Lacking something

I am not quite sure what to say about this drama. The plot overall in in one sense is truly relevant to present times and to a lot of married couples and in another sense it’s ...disjointed for a lack of better word. I have nothing against time travel plots (Signal is one of my 10/10 ) but somehow in this drama it’s just a means to an end for me. Maybe there’s just too many characters who knows about the time travel “secret” that it kind of lost it’s novelty in the middle of the story?

Dislikes: (1) portrayal of mom’s dementia is out of tune with reality. People with dementia forget their past, they do not act like little kids again. They lose their way around, they don’t “escape”. (2) No chemistry between the two main leads and the cringey relationship between the ML and the second wife. (3) don’t hate me but I find the FL acting here as “trying too hard” to be chirpy and energetic but somehow did not meet the mark

Likes: (1) Ji Sung’s acting chops did not disappoint, this guy is talented period. It’s a shame that the projects he’s done (that I’ve seen anyway) doesn’t really give his skills the spotlight it deserves. (2) The teasing of the office crew when they tried to bring the leads together, now that made me laugh silly. (3) The youngest male employee character “Hwan”, this kid portrayed the role impeccably, he’s a natural. (4) The best part I think is the bromance, their friendship was genuine despite of the “betrayal”, the actors were so good I feel that they were just playing with each other on the set during filming.

In summary this drama highlights the working mothers and wives and for that I appreciate the story but it failed to show how marriage is a two way relationship. It just won’t work any other way.

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Could have been such a good drama. The food porn is as good as it gets, i learned a lot about Korean food and how to eat it. The acting is so-so, the funniest person for me is Mr. Choi, the other manager in the office. He acts so natural.

What I didn’t like was the weak storyline and really s l o w pace. I wished that the writer developed the plot around how relationship between food and the characters began and how it’s a common denominator between the FL and ML. Instead there were so many sub plots thrown in the mix - divorce, murder, office romance, then pyscho son? - so much was going on it felt so confusing what to feel. The romance between the leads came in so late that I did not feel any connection with them, I “shipped” their friendship more. I love the music though but I do have to admit that this is discouraging me from watching Let’s Eat 2, just don’t know if I want to invest another 16 hours on a so-so drama that was supposed to make me laugh.

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Refreshingly funny

Ahhhh, it’s been a while since I laughed so hard while watching kdrama! This one tickled me pink. The story is not really unique really but somehow with the actors and cinematography it just hit the sweet spot of refreshing, funny and just right. I admit I was very hesitant to watch because of the FL, she is sooo annoyingly loud and screechy in her other dramas (I could not go past episode 1 of she was pretty) but she nailed her character in this one. Sung Jae is just so cute I want to squeeze his cheeks, this kid is so pure, innocent-looking and such a joy to watch! I’m sure you will flaws in the story line but it didn’t matter to me. Go watch it and have fun!

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If I were to describe this whole series in one word, it will be passion. Master Kim knows what he wants, why he wants it and will do what he can in his power to achieve it. Passion for what he does is what drives the story of this drama. His no-nonsense approach reminds young doctors why they chose to be doctors in the first place and pulls them back should they get sidetracked by the dog eat dog world out there. He teaches them but he also let them experience the learning process in a way that is meaningful and practical.

I understand that healthcare can be such a profit making business but I really find it hard to believe that SK could be so harsh but maybe it does exist? I also find the premise of choosing who to treat first based on who arrived in the ER first is very weak and truth be told belittles what great job doctors do. Nothing could be harder than triaging who has the better outcome when push comes to shove, I wouldn’t want to be in their position. I did like how they showed how human emotions get the better of human intellect, Yoo Yeon Seok did a wonderful job portraying this inner conflict. Having said that it was a delight to see his chemistry with the FL whose acting was not too shabby. The star of this drama is Master Kim himself, he was perfect for the role. Each smirk, grin, smile and eyebrow lift was right on the ball except maybe his crying scene, I think that was a total fail and I laugh. I do have to say that this ahjumma have added Han Suk Kyu to her watch list!

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Cute and fluffy. This definitely fits the rom-com genre. Nothing too heavy nor thought-provoking here. I have to admit that it’s actually boring at times especially the 2nd couple’s story, it never sparked any interest in me. The main couple though is sooo cute. The female lead may be a little over the top at times but she kept the character real all throughout. The male lead’s nerdiness is just adorable, looking up every little thing online, literally. I am officially impressed with acting chops of the actors. The music is so catchy, it sounds very similar to the current famous tiktok meow meow song.

