The latest installment of KBS2’s Sat/Sun drama may be the beginning of the end

The ratings say otherwise, but Young Lady and Gentleman does not quite meet the expectations of KBS2 Sat-Sun dramas. The format itself may be at a crossroads with the growth of streaming, the rise of mini-”mini-series”, and the changing drama audience.

Story:
The commitment to fifty (two) episodes is a double-edged sword. Time to explore characters. Too much time to fill. Safety of a long contract versus the risk of trying something new. The formula is a multi-generational family romcom with truckloads of misunderstanding. Among its peers, Young Lady and Gentleman takes an unusually out-of-touch approach to romcom, and feelings of frustration exceed any satisfaction gained.

Acting:
The cast is surprisingly small for such a large drama. The plot is also very “main”-centric and does not give as much opportunity to others. For example, it is hard to call Kang Eun Tak’s role as a “main role”. Thus, the acting falls on the shoulders of the two main leads, Ji Hyun Woo and Lee Se Hee. The plot did them no favors, but their acting and chemistry more often breaks immersion than add to it. The small supporting cast shines brighter in their limited roles.

Music:
The standout here is the OST sung by Lim Young-woong, who received mainstream attention following his win on Mr. Trot. The rest of the OSTs are well produced but fail to be more than another track on a long list of Korean OSTs.

Rewatch Value:
With a 52 episode count, it is difficult to justify a rewatch. The last drama in this timeslot that I watched is Homemade Love Story, which is a more interesting watch. My 100% biased favorite from the timeslot is My Father Is Strange. There is also the biggest hit, My Only One. Even the next drama, It’s Beautiful Now, shows more promise with Yoon Shi Yoon heading the star studded cast.

Regardless, the days of fifty hour weekend dramas may be numbered, and I predict a shift away from this long format. Current trends indicate dramas becoming shorter, less than 12 episodes! Streaming giants are quickly moving into the KDrama sphere. Even if this timeslot remains a staple to local Korean audiences, the producers and KBS must feel the pressure to innovate, both in the format as well as the formula.

Read More

Building a house brick by brick in Trope City

Monthly Magazine Home starts on solid foundation, veteran cast from top to bottom, then it devolves into meaningless drama tropes. Either for laughs or for plot progression, tropes from love triangles to noble idiocy rear their ugly head. The fatal flaw with tropes is that it sacrifices uniqueness, and this is doubly applicable for MMH’s focus on strong individual characters. Overusing tropes hinders MMH’s ability to demonstrate meaningful growth in its characters.

Story:
Monthly Magazine Home is another character driven romcom that explores characters and their reactions instead of plots and devices of yesteryears. It is unfortunate that the character designs are painfully paper thin in MMH. Yoo Ja Sung is a rags-to-riches self-made man with a singular focus on financial success. The third leg of the love triangle is a well-mannered son from generational wealth. The entire cast of characters can be explained in simple one-liners, and their motivations, what makes them tick, are not expanded through the drama.

For example, YJS has the emotional intelligence of a small child. Next scene, he is the most thoughtful man of every woman's dream. Character behaviors are erratic and often played for laughs. Or even worse, queue noble idiocy. Monthly Magazine Home squanders the potential to empathetically examine modern millennial struggles for stereotypical romance-comedy.

Acting:
The cast immediately draws eyes to Monthly Magazine Home. The two main leads each have over a decade of experience. Kim Ji Suk’s performance in When the Camellia Blooms is exceptional, and he does not miss a beat in the more comical character in MMH. Jung So Min has been a romcom staple since Playfull Kiss in 2010. Highlights from the supporting cast are Kim Won Hae, who never fails to draw a laugh, and Coffee Prince star, Cha Jung An. With well over a hundred years of experience between the core cast, the actors make this broken drama.

Music:
The OST for Monthly Magazine Home pairs several kpop artists with staple OST composers. The music maintains the light-hearted atmosphere of MMH with familiar sounds. Jo Yu-ri’s song may be of interest to IZ*ONE fans after the recent disbandment of the reality competition group.

Rewatch Value:
Monthly Magazine Home may be an example of the weakness of pre-produced Korean dramas, which have become popular, especially with the rise of streaming services. The direction is set from the beginning without regular audience feedback. Perhaps it is pride. Expecting a veteran cast and crew to create success. Regardless, I will remember MMH as a what-could-have-been drama of 2021.

Read More

One of the most anticipated romcoms of 2021

The expectations for My Roommate is a Gumiho blow through the roof. Screenwriter and director combo from What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (plus countless other dramas). Two of the hottest young actors in Jang Ki Yong and Lee Hye Ri. Reunion of Start-Up cast members Kang Han Na and Kim Do Wan. Even the “fifth” lead, Bae In Hyuk builds on his 2019 debut. The cast makes MRIG a must-watch for lovers of romcom.

