bmt

Of Office Politics and Love

I just finished this drama. The 12 episodes are just enough to capture what's going on in Haemu - the office politics, your average employees, strict boss and even a love story. The pacing of the story, how they end each episode kept me waiting for the next and see how Haemu's story and also the characters' story transform.

Thank you for casting Shin Hae Sun and Gong Myung who had delivered their parts very well. The focus on the leads gave us a closer look at how relationships in the office and outside of it transformed. Shin Hae Sun gave us that confident boss who had a facade of one that cannot be brought down. In-Ah's reputation had preceded her, so many of her subordinates had been tiptoeing around her. She can be ruthless but reasonable. She learned what teamwork means later and became their 'fortress' later when she learned what work means to them. I think this is quite a transformation for In-Ah, especially when she fell in love with Ki-Jun. Ki-Jun's perspective had made her re-think her choices and learned to let in other people into her life.

Ki-Jun may be a very by-the-books guy when it comes to his work. He felt he should be promoted but when transferred to another team felt demoted. He did not see what In-Ah saw. Instead of investigating outside, his role becomes important to cleaning house. Ki-Jun can be idealistic, but that what sets him apart from the rest of the Audit Department - he wants to make things right even if it cost him his own job.

The VP may look like leaning only on the influence his wife has but eventually learned to stand on his own principles to help the employees of Haemu. Sometimes we need the upper management to look into the concerns of the people and not just making money which his half-brother is only after. His EA may have misplaced allegiance, but later on suffered the consequences of her choices. I like that the characters are not unforgiving, that they learned to accept their mistakes and later on knew when to reach out and be of help to others.

I love Team Three - how they worked well together, supporting each other like a family. I think this is what transformed In-Ah to care for them. Though Team Three is not excellent when it comes to work, their care for each other is what made them work together and later on support In-Ah.

The other supporting actors did well to create this drama meaningful. I am glad this drama ended in a positive note.

Read More

So Many Life Lessons- of Perseverance, of Teamwork and Love

What drew me to watch this is Yoon Kye Sang since I have watched Chocolate a few months ago. I don't usually watch kdrama, as I would still need subtitles. But this one is such a gem.

What do I like about the drama?
I should say this drama is promising, a lot of characters which will make you wonder how they will interact and figure out their challenges. It is full of life lessons - how to overcome failure, to rise above opposition, to stand your ground and live with principles. There are many types of sports featured in this drama. But what makes rugby different in this story, is that it needs a good relationship between the coach and the players as well as player to player. It is a team sports, unlike the other sports featured were more on solo victories.
I like how the characters of the young men evolved and how the coach inspired them. The actors have given life to the character - either you will love them or hate them, depending upon which side they are. Ju Garam is an inspiring coach, though his past was colored. He truly loved rugby and these boys. These men showed how to fight, how to love and play. As Garam said, "We are to unite 7 hearts to play as one." and they did. The turnaround of the Hanyang Rugby team is really a miracle, to get the gold in the Nationals. I love those rugby boys, they acted so natural, and they had great chemistry even with the adult actors.
In every drama, there are antagonists also. If you get so pissed off with the VP and the Head Coach for shooting, it means their acting is very good. However, I don't know if high school is really this political.
In the end, the good come out victorious and the bad gets bad karma.
The best life lesson I got is this - YOUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU. Anyone can make a turnaround as you put your mind to it. No one is too old to make new life choices or change in their career.
We need more inspiring stories like this - even teaching parents to help their children find their path and not impose their own. Kudos to the whole production team - cast and crew. Can we have a season 2 of this please? So many stories can evolve from this one - the new Hanyang Rugby Team, where does Coach Garam go after this, what happened to those who graduated and perhaps a grand high school reunion?

Read More

Chaotic Mission

I had put off this drama for quite some time but decided to watch it when I learned that Seo Kang Joon and Jin Ki Joo are the leads. I am not into high school stories, but having an investigative story appealed to me.

