Zoe
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It’s amazing how many unreasonable people are in this show. It took me a while to warm up to this show but it did hook me by episode 4. This is such a strange show with strange characters. Even more strange than usual I would almost say.
Everyone is so full of themselves and every single character talks about their non-existent coolness. They are all trying so hard to put on a good show for everyone (literally and metaphorically). It’s weird seeing the main characters throwing around their weight so much and their sense of entitlement. They are all concerned about what everyone else thinks. To fend off their insecurities they attack each other.
Ye Jin – female lead
“You’ll know once you start editing. When someone says something and there’s no response from the other person...then that means...you have to edit it.”
It’s always really great to see a woman in a male-dominated work force.
Ye Jin and Joon Mo are good friends. They tell each other everything and then they make fun of each other a lot too.
Seung Chan
Seung Chan is the only normal guy in this drama. He gets picked on but in a way that is so ridiculous, I still laugh anyway. He’s the kind of guy that apologises for everything but he’s pretty much never in the wrong really. He likes to follow the rules.
He has very subtle ways of showing his contempt or rebellious nature.
He has passive aggression to the limit.
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I’m usually not one for high school romances. The story starts with a bumbling, cowering heroine.
The actors are great though. They really portray the feel and emotion of the characters beautifully.
It is also one hell of a cute romance.
It has all the tropes but it kind of worked.
The characters sometimes were very sensible and logical.
The beginning was cringey, the ending was a flop but the middle....the middle was GORGEOUS.
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There’s something about this show that seems overdone. Everything kind of happens a bit fast and disjointedly. I’ve never had a problem with that before in previous Kdramas but in this one, it’s seriously obvious how the relationships don’t make that much sense.
This show isn’t the greatest but the feelings were still intense even if they weren’t always portrayed right. It’s a very strange and not well thought out plotline.
Ra On – female lead
She's quite a rascally heroine. I liked that. And she's got the charisma to pull it off.
I liked seeing her problem solving skills and how smart she was. Also, she was super tough.
Really interesting to see that she doesn’t get a choice to be a girl. Also interesting to see that the most you see of boobies is when the girls are dressing up as boys. They don’t mind showing the binding.
With Ra On, she’s very confident in herself. I like that she doesn’t back down.
However, I’m sorry to say, the darling Ra On (Kim Joo Young), just doesn’t match up to Park Bo Gum’s emoting. He’s saying everything and her face is just not saying much at all.
Prince Lee – main lead
As a prince he is actually very intelligent. There is very little that gets past him. Even at his lowest and most emotional, no one can trick him.
It’s Park Bo Gum. I know, I know, I myself get tired of the magic of this guy. But honestly, no matter what he does, he can’t do any wrong. So normally, I would dread this kind of personality, but it’s Park Bo Gum. So if he’s happy, I’m happy. Honestly, even his silly character, who I would hate under any under circumstances, he just makes me smile. I can’t believe this. The Park Bo Gum magic…
I do have a complaint. His face is so dramatic. His emotions, they’re too much. I’ve actually only ever seen him in Hello Monster and there, he was this serious character and the understated emotions that Park Bo Gum conveyed was amazing. But here, where he’s allowed to let loose on the facial expressions, I’m finding it over the top. At the same time, I think that’s supposed to be his character.
He is so seldom not putting on a show.
In a way, Park Bo Gum is too good for this stereotypical character. His face is too kind when he shows concern. And when he’s being a jerk, it doesn’t feel real haha. But as always, I’m impressed by how alive his face is.
I was fascinated by what his character is like when he’s in love. It’s very touching.
Also Park Bo Gum always has such brilliant chemistry with his male compatriots.
Romance
I wasn’t always convinced by the romance but towards the end, I desperately wanted a happy ending and I was really rooting for the couple.
Park Bo Gum is the one that really carries the value of this drama. His conveyance of emotion and scenarios makes me devote myself to the outcome. I didn’t think it was sad until Park Bo Gum showed me how sad he was.
I really liked the interesting aspect of how it went from general comedy to something a bit darker and that question of betrayal in the romance and how the characters responded to it.
“I’m frightened because I’m so happy. What if someone else’s happiness came to me as well?”
I also realised that PBG has man hands. Not every male actor has those. Most of the time it’s hard to tell if it’s the woman’s or the man’s hand.
“I will only listen to you. No matter what lie you tell. I will believe it.”
Byung Yun
I kind of rolled my eyes at his character at first, but I do always appreciate the stolid and silent best friend who is up to all sorts of night time activities. I was impressed by his loyalty but also sometimes conflicted by his secrecy.
The fun thing is when the best friend finally finds someone who is brave enough to rile the hero so they can join in and let loose on their friend most carthartically.
Jo’s Daughter
Finally a secondary daughter who isn’t some idiot. She is smart and brave and I was impacted by her decision making.
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I liked that this drama had characters that weren't afraid to get a bit mean with their enemies. If they were upset, they were upset and lashed back. I liked how human they were.
