There Are Consequences To Ignoring Consequences And Things Are Not Always What They Seem

They say there are consequences to ignoring consequences that are a consequence of one's blatant unwillingness to learn from their consequences, and that to me is what The Devil Judge was all about, a story quite relevant to our present time. I am a firm believer that one man’s devil is another man’s angel. But at the same time, those who fight monsters should beware not to become the monster they fight because when someone stares too long into the abyss, it will eventually stare back, as they say. But if one can imagine what makes a perfectly normal human being become a devilish avenger, as Go-On viewed Yo Han without even knowing what drove him. It becomes apparent that it’s hard for others to understand another person’s pain if they haven’t experienced it themselves. Justice-seeking monsters or devils like Yo Han do not just appear out of thin air; they are created; they become who they are because something unimaginable happened, and the magnitude of it only matters to them.

But regardless of how others thought of him, Yo Han was always the power of the powerless, a man with a soul. Yes, his methods were unconventional, but at least he did not stand silently in the face of evil even as he lived with his unimaginable pain. Because as they say, the ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people. Yes, Ga-On (kudos to Park Jin Young for a well-done job) was a man of conviction. Still, he proved time and time again that nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. The same goes for Justice Min, who thought doing the wrong thing for the right reasons justified his actions which he will have to spend the rest of his days atoning as Ga-On told him no better judgment than that for someone like him. As they say, when one dances with the devil, the devil doesn't change. The devil changes them.

Ga-On, as a character, goes through a lot of heartaches, the biggest of all was losing his best friend, and in a way, it left him vulnerable to other people's manipulation, which made him do some unforgivable things. It doesn't excuse his behavior, but it does explain his choices. In the end, he falls in the same pit Yo Han found himself in so many years ago and finds the only way out is to take extreme measures to atone for the mistakes he's made, which was quite ironic for a man who blindly followed his conviction, a lesson learned the hard way, that the law is powerless in the face of power. As Yo Han says, monsters aren't born; they are awoken, and if one wants to make a dent, they may have to become the monster they so fervently abhor. I loved that Yo Han had people like him who stayed loyal to him to the end; they are all heroes in my book who understood the choices they made came with responsibilities they never floundered. As frustrating as it was to watch Ga-On fiddle with his inexperience and flip flipping as important to witness his gradual if at times sporadic development.

I would be remiss not to mention Soo Hyun, and unfortunately, as a character, she never worked for me. I could never really connect to her, and I tried. It was almost like she really didn't matter in the scheme of things and was created as a buffer for Ga-On. She was truly one-dimensional; everything about her revolved around Ga-On and his needs. She became a Cop to protect him, started investigating Yo Han for of him; she did nothing for herself, and I think if the writer had made her less focused on Ga-On and given her more depth in her function as a COP and a woman for that matter I would have been able to connect with her as a character and an individual. It felt like she had no value added to the drama, and that doesn't necessarily speak to Park Gyu Young as an actor but more the character. Judge Oh Jin Joo was probably another character that didn't get her fair share, but I commend Kim Jae Kyung for making the most of what she had and shinning through by the end of the drama.

Sun-Ah and her goons, on the other hand, were always prisoners of their greed. They lived in its bottomless pits, endlessly trying to satisfy that unquenchable hunger to no avail. The more they got, the more they wanted, but Sun Ah was her own doom and most significant enemy. I thought it quite hypocritical that Sun Ah was moved by certain things and didn't stand silently in the harassment or demeaning of women and orphan girls, which made her appear heroic in a way, yet a monster in the way she went after what she deemed hers, including the killing of innocent souls. It's so true when they say hypocrisy is the vice homage pays to virtue. Hats off to the talent that is Kim Min Jung in how she effortlessly portrayed the complex yet compelling Sun-Ah who lived and ended her own hell and on her own terms. Her life was the sum of all her choices. It must've been torture being her.

