeong (Kwon Oh Jung) "I'm going to be a male Cinderella" - that's his goal in life and he sets his sights on Ah-mi - although what happens when he really falls for her?...He was entertaining ;p
Music: The OST was beautiful <3 "I'd rather dance with you than talk with you" by The Kings of Convenience < my favorite song & "dong hwa sok eh suh" by Kwon Oh Kyung < my second favorite song^^
Re-watch Value: 9/10 - I really liked it and will re-watch it again someday.
The title: The Secret Lovers - I didn't fully understand the name except that they were all kind of hiding who they were actually dating or in love with. And at the end the cast kind of talks to the audience and says "If there is someone who you are secretly in love with then tell them." - I wish there was a little more to the ending - it was a good ending but I wanted more good stuff lol
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Story: About a young group of reporters who during their training learn what a reporter is all about - are they willing to compromise just to keep their jobs or are they going to stick it out and become real reporters? They realize they can completely destroy people with just a few words - they learn and make mistakes and get back up again. And we also have the Pinocchio syndrome on her with In Ha (I loved the concept).
Cast: Ki Ha Myung/Choi Dal Po (Lee Jong Suk) He was perfect for this role, you could see him torn between love and hate, forgiveness and bitterness. I loved his relationship with his brother and his romance with In Ha, as well as his relationship with her family. Choi In Ha (Park Shin Hye) she was such a strong girl who had to be honest (and honestly I liked that) I hope she starts taking more roles like this, It really fits her. Ki Jae Myung (Yoon Gyun Sang) - the next rising star in kdrama-land I swear. I fell in love with this guy during this drama. He played his character extremely well, I totally felt with his character. He is really really good-looking too ;) (He was my screensaver on my computer for a long time lol). Seo Bum Jo (Kim Young Kwan) a mammas boy but with a heart, I liked his role on this drama. Yoon Yoo Rae (Lee Yoo Bi) one of the weirdest characters I've seen in awhile lol (she was a narcissist totally) but had a strange way of displaying it lol - she'd make me laugh and give her strange looks at the same time. Hwang Gyo Dong (Lee Pil Mo) The best leader in YGN - I loved him. I thought he was handsome too. The rest of the cast is great too.
Music: The music was very similar to the music from I Hear Your Voice, I believe the same singer sang a couple of songs too. That made me love the OST even more <3
Re-watch Value: 10 - I'll be by to watch this drama again someday ;) Overall, a very well put together drama - that deserves to get recognized.
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Most people seemed to not like this drama b/c of all the intense action and fighting scenes - but that is what made this drama so great! You should know that if you want to watch a drama like this there will be lots of fighting - I loved Mo Il Hwa and Jung Tae's brotherly relationship on this drama - they kicked butt!!! Mo Il Hwa was my favorite - he was good to look at and made me swoon half the time - but his fighting skills were amazing!
Music - really good - especially the fight song! I still listen to it at times :D
Cast: everyone played their part really well - they made me mad, made me cry and made me smile.
Re-watch Value: I'll be re-watching this drama someday ;)
If you like Action Movies, like lots of fighting, blood and political messes - then this is the drama for you - yes there is romance to - but I think that is more of a side story to the real story.
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Story: It's about a big family of 3 generations and everything that "happens" to them in their life.
Cast: Wang Ji Hye as Yuri - probably the most different portrayal of a character you've seen her play yet lol - most know that she usually plays a snobby rich woman who sometimes lurks on men or is just plain stuck up - but in this drama she is a quirky clumsy delightful fun loving girl who is a bit ignorant and speaks her mind even when she shouldn't lol - I found her character to be adorably cute! She was my 2nd favorite character in the drama (or maybe I should say she was my favorite character by herself - whilst another character was my favorite inside her relationship) ;)
Yoon So Yi as Se Hee - my favorite character inside her relationship with her husband ^^ She is strong and resilient and loves her husband so much - I really enjoyed their relationship and the "turmoil" it went through b/c of a secret - she went to the bottom and rose back up to the top and I love her for that.
Kim Young Hoon as Hyun Woo - my absolute FAVORITE man in this drama - despite his "faults" (and they were BIG) but he was the only character in the drama I could have seen myself marrying - he (despite the wrong) was the most ideal husband. Loving, kind, warm-hearted and very sincere. I loved him and I really enjoyed his relationship with his wife Se Hee ^_^ Best couple of the year award from me!
