The story is not a typical kdrama story with a lot of twists, birth-secrets, evil characters etc. It's more like I was following the life events of a normal family, whit ups and downs, remaining always with the feeling that something like that could happen in real life. That's the reason why I really enjoyed the show. It is different.
The characters are very well written, all of them had theirs own story, with funny events, sad events, love stories, friendship, breakups and reconciliations, marriage, birth and death. The chemistry between all of the characters was very good, giving the feeling they're a real family.
Of course the strongest plus point is the love story of Tae Sub and Kyung Soo. I loved the way it was presented, it was not too much for a kdrama, sometimes I even had the feeling the kiss is missing (but , in the end, I think it was better without it). The other love stories were also good, but not like that one.
The acting was brilliant, everyone portrayed his character very good. After this drama i'm loving Lee Sang Woo more and I noticed Song Chang Ui. It's the first time I see him playing a main role.
If you wanna watch a family drama that's not very complicated, with a plot that flows smoothly, with strong characters, full of family-love, with good love-stories I recommend this one!
Was this review helpful to you?
And just like that, you stole my heart away.
This is the first ongoing Kdrama in 7 years that I watched in real time. I think words will fall short if I try writing a review for this drama, regardless of it's seasons. I didn't watch the season1 ongoing bcs I never do that for any drama as I'm very impatient aand anxious to wait and think about what's the next. But sure, I was intrigued by the response it was getting during the s1 and even so I took 3 months to start it.Anyways, I decided to watch the season 2 ongoing without a 2nd thought before a month and the reasons are obvious. Morever, slice of life Kdramas without solid plots can be watched ongoing easily. I am very glad for my decison and grateful for each and every moment.
Again, this ain't a review because this dramaa is excellent in all the aspects and don't need evaluations to be judged. The writer Lee Woo Jung jakka-nim and director Shin Won Ho PDnim are my most favourites, both individually and as a PD-Jakka pair, I can blindly trust on whatever they do.
Script, story progression, twists, character development, revelations, realizations, and all other realistic elements of life are very well placed and utilized in the drama and directon work is like adding feather to a cap.
I will be pointing out the highlights of this season and I think I might spill spoilers for those who have not watched it but let me mention them anyways because you know it's a slice of life story plus apparently the concluding season. So here I go:
# The season 2 started exactly where it had ended in the season 1.
# The story continues to be aas simple as the 1st season with no solid plot development rather showing the day to day life of YULJE.
# The most important thing of Hospital Playlist is the ordinary days of the extraordinary group of 5 friends who continued to inspire, motivate and teach us various different things even in this season.
# The definite character development of Suk Hyung, becoming open and clear from being shy and introverted person.
# Ik Jun is still that lame person who loves throwing PJs despite the seriousness of the situation and I think I can relate haha.
# After few months, SongHwa returns to Yulje but also gets busier with the management of VIP ward meant for "Daddy Long Legs Funds", surgeries, lectures and helping her fellows with their thesis.
#Jun Wan is still that serious yet silly guy who gets annoyed at anything. He had to go through misery but he managed to pull off his life better.
# Jung Won, still a kid by heart, continues to learn every other day from experience and despite his indecisiveness, can stay calm.
# Jun Wan and Song Hwa are still those maad foodie pairs who eat more than half of the food and even fight w/ each other for it.
# Ik Jun and Jun Wan still get into fight out of nowhere at their 40s over silly things, pulling hairs and punching each other.
#Jung Won continues to intrigue the kids for his love for them and somehow makes them to fall for him.
# The surgery scenes are not detailed for a fact but the OT scenes with variety of shades given the situations and severity were wonderful.
# Uri best boy Uju has visibly grown up by looks and by brain. He is in fact more quick-witted now and interacts like an adult with others.
# The kumo-chukha bonding between Uju Iksun and Uju is another adorable thing to witness.
# Just like previous season, Hospital and Playlist also focuses on the life of interns, residents, staff nurses and other staffs of the institutions.
# Uri twin interns Hong Do and Yun Bok continue to win our hearts by their cuteness. Yun Bok is loved by everone.
# Hong Do is still troubled by Jun Wan who asks him critical questions every other day and bothers him even after he changes dept.