To live up to lofty expectations proves to be too challenging for My Roommate is a Gumiho. The fantasy setting is almost an afterthought for what is essentially a slice-of-life/cohabitation drama, and MRIG fails to provide a fresh perspective on the usual romcom tropes.

Story:
The synopsis points to a fantasy romance when comedy cohabitation drama is a more apt description. The two leads meet due to a drunk accident, not an otherworldly incident; Gumiho powers seem more gimmicky than terrifying; The urgency of becoming human is explained away with “you have one year remaining on your thousand year deadline”. The fantasy element feels cheaply used to bring together and keep the two leads under one roof.

Acting:
Regardless of the drama’s shortcomings, the cast comes out better individually than as a team. Jang Ki Yong’s brand is peaking as we speak, and Lee Hye Ri adds another leading role to her idol-turned-actress career. Second leads are given plenty of screen time, mostly at the expense of the supporting roles. The commercial firepower of the five main leads is not in question, with numerous product placements to maximize earnings potential.

Music:
The music is a surprisingly good analogy for the drama as a whole - safe and unremarkable mix of Korean drama OST staples with select kpop features. The commercial feel of the whole enterprise from cast to plot to music is the ultimate weakness of My Roommate Is a Gumiho. Greater risks could have been allowed to the writers, directors, actors, and musicians involved.

Rewatch Value:
All the points made in the review could be driven by one fact: My Roommate Is a Gumiho is the first Korean TV series produced by iQIYI. The producers philosophy seems heavily risk averse. They could have taken bigger risks and stumbled like Tale of the Nine-Tailed or succeeded like Goblin. Instead, we have another run-of-the-mill webtoon adaptation.

Read More

Not like other high school dramas… Sike

And another webtoon adaptation. True Beauty bears many similarities with the slew of new romcom entries in kdramaland. As much as I love romcoms, I stay away from “high school” backdrops because I find the premise constraining. Its focus on firsts (e.g. first love, first kiss, etc.) leads to predictability. True Beauty benefits from a wealth of original material but still struggles to shine amongst numerous similar titles.

Story:
Adaptations are a double-edged sword. The original must have been well-received to be adapted, and the adaptation will naturally be compared against it. Any changes are seen as significant risks. I have only briefly scanned a couple chapters of the True Beauty webtoon, and it is clear that the webtoon contains a ton of content distilled down to 16 episodes.

Without reading the original content, one senses the webtoon omissions through the shallow side characters in the drama adaptation. Relationships with side characters go from one stage to the next without sufficient scenes. Even the finale is rushed to reach an ending for the main leads. With such gaps, the drama feels surprisingly empty despite its quick pace.

Acting:
As if comparison to the webtoon is not enough, Cha Eun-Woo’s True Beauty character has the same feel as his character in Gangnam Beauty: cold but caring, cares what is inside more than outside. Can an actor be typecast this quickly? His acting in Gangnam Beauty exceeds the expectation for idols, and his performance in True Beauty is at least as strong. I have not seen his sageuk drama but look forward to him trying different roles in the future.

Moon Ga-Young is Moon Ga-Young, cementing herself as a pillar among kdrama actresses. Just look at any popular young actress list on MyDramaList. The entire drama revolves around these two, and their acting is the main draw that distinguishes the drama from the webtoon. Beautiful actress cosplays “ugly” girl is suspect, at best, but Moon Ga-Young’s overall performance is great (shifting body language from unconfident to confident). The young actors’ ability to carry this drama highlight the bright future ahead of them.

Music:
Idol concepts weave itself throughout the drama and the music. The OST is even being repackaged like a kpop album with photocards and merchandise. Unsure whether this is common for drama OSTs, but the OST artists fits the image. Solos from idol groups like GFriend and SF9, Chani himself. Cha Eun-Woo and Hwang In-Yeop also contribute. Final shoutout to Car, the Garden ~ Happy Ending.

Rewatch Value:
I realize MDL lists two additional “main roles” which I mostly passed over. Park Yoo-Na’s character is the most shortchanged from the adaptation (my guess) and is the only reason I may try to read the webtoon. The rewatch value of the drama is low, and, ironically, some of the memorable scenes were actually the hilarious Extraordinary You cameos. Definitely give Extraordinary You and Gangnam Beauty a try before, or after, True Beauty.

Read More

Shining characters trapped in a drab plot line

Standout characters immediately grab your attention, and Do You Like Brahms? starts with one of the strongest first 4 episodes of 2020 premieres, second only to Flower of Evil. The two main leads, a burned out superstar and a struggling artist, seem cliché, but their foil is fully explored and surprisingly relatable. However, little substance is built on the foundation of their relationship. You better understand and relate with each character, with each episode, but the evolution of their relationship stagnates. Either DYLB? should have been told in fewer episodes or bigger dramatics were needed to stimulate a more engaging reaction.

