Who will end up with who?

Nice cliffhanger for episode 8. Can’t wait til next week. Through the first 8 episodes I have enjoyed the drama. It seems that male and female leads are destined to be together but circumstances seem to keep them apart. Now they are both pretty deep into other relationships. ML1 is with what appears to be the ultimate catch, but it is all too obvious, except to her, that he is not all in. I almost feel sorry for her as I see her getting hurt once the ML lead’s true feelings become known. He was too weak to rebuff her advances, but if he did, we wouldn’t have this great dramatic conflict. FL1 is with the ultimate nice guy, but do you feel their spark? I don’t.
It’s hard to read FL1. She seems like someone who has it all together on the outside, but torn on the inside. I think she goes with the flow, which resulted in the relationship she has with ML2. Of course, they could make it together, but we all know she belongs with ML1.
Overall, so far, another great drama. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Will comeback after show complete for an update.

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Standard formula, but still fun

I really enjoyed watching this one, even though you get some of the same themes and tropes, but i have not tired of them after watching so many dramas. I am from USA, but really only watch A-dramas/reality and comedies.
First off, I have to get this out of the way: Kim Yoo Jung is the most beautiful woman ever! So gorgeous and so much style. ..and her character's fight scenes were so entertaining. She is such an incredible beauty and talent and she did a great job with this character.
As for other actors, I thought Ji Chang Wook did a great job in the male lead. I thought he was also great in Lovestruck in the City. This one, he was such a great guy. Nothing to dislike.
His mother was awesome, probably my 2nd favorite character in the show. Some have complained about how she physically hit her husband and I can understand how they feel if it were real, however, I thought it worked as part of the fictional story. Same with the reggae character. I never understood why people complain about cultural appropriation. I think it is a sign of respect and admiration when people copy others. Just don't understand why people let things like that bother them. and the fact that he was dirty and had flies around him was what his character was. Why do people have to look at it as a knock of a whole group of people. Anyway, that's all the political commentary.
Lastly about the love story, I thought it was great how FL fell in love with ML, and was devoted to him the whole program, however after watching so many K-dramas I could foresee the way she let him down after he confessed. If this was my first K-drama, I would have said 'WTF?'; she was in love with him the whole show, then when he confesses, she runs away?!?. Again, one of the same themes- giving up your love because you feel it is the best thing for the other person. The ultimate sacrifice so to say. I guess it proves how much someone really loves the other person. And it usually turns out well in the end anyway.
All said, the show was fun and I really enjoyed.
Now I will search for more shows with Ms Kim in them.

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Really Enjoyed Watching

Just finished season 3, right after 1 and 2. Really enjoyed all three. Although the themes and processes were pretty much identical, it was interesting to see how each participant reacted to each situation.

As an American I really love to watch the reality shows from Asia. I detest US reality shows as they are all about promoting self. USA is a ‘me’ country, which I really don’t like. That’s why all I watch now is Asian shows/movies. I love Asian culture. Simple examples such as the act of bowing, being contrite, apologetic and being thankful is so refreshing to see. You can tell it is a way of life, and it is sincere. There is no pompous, look at me attitude that the USA is all about.

As for this season, here are my thoughts. First, I was perplexed by Aoi’s appeal to the two ladies who were interested in him, especially Yuga. Yuga was so gentle and kind, not to mention her super model looks. I can’t fathom how this guy would not want to get to know her better. She would have been the one I choose to at least to get to know her better. I did not care for Aoi’s various looks, the way he moved his eyes and his reactions to everything, which I thought were over the top and very annoying. Of everyone in all the seasons, his appeal was the most baffling and disagreeable to me.

It’s ashame Yuga let her situation get the best of her as I definitely think she could do so much better than him. I was so much hoping that she would have told him at the confession that he was the only one she could choose, but she was not interested in pursuing further and then go triumphantly out on her own.

