Kcdramamusings
This review may contain spoilers
A Time Slip Romance- A Hit or Miss
Time travel romances seem to be in vogue these days. Starting with “Perfect Marriage Revenge” and “Story of Kunning Palace”, time slip love stories are creating a lot of buzz in both South Korea and China. They are setting a new trend in the fantasy genre and rightly so. MBC’s latest historical “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” joins the ranks, portraying a somber yet heartening tale of lost love and reconciliation. Adapted from the web novel “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” (열녀박씨 계약결혼뎐) written by Kim Neo Ul (김너울) and illustrated by B, the show stars Lee Se Young & Bae In Hyuk in lead roles. The show paints a not-so pretty picture of a strong minded woman striving to achieve her goals, while going against the Confucian ideals in the Josean society. Pilot episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters while keeping their personal agenda hidden. The melodrama will most likely proceed with lots of confrontations in the upcoming episodes as we learn about the protagonists and the ensuing battles they will be embroiled in.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/27/the-story-of-parks-marriage-contract-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Really Loving the Storytelling and Casting
Admittedly there are two things that you might find cliche about this show- firstly, it’s title and secondly the base concept!With so many dramas this year named after “Blossom”, the title doesn’t spell magic or intrigue; it is easy to brush off. Also, the show heavily leans on the premise of transmigration which isn’t new either. The things that work in favor of this show is the strong casting and excellent storytelling. Starring Meng Zi Yi, Li Yun Rui in lead roles, the storyline encompasses a “marriage of convenience” between the main characters; again, nothing new there, but the actors are doing a phenomenal job embracing their characters and their chemistry is lit. It is an absolute joy watching the main leads collude as they fight the antagonistic forces. For Dou Zhou (Meng Zi Yi), it’s her own family- mainly her evil paternal uncle and her stepmother while Song Mo (Li Yun Rui) fights against an influential yet powerful force who maligned his righteous Uncle’s name. They enter into a fake marriage as accomplices and gradually fall in love. The cinematography coupled with the magnificent settings are exemplary, they add to the allure of this show.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/12/10/blossom-first-impressions/#more-1398
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Fantasty Thriller with abundant Bromance
Two things seem to be trending these days on the IQIYI platform- wuxia dramas & Zhang Linghe. Following the huge success of his recently ended romance “My Journey to You”, Zhang Linghe is back in the forte with his new mystery thriller “Tiger and Crane”. Definitely another anticipated release this year, fans have been eagerly awaiting the premiere of this show for almost a year. Starring a ginormous cast that includes Jiang Long, Zhang Ling He, Wang Yu Wen, Chen You Wei, Ye Qing, He Lan Dou in lead roles, the drama hinges on the strong bromance between Jiang Long & Zhang Ling He. For those who are still waiting for updates on Zhang Ling He’s BL adaptation “Eternal Faith”, this show can be a consolation of sorts. Set in a fantastical universe where demonologists exist, the show paints a dainty image of the ongoing war between sorcerers and demons. Adapted from Huang Xiaoda’s novel of the same and helmed by popular director, Guo Hu; the drama promises an intriguing battle of wits, power struggles and sorcery.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/05/tiger-and-crane-first-impressions/#more-185
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
My Favorite Hilarious Trio Are Back in Action!
The show I have been waiting to watch since ages has premiered and the bromance is still alive!What could go wrong when you have a hot-tempered Catholic priest, a comic police detective and a badass prosecutor? “The Fiery Priest Season Two” returns five years later on popular demand to answer this question. Starring Kim Nam Gil, Lee Ha Nee, Kim Sung Kyun in leas roles, the drama is set in the current times, where Father Kim continues his crusade for justice by punishing evildoers, Gu Dae Young from Gudam Police Station supports him relentlessly and Prosecutor Park Kyung Sun is in Los Angeles’, hightailing criminals on Father Kim’s request. The show remains true to its familiar premise of comedic flair; it seems in five years, Father Kim has infected everyone with his short temperament which is quite viable in the way, Father Han (Jeon Sung Woo) and Sister Kim (Baek Ji Won) keep losing their calm. O Yo Han (Go Gyu Pil) still works at the convenience store but apart from his hearing abilities, he seems to have developed electrical powers as well. Ssongsak (Ahn Chang Hwan) is the leader of his own gang of deliveryman. As always, our dynamic trio are still in cahoots and this time, the action shifts to Busan, instead of Gudam.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/10/the-fiery-priest-season-2-first-impressions/#more-1315
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Not Exactly The Strongest Comeback
