#kim won hyo

[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.

[ppeonppeonhan]

Korean GLs I'd Watch...

Let's try to manifest a world where some of the biggest Korean actresses were cast in major full-length GL kdramas.

COP + CRIMINAL

Esom (Because This Is My First Life) and Lee Da-hee (Search: WWW) play partners and besties, who both fall for their respective suspects for a crime spree against the patriarchy. (Think: Evening the pay gap at a major company; exposing scandals of sexist politicians; and chemically castrating sex offenders). Esom's love interest is Park Eun-bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo), and Da-hee's love interest is Seo Yea-ji (It's Okay to Not Be Okay). It's a romantic crime thriller.

FRIENDS to LOVERS

Seol In-ah (Business Proposal) plays a new-money rich girl who hires a former old-money rich girl, played by Yoo In-na (Touch Your Heart), to be her personal assistant out of pity, but pretends she doesn't know her backstory. And Yoo helps Seol navigate rich society. Their conflict is that Seol's family bankrupted Yoo's family, and is getting the life Yoo was supposed to have, including the fiancee, the job, and the house. It's a sweet romantic comedy.

BOSS + EMPLOYEE

Kim Ji-won (Fight My Way) starts a job at a family law firm and works hard to get one of the partners, played by Son Ye-jin (Crash Landing on You), to be her mentor, but only because she wants her job. She starts off as a frenemie before Ye-Jin's hard edges rub off, and Ji-won develops a crush. Their obstacles are that Ye-Jin is married and in the closet, and Ji-won might be too ambitious to let go of her goals. It's a slow-burn romantic legal drama.

COOL GIRL + DORK

Park Shin-hye (Heirs & Pinocchio) plays a cold fashion house designer who hires an unlikely candidate to be her muse, played by Moon Ga-young (True Beauty). And what starts off as a toxic relationship blooms into a supportive one. Park Bo-young (Strong Girl Bong-soon) plays her head of design, who befriends Ga-young's bestie-turned-manager, played by Kim Seul-gi (Oh My Ghostess). They're the softer side couple. It's a romantic workplace dramedy.

FRIENDS to ENEMIES to LOVERS

Seo Hyun-jin (Why Her?) and Gong Hyo-jin (When the Camellia Blooms) were friends in college, but they had a falling out after a misunderstanding about a guy. They have a tense reunion as adults when Hyo-jin is setting up her nuptials at the wedding hall Hyun-jin manages. It's a slowburn romantic drama.

ONE-SIDED OBSESSION

Shin Min-a (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha) plays the wife of a very powerful and abusive man and Hwang Jung-eum (She Was Pretty) plays the maid who is secretly in love with her and helps her escape. They go to Jung-eum's hometown where everyone assumes she's bringing her girlfriend home for the first time, because she didn't have the heart to tell them she got dumped after running away to be with her. Min-a decides to pretend to be the woman to pay her back, and they fall in love. The conflict being when Jung-eum's ex, played by Park Min-young (What's Wrong with Secretary Kim), returns to get her back.

💜 Your move Kdrama world! 💜

[naksushadows]

Moving posters are so powerful and cool ✨️

[vallen-bell]

Multicouples | Somebody to die for

[yourmoonandstar]

I say perfection

[kdramacrybaby]

My favorite actresses

In no particular order

Kim Se-jeong

What I've watched: Busted, A Business Proposal, The Uncanny Counter

What I want to watch: School 2017, Today's Webtoon

Okay, so though I said it was in no particular order, Se-jeong is definitely my top pick. I just love her, both on- and off-screen. She can nail both a bubbly rom-com protagonist and a hard-core, ass-kicking action star. And off-screen, she's just so happy and excited about everything in variety shows. I'm definitely hoping for a lot more dramas to come from her in the future.

Han Hyo-joo

What I've watched: The Pirates; The Last Royal Treasure, W, Happiness

What I want to watch: Treadstone, Masquerade, Moving

This woman is just so goddamn cool in every role I've seen her in, as well as from what I can tell of her other roles. I'm not really sure what else to say tbh. She's amazing, end of sentence. I cannot wait to see her other projects as well, I'm sure they're fantastic.

Jang Na-ra

What I've watched: The Last Empress, Sell Your Haunted House

What I want to watch: V.I.P., Family; The Unbreakable Bond

The Last Empress was one of the first dramas I watched where I was like; "oh so that's what a kdrama can be" - and her role as Oh Sunny is still one of my favorite characters ever, even years later. Just for that alone, she gets a spot on this list. SYHH was fantastic as well, only adding to my point here.

Kim Ji-won

What I've watched: Arthdal Chronicles, Descendants of the Sun, The Heirs, Fight For My Way

What I want to watch: Queen of Tears

This is a case where she somehow just ended up in dramas I had planned to watch, without knowing she was in them. And in every one, she just stole the show. I don't know what it is about her, but she just stands out in the best ways. I was so sad when I found out she wouldn't continue as Tanya in Arthdal, as I just think she was perfect in that role.