Reina was very interesting to me. Extremely cute, an air of sexiness about her and most importantly, very focused. I think she was the best actor of the show. She was lucky that she had won the audition for that great kiss scene. It seemed to seal the deal with her leading man and turned the direction of the show upside down. If I had to rank on acting alone, she would be number 1 with Nari a close 2nd. All the others were ok, but I don’t think they were close to those two. As for her romance, I worry for her. The way Tatsuya bounced back and forth between the girls, I think Reina needs to keep an eye on this guy as he seemed like the type that would stray pretty easily.

I’ll finish up with the ladies. Asuka was so nice. Pretty girl and so positive. I am glad she gave up on Tatsuya, she deserves much better. Amon seemed like a nice guy so maybe that will work out. With that said, it would have been interesting if she went up against Reina during the confession. Even though Tatsuya told Reina he would have chosen her, I don’t necessarily believe that he would have. Would not have surprised me if he picked Asuka if he had to make a choice.

Nari was great, although I thought she was going to choose Ren. I loved her emotions even though she was sad quite a bit. She was a great actor. Poor Ren, seemed like a nice guy, but I think him not being the ideal type hurt him. At least Nari was clear in letting him know how she felt, but I thought it would have been nice if she accepted him.

Last but not least Yuta, who I did not care for very much. His insistence on keeping Amon out of one of the auditions was petty. Too bad no one spoke up against him. But it ended up not well for him, and you could tell it hurt him a lot, so I did feel bad for him a little.

Lastly, I really loved the overall format of the show. From how the selections were made, the auditions and then the filming of the final scenes were really well done. Also, liked the commentary, although I was wishing it would end quicker to get back to the show itself.

Overall, I really enjoyed these shows and hope that there will be new seasons.

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Ruby Lin is awesome

Just finished this. I love the Noona dramas, Something in the Rain still one of my all time favorites. Whereas that was a believable storyline, I found My Dear Boy to be utterly unrealistic. I love Ruby Lin, which is why I stayed with this till the end, she was great in Light the Night so it was nice to see her in an earlier drama. I thought she was great and carried the show throughout. My big problem was the male lead. Not once was I cheering for him to get the girl. I just never understood her attraction/connection to him. He really didn't offer anything for her, he just had this belief that he belong to her. Once he confessed to her, you would think that she would have put a quick end to it. It seems she tried to rebuff him, but did not do it with enough conviction to turn him away for good. Of course, that would have been the end of the drama, however it would have been more realistic and they could have taken it in a different direction. I thought her original relationship with the father of her child would have been better to explore more.

I am from USA and have been watching A-dramas for 5 years now. It's funny how they are becoming so popular now due to Squid Games, which was great, but I would not put it in my top 5. I have always loved the dramas because they are a refreshing change from the heavy handed drivel that are USA TV shows dramas. And I love all the cultural differences and all the same themes you see in every one of them. Drinking and eating are a major theme in every one of these shows, they play a much bigger role than any USA show, outside of cooking shows. I think it is cool and enjoy it even though it is repeated in every single show. So even the silly ones (and by silly I mean unrealistic) like this one I enjoy because of how different it is from USA shows.

So, although not one of my favorites, I did enjoy this simply because of Ruby. I hope to watch some of her older shows and look forward to new ones.

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What's with the ending

I enjoyed the 2 seasons except for the ending, which to me, made no sense whatsoever. I guess it was to give the viewer a chuckle and to think about all that had to happen in order for the big mix up in couples, but then when I see there will be a season 3, I am not really that interested in seeing how it all came to be. Curious also that they did not provide an ending for the professor and his girl, and the wife he left, a lot of time was spent on them, but no similar ending.
As for the characters, my favorite was Sa Pi Young. It is beyond me how someone could cheat on her. Not even thinking about how beautiful she is, but that she was the perfect wife and mother, and they had the perfect family. Why would a guy need to go somewhere else?
Overall, a pretty good watch, just a silly ending.