I really loved how nerdy everyone was and how much time they spent on the computer haha. Also, so much of the drama happens online.
Chinese kisses, are way better than Korean kisses.
I really liked the way the drama threw in some really random relationship factors and responses.
Wei Wei - female lead
Our heroine studies computer science and so do her friends.
“No wonder the girls in science and engineering have such a hard time getting boyfriends. We can handle electric work ourselves. What do we need boys for?”
I really got into this drama. As per usual with Chinese dramas, I skipped over some of the girl friendships, because they are so run of the mill and uninteresting. A ditzy side kick for the oh-so-sensible heroine. I don't mind the somewhat superior heroine in Chinese dramas. It is a good change from Korean dramas that prefer the klutz over the class.
Wei Wei is competent and confident. She rarely needs rescuing. And she faces off well against other women who try and attack her. She's not cowed easily. I couldn’t believe some of her snide remarks. It was great.
I liked her rationale when she was dealing with Xiao Nai.
Even though she's so awkward around him, I liked how logical she was with her overthinking and also how she was sometimes cute.
I enjoyed her problem solving abilities.
Xiao Nai - male lead
Xiao Nai is the hero and he's very kind and polite to Wei Wei but pretty arrogant and nonchalant with everyone else. I loved that he said he could change for her.
I like that he's direct with her.
I like that right from the start he lets Wei Wei have her say and make her own decisions and respects them. He continues to do that throughout the relationship.
I'm never a fan of the wrist grabs but if you have to include it, Xiao Nai does it right. It's not aggressive or domineering, it's almost like his main motivation is that he wants to touch her. And he does it just once.
Also, he might make those protective moves but he explains them right away.
I dislike heroes who are good at everything. I love love love that Xiao Nai is poor.
Although I was really relieved to see that the show demonstrated that Xiao Nai was a team player in sport and wasn't just a glory hog.
I really love how Xiao Nai knew how important Wei Wei's friendship with the girls was.
Xiao Nai doesn't let any unnecessary drama shake him in the least.
“Why wouldn't I trust my girlfriend?”
I really love that Xiao Nai doesn't mollycoddle her.
“Wei Wei, I might be adding to your troubles by telling you this, but I think it's something you'd want to solve on your own.”
Romance
“So how will you measure our affection level, then?”
“I'll develop a model for calculating it.”
Xiao Nai is not caveman jealous.
“Your wife is coming onto me.”
“Enjoy it. I don't mind.”
“What a well-coordinated couple!”
The most adorable thing was that Xiao Nai carried around Wei Wei's cactus that he was looking after.
Also, how he pays attention every time she touches him.
This actor is really good at kissing haha.
I like how he is subtle about showing us that he knows that he is lucky to have Wei Wei.
Wei Wei - “I'll have a sack and a bat ready.”
Xiao Nai - “If you're going to beat someone up, you should bring me with you.”
“You're going to help me?”
“No, I'll be the lookout.”
The Game
I like how important the game was to the characters. How they had morales about how they lived their character's lives.
I had to laugh as real life was leaked into the game as well. “You're still killing me? I'll just go do laundry.”
“That's enough. I won't waste my internet and electricity on you.”
Yu Ban Sha
I'm not used to seeing actors as good as this guy in Cdramas. He really sold his part.
“We should be humble. Our target isn't the prettiest girl. It's her friends we should be after.”
Bad Guy
I kind of like that the bad guy messed around with her support systems and how she had this conflict of how she didn't know who to trust. It wasn't the usual queen bee with her posse. Part of the drama was that she didn't know who her posse was.
Meng Yi Ran is way better than the average stale bad guy.
KO's relationship with Hao Mei is so hilarious. He looks like he doesn't care, or that he's constantly angry with the world but he just goes along with Hao Mei's bubbly personality.
Kdrama vs. Chinese Drama Debate
In Chinese dramas, things get solved in one conversation. I feel like there's no process. People don't just change their minds because of words.
I still dislike the lack of emotion on Chinese actors faces. But this time round, is my third Chinese drama and I think I'm getting used to it.
Chinese dramas take themselves so seriously.
When they film and show the characters I just feel like they're so pushing the concept of how perfect they are. I felt like the characters still had that dignified barrier between them. That they still didn’t feel comfortable with each other.
The Chinese characters seem much more dignified. I thought I’d never view my culture background from that perspective.
Parents are not very important in this drama. In Kdramas, parents are everything.
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“What's so bad about a witch? Rather than Snow White who's dependent on others and causes trouble, an independent witch is a hundred times better.”
I like how it didn't take a crisis or a break up for Ji Yeon to put some boundaries in place and realise she can't rely on a man for everything.
My favourite quote from her is. “Don't work hard. Do it well.” More heroines should follow this advice from Ban Ji Yeon.
I really love the feel of this drama. I like how the characters have real conversations and just say ordinary things when they’re feeling awkward.
The side characters are not that important but I do like Soo Chul and Dong Ha’s relationship. Soo Chul was definitely the best side character. I even liked his weird thing going on with Eun Chae.