Many believed there wasn't much difference between Sun-Ah and Yo Han, Sun-Ah herself believed that, and that was probably the beginning of the end for her. But I say there are quite different. Sun Ah's revenge was very personal if we can even call it revenge. It was all for her and about her; she was never an avenger, nor did she have good intentions. In fact, her views were entirely incorrigible because she was utterly convinced of her moral perfection and the righteousness of her own cause, which made her sadistic and pretty dangerous. As I saw it, it was never really about revenge for Yo Han as much as it was about empowering the powerless. It was fitting that the ending showed history repeating itself and that the people who created the live show to popularize their image were judged by it. It was not just righteous, but justice in action. The Devil Judge was a delightful investment. Ji Sung again proves why he deserves to be on my top five list with his tremendously fantastic acting abilities. Kudos to the many gifted cast and production team members that made The Devil Judge the success it became, standing ovation for a well-done job. Yo Han strolling in a blaze of glory gives me great vibes for a second season. The drama's musical scores were also brilliantly done.

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Beyond Evil -- Beyond Well Done and Deserving of its Awards

I knew from the intense start of this drama that it would be a memorable one. And if anyone watching it has any doubts about the kind of drama Beyond Evil is, the opening scenes clear it up pretty quick. I was quite thrilled to have Shin Han Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo in a drama together. The last drama I watched Jin Goo in was The Crowned Clown, and he was excellent. Shin Ha Kyun, well, he's a beast of an actor and more than deserving of his best actor award in how he portrayed the tormented Dong Shik, but I think the best part of this drama was how Yeo Jin Goo and Shin Ha Kyun played off each other in their respective roles. Their chemistry on-screen is absorbing, and the fact that the drama is shrouded with mystery and hidden secrets added to its enjoyment. And as they say, a good actor is only as good as a well-written screenplay and direction, and without a doubt, Beyond Evil had that in droves. It's what made the drama as captivating as everything worked perfectly, from the dialogue to the storytelling and directing.

But as much as I loved both Shin Han Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo, I would be remiss not to mention Choi Dae Hoon in the role of Park Jung Je; his character that touched me the most, and it's probably in the way Dae Hoon portrays him and in the sadness that seems to always be in him, with him, and around him. The credit definitely goes to Choi Dae Hoon (I love the way he talks) for portraying Park so effortlessly, for making me care for him as much as I did. I felt his hopelessness every time.

All the important characters within this drama go through so much, and the best part is that they each had great development throughout the show, especially Dong Shik and Joo Won (Shin Han Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo). They go from practically hating each other to having complete trust in one another as they each lay their lives for the other, and in the process, learn the toughest lessons from each other. That punishment is not for revenge but to lessen crime and reform the criminal and that children are not responsible for their parent's actions. I love a drama with a message, and this one's major in it that out of adversity comes opportunity and sometimes the best of relationships and that one must stand up to the truth no matter who steps on it. Beyond Evil is beyond well done and is one drama worthy of the watch over and over again -- a perfect ten. I am not surprised this drama won best drama and screenplay of the year nor that Shin Ha Kyun won the best actor -- it was in the writing and the acting already. A standing ovation and thousand congratulations.

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I loved this drama and sorry to see it end; glad both Seo and Kang survived and I am sure they end up happily ever after in Tahiti someday, at least that is my ending to it. I enjoy Kim Kang Woo in whatever he does as he is one of the most intense and brilliant SK actors I have seen to date. I am glad to know he has another drama coming out this year in Snowy Sun (2020), I look forward to it. A job well done to all involved and particularly to Jung Woong In (Psycho Husband) for his great acting as well as to Oh Na Ra (Hee Joo) ????????.
Congratulations to Cho Yeo Jung for winning the SGA awards last week for the best ensemble cast for the movie Parasite and for her excellence award for her portrayal of Seo-yeon in this drama

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Human Evolution

What a fiery opening scene to LUCA. I have to say everybody looks exceptional; Kim Rae Won, in particular; he looks fantastic; I've missed him and his captivating voice, truly glad to have him back. The same goes for both Lee Da Hee and Kim Sung Oh; they look great, if not better than the last time I saw them. Good to have them back as well. An explosive first episode with amazing OST. The OST reminded me of the drama The Cursed. I've had my eyes on LUCA for a while now, and I am pleased to see it was definitely worth the wait. And the fact that this drama is based on Charles Darwin's proposed theory of evolution, that species can change over time, and that new species come from pre-existing species share a common ancestor -- descent with modification. Now, if this premise is not interesting, I don't know what else it would be. I, for one, am beyond exhilarated; I get the feeling this will be an action-filled, roller-coasting great ride. I like that it also gives me Awaken vibes; it feels good to have the continuation of sorts as I was not ready to bid Namgoong Min farewell in that drama.

