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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.

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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.

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A HEARTY MEAL IS THE START OF CAMARADERIE

With the trailers, I really make sure to watch this series. With most male actors and only a few actresses, I was expecting more actions. However, with the title of this drama, I thought it may not be gruesome.

This drama gives me some of the feel of Bon Appetit! Your Majesty. But what makes it different from it is that Seong Jae is not yet an excellent cook unlike Chef Yeon. I like how each of the soldiers get to be transformed into fans of Seong Jae's cooking, for every bite brings them to some kind of "ecstasy" or "dreamland." The once Ganglim Base that was so limp and insignificant have their morale raised by Seong Jae and finding attention from the Headquarters!

I like the concept of how Seong Jae finds his mentor like a hologram menu board. He is able to turn poor ingredients to exceptional delicious meals. It is good that they showed that he progressed, made some mistakes along the way, but at the same time learning on his own how to discover what is needed for a good meal. At the end, his dishes were all made from the heart, thinking not just how to cook, but how to offer something that will influence others.

I love this saying which Seong Jae's father said and later told Dong Hyeon - "A delicious meal made from the heart has the power to move people." And I think this is true, just like what the movie Ratatouille had also featured. Even one of the officers who likes to bully him transformed as one of his fans. Park Ji Hoon is such a sweetheart and young as he is and already getting leads, there can be more opportunities of good projects in the future. I love Lee Hong Nae's character- you thought he is one tough guy, but actually he is a softy. I hope Hong Nae will also be given lead roles in the future.

I am ok without a love story in it, as not all dramas should revolve around a love story. Though I do not know many of the actors, they all have such great chemistry. We can see some glimpses of military life that can be lonely, boring or challenging. However, the drama speaks of camaraderie, friendship, acceptance and rising above the challenges of life which can also be seen outside the military life.

I love how this drama gave us victory in the end, not based on the 'special' info, but rather Seong Jae cooking from the heart which won the hearts of the officers.

With his "mentor" back this drama may have Season 2, who knows.

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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.

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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!

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Young Love

I had been putting off this show for some time, since there are lots of interesting ones that came up this year. And one hesitation is perhaps the context of high school love which we know is messy and immature. Am glad I saw the transformation of the main characters as they navigate their own feelings for each other and make peace with the past.

Though this is just 8 episodes, we see the changes in the way they respond to each other as adults. I am not buying the attitude of Kang Ho Young's mom, that she has to threaten her son just to return with her to the US. Yet love conquers all and a compromise is the only solution for Hong Ju and Ho Young.

I like the 2nd couple, the woman being more forward and open, while the guy being awkward and shy. I think the guy is shy as he doesn't feel worthy to be the vice principal's son-in-law in the future. Nevertheless, they pass the hurdle and need not hide their relationship in school.

I like the friendships they retained from high school till adulthood, that though they may have their quirks, they still stuck together. I am glad there is Sang Pil who tried to ground the 2 girls. As for the former love of Hong Ju, he is total jerk for trying to hold on and had not been honest with her. This goes to show the different ways of handling friendship and even lovers.

The other side story of Uncle Wook's love story seem unnecessary. I could not fully understand as to the root cause of his first love's attitude towards him. This uncle is way more immature than Hong Young and his friends.

Did I enjoy watching it? It was ok, but not over the moon.
Will I recommend this? Perhaps yes, if you want to watch something light and short.
Will I rewatch? Not really.
However, having dramas like this is a good break from the action-packed one.

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How do you value your life?

I finally finished this drama after so many tries.
We all know that drinking is an acceptable tradition in Korea. Many dramas have placed drinking as a norm in families, in workplaces and perhaps everywhere. This story takes us to the extreme - how heavy frequent drinking became a lifestyle that can ruin one's body, friendship, family and life.
I watched this because of Gong Myung - his gentle face is fitting for a doctor who is well-liked in Bocheon. As for Choi Soo Young, her character shows a woman who tried to be strong on her own, though had gone through heartbreaks and drown it only by alcohol.
The townspeople, just like any other drama, are a bunch of gossips, though we know deep in their hearts, they care for one another. They do have issues, yet they learned to swallow their pride and forgive and be forgiven.
The drama brings lots of life lessons:
1. Problems do not go away by drinking alcohol. it can even ruin your thinking and eventually may cause death
2. Families are important. We should learn to value our family and see how alcohol can destroy relationships.
3. Strong support to help an alcoholic is needed. Alcoholics may not want to stop, may not want anyone to meddle with them, but true friends will go the extra mile no matter what.
4. Determination, self-control, patience and much love help each other solve problems, overcome hardships and realize happiness.
The latter part of the drama became more serious. Though there were deaths in the drama, am glad it still ends in a happy note.

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Keeping diary on a vacation

I like this reality tv.

They may be having a summer vacation, but still with some kind of goals to meet. I like that they tried to eat healthy and were able to enjoy the produce within their backyard. I like that they were able to enjoy the sea, met new people, learn new recipes, had fun with their showbiz friends.

And having that cute dog Popi, a simple life away from the city pretty much occupied their time.

I like the house where they lived.
I like the ingenuity of Choi Woo Shik (even in baking), the cooking skills of Yu Mi, and the backyard which they beautify.
I like the way they keep a diary each night, especially Woo Shik's drawing. Sometimes I forgot that he is already in his 30s, because he is such a playful person.

And rightly a very cool Summer Vacation since the house has everything they need and there are no limits on what they can buy and cook. It seems so many highlights on what they will cook and mostly are successful.

