#THE STORY OF GU JUN-PYO & JAN DI

[blbambeyond-nonblblog-hyd-mg-bof]

Although I watch all sorts of series and movies. When I began watching Asian Series etc it began with 2 shows HANA YORI DANGO (and it's adaptations) from JAPAN, TO TAIWAN, BACK TO JAPAN, TO SOUTH KOREA AND FINALLY TO CHINA.

Hana Yori Dango (Animated Series) Japan

Hana Yori Dango (Japanese Movie) 1995

Meteor Garden (Taiwanese Series) 2001

Meteor Rain (Taiwanese Series) 2001

Meteor Garden 2 (Taiwanese Series) 2002

Hana Yori Dango (Japanese Series) 2005

Hana Yori Dango 2 (Japanese Series Sequel) 2007

Hana Yori Dango Final (Japanese Movie Sequel) 2008

Boys Over Flowers (South Korean Series) 2009

Meteor Garden (Chinese Series Remake of Taiwanese Series) 2018

and The 2nd Series was

THE HEIRS or THE INHERITORS (2013) Series Starring South Korean Phenomenal Actors LEE MIN-HO & PARK SHIN-HYE in Romance Story of Rich Boy Poor Girl

[kdramasinreview]

Boys Over Flowers

No one ever forgets their first. For me, "Boys Over Flowers" was the first K-Drama I had ever watched.

I still don't know how I ended up watching this, but I know that I was surfing through Netflix in 2017 when I stumbled upon it. And man, what a ride it was.

As someone who grew up watching Bollywood movies with subtitles, watching a show where they spoke Korean was no big deal. I was able to follow along well enough.

According to Wikipedia, the show first aired in 2009, and it definitely shows. Many aspects of the show would not go over too well in current times. The whole bullying thing, the so called friend side story, Dan-di's parents just leaving her to fend for herself.... so many things to nitpick about. However, I guess for the time it came out, it didn't matter.

Despite all that, if you can accept the not really acceptable right now parts, the show itself is a gateway to K-dramas. It is the quintessential Korean Drama with all its typical troupe archetypes.

First, you have the rich and elite group of boys who rule the school. Everyone wants to be them and in their orbit, despite their not so kind reputations. Then you have the poor girl who doesn't put up with any of their crap, thus capturing the attention of the group's leader. It's a tale as old as time.

Not going to lie. Gu Jun-pyo is a walking red flag, and the way he weedles his way into Geym Jan-di's life should not be emulated at all. I will give the credit to the guy for slowly growing up and maturing, but still. The things done and said, holy Jesus.

Another thing this drama introduced me to was Second Lead Syndrome, or better refered to as SLS. Second Lead Syndrome (SLS) is when the second Lead male or female character is a better match for the leading male or female character. This show definitely had that in spades.

I still have no idea why Jan-di didn't just get with Yoon Ji-hu who was her support whenever anything got too much in her relationship with Jun-pyo and with other things going on in her life. Their relationship was based on trust and comfort, progressing as natural as breathing.

While I didn't particularly feel much disappointed in the ending, since Jun-pyo matured as the series progressed, I still kind of wished Ji-hu was the one that got together with Jan-di.

Overall, while the show wasn't perfect, it was still a decent enough watch once you get over the outdated parts. The filming aesthetic will bring late 2000s nostalgia on like whoa, and the characters grow on you, once you remember that these characters are still just high school students trying to discover themselves and learn through life's ups and downs.

Keeping that all in mind, my rating for this drama is a B. 😊

BOYS OVER FLOWERS

Starring: Koo Hye-sun, Lee Min-ho, Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon, Kim So-eun.

[nikitachandila18]

Boys over Flowers the famous and favorite drama of all time. Every one love this drama a lot. The cast, the plotting and their friendship everything just awesome. Let's read a short story of drama.

https://mykoreansarticles.blogspot.com/2020/05/boys-over-flowersshort-story.html?m=1

[mysticaltea]

I recently rewatched boys over flowers and even though the drama is a typical one with overdone kdrama tropes, it still remains one of the best in that category.

Every actor shined in their roles. Especially the bond between F4 and the relationship between Jan-di and ji hoo. We all suffered from second lead syndrome and secretly wished at some point for them to end up together.

But lee min ho as the main lead was such perfection that a despicable character like gu jun pyo (atleast in the beginning) could become lovable and endearing. His character development was done so well from being a rich spoiled brat to someone who could put his life on line for love and friendship. Gu jun pyo is a flawed character who had done some inexcusable things but overtime he learns to be better, regrets his past mistakes and gives his all for the one he loves.

All of F4 and jan-di were so amazing in their roles. The only fault I could find in this thoroughly engaging drama is the use of absolute worst plot device in kdramas- the memory loss twist. I was so annoyed when they did that for absolutely no reason. So much for conflict. Sigh

Let's talk about the best thing in this drama, the reason I rewatched it. And that is the ost. My god, every single song of BOF ost SLAPS.

Love u by howl, because I'm stupid, making a lover, stand by me, one more time, wish ur my love and all the others.....so damn good. They hit you right in the feels. The lyrics are relevant to the story and add more depth to it. Overall the ost just elevated this drama to another level altogether.

Boys over flowers is a classic drama for a reason and it's no wonder why.

[imwonkaesuriahhh]

Do you ever think back to old dramas and think, "I wonder what Kim Moo Young is doing right now..." or "I really miss Lee Yoon Sung and Na-Na". "Is Gu Jun Pyo/ Dao Ming Si treating Jan Di/Shancai better or is he still an ass"? "What about Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji? Is China going to ever allow them to confirm their relationship"?

*sigh*

I wish some stories would never end...

[dustybooksandclassicrock]

Okay Hear Me Out

Miraculous Ladybug/Boys over flowers

Like holy shit the parallels!

Marrinette as Geum Jan-di

Marrienette's family has the bakery and one day she needs to delivery a bakery order to a student at the private acadamy Collège Françoise Dupont. She, as her heroic self saves them. She is then forced to attend the school due to her overly optimistic parents. She then becomes tormented by Jin Sun Mi (Sabrina, Chloe, and Lila).

Adrien as Gu Jun-pyo

Overbearing father who dictates his every move. He doesn't know how to make friends with others except his group the F4. He slowly becomes sunshine boi TM as we know throughout the story after Marrientte and the rest of the F4 help him realize how to be his own person.

Luka as Yoon Ji-hu

Musical prodegy and inital romantic interest to Marrinette. He's quiet and kind but can also be cold and manipulative. Marrinette pushes him to go after his love Min Seo-hyun (Kagami). In the end they do end up together and Kagami/Luka let that fukin ship sail

Alya as Chu Ga-eul

Obviously the best friend she encourages Marinnete to attend the school and is always looking for a scoop. She begrudginly falls for So Yi-jung (Nino) and the two are an ultimate power couple

Nino as So Yi-jung

Initally gets to know Alya as a means of helping out Adrien but then realises she's the woman of his dreams.

Obviously there are more bits and pieces to incorporate and I would 100% have Rose be Adrien's forced fiance who then falls in love with Juleka and leaves Adrien at the alter.

Idk if the Miraculouses would be involved but like just *THINK* of all the drama

[weirdthingshappenman]

Boys Over Flowers

It is an easier question to ask who has not started their Korean-drama-journey with Boys Over Flowers. 

