When Reality Hits You In The Face

This drama is a breath of fresh air after watching one rom-com after another. Believe it or not, I have no regrets watching all of them so far. I have enjoyed them to the fullest. But Search WWW is a whole new level of fresh!

Search WWW's world is kind of the world I live in right now. I worked for a digital company for eight years. I love that this drama speaks my language. I can completely follow without a hitch. What I have enjoyed most of all is the dialogue between our ML, Park Morgan(Jang Ki Yong), and FL, Tammy(Im Soo Jung). I am not familiar with their previous works since it was my first drama that stars both actors. I must say, Im Soo Jung did Bae Ta Mi’s character justice. Without having to try harder at all, I cannot help but swoon to Park Morgan's character and wit. Now that’s what I am talking about! He is not a smooth talker but I wish guys speak to me that way. It is just a whole new level of seductive and flirtatious. You might find me weird but when a guy talks like him, it's super hot and sexy to me. Whew! It’s getting hot in here!

It's so cute when Park Morgan gets riled up simply because he can’t reach Bae Ta Mi over the phone or won't respond to his text messages. I like his visuals when he gets all huffed out like this. Swoon!
But one thing strikes me the most, and I must say I could have watched this series some other time but talk about excellent timing. With the vibe, emotions, and whirlwind of feelings, I feel right now, the writer is so on point about making choices in life, blame, and taking responsibility altogether.

The metaphor about the whole fish tank situation is damn hilarious to me. Hey, let me know if others feel the same way and understand the humor in this. I am curious.

I can’t help but laugh with how this drama creates metaphors out of the following: designer bags, amusement parks, and fish tank.

People insist on buying designer bags. Why? Because when you have a lot, you tend to hide it. And when you have little, flaunt it. The world is what it is because of the contributors which were “us”. There are norms in society that may not be ideal but the world is as it is now. If you can’t fight it, then compromise...hard truth.

But hey, I didn’t read any spoilers or even look at the entire cast so I was surprised when on Episode 7, an unexpected actor cameoed! And no other than Lee Dong Wook! But spoiler alert, what came into my mind was “Girl, what were you thinking? Not saying yes to this hottie?” hahaha haha apologies to our ML lead but LDW came first. Sorry :)

It’s as if the writer read my thoughts. Like Park Morgan, great happiness always seems to get punished and the thought that someone or something could just take it away from you any time scares me.

A little part of me doesn’t believe that people can’t change, because they can. People adapt to a lot of situations to survive. But it isn’t the case for our main characters in this show. It hurts for Park Morgan to realize that she will never change and what hurts the most is she speaks the truth. It's a situation that even love isn’t enough for the relationship to survive. Although people nowadays perceive marriage as merely a piece of paper and for security and protection. What is ironic is the very basis of marriage is what the LGBTQ community is fighting so hard for. In certain situations, in case of emergencies for example, who has the right to make the critical decision is the legitimate guardian — wife or husband. In its absence, it would be the decision of your immediate family.

I have to admire Bae Ta Mi standing by her beliefs and principles. She knows what she wants in life and she knows who she is. Even love couldn’t make her waiver and give in to marriage. That is rare these days. She is pretty much grounded.

“I don’t have time for this right now. But you make me want to make time for you.” Talk about punch lines and I tell you it wasn’t said by a man but by a woman who knows what she wants, afraid to want it but never afraid to admit it.

This drama is a must-watch!

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Everyone Deserves A Slice of Happiness

I was so not over The King Eternal Monarch that I want to find another tv series that would be at par with it. Gladly, after reading some reviews and since I love IU and Lee Joon Gi for that matter, I decided to start on this series and embark on an adventure down to the time of Goryeo dynasty. I wasn’t disappointed. I easily breezed through all 20 episodes.

