Life Should be About More than just Surviving

When I first started watching this drama, I wondered if there was a message to it. Only when I got to the end, I realized it had a powerful message about survival and sacrificing for the person next to you. The drama was almost like a warning for people not to lose touch with their humanity, especially in today's world where watching other people's misfortunes has become entertainment. I enjoyed Squid Game, the concept, and everything from how the events unfolded flowed seamlessly, even as grim and bloody as it got. I felt the writer, director, and all the actors did a fantastic job delivering and actualizing the story. I particularly liked Wi Ha Joon in the role of the cop and brother, who does the impossible to find and save his brother, only to find out he was the one who needed saving and from his own brother. It was a grim moment to take, but as they say, sometimes family can be your worst enemy. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lee Byung Hun in the drama. I didn't expect that.

I must say I loved Lee Jung Jae for learning and teaching the remaining survivors Park Hae Soo and Jung Ho Yeon, through such a twisted and blood ordeal, that maybe life should be about more than just surviving alone. But to find out that the journey was nothing but one person's sick attempt to have fun with their bored life, and to think nothing of the many lives lost was appalling. So in that sense, I completely understood why, despite getting what he so desperately wanted, and especially after working as fiercely as he did to not want it anymore. It's like they say, be careful what you wish for, you might get it only to find it wasn't something you needed after all, because the loss far outweighed the gain. Money isn't everything after all. I cannot wait for a second season. There has to be one.

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Black Dog

Black Dog did a great job tackling and depicting the working of the school system without over-exaggerating them. The drama showed the many problems facing the South Korean education system and did a great job setting up the social context of the profession, especially from the perspective of beginning teachers. It tackled everything from nepotism, to temp workers social stigma, to teacher/student discrimination (top students vs. average), and the cutthroat and competitive atmosphere between teachers who do not always work for the students but rather to better themselves. It even addressed the fact that a school is really an organization and a rigid one at it but that there will always be people such as Go Ha Neul and the College Advisory Department who are willing to take that extra step to change the status quo.

All the actors did a wonderful job -- but especially our College Advisory Department We got to see Go Ha Neul (Seo Hyun Jin) try to break down and tackle that rigidness and succeeding in making a dent including witnessing her journey from a beginner teacher to her growth not just as a teacher but as a person who impacted the lives of students and teachers alike, making them better people (students) and teachers. All with the help and direction of Park Sung Soon (Ra Mi Ran), the head of the career counseling department at the school, Do Yeon Woo (Ha Joon), a Korean language teacher, and Bae Myung Soo (Lee Chang Hoon), the Biology teacher -- all of whom impacted each others' lives in ways they never expected.

In the end, the real message of the story was to never give up and as hard as change maybe it is not impossible. As the saying goes you can't build an adaptable organization without adaptable people--and individuals change only when they have to, or when they want to. Beautifully done, sorry to see it end. I will miss it and highly recommend it.

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Uncanny Counter

Two episodes in and I find myself wanting more. The first week's outing had a bit of everything, action, humor, fear, a sense of justice in the face of injustice, and, of course, evilness. It might only be the first episode, but I didn't want it to end as I was having so much fun. I love the concept of this drama. A group of ordinary humans turned super-beings, each for their ability to possess or be a unique power that helps a higher beings' quest to hunt demons who come to earth wanting immortality. I must say I loved seeing Kim Se Jong; she looks great, and so do Yoo Jun Sang, Yum Hye Ran, and Jo Byung Gyu. It's good to have JBG back.

There's no denying evil exists in this world, but the light will always conquer the darkness. This drama quickly became my happy place and besides Yoo Joon Sang, Im Joo Yeon Moon's best friend is my favorite persona. I love how endearing the story is in that it's not just about capturing evil spirits, but also about righting the wrongs of ordinary people along the way. As they say, evil lurks in places where one would never imagine to charm its way into one's life and one always needs uncanny counters to help combat if not completely irradicate them (if only possible). I am in love!

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Wow

Wow, what a catching drama. I've been looking forward to this mini-series. I'm not familiar with Kang Sung Yun but know Jo Han Sun from Stove League. I must say the way the series started creeped me out, I wasn't sure if it was real or a dream and was relieved to see it was just a dream, but only to find out it was all real. We start with Su Jin, who was strangled and thrown off her apartment balcony or pushed off. But what I found quite intriguing and seriously peculiar was that there was something quite off about the apartment complex, the residents, and the whole neighborhood.

In the beginning, I couldn't figure out why Miss Lee took the cell phone from the scene, but I see she is trying to protect the madly in love, Tae Hwa. There are plenty of suspects from Tae Hwa to the guy Su Jin was in love with to even Miss Lee, and others. I found myself so wrapped in this episode that I didn't want it to end. Jo Han Sun, as Lieutenant In, is superb. I also find myself liking Miss Lee, something about the way she carries herself. I look forward to tomorrow's episode and hate that this is just a mini-series I hope they make a full drama out of it soon with the same cast.

