#chae won bin

[yeo-rims]

[huimangi]

Go Min Shi and Chae Won Bin in SWEET HOME 2 (2023) dir. by Lee Eung Bok

[world-smitten]

Doubt final thoughts

I spoil the whole thing, approach w/ caution!

doubt 2024 is such an interesting piece, because the root of its core conflict (is ha-bin a serial killer) is so small. Ha-bin isn’t a serial killer. She hasn’t got a homicidal bone in her body. What she is tho is: quiet, withdrawn, serious, bad at reading social cues (but great at lying lol), inexpressive. Basically all the things that a child, especially a daughter, shouldn’t be. She has the slight misfortune of being a neurodivergent girl in our world, and then her brother dies, and her neurotic father, who has absolute faith in his skills as a criminal profiler, decides to deal with his grief by projecting guilt onto his surviving child.

Doubt uses the conventions & heightened cinematic language of a crime thriller to explore the consequences for a girl who exists “off-script”, but the effect is also slightly humorous. Like, all that drama & sensation for a kid who might just be autistic. But w/o that visual language & without that drama, the pain of being misunderstood & villainised by those supposed to care for you most wouldn’t be conveyed - & likewise, the lack of support given to parents trying to build a happy world for their “weird” kids. Du-cheol’s unwavering faith in his son’s innocence seems misplaced, but instead becomes affirming, rejecting criminality as genetic, and making Tae-soo’s refusal to believe Ha-bin all the more shameful.

I’m not surprised that the show doesn’t end with the guilty suspect dragged off to jail - it’s not interested in Sung-hee beyond using her to confirm Ha-bin’s innocence. It’s not interested in her psychology - it places her & Young-min’s cruelty squarely in the context of a society where children can vanish off-grid in the absence of care. It acknowledges that policing /= charity, but also presents a police force that is competent & efficient. I’m not sure how I feel about that, but the show was never going to be critical of cops lol. Chae Won-bin is a talent - holding her own alongside Han Suk-kyu, & bringing out Ha-bin’s childishness & vulnerability in the most heartbreaking moments. I had a great time - this is one of the few 2024 kdramas I’ve seen that was committed to its premise from beginning to end.

[kimchislaphearts]

Love Attack (2023)

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Plot: 

Tired of always being ranked second in class behind Kyung J00, Seok Jin decides to try to distract her from studying by launching a "love attack" on his academic rival. 

Cast & Crew:

Kim Do Hoon as Cha Seok Jin

Chae Won Bin as Kang Kyung Joo

Supporting cast - Heo Jin, Park Sung Joon, Nam Joong Gyu, Baek Hyo Won, Han Ye Ji

Director - Lee Hyun Kyung

Screen Writer - Choi Yi Kyung

Music:  

The chosen music fit the drama special well. 

Awards: Best Actress in Drama Special/TV Cinema (Chae Won Bin) - KBS Drama Awards 2023

Overall: 

It’s been way too long since my last drama special, long time no see!

So many people told me about how cute this one was so I’ve been saving it for a rainy day. I’ve been sick for the last couple of weeks and the weather is miserable so I decided it was time. My sources were correct, this drama special is certified adorable and had me smiling, laughing and almost crying along the way. 

The story centres on Seok Jin who appears to have it all - looks, money, brains, however, he is perpetually stuck in second place thanks to his rival number one student Kyung Joo who despite working a million part time jobs still takes the number one spot. Things are going to change, however, as Kyung Joo is taking off to study abroad… or is she? How can Seok Jin possibly change his fate as a second place student? Hint: it’s the title of the drama… A LOVE ATTACK! 

This drama special has a lot of things I like in a drama; fake dating, cute youthful hijinx, cast chemistry, a cute halmeoni, gorgeous countryside trips with autumn foliage, shots of delicious food, and a nice backing track. All this combined into an almost perfect watch experience for me.  

I think that the writer did a decent job plotting out the story over the just short time frame, honouring the lead character’s journeys. Although it was so cute I could have taken a little more than what we got. Based on this I am now keen to watch the writer’s other special Dog Days of Summer.  

Throughout the drama I was often reminded of Park Hyung Shik and Park Shin Hye’s characters in Doctor Slump as if these kids could be an alternate universe version of them. I loved those characters and their journey too. 