Story:
The contrast between the quality of characters vs plot is stark by the ending of Do You Like Brahms? From leads to supports, the characters have an incredible amount of depth. Even the motivations of the antagonists are mired in complexity. As a character drama, DYLB? excels by making the unique lives and challenges of musicians relatable to casual drama viewers.

As a thrilling romance or gripping melodrama, it falls short. The love triangle(s) that is crux to the plot of DYLB? is presented in the first couple episodes, and its potential outcome feels inevitable (i.e. miscommunication, confusion, heartbreak). The lack of suspense transforms into frustration as the middle segment of DYLB? trundles toward the finale following a subdued climax.

I want to include one last comment about time skips and flashbacks. They were not always crystal clear, but I appreciate that the director did not baby the audience with title cards like “1 year ago”, “1 month later”, etc. Overall, the plot is the main weakness in an otherwise well directed drama.

Acting:
The combination of character design and cast brings to life the fictional characters on screen. Park Eun Bin adds another excellent role after her underappreciated performance in Hot Stove League. Kim Min Jae has a long list of great roles for such a young actor, almost comparable to Yeo Jin Goo. Their interpretations of their characters just make sense. They act and behave like genuine human beings instead of characters.

The rest of the cast is equally decorated, but I will specifically praise Choi Dae Hoon and Baek Ji Won for creating characters that knew all the right buttons to push for maximum irritation. The way they frustrate the viewers and the main leads is the definition of entertainment, in stark contrast to my frustration with the flat plot.

Music:
More so than the characters and cast, the music within Do You Like Brahms? rises above First, the use of classical music is slightly cheesy and often used as a plot device, but it is refreshing to hear a different sound from the standard drama ballads. Second, the OST of DYLB? is anything but “standard”. The same musical producer from Hotel Del Luna worked on this drama, and the quality of the OST is unparalleled in 2020. It is hit after hit sung by some of the biggest names in Korean music, from Taeyeon to Heize. It is good enough to listen without even watching DYLB?

Rewatch Value:
The lack of dynamic plot and explosive confrontations make it hard to justify a rewatch. This weakness even bleeds into the strong character designs. The main female lead starts off as a relatable, struggling young adult, but she seems too perfect as the story drags on. Being untalented or soft-spoken is far from a real character flaw, and her immaculate actions wear her initial relatability thin. I may be overly critical since I started DYLB? with high hopes. Unfortunately, it falls short of the best drama of 2020 which currently belongs to Crash Landing on You (depends if you consider it a 2019 or 2020 drama) or Flower of Evil.

Read More

Encapsulates all the lovable aspects of Korean dramas

Into the Ring is built on the solid foundation of its excellent writing, and it endears itself to the viewer with each and every episode. Although it is missing the typical ingredients for commercial success (e.g. top-tier actors, veteran staff), Into the Ring continuously challenges us for our attention and respect, much like the Female Lead. There is just enough romance, comedy, and drama for a well-balanced drama viewing experience just shy of perfection.

Story:
The award winning merit of the newcomer Moon Hyun Kyung’s screenplay is undeniable. The diverse characters and dynamic relationships are a highlight. Consider these two side characters - a manchild who earns his elected position with his daddy’s money and a working mother who refuses to “sacrifice” either her personal or professional life. The relationship between them and the main leads is hilarious (like when the FL turns the manchild into a whimpering puppy with her assertiveness).

Even the political setting delivers laughs as we witness the ridiculousness of each politician’s pettiness. ITR transitions from this comedy to heartwarming romance to drama seamlessly. Scenes are often layered with all three, which keeps the pace refreshing and the story engaging. The drama’s journey is consistently pleasant from beginning to end, and the careful and deliberate screenwriting is what makes it all possible.

Acting:
My mixed feelings about the main cast changed quickly with Into the Ring. For instance, I know Nana for her kpop career with After School rather than her filmography, and the general attitude towards idol-turned-actor is lukewarm. However, Nana exceeds expectations not just with her comedic timing and romantic chemistry but with her nuanced portrayal of empathy towards others. Park Sung Hoon actually appears with Nana in Justice, which I did not watch. I did watch Psychopath Diary where I found his acting uncannily funny. To see PSH in a completely different character is eye-opening and impressive.

Yoo Da In’s character is surprisingly nuanced for what some may consider a “side” character, but YDI’s acting ability is clearly at the level of “main role” actors. I remember Han Joon Woo from his great but small role in Be Melodramatic. Unfortunately, it is a similar case in ITR where he plays an interesting character which does not receive much screen time for a “main role”. Veteran actor Ahn Nae Sang adds another quality appearance to his long filmography.