I think with other Kdramas they take their hostilities seriously but Dong Ha and Ji Yeon, they're always jokingly offending each other.
Dong Ha – male lead
Park Seo Joon has the best awkward/freaked out face.
Dong Ha is a really special hero. He is really great.
First, he isn't rich. Yasss.
And he is a huge softie. But not in a way that means he can be pushed around. He just can't hold a grudge. If he sees someone hurting, he can't stand by.
Romance
So much kissing! Yessss.
This drama really really convinced me how perfect the couple is for each other. I love that feeling. That I'm able to really get behind them and root for them.
I like that they can laugh together. They don't take their pride too seriously.
I like that Dong Ha is man enough to confess and man enough to talk about his feelings.
I really like the noona feel and how Dong Ha is able to be masculine and a bit aegyo. It's not annoying or creepy at all haha.
I love how he looks at her.
He knows how to navigate the relationship well and everything he says and the way he acts around Ji Yeon is so convincing for her and for me that he's a great guy.
Dong Ha knows when the to back off and when to fight. He's got perfect timing.
They’re such a good match for each other. Their interactions are so much fun and you can see that they are having fun too. They even sing together.
The drama was solid throughout. I enjoyed it every step of the way. There might have been some annoying bits, but overall really fantastic and solid pacing and plotline.
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If a Kdrama wants to focus on marriage they will focus on marriage. Mostly the bad and the ugly it seems, in this drama. Fake marriages, arranged marriages, adultery, marriages of convenience, divorces, what marriage does to a family what marriage doesn’t do to a family, etc.
This is definitely not your stereotypical romance. This is story. And it's unpredictable. And characters' motivations make sense.
The first ¾ of the drama were pretty good but then it really got into ridiculous, drawn-out territory. The last couple of episodes, you just want to die.
But things get interesting between the secondary character couples two episodes from the end, so watch for that to get you through.
This drama is kind of shocking with how relationships form and fall apart and form. It's a real whirlwind. And it makes me feel quite confused at how I view the characters.
The show also shows how motherhood can be all consuming. Cha Ki Young is such a normal person when she doesn't have a child.
The drama also pokes fun at the strangeness of dysfunctional families.
Ki Young – female lead
I really love how straight forward she is. And how honest and vulnerable she allows herself to be without being shy about the way she feels. She owns her personality.
And I have not seen a woman like her so unmoved. She has a great control on her emotions.
It was interesting seeing her not exactly becoming motherly to her co-host, but how she understood him more and didn't look at him with such disdain.
I really loved that the heroine completely owns the show. She makes her decisions, she faces down her adversaries and she solves her own problems. Until the end, then things get a bit finicky.
I feel like Ki Young really is the best when it comes to being unfazed by personal attacks. She is so cool.
Small Rant about Sex in Kdramas
Why can't we get sexy scenes from people we actually care about?
It's like Korean dramas just won't give us that mind blowing stuff when we want to see it.
Tae Yun
“Hey! You crazy pregnant woman! Take the elevator!”
He is not the greatest guy. But he's just kind of ridiculous and you don't always get that kind of Kdrama man who really is good for nothing. He's a guy who doesn't have all the answers. He reacts before he thinks and he makes a ton of mistakes. He doesn't know what he's doing but he tries.
I actually warmed up to Tae Yun by episode 3.
I didn't expect him to man up, not for a long time. I was impressed for a while. But then he went back to his temper tantrums and his cluelessness about life.
Tae Yun's sister's storyline with her fake husband was a lot of fun. I like that she's jumpy when she gets a sudden approach from guys. Pedro's storyline was actually pretty good. I found him and the sister to be so cute.
Eun Cha
As per usual, Kdramas throw us some crazy characters to deal with and Eun Cha is one of the wildest. He's a pervert but he's also kind of funny. I was shocked at how my perspective of him changed and how he himself changed even while keeping his sexism.
Myung Yi
Despite her scheming, she does get a bit of the short end of the stick. Tae Yun is such a brat with her.
It was interesting how she started off as a somewhat innocent kid and then turned into one of those high society women. I also found her relationship with Tae Yun to be a little scary but also fascinating. I kind of liked her poise and how she knew her rights. She'd go through hell for what she wanted.
And she was so heartless with everything, but she had her weaknesses.
In the end, she was the one person Tae Yun could be honest with.
Yun Hee – best friend
“I picked a cool man because you were so patriarchal. But I think a cool man is more difficult.”
I ended up really loving Yun Hee and her husband and their dramas haha.
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I never thought I would think the traditional Korean dress was cool. It took me a long time to work up the courage to watch a historical. But I'm converted! Haha. This show is really easy to watch and easy to skip over the politics and still enjoy the growth and the progression of the premise.
In this drama more than ever, I can see how the characters humble themselves even when they are so freakin' angry because they know they have to self-regulate to achieve their long term goals.
I liked how they explored their corrupt society and how they were worried about distinguishing between right and wrong because they had so many bad role models and unfair structures in place.
Things start to get serious as the drama begins to wade into family relationships and betrayal and being a role model.