LUCA is impressive not only in its visual effects but also in its storytelling, and despite it only being the first two episodes, it does promise to be outstandingly good. The fight scenes are so very well-choreographed, especially those in tight spaces like elevators, and great directing and editing. I like that Ji-ho (KRW) has a nemesis in Choi Yoo Na (Jung Da Eun looks fantastic, I love the red on her). And there is no denying that Kim Sung Oh is a formidable villain; he looks imposingly great. That said, he will forever remain the creepy younger brother from The Man from Nowhere to me. I guess it's a good thing Ji Chang Wook turned down the role as Kim Rae Won surely owes it. I cannot wait to explore the fated connection/relationship between Ji Oh and Gu Reum (Lee Da Hee is brilliant in her role too) and how they change, if not better, each other's lives. I am already on pins and needles until the next episode.

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An Amazing and Much Needed Journey

As sad as I was to see Extraordinary Attorney Woo come to an end as exhilarated to have been a part of this beautiful drama's journey that was very personal to me, and knowing a second season is on the way makes me bubble over with excitement. I enjoyed everything about this drama, from the different case stories and practical solutions and wins to the subject matter presented to the different personalities we encountered throughout the journey -- each bringing something special.

Without question, Park Eun Bin was beyond exemplary in this role. She deserves every award, as do her co-actors, and so does the drama. From the heartthrob Kang Tae Oh to Joo Hyun Young (Dong Geurami was one of my favorites) to Ha Yoon Kyung and Joo Jong Hyuk -- a real-life-like character that tries very hard at all the wrong things but isn't scared to admit his mistakes because it is never too late to do the right thing. But the one that touched me the most was Kang Ki Young as Jung Myung Seok.

But the one that touched me the most was Kang Ki Young as Jung Myung Seok. He won me over every time he came on screen -- a very special standing ovation to a fantastic actor. Kudos to the production staff but especially to the brilliant storyteller, director for bringing the story to life, and editor for the excellent choices, the animation/CGI, and cinematograph.

I love the message this excellent drama leaves me with: our choices and our past always have a way of catching up to us, no matter how hard we try to make them go away. Words are powerful. They can create, or they can destroy so choice them wisely. And just because someone is different doesn't make them weird, it makes them extra special. So treat others the same way you would like to be treated.

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The Strong Prey on the Weak

The strong prey on the weak, that's what the President believed his whole life, but he never once accounted to one day being the weak. Life is but a series of learned lessons, and if one pays close attention, they might be blessed enough to understand its power and the fact that every weakness contains within itself a strength. For me, the biggest takeaways from this drama are that one should focus on character, not reputation, and count their blessings rather than their misfortunes. In the end, revenge was a proper fuel to get Sae-yo-ri to where he needed to get to, and once he got there, he understood it was time to let it go because revenge only makes wounds fester. The value of life is in the people you choose to have around you. It is too short to waste on people who don't respect, appreciate, and value you.

I enjoyed this drama a great deal, with all its subtle difference in, or shades of meanings, expressions, and actions. Most importantly, I appreciated the writer, director, and actors for tackling sensitive matters such as racism, transgender, relationships, and love in all its forms. True love is to love with all of one's being -- provide support and love to that person through anything and everything. Love hard, with everything you've got. I also appreciate this drama for all the heated and passionate discussions and for helping me understand that the meaning of life may mean different things to different people. Still, we are all just trying to live to the best of our abilities.

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Unexpectedly Refreshing -- Enjoyable Ride

Vincenzo is not what I expected it to be; I'm not even sure what I expected, but when one hears Italy and the mafia, one immediately sets an expectation of mayhem, drugs, and murder. Vincenzo is nothing of the sort, well, at least not yet. It's crazily witty, entertaining, and thrilling all at the same time. I am refreshingly pleased by the writing style, the acting, and the directing. Vincenzo is everything it was hyped up to be and more.

