#jin ho eun also

[shinjiikar1]

due to... one billion personal reasons it took me a long time to get to these episodes, and they were probably the hardest to watch for me (for also one billion personal reasons)

I really don't know that I have as coherent a thesis this week, I'm just kind of in misery, but I'll write out my thoughts and we'll see where it goes. (Also despite having it no i still haven't read the book, I'm waiting till I'm done the show, which I may regret lol)

Gyu-ho and Go Young are such different people, they have such different worldviews and struggle to see the world through each other's eyes.

The moment for me that exemplified their whole relationship was after Gyu-ho moved in. Gyu-ho claims Go Young could never understand how he's never had anything of his own, being tied down by his family all his life, and now not even being in his own space. Go Young's reply is silence (and a smile, of course). While Gyu-ho has never had anything of his own, Go Young has never had anyone. His father is long-gone, his mother now too, as it seems is his extended family. He lost Mi Ae to someone else, and his love life... Gyu-ho's family isn't perfect, in fact they're difficult from what we see, but he can always go back. He has Gyu-ho for a while, but he never really lets himself be had, they're so close, orbiting around each other but they just can't quite get there in the end.

I really just cannot get over how scared he is to let anyone in. Every attempt he's made to let people really get to know him has ended in failure and at this point he can't conceptualize letting anyone in. He can't think of himself as deserving of it and it's so incredibly painful to watch. Gyu-ho tries, he makes an effort to break into Go Young's life. He holds his hand in public, he waits for him, he barges into his home. Like that hole in the clouds he's shoving his way in, and to his credit Go Young tries to let him in. Ultimately, however, he feels the waves catching up to him, he's lived so long in shame and guilt and fear, he can't swim out, and Gyu-ho can't pull him back to shore on his own. It's exhausting for both of them.

I really appreciated @lurkingshan's post about Why their relationship falls apart and her discussion about Go Young's very real fears about how his status is affecting this person he loves and cares for deeply. He can't let himself be the person to drag Gyu-ho down. I really resonated with Go Young here, I'm not interested in detailing my own situation, but I very much understand feeling like you're holding someone back because of an illness. It's a completely miserable feeling, even if the other person insists its fine, you know on some level, that they might be happier without you and how can you deny them that? Go Young thinks he's been too greedy, he's wanted too much. He's not willing to be that selfish (whether or not this is actually selfish behaviour isn't really the point here, he believes it is). He will be the one to make the sacrifice to Gyu-ho doesn't have to, he won't even tell him the real reason because he knows there's no way Gyu-ho would go without him if he was honest about it, he has to push him away first. It's not an entirely selfless decision, I think he's also trying to spare himself the hurt and resentment that might build if Gyu-ho doesn't get to go, but ultimately it's because he loves him so much. I wish he could have said it.

[itzsarahhh]

I was literally thinking about this earlier. Specifically how Jin Ho Eun played a character in Revenge of Others who bullied another character for being gay and for having two dads. It’s only right he plays a queer character in another drama. This keeps the balance of the world.

I don't know if someone has mentioned this already, but the fact that both of them have played school bullies in kdramas based in high school is such a full circle moment. Often times the school bully is the most homoerotic character on screen. If you don't believe me, ask the fan edits.

I've watched so many kdramas and find myself, shaking my head at the bully, thinking: "if you could only admit to yourself that you want to kiss him, there'd be no need for all this violence".

It's giving self-hate and internalised homophobia.

Okay! A stretch. But you guys get my points.

The bullies in another life.

[my-rose-tinted-glasses]

Love in the Big City, end of chapter 3, read aloud by Jin Ho Eun (Gyu Ho). [source]

Since I can only one video per post, here are the links for the video with Nam Yoon Su 1 2. Also, the actors who play Nam Gyu and Yeong Su also did but I couldn't find a subbed version so those links are without.

[bengiyo]

Love in the Big City Eps 7-8: Always Forward

Writing about the end of Love in the Big City is hard for me because it’s hard to seem to happy about a show going so dour for this long, but I mostly feel relieved that the show didn’t completely pull back on Yeong’s bleak existence after Gyu-ho. Overall, I really loved this adaptation, and especially enjoyed Sang Young Park’s opportunity to revisit this story after a few years away from it.

Starting with the way Gyu-ho haunted this section, I absolutely loved how they were able to flash back to the previous part and allow us to see how much closer Yeong got to Gyu-ho. I thought the looks at their trip to Thailand outside of the Yeong depressive haze of Part 3 played out really well here now that he’s mourning the relationship. It’s always so sad to me with Yeong how he will choose to isolate rather than subject his bullshit on others.

I find myself thinking a lot about the pills they got for Gyu-ho, how they were able to have one night of lovemaking without Kylie hanging over them, how the side effects of those drugs were pretty rough at the time, and how Yeong probably hated the idea of Gyu-ho taking pills forever because of him. It’s ironic that the idea that they could build a relationship around Kylie scared him more than anything because he knew it would be less than what he envisioned Gyu-ho could have for himself.