Music:
Compared to the strengths of the story and cast, the music is not as critically noteworthy for Into the Ring. The subdued backing tracks are a safe choice, a mix of kpop and ballads. The music is actually a good parallel to the overall drama, which is excellent in its strengths but not quite a masterpiece in its entirety. (One last comment - I am a sucker for OSTs sung by main leads though)

Rewatch Value:
As I happily followed along with the weekly episodes of Into the Ring, I did not envision such a high overall rating because of a lack of some jaw dropping scene or enthralling plot line. Instead, ITR makes its appeal piece by piece, and its beauty is fully appreciated when considering the entirety of the drama. After 32 episodes, I can confidently recommend Into the Ring as a solid romcom in a relatively dry 2020.

Read More

Too many reasons to skip this drama

One can only put up with so much for what is ultimately a typical romcom. There are obvious challenges to adapting an “adult” webtoon for a general audience: crude humor, offensive stereotypes, and questionable objectification of characters. Is there an audience for this type of material? Yes, but it is most likely not you.

Let’s make it clear(er). Fart jokes and body gags - check. Uncomfortable and unnecessary depiction of “Jamaican” culture - check. Love line between a minor and an adult - check. Backstreet Rookies is not worth the mental gymnastics needed to overlook its glaring flaws.

Story:
After peeling away Backstreet Rookie’s controversial gimmicks, a very familiar plotline remains, i.e. hardworking leads that suffer from a series of misunderstandings. Even the “female chases male” tag is easy to find elsewhere. Characters are also black-or-white and never break their mold. So, the drama relies on various gimmicks to push the narrative forward. While some are wholesome or funny, others are uncomfortable or offensive and cringe inducing at best.

Acting:
The cast is definitely the lone bright spot in Backstreet Rookies. Ji Chang Wook is well established, and Kim Yoo Jung is quickly establishing her young adult career. Some viewers criticized the age difference between the two, and all I will add is that Kim Yoo Jung is at least of adult age (compared to her age while shooting Love in the Moonlight in 2016). Supporting cast is stellar with Kim Sun Young, a staple highlight in kdrama land. Everyone outperformed their simple and flat character designs.

Music:
Backstreet Rookie’s OST fits well with its story and the lyrics are even used as lines throughout. The drama uses a more modern sound and often relies on input from various kpop artists. Rothy’s OST contributions are always solid. Still, the music is rarely compelling enough to make a drama watch worthy in itself.

Rewatch Value:
In the end, I am surprised to find myself finishing the drama. It was difficult to get through my usual 4-episode trial, and there were later episodes (scenes) which made me want to drop it. Save yourself the headache and indulge in the many other kdramas available. Although it has its own flaws, the recent drama, Itaewon Class, is a better feel-good drama about hard working under dogs.

Read More

Slow-burning, often-overlooked drama of 2020

When My Love Blooms also went under my radar with its melodramatic tone and emphasis on flashbacks. However, WMLB is not so overtly melodramatic, especially in comparison to other kdramas. And, the way flashbacks are incorporated into the story is ambitious and novel. The major weakness of WMLB is that it takes too long to show its main merit and charm.

By committing to longer flashbacks, the drama tells two intertwined stories that make it challenging to buy-in to either. In the beginning, it feels as though we are watching two sets of characters, and it takes the better half of the series to believe that they are the same “people”. This drama needs a longer runway to fully capture its audience, so do not judge on the first 2 or 4 episodes.

Story:
With the concurrent telling of past and present, When My Love Bloom’s plot is surprisingly tight. Flashbacks are not shown just to explain a specific present event, rather they are given their own fully fleshed out story. Splitting time between flashbacks and present does take away from the development of the main plotline, especially because it is hard to believe, at first, that the past and present characters are really one another.

Acting:
Lee Bo Young and Yoo Ji Tae are what I first noticed from their respective 2013 and 2014 hits. I Hear Your Voice and Healer are both considered kdrama classics, and seeing the two leads in 2020 is a treat. No more needs to be said.

Their past counterparts Jeon So Nee and Park Jin Young also deserve praise. Within their storyline, their chemistry and performance are strong. The only minor criticism is that the two pairs could have better aligned their mannerisms because it may have helped bridge the disconnect between them. Still, I prefer the way the past and present are shown in WMLB over the usual where one pair of actors pretends to be 20 in one scene and 40 in another.

Music:
Music is a key point throughout the drama, from the use of 90’s music to the Female Lead’s piano background. The blend of oldies and classical with the more familiar sounds of kdrama ballad/OST is appreciated. But like the story, When My Love Bloom’s novel approach does not quite break away from the typical kdrama mold.