I still remember as if it was only yesterday when I first started this k-drama. I do not even remember who recommended it or how I happened to watch exactly this one among ll the possibilities. All I know is that it was the best decision regarding my entertainment life I have ever made.

I have liked the story so much (even if my rational mind knows it is exaggerated and ridiculous at times) that I have watched all of the versions, from the original to the recent Chinese version. The only one I have not finished is the Taiwanese, which if I am not mistaken is the first version. Jan Di fighting against social classes and her lack of interest in material things was refreshing and caught my attention.

When I hear the phrase “Boys Over Flowers” the lyrics “Almost paradise...” start playing dramatically in my mind, and I can almost hear Jan Di screaming Gu Jun Pyo´s name in distress whenever he messed with her. 

It was such a rollercoaster of emotions. It was the first k-drama, and having so much happen to Jan Di at school, then when she and Gu Jun Pyo start dating to have his mother oppose it, the rich girls trying to tear them apart, the other girl who fell in love with Gun Pyo...it was all so dramatic and....well, amazing.

Hye Soo´s acting was not outstanding but I still enjoyed it enough to watch the entire show.

How could I forget the show that introduced me to Lee Min Ho? I have watched most of the dramas he has made. He is great and very handsome. He was hilarious as Jun Pyo. The hairdo will always make me laugh very hard.

The second lead was beyond great. I was rooting for them, and who could not? We all wanted So Yi Jeong to quit his player ways, which obviously did not make him happy, and to be with Ga Eul. They were cute and he saved her from jerks who were trying to humiliate her.

I do not find Kim Hyun Joong attractive, as many seem to do, but I did enjoy him as a second lead. Yoon Ji Hoo was always there for Jan Di and always tried to help her and in the end, sent her to Jun Pyo knowing that would make her happy.

The ending, with Jan Di trying to make her way in the world on her own and the F4 always around her was very sweet and gave a warm ending to the beloved show.

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[h3trappedcollection]

Author Interview

I reached out to all the amazing and talented authors who wrote for the H3TrappedCollection in 2019 and they were kind enough to agree to answer some questions! 

Let’s start with @dangerliesbeforeyou​ 💖💖

Stories written for the Collection: 

Mirage 

The one where Shao Fei gets sick 

Interview:

How did you come into the Trapped fandom?

I watched the previous HIStory’s in 2018 & so when I saw the teaser for Trapped, I knew I’d have to watch it lol  

Who’s your favourite character?

In the Trapped appreciation week, I said it was Tang Yi, but tbh it’s really a combination of him and Shao Fei (& also Hong Ye…) I just love how a lot of the characters are so well fleshed out in terms of their characterisation! (especially for Hong Ye… like a female character!? With dimension?! Madness!)

What’s your favourite trope?

Would it be too cliché if I said ‘enemies to (half)friends to lovers’ lol? It’s just such a fun dynamic to see characters grow from being rivals to falling in love… (it also speaks a lot about the growth of respect and understanding between characters which is actually often lacking in more conventional romantic tropes?)

What do you like about writing for Trapped?

It’s mainly Tangfei’s dynamic that I love to write… whether it’s missing scenes or post-show stuff, it’s just really fun to explore their relationship (as well as the dynamics and relationships of the other characters to them!) 

Care to elaborate on your writing process? 

… it’s mainly ‘think of a story idea – write story idea – hope to actually finished story idea – inevitably fail and forget to write for 6 months – cycle repeat’ lol… I always find if I don’t finish writing something within a few days then it’s just never getting finished… hence why the majority of my Trapped fics are oneshots lol…

Your favourite Trapped fic by another author?

Ohh man that’s really tough tbh… I’d maybe say ‘you were here, winter is gone’ by starrystars because it’s seriously so beautifully written! And the story is both depressing and super heart-warming! There’s so many brilliant fanfics in the tag though!! 

What do you want to write but never had the nerve to?

Multi-chaptered fics that are 100k words long… I just have never had the patience lol… also, smut… I’ve attempted writing m rated stuff in the past but just end up cringing lol… Huge amount of kudos to any author that can write decent smut AND 100k long fics lol!

If you want, please share a snippet of your current Trapped WIP!

Unfortunately, I haven’t really got any drafts… but I DO have a few fic ideas written down in my phone notes which I’ll share (btw if anyone is interested in any of these ideas & please feel free to write them cos chances are I never will lol!) –

A Boys of Flowers insp fic (I just wanted to recreate that scene from the drama where Geum Jan Di kicks Gu Jun Pyo in the cafeteria with Tangfei instead lol…)

Pride and prejudice insp fic (I did actually start writing it… and maybe one day I’ll finish it *sigh*)

Fifi appreciation (it’s what she deserves lol)

Harry potter au (pretty sure this has already been done lol… every ship deserves it’s own few hp aus!)

Something I’ve just written as ‘Grandpa’ where it’s just shao fei roasting tang yi for being a Literal Old Man lol… 

I also started writing something where Hong Ye walks in on Tangfei making out… don’t actually know where I was going with that one ngl lol…

Thank you so much @dangerliesbeforeyou for answering my questions! 

[cleodobelle]

Rules: pick 5 shows, then answer the following questions, tag some other people

Peep Show

Charmed

Girl from Nowhere

(cinematic masterpiece) Boys Over Flowers

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

thanks @youcancallmedoctor​ and yes i did for a bit consider just putting cmbof for every choice first because i was like ‘have i ever seen a single other show’ and then because like, this would be work for my doctoral thesis to be completed after the airing of the king (of romance): the eternal monarch (of romance)

who is your favorite character in 2?

(Charmed) Piper! It’s Piper, nobody else need apply.

who is your least favorite character in 1?

(Peep Show) Ben! Every interaction with Ben when he is not unconscious is so horrible. “It’s not a fucking love story, it’s a fucking fuck story, it’s about animal lusts and dirt and fluids” is enough to keep me from rereading Wuthering Heights ever again.  

what is your favorite episode of 4?

((cinematic masterpiece) Boys Over Flowers) Episode Four! Making date plans without even making sure the other person heard them! Waiting in the snow without a cellphone for hours because you’ve never waited for someone for a date before! Namsan Tower! The coffee! The blankets! The marker! Hair straightening! Those are absolutely the only things that happen in that episode and it is a perfect episode. To pick a different episode that doesn’t also feature things that disturb me to my very core, episode 25, because it calls back to all of the good parts of 4 without any of the parts that are terrible which I’m choosing to pretend don’t exist.

what is your favorite season of 5?

(Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) The second season, which exists entirely in my head, it’s a lot like the first season except the like 40 different extremely irritating comic relief characters are all gone, nobody ever talks about them because the show is too busy being about Bong Soon, Min Hyuk, and their very strong daughters. Until then, the first season is a close runner up, provided it’s the edited version that again exists in my mind where the high schoolers, gangsters, and any guy who just screams a lot shows up exactly once as needed and then never again in a speaking role.

who is your favorite couple in 3?

(Girl from Nowhere) This is probably the one show I watch where it’s not that kind of show, so there’s only one couple that isn’t horrible and it’s Nanno and TK. I am haunted by that episode, and also where is season two of this show.

who is your favorite couple in 2?