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Pokwang is incredible

Just finished and although silly movie, i enjoyed it. I am so used to watching English subtitles shows/movies that it is strange watching a Filipino movie where they randomly switch back and forth between English and native language. I am most fascinated about the Philippines in this regard and want to learn more about their culture.
Anyway- the movie, as stated, pretty silly, but enjoyable. Pokwang made it for me. I thought she did a great job. Her reactions in the beginning parts of her relationship with her Korean man are incredible. Here interactions as the mom and the daughter were spot on. In addition, she has a quirky beauty in my opinion, and really she turned on the sex appeal in some scenes. Overall she made the film a great watch for me.
Support cast was good as well.
I'd recommend as a quick diversion.

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Didn't see the plot twist coming

I enjoyed this movie even though there are a lot of negative reviews, which I guess are warranted. However, everyone has their own opinion but for me I just want an interesting plot and some great acting and I think this has both.
I've seen so many A-dramas now and I think this could be the only one that I did not see the plot twist at the end coming. I am still processing it, but at this point I think it worked.
Of course I have more sympathy for the FL, the ML gets what he deserves as he is not a very nice fellow, clutching at straws to settle. But who knows, FL may turn out ok, but it is just so uncertain as seen in her final expression in the film.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie.
It is getting harder to find good A-films/series as I have seen most all of them. I am hoping they keep coming.

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Dark characters, pretty powerful story

Very dark and sad story about the worst of circumstances that life can throw at someone. Pretty graphic scenes both sexual and violence, but most necessary in telling the story. FL is awesome- she would have made a great actress if the inevitable did not happen. She is on the edge of desperation, first in selling her whole self to any guy with a buck, to being with a boyfriend that she knows there is not a future with; and then the story pivots from this seedy side of Tokyo to the rural calm of the village. But the village does not bring any relief for her as the past does not go away and the reason she escaped is still there. She does find some comfort in her high school friend and she gets to experience some level of joy when they are together at the lake and the bbq, but her history is just too tragic and so much a part of her that she will never escape it. I thought maybe they would be together in the end, but she is just too far gone. I liked the ending- we can only imagine what is next for her- will she find peace- probably not, will she die- possibly, or anything else- it is up to the viewer to think about it. I like to see that kind of ending in these kind of movies.

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Lots of Acts, Unbelievable Story...and Suzy!

I think I laughed more during this serious drama than any other one I have watched. The story was so far fetched and so many twists and turns that it was hard not to shake your head. How most of the main cast did not die in all those different violent scenarios was so unbelievable. With that said, I really did enjoy this series. There was plenty of action, and although mostly all over the top, it made for very entertaining viewing, Isn't that what most action movies are like- highly unlikely scenes, unbelievable stunts and explosions. I was never bored or turned off, even during the most outlandish scenes.
For some reason, this drama reminded me of one of my all time favorites, Descendants of the Sun. The feel and location filming gave me the same vibe. Very effective method to pull you in.
Lastly, got to give it up for Suzy...she is awesome! This is my 2nd Suzy series- finished Start Up a couple of weeks ago and I thought she was great in that. This was a different role of course, throwing Suzy in many physically demanding scenes. I think she pulled them off in a great way. I am going to watch her past series to get more of this great performer.
probably been over 3 years since i switched to Asian Dramas and i still haven't tired yet. I look forward to seeing even more entertaining shows.

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curious decision

Another one with a great female lead. Almost every movie/series i like has great female lead character performance..
As for the story, I thought it was good. Truly wonderful first half of the movie, tragic second half.
I'll concentrate now on the 2nd half. The biggest question in my mind is trying to understand why Ya Wang would not go back to her boyfriend after what happened. I mean I understand it, but it would have been just as plausible to have them develop a new and stronger relationship after the traumatic event. They were very much in love prior to the event, and he was still committed to her even after what happened. Would have made for a happier ending if she had accepted him and stayed with him, but then we would not have had the dark, thought provoking ending about what would become of Ya Wang and the boy after his 7 year prison term for what he did for her. The boys total devotion to Ya Wang was so strong, you could tell soon after the event that Ya Wang would be connected to him forever in such a way that she would not able to be with anyone else.
As a side note, loved the second couple, the 'fake' beauty and 'bald' guy. I loved the scene where they 'exposed' themselves, in public and realizing that love is more than just physical appearance. Loved that they found their real selves.
Overall, a beautiful 1st half of movie, taking an ugly turn and then playing out the consequences of the life altering event. can't always have the happy ending, but i am ok with that.