Rewatch Value:
Even though the drama exceeds expectations, it is hard to promise a rewatch. I hesitate to call it slow paced. It is more that there are two stories that could each be a standalone show. By the time the two “stories” fully connect, When My Love Bloom is already at its end. The finale’s lasting impression is that WMLB fails to stand out even with its novel storytelling and directing.

Read More

Just another memory-based plot device

Amnesia is a tired trope for drama watchers, and hyperthymesia looks to follow the same trend. Find Me in Your Memory has enough feel good moments to sustain it over “32” episodes, but the way it handles the crux of the plot - the intersection of a woman with amnesia and man with hyperthymesia - leaves too much to be desired. Too often, FMIYM uses its main ingredient as just another plot device, forgetting and remembering events as they are convenient. Instead, FMIYM will be better remembered for the casts’ chemistry rather than any of the characters’ unique abilities.

Story:
Find Me in Your Memory deserves credit for not pigeonholing itself into the helpless amnesiac Female Lead. An interesting dynamic does exist between the amnesiac Female Lead and all-remembering Male Lead, but it does not change the fact that the FL has amnesia and that her condition only serves to move the plot forward. Both, the FL and ML, are in need of better character development. It is not sufficient to have them literally say they have a bad/good memory nor the ML being good at remembering his script each night (that is his job…). I exaggerate, but that desire for fully fleshed out characters is never satisfied by FMIYM.

Acting:
Given the weakness in character development, the cast outperforms expectations by bringing an air of authenticity to each scene. The leads’ relationship may not be electric, but Kim Dong Wook and Moon Ga Young convey sympathy and compassion for one another’s characters through their acting. The supporting cast is mainly used for comedic levity but also deliver on emotional moments when given the opportunity.

Music:
I rarely find issues with kdrama music as most tend to stick to the tried and true ballads or upbeat kpop-esque melodies, which applies to Find Me in Your Memory. The exception is that FMIYM’s OST fares better separately from the drama. The OST lyrics vaguely point to the events and themes of the drama, but the way it is incorporated with the scenes detract from the overall ambience. These are my highly subjective thoughts, and the way the music is mixed with the scenes does not do justice for what are otherwise strong kdrama ballads.

Rewatch Value:
FMIYM is an easy watch, especially if you are self-isolating and looking for something to lift your quarantine mood. Feel good moments abound but do not make up for the insufficient character development. This results in a rather middle-of-the-road drama, start to finish; reminding me of another feel-good, average drama, Touch Your Heart.

Read More

Everything is turnt up to 11

Crash Landing on You is absolutely absurd. It has one of the highest cable drama ratings and should be on everyone’s 2020 kdrama watchlist. The drama has you going back and forth from laugh-crying to cry-crying. The cast is flawless. The director comes from Romance is a Bonus Book with the screenwriter of The Legend of the Blue Sea. Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin also come from 2018 dramas - Memories of the Alhambra and Something in the Rain, respectively. Loads of quality romcom experience, and it shows.

The drawbacks. In an effort to fill major plot holes, conflict escalation and resolution are left vague when convenient, especially for the non-main characters and arc. CLOY also pushes the envelope with its near 90 minute runtime per episode. All-in-all, the drama shoots for the moon but crashes in the stars.

Story:
The premise and story supports the success of Crash Landing on You by spinning a serious current event into an absurd adventure. The North Korea-South Korea conflict immediately adds to the gravitas of the drama, and subverting this expectation results in unforgettable comedy. The over-the-top approach is handled beautifully, and viewer immersion is rarely ruined. Production was even sued for its relatable portrayal of North Korea (It was actually “sued” for glamorizing NK conditions, but I digress).

The drama intertwines the story of four main leads and a large supporting cast, so big that it even has a recap episode. It is entirely understandable why the drama does not fully explain or explore every single plotline. On the other hand, Crash Landing on You has a total runtime equivalent to a 20 episode drama, and it even contains what could be seen as filler scenes. Again, this is being nitpicky with an incredibly entertaining watch.

Acting:
Crash Landing on You actually reunites the two main leads from 2018 movie, The Negotiation, where they are adversaries. In CLOY, their comradery and chemistry is unquestionable. Hyun Bin has received his fair share of criticism in the past, but this character is well suited for his strengths, being good looking and stoic. He earnestly acts each scene with that ridiculous “North Korean” accent, even adding emotions when required (but bloopers, please!). Anyone can appreciate his effort in CLOY, even if it is not winning any acting awards. Son Ye-Jin, on the other hand, I have been a fan of from Something in the Rain. I am most impressed by her expanded comedic role in Crash Landing on You. She is funny in SitR but hilarious in CLOY. Some lines land a little too extra but most hit their timing.

