#Kim Kyung Duk

[toastinthegrass]

Start-Up (2019) dir. Choi Jeong Yeol

[nofatclips]

Chukje (Festival) - dir. Im Kwon-taek (1996)

Full movie available on Korean Classic Films YouTube channel

[kverything-official]

10 Sci-fi Korean Movies To Watch This Weekend

10. Space Sweepers 

Space Sweepers is a South Korean sci-fi action film that takes viewers on an exciting adventure through the cosmos. If you love space themed flims then this is one of the must see korean movies to watch for you. 

Movie Info

Directed by Jo Sung-hee

Produced by CJ ENM and Dexter Studios

Starring Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Hae-jin, and Jin Sun-kyu

Genre: Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

Synopsis

one of the best Korean movies to watch for Sci-Fi Fans

Space Sweepers is a visually stunning film with an engaging story. Packed with action and suspense, the film also explores themes of social inequality and what it means to be human. With a talented cast and crew, Space Sweepers is one of the highly recommended Korean movies to watch for fans of sci-fi films.

9. Lucid Dream 

Lucid Dream is a 2017 South Korean science fiction mystery-thriller that delves into the world of lucid dreaming, where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming. This unique plot makes it one of the best sci-fi Korean movies to watch this weekend. 

Behind the Scenes

Directed by Kim Joon-sung (directorial debut)

Written by Kim Joon-sung and Lee Young-Jong

Starring Go Soo, Jung Yu-mi, Park In-hwan, and Sol Kyung-gu

Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

A Father’s Desperate Search

A Mind-Bending Adventure

Lucid Dream is a film that will keep you guessing. As Dae-ho delves deeper into his dreams, he uncovers unsettling truths and faces nightmarish dangers. The film explores the potential of the human mind and the terrifying consequences that can arise when dreams become a battleground.

For Fans of Psychological Thrillers

Lucid Dream is one of the best Korean movies to watch for fans of mind-bending films with a touch of science fiction. The film’s exploration of lucid dreaming is both fascinating and unsettling, and the performances by the cast are captivating. If you’re looking for a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, Lucid Dream is one of the perfect Korean movies to watch.

8. Save The Green Planet

Save the Green Planet! is a 2003 South Korean science fiction black comedy film that blends environmental commentary with violent action and dark humor as well as one of the most enjoyable Korean movies to watch.

Cinematic Team

Directed and Written by Jang Joon-hwan (debut film)

Produced by Kim Ki-duk Films (yes, the director of “Oldboy”)

Starring Shin Ha-kyun, Baek Yun-sik, and Jeong Min-ah

Genre: Science Fiction, Black Comedy, Action

Environmental Hero (of Sorts)

Byung-gu (Shin Ha-kyun) is an eco-warrior with a twist. Disillusioned with the state of the planet, he becomes fixated on the idea that aliens are responsible for environmental destruction. Believing himself to be Earth’s chosen savior, Byung-gu kidnaps a powerful corporate executive, Kang Man-shik (Baek Yun-sik), convinced he’s an alien leader. Aided by his childlike girlfriend, Su-ni (Jeong Min-ah), Byung-gu subjects Kang to a series of bizarre and brutal interrogations, determined to force him to reveal the aliens’ plan and save the planet.

A Genre-Bending Experience

Save the Green Planet! is not your typical sci-fi film. The dark humor and outlandish violence create a unique viewing experience. While the film can be shocking at times, it also uses satire to explore themes of environmental degradation, corporate greed, and social isolation.

Not for the Faint of Heart

The film’s graphic violence and intense situations may not be for everyone. However, for those seeking a unique and thought-provoking film that blends genres and challenges expectations, Save the Green Planet! is another of the best Korean movies to watch.