Jo Han Sun as Se Hyun - He was a decent guy but too cold for my taste but he was a perfect match for Yuri - they were adorable - or maybe I should say she made him adorable? ^^ He was a doctor and followed in his fathers footsteps. His faults were looking down on his siblings even though he cared about them.
Jung Hae In as Se Joon - the maknae of the family and was enjoyable to watch - he was too stubborn and serious at times but I enjoyed seeing his heart get whisked away by a girl :) A guy who dreams about traveling.
Shin So Yool as So Hee - She's a nurse who doesn't trust men and isn't sure if she'll ever marry when she finally decides to go on blind dates - man it was hilarious to watch even though I felt bad for her luck lol - her character was nice and sweet to watch.
Nam Gyu Ri as Na Young - she is a cheerful girl who doesn't have much luck in landing roles in dramas and mostly does modeling work b/c of her mom - she starts hanging out with Se Joon a lot and gets swooped up in the air of love lol
Seo Ji Hye as Ji Sun - She is Na Young's older sister and lost her husband only 15days after marriage and her mother-in-law shortly after (I went into this drama for her but she has very little screen time - I swear she's just a side character). She works as a Teacher (English teacher I think) Lecturer or something - It's hard figuring out all their jobs lol
The grandparents were funny and nice, the aunt was a big mouth but also lonely, Min Ho was a quiet and reserved bear who has a bad drunk habit and who lost his wife and son too soon, Kyung Ho is a very rude hot tempered guy who never learns to be nice to his wife (worst husband material ever) His wife is very put down by him daily, Jae Ho is a doctor and lives with his parents wife and kids (best son of the grandparents) his wife runs the house and is very nice (of course I love all of Kim Hae Sook's character roles lol).
Music: I didn't notice much there was a song or two played here and there that I liked but they weren't part of the actual OST... I mainly liked the funny music that came on when Yuri was on screen lol
Rewatch value: ... I probably won't re-watch this but others may like it more than I did...
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I really enjoyed watching this drama ^^ Finished it in the span of 3 days. I've read that this drama was supposed to have 24 episodes and was reduced to 18 b/c of low ratings - which is unfortunate b/c I really liked this drama but at the same time I don't know what would have happened if they had 24 episodes, as I personally felt like the 18 they gave me was all it needed - they rounded up everything nicely and gave a very satisfying end :D Showing that this fight for peace and unification is not over but has just begun ^_^ A Great story with great actors!
Story: Starts off with our lead characters working as a unified North/South Team on the Korean Peninsula where scientists are gathered together to find an alternative energy source. The team is disrupted when a North Korean opposition to peace terrorizes the place. The team is then separated. A love story that crosses borders, with a South Korean Scientist and a North Korean Scientist who met 13yrs ago while studying together in Russia - they met again as this unified team. and their fight to stay together and love is tested time and time again. In the meantime Seo Myung Joon is also in the run for President! *This drama is mostly based around action, romance, political and military - but not really war (as there is no real war scenes)*.
Cast: Seo Myung Joon (Hwang Jeong Min) and Lim Jin Jae (Kim Jung Eun) are the driving force of this drama - more than anything else that happened or could happen in this drama I wanted these two love-birds together ^_^ But is love allowed to cross borders? Seo Myung Joon was definitely my favorite character in this drama, when others wanted him to lie or cheat, he refused every time. His heart wouldn't let him lie. He's a man who feels a great sense of responsibility for things he says or does. If he's made a promise he's determined to keep it - whether that be to the public, citizens, his country or his girl. He's a Scientist who ends up in the political race for President, He's says he'll run to become the President of a Unified Korea. Of course he also has another reason for running. Lim Jin Jae is a North Korean Scientist who has a very difficult life, what with her mother being a North Korean "revolutionary" leader, who is cruel enough to rid her own family. and her father who is a pro-peace-democratic North Korean. *I thought they did good casting her and her father as I thought they really did look alike (especially in the nose)*. She struggles to stay with her love and protect him when she's away from him, suffers through countless torture, while holding onto the dream of being with him again.
Then we have our "supporting" characters: Min Dong Ki (Lim Jin Jae's friend, &colleague who unfortunately stands on her mothers side. But he also cares for LJJ as more than a friend). Park Hye Jung (a reporter, who follows Seo Myung Joon around for news reports and ends up fancying him) *for which made me dislike her a bit - she was fine with me until she overstepped her bounds one day lol* The NIA/NIS? guy who I liked and hoped would eventually get together with the reporter girl ^^ Lim Jin Jae's dad who I thought was very wise. and countless other people. All together they made the drama wonderful.