“Hey, big brothers, live life correctly, cause I'll be following your lead.”
Cheeky, but respect man.
They had to question what was culture, what was their values and why they were brought up in their traditions.
“Watch me with your own two eyes. Whether I'm going the right road until the end.”
Kdramas explore characters in a way that I can understand.
I also like how they take into account past and future. “So will you remember? One day, when you have to make a difficult decision like you did today, just once...that there was someone who trusted Lee Seon Joon more than himself.”
Yoon Hee
“I'll still have to dress in a man's hat and robe....And even if I can't do that, I'll have to marry anyone...To me, there is no tomorrow that I should want to protect with all my might.”
Girl's got skills. And she's incredibly smart with a photographic memory (but the drama forgets about that later).
The opening of this drama, with the ladies chasing after our heroine, thinking she's a man, I knew we were in for some ridiculous, but hopefully amusing moments.
I like the sort of manly friendship that Yoon Hee makes with Lee Soon Jun, even from her perspective as a girl, she treats him like a dude.
“I believe in you more than I believe in myself.”
I was quite pleased at the little ways in which Yoon Hee showed how tough she was. Getting into a fist fight, and stopping a punch was all pretty normal for her.
Seon Joon
Yoo Chun is a pretty stiff guy but it kind of makes his human character really really very funny.
I first saw Park Yoo Chun in Rooftop Prince. I didn't like his arrogance there. He continues to be a dick in this one. But maybe more within reason because he's just a scholar and not a prince. Still, his concerned, sad face is the best.
He's a lot more reasonable and forgiving. But he's still self-righteous as ever.
He really admires Yoon Hee's rebel nature of standing up against the unfair laws of society.
“Sungkyunkwan is a place of study because of the citizens, if you do not agree with this, then we new students, will not recognise you as seniors.”
It's nice to see the hero for a change rotting away when he is lovesick, barely being able to function.
Seon Jin does say a few nice things too. “Not just my classmate...but my good friend. Someone who is willing to be my good friend, Kim Yoon Shik, you are the first.”
“If I made a friend, I thought it would be nice if it was you. It's just...I didn't know how. Since it was my first time. I'm sorry.”
Lee Sun Joon isn't so bad after all. A lot different picture of the arrogance he often portrays.
I really like how he didn't know what to do with Geol Oh.
I loved how he learned to joke.
Romance
Lee Sun Joon on the romance front is actually not that bad. His feelings, his expression of them, his role in the romance, I was actually pretty impressed. I love how he wore his heart on his sleeve.
He's not petty or childish in his love for Yoon Hee. He thinks about her feelings and what she wants rather than always pushing his feelings.
It's quite unusual for the hero to be outed for his affection for his heroine so pitifully. And for it to happen to a proud hero like Lee Soon Jun was pretty darn hilarious and satisfying.
I like that even after Lee Soon Jun realises Yoon Hee is a woman, they're still on even ground because Yoon Hee doesn't allow it to be any different.
Lee Soon Jun is amazing in his love for Yoon Hee and really doesn't let pride get in the way.
And his uppity rationale for why she should kiss him some more was so hilarious. “One shouldn't start something one can't finish. Stopping in the middle is worse than not having started at all. This is a teaching from the Analects. To stop something you've already started isn't something a Confucius scholar should do.”
I really loved how the drama showed Lee Seon Joon exploring his desire for Yoon Hee in such a cute and funny way.
And how she was the one that had to be direct. She's also really confident in the relationshia pnd likes to tease him.
I really appreciated their clear communication with one another. How they talked things out and put their hearts on the table and didn't hold things back or didn't hesitate to make things clear.
“What you're pushing away is not greed It's me.”
“Then what am I supposed to do? I'm so scared.”
I feel like it's been a while since I've seen a nice and caring romance like this. And also to see the hero go all out for his woman, is bliss.
Geol Oh
“Why should I be afraid? Living isn't fun anymore.”
I like that Geol Oh could pull rank when it suited him.
I love Yoo Ah's new look. Really surprised to see the ruffian is a gentleman.
His personality is so much fun in this drama. He's really good at treating Yoon Hee like a man even when she messes up. He so subtly reminds her that she's supposed to be a boy.
“Don't bow your head to anyone. Don't kneel for anyone. It will become a habit.”
Yoo Ah is the best in this drama. I like how his character managed to keep treating Yoon Hee as a man.
Oh those sleeping arrangements made me laugh so much.
“Sunbae, this isn't your usual sleeping place.”
“My usual sleeping place is this whole room.”
He has this beautiful moment in Episode 15. He's such a wonderful character.
Gu Yong Ha
“Tell me whatever it may be. I can keep a secret better than I look.”
Song Joong Ki's gleeful smile is so cute. He plays so many mind games and plays both sides of the school factions. But I loved that despite that, Yoon Hee still got to mess around with his head.
He's a rich and insouciant kind of guy who is bored with people so he likes to play games.
One thing I liked about him is that when anyone is down, whether they are right or wrong, he's there for them so they don't have to be alone.