The second leads’ acting also impresses as their roles expand by the end of the drama. Plus, there is too much to say about the large and talented supporting cast. Kim Sun-Young continues to earn her reputation as a talented cast member. The mini-Something in the Rain reunion with Jang So-Yeon is welcome. I give the underrated award to Hwang Woo-Seul-Hye as the lovable/hateable doofus sister-in-law (also, how is she 40 years old!). Even the guest roles amaze, like when my jaws hit the floor seeing Kim Soo-Hyun’s character. Everyone’s buy-in to the premise of CLOY is what creates that special level of immersion that we love about all great kdramas.

Music:
Like many watchers, I am also a fan of kpop, and the musical ensemble for Crash Landing on You delivers on all fronts. IU, one of the hottest kpop stars, sings the final OST, capping off the musical journey of CLOY. Another rising star, Song Ga-In, sings one of the best tracks on the OST. I have also been following Davichi since debut and hearing them in CLOY is a joy. The only knockback is that the music does not push its boundary quite like the story and acting of CLOY.

Rewatch Value:
I plan to rewatch Crash Landing on You as soon as I have the chance. On top of everything said thus far, there are references to other dramas, pop culture, and current events, and I am sure that I have missed many of them. There is so much to enjoy about CLOY for first-time kdrama watchers AND veteran viewers. After my rewatch, I may even revise my final score to a 9 because CLOY sets the bar very high for 2020.

Read More

An engaging plot (twist) driven drama

Plot twists and cliffhangers are front and center of Hot Stove League (Stove League). Sherlock-esque, the Main Lead (Baek Seung Soo) solves each turn, mostly on his own, with the big reveal happening after the resolution. Just through pure storytelling, the drama delivers quite an emotional punch, which is surprising given its subdued character development. Do not let Stove League go under your radar with its compelling and heartwarming message.

Story:
The realism and relatability of the niche topic of off-season baseball highlights the main strength of Stove League. No challenge seems ridiculous, though some resolutions are a tiny bit far fetched. There is a real feeling of distress with each downturn and a huge sigh of relief with each problem solved. It makes the drama easy to look forward to on a weekly basis.

The only drawback is that so much time is spent on presenting and solving each issue, which leaves little time for other types of character development. Sherlock is Sherlock in each mystery, and Baek Seung Soo remains true to his style throughout the show. The lack of character growth is worse for the female lead, Lee Se Young, who mostly gets dragged through BSS’s antics. Luckily, the “main” side character of each plot arc gets significant development in comparison. This is doubly true for the antagonist, Kwon Kyung Min.

Acting:
Tight storytelling makes it easier for the actors to play their role while weak character developments hurts their ability to shine. Baek Seung Soo’s past frequently appears on screen, and the actor Nam Goong-Min admirably plays his past-self well in contrast to his present character. Unfortunately, Park Eun-Bin’s character does not get enough opportunities to perform. Even supporting characters get more character development as their arcs are completed over the course of 1-3 episodes. In that sense, the supporting cast did a great job of acting given their window to shine. Oh Jung-Se especially left a good impression by the conclusion of the drama.

Music:
At first, the music of Stove League seems bland, but it grows on viewers with each re-listen. The musical cast leans more on Korean rock than kpop or kballad. The change is refreshing. It somehow blends effortlessly with the plot and premise of the Stove League, akin to the fight songs or victory songs of real-life sports teams.

Rewatch Value:
Stove League, as mentioned, is a solid watch, especially as it aired, but it does lose much of its shine when the outcomes are known. On the other hand, the feel good nature of the overall message cannot be overstated. So, I will recommend another hardworking drama, Chief Kim, which shares the same male lead and a similar character vibe (i.e. talented and misunderstood) as I fondly remember Hot Stove League.

Read More

Black Dog falters after its promising opening

I warily watched Black Dog. On one hand, I am a fan of Seo Hyun-Jin, and tvN is a reputable network, but the show is led by a relatively rookie writer & director. The school setting is niche but not novel. The introduction is mere inches from melodrama. Yet, Black Dog starts with a surprisingly open and honest discussion of the main lead’s struggles. Unlike Sky Castle’s overt drama, Black Dog takes a more realistic and understated portrayal of life at Daechi High School.

Black Dog progresses with this steady approach until the last quarter. The story seems to peter out as major plotlines are resolved (or dropped) because the balance of the plot is thrown off. New plotlines emerge that do not have the same level of subtlety, and it breaks the sublime immersion created until that point.

Story:
Honestly, I almost passed on Black Dog due to its seemingly bland premise. I wrote it off as a bad Sky Castle impression. Even episode 1 left me with a raised eyebrow until the big “reveal”. Then, Black Dog shows its strength, clear and emotional storytelling. The progression and growth of the main lead is felt with each episode, and it must have been too fast for the writer. The story basically begins a second season (I will not elaborate for fear of spoilers). Unfortunately, Black Dog ends with a “not-as-good Season 2 disappointment” that viewers are all too familiar with.