The cast were all familiar faces and they did a good job of making their roles believable from the sad drunk friend to the sweet little halmeoni who doesn’t want her granddaughter missing out on life experiences. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this drama special and if you are in need of something short and sweet it’s well worth a watch. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Watch it:  KOCOWA 

Trailer:  KBS Drama YouTube

[teashh]

I am so glad the new kdramas are bringing back the specific brand of loser men. You know which brand I'm talking about. The Ahn "min min" Minhyuk brand of loser men and I'm loving it. The "I worship this goddess and I'm so in love with her and I can't believe I get to love her. Oh my gods I love her so much" brand of loser men. And we're being fed so well with lovely runner, love next door, no gain no love, my demon, Cinderella at 2am, Hierarchy, Midnight Romance in Hagwon, doctor slump, Queen of tears, welcome to samdal-ri and even good partner (yes it's one sided but the dedication and yuri's couple too).

We need more fictional loser men who worship women to satiate our eldest independent daughter desires.

[junkobato]

Upcoming Kdrama November 2024 💙

4/11: Brewing Love with Kim Se Jong, Lee Jong Won, Baek Sung Chul. 12 episodes; rom-com.

6/11: Face Me with Lee Min Ki, Han Ji Hyun, Lee Yi Kyung. 12 episodes; medical, crime.

6/11: Gangnam B-Side with Ji Chang Wook, Ha Yoon Kyung, Bibi. 8 episodes; action, thriller, mystery.

8/11: Mr. Plankton with Woo Do Hwan, Lee You Mi, Oh Jung Se. 8 episodes; rom-com.

8/11: the Fiery Priest 2 with Kim Nam Gil, Lee Ha Nee, Kim Sung Kyun. 12 episodes; crime, action, comedy.

9/11: Marry You with Lee Yi Kyung, Jo Soo Min. 12 episodes; romance.

18/11: Parole Examiner Lee with Go Soo, Kwon Yuri, Lee Hak Joo. 12 episodes; law, drama.

22/11: When the Phone Rings with Yoo Yeon Suk, Chae Soo Bin. 12 episodes; thriller, mystery, romance.

23/11: Love Your Enemy with Joo Ji Hoon, Jung Yumi, Kim Ye Won. 12 episodes; rom-com.

30/11: the Tale of Lady Ok with Im Ji Yeon, Choo Young Woo, Kim Jae Won. 16 episodes; historical, romance.

Say goodbye to your social life (who has one anyway?!)

[afza147]

I will be full of happiness and sweetness with my ongoing dramas tonght

From ep9 marry you with secret dating

To ep6 of when the phone rings full of jealousy + sweetness + could be a second kiss ( a long passionate one)

To ep7 love your enemy fake dating + dating era

Can't wait to watch all

Update : not so happy a bit as marry you pushed tomorow

But at least we have when the phone rings and love your enemy

[kverything-official]

7 Korean Dramas that Faced Netizens’ Backlash

Korean Dramas are not only a purpose of entertainment to us fans but those are a mode of escapism from daily life blues. Most of the time Korean dramas are fun and fulfilling, sometimes, though, they are disappointing, and sometimes they face some kind of complicated and mixed reactions. On rare occasions Korean dramas face huge backlash from the netizens. 

In Korean Drama history there are more than one drama to be canceled or cut short due to the unbound backlash that those faced. And today I am going to offer you 7 of those Korean dramas, which were either canceled or cut short due to netizen’s backlash. 

So, without wasting any more time, let’s get into the list!

10 Korean Dramas that were cut short or canceled

1. Wolf (2006)

In the 2006 Korean drama Wolf, Eric Mun, a beloved figure in the Korean entertainment scene, was originally cast to portray Bae Dae-chul. The storyline revolved around a romantic rivalry between Bae Dae-chul and Han Ji-soo, played by Han Ji Min, both vying for the affection of Yoon Sung-mo, portrayed by Uhm Tae Woong.

The production of Wolf was progressing smoothly until an unfortunate incident occurred during filming. Both lead actors, Mun and Uhm, suffered injuries when they were accidentally struck by a stunt car. This unforeseen setback forced an immediate halt in production. 

Initially, there was optimism that filming would resume once Mun and Uhm recovered from their injuries. However, as time passed, a series of postponements ensued, eventually leading to the regrettable decision to cancel the entire project.

The incident not only impacted the physical well-being of the two actors but also dealt a significant blow to the momentum and continuity of the production. The cancellation left fans disappointed, as they were eagerly anticipating the resolution of the complex love triangle that had been unfolding. 

Despite the setback, the legacy of Wolf endures as a testament to the unpredictable challenges that can arise in the world of television production, where even the most carefully planned projects can be derailed by unforeseen circumstances.

2. A Beautiful Mind (2016)

A modern reinterpretation of the timeless Frankenstein narrative, 2016 Korean drama Beautiful Mind centered around Lee Young-oh, impeccably portrayed by Jang Hyuk, a neurosurgeon renowned for his technical prowess but severely lacking in empathy. The plot unfolded within the confines of a hospital, where Lee Young-oh found himself entangled in the perplexing enigma of unexplained deaths.