Have a go at it if you are in the mood for a good laugh.

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Live without regrets

Purpose. Meaning. Justice. Revenge. Loyalty. Betrayal. Pride. These are the themes of Itaewon all rolled into one. This series is not without faults, I agree that there are big plot holes here and there and the ending was not fully satisfying. Those however should not take away from the overall storyline and superb acting of the cast. The story is about how people choose to live their lives and how their choices somehow affects how others live theirs..

The FL’s story is the most interesting for me, she’s young and has everything she wanted at her fingertips, effortlessly it seemed, yet finds that life is such a chore to live. She didn’t see any purpose in living and would rather not have been born. She eventually found purpose upon meeting Saeroyi, Somehow this simple-minded, but determined, man ten years her senior warmed her cold heart and made her see the colours of life, They fell in love in the most convoluted way possible.

Overall I find this drama complicated at the best of times yet very real and honest. A little over the top at times but hey if I get to see Park Seo Joon’s rom-com antics then I’m all for it.

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I understand how many would rate this drama under 8 but under 5, no. I admit the story had a few gaping holes front and center and I was not a fan of second lead’s story nor of the second FL acting either. However there was substance enough to keep me going till episode 16. More than I can say for Heirs which I dropped at episode 2. I have learned to accept that chaebol tropes will always be unrealistic in terms of how the spoiled kids squander money like it will never run out. If you can see past that then you can see how the heartwarming relationship between the two main leads develop. It was honest, it was raw, it felt real. Their story is like a lost jewel imbedded under piles of loud and colourful confetti, find it and it will capture your attention and if you are no too careful, your heart. The actors did such a great job, they are so cute, love them to bits!

I liked the sensitive and thoughtful top star idol cousin. Why he wanted to go back to busking, if that would even be possible considering his status, is beyond me. I adored the maid, I feel the story could have given her character a more substantial role and screen time. The second FL backstory is unnecessary and confusing (too much wasted screen time) , and I did not care at all for the step mom and sister, not one bit! The confession OST will now be included in my favourite list.

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I was in the mood for something light and easy to watch. Flipping through Netflix this drama’s trailer seemed to fit the bill and 16 hours later here I am. It’s a first prosopagnosia drama for me so the plot was a novelty and quite interesting in the beginning. The storyline sort of dragged here and there and the pace was slow. The actors did not disappoint although I can’t take the ML’s character together seriously, I mean it is rom-com, yes, but he acts just way toooo childish for a CEO to be. I saw the same actor in a similar-ish role in the Good Doctor, I hope to see him in a more mature, even a villain, role in the future. The main FL is so-so, I wish I could feel her character more but sadly this didn’t happen, in fact she just confused me at times. The ray of light came from the second couple, they brought out the smiles and the laughs from me. The second ML played his character brilliantly and the real Veronica Park was fLawless! She is sooo “annoyingly” funny, I looked forward to her scenes. I mean one can only do her role in only two ways- either really bad or really good. She did it just right! I love her and her character.

I don’t mind the red cardigan but they should look for a different wardrobe manager next time....I mean running on the beach in heels?!? The FL leads’ dresses could be a lot better, like c’mon, I feel like she’s coming straight out of the 80’s in some scenes. Overall, it’s a 7/10 for me and that’s mostly for the real Veronica Park, she is AWESOME !

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Aigoo, where do I begin? I feel like saying Mrs. Temper is a cross/hybrid version of Misaeng and Chief Kim sans the heavy drama stuff on both ends of melodrama and comedy, but somehow that still doesn’t sound quite rIght. One thing I’m sure of, this drama is a breath of fresh air in a funny sort of way. I love everything about it!

The story brings us to a typical workplace office where it’s a dog eat dog kind of world. Ok Da Jung, however, is different. You will hate her first before you will love her. She is honest, fair and fearless. Her goals are clear cut, her vision sees the big picture and the only way to it is through hard work. All these while preserving one’s dignity and pride. Above all, her sense of justice is balanced. I would have loved to see a closure of her relationship with her mom in the end but I suppose I can’t have everything. Nam Jung Gi represents most of us in our workplace and life in general. You need to watch this drama to see how he became a hero, you will be entertained and encouraged at the same time, I promise. My most loved character though is the grandpa, he has the cutest storyline of them all!