# The Winter Garden Couple tries their very best to keep their relationship a secret from the hospital except for their dearest ones.
# Just like last time, we get to see different shades of gynecology dept, few of birth givings, life of their nurses, interns and residents.
# The Band continues to come up with very good songs and acing those with their skills. Song Hwa had a contract to sing once in 2 years. I always looked forward to discover a new track evey week.
# The bonding between 2 mothers whose babies were both on VAD waiting for a heart donation was very well shown. They were the marathoners who at some point were able to reach the goal.
# Min Ah was finally able to change Suk Hyung's heart through her determination and that was the best thing about this season.
# The life of caregiver nurses of the pediatrics was beautifully portrayed and that indeed was heart-touching.
# Undoubtedly, this season also showed us the bittersweet relationship between doctors and their patients. The way the doctors and handle the patients plus their curiosity and anxiety is very realistic along with the patient's way of respecting the doctors.
# Winter Garden Couple: The foregoing romance between Jungwon and Gyeo-ul that matures with time and they learn how to open up to each other. It felt good seeeing how their bonding was becoming closer.
# Kom-Kom Couple: The development and progress in the relationship status between Min Ah and Suk Hyung that journeys from Professor-Resident to couples and this is the best thing about the this season and in fact it took the entire season to happen.
# Ik-Song: Our most favourite, IkSong who are best known for their slow-burn romance finally ended up together which was sudden bit definitely happened at the most appropriate pace. Both of them needed their time and that's completely understandable.
# Bidulgi (Dove): Jun Wan and Ik Sun had the most difficult time. The couple went through a very rough patch and had to put an end to the LDR but after years crossed paths and realized their undying feelings for for each other.
# Silver Dragon: Suk Min and Sun Bin, uri lovey-dovey residents were away for a while and had some problems in the relationship but thankfully sorted them out and continued to make us feel cute
# The friendship between Rosa and Jong Su continued to bloom even in this season and in fact they became closer buddies who hung out and had meals almost everyday.
#The bromance between Jun Wan and Do Jae Hak, Cardio- thoracic chief resident, is another best thing. The way Jae Hak adored and respected Jun Wan even when Jun Wan was his professor and also the reason behind it was so very mesmerizing.
( Idk what else but I know for a reason that I got many more things left to talk about so I shall edit this review whenever I recall something important to add)
THE OSTs.
A majority of 90% tracks, like the last season, are the covers of old songs from 1970-2000 or after that and in fact 80% were also sung by Mido and Falasol, our fav band in their band practice.
My most favourite track of this season was is "SUPERSTAR" sung by Mido & Falasol. This is very inspiring and such a mood booster I swear. I both cry and then jump outta joy listening to it.
"Rain & You" sung by Lee Mu Jin, "In front of the post office in Autumn" sung by uri Suk Hyung (Kim Dae Myung), "Is it Still Beautiful" by Seventeen, "To You" by uri Ahn Jung Won (Yoo Yeon Suk) were some slow heart touching tracks.
Similarly, "Reminisce" by uri Kim Jun Wan (Jung Kyung Ho) and "Let's Forget it" by the band sad and heartbreaking tracks. "I Like You" by Jo Yong Pil and "I Like You" by Jo Jung Suk are both jolly ones. "Already One Year" is also a favourite.
I am glad they released 5 drama version band songs for this season
I really didn't knew whether to be happy about the 2h40m finale or be sad about the end of this season but to my unfortunate, they announced the end of the entire series that made me upset. I have always trusted ShinLee pair, their work and their decisions but this came as a shocking news and I don't think I am gonna accept it any soon.
All I can do is cry my heart out. I am grateful to the entire team, the cast, the crew aand each and every single person involved with Hospital Playlist for this amazing seasons and the fabulous season that brought out all kinda emotions out of me; made me smile, laugh crazy , cry mad, be heartbroken, etc etc.
I think it's unfair that we don't get to have another season when it's them who said it themselves but I am thankful for the almost 2hours episodes that we were gifted with in this season. Hospital Playlist is definitely my most favourite after REPLY 1988 and Imma flex about it for the rest of my life.
THANK YOU UNIVERSE FOR HOSPITAL PLAYLIST
Was this review helpful to you?