I thought Vincenzo in Italy was brilliant; everything about it was sexy and beautiful, from the people to the buildings but most of all, Song Joong Ki speaking Italian. His subtle yet cutthroat demeanor is enjoyable to watch. But Vincenzo in Korea is where I fell in love with the drama, and the man, especially G Plaza. I can tell the plaza and its quirkily insane tenants (I love them all, even the annoying daughter) will be my favorite place/scenes of this drama. There is a lot of story behind Vincenzo, be it his childhood to what drives him at present, it will all be worth exploring.

Song Joong Ki is fantastic in his role; the last drama I saw him in was in 2016, Descendants of the Sun. It sure is good to have him back. It's also good to see the fine Ok Taec Yeon, the enormously talented Yoo Jae Myung. Despite not being too familiar with Jun Yeo Bin and slightly turned off by her unscrupulousness, I can tell I'm going to like her. I enjoyed her affectionate banter with her father, played by Yoo Jae Young.

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Oh, Wow -- I cannot wait for Season 2

Oh, wow, I have enjoyed this drama. At first, I wasn't sure where the story was headed, but this episode settled me in and has me wanting more. The premise of it is so different -- a village full of the dead, waiting for someone to find their bodies so they can find eternal peace -- interesting but profoundly sad at the same time.

I quite fancy Go Soo (he looks amazing) as Kim Wook; he's like a modern Robin Hood, conning the conners to help the conned. I can't even imagine how it feels, seeing the dead—but providing them closure and peace, even if burdensome, must be rewarding, like finding the little boy's body and getting his killer. I love Jang Pan Seok (the role suits
Heo Joon Ho) even though I don't envy him his task of scavenging for the dead to give the everlasting peace.

I also enjoy Joon Ho (good to see Ha Joon again after Black Dog) as the hardened type cop whose only mission is catching criminals. I figured the girl Kim Wook saw with the phone was JH's finance. That ending scene where she sees JH, but he couldn't see her was heartbreaking. And I can already tell Kim will have his work cut out trying to convince the girl she's dead, to begin with, let alone telling JH. Whatever this village is, I am sure it's where Kim will find his mom.

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Not Enough

Weirdly, the ending was the best part of this drama. I am surprised to say this, especially since I thought and still think this is one of my worst experiences in K-drama. None of the actors, or actresses did justice to their roles except perhaps Han Chae Ah as Yoo Yoon Young. She made me hate her, so kudos to her. The other was Mi So, Seo Jung Won, and Seol Jae Woo's little girl. She was adorable; she stole the show. Everybody else was a mess, even Kim Ha Neul; she was at her worst as Seo Jung Won. It's sad, as she is a gifted actor. I can't put all the blame on the actors. They didn't have much to work with in the story-telling, the directing, or the editing. An actor is only as good as the storyteller and director, and both could have done better. The drama had potential; it might have been a big hit with another writer, director, or even actors.

I was glad to see the end of this drama. As bad as it was, I couldn't bring myself to drop it. I felt committed somehow, and I am not sure why. If there is anything I appreciate, it is the message the drama tries to leave us with—that power lies and corruption leads. As the saying goes, the problem with absolute power is that it corrupts even when exercised by kindly souls. But no matter how far wrong one goes, one can always turn around. I want to think the drama tries to bring awareness to the idea of not normalizing criminal behaviors and accepting twisted ideologies for fear of public criticism. Humans are better than that. At least, this is what I would like to take from this drama.

This is the lowest rating I have ever given a drama and 5 is being generous.

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Intriguingly Controversial yet Complicatedly Satisfying

A longer-than-usual review to a very complex drama. The simile between the mouse and the killer's sneakiness was definitely not lost on me from the drama's opening scene, which dictated the nature of the drama. Well done, show. I love crime shows, and to have Lee Seung-gi back as what seemed like a kind, honest rookie police officer in Jung Ba Reum after Vagabond (still waiting on season 2) was a wonderful treat. And as unassuming as Jung Ba Reum's character sounded, it's what happens to him when he one day comes face to face with the evil he probably didn't recognize at the time that completely impacts him, his life, the people around him, and career path that makes him interestingly complicated to watch.