This is another fantasy and historical tv series. Although the story is fictional, but the historical data were there. The show started with a scene from present times, our female lead, after saving a boy from drowning , found herself in the body of Lady Hae Soo (Lee Ji Eun or simply IU) because of a lunar eclipse. Set in the times of Goryeo Dynasty, Hae Soo have to accept the life she now has. Not a bad life at all considering she finds herself surrounded by handsome princes. One of which is married (8th Prince Wang Wook) to her cousin of where she is staying at the moment. She found herself mixed with the lives of each of these princes. She became a sister, a friend, a lover to each of these princes thus complicating their lives in the process. The plot and storyline is superb and intriguing. Deep, inner emotions are indeed lethal if bottled up. The choices we make in life eventually drives the wheel.

THE THRONE
FACT: This drama shows the succession of the throne from King Taejo, Hyejong, Jeongjong and Gwangjong). Makes you scared and lonely. It is indeed a lonely seat. Always the throne. Hard to get and harder to protect. Biggest question and where this show somehow revolve in: If you only have to choose? The heart or the throne?

MAIN CHARACTERS
I am still amazed of the undeniable chemistry of our two lead actors, IU and Lee Jong Gi. I watched their behind the scenes and I cannot believe that they could just laugh it off after a very intense and heart breaking scene. There is absolutely a switch whenever the director says “cut”. They automatically transforms to all goofiness, frown and tears wiped out.

(Who played Wang So) Lee Joon Gi’s spectrum is so versatile . He can smile and be sinister at the same time ... cry and laugh …the makings of a true and powerful king. He definitely have the skill for this role including the action and sword scenes since he does his own stunt!

IU or should I say, (Lee Ji Eun) since this is a historical drama and the director wants her to use her real name in the credits truly is adorable in this drama. I cannot get over the fact that she seems fragile at the same time strong enough and adorable enough to win the hearts of all princes, the crown prince included. Be it a friend, a confidant, a “doctor”, advisor and of course, lover to Wang So. I was really rooting for them and I wish that Hae Soo was just decisive on how she felt and have the courage to say it to the King. I wish they could just hug this out and just have a day of where they’ll just focus on their love for each other even for a day. But as reality hits them, a life of a king during the Goryeo times is but a lonely throne. Why does a king always need to sacrifice so much including his heart and things he lived for in order to protect the throne?

TURNING POINT
When she paved the way to take off his mask... when she looked at him in a different way and not just “pity”.
She look at him way beyond the obvious and the face , she saw a good person underneath.

EMOTIONS
Sometimes these Korean writers are so cruel. Can’t help but feel frustrated all emotions hit me from nowhere. Why can’t they just be true to themselves and be vulnerable at the same time .. He could have let her know that he is still watching from a distance . Is it destiny? Is it simply their fate?

Overall, I recommend people watch this(if you haven’t considering this was released 2016). Don’t get frustrated(like me, though). Just enjoy their journey together and focus on the happy times and sweet moments.

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Not For The Faint-Hearted

I know I can take this much gore and blood but this drama is a whole new level! I was about to drop this drama after watching the first two episodes. The topics and focus were too intense and I thought "Oh, is this even allowed and shown in SK" But then again it was shown on Netflix!
Anyway, I decided to continue watching. Five episodes in...I said to myself, "If all this happened to a person...wow! I have to say what bravery and resilience!
As my headline said, not for the faint-hearted so you've been warned viewers.

About the ending, I was like "ok" ...it could have been a little more satisfying....

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You Shouldn't Be Alone When You Are Hurting

"As long as the phone never stops ringing, the taxi will be in service"
And as long as this drama will continue on Season 3, I will not stop watching.

Just the right amount of action, witty planning, a hint of comedy, and a side romance...I like this type of drama. Plus, I like how they seamlessly end Season 2. Some of the downsides of Korean dramas are their endings. Sometimes, endings hurt the overall ratings of Korean dramas but I'm happy to say, this drama is an exception to the rule.