There is NOTHING to hate.
UPDATED REVIEW:- perfect pacing, no boring scenes
- literally will make you feel satisfied, anxious, happy, giggly, scared, you also WILL cry on the last episodes.
- warning, you WILL get attached to the characters
- music was 10/10
- character development was top notch for ALL the characters
- main villain got her ass kicked (very very satisfying)
- a MUST WATCHHH 10/10
OLD Review after watching 5/10 eps
at first I gave this drama an 8.5 but then I sat down and really thought about it and realised that there is actually NOTHING I don’t like.
Side note: MYEONG Ja Eun is the most adorable pookie pie to ever pookie I just love her so much and the actress needs more roles!!
1. All the actresses are really good. This drama is the debut of Shin Seulki & Jang Daah and they are BOTH SO GOOD! Not to compare but if you look at the actress in the impossible heir, it’s her debut drama but she is terrible and everyone agrees. Seulki and Daah both show how it’s possible to act well in your debut drama.
2. The plot is really good.Definitely keeps you on your toes wondering what our female lead and the villain Jan Daah will do next.
3. Everything is just executed so well. The Ost fits the scenes, it’s very well written.
4. It’s very well paced and there is not a single boring part. I usually watch my dramas in 1.25x or 1.5x speed but not this one, I didn’t even use the 10x much.
Overall: there is a nothing to hate about the drama. It is very satisfying whenever our female lead has the upper hand and gets your heart pumping whenever she’s “losing”. It is worth your watch, no disappointment here!
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji Won make such adorable leads. Both of them do a very good job playing out their roles where love lies right below the surface.
I feel that this drama focused way too much on the secondary leads story. I really felt little love for both Ahn Jae Hong and Song Ha Yoon's characters. I found their story detracting time from the lead couple.
This drama has such a fresh start when it focuses on the leads and their struggles in finding their way in the world. As the show continues, it starts to settle into a more traditional love story. As well toward the end of the drama, it throws in a lot more angst. While I found the disagreement about Seo Joon's character's career path, the birth mystery was really evocative and touching ...
Fight My Way was a good watch. The fresh start is a must watch. I did notice that as the drama started to settle into the typical tropes, I found that it got a little bogged down.
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie is about friendship and it is very close to reality. I think that is why it made me cry so much, both happy and sad tears. It made me miss my friends and made me wonder what will happen in the future.
The story is really good! The way they switched between past and present was really cool and the movie was very well directed. The costumes and music of the past were done really well. The camera work was really good. And it was a lot of fun to watch.
The acting was very good, of both teen and adult actors. I saw Sora for the first time on We Got Married. She's completely different from how she was there! Here she is a bad-ass leader of Sunny and I loved her! The other girls were pretty good too. Na Mi reminded me somewhat of Velma from Scooby Doo :P
They cast the adult actors pretty well too. The faces matched and it was like they were the older versions of the teen actors. So props to the casting directors for doing such a good job. Also, the situations in which all of the characters were, were very real. That's what I loved the most about this movie, it was very close to reality.
Either Kim Shi Hoo-ssi loves to play characters from the past or he has that kind of a face that the directors cast him as a 80s boy. He played the same kind of role in Love Rain and I was pleasantly surprised to see him in this movie. The crush thing was so cute! It brought back memories of my first crush :P
I would highly recommend this movie even if you don't watch Asian movies. This movie is really well done, the acting is really good, the story is amazing and touching and it is definitely worth your while.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It's the best one I've ever watched but what a shame that it doesn't have a season 2 yet .
Like ohh my god I really can't express this , but I can't resist to write , I want to write and express my feelings about this particular series .I swear it's the first series that made me cry like a fool .
I'm so impressed by Stay with Me; it's better than I ever imagined.
I am completely obsessed with Shu Yu and Wu Bi! The way they fell in love, fought, and found their way back to each other was pure perfection. Hands down, this is the best drama I have ever watched!