(Charmed) Piper and Leo! I can’t think of any other couples in this show. In fact, there aren’t any. I’m pretty sure that there isn’t another really long-standing couple that a lot of people actually enjoyed having in the show despite it being terrible for everyone. It was just Piper and Leo, their one child, Wyatt, and the show ending after assuring me that their love is perfect and will last forever.

what is your favorite episode of 1?

(Peep Show) Season 7 episode 4, “The Nether Zone” which is mostly Mark and Jez trapped in the front area of an apartment building, then one of the apartments, followed by just the bathroom, and then the shower. Mark panicking about his baby’s christening while Jez is ordering a pizza to be delivered through a mail slot in the door of the place they are locked inside is funnier every time I watch it. 

what is your favorite episode of 5?

(Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) Episode 12! Beach Date! Honorable mention to episode 1 where Bong Soon and Min Hyuk meet and where you first hear “Super Power Girl”, but like, just remembering the heart drawing, the callback to the “one step”, truly amazing. The criminal stuff picking up is also like, chillingly great, but like, I would have watched the whole show without that plot just as well.

what is your favorite season of 2?

(Charmed) This is one of those shows that I’ve never really just watched all the way through, though I did make my half-sisters who had never seen a single episode watch the finale which I, a grade school kid, definitely needed to see. I have mostly watched this wildly out of order and in varying parts while staying home from school or getting ready from school, depending on how old I was and when TNT was airing it, so it’s hard to say. Probably the first? Maybe the third? I have no problem with Paige, but I did like Prue and the episodes she was present for.

how long have you watched 1?

(Peep Show) I...don’t know. I definitely started watching it in college.....maybe since 2013-2014? I know that by the time I watched it, everything had come out except for the last season which I watched as it aired in 2015. I rewatch it probably once every month, it’s just become so easy to start it anywhere in the series, work on whatever I’m actually doing, and still be able to look up and know what’s going on.

how did you become interested in 3?

(Girl from Nowhere) It was Scary-thon! Every October, I usually just reread The Haunting of Hill House and Ring, maybe rewatch Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, and complain about how there are no good scary movies/tv shows/books. Last year, I decided to create an event for myself, Scary-thon, in which I tried to watch and read only things in the horror genre all month to see if there was in fact worthwhile things out there. While looking for Netflix horror offerings, I saw Girl from Nowhere, thought it might be cool and that it would probably fit my theme month, and started watching it.

who is your favorite actor in 4?

((cinematic masterpiece) Boys Over Flowers) Asking me this is like asking me to pick a favorite child. Like. Okay. Like, in terms of actually being in stuff for me to watch and not just terrorizing me over instagram, it is Lee Min Ho, but like, I love Ku Hye Sun for terrorizing me on instagram.... If we’re just talking about acting in the show specifically, then like, it is Lee Min Ho because Gu Jun Pyo is exactly my favorite type of kdrama male lead, and like, he did it!

which do you prefer, 1, 2, or 5?

(Peep Show, Charmed, or Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) Hm. I mean they all have very different places in my heart. I’ll say Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, because I recently finished a rewatch with my youngest brother (his first watch) and it was really fun despite the parts of the show that are teeth-grindingly annoying. I remember the most things about it of these three shows, and I love the soundtrack, am always waiting for the leads to be in more things, like it’s that show.

which show have you seen more episodes of, 1 or 3?

(Peep Show or Girl from Nowhere) Peep Show has more episodes, so Peep Show.

if you could be anyone from 4, who would you be?

((cinematic masterpiece) Boys Over Flowers) Okay so like...realistically, I can’t imagine surviving a day in the life of either of the leads. I think I would settle for being either the head maid at Jun Pyo’s house or the guy who owns the porridge shop that Jan Di and Ga Eul work at, like I feel like that’s just close enough to witness the stuff that the leads get up to without really having to be actively involved with any of it, or even worse, interact with Ji Hoo, who I would kill if given the opportunity.

would a crossover between 3 and 4 work?

(Girl from Nowhere and (cinematic masterpiece) Boys Over Flowers) Oh my god no, like... Okay the bullying and things that go on at Shinhwa High probably desperately need someone like Nanno to put an end to like, all of that, forever, but like....I don’t want all of them to die or go through horrifying things.

pair two characters in 1 who would make an unlikely but strangely okay couple?

(Peep Show) Hm. I’ve...honestly never cared to think about this. I’m going to ignore this question a bit because Peep Show is kind of a show with exclusively bad couples whether they’re likely or not, and say Elena and Zahra, because they’re kind of similar but in like, opposite directions if that makes sense. Of Jez’s girlfriends who were dating other people first the whole time, they’re kind of similar but they never meet because Jez has just probably ruined Elena’s wedding at the end of the sixth season before meeting Zahra in the seventh, and Elena never shows back up. They would not make a strangely okay or even slightly okay couple, but I would enjoy seeing it.

overall, which show has the better storyline, 3 or 5?

(Girl from Nowhere or Strong Woman Do Bong Soon) I mean...they’re different.... I guess Strong Woman Do Bong Soon has more of an actual storyline throughout since Girl from Nowhere is...I mean it’s Nanno every time but like, the...storyline really isn’t clear until the end...  I don’t know.

which has the better theme music, 2 or 4?

I can recall exactly one song from Charmed, and it’s great, but nothing compares to any song in (cinematic masterpiece) Boys Over Flowers.

[armyvetswife]

My 2 cents worth on Kdramas

So, earlier this year (2018) my 12-year-old granddaughter turned me on to Kdramas.

Started out with 'Boys over Flowers' in January and we're still arguing about which one of the guys Jan-Di should have ended up with....Gu Jun-Pyo or Yoon Ji-Hoo. Since I'm a sucker for the whole Soul Mate thing (been married to my own soul mate for over 30 years) and Ji-Hoo became my favorite right from the start, I actually wasn't too happy with the way things turned out in the end.

But that's all beside the point and the only thing that matters is that it only took this one series to get me completely and absolutely "hooked" on Kdramas.

Since Kim Hyun Joong became my first favorite as Ji-Hoo, I started looking up other parts he starred in and came across 'Inspiring Generation'. Wow! What a difference! The character of Shin Jung-Tae is just about as opposite of Ji-Hoo as it can possibly get. But I guess that's what makes a truly great actor, and Kim Hyun Joong was simply amazing playing the part....even though it bothered me to see that handsome face getting beat up way too much.

But then it was also 'Inspiring Generation' where I found what would become my next favorite...Song Jae Rim, in the character of Mo Il-Hwa.

I can't quite pinpoint what it was that endeared me to that part, but of course I had to once again look for other Kdramas, featuring Song Jae Rim. And that's when I came across 'Moon embracing the Sun' with Song Jae Rim as the King's swordsman, Woon.

Absolutely loved Jae Rim in that part and still do, even after having watched the entire series about a dozen times by now. I also liked Song Jae Rim in 'Goodbye Mr. Black', even though his wasn't a main character role, but didn't care much for the part of a hitman/killer Mr. Kim he played in 'Two Weeks' since I really don't like my favs playing "bad guys". Of course, watching 'Two Weeks' made me find another new favorite...Lee Joon Gi

Okay, so I just said I don't like my favs playing "bad guys", but the main character, Jang Tae-San, isn't really a bad "bad guy" and if that story doesn't tear up your heart, then you better check if you still have one.