The 2017 classic “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” was a sleeper hit simply because of the fantastic chemistry between the main leads Park Bo Young & Park Hyung Sik. It’s quite difficult to come across stories where a female lead and her superpowers are glorified. This edgy fantasy element became the reason for the show’s success. As such, I wasn’t admittedly excited about the new reboot. It may be attributed to the entirely new cast that has no connections to the characters in the prequel. “Strong Girl Namsoon” finally premiered last week. The million dollar question that piques our attention is this- Is the spin-off as well as the prequel? I will answer this question as we analyze the first two episodes and dig deeper into the storyline.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/09/strong-girl-namsoon-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Small Town Romance With Quirky Characters
JTBC’s latest offering “Welcome to Samdalri” is a decades long saga of friendship, lost love and reconciliation. Starring Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun in the lead roles of Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal/Cho Eun Hye, the show transverses their journey as they reconnect after eight years of separation. The first thing that I noticed about this show is the scenic beauty. Shot in the backdrop of the beautiful Jeju island, the show banks on the small town life and its busy yet nosy neighborhood. Set in Samdalri (which is native to both Cho Yong Pil & Cho Sam Dal), the drama focuses on their reconciliation as Sam-dal returns to her hometown when her career plummets and she is at her wit’s end. The pilot episodes were pretty decent at introducing the individual characters and their current lives while keeping their past shredded in mystery. There is a lot going on in the backdrop that we are unaware of and these invisible issues have been adversely affecting their relationship for almost a decade. Let’s sit down and dissect the finer details relative to this small town romance!Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/12/05/welcome-to-samdalri-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Breezy Time Travel Romance
Time travel romances seem to be in trend and joining the foray is tvN’s latest offering “Twinkling Watermelon”. If you are wondering about the title (as I’m), maybe it is a mere connotation to the storyline which sparkles with youthfulness and has varied tones of friendship/love. Starring Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, Shin Eun Soo in the lead roles, the drama premiered to high expectations and certainly it was worth the hype. The first two episodes set up the premise decently while introducing intriguing characters as well as the time travel element which pops up randomly. The storytelling is little out of place and at times without context (when they randomly switch between two timeframes), but the chemistry between the characters is reckoning and it manages to tide over those discrepancies. For now, I’m invested in this drama simply because the storyline is interesting and I’m hoping for some solid character development in the future episodes.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/27/twinkling-watermelon-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Historical With A Funny Tone
Rowoon (“Destined with You”) is back onscreen with his next romcom, which happens to be a historical. Starring alongside Cho Yi Hyun, “The Matchmakers” is about two widowers, Shim Jung Woo & Jung Soon Deok, who are pressured by the royal family into marrying three maidens representing the spinster problem in the Joseon dynasty. Both of them have varied personalities, with Jung Soon Deok leading a double life that is closely guarded. The drama relies a lot on the customs and traditions that tied down widows in ancient Joseon. Now, widowers weren’t specifically affected, but Shim Jung Woo suffers because he has a special identity. You can’t question the absurdity of their situations because we are talking about times that were orthodox and fanatical. The first two episodes do a good job of introducing the main characters, as we get a glimpse into their lives. Soon Deok leads an exciting, satisfying one while Jung Wook’s is dull and unfulfilling.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/01/the-matchmakers-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
An Entertaining Couple Who Bicker Endlessly
Give me a historical romance with lots of political maneuvering and I’m seated for the drama!Starring Zhao Jin Mai & Zhang Ling He in lead roles, the first thing that catches your attention is the domesticated vibes between the main couple. “The Princess Royal” though a political melodrama is essentially a recurring love story between a couple, who died, were revived in their young selves and still choose to marry each other again; no matter the consequences. Their choices might seem questionable because they spend 20 years outwitting each other; but they are allies first, enemies later. There is comfort in their relationship which stems from spending decades together, even if they were in an antagonistic relationship. Both actors excel in their portrayals, the storyline does seem to drag in some places, but they quickly pull through by inserting a new ploy and chaos ensues. Our married couple are tasked with the job of maintaining peace with minimal damage possible. Let’s get to know them better before we form our opinions!