Acting:
I am 100% biased with Seo Hyun-Jin. Although I favor her roles in romcoms, The Beauty Inside and Another Miss Oh, she demonstrated her range with the first season of Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim. Black Dog leans towards the latter, and Seo Hyun-Jin is responsible for delivering emotions rather than laughs. Furthermore, she does it via the subdued character with conviction, Go Ha Neul.

Shoutout to Lee Chang-Hoon (actually in Sky Castle). He owns a more mature role in Black Dog, versus his roles in One Spring Night and Something in the Rain. Ye Soo-Jung also makes me turn my head after her 180 transformation from Search: WWW. Overall, I am a fan of how the entire cast expands their acting range with Black Dog.

Music:
The backing tracks of Black Dog are a bit vanilla. It makes sense to not overshadow the many subtle and emotional scenes with overly dramatic songs. Though the music pairs nicely with the drama, it does not have impact on its own.

Rewatch Value:
I went from skipping Black Dog to being surprisingly optimistic. Again, it’s disappointing to know Black Dog fails to deliver to my renewed optimism. It may be a more enjoyable watch to less seasoned drama viewers, hopefully, but know that kdramas have much to offer, beyond Black Dog. I look forward to the growth of Black Dog’s director and screenwriter due to the promising signs in Black Dog.

Read More

Another average entrant into the sea of Korean dramas on Netflix

Korean dramas are reaching wider audiences thanks to Netflix’s foray, but Netflix’s flawed “Match” ratings system obfuscates true kdrama gems. Luckily, the backlog of dramas are mostly well-received ones from trusted cable networks, like jtbc and tvN. The same is not true for the new dramas. (On a tangent, Netflix produced dramas are pretty mediocre less Kingdom, which is still incomplete).

Even the jtbc and tvN dramas from 2019 have been slightly worse than previous years. Albeit, my 2019 favorites, Be Melodramatic/Her Private Life/Search: WWW were not available on Netflix (US region). In this context, Chocolate is just another average show. I will skip straight to recommendations! One Spring Night and Romance is a Bonus Book are both available on Netflix. Dr. John is a more makjang medical drama, and Romantic Doctor Teacher Kim (season 1) is a better character driven medical drama.

Story:
As average as Chocolate is, it covers many typical Korean drama tropes that might be beneficial to experience for new viewers. The main leads are tangled from childhood to present, both have traumatic pasts to overcome, and their relationship develops slowly. The only “different” wrinkle is mixing cooking and medical genres, and as good as the food looked, it adds surprisingly little to the plot (a.k.a. Medicine cannot cure these people so give them a yummy last meal…). If this is one of your first Korean dramas, look forward to all the amazing ways this format can stretch tired tropes, just not in Chocolate.

Acting:
The two main leads, Yoon Kye-Sang and Ha Ji-Won, have a strong, subtle chemistry and deliver adequately, but the support/guest roles are the highlight. Major props to Kim Won-Hae who owns a much more serious role than his usual. I also enjoyed Yeom Hye-Ran’s part (especially coming off of a strong performance in When the Camellia Blooms). Even the guests are fun, like Yubin with the guest role AND OST credit.

Music:
Segueing into music, Chocolate relies on a surprising amount of k-pop idols, from Yubin to Seventeen to Hui (from Pentagon). There is also a solid presence of k-ballad/ost veterans. The backing sounds of Chocolate remained strong throughout, and the high production value of Chocolate shines through its beautiful settings and its credentialed musical cast.

Rewatch Value:
I already gave recommendations upfront and stand by them here. Chocolate is a totally acceptable watch (contrary to its 6.5 rating) but leaves little impact afterwards. Personally, taking more risks in storytelling would have been appreciated, even if it were to land a bit flat. In that regard, Doctor John is a great example of turning the stereotypical korean drama tropes up one notch.

Read More

Can one gimmick sustain an entire kdrama? Almost

The progression of Psychopath Diary seems simple, characters clear the misunderstanding until the big finale, and the drama results from which characters figure out the truth and when. The back half of the drama leaves the misunderstanding uncleared for a bit too long (to be expected of Korean dramas) with a hurried conclusion. The drama relies on comedy to get through its plot shortcomings, and the comedy never lets the viewers down.

Psychopath Diary brings in two successful main leads, Yoon Shi-Yoon (The Nokdu Flower) and Jung In-Sun (Terius Behind Me) and focuses on their interactions with third lead, Park Sung-Hoon. Their delivery really brings Psychopath Diary together and makes it a solid kdrama in 2019.

Story:
Nothing about the premise screams “new” in kdramaland: murder mystery, amnesia, nice guy taken advantage of, etc. Instead, it throws these concepts into a blender to create the nice guy who believes he is the psychopath killer with amnesia. The opening scene shows a male lead with conviction but that facade is ripped off for the viewers quickly, and the viewers are omniscient of the entire plot from the get-go.