I actually had to do something I usually NEVER do...about half-way through the series I had to watch the final episode to see how it turns out, just so my old nerves could take watching the rest of the story. Yeah, I know...terrible, isn't it? Don't worry, I got more than an earful about it from my granddaughter, and I promise to never do it again! ;)

But while I thought that it could not possibly get any better than Lee Joon Gi's performance in 'Two Weeks', I quickly found out that I was wrong when I watched 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' next. OH, MY...!!! Not only is Joon Gi with long hair pure eye-candy (to me at least), but he absolutely nailed the part of Prince Wang So. 

Ladies, how many of you were ready to strangle Wang So's mother with your bare hands. I definitely was! And what's the big deal about that scar? I guess it's because Princes had to be "perfect", but come on...  Scars are just proof that you were stronger than whatever or whoever it was that tried to kill you. And apparently back then the phrase "chicks dig scars" was unheard of. And also apparently I'm not the only one who wasn't happy at all with the way the story ended, considering there are numerous fan videos on YouTube with different, happier endings. I got more than just a little upset with Hae Soo for leaving Wang So. How could she not see that he was trying his best to NOT become some blood-thirsty tyrant??

Anyway, after only about 3 days of some serious editing work, the final episode in my own DVD collection of 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' has a much happier ending now...many thanks to Daria Zyuzina who created the wonderful fan video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj0r9zE5Le8) where Wang So finds Hae Soo in the future. And like so many other fans, I'm also still hoping for a Season 2 with this kind of scenario.

On another note to 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo'... aside from the despicable character of Queen Yoo (Prince Wang So's mother, who treats him like s**t), my other least-favorite character is Prince Wang Yo (Wang So's biological brother, and also a son of Queen Yoo). However, while I hated the character, actor Hong Jong Hyun did an excellent job portraying the mean, spiteful, conniving 3rd Prince. But if you're like me, you would much more enjoy seeing Hong Jong Hyun in the role of Wang Rin in 'The King in Love'

or, even better, as Seo Chan Hwi, the vice-commander of the Royal Guard in 'Jeon Woo Chi'

(that is, if you can get into things like wizards and magic and tolerate some occasionally slightly over-done special effects of people flying through the air and such...BUT at least in 'Jeon Woo Chi' ONLY the wizards have that ability, unlike in some of the Chinese dramas where seemingly anybody can have such super-human abilities...if you ever watched 'General and I', you might understand what I'm talking about... I couldn't make it past a trailer that had a fight scene between Chu Beijie and He Xia, but that's just me, I guess).

As far as wizards and magic are concerned, however, I did very much enjoy the ones in 'Mirror of the Witch' aka 'Secret Healer' and my favorite character there ended up being the Taoist Yo Gwang, played by Lee Yi Kyung.

Don't ask me why, I just found him adorable (maybe because he was so awkward, dealing with the girl  Soon Deuk who clearly has a crush on him). SPOILER ALERT -- 'Mirror of the Witch' has a rather bitter-sweet ending!

I want to get back to Lee Joon Gi for a moment since I just finished the 'Lawless Lawyer' series....which is an excellent nail-biter and I had to seriously restrain myself NOT TO watch the final episode first again. If you've seen it, tell me is it just me or did you think too that Joon Gi looked too skinny in that series? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying at all that he looked "bad" in any way and his performance was awesome as usual...I just felt that he looked like he'd lost a whole bunch of weight and "celebrity life" was taking its toll on him. Kind of worries me, because I would definitely like to see him in many more future performances.

I still have some Lee Joon Gi binge-watching left over for now, since the only other movies and series I made it through so far were 'Iljimae', 'Arang and the Magistrate', 'Gunman in Joseon' and of course 'The King and the Clown' (which was way too sad for my taste). But most likely 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' will always be my absolute favorite and I'll keep hoping for a 2nd season...even though that will probably just remain wishful thinking for myself and many others, but we can always hope, right?

Some of my other favs I’d like to mention would be Kwak Dong Yeon as swordsman Kim Byung-Yeon in 'Moonlight drawn by Clouds' aka 'Love in the Moonlight'

and he also played an excellent part as young Shin Jung-Tae in 'Inspiring Generation'.

Then there is Seo In Guk for his outstanding performances as Prince Gwang-Hae in 'The King's Face'

and also as Lee Hyun / David Lee in 'I Remember You' aka 'Hello Monster'.

An excellent yet unfortunately somewhat overlooked performance of Kim Jae Young as Moo-Yeon in ‘100 Days my Prince’

And last (for now) but certainly not least is Jung Il Woo whose sad role as Prince Yang-Myung in 'Moon embracing the Sun' cost me plenty of tissues,

but required even more of them in 'The Return of Iljimae' (even though it has a happier ending for Jung Il Woo’s character)

I'll probably get "yelled at" for saying this, but I honestly have a hard time deciding whom I liked better...Lee Joon Gi as Iljimae in 'Iljimae: The Phantom Thief', or Jung Il Woo as Iljimae in 'The Return of Iljimae'. (Sorry, Joon Gi, but be assured that you'll still always be my #1 fav).

So, thanks to my granddaughter, back to some more binge-watching...hey, I got to blame someone else for things not getting done around the house, right? ;)

[milkbts]

♡ Disclaimer  ♡ Words: 3k

My Letterboxd - I rate movies  My TVTime - I rate K-dramas and any series that I watch.

♡ Context:

A Korean Odyssey (Hwayugi) is a romantic comedy & fantasy tv-series loosely based on the Chinese novel ‘Journey to the West’. 

♡ Main Cast:

Lee Seung-Gi as Son O-Gong, Cha Seung-Won as Woo Whee & Oh Yeon-Seo as Jin Sun-Mi

♡ Description:

The drama is about Son O-Gong and Jin Sun-Mi who meet under strange circumstances. Jin Sun-Mi has been able to see ghosts her entire life. When she was younger, she tried to help a demon king recover a precious artifact but instead, accidentally lets Son O-Gong out from his invisible house in the middle of the woods when he tricks her to do so as only a human can free him. Jin Sun-Mi, a naive child, becomes punished from this by being given the title “Samjang”. Jokes on both of them though as they meet again because of a deal they made long ago, but, you’ll have to see for yourself.  

♡ Ratings: IMDb (8.4/10), MyDramaList (8.4/10)  ♡ My Opinion: 9/10 -This drama was really good actually and I’d recommend it to anyone. (I started watching this with my friend as it’s our favourite pass time at sleepovers - so if you’re looking for a good time, watch this.) -Good acting -The story is good and I never found it slow or boring

♡ Context:

Age Of Youth (also known as Hello, My Twenties!) is a coming of age and romance drama. 

♡ Main Cast:

Season 1 - Han Ye-Ri as Yoon Jin-Myung, Han Seung-Yeon as Jung Ye-Eun, Park Eun-Bin as Song Ji-Won, Ryu Hwa-Young as Kang Yi-Na & Park Hye-Soo as Yoo Eun-Jae

Season 2 -  Han Ye-Ri as Yoon Jin-Myung, Han Seung-Yeon as Jung Ye-Eun, Park Eun-Bin as Song Ji-Won, Ryu Hwa-Young as Kang Yi-Na (only for special appearance), Ji-Woo as Yoo Eun-Jae & Choi A-Ra as Jo Eun

♡ Description:

Age Of Youth is about five female housemates who live together at the Belle Epoque. While strangers at first, they are able to bond and connect over the traumas they experienced while growing up and face challenges together. There are two seasons and some character changes in the second season.