Continue reading at: 10 Sci-fi Korean Movies To Watch This Weekend

[agendaculturaldelima]

#ProyeccionDeVida

🎬 “BURNING [Buh-ning]” 💣👨😱

🔎 Género: Drama / Thriller

⏰ Duración: 148 minutos

✍️ Guion: Lee Chang-Dong y Jungmi Oh

📕 Historia: Haruki Murakami

🎼 Música: Mowg

📷 Fotografía: Hong Kyung-pyo

🗯 Argumento: Cuando hace una entrega, Jongsu (Yoo), un joven mensajero, se encuentra por casualidad con Haemi (Jun), una chica que vivía en su vecindario. La joven le pide que cuide a su gato durante un viaje a África. A su regreso, Haemi le presenta a Ben (Yeun), un joven misterioso y con dinero que conoció allí. Un día, Ben revela a Jongsu un pasatiempo muy extraño.

👥 Reparto: Steven Yeun (Ben), Jeon Jong-seo (Shin Hae-mi), Yoo Ah-in (Lee Jong-su), Moon Sung-keun (Lawyer), Ok Ja-yeon (Ja-yeon), Kim Shin-rok, Lee Bong-ryun (Hae-mi's Sister), Song Duk-ho (Logistics), Lee Joong-ok (Patrolman) y Bae Min-jeong

📢 Dirección: Lee Chang-Dong

© Productoras: Pine House Film, NHK & Now Films

🌎 País: Corea del Sur

📅 Año: 2018

📽 Proyección:

📆 Martes 23 de Abril

🕗 8:00pm.

🎦 Cine Caleta (calle Aurelio de Souza 225 - Barranco)

🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️ Ingreso libre

🙂 A tener en cuenta: Prohibido el ingreso de bebidas y comidas. 🌳💚🌻🌛

[fantasynfiction]

tvN presents Geumgavengers!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

Credit: tvN Drama Official Instagram

[quassanonim]

Byebye Vincenzo...

[koreanfilminsight]

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring // 봄 여름 가을 겨울 그리고 봄 (2003) Directed by Kim Ki-duk // 김기덕

Spring... Karma: A mischievous child awakens karma through cruelty.

Spring, and life is emerging from its slumber. A child laughs innocently, hanging stones from frogs, snakes, and fish throughout the rivers and the trees. However, Roh-seung was watching him, and while the child was sleeping, Awakens to find a rock tied to his back. When the child wakes up crying and complaining that it is heavy, Roh-seung says that if he fails to reverse his actions, it will be his lifelong karma.

Summer... Desire: A boy with eyes open to love, learns of obsession.

When the child grows up and becomes a 17-year-old boy, a girl of the same age comes to the Sansa Temple for medical treatment. The boy's heart fills with a passionate love for the girl, and Roh Seung also senses their love. After the girl's departure, the boy who couldn't shake the obsession of deepening love leaves the mountain temple...

Autumn... Anger: A man who embraces murder, falls in pain.

Ten years have passed and the boy, now a man, returns to Sansa temple after after his wife betrays him. Unable to overcome the anger and pain that burns as red as the autumn leaves, he tries to commit suicide in front of the Buddha, he fails and gets punished. The man takes care of his heart by engraving the half-night sentiment written by Roh Seung on the floor... In the serene Sansa Temple where the man left, Roh Seung plays the Dabi Ceremony.

Winter... Empty (公): A middle-aged man who feels meaningless, seeks inner peace.

The man returns to the ruins of the mountain temple, now middle aged. He spends his days seeking inner peace while making an ice Buddha statue, training his mind and body in the winter mountain temple. One day a women visits the temple where she leaves her child...

And spring... The four seasons of a new life begin.

The middle aged man, now old, is spending a peaceful spring day in Sansa with Dong Ja-seung, who has now grown up. Dong Ja-seung, like the child of the spring, is playing a joke of putting a boulder in the mouths of frogs and snakes, bursting with a bright laughter. (Synopsis by Daum)

[hoyas-big-head]

[adamwatchesmovies]

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003)

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring is a tranquil, meditative, zen movie. Some of the segments in this anthology are a little hard to grok if you’re unfamiliar with Buddhism, but for the most part, it’s accessible and, in its own way, thought-provoking.

The story is split into 5 segments and chronicles the life and changes within a young Buddhist monk (played alternatively by Kim Jong-ho, Seo Jae-kyeong, Kim Young-min, and Kim Ki-duk) living on a small floating monastery with his master (played by Young-soo Oh). Each segment takes place during a crucial point in the young monk’s life and during the respective season each segment is named after.