I keep on laughing at the many faces of Kim Do Gi, it's one of the highlights of this drama. Awesome cast, and a great storyline for me ( all cases and situations) and the rapport of the cast. And I must mention all the great actors and actresses who made a guest appearance on the show...love it!

I will be looking forward to Season 3. Please come early!

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Is there a way that two people can just love each other all their lives and not end up in marriage?

Have you ever met somebody you are drawn to for no reason at all? As they say, there is someone in this world destined to be our partner in a lifetime..in another lifetime or the other.

Do you think past lives are real? Stuck in the nightmare of their past, two people who remembered their past lives because of an accident 27 years ago again met in the present time. Fate or destiny is something Korean culture is obsessed with or perhaps its not only them but every person in this world. The idea that somewhere in the world, there is somebody meant for each of us.

Genre-wise it's a refreshing breath of fresh air from the usual rom-com and relationship-dramas genre. As it touches on opinions about marriage, family, staying single but wanting to have kids which I believe raises a lot of eyebrows in Korean society.

Part of the plot is challenging the ever imminent Korean culture and stand on marriage. Our FL Hyun Joo (Hwang Jun Eum) here totally challenges that. From the very beginning, she announced that she wants to stay married to herself. Our ML Ji Woo (played by Yoon Hyun Min) on the other hand, married our female lead in all three past lives and yet all 3 ended up in a tragedy.

If the antagonist in a story stirred emotions like anger and distraught, she/he must be effective in that role just like the villain here in the story. This is how I feel about Seon Hee in the first parts of the series.

The story is funny at one point, especially the bromance. The romance and kisses were sweet but legit. Hyun Min definitely knows how to kiss!

There are slow moments in the story to the point that I abhor impatience towards Ji Woo. I was screaming and wishing he would spring into action to build suspense and thrill to the whole episode. Luckily, I didn’t give up and continued watching. You should too.

Also, there are some episodes with epilogues, so try to stay until the end per episode so as not to miss out on them.

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One moment of patience may ward off a great disaster

How the plot came to be, seems a bit tepid for my taste. I was looking for that climax to build up anytime soon but somehow never seems to exist and entice for the past 12 episodes. If not for Kim Young Kwang, who plays Do Min Ik, this would still be on my "plan to watch" list. I saw him on "I Live Alone" recent episode so I become curious. Plus, I saw that the other female role, the original Veronica Park was played by Kim Jae Kyung. She was Sung Hoon's female partner in the drama Noble, My Love.

Fortunately, I didn't give up on this drama as there were some interesting moments. So better watch out for those. For one, I didn’t realize that hand washing couldn't get any sexier than episode 23. Thank you for Episode 8 too where it suddenly became funny.

On the downside, I didn't like that the story focused more on their love story. I didn't get to experience the intriguing life of a media director, as was Young Kwang's role is in this drama. For a media director of a mobile company, apart from the stockholder’s meeting and preparation, I don’t seem to see actual work from him. I guess the writer placed much emphasis on his disease, prosopagnosia, and the complications that go with it in daily life. I would have loved to see a man in action. As the saying goes, no matter what profession a man is, a working man tends to be sexier.

At the very beginning, I began to be skeptical about the whole red cardigan thing. So I would just assume that she washes it every day and placed in the dryer right?

Although a lot of their conversation lacks humor and wit thus redeeming to be a bit boring and dragging, there were a couple of statements that catch my attention. Don’t neglect what you have hanging up on something you have lost. — wow! its as if something just hit me with a hammer. Another one would be: "Loving someone shouldn't mean having to give up on something or someone. Be it a dream or a person."

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When It’s Fate..its Fate

Part 1 of "My Dearest" was undeniably a masterpiece, setting a high standard that Part 2 had to live up to. While I was glad to see the continuation, my expectations were naturally elevated.