♡ Ratings: IMBd (8.3/10), MyDramaList (8.8/10)

♡ My Opinion: 7/10 -I did really like Age of Youth and I think it’s a good drama for you to start watching if you are new to dramas.  -I give this drama a 7 out of 10, only because I’ve seen better ones suited towards my tastes. -Good actors but annoying they changed so much

♡ Context:

Black is a romance, thriller, fantasy, & comedy K-drama. 

♡ Main Cast:

Song Seung-Heon as Black & Han Moo-Gang & Go Ara as Kang Ha-Ram

♡ Description:

Black is the story of a Grim Reaper who is ordered to track down his partner who escaped to the mortal realm. In the process of this, he meets Kang Ha-Ram who can see the shadows of death despite being a mortal woman. This complicates things especially after he finds a case from 20 years ago and falls in love with Ha-Ram in the process. Supernatural rules against involvement in human affairs were meant to be broken, right?

♡ Ratings: IMBd (8.2/10), MyDramaList (8.3/10)

♡ My Opinion: 9/10 -One of my favourite K-Drama’s and I highly recommend this to anyone. -It gets a bit dark at times though so I suggest having a light comedy to watch afterward. -Good actors and they have nice chemistry in my opinion -Story is easy to follow

♡ Context:

Blood is a rom-com, action & suspense K-drama. 

♡ Main Cast:

Ahn Jae-Hyeon as Park Ji-Sang, Ku Hye-Sun as Yoo Ri-Ta & Ji Jin-Hee as Lee Jae-Wook

♡ Description:

Park Ji Sang is a doctor who works in the best cancer research hospital in the country. He is a great doctor because of his knowledge of the human anatomy and he’s a vampire... Despite him seeming cold and unfeeling, he has a soft heart and has experienced the inner pain of wanting to be close with people but without knowing how. He has very high morals and believes highly in the sanctity of human life so he suppresses his thirst for blood to save human lives; Unfortunately, he isn’t the only vampire and not all of them agree in his way of thinking. Among his colleagues is Yoo Ri Ta, a hotshot physician who entered medical school at the age of only 17 while simultaneously being the niece of the chairman.

♡ Ratings: IMBd (7.1/10), MyDramaList (7.5/10) 

♡ My Opinion: 8/10 -It took me a while to finish this drama but I lose interest quite easily so it isn’t anything to do with the quality of this drama. -My original interest in this drama came from the actress Ku Hye-sun as she was one of the main characters in Boys Over Flowers (next review). -The chemistry between the main actors, Ku Hye-sun and Ahn Jae-Hyun is really good (and they’re married in real life!). -This drama handles romance and everything pretty well however if you’re looking for a drama with a lot of fangirl moments then I suggest something else -(but this did have some good romance moments).

♡ Context:

Boys Over Flowers is a romance & a very, very dramatic drama.

♡ Main Cast:

Lee Min-Ho as Koo Jun-Pyo, Ku Hye-Seon as Geum Jan-Di, Kim Hyun-Joong as Yun Ji-Hu, Kim Beom as So Lee-Jeong & Kim Jun as Song Woo-Bin.

♡ Description:

At a famous high school for the incredibly rich, this love story is focussed on Geum Jan-di and the members of F4 - a gang of 4 handsome and rich men lead by Gu/Koo Jun-pyo. Jan-di is a poor girl with a poor family. She gets rewarded for a good deed and gets the chance to attend this high school. Here, she meets the infamous F4 group and is joined by Jun-pyo who is a spoiled heir to world-leading conglomerate ‘Shinwa’. Their love story travels from Seoul to New Caledonia to even Macau.

♡ Ratings: IMBd (8.1/10), MyDramaList (8/10)

♡ My Opinion: 8/10 -My friend and I watched this drama together as it’s said to be the OG K-drama, it’s like the orientation to the world of Korean Dramas.  -Many reviews hated it but this drama was fun to scream at when the characters made poor decisions -This made me cry (not surprising as a lot of these have made me cry) but this one is the most memorable to me because of the good times I had watching it; so I recommend this drama to anyone who firsts asks me for K-drama recs.   -Starts off slow but once you get into it you’ll have the time of your life.

♡ Context: 

Click Your Heart is a mini-series and romance drama.

♡ Main Cast: 

Kwon Mi Na as Mina, Baek Ju Ho as Ju Ho, Kang Cha Ni as Cha Ni, Kim Ro Woon as Ro Woon & Lee Da Won as Lee Da Won.

♡ Description:

Mina is a high-school student who must choose between an athlete, an ‘intellectual’, a ‘loner’ and a dancer. The episodes set these meetings up and you can click an episode that follows on from that - the episode you click is a different guy that she can choose, so you can literally Click Your Heart.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (6.6/10), MyDramaList (7.4/10)

♡ My Opinion: 6/10  -Good if you wanna experience what a k-drama is like -Too short for me and I prefer normal dramas -Quick to watch though -The acting wasn’t that bad

♡ Context:

Dream Knight is a romance/fantasy drama which centers around friendship.

♡ Main Cast:

Song Ha Yoon as Joo In Hyung & Got 7 - JB (himself), Mark (himself), Park Jin Young (himself), Jackson Wang (himself), BamBam (himself), Kim Yu Gyeom (himself) & Choi Young Jae (himself).

♡ Description:

A young girl called Joo In Hyung who suffers from her past has her life turned around when she unexpectedly meets a group of mysterious men.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (6.8/10), MyDramaList (7.5/10)

♡ My Opinion: 6/10  -Same as Click Your Heart to me honestly -It’s more of a friendship drama and a coming of age drama in my opinion -The acting isn’t too bad -Good for a quick watch & if you are just starting watching dramas and don’t know what genre you like yet 

♡ Context:

Good Morning Call is a Japanese Drama based on the manga series “Guddo Moningu Koru” by Yue Takasuka. Good Morning Call is a romance, friendship, and coming of age drama.

♡ Main Cast:

Fukuhara Haruka as Yoshikawa Nao & Shiraishi Shunya as Uehara Hisashi

♡ Description:

A young girl called Nao decides to stay behind and live by herself when her parents leave to inherit her grandfather’s farm in the countryside. When she moves into her new apartment, she meets Uehara, a popular- super hot boy who goes to the same school as her. They realize they have both rented the same apartment and when they go to the company it’s unexpectedly closed down and the rent has gone up dramatically. Nao and Uehara decide to live together as flatmates so neither of them has to go home.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (7.9/10), MyDramaList (7.8/10)

♡ My Opinion: 9/10 -One of the first dramas I watched and I really loved it -It’s dramatic, romantic and both actors have good chemistry. -There are now 2 seasons on Netflix & the second season didn’t disappoint. -It had fangirling worthy moments and moments to make you really feel for the characters. -WatCh tHiS 

♡ Context:

Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo is based on the manga Itazura Na Kiss by Kaoru Tada. Mischievous Kiss is a romantic comedy Japanese drama.

♡ Main Cast:

Yahagi Honoka as Aihara Kotoko, Furukawa Yuki as Irie Naoki & Yamada Yuki as Ikezawa Kinnosuke

♡ Description:

At a high school entrance ceremony, Kotoko falls in love with Naoki whilst he gives a speech. She decides to confess her feelings via love letter. Unfortunately Naoki - a popular boy everyone is in-love with - turns her down saying “I don’t like dumb women.” One day Kotoko’s house is completely damaged by a meteorite and the house will not be re-built for a while, Kotoko’s dad decides to stay with a friend who happens to be Naoki’s father...