Needless to say the actors were all top notch in their game, I disliked no one :). Well...maybe Bo Ra was a bit over the top in one (or two) crying scenes...but I still like her, she is so good with comedic roles. The music was perfect! I felt like dancing each time it comes on, beat and timing were always on cue. I think one would be missing out (a lot) if they decide not to watch this gem of a drama. It truly is sooo good that I caught myself foolishly grinning from ear to ear many many times, I figured that’s the reason why my jaw was a bit sore when the drama ended, lol!

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This is a cute roller coaster of a story. The beginning was catchy and showed potential, the middle went on a steep drop, and the last 6 episodes or so picked up speed again. It has subtle substance but you have to wait and look for it.

I like how the main FL And her best friend are confident and sure of what they want, they are not wishy washy and although it took them some time to act on it they were resolute and firm once they’ve made up their minds. They were determined but was mindful and sensitive to the people around them. I enjoyed their relationship the most, I want to have a friend like that. A lot of crying and blah blah filler stories and characters in between so be patient (or hit the fwd button like I did). I started to fume in last 20 mins of the series as I thought the ending was going be a disaster and started to conclude what a waste of my time and energy, but thankfully the last 3 minutes, and I am being seriously literal here, saved the series for me.! Thank you writer! I can safely say it has a satisfactory ending.

Acting wise the actors were on point, they have achieved what the characters are supposed to make the viewers feel. Hate the antagonist and love the protagonist. I find it funny and that the male lead try really hard to look cool as his character calls for but at times but his youth just shows up in the most natural way (in eating especially). The music was so so, nothing special but the classical pieces were good. Watch this if you have nothing else to watch but don’t expect too much from it.

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I would typically love this kind of drama but I find the pace was very slow. Storyline of some secondary characters are drawn out unnecessarily but those of the main cast were interesting enough to let me hold out till the last episode.

The ML’s character was very endearing, I can’t imagine anyone not love him. I just want to hug and assure him that he is doing such a good job with life at his age, I actually wouldn’t mind adopting him, lol! The FL is the epitome of immaturity in the most naive and innocent way possible. It was refreshing to see the actress nailed the job flawlessly. The other ML on the other hand (neighbor) could use some expression, I find him flat most of the time. The big winner of this drama is the grandma! Such a natural, I have seen really good older actresses in similar roles but my oh my Wu Yan Shu is a league of her own.

The cinematography of this drama can’t be beat, very nicely done. Music is so-so. Overall, I would say watch if you are feeling nostalgic and have no particular drama to watch on your list at the moment.

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L O V E was spelled in intangible ways in this drama, mostly by the wise and compassionate hospital’s Director and ever loving hyung. It is seconded by the fellow, chief resident, senior nurse and long time young patient. The story showed the condition of human hearts when it sees a fellow human heart packaged in a different way, whether you are blood related or just another passerby on the street.

I particularly liked how the drama slowly showed Dr. Park Shi On learn the gray areas in life, those that didn’t quite fit in the things he studied or memorized. Initially, he only knew about the good and the bad but he eventually learned about responsibility as well, sometimes in the hardest of ways. Not only did the series showed how his amazing brain figured out solutions to the crises of anatomical structures but it also showed how he threaded through the things of the heart that he could not quite understand. It was very encouraging to see how he didn’t give up, no matter how heart wrenching the situation was. He honestly admitted his fears and is forthright that he is “still different from others”, no pretence that we so often see around us daily, I think a combination of all these made him the loving hero in the eyes of the people around him, those who care to look I should add. In desperate times, the Asst Director’s words resonated with me , “we choose our hope”, in whatever form or shape that may be. For Park Si On, it was hyung and his rabbit.

Needless to say that Joo Won’s acting has made me believe that he was anything but autistic, just beautiful. He most definitely deserved the the award he received for this performance , bravo! His young counterpart was brilliant, I don’t know how this kid can have such a grasp of the character to portray it so flawlessly! I have nothing bad to say about the supporting cast although the FL acting on the first episode was on the overacting side I thought, made me almost drop the show but Joo Won saved it. Love how the chief surgeon portrayed his prickly facade but warm underneath role and Chief Go’s comedic touch hit the mark at the right times,

I did not like the romance part, the timeline (3 months) was too short to have a solid base for the relationship, it made the series unnecessarily longer. I really had to drag myself to watch those episodes, a lot of hits on my forward button. I didn’t really care about the political plot and not much love to the pretty manager character either. Music was so so.