What I love about this?
1. The Actors - Kang Joon and Ki Joo. Both have already done many dramas and they deliver. At first, I thought there was no romance angle, especially Kang Joon coming in as a high school student. Kang Joon's visuals, action scenes and comedic parts are all on point. Jin Ki Joo is so cute, they truly complement each other. Kang Joon as Hae Seong the agent showed that he is good at his work, though he had a mishap. Jin Ki Joo as Oh Su Ah is passionate, though out of touch of the condition of her students. Their encounter with each other had taught them to trust each other and work together.
2. The supporting actors -
a. The villains - Kim Shin Rok did great in being controlling and later showing insanity over her greed.
b. The NIS agents - I love them, their banters are so funny. I like that Hae Seong finds a 'father figure' in An Seok Ho as he has no father at a very young age.
c. The students - they may be vying for honors, or rich kids, but they are still kids at heart. And I love how they reacted when they learned that Hae Seong and Oh Su Ah are dating. Dong Min found a friend in Hae Seong.
3. The Story - I like that it is fast-paced, giving us a background first of Hae Seong before diving into his new mission. Despite of the NIS head being a bad guy, they tried to uncover the truth. There are other side stories which I am glad had not been dragged throughout the series. But they have been some elements that revealed more of the characters of the other students and the manipulation of the Chairwoman.

I don't know if we need a Season 2 for this, as he has already exposed himself. To have a spin off perhaps - where would Hae Seong and Su Ah when they get married? Would there be new assignments which can complicate their marriage? Let us see if anyone thought of a second season or a spin off.

And congratulations to Seo Kang Joon for winning the Daesang and the Undercover High School Team for taking the Best Picture Award in the recent MBC Drama awards night! You guys rock!

Read More

Love and Law

I heard so much positive feedback about this drama that made me watch it. Each episode is packed with cases that are quite difficult to handle, yet the Litigation team have handled them with much hard work and teamwork. As we see the ending, I anticipate a Season 2 for this - how will the restructed Yullim look like and what will happen for the rest of the corrupt ones.
What made me continue to watch is to see how the story of Seok Hoon and Hyo-min unfold, why they think that way and their interaction with one another.
I see why the title is Beyond the Bar - because it challenged their moral and ethical principles as well as how they view life in general. It shows humanity, mercy and love even in the hardest of cases they faced. There is compassion even when the sentence was pronounced.
The Actors
Lee Jin-Wook's demeanor is just right for the role of no-nonsense mentor. However, we also see a soft side of the character as he listens to the reasonings of his juniors and perhaps really a good reader of people. We see him transitioned for being 'all work' to enjoying his team, not just giving advise but also receiving.
I saw Jung Chae-Yeon in Family by Choice, and she looks so young there when in fact it was just last year. Here, she portrays a much older character, a genius, yet had some issues which only unfolded as the series progressed. Hyo-min is a breath of fresh air for the team and much more for Seok-Yoon who seem to be so stiff - as his teammates say their team is dry.
It is also good to see side stories of the other lawyers, both the good and the bad and how we all desire the good to win.
The 2nd lead lawyers' story added to the dynamics of love and law. In the end, love wins.
Should I rewatch it?
Perhaps after 6 months, when my brain cells can keep up with the terminologies... just kidding.
Overall, I rate this an 8.5, and wish that the Lead's story will continue to Season 2? Please season 2 soon.

Read More

Another Sageuk Soul Swapping

When I said this another Sageuk soul swapping, am referring to many others that has same theme - like Mr. Queen and Moon River. Another common theme is the manipulation of the king by someone he trusted and is greedy for power.
But makes this drama interesting? - perhaps the transformations of several characters in this drama as:
1. The mad king in the end listened and stepped down. It was a long journey. I should say, Ha Seok Jin played it well.
2. Eun Jo - was a petty thief helping out the poor but later on helping the grand prince to bring peace.
3. Yeol - just a prince who tried not to get in the way of the king to save himself. In a way, his transformation came when he met Eun Jo.
4. Jae In -crossing path with Eun Jo made him reflect his own lowlife yet chose to do what is right though going against his father's ways. I think he has the most transformation from being an antagonist to someone who chose to protect a woman whom he knows has her heart set on someone else.