I know I’m late to the party, but I just finished this drama and I am completely overwhelmed by how deeply attached I’ve become. Wu Bi’s fierce possessiveness and jealousy made my heart skip a beat, while Shu Yu’s adorable teasing perfectly balanced their dynamic. Their love was so profound that they were truly ready to sacrifice everything for one another. The finale proved this beautifully: when the brakes failed, Wu Bi intentionally steered the car to take the brunt of the impact himself, choosing to risk his own life just to shield Shu Yu from harm. I understood Wu Bi’s devotion through every single episode. It’s hard to put into words exactly what I’m feeling right now, but watching this masterpiece was worth every second.
I’m convinced that when Shuyu said 'I love you, Ocean,' he was actually telling Wubi. It’s obvious that Wubi is the reason Shuyu moved on from Ye Wan Wing; he knew his heart belonged to Wubi all along. They were inseparable, and I’ve never seen Shuyu smile like that with anyone else. The way Shuyu changed Wubi’s life is indescribable. They were truly meant for each other, meeting at the perfect time when they needed each other most.
Shuyu finally realized that he is the most important person in Wubi's life—a truth captured perfectly in Wubi's smile. Wubi did everything in his power to protect Shuyu, proving that genuine love has nothing to do with external beauty or gender. Instead, true love is built on the time spent together, mutual care, and a constant, comforting warmth. It is defined by selfless sacrifice, where a single embrace provides complete comfort, and finding joy in fulfilling the other person's wishes is the only reward that matters. ..
I never thought I could fall so deeply in love with a bromance series, but this show completely shattered the thought of mine that bromance can't compete with BL dramas. I am so incredibly grateful to the friend who recommended this masterpiece!
It’s not just a cute show that makes me blush —it resonates with me on a profound level. The scriptwriter, the director, and the lead actors deserve endless praise for bringing this majestic, outstanding project to life. You can truly see the deep meaning and immense effort behind every single frame.
It is deeply frustrating that strict censorship regulations have prevented the production of Stay With Me Season 2. As dedicated fans, we deserve a proper resolution to the story of Su Yu and Wu Bi, especially since the audience is so emotionally invested. It is well-known that the cast is eager to film the sequel, making it highly disappointing that industry roadblocks are holding it back.
While Zhang Jiongmin continues to secure roles in various new dramas, it feels unfair that his partnership with Xu Bin for this series has been completely stalled. Leaving an audience hanging for over three years is incredibly disheartening for a fandom that has supported the show from the very beginning.
I’ve actually cried over this because I am so deeply attached to their story.
What I wrote is way too short to express what it made me feel .
Was this review helpful to you?
Irresistible Love: Secret of the Valet
36 people found this review helpful
After 6 years spent in England, Xie Yan (XY) returns back home. He immediately comes to find Shu Nian (SN), who resumes his role of a servant. In a sense, the two revive their childhood days after a long separation. However, SN does not seem happy about XY’s return.
What turn will their relationship take next?
Overall, the story was not exaggerated, but somehow emotions are conveyed very well – sense of injustice, annoyance, care, worry… One can feel them all very strongly during the movie.
Characters
- Xiao Nian - unlucky orphan with a great heart. Very good at hiding his feelings, after years of service he became very proficient at obeying orders, quietly accepting his fate.
- Xie Yan – selfish, dominant, possessive, but deep down also caring.
- Jiang Yao – not shown in great detail in the movie, but seems to fail to understand love.
Great actors, very natural acting.
Music – fitting, but not very noticeable or particularly good.
Other comments
- XY was too dominant, which makes the relationship become abusive, especially at the beginning. However, one might argue that by showing this characteristic so clearly, the movie emphasises that this is a problem.
- The development of their relationship could be shown in more detail and in greater depth.
- Also, the movie contains a really interesting theme of an orphan, who basically becomes a servant to the heir of his adoptive family. The aspect of SN’s loyalty and servitude is clearly shown, but maybe this could be expanded upon further.
- Some moments were a little difficult to understand, but that might be due to the quality of subtitles.
Generally, a really interesting and good movie.