Throughout the episodes of Part 2, I remained optimistic. Despite any shortcomings in the storyline, witnessing the journey of our main characters, the ML and FL, reminded me to cherish the moments of joy they shared. It's a valuable lesson—to focus on the positives amidst the challenges.

Admittedly, there were moments in the drama that seemed far-fetched, where our leads couldn't catch a break. However, I choose to interpret it as the writer's portrayal of fate prevailing against all odds.

Namkoong Min's exceptional acting, worthy of the Baeksang Award, undoubtedly salvaged some of the shortcomings of Part 2. While some may dismiss this drama as a waste of time, it still had its fair share of heart-fluttering moments and comedic scenes, making it a worthwhile watch in my eyes.

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Rugal Means Having Many Folds

Despite the not-so-good feedback and review from MDL, I ignored them and went ahead and watched the drama. To see is to believe right?
The story for me was so promising. Or so I thought. Apart from liking the lead actor, I had high expectations of the whole premise of the story. This has a Hollywood action vibe. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. Too many fillers, and just when the story is starting to build the momentum I needed and was looking for...it goes back to too much talking and less action.
One good thing though, I am fine with the ending but it was ruined by the long flashbacks towards the end too.
If you have tons of time to kill, yes go ahead and watch this drama.

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I Opened the Pandora's Box...Chaotic

I was initially intrigued as I somehow enjoyed The Penthouse and love revenge dramas. Little have I known that I would be wasting my precious time watching this. In the middle episodes, I started questioning why I watched this drama. Oh yes because of Lee Sang Yoon.
I knew that I have to stop this nonsense but alas! I kept on watching said drama until the very end. The last episodes were chaotic and unrealistic. I mean what? I have been warned by a few reviews on this drama but I didn't listen.

If you have time to waste, then go ahead and be my guest and watched this drama.

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Hoping for Reincarnation to Be Real

"If life gets a bit tough, just think and hold on to a happy memory. Life must move on. "

This drama might as well be an arrow to the heart for someone who badly needs someone to be reincarnated right now. The drama's premise is quite a homerun and a heartbreaker at that.

I have high hopes for this drama and was hesitant to watch it as its title implies, see you in my 19th life. I have recently lost my husband of 22 years and I am in a disposition that I desperately wish that everything that was happening to Seo Ha will happen to me too. It was funny for me for the first few episodes as I keep on seeing Shin Hye Sun's character in Mr. Queen. It's like the first few episodes have this Mr. Queen vibe.

Towards the last episodes, I just felt that the drama lacks something....like I thought the story is going to reach its highest heights with an impressive and striking impact. I watched Episode 12 without experiencing that.

Nevertheless, some of the lines in the drama left a great memory for me, and Ahn Bo Yun's smile and mesmerizing eyes are the reasons why I keep on and enjoyed the drama till the end.

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Refreshingly Heartbreaking

I know my headline doesn't make sense at all. But for me it does. The story was refreshingly good because I didn't expect the plot twist at all! I thought it was a typical boy-crush-bestfriend-fighting -a for-a-boy type of story. It was heartbreaking but one way or another one has to experience heartache in one lifetime.
I have to warn the viewers that this movie is a tear-jerker and has its moments as far as cinematography is concerned as the movie's time plot headed to the 20th century. As someone who recently experienced a great loss, I broke down in the end. Although I was hopeful that just like in the movie, after 15 years, the aching and the heartbreak from a loss would get better over time. It doesn't go away. That gaping hole will forever be in the heart of the one who was left behind.
The story was good, and the movie left a certain feel-good emotion after. So I have to recommend this movie.

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Revenge Drama Gone in A Wrong Way

And here I thought that most revenge dramas would be thrilling and suspenseful. I was wrong! I felt from the first episode, this drama has potential and all. I slept through episodes 9 to 11. I woke up to the last episode. I just thought that is everyone in SK being bullied in senior year? Is this how it is in this country? And why aren't people reporting all these to the police? Is the police force not trustworthy?
Not to mention, multiple personality disorder? Although I didn't expect another plot twist by introducing BL in the story. Although I have a pretty strong hunch that there is something of that nature along with the mystery of what Gi Oh Sung saw knew that happened in that room.
By far, the lowest rating I have given to a Korean drama that I have watched and reviewed. This drama was okay but I'm sure not the worst.