There are very good dialogs in this drama showing how much the people can reflect on with regards to power, responsibility, equity, justice and love.
Good thing there are not much soul swapping happening as in Moon River. And both leads' characters do not have a stark difference yet recognizable when they switch.

I love the allies of the grand prince. They don't blindly follow, and perhaps they were like that because the grand prince isn't using his power to manipulate or control people. I love that Eun Jo has a lot of people sympathetic to her because they had received so much from her.

The near-death experiences kept us hooked to watch the next episode. And I am glad the main leads lived.

Read More

Justice Never Sleeps

I kind of started this drama a bit late, so I binge watched it for a few days. And like any drama, there is always an element of going back and forth from the past to present, revealing little by little the characters.
It is nice to see how they were able to have the old bulky monitors and the old flip phones with antenna. Those are very nostalgic. However, some elements of the set are not really 100% true to the period, but who cares, the story itself is cohesive.

The office politics, the slush funds and even family grip to a corporation can still be present in our times today. However, since the period is in 1998, intel is not yet that fast. I was a bit disappointed that President Kang suddenly died in episode 1 and we only see him in flashbacks in other episodes. We didn't get to see his past beyond presidency, but in a way opened to a key for Miss Hong.

As much as Park Shin Hye delivered well with the character of a lion hidden behind a 20 newbie at work, I love the character played by Ha Yoon Kyung. I love how Bok Hui transformed from the antagonist to a fierce partner in crime for Hong Geum Bo. she may be a thief, but she learned later how to empathize and care for others when she received care from Geum Bo/Jang Mi.

Up to the end, we are at the edge of our seats as we wait for Nora to make her decision who is the swing vote. I am glad that the Yuiedo Pirates won and that those who had stolen and killed due to their greed were punished. I am glad that Mr. Bang finally came forward that help seal the case.

I should say each actor/actress gave their best performance. Those who are evil, you would want them caught and punished, while the underdogs, you want them to succeed. Even little Bom is really a spring to all of them. And Ms. Hong's parents are not to be underestimated. Though we are not acting, it seems we are in the story itself, trying to figure out Miss Hong's next step. We only see a glimpse of past love, but as the undercover work is the center, we don't see them getting back. Nine years apart without trying to understand each other would need some time to heal. I like what Miss Hong's boss told Mr. Shin, that perhaps he still sees her as the girl he knew 9 years ago. It is an eye opener for Mr. Shin to not judge Miss Hong of her present actions based on their past.

The end of this drama may hint a second season. And who knows if Geum Bo and Jeong U still meet perhaps after 2 years?

Read More

How Far would You Believe the Truth?

This drama dove deeper into the lives of celebrities that may be a reality check also for fans. Many celebrities in Korea do face much pressure with just a small rumor. And this drama showed an extreme situation - La Ik being caught in a murder case.
And how far you will go as a fan? - Would you turn away from him no matter what? Would you not seek the truth? Would you only love him because he looks good and sings well?

And it is good that La Ik has one fan who does not believe in the lie. She went out of her way to defend him without revealing herself as a fan. She believed in his innocence and tried everything in her power to find the truth. It isn't what the majority she believed, she just believed in him.

The story went well, though there are parts which I think could have been presented earlier - like the checking of the cloud message of Woo Seong's phone. From the start they knew they cannot find the phone, and of all people, La Ik knew that he records everything and sync in the cloud. Was he too shocked or sorrowful that can't even think what he needs to do to get himself out of that trouble? Was it deliberately placed at Episode 11 so that the drama be longer?