♡ Ratings: IMDb (7.9/10), MyDramaList (8.1/10)

♡ My Opinion: 8/10 -One of the first dramas I watched -It has 2 seasons and I liked it because of the build-up in a romance between both characters -Naoki’s character is cold which is literally my favourite kind because I know he's a softie -Kotoko and Naoki have good chemistry & the acting was very good in my opinion -The story was NEVER boring for me, the writers had really fun ways to make the story go along so I applaud them for that & recommend this drama (it’s very dramatic, VERY).

♡ Context: Noble, My Love is a romantic comedy K-Drama.

♡ Main Cast: 

Sung Hoon as Lee Kang Hoon & Kim Jae Kyung as Cha Yoon Seo

♡ Description: 

Kang Hoon is the CEO of the world’s largest company ‘D.O.L’. One day, he is kidnapped and escapes from his kidnappers but is badly injured. Luckily, he passes out in front of an animal hospital. Yeon Seo (veterinarian) finds him and attends to his wounds.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (7.1/10), MyDramaList (7.9/10)

♡ My Opinion: 7/10 -Most k-dramas have something dark going on behind the love that happens but this drama doesn’t -Many reviews I read were against this drama but my friend and I adored it because of how simple yet entertaining the story-line was. -It has good fluff moments and is good if you don’t like dark subjects in your Korean dramas or tv in general -A good drama to watch after an intense one :)

♡ Context:

Oh My Ghostess is a romantic comedy with supernatural elements including the food genre.

♡ Main Cast:

Park Bo Young as Na Bong Soon, Kim Seul Gi as Shin Sun Ae, Jo Jung Suk as Kang Seon Woo & Im Joo Hwan as Choi Seong Jae

♡ Description:

Bong-sun is a shy young woman who is possessed by a confident ghost of a lustful virgin. Bong-sun works as an assistant and has a crush on her boss. She makes a deal with the ghost as her grandmother was a shaman so from a young age she has been able to see ghosts. They agree that the ghost will help Bong-sun get her boss’s attention if she helps her pass over to the after-life before her time runs out.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (8.2/10), MyDramaList (/10)

♡ My Opinion: 8/10 -Was difficult for me to get into but I thoroughly enjoyed it -It has cute moments & the acting is great -Basically just watch this 

♡ Context:

One More Time is a romance and friendship drama (also known as The Day After We Parted)

♡ Main Cast: 

L as Yoo Tak & Yoon So Hee as Da In

♡ Description:

Yoo Tak is the leader and vocalist of an indie band called One More Time. He’s been maintaining the band for around 10 years but they haven’t acheived their dreams yet and aren’t getting any younger. Yoo Tak begins to take for granted his friends and girlfriend but a young grim reaper has something to say about that. She puts him in a time loop and he has to continue living the same day over and over again until he learns what is really important.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (6.8/10), MyDramaList (7.7/10)

♡ My Opinion: 8/10 -I liked the angst and sadness in this and the life lessons in it -The acting was really good -It isn’t boring and it’s quick to watch -The ending confused me but I liked the deeper meaning :)

♡ Context: 

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (also known as Strong Girl Bong Soon) is an action, comedy, romance & supernatural k-drama

♡ Main Cast: 

Park Bo Young as Do Bong Soon, Park Hyungsik as Ahn Min Hyuk & Ji Soo as In Gook Doo

♡ Description: 

Bong Soon is a young woman who is kind, honest and has superhuman strength... Her family has been gifted Herculean strength from birth to be used for the greater good. If the power is abused it is taken away. While standing up for herself to a group of gang members, Ahn Min Hyuk - who has never trusted the police - witnesses the entire ordeal and asks Bong Soon to be his bodyguard. She agrees and the two fall in love, but the world has different plans in mind for the pair.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (8.3/10), MyDramaList (8.8/10) 

♡ My Opinion: 9.5 -I like the chemistry between the actors in real life AND in the drama. They make a good team. -The balance between all the fluff and romance with the danger is really well done -This is one of my favourite K-drama's  -Watch this Drama if you want clear skin and a new love for yourself

♡ Context:

Switched is a Japanese supernatural and suspense drama

♡ Main Cast:

Tomita Miu as Umnie Zenko, Kiyohara Kaya as Kohinata Ayumi, Kamiyama Tomohiro as Mizumoto Koushirou & Shigeoka Daiki as Kaga Shunpei

♡ Description:

A suicidal teenage girl swaps bodies with a popular girl in her class - but she has no intention of switching back.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (7.2/10), MyDramaList (8.2/10)

♡ My Opinion: 7/10 -For a drama that isn't suited to my tastes, this one really impressed me. -The acting it takes to be able to pull off a successful bodyswap is extremely difficult and the actresses acting in this drama is immaculate. -This has a lot of angst, considering the suicide references, but is a good drama. -This J-Drama has only been given a 7 out of ten because of the plot (which is still great but not my type) but the acting I'd say is the best here.

♡ Context:

The Girl Who Sees Scents (also commonly referred to as The Girl Who Sees Smells & based on the webcomic 'Naemsaereul Boneun Sonyeo) is a romantic comedy with supernatural genres.

♡ Main Cast:

Park Yoo Chun as Choi Moo Gak, Shin Se Kyung as Oh Cho Rim & Nam Goong Min as Kwon Jae Hee

♡ Description:

Officer Choi Moo Gak lost his younger sister to a serial killer and lost his ability to taste, smell and feel any pain whatsoever. Oh Cho Rim, the only witness to the murder case, lost her memory but gained the ability to see smells.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (7.3/10), MyDramaList (8.1/10)

♡ My Opinion: 9/10 -Damn actor Nam Goong Min is hot -The serial killer is also a great fucking idea -The acting is decent and the actors have great fluffy moments -This drama was so addicting for me which is why it has such a high rating -I also really appreciated the ending, something that doesn't usually happen with me and dramas. -This is a must watch

♡ Context:

The Great Seducer (also known as Tempted) is a friendship and romance Melo-k-drama

♡ Main Cast:

Woo Do Hwan as Kwon Si Hyun, Joy as Eun Tae Hee, Moon Ga Young as Choi Soo Hi & Kim Min Jae as Lee Se Joo

♡ Description:

The Great Seducer depicts rich young men and women in their twenties who discover their feelings of love for one another while playing a dangerous bet involved with love. Kwon Si Hyun makes a bet with his friends that he can seduce Eun Tae Hee, who believes that people who are swayed too easily by love are stupid. After Tae Hee meets Si Hyun, her view of love changes and Si Hyun's heart becomes less ice-cold. Secrets become hard to keep as Si Hyun falls deeper in love with Eun Tae Hee.

♡ Ratings: IMDb (7.1/10), MyDramaList (7.6/10)

♡ My Opinion: 10/10 -I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCH OKAY -MY FRIEND AND I STARTED THIS TOGETHER I LOVED IT -THE ACTING IS SO GOOD AND I LOVE WOO DO HWAN AND JOY (red velvet) -Joy's acting has improved a lot and her character is lovely and relatable -The drama is literally my aesthetic and the toxic friend groups and angst of this drama is what I thrive off -Watch. This. You. Cowards. -I could write essays upon essays about this, but tumblr won't allow that...