I wrote last week about how the apartment was too small, and I’m so glad that we got to see Yeong move out of that apartment in the finale. It felt so appropriate that he moved to a new place that literally looked like a blank slate for him to start over. I’m glad he took so little of the old apartment with him. He kept his mother’s nicest liquor cabinet and her trophies, a few personal items, and otherwise gave himself a new start. Like many of us, he had a big love in his 20s and it didn’t work out. He’s had some success as an author, and now can try to move forward. I like that the only things he takes with him to the new apartment beyond a few personal items are his friends. That feels like the right place to end a story like this.

Speaking of the T-aras, I really loved including them in this show. I hope that for SYP, there really was a group of friends like this for him during his 20s when he was experiencing the events that inspired some of this story. It feels like a not-so-quiet love letter to those friends that he made sure we saw how they grew and supported Yeong over the course of the story.

I loved that we saw Yeong grow closer to Eun Su in this section over the broken engagement. Gay relationships can be hard because we don’t have the structures of heteronormativity to help keep us together, like child rearing. So much of it comes down to whether we want to be with this person in and of itself, and for many of us marriage just isn’t the right solution to affirm that. I like that Eun Su realized this about himself before they committed to far, and it was Yeong who he knew would understand him on this.

I am so glad they went with different directors for each section. I think Hur Jin-ho might be my favorite with the way he used a lot of still shots to capture the stifling nature of Yeong’s time in the hospital and his broken relationship with Yeong Su. I loved the way Kim Se-in shot the follow up look at the trip to Thailand in Part 4, after the beautiful work Hong Ji-young gave us in the small details of the relationship with Gyu-ho that Hong Ji-young captured in Part 3. I would also like to applaud Song Tae-gyum for getting so much energy out of the cast and the shots in Part 1, because the long toll of events on Yeong does not land without coming down from the energy of Part 1. Absolutely phenomenal work from all four directors and the crews.

As a single story instead of four connected vignettes, I respect the choices the adaptation made to soften some of the heaviest parts of this story, and in particular give us a more hopeful look at Yeong’s future. I love that I feel like I can love the book and drama together and separately. It’s rare that I find a drama adaptation does a good job or elevates the original work, and I’m really glad that I can say that about this show. Everyone put they whole foot in this drama, and it shows.

Finally, I would like to give a huge thanks to Nam Yoon Su, Jim Ho Eun, Lee So Kyung, Kown Hyuk, Na Hyun Woo, Lee Hyun So, Byun Jun Seo, Jung Chan Yeong, and Oh Hyun Kyung, and the rest of the cast for all their work on this show. This feels like a once-in-a-generation show, not unlike Moonlight (2016), where we may never see the direct impacts of it. Someday, I hope we see the spiritual successor to this show, and can point back at it and thank it for getting us to that future. It’s rare that we get this much experienced talent in dramas playing queer life this frankly, and I will carry Go Young with me for the rest of my life, and will reflect on him and myself in his relationships with his mom, the T-aras, Gyu-ho, Yeong Su, Mi Ae, Nam Gyu, and even Habibi. What I am thankful for with the drama is that we leave Yeong looking forward and not back.

It has been an honor reacting to this show with all of you in the Love in the Big City Book Club. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts, gifs, and creations with us for this past month. I am so thankful that we got to do this experience together twice. I look forward to our next big outing.

[briar-oses]

ok back on track with this baby au that unfortunately got wayyyy too long for under @ge's post... so sorry😞 (sorry if it's the wrong link also) so im moving it into a different post. honestly ge talking about it first just gave me the chance to explore this au (thank you ge!!!) that's been in my friendand i's head for a while now LOL shoutout to blue my bff

(maybe i should make a tag for this au now?)

with adoption came the responsibilities of a parent. altho tang bo and chung myung were already the little girl's parents by that point, they realized that they never really got to name her with anything. tang bo went on and mumbled about how stupid he was being to forget naming his now-child of all things and went full-on spaced out mode to think about possible names.

chung myung, holding the little energetic bundle in his arms, looked down when the said girl tapped him on the chin. his daughter (oh my god) babbles at him. quite the talker, she is. he then turns to look at her other father, who's in his own world and looks back at his babbling daughter.

chung myung huffs. definitely her father's daughter.

***

“Min-ji”

the little girl, currently being held by tang bo, stares at her father blankly. “You don't like that either? Alright.. how about Ha-eun?”, tang bo says, to the baby. said baby just drifts her attention off to some butterfly that passed by, reaching for it.

tang bo whines helplessly. “Hyung-niiiim! she's not liking anything!”, he complains. chung myung, training nearby, walks back to where tang bo and their daughter (the thought makes him feel warm? hm.) are staying, shielding themselves from the heat.

“She's a year old, Bo” chung myung made it a habit of not swearing or calling tang bo names whenever he's around with the baby. so he resorted to calling the other by his name often.

(the first time it happened, tang bo slipped. luckily he wasn't holding the baby at the time or chung myung would've beaten him to a pulp)

“She's a very picky one-year old.. she probably got that from hyung-nim”

chung myung huffs an amused breath. he is by no means picky but it's amusing how tang bo recently picked up a habit of relating the little girl's quirks to both their mannerisms.