Park Bo-young

What I've watched: Strong Girl Bong-soon, Doom At Your Service

What I want to watch: Abyss, Concrete Utopia

She was so heart-shatteringly amazing in Doom At Your Service that I just had to put her on this list. Though the others actors were fantastic as well, she just carried this entire drama on her back. And Bong-soon is just an iconic character all around. It took me a while to realize they were played by the same actress, she's that good.

[blmpff]

19.09.23

[stuff-diary]

A Time Called You

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2023

A Time Called You (2023, South Korea)

Director: Kim Jin Won

Writer: Choi Hyo Bi

Mini-review:

Someday or One Day is one of my favorite dramas, so I was both excited and wary about this remake. I have to say it doesn't fully capture the unrepeteable magic of the original, but as far as remakes go, this is a really good one. They kept the plot and the characters almost intact, and that's why it works. This story is just really f**king good, so as long as you stick to its essence, there's no way you'll end up with a bad show. This version is a bit more confusing, though, since they had to cut and sum up some stuff to fit everything into 12 one-hour episodes, but it still works. The acting is pretty great too. Jeon Yeo Been pulls off the dual role with ease, and I was pleasantly surprised by Ahn Hyo Seop's performance (although nobody will ever top Alice Ko and Greg Hsu). Tbh, my biggest complaint is the cinematography. This remake looks so bland and lifeless when compared to the original. Anyway, I had fun reliving this story through a slightly different lense, and I think A Time Called You will be immensely loved by k-drama fans who haven't watched the masterful original.

[namjhyun]

DRAMA REVIEW | MOVING (2023)

In a time when we are suffering from an over-saturation of content and less than mediocre stories, particularly related to people with superpowers, South Korea has released MOVING and proved there's still hope for the genre.

Like its tittle the story is in constant move, not only pushing forward but going back to different timelines to give us context o our main characters and how the things happening in present time are a direct consequence to the past. Technically, MOVING is perfect. One of the strongest points is definitely the editing and this can be seen in the way the story jumps from one year to another but you never lose track of what's happening nor leaves you confused. There are gaps to fill but with other episodes that will give you answers. The score complements the actions and emotions of the characters to perfection.

The performances are top notch and it's not surprise considering this drama is stacked. If you have been watching korean dramas or films for a while, you will recognize even the most random character or one-episode-cameo it's performed by an award winning actor or actress. These people have a reputation for a reason and they deliver in every scene, with a look, a touch, a smile or a punch that will push you through a wall. For some characters in the drama literally speaking.

Zo In Sung hasn't starred in a drama since Dear My Friends (2016) and I am so glad this is his return to the tv format. In MOVING he delivered a nuance, charming and badass performance that in the hands of another would have fell flat. His character's entire existence it's what pushes most of the story forward: a person used as a weapon to kill but all he ever wanted was to live. The big mystery of the drama it's to find out what was his fate after he got separated from those he loves.

Ryoo Seung Ryong remains one of the most compelling actors of his generation, giving us the incredible story of a good man lost in life until he found his purpose and redemption. His storyline, full of gore and violence, was actually a tender love story about how far a man will go to protect his family. Marvelous.

Han Hyo Joo's character could have easily fallen into the Smurfette principle but no. She's an equal to the men who love her and those that want to kill her, with a very strong motivation to keep herself on the top of the game. This character's loneliness comes through every scene she's in, bottling everything up in order to be strong for her family but you can tell she's waiting for a chance to be free and, most importantly, for her son to be able to live freely.

Ko Yoon Jung, Lee Jeong Ha and Kim Do Hoon are really promising actors, particularly considering they hold their own while performance with so many household names. I think Kim Do Hoon and Kim Sun Kyun probably gave one of the most heartbreaking yet beautiful stories in the drama.

Like I mentioned before every single actor in this drama brought their A+ game face but I would be doing a disservice if I didn't mention Kim Hee Won, Cha Tae Hyun, Ryoo Seung Bum, Park Hee Soon, Yang Dong Geun, Jo Bok Rae, Park Kwang Jae, Kim Joong He and, of course, Kwak Sun Young. She in particular was SPECTACULAR.

None of these characters are one-dimensional, they are not defined by the label society wants to put on them. They are all joined together by the experiences, hardships, love, motivations and ambitions they share. At the end of the day, related or not by blood, they are a family. Even the so-called enemies.

MOVING it's absolutely worthy of the hype that surrounds it through all social media and news outlets putting in the category of one of 2023 best tv shows. I only regret I didn't have the time to watch it sooner so I could have add it to mine.

[scorbleeo]

Drama Gossip: Parasyte: The Grey

Source: Google Images

When unidentified parasites violently take over human hosts and gain power, humanity must rise to combat the growing threat.

Source: Netflix (2024)

I Did Not Expect to Enjoy

I really just watched Parasyte: The Grey because I needed something slightly more interesting but still a background sound for me. Little did I know, from episode 2 onwards, this was going to be a tough drama to treat as background noise. I enjoyed it so much, I am even considering the movie (although not the anime, not because I hate anime, I just almost never watch them).