[blbambeyond-nonblblog-hyd-mg-bof]

Hana Yori Dango-Boys Over Flowers & Meteor Garden:

Family of Male Lead

Domyouji, Daoming Si & Gu Jun Pyo 's Mother & Sister

Domyouji, Daoming Si and Gu Jun Pyo were spoiled brats with a domineering mother and a cool sister. It's his sister that raised him and gave him a good beating when she thought he needed one. So let meet them.

Number 1: 1992 Hana Yori Dango Anime. Since the 1995 did not complete the full story meaning Domyouji's family was not a part of the abbreviated movie version I am including the anime where Domyouji's sister whacked him in the kisser.

Number 2: 2001 METEORGARDEN. Daoming Si's mother made her appearance around Episode 14 appearing for her son's birthday and meeting Dong Shancai whom she hated immediately. His sister arrived around Episode 9 to give him some love and a beating.

XIU ZHEN ZHEN played mama bear DAOMING FENG

MARY HSU played fighting sister DAOMING ZHUANG (Mary passed away in 2011 after a battle with cancer. RIP QUEEN)

Number 3: 2005 Hana Yori Dango had a mother that barely spoke to her son. She was a powerhouse business woman but as a mother she seemed to be a failure. But she was keeping the business running for Domyouji Tsukuba to take over. She was mean. His sister stepped in to protect Makino from her brother.

KAGA MARIKO played mama bear Domyouji Kaede

MATSUSHIMA NANAKO played fighting sister Domyouji Tsubaki

Number 4: South Korea's Boys Over Flowers had a mother that was ruthless but she seemed to care more about her son even though she still sat out to control him and his choices. Meanwhile his sister arrived as Gu Jun Pyo tried immaturity in evading Guem Jan Di. A high speed chase followed by an ass whooping by his noona

LEE HYE YOUNG played mama bear Kang Hee Soo

KIM HYUN JOO played fighting sister Gu Jun Hee

Number 5: 2018 Meteor Garden China's Remake had one mean mama. She was willing to let her son suffer a hunger strike because she would not allow him to marry Dong Shancai. She had him kidnapped and even cut him off financially (briefly) but I do believe she truly loved her son. They gave her vulnerability as she almost lost the business and needed Daoming Si to marry to get out of it. His sister arrived to whoop his ass when she saw him manhandling Dong Shancai

WANG LIN played mama bear Daoming Feng

DEE HSU played fighting sister Daoming Zhuang (She is a Taiwanese actress and the sister of Barbie Hsu who played Dong Shancai in Meteor Garden Taiwanese Version)

So who was your favorites of these mother daughter duos. @pose4photoml

[grgschesca]

Hana Yori Dango

Oh well, I'm still not over the craze yet, *Giggles* Here I am, just completed the Season 1 & 2 of Hana Yori Dango with 20 episodes in less than a week, yaey! (This is the Japanese version of Meteor Garden & Boys Over Flowers). If I'm not mistaken, this is the TV adoptation of the versions where it was based, originally from the Japanese Shojo Manga written by Yoko Kamio.

The fact that I'm now very much familiar with the plot even with my mind shut as I’ve seen all the 4 versions of this story. This is also the second version I  completely watched with my husband RJ since he skipped the Korean version all because he didn't like the way it was expressed. But for me, I loved them all with all of my heart, lol.

To refresh with, This is the story of MAKINO TSUKUSHI, a tough, hard-working, below class student of a prestigious school, Eitoku and how she immersed her life with the School legendary bullies which consist of four sons of the wealthiest and most powerful family, the F4 (FLOWER 4) when she got the red notice from them (anyone who gets this card will be the subject of bullying from the entire school at all cost until the target decides to quits or expelled).

Despite embarrassment and harassment, Makino refuses to quit, and her retaliation and declaration of war against them caught  DOMYOUJI TSUKASA’S (the leader of  F4) attention and made him fall in love with her. 

All the versions have the same plot but all shown in different flow/different impression to spice it up. But still, the story revolves around the love and courtship of the Main Characters,  Domyouji Tsukasa and Makino Tsukushi. How they faced various challenges and obstacles including their social status and social differences not to mention Tsukasa’s mother’s extreme disagreement with her.

I mostly liked Makino’s character in here. Not that loud, not that messy, not that clumsy. She has this tough character as a seaweed at the same time with a very sweet, innocent and refreshing personality. She is dainty and feminine here which is similar to Chinese Dong-Shancai ’s character rather than that of Geum Jan Di’s gracelessness, loudness, and clumsiness.

Tsukasa’s character is a bit different here as well. He is more funny, witty and comic that is different from all the versions and of course, not to mention (once again) that he is cute as ever. I literally liked all the series Lead Characters, tbh, (From Dao Ming Si of Taiwan & Chinese version to Gu Jun Pyo of Korean version and now Domyouji Tsukasa of Japanese version). -> exactly the same order how I've seen them. He is a bully and childish at the same time in a comical way, that is very original of him, like how he would always speak erroneous Nihonggo and how he would shudder with excitement like a kid just by talking about Makino on his friends.

Hanazawa Rui also shows obvious admiration for Tsukushi he becomes slightly perpetrator to the Main Character’s Love story but eventually gives in to Tsukasa on the latter part of the series.

Nishikado Sojiro & Mimasaka Akira were also cute in a different way. 

Moreover, I liked the part where Tsukasa develops an amnesia when he gets into an accident and Makino’s series of funny attempts in order to help him regain back his memory. After Tsukasa saved Makino from freezing to death in the blizzard, he develops a fever inside the log cabin, and while Makino is taking care of him, some flashbacks from the past made him remember Makino that is similar to the circumstance happened on their first date in Season 1, then finally remember the  "first girl he has ever fallen in love with."

I also like the Soundtrack of both Season 1 & 2 especially the Opening Theme of Season 1 titled Wish & Love so sweet in Season 2 (Sang by ARASHI where Jun Matsumoto is a member.)

To be continued as I’m still going to watch the HANA YORI DANGO FINAL (film)

[muttonthings]

Kdramas I have watched

62. Boys over flowers

Can you believe it's taken me this long to watch this show? I know that it is an extremely popular show but because it is quite old and seemed to have all the tropes I hate, I kept putting it off.

Ask someone what their first k-drama was and they will probably name this one. I am so happy it wasn't my first as it would have been my last. I really didn't enjoy this show and I can't figure out why it is so popular. Perhaps it was a different time period? Or was everyone too distracted by the pretty boys to realise how awful it is? I will admit if Lee Min-ho wasn't in it I would probably have quit after 2 episodes.

If you are an F4 fan look away, this is going to be quite a rant (don't take it as an opportunity to defend your show, thanks).

I knew this show had the typical rich mean boy/poor nice girl, love triangle, amnesia tracks (it's hard to escape clips from this show). But it was so much worse than I expected. Gu Jun-pyo is an asshole. Who tells people to lick their shoes?!!! I know the other guys weren't as bad in comparison but did any of them try to stop him? They even helped him. At first I liked Jan-di. She had some spunk. Then she started to annoy me too.

It didn't feel like the show had any sort of flow or direction. It was like someone thought up a few tracks and shoved them together. You could clearly see when one track ended and another began and it was always sudden and made no sense.