We're not even blood-related, punk..!

chung myung sat beside tang bo once he's near. “What names did you come up with?”

“I already said Min-ji and Ha-eun... There's also Yu-jin, Jiah, Soo-ah...”

“That's too many!”

tang bo turns away, hiding the little girl as he shirks away from chung myung. “Is it my fault that I'm good at names! Hyung-nim can't possibly know how that fee.. I'm joking! Just joking!”

chung myung retracts his hand back. “Any other names?”

“Hm.. There's Min-ho.. Seo-joon.. Soo-ah....”, tang bo goes silent for a short while. “.. Maybe I did think of too many”

You think? You could name your entire set of daggers with all that

“What about you, hyung-nim? Maybe you thought of something”

chung myung hums, lost in thought as he stares at tang bo, and then to the face of the now drowsy little bundle of joy in tang bo's arms. chung myung reaches for the round cheek of their now-sleeping daughter, all soft and precious.

“Seo-ah”

tang bo watches, mesmerized, as his hyung-nim that's known to be all things brash and rough being so gentle towards a little girl that's not his own until just recently. his hyung-nim wears a smile so soft and rare, so unlike his usual mischievous ones that tang bo's mouth remains slightly open until chung myung notices his prolonged silence.

clearing his throat and backing away for some space, chung myung turns to look at the suddenly interesting floor of the training grounds.

tang bo, silent for a few more seconds until he lets out a soft chuckle. “Auspicious omen.. Tang Seo-ah...”, he says, turning to look at the sleeping girl— Seo-ah— in his arms.

“It's a great name, hyung-nim”

[manawari]

I had another cute/crazy idea involving Jin-chul + the S-Rank hunters. Lmao, why am I so obsessed with putting this man in stressful situations? Ahskdgalsgskdh

Imagine: the S-Ranks as babies (4 year old for Dong-wook) and they still have their powers intact.

- baby Yoon-ho turning into a fluffy white tiger kitty every time he's mad. He will most likely be the chubbiest among them, with or without his beast form.

- baby Jong-in being a gremlin who sets himself (or anything) on fire and walking around while giggling or laughing.

- baby Jin-woo staying silent and behaved for like half of the time, but if he's in the mood, he will run around and worse— he summons his shadows to play with him.

- baby Eun-seok summoning electricity every time he giggles, but gets worse when he's frowning.

- baby Hae-in being the well-behaved one, so she tends not to join trouble until she suddenly gets affected by the other boys' powers.

- baby Tae-gyu not wanting to let go of his bow and arrows and doesn't want to let the others burrow it. He also annoys them until a fight breaks out or if he shoots someone with an arrow.

- baby Byung-gyu being behaved like Hae-in, although with his mace in his hands, he tends to accidentally hit someone with it and then cry if he does so. He also nibbles on his mace a lot.

- 4 year old Dong-wook who has no idea what is going on, but it's not like he's gonna interfere when the babies are having fun. Him turning into a giant will make the perfect piggyback ride for the baby S-Ranks.

Woo Jin-chul is just holding the "Best Nanny" award.

[stormdragon23]

do you have any headcanons for ships?

Oh, I have a ton. Not sure which ships you wanted, but here are a few for my top ships. Feel free to ask for specific ships (I have others. There are just some I like a lot more than others) or more headcanons (I like to ramble, so I tend to limit myself. I also tend to repeat myself since I don't remember what I've posted and what I haven't)

If any of my headcanons don't make sense, you're more than welcome to ask for more details about them. I just don't want this to get too long

ChoiBaek:

Baek Yoon-Ho is very physically affectionate with Choi Jong-In in private. It makes Jong-In very flustered at first

After getting together, they don't argue. They both know what the other is thinking well enough that when they do disagree on something, they either compromise or agree to disagree

They express their love through actions a lot more than words. Yoon-Ho isn't good at expressing himself through words, and Jong-In doesn't like directly stating his emotions. They both understand that about each other though, so they show their love in different ways, either with physical affection or doing things for the other

SungPark:

Park Kyung-Hye was the one who asked Sung Il-Hwan out. Il-Hwan was caught off guard by the pretty girl

Kyung-Hye knew when Il-Hwan was preparing to propose to her and just waited for the moment. Il-Hwan was pretty flustered during the proposal, and Kyung-Hye lightly teased him about it afterward

Il-Hwan likes getting gifts for Kyung-Hye and very much has golden retriever energy. Kyung-Hye finds it cute how excited he gets giving her gifts

MinLee:

Lee Ju-Hee and Min Byung-Gyu met sometime during the Yoo Jinho Raid Party Arc (just after Ju-Hee said she was going to retire and before the Red Gate arc)

Ju-Hee didn't know who he was at first since Byung-Gyu kept a few important details secret. She did freak out later. And scold him for not telling her

Byung-Gyu helps Ju-Hee overcome her trauma a lot more than the other way around. Ju-Hee is still there for him when he gets reminded of it though

ChulWoo:

Sung Jin-Woo actively tries not to make more work for Woo Jin-Chul since he knows Jin-Chul tends to have a lot of work. It usually doesn't go as planned. Jin-Woo does his best to help clean the mess though

Jin-Woo usually gets food or drinks for Jin-Chul when he doesn't have time to get it himself (Jin-Woo got the "giving stuff" trait from his dad)

Jin-Chul is the one who tells Jin-Woo not to work too hard. Jin-Chul knows that Jin-Woo can physically handle that many gates but thinks Jin-Woo tries to do too much on his own and that Jin-Woo mentally needs a break every now and then

HeeSeok:

Park Hee-Jin and Eun-Seok became friends during their time at the Fiend Guild. Hee-Jin left, but the two parted on good terms (kind of like how Jin-Woo and Ju-Hee said bye to each other)

They cross each other's path sometimes afterward and would end up spending a lot of time chatting about their lives and friends

They like to get accessories for each other, either hair or clothing accessories

Why do these posts always get so long-

[buldakdrama]

5 KDramas to Watch if You Want to See Female Villains in Action

There are three main elements to make a Kdrama worth watching - the main leads, the execution of the storyline and the villains. You can’t deny the fact that villains like Jung Joon Ho and Imoogi have made the courses of the dramas even more exciting and enthralling to watch. Villains have sometimes made us hate them with all of our hearts, sometimes they silently secured a place in it (just like Jung Guen Won from Itaewon Class). 

When it comes to Kdrama villains, they are mostly male but that doesn’t mean Korean Industry has not gifted us some of the cruelest and toughest female villains. And if you are yet to enjoy one of these bone-chilling female villains of Kdrama, then you are at the right place because today we have brought 5 deadliest yet underrated female villains for you to enjoy.  

1. Park Yeon Jin - The Glory

There is hardly anyone who has not watched The Glory yet. The drama deals with sensitive themes like high school bullying, abuse of power and money, infidelity and so on. And when a drama is mainly dark themed, the actors playing these dark roles need to be talented enough to pull the roles perfectly without leaving any loopholes. Lim Ji Yeon here plays the role of Park Yeon Jin, who is the leader of the bully group. She is a spoiled teen brat, who abuses her power and money to get away with her wrong doings. She constantly bullies Moon Dong Eun, pushes another student from the rooftop, kills one of her notorious friends, cheats on her husband and what not. She has all the ill-qualities that will make you hate her from the core of your heart. But her character and Lim Ji Yeon’s ability to blend with the role, makes the drama much more enjoyable and thrilling. So, if you have not watched it, you should give it a try but proceed with caution since there are triggering concepts.  

2. Choi Myeong Hee - Vincenzo

Everything I try to write about Choi Myeong Hee will fall short. The way we all wanted to kill her while watching Vicenzo is proof of the ability of Kim Yeo Jin in portraying this evil lawyer, who is also Jung Joon Ho’s ally. She’s nasty, she is evil, she is cruel, even her accent will tick you off very badly. But we have to admit to the fact that the drama would not be as marvelous as it is without her character in it. She constantly commits many wrong deeds only to gain more and more power. However, we must admit that we all have been quite impressed by her zumba dancing skills anyway. 

3. Cha Moon Suk - Lawless Lawyer

The character of Cha Moon Suk is the perfect example of two-faced. This Lawless Lawyer villain appears to be all noble and caring but she is actually corrupt and greedy. Lee Hye Young plays the role of a senior judge, who secretly runs a corrupt charity and spares absolutely no one who comes in her way. She doesn’t even hesitate to kill her dear friend nor does she show mercy for her long-time right hand man Ahn Oh Joo. She’s driven by her greed and can do anything to attain more power and money. In my personal opinion, her character and awesome screenplay is probably the only thing that makes the drama worth watching, as for me, both of the main leads could have portrayed themselves a lot better. 

4. Kang So Young - School 2015

Here comes another bully, Kang So Young from School 2015. Cha Soo Hyang plays this character of this spoiled teenager Kang So Young who finds great pleasure in bullying her orphan classmate, Eun Bi. Her bullying goes so far that Eun Bi is pushed to the verge of death. However, Kang So Young feels no remorse. As the drama goes, she gets even more evil as she does not show any sign of leaving Eun Bi alone. She does not even regret her choices and uses her parent’s power to get away with everything. However, at the end of the drama she reflects upon her choices and apologies to Eun Bi. But that does not mean her character is easily forgiven, am I right? 

5. Choi Yoo Jin - The K2

Here comes our last and my personal favorite pick, Choi Yoo Jin from The K2. Even though Yoo Jin’s character is not the villain but an antagonist, still she is a deserving candidate for this list. Song Yoon Ah plays the role of Choi Yoo Jin, who is a woman of mid 40s, she is also a daughter from a chaebol family but is disinherited. Her father disowned her because she married a politician. And guess what, that same husband, goes behind her back every night and cheats on her on a daily basis. She is also the CEO of JSS Security, which is responsible for her presidential candidate husband’s security. Her character certainly makes some bad choices, such as separating her step-daughter from her husband and using her constantly to blackmail the man, but she is the one to hurt the most as well. 