Will I recommend it? Yes, yes, yes!

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Multi-layered

“People will forget what you said, will forget what you did but never how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou’s quote was on repeat in my head throughout this drama. If you ever meet Park Dong Hoon he will strike you as a gentleman, quiet and kind through and through. He thinks of others before himself whether you are his kin, friend or even enemy. So why his wife decided to cheat on him is beyond me but that’s how this sad drama began. Despite a stable job, a solid marriage (before he knew about the infidelity) and a very supportive network Dong Hoon feels the heavy weight of the world on his shoulders . He was slowly dying inside. Although he doesn’t show it, he is miserable, very lonely and has no one to tell him “it’s no big deal” like his dad used to. That is until Lee Ji An came along. She is his unlikely saviour in the most unusual way...and him hers.

This drama is unique in that it has so many layers. You see I’m a binge watcher (reader) for entertaining dramas (books) but this one is so jampacked that you can only take /watch so much at a time. The brothers’ storylines are a treat, reminded me that boys will always be boys no matter their age. My fave actor of all time Lee Sung Kyun delivered yet again, his last crying scene is the loneliest scene of the decade. IU was a pleasant surprise, I think she made a good career move in picking this project.

I liked how each character have their own raw and honest story to tell. There’s a lot of lines that resonated and will stay with me, “do machines work in this company?!”, “You are the first person who was kind to me over four times” “the feeling that I’m the only one not rolling forward.So, sometimes… I sit outside near the door, early in the morning. Because I want to feel as if I’m rolling forward with them, too” are some of the few. I will also not forget “I...like Lee Ji an” and “I can’t die today...I don’t have expensive underwear” and “other people’s food taste better” among the light ones.

I don’t like how Yoon-Hee’s reason for infidelity was shallow but love how how Dong Hoon’s kindness embodies the ripple effect theory. I would recommend this drama if you have time for substance and in the mood for a good cry.

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Just finished this series and I am speechless. Although I did not shed a tear, this drama twisted my heart this way and that way which physically hurt my chest. Sigh! The story, especially the ending, could have been so much better I have to be honest. I feel that that there could have been more warm moments to show how Wang So and Hae Soo’s relationship developed so we the audience can confidently fight with them. Wang So just made a decision to make Soo his “person” after she touched his face, that’s it. Too many episodes on the Wook and Hae Soo push and pull saga which I thought were unnecessary to the plot.

This series showed me how the throne forces to show man’s inner heart and how it is truly a lonely, a very lonely seat. It changes even a mother’s heart, such a tragedy.

Lee Joon Gi portrayal of agony over Soo’s death was the death of my heart (for a full minute at least). I have no words, one of the best moving moments in my kdrama viewing history. He is truly the shiniest star of this series. Jisoo is not far behind, Joo Hyuk could be better. IU had her moments as well. A favourite of mine, Kim Sung Kyun (astronomer), delivered as always. The OST was perfect in and of itself but was also perfectly timed each time. I love this drama and would be recommending it to friends.

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Something light, something funny, and a lot of SWOON! For me these words best describe the overall feels of this drama. Don’t look for a whole lot of substance because apart from the never ending pressure of becoming the “best of the best” mindset in SK (or anywhere else in the world for that matter I guess) there really isn’t much here. I was initially drawn in by X but the the lovable characters pulled me in and made me stay. Loved the music, the cinematography, the friendship and the natural banter back and forth the main leads the most.

I did not like the almost non-existent character development of ML’s dad nor the rushed development of the father-son relationship. The relationship between the second leads was lacking in chemistry and substance too. I also found the female cop role just auxiliary overall, did not bring any direct impact to the story. In fact, she was just another pretty face added in the mix of already pretty faces. The writer could have made the home room teacher have a stronger personality instead. Like I said, not a lot of substance in the story....but for the entertainment the main leads brought I would not hesitate to recommend this to anybody’s PTW list...this ahjumma is officially now a Kim Se-jeong and Kim Jung-hyuk fan.

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