On the other hand, having Lee Hee Joon as Ko Moo Chi; was my first encounter with Hee Joon as an actor, seeing how he navigated the persona of a hardened detective whose life was motivated by the tragedies he suffered as a young child and subsequently as an adult was intriguing to watch; a job beyond well done. I am a fan. I completely understood his obsession; guilt is a terrible burden.

As great as it was to have Kyung Soo-Jin in another reporter role after the outstanding splash she had with her short but powerful role in Hush but this time as Choi, Hong Joo a tenacious and a dedicated journalist who gives her all to her work as disappointing for not using the full potential her character could've made in the flow of the drama.

Park Joo Hyun was another new face for me, but the synopsis on her role as Oh Bong Yi, a troubled high school student scared by a decade-old incident who lives with her grandmother and would rather go to the gym than study, piqued my interest. All the characters had the most interesting development as the drama progressed in a very complicated kind of way, but then the same could be said of all the characters.

Everybody has a story, and from its first episode, Mouse gave the vibe of a drama, willing to take the dark path to not only capture a horrific serial killer but raise and explore the complex issues around psychopathic behaviors through the use of fetal genetic testing to predict or detect antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits in the womb and the suitability of bringing such a child into the world. Ahn Jae Wook as the demented Han Seo Jun was splendid, and he does for sure give credence to the issues the drama raises. Talk about the controversy and the drama stayed true to its complicated tone throughout its run and brought to the forefront the preconceived notions a society may have on what it means to be born with psychopathic traits and its effects on those labeled as such.

By the end of the drama, I understood how everybody felt broken for Yo Han (great acting by Kwon Hwa Woon) for the hopeless life he lived and how he died, but I am more broken for Jung Ba Reum. He never had a chance of becoming anything other than what they all perceived him to be from when he was born; everybody who crossed his life failed him desperately. The one good thing Ba Reum's father ever did for him was to give him part of Yo Han's brain, and that in itself was ironic. I am glad his end was at the hand of the very son he so willfully tried to save. Daniel Lee, in my opinion, was the culprit that started the whole mess that miserably directed Yo Han and Ba Reum's life. He planted the most atrocious seed in everybody's mind with the psychopathic gene.

And even if Daniel Lee wasn't responsible for how everyone behaved after, he was for sure responsible for the power of the suggestion. Not all psychopaths are criminals. It's a fact that some psychopathic traits link to success. So, rather than work so hard to try and pass into law aborting fetuses and whatnot, wouldn't it have been more meaningful if they'd worked just as hard at ensuring they became upstanding members of society as they did, making them into predators. All Ba Reum ever wanted was for someone to love him, hug him, and let him know he wasn't a monster. Kudos to Lee Seung Gi for a job beyond well done in one of the most complicated roles I have ever seen him do. And if Seung Gi was excellent, Lee Hee Joon was phenomenal. Despite how complicated this drama gets, I enjoyed it to the fullest, and I highly recommend it.

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Excellent -- Genius

Best time travel drama to date as far as I am concerned. I loved how the director transitioned between the two worlds, pristinely done. And even though all the characters had the same names and, in some cases, the same jobs with slightly different life choices, it didn't once get confusing. I enjoyed Yoon Shi Yoon in both worlds but more so as he crossed to the 2nd world, becoming calmer, centered, focused, and more thorough. On the other hand, I pitied drug addict Do Won for his choices; I am sure it wasn't easy living with the stigma of being labeled a son of a murderer. I found myself wondering how long he had been one and what drove him to it, as it didn't seem like he’s always led that kind of life. And liked how the drama seamlessly reveals the little aspects of how the two worlds formed. My guess is the killer may be a woman, but time will tell. I didn't want the episode to end, and I don’t want to wait a week for the next one, but as they say, beggars cannot be choosers.