Would especially recommend it to those who:
- like BL movies
- are not typical BL audience, but are looking for a romance movie with an interesting plot
- are interested in stories of orphans
Was this review helpful to you?
drama of the year❣
what I love about this is how layered the characters are;Oh Hyun Jin was a total dream 21st century career boss lady, she was in control and composed but as she entered the the mysterious momhood everything changed for her, she wasn't as confident, she didn't know anything and she was scared which just proves, being "smart" doesn't make you a natural know it all
Jo Eun Jung was the opposite, she was a stay at home mom who took pride in her "natural" and vast knowledge of momhooness, but behind the curtains she was just as clueless and scared as the rest
Lee Roo Da seemed like an arrogant and immature person who didn't love her kid, but she was just someone who had a different approach on motherhood, and she didn't want to do things because "other's do it"
Choi Hye Sook is still a mystery but behind her controlling aura she just wants what's best for the moms. she was a dream boss and mentor, she was stern but compassionate, old fashioned but accepting
glue stick! my precious glue stick is an acting genius! (and the directors did a great job capturing him), his facial expressions were always a delight
Kim Do Yoon is the most precious husband and father! they were the most inspiring healthiest couple I've seen in dramaland. I wonder how big their age gap was xD they were also the best example of a noona romance ;D
the drama has a great sense of humor, I've not laughed like that for a long time, especially 1st ep made laugh until I cried xD
on the other hand they deal with alot of realistic postpartum worries and issues, new moms (and dads) deal with alot of new emotions and experiences, plus the surrounding people's expectations and "advice" can become really suffocating.
you can't produce enough milk? you're a bad mom
you want to work again? you're a bad mom
you gained weight? you're a bad woman
you're not magically happy? you're a bad human
you feel tired from feeding your kid every 3 hours? you're a disgrace...
on the other hand the husband kinda doesn't experience those 1st hand, so he's happy, not tired and tries to encourage his wife or tell her about his day while she can barely hold her own emotions together and he starts thinking he's a burden..
the drama stayed true to it's premier, it dealt with alot of worries and burdens surrounding a new mom while also keeping a well timed sense of humor that never failed to make me laugh until I cried. I'll miss this drama dearly! I really wish s2 happens soon and I wish they keep the same cast, they could all have triplets for all I care, I want them back! TT__TT
the ost was also beautiful and elegant, the setting, the writing, the acting, the directing, everything was perfect❤
Was this review helpful to you?
Fully fleshed out and coherent short length costumed drama
I admit I'm really into Yang Ze which is why I sought this out and watched it without subs.The plot is the story of an immortal close to his final cultivation accidentally helping a little flower immortal reach personhood and she instantly falls in love with him. His last steps include 3 mortal realm travails and she ends up occupying him for them.
I found the plot easy to follow and coherent. The love at first sight from her part made sense (he's beautiful and powerful and she's innocent and new) and the travails were great stories by themselves full of tragic loss and betrayals. I don't normally like tragic stories but in the context of knowing it's part of the travails, it made the little bite-sized tragedies really interesting to watch. The process of him falling for her also made sense and yes, it is eventually a happy ending and, best of all, everything is tied up.
Yang Ze is absolutely one of my favorite actors now, having seen the great job he did in The Killer is Also Romantic and Emperor or Boss. He absolutely sold me and I loved all the different characters he ends up playing and cried at the tribulations he had to go through. The FL was perfectly adequate and had some really stellar moments in the second mortal travail but I admit I was just glued to Yang Ze the whole time.
I really hope someone subs this eventually so you don't need Mandarin comprehension to watch but overall, I am very pleased I watched this.
Was this review helpful to you?
another user stated that don't base your interest to view a drama solely on good/bad reviews. Guess what there will always be ppl who like and dislike a drama. I have tried plenty of drama that had great review and can't get into it and vice versa. Sure this can be a base but take it all with a grain of salt and don't have high expectations on any drama...try ....to go into a drama w/a blank slate... you'll always be disappointed no matter what. I like to mostly read the summary of the storyline.
I had no interested in this. I didn't find SJ good looking...whaat... can you believe that? Lol..i saw soo many preview of their head lock/charm scenes and finally tried it...I fell in love w/the characters. I fell in love w/DM when he shield her from ppl view of her crying. He had my heart. Heck they were all vulnerable and was comfortable crying in front of each other.