There were times I felt like I was watching a travel show, sudden trips and sight seeing montages which made little progress to the story. I absolutely loathed Jan-di's family. Thankfully they disappear for several episodes.

On the love triangle: I found it hard to believe that Jun-pyo and Jan-di had such a deep love for each other because we got more scenes with Jan-di and Ji-hoo. Most times Jun-pyo and Jan-di were together they were screaming at each other 🤷 And was it just me or did Jun-pyo and Monkey seem more compatible?

The list of things I hated is very long so let me mention a few things I liked. I liked Ga-eul and Jan-di's friendship. And the relationship between Jun-pyo and his Noona. And seeing everyone's Halmeoni Kim Young-ok is always nice.

Would I recommend this show..🤣🤣

This would make a great show to watch with friends (especially for drinking games, everytime Jan-di cries/Jun-pyo is an ass) and make fun of it.

I may have been too harsh on this show but I blame the internet for hyping it up. Watch it just because it's iconic and to appreciate how much better shows are now.

[myjooland]

My Favourite K-Dramas

This being my very first blog makes me nervous but excited at the same time. I decided to write down the list of Korean dramas I loved watching. The below are few of my favourite ones which I wouldn't mind watching again. 

1. BOYS OVER FLOWERS:

Well for me the craze for Korean dramas started after watching Boys over flowers, thanks to a sweet friend of mine for introducing it to me. BOF was my very first K-Drama and boy it was full-speed from then on. These sweet, quirky teenage love stories are so additive, no matter how old you are you would enjoy watching such dramas. This Cinderella kindof story will definitely make you want to have more. But apart from all that what got me hooked was perhaps Lee Min Ho and his convincing acting as Gyu Jun Pyo. If it wasn't for his spot on acting as the main lead I wouldn't have liked it so much. The female character (Geum jan Di) played by Gu Hye Sun as the cute and bubbly girl was perfect but what was more perfect was their chemistry together. Apart from the main leads I cant say much about the acting skills of the other F4 members, but I did enjoy Geum jan Di's little brother and parents. If you are a beginner to K-Drama and want a suggestion I would definitely recommend Boys Over Flowers.

2. COFFEE PRINCE

Aaah Coffee Prince, I'm soo in love with this drama. Honestly I never expected it to be this good. The main leads have so much chemistry. I started developing this huge crush on Gong Yoo mostly because of his manly image in this drama. At first I was a little hesitant to watch the drama maybe because I wasn't over Boys over Flowers (LOL). The story is little unique, girl dressed up as a boy so that she could have a job, but the girls strange but cute character makes the boss fall in love with her without him knowing that she is actually a girl, which make him question his preference. Let me tell you it might sound a little odd but you've got to watch it. The part where Gong Yoo finds out that she is indeed a girl...aah...heartbreaking, I cried with him. The acting superb by both the main leads. But in this drama I wasn't only drawn to the main leads but the supporting characters as well. Each of their stories are unique and interesting. Yoon Eun Hye was excellent playing the role of a boy but what I liked was how her acting as a boy was cute rather than too boyish.

3. SECRET GARDEN

How can you not love this drama, I mean seriously. I think this is the only drama I watched thrice. Hyun Bin I love you Kim Joo-won and Ha Ji Won as Gil Ra-im. Even though it has the same element of usual Kdramas with rich, boy poor girl, cruel rich parents and so on but apart from the cliché I guarantee you will not be disappointed. And a bit of fantasy for those you like that stuff. Apart from the main characters I wasnt drawn to any of the other supporting characters but I really enjoyed Choi Woo-young / Oska and Secretary Kim, they were hilarious. Check it out!

4. FLOWER BOY RAMYUN SHOP

Ok, this one I wasn't that keen on watching but boy oh boy I am so glad I did. This drama is so cute and funny. The story goes something like this, the girl played by Lee Chung Ah  (Yang Eun-bi) aims to be a school teacher and finally lands a job in a school owned by Cha Chi-soo's father. Cha Chi-soo played by Jung Il Woo is an arrogant heir, goes to the same school as a student. At first Eun-bi thinks of him as a well-off, working in a big company, charming guy and also ends up calling him "oppa"..he he..that scene was funny, however she realises her mistake. They end up fighting and slowly Chi-soo starts falling in love with her, well you know the routine, ok, so it might seem like the same old story but let me assure you it is good. Its funny, goofy and cute. Both the leads pull off a good chemistry. Watch it if you are not looking for a serious drama and just want to have a good time.

6. THE GREATEST LOVE

This drama is special to me because I wasn't drawn towards it in the beginning but without me knowing it grew on me. The reason Cha Seung-won as Dokko Jin. How can you not love that character. Hilarious just hilarious. Cha Seung-won pulled it off beautifully. Dokko Jin is so funny, annoying, cute all at the same time. And who can you best pair with such a character and still stand out, who else Gong Hyo-jin (Gu Ae-jung) ofcourse. There are two chemistries I loved in this drama one is ofcourse the leads Cha Seung-won and Gong Hyo-jin's chemistry, second one is the little kid Gu Hyung-kyu (Ae-jung's nephew) and Dokko Jin's so cute cute!!Loved it, enjoyed it. Check it out.

7. REPLY 1997

Love love just love this drama. If you haven't watched it yet run and begin NOW! Amazing! So different from the usual Kdramas. Aaah...what can I say about Reply 1997, I am still not over it honestly. Even though it begins as a high school drama don't run away if you think you are too old for that stuff. Sung Shi-won and Yoon Yoon-jae played by Jung Eun-ji (A-Pink) and Seo In-guk are soo perfect, loved them! The story is about these two childhood friends who are very close, the girl, who is silly, sometimes over-the-top, is a HUGE H.O.T fan (a former boyband) and the boy, smart, studious, popular guy in school , begins a huge crush on his childhood friend. The storyline is from the 90's, so the writers add all those technological elements from that time. What's interesting is the detail, very refreshing and very enjoyable. Apart from the main characters all the other supporting characters are so fun to watch (the parents are just crazy..lol) Watch it, highly recommend it :) Do check out the ost sung by the main leads Jung Eun-ji (A-Pink) and Seo In-guk. Both have an amazing voice. If you enjoy watching Reply 1997 do watch Reply 1994. Both are from the same writers; however the plot is different and really good. 

  8. THE INNOCENT MAN

[taye-x]

I really liked Age of Youth, why dont you think it and Flower Boy Band have rewatch potential?

Well, for me personally, they were both perfect dramas….except for the romance. Dont get me wrong, neither of them had bad love lines. Both of them were actually very good, especially compared to other dramas.

However they weren’t Eun Chan and Han Kyul’s perfect partnership. They weren’t Yoon Jae and Shi Won’s 20 year-spanning will they/won’t they. They weren’t Enrique’s perfect yang to Dok Mi’s yin. They weren’t the Gu Jun Pyo/Guem Jan Di love story that survived horror mums and amnesia and arranged marriages and vengeful classmates and 20 different adaptations. 

They were great couples, but they weren’t romantic heroes.

And neither should they have been! Age of Youth and SUFBB’s major focuses weren’t on the love lines, but rather sisterhood and brotherhood and coming of age. And they both did that perfectly.

But yknow, I watch these dramas for a reason. And that’s to live my non-existent love life vicariously through these characters. AoY and SUFBB probably have more rewatch potential for some— heck they’re probably better dramas for some— just not for me :)