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Binged-Watch Worthy Drama

I watched this drama because of 2 things...hana (first in English) Kim Rae Won and dul (second) I have always been a fan of the American series 9-1-1.
I love how they give this series the "South Korean touch", meaning just the right amount of drama, romance (can you feel it?), and heart. I like how each main character was given a backstory that doesn't make the whole series hard to follow. One of the best scripts so far. And the way the story plays out and transitions to how things go and ends.
But one thing I can't stand? How could they end it like that? I mean...the cliffhanger ending is killing me right now!
Nevertheless, a must-watch Korean drama.

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Marriage is a live broadcast. There is no rehearsal where you can practice.

I am a fan of Song Ji Hyo but this is the first drama I watched in a major role. The first one was Goong or The Princess Hours but it was a minor role and I hardly recognize that it was her. ( I am a newbie die-hard fan of RM, forgive me). Anyway, I enjoyed it but I couldn't help but utter my sadness that Gook Chun Soo didn't have the courage to see through what it would be like if he forms a relationship with Oh Jin Hee.

Anyway, I compiled a fun fact and amazing discoveries regarding the drama as a side review.

1. Hate the mother-in-law as usual and played by no other than Lee Min Ho’s stepmother in The Heirs. She was annoying then, she is still annoying now even if this drama was aired in 2014.
2. Oh Chang Min (Choi Jin Hyuk, played Lee Min Ho's older half-brother) and Park Joon Geum starred in the same drama The Heirs (she played Lee Min Ho's so-called mother) and this time the same actress played Chang Min's mother.
3. Gary’s cameo appearance. I doubt if it was even scripted. All were adlibs and so funny. Monday couple is the best! This was mentioned in one of Running Man's episodes as well.
4. Chang Min guested in Running Man October 2013 with Kim Woo BIn and Park Shin Hye promoting The Heirs and three months after he and Song Ji Hyo shoot this drama, Emergency Couple.
5. In one of the scenes as Park Joon Geum and her sisters were in a spa, she mentioned Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo Bin as guys who can replace her husband after the divorce. Another adlib I think. What a pun and funny too.

This drama is a fun drama to watch. You should give it a chance somehow.

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Love is difficult no matter what the era

Love is difficult no matter what the era. I will give up on her in my next life. Let me save her in this one. These are but a few lines from this drama that pierced my heart to bits. Love makes us move. Love endures. Love prevails.

The opening first episode had me intrigued and hooked! I love the sentiment in this drama. And I am a firm believer in Carpe Diem. The OST has that certain romantic vibe of the old times as well.

They live during very dangerous times a certain romantic vibe can be felt everywhere. It's nostalgic. During that Joseon era, every slice of happiness is like a gift. I could feel the atmosphere during the Joseon Youth Alliance movement. Is it because both of our male leads have that certain old aura in them? Both are perfect for this drama. I came to know Yoo In Ah when he guested in the variety show, I Live Alone. His personality is a bit the same as the introvert aspect of his personality as a writer. Writing with his abs and selling his books with his looks.

Every aspect of this drama is near to perfection. The production team even took a particular detail in terms of fashion and style of all characters. Even the interior design of their houses was spot on. The only downside is how they portray a ghost could be. When he turned into a dog and went to the shop of the female lead. When he transformed into a human, the dog can no longer be seen. I thought he could only possess animals not completely transform into one. The dog should still be there and Ha IN should still be holding its leash. Bloopers or simply overlooked?

Nevertheless, I get and understand now why this drama reaped several awards. It is deserving of the awards. And this drama deserves a nine rating in MDL.

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