This picture offers an insightful look into Buddhism without spelling it out for you. The events we see can be funny, sad, erotic, or tense, but it’s all about the journey, the way you can trace the changes within this one person step-by-step. It’s about the way the young monk’s actions have or don’t have consequences. The film speaks (without saying it out loud) about the meaning of life and the part we all play in the world, but never feels like a lesson. Each segment simply asks you to make what you wish out of it. The way they all fit as sequels to each other, and then the way it ties itself up is terrific. It's an original and fascinating approach to the subject.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring is not the kind of film that necessitates big discussions with your group of friends. There's no need to dissect the meaning of that item in the first segment or that one line that makes someone do a double-take in another. Everything is made quite clear. At the same time, it’s not an obvious movie. I suppose the best way to describe it is as zen teaching. If you haven’t heard it before, it seems completely out of reach. Once you’ve been exposed, it makes so much sense that “obvious” doesn’t feel like the right word. It’s just so true that you want to say “of course!” With that said, it may be a good idea to watch it with a group in case some of the customs shown are foreign to you. It’s not symbolism that’s impenetrable to all but the most researched of scholars, it’s that you’ll get more out of it if you understand what is happening. Instead of wondering why a character did that or why this thing is done in that way, you'll be able to focus on the atmosphere conjured by the story.

I can’t easily think of another film like Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring. I didn’t love it immediately after, but thinking about it now, it feels like a spiritual journey. It's nice to have the option of a "lifetime" of enlightenment all nicely packaged in a 103-minute film with subtitles. (Original Korean with English subtitles, April 14, 2017)

[countdown-to-love]

P1Harmony Series Masterpost

All official reality/variety series they did, etc., in chronological order!

Check out my other guides for vlives, covers, and other videos sorted by era:

Guide Masterlist

last updated: 2023-02-14

Plogs - ongoing - short vlogs by the members, usually posted weekly

Self-introductions - 2020-10-29 - 2020-10-31:

Keeho & Theo

Jiung & Intak

Soul & Jongseob

Mix Harmony - 2020-12-11 - 2020-12-29: - Collab with Dazed & various other artists, eng subs only on vlive:

Teaser

Episode 1

Episode 2 (with Yoon Kyung-duk)

Episode 3 (with 1Million) + Choreo

Episode 4 (with May Kim)

Breakthrough MV

Harmonission - 2021-01-22 - 2021-03-14: - Doing fan-suggested missions, feat. SF9 Inseong as MC:

Episode 1-1

Episode 1-2

Episode 2-1

Episode 2-2

Episode 3-1

Episode 3-2

Episode 4-1

Episode 4-2

Hard Training Team - 2021-04-20 - 2021-05-14:

Episode 0 

Episode 1 

Episode 2 

Episode 3 

Episode 4 

Saessak Harmony - 2021-05-26 - 2021-12-08:

Prologue

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

Episode 10

Episode 11

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 14

Harmony Forest - 2022-05-05 - 2022-06-23:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Harmony Forest Season 2 - 2022-09-01 - 2022-10-20:

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Legendary Move - 2023-01-19 - ongoing:

Teaser

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

[toastinthegrass]

[hellokpop]

K-Drama Sneak Peek: Kim Dong Wook Veers Away From Typical K-Drama Character As "Special Labor Inspector Jo" https://www.hellokpop.com/kdrama/sneak-peek-kim-dong-wook-special-labor-inspector-jo/

[portfolio-]

It’s Okay Not to be Okay, Episode 8

Jealousy simmers in this episode as several characters make movements that push the next one out of their comfort zones.

Sang In is hilarious. I don't know how he can live with himself, haha! I am glad that he met his match with strong women in his life, such as Moon Young, the art director, and Ju Ri. This guy doesn't know what storm he just cooked by putting himself close to our leads. He had me laughing by how antagonistic his relationship is with Jae Su, now that they are roommates competing for Ju Ri's affection. (I am confused with Jae Su though. One moment, he likes Ju Ri. The next, he's pulling move towards Seung Jae (the art director). I'm just glad that Kim Mi Kyung's Kang Soon Duk is keeping them all on a leash. That woman can strongarm those crazy kids living under her roof, haha!