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best support character ever

Of course with any show, the leads are the primary focus. I'll get to them in a minute, but what made it for me in this drama was one of the support characters.

After watching tons of dramas, i think this is the first one in which one of the supporting characters was my favorite.
I just loved, loved, loved Park Soo Kyung, one of my favorite characters ever, by far my favorite support character. I thought she lit up the screen with every scene, showing lots of versatility and just awesome reactions and amazing flexibility. Her storyline started off with her as 'Isadora'- the typical cold hard woman in charge and she played that well, but then things got serious and she shined showing vulnerability and tenderness. I smiled and laughed in almost all of her scenes and also got a little teary eyed during the more serious moments. Can't give her enough praise, such a great character and wonderful performance. Some might think it was over the top, but I thought it was outstanding.

Also liked #1's mother. I like a good character who is not afraid to say what is on his/her mind. As an American, i don't totally understand the Korean/Asian culture of controlling the kids well into adulthood, but i was happy to see mom 'give in' when she saw how deeply the couple loved each other. It was really quite good. Some other dramas play this out with the family torn apart. I hope that is not the norm in real life. As for the dad, nothing there- I guess it was to show parents being on both ends of the spectrum, but I thought he did not add any support at all for his daughter, just looked dumbfounded through his scenes.

Lastly, for support stories, also like An Na and Hoon's story. Loved when they would run and jump in each others arms. She was so bubbly and supportive. Just thought it was cute.

As for the meat of the story- 1st, the female leads, I liked Oh Hae Young #1. In the looks department, #2 was the obvious beauty, but I thought #1 looked good too, but it was easy to see why she felt insecure (and not just in looks department either). As far as being a good person, i thought she was sweet, and really held out for a long time even though she was essentially being rejected in the beginning. Although she was not the superstar like #2, I thought she measured up pretty good. Both of them were scarred on the inside, even #2 who you would think had it all. I guess it teaches you that looks and popularity are not everything? I did like how their relationship developed. I admired how #2 never was nasty and just seemed to be a good person, but she did make the one serious mistake when young which hurt her and him a lot.

As for male leads, i really did not care for either #1 or #2. Prevalent in a lot of these dramas is the way a person just does not respond, does not react or talk about things. Do Kyung was the ultimate say nothing and do nothing guy. There were so many times i kept saying 'say something, do anything'. So i thought this made the first few episodes kind of slow. It always amazes me how such pretty and seemingly with-it girls will wait around so long for someone who seems to not want them and treats them bad. For #2, just a bad guy. Did not like him at all.

Overall, this was a good drama, worth the watch. Lots of good story lines and acting, particularly from the one female support character. Probably won't watch the whole series again, but I will definitely re- watch Soo Kyung's scenes.

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Raw sexy drama

The title seemed to suggest more of the fluff of many A-dramas but this one dealt with some big issues. I enjoyed watching the story develop particularly the love story between the leads. the male lead was so persistent and never let go, even though he knew what she was and that she did not seem to be interested in having a future other than providing sex. When she does realize he can offer the the things of a lifetime, her past catches up to her and everything unfolds. But his undying love keeps him going until a powerful climax during the prison visit. I loved how they desperately needed to hold hands, they had to be together.
The tender moments were very nice, both leads so vulnerable but on opposite sides of the spectrum. FL was great in the role- very sexy yet offering a lot more than that, she was ultimately the victim of the life she chose.
ML saw something more than the sexiness and looked past her promiscuity and never gave up.
It was welcoming to see the gritty and seedier side of life that may exist in Korea. It is a fact of life that situations like this occur everywhere in the world, so I do like stories that show that side of life- it is a far cry away from the 'Boys Over Flowers' type A-dramas. Although i do love the fluff too, it is great that there are these more 'serious' dramas available.
As for me, I do always love happy endings, and this one brings it full circle, although it could have gone the other way. I would recommend it and I hope to watch more like this in the future.