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Power corrupts, but does it have to corrupt one's soul, too?

I wholeheartedly believe there is some truth in every fictional story. Blood Free is no exception, especially in the way it depicts how the 1% delusional wealthy believe themselves to be superior to everybody else and think, not just accept but demand that the laws of man and land not apply to them in any way, shape, or form. They deserve not only elitism, amorality, but immortality just because they are wealthy boggles the mind. It makes me wonder. I know power corrupts, but does it have to corrupt one's soul, too? How can a parent such as Seon Woo Jae's ( I love me some Lee Hee Joon) mother, who loves her child so much, have such disregard for someone else's child; what makes them think only their child is precious? I will never understand. That said, what a brilliantly made drama!

Watching a fantastic show on TV or a great movie in the theatre sometimes leaves us thinking about what made that so great and why it moved us or made us nervous. I have come to understand that a TV show or movie can only become influential when all the key elements such as plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, musical score, mystery, action, directing, and acting are done correctly -- all of which were intelligently weaved in Blood-free to make it beyond excellent, superb in fact. I think Blood Free is undoubtedly one of the best K-dramas Disney+ has ever produced, right there with A Shop for Killers, if not the best. Kudos to all, especially Han Hyo Joo. She was outstanding, and so was Ju Ji Hoon and everybody else. When I started this drama I thought Yoon Ja Yoo the most impactful character but by the end of it On San (Lee Moo Saeng) left an even bigger mark. The mere fact that this was only 10 episodes, made me believe there would be a second season to it. I await it, patiently.

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There is Human in Humanity

They say the function of wisdom is to differentiate between good and evil. But the residents of happiness do not make it easy to do that. It's crazy how some infected seem to have more humanity than the so-called humans. Whoever said I see humans, but no humanity must've been talking about the true nature of humans in a crisis, just like the one Happiness depicts. I must commend the writer, I didn't expect the twist about Andrew and Kim Se Hoon (Han Joon Woo). And I hate that it had to turn bad, just as I started to appreciate them. But looks can be deceiving, and there is no better camouflage than a crisis situation to serve as a cover for evil. And as strange as Kim Se Hoon was, I knew he wasn't necessarily a bad guy and thought the same of Andrew, but I couldn't have been the furthest from the truth with my assumptions.

Everything about how the story unfolded, from the time Yi Hyun is infected to the time Sae Bom returned to the resident building, spoke directly to how infinite the greed of man can be even in an emergency situation. Despite being infected, Yi Hyun proved to be a better human than all the non-infected combined. The hardest thing to comprehend was that even as people were fighting to stay alive, all Representative Yeon Ok, Joo Hyung, his shady girlfriend Woo Sang Hee (Moon Ye Won), creepy lawyer Hae Sung, and SY cleaning crew Gi Se Gyu (Kim Young Woong) and his wife Ji Moon Hee (Lee Ji Ha) could think of was how to personally benefit from the situation regardless of the danger the posed to others. So it was only fitting to finally see them get what they deserved. Their greed in a way was their own self-punishment. This was an exciting drama, I enjoyed every minute of it. A thousand kudos to the writer, director, all the actors, but especially Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik, and Jo Woo Jin for keeping invested to the end.

Happiness as a drama made me realize that the events that seemingly brought out the dehumanization of humanity and fundamental ills of society weren't in Next as a drug, but in mankind's selfishness, hatred, anger, jealousy, fear, stupidity, distrust, greed and love of power. I like the message Happiness advocates. It's true that crisis situations expose mankind's struggle to deal with sudden changes and unexpected events, and there will always be those who try and benefit, be it the elites of society or even the government. But just as there are people and institutions driven by their fear, greed, hatred and selfishness, there are those driven by their desire to help others in a time of need. Most human beings are like that. They want to live by each other’s happiness - not by each other’s misery. They don’t want to hate and despise one another, because even in a residential apartment building, let alone the world, there is room for everyone. The ending of this drama is what happiness is about, because in life it's not where you live, but who you live it that matters.

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Only 4 episodes in and I am hooked and do not understand why I have to wait a whole week to watch more ... Ji Sung is my all time favorite actor and I am sooooooooooooooo happy to see him back on the screen. Love it -- amazing story line, acting, directly, music -- cast, just all around looking to be a really good show. “Doctor John” Korean drama story revolves around doctor Cha Yo Han’s (Ji Sung) journey towards discovering the reason behind patients mysterious pain. He is also popular by the name “10 seconds” because he can render a diagnosis in 10 seconds. Kang Shi-young (Lee Se Young) is an Anesthesia doctor. She was a top student at medical school which is often credited to her mother who is also a doctor, had a traumatic event happen to her to kept her away from practicing until she meets Cha Yo Han.