It's also amusing seeing Kang Tae getting jealous over a "fan" when all Moon Young wanted is a pen. Ha! As if Moon Young will look towards another man. But thanks to the producers of IONTBO, we got to see Kim Soo Hyun getting all caveman ang jealous. Ah, be still my beating heart!

In a twist that nobody expected (maybe you did, but I didn't!), Moon Young and Sang Tae fights over nightmare eater Mang Tae after the Sang Tae discovers that his younger brother already gave it to the former. The fight resulted to Mang Tae being beheaded, several feather pillows getting ruined, light physical injuries, and Kang Tae raising his voice at the two. I was laughing like crazy on the couch as I watched that scene.

Despite that hilarious scene, IONTBO remains true to itself by teaching us another lesson. When Kang Tae confronted Sang Tae about the incident, the former explains that "Mang Tae cannot catch the butterflies anymore. It's nice to offer it to someone who needs it." It makes me feel sentimental. Are you familiar with stories about children and safety blankets that they keep on using until they're thin, torn, and almost in threads? We have stuff like that. Mine was an old stuffed dog that I used to bring even at school even until seventh grade. My classmates like holding it as much as me. Over time, we moved houses and some of our things get sequestered in the storage room. It must still be there, but I am sure that if ever I chanced upon it, I will willingly give it away. What I wanted to say is, just like Sang Tae, we outgrow things that used to bring us comfort, but it doesn't mean they lose their purpose. Isn't that the lesson at the end of Toy Story? Those mementos have played their part in our lives; it's time for them to find their own home.

"But if I give all my things to the people who need them, what will happen to me? What will I have left?" Sang Tae asks. I like how Kang Tae stays true to himself by saying that his brother will always have him. Ugh, sometimes I just wish he won't be as generous as he is about himself. It makes me feel that eventually, should things go awry, he will give up Moon Young. Ugh, I hate my mind sometimes.

With Moon Young back as the teacher of the patients in OK Psychiatric Hospital, she gives us the story of Beauty and the Beast. She narrates about the story of a man who tricked a woman into staying with him despite their abusive relationship. An allegorical take on Stockholm Syndrome, like some would describe it. A-reum, one of the patients who I think has borderline personality disorder (story for another day on how I am thinking she has it), defends the fairytale's more child-friendly version, saying that it's a story of love conquering all odds.

Did it make you rethink about your own perspectives on love? My younger self would have agreed with A-reum, but my cynical young adult self will side with Moon Young in this one. It's an unhealthy relationship, honey. I stopped trusting the child-friendly interpretations of fairy tales a long time ago.

Is Moon Young grooming Kang Tae to the Beauty to her Beast? Maybe. Her parents didn't fail in inculcating that in her young mind, and it reflects in her dealings as an adult.

And lastly, isn't Kang Tae a beast of his own making? People who master their anger the way he does are always dangerous, in my opinion. You won't know they're about to tick until they do.

However, all my questions were pushed at the back of my mind when I saw him smiling at the end, despite being suspended. Maybe for the first time in his life, Kang Tae recognized freedom as an option, and he's holding it by the reins Moon Young offered to him. Makes me wonder if it's going to be a good thing or a bad thing. We'll get there eventually. For now, let me enjoy that visual of Kang Tae calling Moon Young being "pretty" because same, Kang Tae oppa, same. (pats Kang Tae's back).

P.S. I'm looking for my own Kang Tae to cut my hair (It's almost to my waist! I haven't had a hair cut since last year.). Quarantine turned me to a potty-mouthed Rapunzel.

[dangermousie]

Prior to 2010 kdrama rec post

@walkwithheroes84 asked: “What are some dramas (Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese, and/or Korean) that are older (pre-2010) that you wish more people would watch.”

Ooooh boy, we are gonna be here all day so I am just going to do Korea and save the rest for later. I had to really cull!