The chemistry of the fab 4 is awesome! Friendship Goal. They all love and care for each other. The silly antic of the 2 falling in love was hilarious. I appreciate no crazy villains or parental involvement. The M.C. was soo adorkable (I know not a real word). Once they realize they liked each other...there was no pretense. I know ppl might get annoyed with the F.L but I understand her. She may be selfish in that thoughts but I get it. Her heart breaks everything she sees him hurt and she loves him soo much. They are all flawed real characters. The bromance, sister hood....there was no crazy skinship but they make my heart go kong kong kong...and laughing like an idiot and I cried with them. It was more realistic. Him pulling her hair tie off was NOT smooth at all like a typical drama that make it look pretty. It was awkward and comical. They were awkward in their process of realizing they like each other. I like how honest he was w/his feeling. *blush*blush*
There is a freedom of adlib and you can see they are having fun enjoying each others company.
"Do what make your heart beats faster."
"When did you get such a good back up."
-they always had each other backs-
The OST is really good!
Love it all...it's all heart and it makes me feel good watching it and that is all that matters to me.
Heart
Was this review helpful to you?
Overall, after watching the final episode and not realising it was actually the final episode (changed from listed 75 eps to 74) I have to say I wasn't too happy with the ending but the drama is for sure extremely well made and in my top 5 dramas of all time. If you're looking for a drama with more depth, a little romance and a smart, independent heroine I definitely recommend this one!
Was this review helpful to you?
It's breezy and fun to watch. I enjoyed it very much and I think what I liked most is, everyone seemed so real. There were elements to each character that I certainly recognized in friends or loved ones in my life. They were fallable, made mistakes and wrong choices but then worked them out in a believable way.
I love Korean Dramas for their differences from American TV but it is nice once in a while to see a more realistic portrayal of modern romance and its difficulties. The questions that arise from a real romance. Will we get bored when the newness wares off? Can I forgive him if he cheats? Can I be okay with a more casual sexual love affair? How do I tell a man what I want or that I want more? These are only a few of the question that come up for the women. I am glad that every question isn't wrapped up in a neat little fantasyland bow. The plot lines are handled with a serious air but also a wry, truthful humor. This show made me smile and laugh.
I also loved that while the characters grew during the course of the plot, they didn't completely change their personalities. The love stories were fun and sexy too but still not blatent. The writing, acting and directing were all very solid. I very much enjoyed the narration of the lead character, giving us insight into her inner thoughts. I like the freeze frame stills interjected into the scenes to emphasize an emotion or mood. Fun!
Each episode is about 45 minutes or less and they do speed by pretty quickly. I attribute that to the smart writing and zippy story lines of each episode. I doesn't drag. I really liked the music as well.
This is a fun watch. Easy to invest your time in watching. It had me smiling, happy and waiting for the next episode. Pretty PG but with real kisses and frank sexual discussion. Always a plus in my book!
Was this review helpful to you?
It is a short but oh so packed with cuteness and OH MY GOSH scenes. The main leads in my opinion, have great chemistry! The main guy, Jae Won, is your ideal boyfriend; caring, sweet, cute (haha in all ways,mind you he loves his bear slippers and bear apron) and all other good stuff. There was no episode where I did not squeal, well probably there was err when that shameless ex of hers is on the screen.
But anyhow, I highly recommend this drama to my fellow viewers who's looking for a romance fill in, as this definitely did the job for me. I hope that my future man will do that kind of dating course for me!!!
Overall, I give this drama an A- ;as the acting was good, story is not so out of the ordinary but I liked the concept of the whole Wednesday 3:30 pm project, casts were good (cute chemistry between the leads), phasing of the drama was perfect and last but not the least, this drama had cute OST too
Was this review helpful to you?
2
1This review may contain spoilers
Giant is an epic about the life&love of 3 siblings during highspeed urban development of Gangam
"Giant" offers a dramatically stirring ride through 4 decades of recent South Korean history - 60 episodes tell a touching, upsetting, emotionally stirring and complex story set in the context of a turbo-fast urban development process in Seoul, south of the Han River: Gangnam.In passing, those episodes tell the story when Seoul and its people had to deal with a phenomenal population explosion: in 1953, 1 million people lived in Seoul. In 1960 it was 2.45 million and in 1970 it was already 6 million. Visions and plans were in demand, as were quick practical solutions and investments. Real estate speculation created a veritable gold rush atmosphere. "Giant" is about these 'gold diggers' in particular. (...and this hype about real estate speculation in Gangnam hasn't stopped until today...)