Even though her relationship with her family and husband is dianted and she is mostly used for money, she gives her everything to keep his husband’s image spotless. She grows a fondness, dare I say romantic feelings, for Kim Je Ha (Ji Chang Wook) but that too is quickly shut down as the main female lead comes into the picture. All in all, she may seem to be an evil woman but she actually is a victim of fate and betrayal, which is understandable. Song Yoon Ah’s incredible acting and her on screen chemistry with Ji Chang Wook is one of the primary reasons why you should watch the drama if you have not already. 

That was all for today, we will come with another recommendation post, sooner than you think. 

– Admin Nika

[archiveofmystuff]

Jin Ho-eun for W Korea magazine: on filming Love in the Big City

Actor Jin Ho-eun was part of a feature on a few young male Korean actors for the magazine W Korea. For one part of the interview he talked about filming Love in the Big City.

Here is the feature. Below is a screenshot of the relevant part of the article. **DISCLAIMER** This is just through autotranslation on the webpage, it is not an official translation nor a fan translation and could very easily contain some errors. I don't know Korean so I can't vouch for its accuracy lol.

He does confirm he's playing Gyu-ho, which we already knew but I'm not sure if it had been "officially" confirmed by the production or him/his team. He's been posting regularly on his instagram about filming Love in the Big City, so between that and this interview he seems really excited!

He seemingly calls it a queer drama so it's safe to assume it's not going to be "straightwashed" as some people evidently feared. I never really had any doubt about that since I heard the author was involved and also bc....what story is there without it being gay...but some people on other social medias (cough tik tok cough) seemed worried it would be turned into a "bromance" (again not sure how that would be possible), so there you go. Obviously doesn't necessarily confirm they'll depict everything that was in the book, but still! A queer drama with fairly established actors and apparently pretty good budget! From Korea! That's a pretty big deal imo.

Also, I didn't realize he was only 23! He's younger than Gyu-ho in the book but Kdramas (based on my slightly limited experience) don't shy away from having younger actors play slightly older characters so I don't think anyone should assume they're like aging down the characters or anything. Nam Yoon-su is 26 and obviously the book basically spans the main character's entire 20s into his early 30s so it makes sense to choose people kind of in the middle!

Have some pics from the shoot of our future Gyu-ho!

[imjustasexymotherfucker]

Here’s my rant on SWEET HOME SEASON 2 since no one else around me really watches it🫡 typos ahead

First thing first I’m not biased so practically all the characters pissed me off also I only now some of their names

*they could’ve kept a lot of the characters off my screen☺️

*I was so glad that the boy who pressed the button died he got on my fucking nerves

*R.I.P Seok-chan can’t believe they killed my man🤧

*all of the soldiers were fucking dumb didn’t have any common sense, Their deaths could’ve been avoidable

*Like they were really fucking dumb^

*Im trying to give grace to the little boy and Yi-Kyung daughter cause they kids but they’re really aggravating.

*we should’ve seen more of Hyunsu 😚 my baby

^he couldn’t find a sweater that wasn’t torn

*how did he survive being stoned? ^

*Eunyu been through hell and back also the people at the stadium need to leave her alone

* Eun-hyeok pls don’t be evil and try to kill your sister next season

*possibly evil but still look good as hell^

* Park Chan-yeong is so nosey

* Ui-Myeong is gonna put the doctor through hell omg that probably be whole episode next season

*I wonder what happened to his foot^

*I like Sergeant Tak and his handsome I definitely want to here his backstory

*I love Dr. Lim he’s a new character I actually like seeing a lot but Ui-Myeong is definitely going to torture him

* Dr. Lim is funny asf

*It’s cool how the monster are reborn

*the scene with Eun-hyuk being born reminded me of the monster house

* chef ji is a terrible person she’s pretty tho

*her daughter is funny^

*I wonder if that’s her husband or a new monster, what does she have up her sleeve??

*Father Peter😚 I don’t trust him tho

* Jin-ho why did you cut your hair😖

* Seok-Chan I miss you baby🤧

*seo-Jin I hate you and i hope you don’t make it to season 3

*also why would you just trust a random person who popped up out of nowhere?^

*I don’t think an actual solider would make the mistakes you did^

*I know jong-hyun wished he would’ve stayed at the stadium

*yong-Seok and his girlfriend also got on my nerves also why didn’t he warn them earlier

* Seok-Chan should’ve ran for the exit 🤧

And I would love recommendations for shows like this one 💜

[seouldramaspot]

Parallel Worlds and Timeless Love: A Dive into 'The King: Eternal Monarch

Korean dramas, known for their unique storytelling and captivating characters, have taken the world by storm, and "The King: Eternal Monarch" is no exception. This fantasy romance series, starring the charismatic Lee Min-ho and the talented Kim Go-eun, has garnered a massive following and left a lasting impression on viewers.

"The King: Eternal Monarch" weaves an intricate tale that spans parallel universes. The story begins with Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), who rules the Kingdom of Corea. He discovers a mysterious portal that connects his world to a parallel universe resembling modern-day South Korea. In this alternate reality, he meets detective Jung Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), a strong-willed and resourceful officer. Together, they embark on a journey to protect their worlds from an evil force threatening to disrupt the balance between them.