I find this missing - their manager and producer failed to help him. Do they just use them for their own success? Is this reality now? I remember watching Sh**ting Stars where a public relations team help build and protect the image of their clients. Somewhat the drama has loopholes when it comes to protecting their stars. This goes to show the need for a strong trust between the managers and their stars.

This drama has redeeming factors:
1. Atty Kwak learned to stand on the truth and not just go with the flow with his father. In the end, he was able to find the real criminal.
2. La Ik learned to trust Se Na
3. And with the help of Chung Jae, Se Na's friend, they were able to gather evidence. I like this character, that though he knows Se Na loves La Ik, he did not stop supporting her. He is very grateful to her, for helping him out from his own troubles in the past.
4. Se Na finally pursuing the retrial of her father's case. Though it may look late, this character has been consistent in finding the truth.

Read More

RISING ABOVE LIFE'S CHALLENGES with those who believe in you.

This is a story of not just Mok-ha but also of Ki-ho's survival and how they rose above their difficult situation.
Though Mok-ha's survival is miraculous and much more the way she was discovered by the very people she once knew, it gives us hope that anyone can rise above life's challenges.

The Story:
The story may have started with heartaches as the two leads tried to survive abuses. It gave us a picture already of their background from the start unlike other dramas that start in the present and go back and forth with their past. I think many Korean dramas run this way, highlighting only a little of the past to connect with the present.
It is amazing how Mok-ha was able to get to the island alive without knowing how to swim. That is something, we can say as a miracle in order for her to reach her dream.
I like the development of the story; it was not slow nor too fast. It walked us through the story of each of the character and given us the answers little by little without making us itch to get it to the bottom of it. However, the time span was not that clear to me from the time that Mok-ha was found till she became a superstar. We can only infer that eventually, as they became tenacious and strong in the middle of intrigues and threats, each of the Lee family and Mok-ha achieved their goals with much love, peace and joy. For me, the story is full of love which is expressed in different ways.

The Actors and their characters:
1. Park Eun Bin - Many say that she is overacting in this drama. Perhaps we need to analyze why she acted that way. First off, she left her town when she was just 16 and grew up only with her abusive dad. Then lived for 15 years in an island alone. So, perhaps she did not grow up with any guidance how to be a lady but merely trying to survive. She didn't know how to interact with people her age and with the changing society.
2. Jong Hyeon as Bo Geol /Ki-Ho - I like the calmness of the adult Ki-ho, just like the younger version, despite of the abuses he received from his dad. At first, He isn't cold, he is just trying to protect himself and his family.
3. Hak Hyeon as Woo Hak - I wondered at first why he is trying to figure out if he is Ki-ho. The character is compassionate and one who doesn't want to break the law.
4. Ki-ho's dad - I did fear for Ki-ho's life and his family by the way this character behaved. and I think we live in a world that there are still people like this who treat their family like possessions.

The Music
I think this is the first time I would comment on a Korean drama OST. I love the songs and was surprised how beautiful Eun Bin's voice is. The songs are beautifully written, and the music is great. And each song tells a life story- of hope and love.

Will I rewatch it? I might perhaps after a year but will skip the violence.
My overall rating it an 8.

Read More

Loving yourself

Each time I watch a movie or a drama series, I try to look into some kind of value.
To some it is just light and cutie, and of course, it is a teen story. It is about first love. It is about all the insecurities that goes with growing up as a teen.
The FL is cute even with her Freezy hair, and just what Yun-Seok said, he likes her the way she is. I believe that there are plenty of adults who are still insecure in the way they look - hair, height, weight, complexion and many other things. The girl who tries to catch someone else's attention by changing herself eventually fall for someone else.
I only watched this to take a break from the other series that require much energy to process. Sometimes we need this kind of a break. And it is good that it ended in a happy note.

Read More

Joy and Love in Chocolates

It is an interesting story revolving around chocolate and its power over people's lives. I like that the episodes are named according to a certain chocolate product.

I like how the transformation of the two leads, how they learned to get over their individual struggles and found love in the end. I am a sucker for love stories and so much also with chocolates.

