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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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Serendipitous

For some, the drama is a cliche, or boring as it is like a simple love story. It may not have the action, heavy crying or even love scenes, but the conversations convey much more emotions. Though the female Kim Ji Ho has more dialogues, the male Kim Ji Ho has conveyed his feelings through actions.

I like the subtleness of the story. It seems their meeting together from the airport to the hostel and then Rose's lodging is serendipitous. Thanks to Hyun Chul - who seems to be everywhere, playing different roles just to bring these two Kim Ji Ho together.

This is one of So Ji Sub's subtle and quiet performance, very much different from his action dramas. When he was younger, he portrayed characters who have deep emotions beneath a quiet personality. His character may be misunderstood as he does not say many words.

As for Kim Ji Won, am not so familiar with her other dramas. Her character may be somewhat talkative and assuming but tried to understand the other person. Though she had first liked him, she did not openly confess for fear of rejection or perhaps making him uncomfortable.

I like the places they went especially the one with so many trees. I wish I can go there someday.

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Chameleon?

What made me watch this?
Shin Hae Sun and Lee Jun Hyuk. Both actors have already proven themselves to be top caliber actors.
Shin Hae Sun as always delivered. I wonder how she trains her mind to portray different characters in just 8 episodes. She made herself helpless when she was still at the bottom. Then she depicted a rich woman who seem to be generous.
Lee Jun Hyuk portrayed an analytical investigator. His character is relentless as he aims to put Sarah in prison for murder.

The story - it was intense. It is very psychological. I feel Park Mu Gyeong's anxiety as he tries to figure out the real Sarah Kim. As the story unfolds, it gives us glimpses of the good and the bad sides of Sarah. It seems Sarah paints herself as innocent to what she was being charged. In the end she did get a life sentence, yet still Mu Gyeong still can't figure her true identity.

What is the Art of Sarah - was it the story she made, the identities she created, the relationships she had and/or the Boudoir brand? We can try to be Mu Gyeong and be convinced that Sarah is such a chameleon.

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When Pretend Seem Real

Finally, I was able to watch this movie. I was intrigued by the title itself and with Brendan in a Japanese environment.
A person for rent to act in any way needed by the family is quite an unusual job. I think this stems out from services of having personal hosts for a day, a girl Friday or a Geisha to entertain.

I find the concept of Rental Family quite odd. And as Philip said at the interview, he felt this is lying. and it is! If it is a one-time deal, perhaps he can get away with it. As Shinji said, they are meeting emotional needs of a family. But how far would you go to meet that need?

The movie is almost two hours, but we see different sides of the Rental Family odd jobs. All pretend, but to the families around who needed emotional healing, they seem real. And there is the danger of getting too invested and personal. In a society that is so fast-paced, emotional connection sometimes gets left. This movie tells us that all of us needed someone to somehow be a friend, a brother, a sister, a dad or mom. It shows how much society had focused on physical achievements rather than human relations. To Philip, some of those pretends, were related to his own experiences. At some point, I was teary when Kiko San was in his hometown.

Somehow there is a redeeming factor in the movie. A wake-up call for Shinji to revise his services. Philip gets to be himself before Mia. For Philip to be there for Kiko San till his death, something that filled the void of his own loss in the past. Aiko to stand up to Shinji and quit. The Rental Family supporting Philip to get out of trouble. I am glad the movie ended in a good note.

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I trust you, because I know you will do what is right

I had put off watching this for some time, as am not so much into action series.
I watched the first episode but stopped since there are more interesting series last year.
And at last, I finished it already.

What makes me watch till the end?
1. Discovering the background stories of the leads. It gives us the reason why they think and behave that way.
2. We see the different sides of the other characters whom we think may be trustworthy but are not.
3. There are character developments among the leads. They are not one-dimensional; they tried to seek the truth even if it hurts. I like how Gang Hyeong developed her trust towards Isoo despite how unconventional Isoo's ways.
4. I like the chemistry of the team of Gang Hyeong with Isoo. This gives a relief from the drama and actions.
5. I like the actors - Ahn Bo Hyun showed a range of emotions from flaunting his wealth to catch the bad guys to being so vulnerable when he confronted his brother. Park Ji Hyun showed how a lady can kick ass even in the midst of trouble.
6. I like that we get involved in trying to solve the crime as well. We become problem solver along with Isoo.

And lastly, I like that there is redemption in the end. Though it may be too late for Isoo's mom, justice was still served for his dad. And I am glad Isoo did not take the Chairman's seat. The ending already is a reveal of Season 2. So, I will be waiting for that!

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