Music: Absolutely beautiful ^_^ 'The Shadow of the Sun' by: MC. The Max, 'If We Were' by: Hwayobi, and another song that I can't find but it's lyrics go: "Don't Cry again. Don't fly away. Fly away..." It's sung in a deep-ish husky sounding male voice *I really wish I could find it b/c I really loved this one the most*
Re-watch Value: 9/10 I'd definitely re-watch this drama again - if only for the beautiful painful love story ^_^
I'd recommend this for any fans of 'Assembly' as I think they have a bit in common and or anyone who enjoys watching North/South dramas :)
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I loved the relationship the developed throughout the movie between the music teacher & Jang Ho - they felt like real father and son - it was so heartwarming <3 and Je Hoon's performance of going from a young man who felt all alone in the world where no one cared what he did - to feeling like he was loved, & belonged ^^ it was so precious <3 and Kang Sora was an added bonus - she was so funny lol
I'm not a fan of "opera" styled music (I like musical singers, just not opera) but I could handle it in this movie - especially the songs 'Nessun Norma' and 'You Give Me Happiness' (YGMH is more of a normal song though)^^ It wasn't LJH singing the songs - but he acted well enough that it was barely noticeable :)
This movie has all elements from the serious gangster fight scenes, to comedy (especially one scene I couldn't help but laugh - even more than I would have probably b/c my mom walked in on me during that very scene! hahaha).
I Highly recommend this movie if you haven't seen it yet - get it on your immediate PTW list!
I will definitely re-watch this movie! :D
This one is NOT to be missed!
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Sang Min (Jo Dong Hyeok) was my favorite character - he was like a love struck angel sent from heaven, his kindness toward Seo Young never failed to move me to tears every time - I fell head over heels for him by episode 6 and my love just continued to grow deeper and deeper for him each passing episode. He tells his dad at one point that he doesn't want to hate anyone, he wants to use all the time he has to love ^_^ I want a guy like him! <3 He fell immediately for Seo Young and it was SO cute! He couldn't stop smiling when he was in her presence ^^
Seo Young (Han Eun Jeong) gets betrayed by her lover of 10+yrs - during this betrayal that continues to grow, she meets Sang Min and receives so much help from him - this actress really delivered the tears! you could see her pain and anguish - it was so real, you would forget she's acting - Perfect emotions!
Seok Joo (Kim Dong Wan) was a real ass**** but I wasn't bothered by him much b/c that leaves space for Sang Min to enter lol He was full of jealousy/envy/greed - Sang Min never did anything to him, but Seok Joo hated him from the moment he saw him - why? b/c he had "everything" he didn't <pathetic isn't it?! He meets Jung Min (Hwang Jung Eum) by accident and ends up having an affair with her and when he finds out who she is, he pulls away from Seo Young and chases after the things he never had - and he doesn't care what it costs him to get there - he was angry so often - such a pathetic "man" -
I never hated Jung Min, she was just lead the wrong way and made bad choices - her acting was really good for a beginner.
Then we have a few supporting characters that I enjoyed watching: Hong Kyung Min & Yoon Hye Kyeong = cute couple lol, Park Eun Hye & her BF = another cute couple ^^
Music: I loved it, especially the song 'Throw Away' ??? ??? by ?? and ?? ?? ??? by Melo Breeze ^_^ These songs really let you feel the emotions of the drama.
I think I would re-watch this, especially from episode 6 and up - b/c I loved Sang Min so much ^_^
If you want to watch a really well written drama then check this one out - just be warned, there is an open ending - so you can decide what happened lol
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Story: Involves family conflicts and friendships (school) lot's of crushes here and there lol but the main story revolves around Wuri, Da-In & Taesil.