I like how there are different relationships in the school that even though one might technically be on one side, he will still help the other and look out for people on the other side even though “politically” he is opposed.
I liked his friend with Moon Jae Shin.
“The one I trust is not the king, but you, Geol Oh.”
Bad Guy
The amazing thing about the bad guy is that he is so nice to his daughter. Haha. I really liked how evil he was and then how much he loved his baby girl. Even though he is full of pride and ambition, “I am not the kind of father to get in the way of my children.”
The music can be quite pretty.
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The drama knows how to space its angst.
I really like that we don't have to wait forever for some resolution. The drama didn't draw out the crisis for longer than necessary. They introduce many interesting side plots and secrets and I liked being able to jump on board those and get curious about the answers to those problems.
Jun Su's character. How can a person be so beautiful? I think on any other actor he would have been too goody-shoes for me. But the personality is so sincere and good-hearted. I was convinced that he was actually like that.
Jun Su is such a sweetheart. He and his father are such a pair. They are both gentle, obliging and doing anything to please. Jun Su constantly works to prove his value and his new family becomes his sole goal in life.
“You did not come into this family as a housewife.”
Even the slightest acceptance makes him happy.
He is very considerate of others.
I like that he's a bit of an old man in a young boy's body the way he tells off his elders. He is very responsible.
His purpose in life is to provide for his family so no matter what he's doing, if he's in pursuit of that, he's happy. There's the confidence the viewers have in Jun Su that he's going to be just fine because he's resourceful and works hard.
I haven't wanted to cry for a drama for a long time. By episode 4...waaah.
When they made the switch to adulthood, I thought my heart would burst with the feels. Jun Su is just like his childhood self. Generous and innocent and unassuming until you mess with his family. If you think Jun Su as a kid is adorable, he's even more cuter when he's old. How is that even possible? Oh the adorbs!
It is really amazing how the drama comes up with a million different ways that Jun Su demonstrates how obsessed he is with his family. He is so old-fashioned the way his whole life is his family.
Jun Su is the epitome of the Korean concept of sincerity.
“Feels like he is from the country yet it also feels like he knows the city.” That is Jun Su. He is naive but he has a strong sense of justice and he's really smart so he doesn't get tricked into any kind of deception. The wonderful thing about Jun Su is he really knows what he wants to do with his life. He doesn't make mistakes and has no regrets for any of his decisions.
I think one of my favourite sides to Jun Su was his salesman side. He's an impressive guy.
He has the most perfect face when he's hurt but trying to hide it.
I was quite amazed at how the siblings aggression towards Jun Su switched from anger to him to anger at themselves from the guilt of what they've done to him. It was strange how they accepted that their mother was his mother even as they maintained the lack of blood between them.
Ahjussi was pretty boring but he had one great line. “Did this guy's personality just change so suddenly? He fails an exam and he suddenly turns into Marlon Brando.”
Romance
“I only have to look into your eyes and I am filled with confidence.” What a lovely way to describe it. Romance at its best.
No matter how you see it, Im Jo Hwan is a beautiful man.
I liked that the pair weren't childhood sweethearts.
He has no wiles.
It's charming to see Jun Su who is just the most simple and straightforward man you could ask for fall in love with a woman so twisted up in knots. Do Hui isn't simple and kind like Jun Su. She's much more real. But to Jun Su, she is a fairytale.
It was sweet to see how gentle she could be with Jun Su.
I was surprised to see that when they do start dating, Jun Su is more comfortable with her and so he starts speaking his mind about some things. So it's funny that he is kinder to her when they're not dating.
But I loved seeing the delight on Do Hui's face when she laid eyes on Jun Su.
Cheol Su
I thought it was an interesting decision to have this sort of personality next to Jun Su. Cheol Su is a puppy. Adorable in a very shallow and immature way. Weird to think he is older than Hyeon Seok.
When Jin Ju kicks this little puppy, he suddenly becomes a man.
Do Hui
“What game?”
“Feels like you are seeing all the ways I can reject you.”
She's a tough character but in the face of Jun Su's chivalrous naivete it's so great to see her get a bit melty. And because of his tight-lipped nature about his past she gets super curious.
I like that even though she wasn't originally a bitch she became just that much softer from knowing Jun Su.
Jin Ju
“I am someone who doesn't deserve a dream.”
Jun Su's new sister is very prickly and Jun Su does anything to keep her as non-aggressive as possible. While it made me sad to see him treated that way, his eagerness and diplomacy in maintaining the relationship makes me feel appeased.
Jin Ju is the bad guy for a while. She really is the only problem in the beginning of the drama. As the drama continues, we get to know more of her thoughts and I liked understanding her better.
I felt sorry for her. That she has lived such a sucky life but she is to blame. She just regrets her actions all the time. She is the opposite of Jun Su in every way, huh?
Jin Ju is really hard on herself.
The drama did such a good job of making her into a person.
It's really interesting to see how bitterly she carries her burden of the family and how she herself struggles to keep them together.