A Love to Kill (2005) - I own Japanese DVDs of this, I was so obsessed. A dark, intense melo in which Rain gets a job as a bodyguard to a rising young star played by Shin Minah. His plan is to seduce and wreck her to avenge his dead brother (who he believes killed himself after she heartlessly left him for fame), but he recons without his own impossible feelings for her or the extent of SMA’s internal damage. They remain one of the most impossible, messed-up, intense, doomed OTPs I’ve ever shipped. Stock tissues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJox8iEcFMs

All In (2003) - he is a gangster, she is a nun. Have I gotten your attention yet? This was a huge hit and Lee Byung Hun and Song Hye Kyo are out of this world together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuVDFLOytQI

Beautiful Days (2001-2002) - a super classic, grown up melo about a plucky poor girl and a tortured workaholic and Choi Ji Woo and Lee Byung Hun set the screen on fire.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3skKcivjJs

Capital Scandal (2007) - somehow both frothy and deeply emotional, this centers on freedom fighters and playboys and spies in 1930s Seoul. If you don’t love it, you have no heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN-0tERlaNM

Chuno/Slave Hunters (2009) - possibly my favorite sageuk (it’s a threeway tie atm), this story about an aristocrat turned slave hunter, a general turned slave, and a slave woman turned an aristocrat, all involved with rebellion, court secrets and sheer desperation of their lives is amazing. Beyond amazing. Jang Hyuk, Oh Ji Ho and Lee Da Hae are all on fire and if you ever watch only one sageuk, make it this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vAGdXpN6no

City Hall (2009) - Kim Sun Ah as a small town civil servant and Cha Seung Won as an amoral fixer for a powerful politician sparkle beyond words in the most grown up, smart kdrama romcom I have ever seen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLek2pnv8yY

Coffee Prince (2007) - Yoon Eun Hye is a woman dressing as a man, Gong Yoo as a man horrified to discover he likes her while thinking she is a boy. This was a mad hit for a reason.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKSupXmez5w

Damo (2003) - my first sageuk, this is as good as ever. Ha Ji Won is a police tea servant, a noble lady whose family was executed and she came down in the world; Lee Seo Jin as her noble superior who loves her silently. She infiltrates a conspiracy led by the charismatic, tortured Kim Mim Joon, and epic tragedy follows. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGkglLvjJ9k

Delightful Girl Chunhyang (2005) - back when Hong Sisters were consistently good, this is a modern take on the famous folk tale. Our heroine is a studious poor girl and our hero a ne’er-do-well son of a local prosecutor. There is arranged marriage, true love surviving some insane sacrifice, one of my all time favorite OTPs, and a heroine and hero that grow into people I was obsessed with. Confession time - I wrote fanfic for this drama!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kTGHJZIUvA

East of Eden (2008-2009) - a sprawling multigenerational epic they don’t make much of any more, this has its flaws but the plots and brotherhood and romances and the characters and the revenge are so worth it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6LBIo16-e8

Emperor of the Sea/Sea God (2004-2005) - a larger than life sageuk epic they don’t make any more. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j53vbAxW3d4

Family’s Honor (2008) - Kdrama does North and South. Our heroine is a widow from an aristocratic family, our hero is a noveau riche ruthless businessman who gets attracted to her. This is so so good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrAMgTKg_As

Fashion 70s (2005) - period drama about a bunch of intense cool peeps, fashion and love. Just watch it. 

https://youtu.be/qly7vkFUv3g

Friend Our Legend (2009) - the most criminally underrated drama on this list, about a group of childhood friends turned gangsters and the tragic fall out.I want a rewatch rn tbh.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJQx3tA5cGs

Goong (2005) - a giddily fun take on an alternate universe where an icy modern crown prince and a bubbly commoner have to get married.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAjz-5b4P6A

Green Rose (2005) - this tale of a man (Go Soo) trying to get revenge and get back to his love (Lee Da Hae) is a modern take on Monte Cristo and has one of my fave opening scenes ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epJt6jCIOlU