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Endearing First Episode

I am so excited to see Lee Kyu Han back on the small screen; how I wish he had a major role, but I love him nonetheless. He blew me away as the tormented Mo Wan Soo in Graceful Family (now that drama was good). I really enjoyed Won Jin Ah in Life and Just Between Lovers and as such, look forward to seeing what she and Ro Woon (I already like him as I'm not as familiar with his work) bring to She Would Never Know, but I won't lie I'm in this for Lee Kyu Han. However, I do like that Hyun Seung doesn't shy from his attraction to Yoon Song Ah and goes for what he wants, a relationship with her. His direct approach is what endears me to him. It also helps that the drama is directed by the same director for Fated to Love You, one of my favorite dramas. I am looking forward to the journey indeed.

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beautiful cinematography and scenery

This is just a review based on the first episode. I must say, I am immediately struck by how beautiful the cinematography and scenery are – just breathtaking. I missed Im Soo Hyang since her fantastic portrayal of Su Ki (she will forever be that in my head), so I am glad to have her here and look forward to seeing a different side to acting. My main reason for watching this is Ji Soo, although I’ve watched him in other dramas, I cannot say I noticed him (shame on me), but something about him in the trailer caught my attention, and I cannot wait to see what he brings to his role as Seo Hwan. I am also excited to see Ha Seok Jin (he has the best smile) back, I loved him in 1% of Something and know how skilled he is at his craft. That said, the unfortunate thing about unrequited love is that it’s an infinite curse of a lonely heart. I just hope it doesn't take a drastic turn to relieve that curse

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Ageless Kwon Sang Woo

It is so good to have the ageless Kwon Sang Woo back in a crime/law/justice investigative drama; I love him in these types of roles. He’s another example of an amazingly versatile actor able to seamlessly deliver terrific performances balancing acts that’ll make you think while laughing yourself silly. Coupled with the prolific Bae Sung Woo, Delayed Justice promises to have no shortage of visual gags and running jokes while at the same time fighting for judicial victims falsely accused. I look forward to an enjoyable ride, along with so many tremendously great actors.

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Powerful

Powerful opener. I've always been intrigued by the concept of time travel; I knew I was going to watch this drama even though I didn't know what to expect. But I saw the opening scene with the flying ships/drones, outfits, and I knew I was wholly and utterly in even before the start of the dialogue -- outstanding directing. The pace is just right, the acting, the storytelling -- just brilliant all around. I felt like I was watching an American movie rather than a drama. I didn't realize how much I had missed Kim Hee Sun until now; I loved her in Faith. Kwak Shi Yang looks excellent as well. But Park Jin Gyum stands out the most, it's only the first episode, but he's stellar. Finally, I wanted to mention how impressed I am with child actress Kim Ji Yoo, and actor Moon Woo Jin, future stars in the making. This is one of those shows you know from the first episode you're hooked.

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Lee Min Ki and Nana -- First Episode

I'm savoring Oh, Master; I know it has another name, but I'm going to stick with this one. It's great to have Lee Min-Ki back on screen in another prickly yet fun character. I enjoy his quirkiness. And, of course, it's always good having the lovely Nana on screen. I completely enjoyed her in Into the Ring. It's cool that she and Park Sung-Hoon have dramas on at the same time.

I wondered how Oh Joo In ends up being the landlord when it's Han Bi Soo's home, but now that I've watched the first episode, I understood. Even though I understood why his mom did it, I still couldn't believe she sold the house from right under his nose and not all that; she packed everything and had someone else move-in. He had every right to be livid. I would've felt the same.

I enjoyed everything about this first episode except, of course, for Han Bi Soo's father. What a coward of a man and a bully of a father at that. As they say, any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad. That said, I like the temperament of the story, it feels easygoing and pleasant, and I can see this drama will be my happy place—a good reprieve to the other somewhat dark dramas I'm watching right now. I look forward to tomorrow's episode.

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Revenge is a dish best served cold or in this case sizzling hot

I started this drama because I liked the trailer and premise of it and more so because I'm interested in seeing Yoon So Yi in a new drama and Yoon Hyun Min, of course. That said, I'm not sure how I feel about him as Cha Min Joon, a lawyer, who defends the rich despite their guilt, or even the man who feels guilty and compensates their victims with his own money for it. But seeing him at Hae Ra's book signing deepened my curiosity for him. There has to be a story there.

The moment I saw Kim Hyun Sung at the train station, he gave me bad vibes. I knew he was staged and most likely by Hae Ra's husband. A coward of a man who uses his fists rather than his words, and as they say, violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. So, as I watched, I found myself thinking there didn't seem to be anything special about this revenge plot until I saw Yoon So Yi at the agency (I am already in love with her role in this) as the plotter, I found myself getting excited. There's an absolute satisfaction in watching the filthy rich and their equally amoral pawns get hoisted by the very people they dismiss as good for nothing. It's so wholly appealing; I'm all in with this drama, at least for now.

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