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Different yet Similar - in love and life

I was looking for a drama that is more realistic, away from the soul-swapping, time-travelling and webtoon genre. This drama is not really for entertainment, but rather more of reflection into our own relationships - whether romantic, brotherly, friendly or even family.

The drama took us slowly into the encounter of two artists - one a painter and the other an actress. Jinwoo had lots of past hurts which he overcame despite being deaf. He knows he can be misunderstood for being unable to communicate verbally. Moeun on the other hand has a loving family, though she kept a little scar of her past. Both of them, despite of what challenges they face as lovers tried to understand each other.

There are many parts of the drama that seem to be confusing till we figure out that they are a few days or weeks in the past. Perhaps it is the way of the writer to fill in what was missing in the previous episode. The gentleness of Jinwoo gives us the vibe of a peaceable man, a man who had accepted who he was and not live according to it. We can feel that Moeun is the first one who expressed her heart which really touched Jinwoo.

The drama gave us some conflicts but not so dramatic. Overall, it is calming and peaceful. We do not see petty arguments between Jinwoo and Moeun, that even their break-up was sort of peaceful though hurting. The people surrounding them were so sympathetic and caring, which I think all of us would need the same when we are going through certain struggles in life.

The last part seems to be the beginning, but this time, they know how to face life and love together. As you watch this drama, try to reflect on your own relationships - with parents, siblings, lovers and even friends. We may think people with disabilities are struggling, but actually those without are struggling even more. We should learn to empathize and to care with those different from us, actually there are so many similarities too.

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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?

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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.

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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?

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Find My Own "Line"

As an artist, the story spoke to my heart, though my artwork isn't sume-i.
This story speaks of art not just as a pretty picture but of the heart of the artist. It conveys a story of the artist's life which the viewer may not see.
The story of Sosuke from being directionless to finding his 'line' does not only apply to artists. It speaks of becoming - the thought of a progressive transformation of finding one's calling.

From the opening of the movie, I had been curious as to why Sosuke was so teary-eyed just by looking at one painting. I asked myself, what moved him? Little do we know that the picture is connected to his family whom he lost in a tragedy.

I do not know Japanese actors. The characters were not the loud ones, but in their faces, you can see their emotions.
1. Sosuke - a young man drifting, not even sure if his course is the right one. His chance meeting with Master Kozan had given him a new lease in life. Only in the end do we see a happy Sosuke when he finally found his line.
2. Kozan - he sees something in Sosuke to take him in as apprentice. It was not his skill; it was his heart.
3. Chiaki - she has been working hard with her art; however, it was mechanical. Her encounter with Sosuke challenged her to find her own line as well.

It isn't just about art, but also about life, about moving forward despite of a tragedy.
It isn't just about being a student, but about finding your purpose in life.
A master can teach the basics, but still each one should find his own line. The skill to compose, to draw or create is not the essence of art. The artist's heart brings life to his art which moves us to appreciate life.

Now it inspires me to look beyond what I see and create my own line which speaks to the heart of man.

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Quite Subjective

I finished this series for the sake of finishing it. Until the end, I was trying to figure out what is the practical guide to love. It is quite subjective since we see only a few characters who navigated their relationship. So, this review is more on the characters portrayed:
1. Ui Yeong (played by Han Ji Min) - at her age, she seemed to be clueless as to what she really wants in a relationship. She was surprised to hear Tae Seop telling her to date with marriage in mind. Is dating for her just a pastime? Was her concept of marriage tarnished because of her parents' relationship?
2. Tae Seop (played by Park Sung Hoon) - we may say that he is a level-headed person, matured and understanding. However, some may say that his character is flat or boring. We only see his anger when he found Ui Yeong with an aggressive and forward client. He may be boring, but how he navigated his relationship with Ui Yeong is with much patience and kindness.
3. Ji Su (played by Lee Ki Taek) - young and passionate, yet directionless when it comes to his career path. perhaps affected by his father's mistress. for him, he will pursue who he likes but soon learned to give in when Ui Yeong chose Tae Seop.
4. Ui Yeong's friends who got intimate before even having a date. This one is relatable to some who are not really serious with their relationship, testing the field so to speak. Still, we see in them the desire to be faithful to one.
This drama may be forgettable after a few months. I think the title of the drama isn't appropriate - perhaps something about navigating love since no one can really truly say there is a guide to love.

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How Far would you Go to Get to the Truth?

This is a drama not for the faint of heart and so I watched this drama in phases.
After watching this, you may think - how much of this can be true to a nation's military group?

Like any drama, it goes back and forth to present and past wherein we get to piece together the stories behind the tragedies the lead characters had experienced. At first Doh Bae Man was only after getting rich, so he will use his power to twist the truth in favor of his 'benefactor.' He did benefit so much, yet he is crooked. Little did he know that there is a much larger gangrene in the military involving the highest officials.

Power when mixed with greed is dangerous. That is where abuse, power-tripping and cruelty stem. For Gen. Noh, she uses people to further her cause, to protect herself and get away with the crime. How would you be able to fight this kind of monster.

Good thing the story had its redeeming factors"
1. When Doh Bae Man regained his memory of the true murderers of his parents.
2. When Doh Bae Man decided to join forces with Cha Woo In.
3. When other servicepeople felt used or guilty that they turn to say the truth.
4. The real criminals were punished giving hope for a better military
5. Cha Woo In regained her father's company.

But we cannot just set aside that there had been so many murders in this drama. Though it took a long time for the truth to be revealed, justice was served.

This drama may also be a message to those in power - whether be a government office, a head of a company or even a general - to live well, not be greedy rather serve with integrity with care for humanity.

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