Hello My Teacher (2005) - Gong Yoo is a student in love with Gong Hyo Jin’s teacher.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNFoENWvEEk

Hong Gil Dong (2008) - starts out wacky, ends up by making me cry. A wonderful take on Korean Robin Hood and the OTP omg the OTP!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ingEOTBSnt0

IRIS (2009) - in the running for my favorite kdrama of all time, with definitely the most tortured hero, this starts out as a fun routine actioner until our hero’s life details in a horrifying fashion and even his attempts to right the world are doomed in this horrifyingly bleak, intense, romantic drama. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kesXxZOBzQ

Jumong (2006-2007) - the DADDY of all traditional sageuks, with insane ep count (81) and equally insane and deserved ratings. See our hero go from zero to hero and an awesome king.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILBnGNxtwXw

The Kingdom of the Winds (2008-2009) - Song Il Gook’s last sageuk (so far, though I don’t think he’s gonna bother to come back), a story about a cursed prince and his quest for love and throne, this is wonderful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1qfC0yFIf0

Last Scandal (2008) - they dated in high school. Now she is an exhausted ahjumma with a deadbeat husband and he is a huge star. A second chance romance that starts out hilarious but turns profound follows. One of my all time faves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zquHf8-p3ZU

The Legend (2007) - I’ve raved about it elsewhere; it is arguably my favorite sageuk of all time (or maybe even just plain fave kdrama), smart and passionate and hugely epic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=853sc-s2hHE

Lobbyist (2007) - one of the very few actioners I’ve ever liked, and with more whump than you can shake a stick at, Song Il Gook is a tough as nails international arms dealer with an even tougher OTP (JJY) and this is a heaven of plot and love and hurt/comfort.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8puRJNmey4

Loveholic (2005) - a student/teacher romance AND a story about a man going to jail to protect the woman he loves all rolled into one. What more could you want?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6nVH75IRCM

Lovers (2006) - if it’s a smart adult love story you want, come right in!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgpe4VkbtNk

Mawang/The Devil/Lucifer (2007) - meet possibly my n1 kdrama of all time. Haunted past, tragedy, revenge, complicated characters and plot. If there is a perfect kdrama, this is it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkn1KYaCjVk

My Girl (2005) - Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae set the screen on fire in a romcom with hidden identities and plot twists. PS it is funny but when the drama starts, I literally bawled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0jpSCN72Wg

One Fine Day (2006) - Sung Yuri and Gong Yoo in a lovely, angsty romance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVeUG5U3oCU

Piano (2001-2002) - this is like who is who before they got to be big stars - Go Soo and Kim Hae Neul are in love but can’t be together because they are stepsiblings, Jo In Sung is a young gangster, tragedy and melo all around.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRG_4Uxl4Zo

Que Sera Sera (2007) - Eric and Jung Yumi play the ultimate dysfunctional couple. He uses his good looks to date rich generous women, she is a neighbor who is neither. Their levels of obsession with each other are insane.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4XqW14_A7k

Queen Seon Duk (2009) - want a female centric sageuk that is intense and epic and amazing? Look no further!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwIY4poVBNw

Resurrection (2005) - a tight, complex revenge thriller that more people should see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_ZbmVAk8zQ

The Return of Iljimae/Moon River (2009) - Jung Il Woo’s debut, this is arguably my favorite take on Korean Robin Hood ever and except for Someday and Friend Our Legend, the most underrated drama on this list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YjgmHVO3n0

Robber (2008) - Jang Hyuk and Lee Da Hae break my heart and then heal it in this intense story of a man preying on desperate women and a broken widow. Yes, it’s another two messed up people heal each other story. I love those!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDyy3UtUWeM

Romance (2002) - a teacher/student romance, with gorgeous young Kim Jae Won and Kim Ha Neul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LBs1tnc5Js

Sang Do, Let’s Go to School - Gong Hyo Jin is a teacher, Rain is a gigolo taking gigs to support his son; they used to be each other’s first loves. It’s wistful and slice of life and utterly tragic. Written by Lee Kyung Hee of the A Love to Kill and Thank You fame. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRg1q3RULWk