She is angry so often that it can be surprising when she shares her heart. And she really proves how much she loves Na Ri in an incredible way.
I thought it was hilarious that they gave her such a quirky love interest.
Ju Yeong
This girl has the most beautiful expressive face. I like her diverse sides. She's loyal to her mother, really cute and often nice, even though she is immature. There were some moments that I was only watching the drama just for her. She is amazing actress with a lot of range and I found her compelling to watch.
Hyeon Seok
“My oppa, even on a deserted island with three people, criminals and a woman. He would only know to chase the criminals.”
Despite his sister's words, Hyeon Seok knows how to kiss. Oh yes!
I liked that Hyeon Seuk had to find his own identity apart from his sister and he had to know what he stood for.
He becomes a very serious young man who doesn't like games. But he loves Na Ri still which is awesome.
And how great was it when Jun Su came back around that he started coming out of his shell.
I really like how Hyeon Seok can relax around Jun Su and really joke with him and share that special connection with his hyung. It's so amazing how the serious and immovable Hyeon Seok will listen to Jun Su. Because Jun Su is so non-judgmental. Always supporting. I love how he lets Hyeon Seok find himself and how he pays attention to what Hyeon Seok is really saying.
Hyeon Seok says about Jun Su - “My brother is the one person in the world that I envy the most.”
Na Ri
Gong. Na. Ri. The biggest feels. “Big oppa, although by saying these words, small oppa will be jealous. Big oppa, to me, you are my mother, my father and you are my soul.”
Boom. Redeemed. Jun Su gave his life for that girl.
Her chemistry with her oppa was amazing.
I did not have a lot of feeling for her but when they recapped her history with Jun Su, my heart broke all over again.
I loved that she didn't want to let him down.
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This is a family of contracts. They're crazy. The lengths they go to to figure out what each family member is thinking is hilarious.
No Ra
No Ra starts out so docile.
“You said you couldn't talk to me....And living with me was difficult, meaningless, and woeful for you. Then, if I become someone you can talk to, it should be fine. Am I wrong?”
I like that she's a good cook.
“Did she only cook all her life? Why does it taste so good?”
I like how the drama showed how Woo Chul felt suffocated by No Ra. And it's obvious their personalities don't really gel. Also, it was funny how she throws her husband's words back at him so innocently. The passive aggressiveness is epic.
No Ra is a bit of an odd duckling. Too calm and too polite and takes everything too seriously, I love it.
Hyun Suk - “Why do you keep saying sorry? It's not like you.”
No Ra - “Because you're being scary!”
I really liked how she just gave zero f*cks when it came to her husband and her son trying to bully her.
At first I struggled with the college kids treating her that way, but then I cam to understand it a bit more. The premise makes more sense in a Korean culture because the young folks have that literal language barrier that they won't feel comfortable speaking informally to an older woman. It took me a couple of episodes to realise that. But the legalistic culture also made the respect that developed between characters so worth it. I found so many little things cute how she calls the young men her senior.
Na Soon Nam
I loved this kid's relationship with No Ra. “Out of the producer I work part-time for, and my eternal Noona...who do you think I'd listen to?”
Romance
It's different to have the woman not so keen on the guy for quite a lot of the drama. Hyun Suk is a bit of second lead syndrome kind of guy, I loved him.
Min Soo
This kid doesn't like his mum. But I loved how outraged he was when he found out what had happened to her. That was when I first started liking him. He's not such a great actor though. But of course he and his mother are adorable.
“Where did you go, son? You should go clubbing. It's really fun.”
Hyun Suk
Most of the time I hate those plots of, “Oh, he's mean to her because he likes her” but Hyun Suk kind of pulls it off. He's so ridiculous.
“Why am I so immature?”
The way he looks at No Ra is gold.
I loved how the drama showed his interest without telling us.
You can see how he is still affected by her but can't figure it out. It's well done.
He's also got the best and greatest sad eyes. The way they drop down at the corners when he's hurt is so heart breaking. He has very expressive eyes. Lee Sang Yoon just has some of the best facial expressions.
One of the characters says in wonder about Cha Hyun Suk's feelings for No Ra, “He has that much affection for her?” Yes, yes he does.
Hyun Suk manipulates the situation nicely.
He has a female best friend. This is different.
Some Words of Wisdom from No Ra
“But I don't want to depend on Hyun Suk, or have him protect him. I'll never find myself that way.”
“Living my life by other people's standards...I won't live like that anymore. That's meaningless.”
Random Notes
Also weird how the Koreans like to click their fingers and say “O-kay.”
The funny thing about dramas is when a character is imagining another character doing something the actor portrays it so differently to how they actually portray their character. It's like seeing that person through the other actor's eyes. It's like character inception.
Random quote: “Seriously, who is that woman? How amazing is she that she started a multi-year divorce project?”
What is it with Korean dramas thinking that their actors speaking in English makes them cool?
Random quote: “I'm okay with becoming an adult real slow. I'd like to be 20 forever.”
Their silly bathhouses are always so hilarious.