Cast: Han Wuri (KJW) the eldest son who falls in love at first sight with classmate Da-In (FY) a deaf and mute girl (who was very pretty btw). It was so cute watching their scenes together^^ I shipped them from the get-go <3 Taesil (KHJ) who has secretly been in a one sided love with Wuri since a young age, she's not your typical 3rd wheel girl on a drama (you know the nasty rude mean ones) she was actually quite pleasant to watch, she was very nice and sweet - I just wished she would have let go of her one-sided love sooner than she did...Then comes Younghoon (KRW) - I screamed his name when I saw him arrive on screen for the first time (I seriously didn't know he was on this drama)! His entrance made the drama just that much better for me <3 (+ the fact I just had a feeling he was going to be the guy for Taesil). Gyeorae (Jae Hee) he doesn't have too much screen time in the beginning of the drama (actually the parents take up most of the earlier episodes) but by episode 10 we see him a lot more and his scenes are always enjoyable^^
Music: 10/10 - I fell in love with the ost <3 most of the songs were by Choi Wan Hee (but I can't find the ost to download at all :'( - Main song: Ne Ahn Eh Na <3 ) If I could find them I would listen to them immediately - the songs are so romantic <3
Re-watch value: 7/10 - I might re-watch at some point b/c it was such a sweet story <3
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Story: very well written.
Cast: they all played their characters well - especially the male lead
Music: besides suspense music I didn't remember anything...
be forewarned - Do NOT watch this at Night - if you get scared easily like me - and keep the lights on! lol - I wasn't the only one by the comments I've seen on YT -
Re-watch value: I won't rewatch it - why? because the mystery/suspense is gone now that I've seen it.
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Storyline: Follows the story of an innocent girl who was the daughter of a rich families chauffeur - the daughter of the rich family Shin Hee didn't like her b/c the man she had her eye on for a spouse Hyun Woo was interested in the chauffeur's daughter Ja Young - while she watches their relationship blossom she gets filled with jealously and schemes with another man to separate them - during this process she ends up causing an accident that she blames Ja Young for doing - Ja Young sets out to reveal the "truth" (hint name of drama) lol - and to win back the man she loves.
Music: it's been a while since I've watched this drama but I believe their is at least one song I remember and liked a lot....
Re-watch Value: is a sure thing b/c I've already re-watched it and I still have fond memories of this drama - I really enjoyed watching it.
Cast: everyone played their roles very well.
If you liked Winter Sonata (even though the stories are different) you might like this drama.
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Story: A girl mysteriously dies and her friends try and uncover the reason for their friends death. As they search for the truth they each face different problems in their own lives - subjects such as pressure to do good in school, being a drop-out, pregnancy, first crush, and such.
Cast: Ahn Ba Woo (Lee Joon) may I say the "eye appeal" of this drama <3 He was seriously smexy on here^^ He tries to survive in the adult world b/c he has no where else to go. He also has a crush on a girl ;) Min Ho Soo (Hong Jong Hyun) a seemingly cold guy with a warm heart who has to learn to show it to others, he transfers from a prestigious school to a "trashy school" (is what the rumor is). Baek Hyo An (Han Ji Woo) the person the story revolves around as they try and find out why she died. Lee Ra Yi (Shin So Yool) a student who dreams of becoming a musician. Seo Yul (Park Ji Yeon) a student struggling to please her dad who constantly compares her to her siblings. Yoon Gong Ji (Kim Bo Ra) a very strange girl. They all fit and played their roles well and I enjoyed watching all of their scenes ;)
Music: Very good - I liked 2 songs that played a lot during the drama.
Re-watch Value: 8/10 I might re-watch this someday :) If you like school dramas then I'd recommend you watch this one :D
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The story was really nice from the beginning to the end, I love how they met and how their relationship developed. To me this drama depicted the true "strength" of love - no matter what other people were telling them to do, they stayed true to their feelings. The poor guy (Ji Sung) loses his memory twice in this drama lol, the first is how he got to meet (Eugene)'s character, and the second time is when he forgot about her and the life he lived with her, when she comes back into his life however - the feelings are still there and it is beautiful to see how they are drawn to each other again (obviously she knows who he is, it's just him that doesn't remember).
Like there is on other dramas like: Stairway to Heaven, Tree of Heaven, 49 Days ectra - there is a significant necklace that holds their memories <3
Cast: is amazing, Ji Sung played his role really well and he was the handsomest I've ever seen him in a drama (p.s - this is also the drama where he met his wife Lee Bo Young). Eugene plays her role exceptionally well too (been a fan of hers longer than his).
Music: is to Live for! my favorite songs (there are 2 versions of each - one in Korean and one in English): Give My Love and Our Love Will Always Last by: Edward Chun - they are beautiful in both versions <3
Re-watch Value: is a sure thing - since I've already re-watched it and can re-watch it again anytime <3
The title of this drama is revealed somewhere in the middle of the drama - it's really neat (and based of the original song)
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