Train as a drama excited me to no end. I couldn't stop thinking; now, this is how one does a parallel world drama. As they say, genius is making complex ideas look simple, and that’s precisely what the writer, director, and cast of Train gave us. I loved how cleverly transparent the show was in its build-up and delivery. I've enjoyed Yoon Shi Yoon as an actor in all of his roles, but I am beyond impressed at the ease by which he portrayed the dual roles of Do Won -- two similar yet somewhat wholly different and complex characters. Indeed great casting, as I doubt any other actor would’ve fit as perfectly to the role as he did. I am in awe of him. I think what I love most about this drama is how the writer seamlessly created two worlds, which at the core had the same people yet who acted so radically different separated mainly by the choices they made. Highly recommend this short but delightful to watch drama!

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The Best Ever Made

It cannot be overstated, how masterful the acting performances were in this drama. Each and every actor, no matter how large or small their role had moments where they moved me in some way. IU may as well have been Ji-an, she so perfectly embodied Ji-an’s misery and loneliness which eventually gave way to acceptance and peace. The way she let go of her unhappiness after Grandma’s funeral was so subtle yet so powerful, I had to stop and collect myself before I could go on watching. Jang Ki-yong as Kwang-il made a similarly deep impression on me, somehow making me care even for such a violent man, even if it was mostly to mourn for the loving person he could have been if he hadn't trapped himself in his unfortunate circumstances. And of course, Lee Sang-hyun, Lee Ji-ah, and the rest of this amazing cast gave what I would call performances of a lifetime, each bringing something special to the characters that made me fall in love with each and every one of them (Okay, maybe not Joon-young). But even he did a stellar job with his role.

It may seem overly dramatic to those who haven’t seen My Ajusshi, but I think that those of us who have been graced by this beautiful drama will understand when I say that this drama is a precious gift. It reminds us that what’s important in life isn’t material things, or appearances, or even whether we find perfect happiness. It’s the relationships we share with others, whatever shape they may take, and how we treat those around us that give our lives meaning. As Grandma said: “If you think about it, each and every interpersonal relationship is quite fascinating and precious. You must repay them. Live a happy life. That’s how you can repay the people in your life.” I don’t think it can be said any better than that.

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It shouldn’t be acceptable to be abusive to someone just because they’re different

I loved what this movie addressed, how it addressed, and why it addressed. It was bold, without being vulgar in the sense that would offend anyone. More importantly, it cleverly manages the stigma and shame associated with non-traditional practices, and the risk it poses to practitioners who wish to disclose their interest in a closed and judgmental society. Desipte it only scratching the surface, I appreciated that it made the attempt. It emotionally drew me in how the two leads interpreted and approached the complexity of the practice in the non-dating situation, where they both try to balance their desire for appropriateness with the desire for connection and honesty. I liked the writer's approach of humor in handling such a serious and complicated issue. It especially worked well in some of the more sensitive moments of the movie. Great writing, directing, editing and storytelling.

As for the actors, I have to say this movie would not be the same without Seo Hyun and Lee Jun Young, and particularly Lee Jun Young a thousand and one kudos for his brilliant, brilliant acting — everything from his facial and bodily expressions and how he uses his eyes, and practically all his senses. I was totally and completely drawn to him from the minute he gets on screen. I was reminded why I fell for him in the drama Avengers Social Club. I commend them both for taking on such bold roles and giving it their all. They were both fantastic in how they interpreted their individual characters and in their chemistry together on screen. They made a life-long fan out of me. As much as the drama was centered on our leads, I have to give kudos to Baek Hyun Joo as Ji Woo's very progressive mother. I loved her character and mother, and Lee El as a friend and kindred spirit. A job well done on both fronts.

I commend this movie for the message it sends to the many who feel they don't belong or think they've done something wrong because of their non-traditional practices. It lets them know loud and clear that they are not alone. They didn't do anything wrong, and being different doesn't mean they are bad, so what if people call them perverts. What’s wrong with being a pervert; come to think of it, what is a pervert? A pervert is defined as “a person with unusual or abnormal sexual tastes.” But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve done anything wrong. Someone with a shoe or hand-fetish can be seen as a pervert. It doesn’t make them evil, just different. So in that sense, I like that the movie brings awareness to the deplorable acts of discrimination against those who are different for simply being different, while assuring them they are not alone. We must be the change we want to see.