From there, you would think the show revolves around how to resolve the misunderstanding, but Psychopath Diary dwells on all the hilarious scenarios of mistaken identity. The main male lead, Yook Dong Shik, tries to live up to his “killer” identity and to turn his pushover life around. Even with all the creative snafus, the gimmick starts to tire, and the comedic genius behind Psychopath Diary does not translate to the mystery/thriller aspect of the show. All-in-all, Psychopath Diary is a comedic gem under the guise of a mystery/thriller.

Acting:
The casting of the main leads is exceptional. Psychopath Diary showcases a group of actors with comic chops. Jung In-Sun is equally fun and funny in her previous role in Terius Behind Me. I remember Yoon Shi-Yoon from King of Baking in the 2010s. There are countless scenes where YSY’s character hilariously behaves more psychotic than our psychopath killer.

The supporting cast also has a strong resume in comedic dramas. Shout out to Kim Ki-Doo, who continues to score rolls as the comic relief (even in a comedy). The entire cast can be depended on to bring laughter to even the most dire scenes.

Music:
Music is an area that cable dramas struggle to keep up versus their major network counterparts. tvN is able to pull together an awesome ensemble, as evidenced by Hotel Del Luna, but that is more an exception than a rule. Still, the music does not take away from Psychopath Diary in any way. The overall viewing/listening experience remains pleasant throughout all the episodes.

Rewatch Value:
I cannot help but compare Psychopath Diary to Terius Behind Me again. So many of the things said in this review can also apply to Terius, and Terius is just a hair better in my eyes. Both casts are stellar, but Terius Behind Me does not trip up as much with the mystery/thriller plotline. On the other hand, Psychopath Diary never let down on the laughs, and that is what will be remembered about Psychopath Diary above all else.

Read More

Definitely not another Gong Hyo-jin Rom-Com

Comedy is not what will be remembered about When the Camellia Blooms. Although that seems obvious based on the plot synopsis (single mother, serial killer, etc.), I expected something similar to Gong Hyo-jin’s previous works, and I was glad that WtCB was not. I am not a huge fan of GHJ, especially her comedic timing, and seeing her in this drama is a pleasant surprise. Funny moments still dot this drama, but its main draws are the looming mystery thriller and its emotional punches.

With a veteran cast & crew and solid production quality, the drama executes its plot cleanly, mostly. The beginning exposition is a little messy with the introduction of the mystery plotline and the romance plotline, but WtCB finds its footing. However, I find the messy beginning more captivating than the polished execution of the middle and ending. The tension in the drama dissipates a little too quickly given its long buildup, and I am left wanting more.

Story:
There are 2 main stories in When the Camellia Blooms, the mystery and the “drama”, and the romance and comedy both take a back seat. The 20-episode format gives the mystery and drama ample time to develop, but due to their poor integration, it results in an uneven pace. Throughout it all, romance and comedy still peak their heads, like a familiar, friendly reminder.

The characters in the drama are much better written than the plot, and they remain relatable even as a serial killer lurks in their town. In particular, the development of minor characters stands out, especially Noh Gyu Tae and Jessica. The way these two characters are made endearing throughout WtCB shows its excellent character drama.

Acting:
Furthermore, Gong Hyo-Jin has said in an interview that Dong Baek is a character who she could not pass on to another actress. The role really challenges GHJ to portray a vulnerable person putting herself out there. It relies less on comedic timing and more on emotional delivery, and GHJ shows she does not need comedy to create relatable characters.

The supporting cast is also stellar, and the trio of GHJ with the 2 male leads bring all the different plotlines together. Kang Ha-Neul excels as he bounces from the different plotlines, all while bringing his comedy chops (even while solving a murder!). And as mentioned earlier, even the minor characters get their moments to shine throughout, and the interaction between all the characters had me tuning in week by week.

Music:
The music also consistently delivers week by week. It trends towards the typical kballad genre but employs a group of talented singers. I look forward to giving the OST and soundtrack a re-listen. Shoutout to Punch who has killed it with drama OSTs in 2019 (plus she has a popular OST in another GHJ drama, “It's Okay, That’s Love”). And, I will never say no to more songs by Heize.

Rewatch Value:
As much as I love the lesser known hits in kdramaland, credit is due to the major networks and their products. They bring in starpower and have the capacity to cover all the facets of drama making. It results in 10+% ratings rarely achieved by the smaller cable networks, but it can be difficult to determine whether that was because of quality or mass-marketing/appeal. As far as WtCB is concerned, it is an enjoyable watch and better than most other 2019 major network productions (like “Angel’s Last Mission: Love”).

Read More