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/07/16/the-princess-royal-first-impressions/#more-1037
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Impressionable With Mystique & Intrigue
The latest entrant on JTBC’s mid-week block, Destined With You, has a lot to offer. With a stellar casting that includes big names like Jo Bo Ah, Rowoon, Ha Joon, Yura; the drama premiered to high ratings on Netflix. I have been closely keep a tab on JTBC’s official accounts, since the day this drama was announced. It has got nothing to do with my thirst for fantasy dramas, and everything to do with the fact that this show has both of my favorite stars. I’m a huge, huge fan of Jo Bo Ah and she is nothing short of adorable here. Following close on her heels is our handsome hunk, Rowoon, whose character has streaks of mystique and intrigue. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the storyline, which is gripping and exciting. There is a lot happening in the pilot episodes; shamanism plays a pivotal role in this fantasy and the show is as riveting as the trailer that promises a love story that spans over 300 years.Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/08/26/destined-with-you-first-impressions/#more-91
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Reincarnation Saga with Fantasy Element
Adapted from the webtoon “The Moon that Rises in the Day” (낮에 뜨는 달) by Hye Yoom (헤윰), ENA’s new drama “Moon in the Day” is a heartbreaking, remorseful romance that transcends over centuries. Starring Pyo Ye Jin and Kim Young Dae in lead roles, the storyline depicts the story of a vengeful spirit seeking retribution for his wrongful death. The main actors portray two different characters, from variant timelines. It has been an eventful week with quite a few new premieres like “Castaway Diva”, “Perfect Revenge Marriage” and “The Matchmakers”. Certainly, the show has a tall order to compete with when compared to those recent releases. What works in its favor is the rustic chemistry between the main actors. The script is slightly odd paced, but that doesn’t take away the fact that the characters are intriguing and their backstory is equally riveting. We are given glimpses of their past lives as the first two episodes concentrate on the character’s present lives. As unlike as they are, Kang Young Hwa and Han Jun Oh aren’t peas in the same pod. Let’s dive into this narrative and learn more about them!Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/11/03/moon-in-the-day-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Gangnam Style Crime Thriller
Set in the crime-ridden streets of Gangnam in the 1990s, “The Worst of Evil” promised power packed performances by its stellar casting which includes popular names like Ji Chang Wook, Wi Ha Joon, Im Se Mi. Probably one of the most anticipated releases this year, the show premiered to high expectations and the succinct storytelling is definitely worth the wait. With a three episode premiere and three episodes finale, the show will release two episodes henceforth. Starring Ji Chang Wook as local policeman Park Junmo, Wi Ha Joon as gang leader Jung Gicheul and I’m Se Mi as security officer Yu Euijeong, “The Worst of Evil” is a complicated love triangle set in the midst of a sprawling crime syndicate. Directed by Han Dong Wook, Park Geun Beom and written by Jang Min Seok, the compelling cinematography is resplendent of the 1990s era, which renders a melancholic feel to the melodrama transpiring on screen. The first three episodes do a decent job of introducing the characters and setting the stage for future confrontations. This show isn’t for the fainthearted and it depicts explicit violent scenes (so, drop it if you can’t stand watching fight scenes every 10 minutes, because that seems to be the norm for this show).Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/29/the-worst-of-evil-first-impressions/
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
How much Can You Hate Someone You Loved?
What happens when you meet your ex-boyfriend who is also your family enemy, returns after almost two decades!Starring Ju Ji Hoon, Jung Yu Mi in leas roles, “Love Your Enemy” is hysteria at it’s best. The main characters portray a “Enemies to Lover’s” dubiously. Seok Ji Won and Yoon Ji Won, who were born on the same day and with the same name and have been enemies for generations, reunite after 18 years. The catch being, everyone firmly believes that they can’t stand each other, even they themselves believe the same. But underneath this publicly established farce, Seok Ji Won and Yoon Ji Won were once a sweet couple; or so, that’s what the first two episodes lead us to believe. There is undeniable tension simmering between them in most scenes and you can’t miss the attraction masked by misplaced antagonism.
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2024/11/25/love-your-enemy-first-impressions/#more-1368
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
A Beautiful & Emotional Journey
What will you do if you are left stranded on a deserted island for 15 years?tvN’s latest musical sojourn “Castaway Idol” attempts to answer this question in a lighthearted yet emotional manner. Starring Park Eun Bin, Kim Hyo Jin, Chae Jong Hyeop, Cha Hak Yeon, Kim Joo Heon in pivotal roles, the drama chronicles main lead Seo Mok Ha’s (Park Eun Bin) journey to normal life as she returns to the mainland, after being stranded on a deserted island for 15 years. The precociousness of the storyline, coupled with some excellent performances from the leading cast, lends a beautiful vibe to this somber melodrama. I have been religiously following the social media updates by tvN since the drama was announced. The initial posters and the trailers created enough buzz to keep this ship floating. The first two episodes are high on emotions, as we are introduced to the two main characters in this drama- Seo Mok Ha & her classmate, Jung Ki Ho. Now, you won’t find any information about Ki Ho, simply because the character’s current whereabouts are still under wraps. The drama heavily leans on the emotional trauma faced by these two characters as they fight for survival. Now, let’s get to know more about them before we dive headfirst into the storyline!
Read the complete article here-
https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/10/30/castaway-diva-first-impressions/#more-251
Was this review helpful to you?