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The King's Affection: a Sageuk Done Right

I decided to watch this drama firstly because it's a sageuk, and secondly because of Rowoon and Park Eun Bin, and the story at its opening did not fail me. I don't think I felt this much admiration for a character in a historical drama, as I did for Yeon Seon/Lee Hwi/Dam Yi, and all the credit goes to Park Eun Bin. She was brilliant in this role and worthy of an award. The King's Affection wasn't only a good script, but also riddled with many brilliant talents.

From the Crown Princess/Queen Jang Sun, played by Han Chae Ah, who is beyond impressive in her limited but impactful cameo appearance, to Bae Soo Bin as Jung Seok Jo and Jung Ji Woon's (Rowoon) father in how brutally and precisely he fulfills his duties to the royal palace, and the same goes to Yoon Je Moon, who is phenomenal as the demon grandfather. So is Choi Myung Bin in the dual role of young prince Lee Hwi and princess Dam Yi, but the actor who stole the show for me was Nam Yoon Su in his unshaken stance to protect those that mean the most to him, regardless of who he had to go against to do it.

As I continued to watch the drama, I wasn't sure if I should be enraged at the royal place for believing twins were abominations, or for the measures they took, or laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. But then I reminded myself of the era and the deeply knitted beliefs of the times, and felt utter sadness for the many lives that must have been lost because of those beliefs. Some elements of the story reminded me of Mirror of the Witch, but unlike it, this one was cruel with its carnage. But it stayed true to the idea that choices make people who we are -- people are the culmination of their past actions, which have a way of creeping back up to them unannounced and when least expected in their present. No evil deed goes unpunished.

At the core of it, this drama is a story of courage in face of adversity, but also about immense cruelty, betrayal, treason, and unconditional love. The most impressive parts of this drama have been in its loyalties. From misplaced loyalty, to firmly edged subject to royal loyalty, to loyal love and brotherhood. Even the unrequited loves in this story are engulfed in loyalty. At the same time, the story is also about greed, fear, and the injustices committed in the name of loyalty. But most of all, it's about courage and how an unsung hero born out of circumstances rose to the occasion when she could no longer coexist with the hypocrisy that was the royal palace, and gained the respect and loyalty of many, even her enemies, but also the love of her life, hence the title: The King's Affection.

The King's Affection is a drama that stayed solid to the end, which was fitting to the story it told, from suppression to betrayal, love, and the fight to be acknowledged, as a human being worthy of the life she was born into, a twin and a princess, who through her trails and tribulations came to understand her worth, which made her powerful. Her world gravely needed a hero, so she became that, a strong woman disguised as a man who took no nonsense from anyone. A thousand and one kudos to the writer, director, and all the cast, production team for a job beyond well done. A drama worthy of your watch!

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The Life of a Mobster

I went into this movie completely blind, it came up on my feed on Netflix, and I thought I would give it a try, and boy, was I hooked. It's a movie with the least amount of dialogue between the male and female leads, Park Tae Goo and Jae Yun, but their body language was more than enough to captivate me. I think the one line in the movie that best described it to me was when Jae Yun told Park Tae Goo he was a dead man walking because, in a way, everybody in the movie was a dead man walking. To me, it encapsulated the sheer hopelessness and cutthroat underworld life of a gangster— a hard and high-stakes world fueled by fear, the survival of the fittest, strongest, and the fastest to betray or be betrayed, and, of course, mass murder. But when one has lost everything that ever meant anything to them, and there's nothing left for them to lose; what could they possibly be afraid of; absolutely nothing. I will admit I am not familiar with Uhm Tae Goo at all, this is my first anything for him, and I was blown away with him. And the same goes with Jeon Yeo Bin (she was brilliant), Cha Seung Won, Lee Gi Young, and Park Ho San. I loved the movie's slow pace, the unlikely connection of two lost souls with nothing left to lose, and most importantly, the banging end -- well done!

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