Soundtrack
Pretty good! I actually liked quite a few tracks. Some of them are quite cheeky and others are beautifully French, nostalgic, sentimental and wistful.
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Hang Ah
“That means your military background includes training others for death by explosives.”
I'm sorry, by Ha Ji Won's acting...what the heck is she doing? Her baby voice is so argh.
No one does a rough woman like a Korean.
“It's been a long time since I assassinated using explosives.”
Hang Ah has the most perfect bad guy calm threatening tone that sends chills up your spine.
I love that she's a badass but can skip around in heels too. Talk about #useyourand. I love that she's girly.
I like that the men are rooting for Kim to take her place among them and she's the one that doesn't want to do it. She's not ambitious in the army and her comrades are wanting to push her forward.
I thought her mother in law would hate her for a long time, but she gets used to her pretty quick. The family's loyalty to her despite circumstances was awesome to see.
Hang Ah is not particularly fierce on the emotional front, but her rationale is pretty good. She's calm about her love and she has some common sense.
My favourite parts were when she was up against Jae Ha's enemy. She really knew how to handle herself.
“Don't misunderstand. I'm not alive now by luck. It's because I haven't chosen to die yet.”
Jae Ha
He's laidback and audacious, just like he is as a kid. The epitome of the younger brother king who wants to just fool around and leave the responsibility to the older brother. Oh my gosh, I usually hate brats like this guy but Lee Seung Gi is so comical he just pulls it off so hilariously.
Jae Ha is reckless but he's also terrified of Hang Ah.
I was really surprised to see how kind he was when Hang Ah was down. “Who was it? Who made our leader cry?”
“Jae Ha, a man calling himself cute at your age is pathetic.”
“But I am cute!”
Jae Ha's serious tone is brilliant. He smiles very casually but his intensity has so much personality. When he gets fierce in his calm way over Hang Ah, I really enjoyed it. His expression when he's trying to get a point across is compelling.
Romance
“You're afraid I'm going to jump you? I'm too scared to do that to a special forces agent.”
Jae Ha is really good at the little gestures. You gotta love that in a guy.
I couldn't see the pair of them working out until Jae Ha smiled at her and then I was sold that they should be together forever hahaha.
Once again, there's a great usage of showing intimacy without showing intimacy.
After the halfway mark the relationship takes on an interesting turn. It was nice to see the side of Jae Ha that wants to make it up to Hang Ah.
Eun Shi Kyung
He is the kind of character that the show will do cruel things to to show how manly and disciplined he is. Also, it is really awesome that a soldier has perfect pitch #useyourand.
It was interesting to see how hard he is when it comes to romance. Despite his obliging personality on his professional level he is really quite a hard nut to crack. Or maybe it's just his insecurities.
“I may be amusing to you now, but you'll grow tired of me.”
“I'm not that impulsive.”
“Don't toy around with me.”
Jae Shin
This actress is always so much fun. I loved seeing how brave she became.
Mother in law
She's great. Really great.
There's an Australian in this show hahahaha.
Soundtrack
I think I might like this rock and roll soundtrack
Strings tension track ooh yeah
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I was fanning myself over the talk about the duet.
I love it when film captures the smexiness of the piano. Not at lot of soundtrack, which is a good move so that the piano moments are really attention grabbing. Also, you know that Korean soundtracks can be cheesy, so best to keep it empty. Also, that moment when they introduce a riff and you know you're going to love it and it's going to mean a lot to you by the end of the drama.
I love the idea of falling in love with someone's music before the person themselves. Or how you can know a person so intimately just from hearing them play.
I liked the unexpected moments of intensity without the swooping slow motion or romantic riff. The actors don't need the music to portray the emotion.
At first, the age gap was difficult, but as the feelings and the characters became more entwined, it felt more and more natural. And the piano really was the winning factor. I can understand if anyone falls in love over a piano.
They really contrast Hye Won's calm steadiness with Sun Jae's girlfriend's teenage hysterics.
“When a woman reaches forty, dignity is the biggest charm.”
Hye Won
“I will take the filth. That's my specialty.”
I initially thought that she would trapped in a glitzy world due to her husband. But she's actually in the upper rich circles because she's a secretary to a rich family. Hye Won has classy sophistication.
This lady is competent and exciting.
“People who think this is my weakness...are so obvious. I'm not scared at all.”
“I'm only clumsy with you. Outside, I'm cunning beyond your imagination.”
She plays a dangerous game among the conglomerate family all hungry for what they want and wanting to use Hye Won to make it happen. Hye Won holds secret after secret from each family member.
Hye Won's acting is convincing every step of the way. I understood her.
The way she expressed her awkward love for Sun Jae was really subtle and tasteful and how the people around her could tell because she never says more than she has to and suddenly she's volunteering information about this student.
Sun Jae
“Yesterday, I just played what I heard.”
Oh, the smokin' metre just went up a notch. Musical prowess is so sexy.
“I gave everything to that Goddess.”
He's attracted to her mentoring, her approval, her mothering.