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where is season 2

I've watched about 100 A-dramas over the last few years and i think this is the first one in which you are left hanging after the first season with no chance to start watching the second season. But even the other ones had a resolution to the main issues after the 1st season and then would move on to new issues the next. This one just leaves you scratching your head.
As always, my interest is the female lead. I think she is quite good..her choice seems easy to me- one selfish rich guy, and one sincere nice guy..but as with all the dramas the choice is not easy to her and she usually ends up going with the wrong one.
Well, just have to wait and see...not sure how or when season 2 will be available, but i'll watch it.

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BREAK AFTER EPISODE 8

There is a trade off of having to wait for new episodes. The negative of course is having to waiting for it. The positive, especially for this drama is try to guess what will happen!.....i wanted to write one after the episode when Dao first came clean to Ae. I guessed that she would blow the whole thing off, and she did. Now for this one after episode 8. Will they kiss?...and will they get together? Based on what has happened so far, plus from watching a number of A-dramas is that i think she will pull away at the last moment. Could be wrong, but that is my guess. I loved when she said he is stirring up her heart again, she became vulnerable, something that i did not see in her before...but i am still thinking she will pull away and the conflict will continue.
As for the story- I love it...i am rooting for Dao to win An back. Don't know why. I don't particularly like the other guys so i guess it is by default. but i do believe his love is the most intense, at least at this stage. I am sure there will be more to come with subsequent episode to change my mind.
As with all my dramas, my favorite is the female lead- and this one does not disappoint. Although i did think, as someone else mentioned, that she over did it a couple of time in the beginning, as episodes have progressed, i think she has really become a very strong lead. I can't wait to see what comes next for her, especially for how things between her and Dao turn out.
My next favorite plot is the child. Thought for sure early on that the actor was the father..now not so sure. maybe by the next break I'll have a better guess, but as of right now, i'd have to guess it is Dao's.
Can't wait for episode 9. I plan to write another review after the next break.

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love strong female leads

Overall I liked this, but it was a little silly at times. Did not totally care much for the whole workplace/family drama, but it had to have a story. One of the things I always laugh about is the clenched fist shot. This drama seemed to have the most of any I have ever seen. Not just the clenched fist, but many shots of hands- folded, rubbing together in times of uncertainty/ anguish, etc...this seems to be a big thing in many dramas, but this one wins the oscar for hand shots.

anyway, back to the substance...I thought the leads had great chemistry, especial hyeok and jun. i kind of hoped that she would have ended up with hoon, but I am ok with the ending. her relationship with both was cute, so i was going back and forth on who should win her. these three pretty much carried the series but i did like the father character- he was pretty much a scoundrel from beginning to end and then going through somewhat of an awakening at the end. reminded me of JR Ewing for anyone old enough to remember the american TV series Dallas. i liked both mothers too, sometimes rare in these types of dramas.

So, there was a good amount of humor, some funny physical scenes and silliness. the romances were very light hearted and fairly tame. a couple of disturbing scenes, including an attempted suicide tried to bring some seriousness to the show. but as i said, the plot itself was not my favorite, but it served the purpose.

But of course, as with most of my shows that i watch, the female lead does it for me. jun was strong and committed, and very pretty. she seemed always to do the right thing, but was vulnerable. she was not afraid to speak her mind. and the flip side- her tender scenes with the leading men were very good. then out of character, her dream sequence of breaking into the office, dressed in leather showed her sexy side as well. such a pretty lady and a great role.
in conclusion, it was an enjoyable watch for me, primarily for the female lead. i am glad to have watched it. now to find the next good drama.

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