Originally slated for a 16-episode run, the fantastical Korean drama faced an abrupt truncation, concluding prematurely at the 14th episode mark. The decision to curtail its run was prompted by subpar viewership ratings that failed to meet expectations. 

Despite its initial promise, the show grappled with dwindling audience engagement, reflected in its highest Nielsen Korea rating of 4.7% during the third episode. Unfortunately, this peak was short-lived, as subsequent episodes witnessed a gradual decline in viewership, culminating in a modest 2.8% rating for its penultimate showing.

The untimely demise of the series left its narrative threads dangling, and the abbreviated episode count disappointed both fans and critics who had anticipated a more extensive exploration of the intriguing storyline. 

In the fickle landscape of television, where audience reception plays a pivotal role, the fate of this modern Frankenstein adaptation serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of viewer preferences and the challenging terrain that TV productions navigate.

Read More

[survivalistghost]

[rosenlily-aka-choconut]

Chae-won’s ending leaves me with the cliched line - it’s better to hold the hand of the one who loves you rather than the one you love.

And… these two might actually lead me to believing in it. Three scenes… and I ship them more than the lead pair ❤️❤️

She certainly deserved better than Ji-han, and who knows, Mr. Bin Tae-hwan might be her Mr. Right.

I mean, how can I resist a man who looks at me like this 👇

Bring me someone like him, someone who has had a crush on me for a while, and I might actually open myself up for an arranged marriage

Mr. Blind date man aka Bin Tae-hwan, age 34, height 180 cms and weight 70 kgs is WAY MORE suitable for her than the ML I just couldn’t bring myself to like.

[yeo-rims]

You just became a murderer without knowing anything.

[huimangi]

Go Min Si and Chae Won Bin in SWEET HOME 2 (2023) dir. by Lee Eung Bok

[courseyoulovemeyoudontknowme]

해적: 도깨비 깃발 (2022, Kim Jeong-hoon)

29/06/2024

[unnieshimkoongkdramas]

Three Must Watch Fun KDramas - No Drama KDramas

Did you just finish the first season of The Glory? Or maybe you finally caught up on Reborn Rich. Was Anna and Big Mouth too much heart break? Let me suggest these emotional palate cleansers for you. Sometimes you don’t want the intensity or need to come down from something super emotionally taxing. Here are my suggestions. The Fabulous Lead actors: Chae Soo Bin, Choi Min Ho, Park Hee Jung, Lee…

[stuff-diary]

Hierarchy

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2024

Hierarchy (2024, South Korea)

Director: Bae Hyeon Jin

Writer: Chu Hye Mi

Mini-review:

Oof, what a disappointment. I feel like this wanted to be one of those transgressive teen shows we get in the West, but then it didn't have the guts to go all the way and ended up being like any other kdrama about the rich and the poor. And even then, it's just not good at that either. The writing leaves a lot to be desired, and it gets more boring with every episode. The acting is also all over the place; some of the actors do a solid job, but most of them are mediocre or downright terrible. Tbh, there are two things that save this drama from disaster: firstly, the director adds a lot of style and flair to the proceedings; secondly, sometimes it's fun to see a bunch of super pretty people all together in one place. But still, there are a lot of shows where you can find those things with much better quality. I wouldn't recommend Hierarchy, unless you really love someone in the cast...

[passionforfiction]

The Fabulous

I frankly don't know where to start., so I'll be blunt: I didn't like this series. I forced myself to finish it and I skipped episodes - and mind you, this was an 8 episode series. It was the combination of poor storyline, character development and representation. The characters come off as frivolous, the gay characters feel like a stereotyped caricature that felt cringy at times. And I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. It annoyed me that Pyo Ji Eun could forgive and give a second chance to Lee Nam Jin who insulted her when they broke up, but she couldn't forgive and give a second chance to her friend and ex-boyfriend because she couldn't see how he expressed his feelings for her. These characters are static, there is no true growth in them. At the end of the series they are the same as they were in the beginning.

The plot felt superficial too. It could have worked if there had been some depth to the conflicts that could truly make the characters do some growing; for example Ye Seon Ho's situation as a model. This could have been explored more. The conflicts are all triggered by the whim of celebrities, rich people or influencers. Shim Do Young is supposed to be the cute boy trying to make it in the fashion industry and he comes off as annoying and shallow.

Thierry's story could have been a nice subplot but they turned that character into the biggest caricature of the set of characters.

It's a pity because the cast has some really good actors in it, but they were not able to bring to life characters that the audience could connect.

I truly don't recommend this one. There are other series about fashion that are much better.

Poster from Kpopmap - https://www.kpopmap.com/fabulous-2022-drama-cast-summary/