I think the 8 episodes are enough and won't need a 2nd season.
All the actors did very good. I can feel the anxiety of the two leads as they are faced to do what is not common to them. I can feel the love and the joy as Hana makes her chocolate. I can feel the love of the Le Saveur team and had not discriminated Hana. I also like that both Sosuke and Hana went personally to different partners and because they had done it, they had their support. This goes to show that even in business, the care for partners is essential. It is not always about money, but the value we give to the people we work with and the people we offer our products to, is far more significant and impactful. I hope others see this value in this drama.

The sceneries are lovely. I was hoping that they made the running Leads from the wedding the ending. It seems anti-climactic to end the Anonymous Circle with a special guest.

Read More

Unscripted and Raw Emotions

I was expecting to have the same cast for Season 2. However, I think mixing new members bring in different dynamics into the show. I am not really familiar with Ji Yeon as I haven't seen her dramas. I like her positivity and energy, not afraid to handle any sea creatures, though the first challenge had left her seasick.
I am pleasantly surprised with Jae Wook. This young man can survive in the wild, he does what he needs to do, being the only man in the team. Though Ji Yeon been teasing him, he remains respectful and kind.
The ever-dependable older sisters Jung-Ah and Jun-Myung did what they are good at and guided the younger siblings well.

Am a bit emotional at the end, seeing how they celebrated Jae Wook's birthday on their last day. They had 2 birthdays this season and as they had given messages to the birthday celebrants -Jun-Myung and Jae Wook, it was heartfelt.

I love this variety show as it shows their true self, unscripted, with raw emotions captured. I love to see their personalities and how they worked together well, how they supported one another.

I am looking forward to Season 3 and hoping the next mix of members will be just as good as this.

Read More

Love conquers all

What draws me to this drama?

First, are the two leads - Kang Tae Oh and Kim Se Jeong. I have seen them acted in several modern-day drama and have consistently delivered. Both have been successful as singers and actors, navigated the entertainment world separately. To partner them was genius. It seems their individual personalities matched the original characters they played. But what made them more attractive is to act the other's character. Both have shown a range of emotions not just by their words, but also with their facial expressions. I believe that both of these actors will go a long way in this industry and find more challenging and fulfilling roles in the future. Both of them look so good in their hanboks.

Second is the story. Body swaps may not be an original idea, but the way it happens at several times and discovering how it happens contributed to how they navigated the political, social and personal struggles they were in. This drama gave us love, joy, anger, anxiety, revenge and finally victory. Each character contributed to how the story unfold. Each episode has a cliffhanger which makes you wait for the next to see how things will go.

Third, the supporting characters which I like. The villain itself is a crucial role who had manipulated and dominated the king. His weakness was his love for a woman he could never have. His greed for power, for control, brought him to a road of no return. Because of him, many have suffered and died. His death was somewhat too dramatic for me.

The story and some of the characters have flaws at some point, but in the end, I should say this drama will be remembered for a long time. I love the setting and the costumes.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Moon River!

Read More

Warmth in an Icy Place

I had enjoyed the previous Jinny's kitchen and hoping that this location is much better than Mexico. And it was!
I think having Choi Woo Shik here gave much flavor into the team chemistry because it was not a boring watch. His funny moments gave much relief to the very busy and chaotic service.

I am amazed by how Min Si was so good working with all three chefs. She was able to adapt and be organized, keeping the kitchen like a well-oiled machine.

I should say among the 3 chefs, Seo Jun did the best! He is focused and consistent though there are many orders. Yumi sometimes become flustered and Woo Shik panics when orders come in fast. It is good that Seo Jin was able to keep the front desk at bay, but he did make one mistake that he did not even admit to Woo Shik that it was his error.

Overall, their stint in Iceland was really well-received. To have a line of people waiting for the resto was really surprising for them, since their previous stint in Mexico was unlike it. And the food they delivered was really homey. I am so glad to see how they were able to figure the number of diners to come in with scheduling as well as manage the dining window time properly.