The Cast

Lee Min-ho: Lee Min-ho, a household name in the world of Korean dramas, delivers a powerful performance as Emperor Lee Gon. Known for his roles in hit series like "Boys Over Flowers" and "The Heirs," Lee Min-ho brings depth and charisma to his character, captivating audiences with his portrayal of a noble and determined ruler. His on-screen presence and chemistry with co-star Kim Go-eun are undeniable, making their love story one of the highlights of the show.

Kim Go-eun: Kim Go-eun shines as Jung Tae-eul, a detective who becomes entangled in the mysteries of the parallel universes. Kim Go-eun, acclaimed for her roles in dramas like "Goblin" and films like "Coin Locker Girl," portrays Tae-eul with a perfect blend of strength and vulnerability. Her character's unwavering resolve and emotional journey add depth to the series, creating a compelling contrast to Lee Gon's regal demeanor.

Supporting Cast

Woo Do-hwan as Jo Young and Jo Eun-seob: Woo Do-Hwan takes on the dual role of Jo Young, Lee Gon's loyal bodyguard in the Kingdom of Corea, and Jo Eun-Seob, his counterpart in modern-day South Korea. Woo Do-Hwan's versatility shines through as he masterfully portrays the stoic and disciplined Jo Young, while also bringing humor and warmth to the character of Jo Eun-seob. His performance adds a dynamic layer to the series, highlighting the differences and similarities between the two worlds.

Kim Kyung-nam as Kang Shin-jae: Kim Kyung-nam plays Kang Shin-jae, a detective in South Korea who harbors feelings for Jung Tae-eul. His character adds complexity to the narrative as he grapples with his own secrets and loyalties. Kim Kyung-nam's portrayal of Shin-jae's inner turmoil and his eventual growth provides a poignant subplot that complements the main storyline.

Jung Eun-chae as Goo Seo-ryung: Jung Eun-chae stars as Goo Seo-ryung, the ambitious and cunning Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Corea. Her character is driven by power and ambition, often clashing with Lee Gon. Jung Eun-chae's performance captures the essence of a strong, determined woman who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, adding an element of political intrigue to the series.

Lee Jung-jin as Lee Lim: Lee Jung-jin portrays the primary antagonist, Lee Lim, the half-brother of Lee Gon's father who seeks to overthrow the throne and rule both universes. His character's malevolent intentions and ruthless actions drive much of the conflict in the series. Lee Jung-jin's chilling performance as the villain creates a formidable adversary for the protagonists, heightening the stakes and tension throughout the show.

The Themes

Parallel Universes: At the heart of "The King: Eternal Monarch" lies the concept of parallel universes. The series explores the idea of two coexisting realities, each with its own set of rules and dynamics. This theme adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, as characters navigate the challenges of moving between worlds and confronting their doppelgängers.

Destiny and Fate: The drama delves into themes of destiny and fate, questioning whether our lives are predetermined or shaped by our choices. Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul's relationship exemplifies this, as their paths seem intertwined by forces beyond their control. Their journey is a testament to the power of love and destiny in overcoming obstacles.

Power and Responsibility: Emperor Lee Gon embodies the theme of power and responsibility. As a ruler, he must balance his duties to his kingdom with his personal desires. The series examines the sacrifices and challenges that come with leadership, highlighting the weight of making decisions that impact entire worlds.

Love and Sacrifice: At its core, "The King: Eternal Monarch" is a love story. The romance between Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul transcends time and space, showcasing the lengths to which they will go to protect each other and their worlds. Their love is marked by sacrifices, as they navigate the dangers and uncertainties of their intertwined destinies.

The Genre

"The King: Eternal Monarch" is a unique blend of several genres, making it a multifaceted viewing experience:

Fantasy: The series' fantasy elements are evident in its exploration of parallel universes, mythical creatures, and magical objects. The fantasy genre allows for creative storytelling, bringing to life a world where anything is possible.

Romance: The romance between Lee Gon and Jung Tae-eul is central to the series. Their love story, filled with heartfelt moments and emotional depth, appeals to fans of romance dramas. The chemistry between the leads adds authenticity and charm to their relationship.

Drama: The drama genre is present in the intense and emotional conflicts faced by the characters. From political intrigue to personal dilemmas, the series keeps viewers engaged with its dramatic twists and turns.

Mystery and Thriller: The mystery and thriller aspects of the series are woven into its plot, as characters unravel the secrets of the parallel universes and confront the malevolent forces at play. The suspense keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next revelation.

The Magic of the Series

What sets "The King: Eternal Monarch" apart is its seamless blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. The series, written by Kim Eun-sook, a renowned screenwriter known for works like "Descendants of the Sun" and "Mr. Sunshine," delivers a captivating narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The stunning cinematography and visual effects enhance the fantastical elements, creating a visually mesmerizing experience.