"Giant" is an epic. It is a monument and a memorial to the efforts and sacrifices of many people. The autocratic (and also often corrupt methods) of urban development become comprehensible if one considers them against the background of their time: the military dictatorship, which was inevitably characterized by the powerful influence of persons with military background in political and social decision-making processes (if you like see side note below). Instead of technical arguments and detailed examination, influence, money, bribery and position often had the say at the crucial interfaces.
If you pay a little more attention to the seemingly irrelevant details, "Giant" provides a crash course in recent South Korean history. (If you don't know or care about it, some things might be rather arbitrary or interchangeable.) In any case, the series has reached the South Koreans. In the course of its success, a further 10 episodes were added to the originally planned 50 episodes. For 40 percent of the viewers, "Giant" ranked first at the end of the 60th episode in 2010.
Ok, admittedly, there are 60 episodes. But when the time is right, you can confidently get involved. "Giant" is worth seeing. The story is told in a colorful way and played fantastically. It is emotionally gripping, touching, exciting. We accompany the protagonists over almost half a century: from their childhood in the 1970s to the year 2010. This means that actors can also show what they are made off by playing the protagonists as young. (Today they are stars of the 2020s: Yeo Jing-goo and Kim Soo-hyun). All in all, without exception, everyone delivered a strong performance. Last but not least, villain number 1, Jeong Bo-seok as Jo Pil-yeon, who holds his role brilliantly from the first to the last episode, is vividly remembered with his ice-cold laugh, which never got stuck in his throat - even in the most adverse headwinds.
The KDrama takes a sophisticated approach in telling the historical events and dynamic processes of the time through the eyes and hearts of three siblings. So, we tightly follow these stirring personal processes on the one hand, and several dubious machinations of the (fictitious) masterminds (who are quite close to the real events - see below) on the other. Against the historical background of those decades, in spectacular loopings the dramatically revolving wheel of fortune is allowed to turn to the fullest again and again, emotionally throwing the audience wildly around. KDrama shows it all.
"Giant" offers numerous stirring twists and upsetting turns in matters of love and rivalry, guilt and atonement, revenge and forgiveness. It won't be boring. All this surrounded by an indeed spectacular Gangnam urban development dynamic - at a dizzying high speed from no man's land to the hip trend district - which was not least favored by the autocratic control.
-------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Gangnam highspeed development thanks to autocratic urban development during military dictatorship ----
There are details of everyday life during the PARK DICTATORSHIP: the influence of the military in all sorts of social issues, the secret service KCIA, which interfered unrestrainedly in domestic political issues and investigations and even used torture to interrogate people. Positions of power, like mayors, being appointed according to their military background and the level of their allegiances with Park. The backroom networks where the places, where the real decisions were made.
There are details of the subsequent DICTATORSHIP under CHUN DO-HWAN: the curfew during the state of emergency under martial law, for example. The brutally crushed democratic aspirations. The establishment of educational concentrations camps - "Giant" refers to the Samchung Camp in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi, which was set up under the guise of fighting the threat posed by North Korean Communism. In this peculiar concentration camp, at least 60,000, probably even up to 100,000 innocent South Korean citizens were held captive in the former military prison under the most brutal conditions without an arrest warrant. There was talk of 'cleansing'. In fact, it was pure arbitrariness, verging on sadism.
And finally there is TRUE DEMOCRATIZATION of the system after the first free election for a long time - however, sadly, being faced with the same personnel (in autocratic tradition) in decisive ranks.
It has been proven that the military past in many political leadership positions during the Park dictatorship was not accidental but intentional. Among other things, of 6 Seoul mayors of that time (these were appointed, not elected), 3 had a military background. The other three were known for their expressed loyalty to the Park regime. Such people of Park's trust got the chance and used their past, their networks and opportunities as a robust standing, from where they set visionary course for the future of the capital with all means. Otherwise, rarely had the urbanization of Gangnam been as rapid as during those decades.