I am glad that they were able to enjoy a bit of Iceland - The Aurora, the shopping, the visit to nearby geysers.

I hope they will have another venture like this with a bit longer time frame. I know it will take many resources and determination among the members; I love to see their true selves as they interact with one another and with the customers. There is no air of superiority among them and gave their best to serve well. Kudos to the produces and director also who extended their help even in dishwashing. It was really a team effort. Can we have another Jinny's Kitchen?

Read More

Mixed Memories and Emotions

I tried to finish this drama to see if there is a happy ending and also wondering what the Lee Jeong Hoon experienced is true. I even checked if hyperthymesia is real and it is! The drama had repeatedly emphasized the hurt of the past, the trauma of his girlfriend's death, and his mother's death. Such deaths shown were truly traumatizing.

There were several disturbing characters and scenes:
1. the repetitive episodes of his girlfriend's death - I skipped this as if it is a filler only for me.
2. Jeong Hoon visiting the stalker of his past girlfriend. That is really disturbing. Why would you even go there? Why relive the past? Why talk to an insane man?
3. The older doctor - his obsession to publish his discovery without a care for the patient to be revealed is unethical. And even visiting the insane convict in the hospital knowing he isn't stable - my gosh, are there doctors like him? I would be wary of such.
4. The public in general as portrayed - who easily believe what is published and condemn Jeong Hoon. They judged him for having his past and present girlfriends as best friends. Are people that gullible already? Are people that judgmental already without knowing the facts? I guess there are still many who use the social media as legitimate news.

What would be the positives?
1. I like that Jeong Hoon tried to overcome his illness. We see his maturity and resilience even in the face of being replaced.
2. Yeo Ha Jin able to bounce back despite of the scandal and later on get back with Jeong Hoon, though it took some time. It is true that people have short memories and will forget the past scandals.
3. Jeong Hoon was able to go back to his late-night news and with Ha Jin.
4. Jeong Hoon's boss who tried to help him knowing of his illness.
5. I love the outfits of Ha Jin, though her rival actress tried to put her down, her spirit does not seem to wane.

Will I rewatch this? I don't think so. Though I didn't retain much of the story in my mind, I would not go back to those disturbing characters and scenes.

Read More

200 Year Gap with Same Characters

I watched this with an open mind knowing it as another time travel thing. But what I can't quite make out of the story is that whether Tae Ha is in Joseon or in the New Joseon, he has a heart problem. What are the odds of being reborn with the same condition, same family ties, same political and family conflicts?

What is the consolation of watching this?
For one is the development of the two characters - Kang Tae Ha and Park Yeon Won. In Joseon, they started off a bit at odds but eventually grew closer. But transitioning to the present, the two lead characters were not really in good terms until they get to know each other little by little. I like the modern hanbok created, very inspiring to see that they are able to carry on a traditional dress with a modern flair without losing the main elements. I am glad that Sal Wo found love in the modern world and does not need to return to Joseon.
I am glad that Yeon Won was able to use her talent in the modern era without the restrictions placed in Joseon.

I agree with some of the comments of other viewers with regard to Tae Ha's half-brother. I couldn't really figure out at first if he was just interested in Yeon Won, or just one lousy acting. The villains did their part well, even the girl who likes Tae Ha but has been used by the grandfather.

The ending seems rushed. I wondered that as Yeon Won fell into the sea, how come she did not come back in the same dress and in the water? How come Tae Ha's heart got miraculously healed in the absence of Yeon Won. Will his heart again fail when she returned? How come if the ending shows they are getting married for real that there are no attendees? What will happen then to Yeon Won's family after she fell to the ocean? Will the diary of her mom have a different log? Why oh why? are they out of budget already? Why was there no welcome party since so many people were waiting for her in the modern world? Something does not really click in the ending.

I wonder if they can make a time travel thing that has no similar character to the other world and it is in a different country? what would that look like?

Read More