Soundtrack and Music

The series boasts a remarkable soundtrack that complements its emotional and dramatic moments. Songs like "Gravity" by Kim Jong-wan of Nell and "Orbit" by Hwasa of Mamamoo add depth to the storytelling, enhancing the viewers' emotional connection to the characters and their journeys. The music, combined with the show's visual splendor, creates an immersive atmosphere that draws audiences into the enchanting world of "The King: Eternal Monarch."

"The King: Eternal Monarch" is a must-watch for fans of fantasy romance dramas. With its stellar cast, gripping storyline, and breathtaking visuals, it offers a unique viewing experience that lingers long after the final episode. Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun's performances elevate the series, making it a memorable addition to the pantheon of Korean dramas.

So, if you're looking for a drama that combines love, mystery, and adventure across parallel universes, "The King: Eternal Monarch" should be at the top of your watchlist.

Honest Comment : This series was aired during the Covid-19 Pandemic and most people use Netflix that day up until now when I first heard that the leading man is Lee Min Ho I literally waited for it with my mom and when the first episode was aired we are like confuse about the story of how that happen but when the other episode was aired little by little we understand and we totally love it the chemistry they have is different the feeling of watching it for the first time there is a scene that we literally waited when Lee Min Ho protected Kim Go Eun is nostalgia I feel every emotions like wishing that it was me hahaha overall plot and story is a masterpiece and I will always recommend this you will feel in love.

[afza147]

Ep13 Love Next Door short review

Is how I feeling after seeing the ending and next ep preview

My feeling is incredibly all over the place with sadness and happinesses

Writernim be like omg let's stop separate the theme and mix it all together in ep13

So the dong jin part finally happened and also end in good way in same ep✅

The moeun and Dan ho part-fuck I guess right Yeon du is his brother child at first but writernim be like hey did we miss something or kinda wanna add something in ep13✅

And the push and pull ended faster than I try to figure out why Dan ho keep rejecting her ✅I mean I know he gonna reject the hug right away

But the sudden proposal🚀 really a S.U.P.R.I.S.E

Oh my mo eun mother reject the proposal I guess maybe she heard the rumour

Also, I like to state that I almost rooted for second lead than first lead coz I just can't handle the non stability of seok ryu and seung hyo relationship.( I never rooted for 2nd lead , main couple always my priority)

I kinda understand how seok ryu feel due to the rejection and feeling small embarrassed.i really can relate and seunghyo said he does not feel embarrassed also was not enough for me and seok ryu😅

But the rooting ended with their teary love confession + seunghyo going to propose next ep✅

Main couple is back with romance in the finish line.

Nonetheless it's a mixture episode today and I wonder if seok ryu will accept the proposal??

[daebakreviews]

Good Partner

Cha Eun-Kyung is the best divorce lawyer in South Korea and works for one of the top law firms. She's known for being cold and tough on the rookies until Han Yu-Ri joins the firm. They form a bond and learn from each other how to be a good partner.

I was so excited to watch Good Partner. It looked so good and I love a law drama. Plus Nam Ji-Hyun is such a good actor. I was also excited to see Pyo Ji-Hoon in a drama since I have just started to listen to Block B. (who else is excited about their comeback?)

This is easily one of the best shows I have watched this year. It's well-written and well-acted, has many great moments, and most of all, it kept my attention the whole time. I was excited to watch the next episode. It balanced the drama of the cases they were working on with their personal stories.

It did seem a little weird to throw in a romance between Cha Eun-Kyung, played by Jang Na-Ra, and the CEO Jung Woo-Jin considering it seemed like it didn't really equate to much in the long run. They could have been friends and close co-workers the entire time and it would have made no difference to the story.

I did love the romance between Nam Ji-Hyun's character Han Yu-Ri and Jeon Eun-Ho played by Pyo Ji-Hoon. It did play a nice part in the story and while it also seemed to kinda go no where I think it showed that both characters grew and realized what they really wanted.

(Side note: Did anyone else think Han Yu-Ri and Cha Eun-Kyung would end up together? They seem very queer-coded to me especially since Yu-Ri did not seem interested in a romance with Eun-Ho at first. Maybe that's just me though.)

If you love a law drama then I highly recommend Good Partner. You can catch it on @viki.

[kimseokjin2024]

BTS' Jin Drops New OST for tvN Drama 'When the Stars Gossip'

The group BTS continues to work hard.

According to multiple officials, Jin recently sang the main theme song of tvN's new drama 'When the Stars Gossip.'

This is the second time Jin has sung a drama OST. As it previously showed off its global popularity by topping iTunes' top song charts in 90 countries including the United States with the main theme song of the drama 'Jiri Mountain', it is expected that the response to the new OST will be hot.

Jin has been showing off his horizontal and horizontal performance since he was discharged from the military.

On the 15th of last month, he released his first solo mini-album 'Happy', ranking 53rd on the Billboard main song chart 'Hot100' and 4th on the main album chart 'Billboards 200'. With the album, Jean also ranked second on Billboard 'Artist 100'. In addition, it achieved another career high with initial sales of more than 900,000 units.