Gangnam beauty industry, the relevant corporate headquarters of the KPop industry, the suites and penthouses of the richest of the rich in the most exclusive apartment blocks of the country, temples of consumption of numerous luxury brands, hotspots for leisure and culture as well as some of the most prestigious schools contribute to Gangnam's dazzling image today. Gangnam with a population of over 1/2 Million recently is one of the economically most important urban districts of Seoul, in whose towers, which rise ever higher into the city sky, the very large companies of the country have their headquarters. A central transport hub has emerged and even the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has taken political presence here.
It's hard to believe that 60 years ago this district south of the Han River (강 - Gang = river and 남 - Nam = south) stood for flood plains and agriculture - especially cabbage fields and plantations with the Korean Nashi pear. It was an unattractive no man's land, considering you want urban city life.
This had changed in the 1970s after Seoul faced a massive population explosion, the consequences of which the city could not cope with under the given circumstances. Previously, the city's political, economic and cultural heart had been on the north bank of the Han River in Gangbuk - in fact, since the dawn of the Joseon Dynasty. But between 1953 and 1960, in just 7 years, the population had more than doubled, practically 'overnight', from 1 million to 2.45 million. In 1970 it had already reached around 6 million! Nobody had been prepared for this. Chaos was the result. Infrastructure collapsed, slums literally sprouted out of the ground.
That's when the vision of a whole new district south of the river was born. In 1966 it was announced for the first time that the population should be redistributed in the future: 40 percent of the population should live in the northern area, 60 percent in new and densely built Gangnam. A dream in distant clouds, that's how it seemed back then, because there was nothing there at that time.
In the 1970s, the planning took on more concrete forms. Gangnam has been defined as one of Seoul's 3 central urban cores alongside the historical old town and the political center of Yeouido. In order for this to happen, construction of today's Hannam Bridge had already begun in 1966. In 1969 this important connection was completed and the first milestone was reached. Also, the Gyeongbu Expressway was opened in 1970. However, to speed up the development, Gangbuk was deliberately disadvantaged and Gangnam was privileged, for example with tax breaks. An express bus terminal was built, elite schools were relocated and comfortable new apartments were advertised. Stylish urbanity was marketed on one plot, yet rural wasteland was right next to it. The contrasts were enormous.
Yet, residential buildings started to grow at breakneck speed and people began to move to the new southern neighborhoods.
Strictly speaking, Gangnam and the education of an elite school district also marks the beginning of the now enormously profitable private education market and some social excesses, which to this day provide the KDrama market with plenty of material for the most bizarre stories. In addition, speculation in real estate became fashionable and became a new hobby for (more or less) rich wives. Eventually, Gangnam also earned its reputation as an entertainment district, with clubs staying open all night.
The story of Gangnam reads dazzling and spectacular. But the city itself initially had no money for all the investments that were necessary to develop the land. It relied on income from sale of the land set out for recompense from the land readjustment programs. All started slowly, because interested buyers withdrew, disappointed since there was hardly anything really urban in Gangnam in the early 1970s. In order to speed up the processes, a law was passed in 1972 that deliberately relaxed the existing tax regulations relating to property regulations. From then on, profits from real estate speculation were practically tax-free. Trade tax, property tax, etc. were also waived for the next 6 years. This temporary incentive for investors proved extremely successful, but also problematic. This brought speculators onto the scene, who didn't care at all about professional urban development as such.
Thus, remarkable performance comes with sad collateral damage. The catastrophes associated with sloppiness in construction and human fault in the wake of corruption pave the decades just as much as the milestones of urban development. The biggest accidents in this context were, for example, the collapse of the Wawoo residential complex and the Seongsu Bridge. (Others followed at regular intervals. Every decade has its own list...)
Autocratic regulations, the need for speed and the money involved also encouraged flourishing and unchecked corruption regarding insider trading with real estate speculation, building tenders and bidding. Bribery shaped the entire business world. This also promoted a climate in which - if someone was convicted of his illegal activities - he (usually a 'he') was easily released soon later on.
While the giants were able to pocket their gigantic profits without restraint, the population of Gangnam suffered (and still suffers) from housing costs that exceed every measure.
Finally, within this whole developmental process, the lending business has been a crucial and lucrative business since the very beginning until up to date, even if customers and their needs may have changed in the meantime...
Was this review helpful to you?