Save the Last Dance for Me (2004-2005) - I binged 17 episodes of this baby at a go, a record that has not yet been surpassed. Ji Sung is a rich man who is in an accident and gets amnesia, being cared for and falling for Eugene. However when he recovers his memory and forgets his amnesia time - he will end up meeting her again and falling for her all over again (hilariously, his RL wife Lee Bo Young plays the psycho secondary girl in this.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekfBrvJil8c

Say You Love Me (2004) - a much better attempt at Dangerous Liasons than the wretched Tempted. Kim Rae Won and Yoon So Yi, naive and tragic young lovers, come across a pair of jaded sophisticates; the female half of whom is intrigued by the fresh faced KRW and envious of uncomplicated young love and asks her partner to take YSI away from KRW for kicks. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niL2WJ_oAIU

Seoul 1945 (2006) - from WW2 to the Korean war, this is intense and smart and pulls no punches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYsotv2rFQI

Shining Inheritance/Brilliant Legacy (2009) - Han Hyo Joo is a young woman tormented by her family; Lee Seung Gi is a spoiled rich boy who needs to grow up. I was obsessed with this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_sWhVZA3DY

Snow Queen (2006-2007) - Hyun Bin and Sung Yuri do a tragic romance melo right. He is a poor, smart kid, she is a brittle rich girl with a terminal illness. It hurts so good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEkAbJLYVpk

Someday (2006) - a sheltered cartoonist suffering from a writer’s block meets a sort-of small time private detective. They are both haunted by their pasts but find hope and healing with each other. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLVijs891dw

Spring Day (2005) - a very solid melo where Jo In Sung ends up stealing the girl from the original leading man.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps7l27OBnVQ

Spring Waltz (2006) - the last and, imo, best of the seasons dramas, possibly in my all time top 10 kdramas, it follows a haunted young pianist and his OTP and their shared tragic past and hope for the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IGO0DST8dk

Swallow the Sun (2009) - Ji Sung as the haunted mercenary wanting revenge on his father, Sung Yuri as his tough, common-sense girlfriend, one of my fave secondary OTPs (mercenary x stripper) etc etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C51efR5Iq5I

Thank You (2007) - Gong Hyo Jin is an island woman living with the stigma and agony of having an HIV positive child. Jang Hyuk is a surgeon haunted by the death of his girlfriend. Two lost souls find and heal each other in one of my all time favorites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVk1TjvZZOw

Time Between Dog and Wolf (2007) - Lee Jun Ki is tortured a lot on his path to revenge and love. I loooove this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v24-57tLFH4

Tree of Heaven (2006) - only ten eps but bring your tissues for this tender and tragic and gorgeous love story between Park Shin Hye and Lee Wan, stepsiblings for a brief time; they reconnect when she’s a cleaner and he’s a gangster. I was sooooo obsessed with it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnAZlXZjFcw

What Happened in Bali (2005) - Ha Ji Won, Jo In Sung and So Ji Sub are a trio of desperately damaged people entangled with each other in what is probably still the darkest melo I have seen out of Korea. Money grubbing poor woman played by HJW, high-strung, abused rich son played by JIS, or a cold, ambitious man on the rise SJS - pick any of them, there is enough damage to level a city.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKHcYvK5qZM

Will It Snow for Christmas (2009) - a melodrama with Go Soo and Han Ye Seul by Lee Kyung Hee.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvQ14gtCqvw

Worlds Within/The World That They Live In (2008) - the last candidate for my n1 kdrama of all time. By Noh Hee Kyung, with seemingly mundane lives of TV station personnel. But every character is someone you feel you know and Hyun Bin and Song Hye Kyo are both real and unreal as the OTP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBHrjZ8T6a4

Congrats if you made it to the end!

[fantasynfiction]

The group photo we all want to see.

Credit: @twntywinter

[betinaserrano]

Reply 1988 Review

I just finished watching Reply 1988 last week. I did not expect that this kdrama will be so great that I cannot move on from it.