In addition to his main job, he is giving off a sense of entertainment that he has been hiding by confirming his guest appearance of 'Neighborhood Star K4'Handsome Guys' on Sundays' and a regular appearance of 'Crazy Arcade'.

As such Jin searched for OSTs, fans' welcome is growing.

'When the Stars Gossip' is a work about the life of a boss 'Eve' who works on a zero gravity space station and an uninvited guest 'Dinosaur' with a secret mission. The production team of luxury goods including producer Park Shin-woo, who directed `Secret Forest'. On top of that, Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, A.M.S. Han Ji-eun, is drawing attention as the best anticipated film in the first half of 2025 as all actors such as Kim Joo-heon and Lee El appear.

The work will be shown on January 4, 2025 in a follow-up episode of 'Love on the Single Tree Bridge'.

Source: Sports Chosun

[leekimdramas]

Good Partner Review

We always talk about great bromance in the dramas but Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun gave us the best sismance.

Han Yu Ri was accepted as an attorney for the divorce department at Daejeong Company.

Though it was not her first choice she finds herself caring more and more about the cases, especially when her mentor is the best divorce attorney of all, Cha Eun Gyeong.

The start of the show seemed promising, it reminded me a lot of The Suits (Korean version) with the dynamic: a rookie attorney and a very experienced one.

My biggest worry was how they would make divorce cases interesting every time. You cannot say that the man or wife is always cheating or has something to do with children.

Some cases were a bit dull or not that interesting but overall, they made most of them intriguing.

Cha Eun Gyeong's divorce story was, of course, the best one, where we could learn about her personal life. Also, how she grew from it was so wholesome to watch.

The biggest strength of this drama is Cha Eun Gyeong and Han Yu Ri's friendship. They start with a lot of bickering, as each of them has their own set of rules but seeing it blossom and how they supported one another was amazing.

I did not feel so strongly about other characters. Jung U Jin is always by Eun Gyeong's side but he's there just to lead Eun Gyeong in the right direction.

While Jeon Eun Ho (a bit more experienced attorney than Yu Ri) is good but I did not feel like we needed romance in this drama.

They were nice together as friends and I never saw them as a couple.

It is only a small amount of the show though, so if you're like me you can look past it.

If he had more of a backstory and better development of his character, maybe I would have felt something more. But he was just very plain and a good guy.

Overall, I enjoyed this drama even if it had some filler episodes. But for me, it's mostly about the sismance in the show, how great it is. There are some really good points made about divorce, why some people don't do it and stuff like that too.

8.5/10

[manawari]

Go Gun-hee and his wife w/ Jin-chul (+S-Rank hunters) headcanons!

The Chairman's wife is the most caring woman in the planet — as the employees in the association boast. The old lady would bring food and ask them how they were doing as she passes by.

Woo Jin-chul is the person she'd want to see the most. She kindly takes a quick peek in his office to check if he's busy, and whether he is or not, she still comes in to have a nice chat with him.

Jin-chul being a coffee addict and the only times he can't drink is when his boss' wife is around because he knows she will give him an earful for consuming too much caffeine like her husband and persuades him to go for something healthier.

Go Gun-hee and his wife having lunch/dinner together one time and Jin-chul accidentally enters the office. Before he can apologize and excuse himself, the old couple invite him over to join them and won't stop until he gives in.

Jin-chul often receives messages from the old lady and as much as he doesn't admit it, his heart warms every time he sees her text. It reminds him how tender a mother's love can be. And for her sake, he does his best to take care of himself.

Go Gun-hee thinks his wife might be too fond of Woo Jin-chul even though they have their own children. His wife glares at him and says that it's never too late for them to care for someone like their own.

It's not only Jin-chul who gets the treatment. S-Ranks too. Baek Yoon-ho being extremely meticulous of himself whenever the chairman's wife is around, but as it turns out, the old woman smiles at him and reminds him to be careful with raiding dungeons always. She also tells him how sweet and kind he is after he greeted her, which never fails to melt Yoon-ho's heart.

Choi Jong-in once gave her a ride home and from there, they get into a nice conversation with each other. She then offers to bring him food in his guild next time, which Jong-in politely refuses until she does, in fact, stop by his office with a bag containing food. Jong-in thinks it's a lot, but she shrugs it off and says Jin-chul never complained about it when she brought him food.

Grandma getting reminded of her daughter because of Hae-in.

Jin-woo sees his mom in Gun-hee's wife and can't help but want to protect her too.

Byung-gyu bonding with the chairman's wife over TV and historical dramas and she gives him one of her favorite books as a gift. The healer treasures it forever.

Tae-gyu does his "best" impression every time he's at the association and the chairman's wife is visiting. However, the old woman just finds him hilarious and gives him a hat as a small present the next time she saw him.

Her knitting another scarf for Eun-seok!!

She and Dong-wook often chat over tea flavors.

Even though he doesn't want his wife to be exposed to the public or known by everyone very much, Go Gun-hee appreciates how his wife brightens everyone's day simply by being there and checking on them.

Her inviting Jin-chul and the S-Ranks over during the holidays.

She knits a bunch of sweaters for her husband, children, Jin-chul, and the S-Ranks during her free time.