Poor Sun Jae, trying so hard to make a good impression when the rich couple comes to his house. It's comical. He treats Hye Won well, because he feels so inferior to her. You can see how dazzling he sees her. And she laps it up.
And the first time Sun Jae actually speaks his mind. And he is indeed a man. How nice.
“You just need to love me. You've got nothing to lose when clearly I love you more.”
Romance
I'm not sure if it was the way the romance was set out or was it purely the age gap/cultural gap that bothered me. But by episode 12 the relationship still wasn't making sense to me.
Someone said she didn't seduce him. But there are a few blurred lines because she's so fascinated with his music, she's hungry for it. And he just eats up the attention.
He's also never shared music with anyone, and to have her, the epitome of all that is graceful, elegant and powerful in the music world...oh the meaning
I'm not sure about Yoo Ah In's portrayal though. I'm not getting the chemistry.
At first, I understood Hye Won's passion for this musical genius. The youth, the freshness, the interpretation.
Throughout the show I had conflicting views on the relationship but by the end I was firmly in the camp of "does not compute".
Musical Moments
Ep. 6 The sweeping music in the shabby conditions is making an effect on me. That despite all this, this is really a beautiful moment.
Episode 7. I'm glad they made sure he was playing the right notes. I'm pitch perfect, I can tell.
Interesting to see how nothing shakes her but a few words from him and she's riled.
Episode 10. What's this piece again? Rachmaninoff Theme of of Paganini – love it.
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Wistful, storytelling, peaceful, weird sound cuts. It has a few Korean drama moments of surprise.
Woori is surprisingly fierce and determined to get what she wants. She's also no blushing idiot.
Well, she does become a bit of an idiot as the show goes on. But I like her face. She's so pretty!
I like that moment when Woo Young looks into her room and sees she's not in there. Captures a real human moment of looking at someone's area/possession and feeling that emptiness or that wondering of where they are.
Woori's new boy toy helps her out of every kind of scrape. He's doormat material until Woo Young challenges him. The male ego. So amusing to me.
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I was looking forward to this drama for the chemistry. Everyone always says Yoon Eun Hye can kiss. And let me tell you, she doesn't disappoint. Ah, she's great. She just takes the kid's gloves off the Kdrama. And she's so adorable.
I have so missed Yoon Eun Hye. Her personality is really entertaining. The girl is fierce and saucy. And how cute is she in hanbok!
The plot of course is just terrible and cringe worthy but the drama really caught my attention when Yoon Eun Hye's crying face came out. She's incredible at those moments.
Actually, the second half of the drama just had the right vibe of melodrama for me. I do hate the overused love triangle but I haven't seen it in a while so it felt nice to see again.
Gi Joon
I didn't find him particularly captivating to begin with. I did like his devotion to his brother.
People lose all their dignity when it comes to karaoke.
Who knew this guy would have such a playful and joking side to him?
Towards the second half, he really puts in a lot of effort in pursuing Ah Jeong.
Also, I don't think I get tired of father-boyfriend meet and greets. They crack me up.
Sang Hee
It was great to see Sung Joon relaxed and smiling so much.
Romance
Towards the end of watching Lie to Me, I was also watching a family drama. So the cheesy romantic moments really were great.
“If I go home, I would miss you more. I would be more tired if I miss you.”
Hooray for no slow-mo kiss!
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Listening to Cantonese in a drama...when the characters raised his voice I was suddenly taken back to Malaysia as if I was hearing it in the background while there. Haha.
The story telling is quite weird. Mui seems to be making up a boyfriend and then bang the boyfriend is introduced to the viewers. I guess I can see what people mean when the story is written as the drama is filmed. In Korean dramas, you meet all the important people in the first episode.
The personalities are really lacking.
The way they threw up some drama with the boyfriend being unreasonable about Bowie feels quite unnatural. And even her response to it is so Home and Away. Isn't that weird, that Cantonese dramas still fall into Western traps? But I think being exposed to Kdrama “moment” fests I have more tolerance for forced sweet moments between couples. But this CG is so crap. My eyes!
Is it weird that the brother in law is so creepily Cantonese and annoying? But with familiar mannerisms and familial arguments.
I like how the relationships developed and the girls got together to get what they wanted.
Cheung Tsai Po
I quite like his style of Cantonese. And his personality is so ridiculous.
Mui
She's pretty tough on herself. I do like that she's just killing the bad guys off like flies.
When she's crying in the bathroom and telling herself off. “Why are you crying? He's the one who did wrong, not you.” I was impressed.
Of course I have to be nitpicky first thing when comparing a show to Kdramas. The sisterly moments feel quite meaningless. But that was a pretty great moment when her sister beats up the husband.
I don't know what the characters in this drama are really feeling. Did Mui really love her boyfriend? If she did, a Korean drama would've told me. She's resilient.
I eventually grew to like Mui's cheeky brash and somewhat cheeky personality.
And when it comes to warfare, she's pretty awesome.
Romance
The secondary romance was much more fun and smexy than Mui's. Her's was just awkward.
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