Reply 1988 is about the everyday lives of the five families living in Ssangmundong, Seoul. You will feel nostalgic while watching it due to its 80's setting, bringing you back to your younger years where playing outside your home and growing up with your childhood friends have become a huge part of your life.

I got engaged to this kdrama because it feels like I am also part of their story. I can see myself in every character's shoes. The series covered every memorable moments and how they strive the different hardships they have experienced. Each episode is an hour and 30 minutes long but still leaves me hanging every time.

This series is definitely a must watch! It will give you so much life learning lessons. You will see how each character evolved and matured as they grow up. The friendship formed in the neighborhood is unbreakable. It also shows the importance of family and how parents make lots of sacrifices for their children. And when it comes to problems, you do not need to carry it all by yourself. You will be needing someone to help you too. You will also learn how time and courage are important when it comes to love.  

There are also snippets from the future were the husband of Duk-Seon was revealed.

The Main Cast

1. Lee Hye-ri as Sung Duk-Seon / Sung Soo-Yeon

Duk-Seon is the middle child in her family. She brings a lot of energy in this drama because of her dancing skills and cute personality.

2. Park Bo-gum as Choi Taek

Choi Taek is a genius Go player (a board game) who lives with his dad. He is the quiet one in the group.  You will definitely fall in love with his smiles.

3. Ryu Jun-yeol as Kim Jung-hwan

I got my eyes on Jung-Hwan because of his stoic personality. I like how he puts other people first before himself.

4. Go Kyung-pyo as Sung Sun-woo

Sun-Woo is the ideal big brother in the neighborhood. He is very caring to his sister and a reliable son.

5. Lee Dong-hwi as Ryu Dong-ryong

Dong-Ryong is the funniest one. He loves to sing and dance where he got from his dad.

Supporting Characters

The Sung Family

The Sung family is not very well-off. They live in the basement of Jung-Hwan's house. Dong-Il which is the head of the family works as a banker to feed their children and pay off their debts. Il-Hwa is a regular housewife who shows her love and support to her family by cooking for them and doing the chores. Bo-ra is the eldest child. She is an intelligent young student who got a scholarship to go college. She also has temper issues but  as you watch her, you will love her character. No-eul is the youngest and the kindest among the siblings. He has the passion for singing and won in a contest in their neighborhood. He was described as matured looking in the outside but a young at heart.

Sung Dong-il as Sung Dong-il (Duk-seon's father)

Lee Il-hwa as Lee Il-hwa (Duk-seon's mother)

Ryu Hye-young as Sung Bo-ra (Duk-seon's older sister)

Choi Sung-won as Sung No-eul (Duk-seon's younger brother)

The Kim Family

Jung-Bong is the eldest son of their family. They became rich because he was fond of collecting lotto tickets. From living to one bedroom apartment, now they have a 3 bedroom house with spacious sala where most of the celebrations in the neighborhood were held. Sung-Kyun and Mi-ran  are their parents. The father works in an electronic shop while the mother is a housewife. You will like the relationship between this couple.

Kim Sung-kyun as Kim Sung-kyun (Jung-hwan's father)

Ra Mi-ran as Ra Mi-ran (Jung-hwan's mother)

Ahn Jae-hong as Kim Jung-bong (Jung-hwan's older brother)

The Sun-Woo Family

Sun-Young is a single mother who is living with her two children. After her husband died, she experienced a lot of struggles raising them. She has a happy personality but she will make you cry in her dramatic scenes.

Kim Sun-young as Kim Sun-young (Sun-woo's mother)

Kim Seol as Sung Jin-joo (Sun-woo's little sister)

The Choi Family

Mr. Choi moved to Ssangmundong when his wife passed way. He owns a jewelry shop in the neighborhood. He raised his only son Taek and supported him all the way to his Baduk matches (Go board game).

Choi Moo-sung as Choi Moo-sung (Taek's father)

Yoo Jae-myung as Ryu Jae-myung (Dong-ryong's father)

If you have not seen this series yet, I think now is the great time. You must have seen a lot kdramas during this quarantine but this one is definitely worth it!

Look how the characters still bond together even if the series has ended already. Can you guess who ended up with each other?

All photos credit to the owner.