I did not like that first episode. However, looking at it with objective lenses, it was a passable first episode. It introduced the main characters as well as their distinctive characteristics, and it let its viewers know the premise of this drama. Unfortunately, it felt almost like a textbook introduction, not exactly boring but definitely monotonous.

However, things really did pick up from episode 2 onwards. The storyline built in a pace I appreciated. The action was definitely a huge win for me. Even the suspense and lacking comedy played well into Parasyte: The Grey.

I especially liked the arc of Junkyeong's thoughts towards the alien species. It was a good balance between her distrust and subsequent (albeit reluctant) trust. Good thing was, her distrust did not lead into a horrible tragedy like so many same-ish shows like to do. I only wished she wasn't so sarcastic to Heidi right till the end.

The friendship/relationship between Suin and Heidi along with Kangwoo with either of them was part of the reason this drama grew on me so quickly. Lets all be real, if it wasn't for Kangwoo, this drama would have been quite dry. If I thought Suin's life was sad (especially after that scene with Cheolmin), Kangwoo's life is equally as tragic.

I would have liked for more "happy ending" scenes but if there are plans for a second season, then I understand fully why there was a lack of "happy ending" scenes.

All in all, a solid Korean drama without the romance bullshit or a redundantly large amount of slow plot progression scenes.

Rating: ★★★★☆

More production(s) from South Korea here: All of Us are Dead | The Silent Sea

[kactors-kpop-kdrama]

[realllllmew]

Believer 2

[passionforfiction]

Dr. Romantic: The Way to a Dream Come True

Dr. Romantic is made up of three seasons with a lapse of 4 years between the Season 1 and Season 2 and a 3 years lapse between Season 2 and 3. The first season we are introduced to the regular Doldam Hospital and new arrivals: Kang Dong Joo and Yoon Seo Jung. Master Kim helps these two young doctors and his regular staff to sharpen their skills and find realize their dreams. We see their growth as professionals and as human beings, while healing people and fighting to keep the hospital open. This first season ends with Kang Dong Joo and Yoon Seo Jung heading to new challenges but leaving a hope for their return.

Second season, Master Kim and his regular staff are still healing people while fighting to maintain the hospital running. We are introduced to three new doctors: Cha Eun Jae, Seo Woo Jin, and Yoon Ah Reum. In this case we have doctors returning and a doctor from a capital hospital, Park MinGuk becomes Holdam Hospital director as part of Chairman Do's attempt to take Master Kim down. But at the end we leave the hospital with a secure standing (no one can touch the property) and Dr. Park decides to partner with Master Kim and work together towards making Master Kim's dream come true - have a trauma center in the hospital.

Season 3 seems to be the conclusion to his story. Now they have the trauma center building connected to the old part of the hospital and they are about to open, but they need government funding to help run the center since this is a non-profit hospital. The staff is divided into two areas and those working at the trauma center will need to deal with their new director. Master Kim's Plan B - Dr. Cha Jin Man, who is also Dr. Cha Eun Jae's father and later Plan A - Kang Dong Joo.

I must admit that I was so excited to see Kang Dong Joo back and to see that Yoo Seo Jung returned, along other doctors that were part of the staff in the previous two seasons. It is satisfying to see Master Kim's dream come true: have the trauma center ran by his students.

You would've thought that he would want to run the center - after all, it was his dream - but he decided to stay in the old part of the hospital and have the another person run the trauma center. I loved the love stories and the new young characters. It was a really sweet way to bring this story to an end.

This story is one of my favorites on the doctors-drama category. A most watch, the three of them. I would watch them back to back, that way I would catch on things I probably missed since I saw them when they came out and time has past between each viewing.

[adamwatchesmovies]

Peninsula (2020)

Peninsula isn’t as fresh, frightening, or memorable as Train to Busan. It also doesn’t quite follow through with its premise but makes up for it with something I bet you’d never see out of a zombie movie set in Korea: Mad Max-style action!

Four years after a zombie outbreak in South Korea, former Marine Corps Captain Jung-Seok (Gang Dong-won) and his widowed brother-in-law Chul-min (Kim Do-yoon) are offered a life-altering job. Inside the undead-riddled Peninsula is an abandoned truck filled with US$20 million. They've been hired to retrieve it as part of a team of four who will enter South Korea at night - when the darkness will hide them from the innumerable ghouls. Once inside, they're shocked to discover survivors in the ruins.

If you’re looking for a heist movie with zombies in it, you want Army of the Dead. Peninsula starts with the team going in to grab the money but within minutes, half of them are dead. Chul-min is taken captive by crazed militants who’ve established a society in the ruins of the city, while Jung-Seok is rescued by Min-Jung (Lee Jung-hyun), her father Kim (Kwon Hae-hyo), and her two daughters, Joon (Lee Re), and Yu-Jin (Lee Ye-won). Now, the ghouls are the least of everyone’s worries. Unit 631 roams the streets, looking for any strays to put in their arena. There, the people have to run away from hungry flesh-eaters while the soldiers bet on who will die. Chul-min needs a way out ASAP. Unfortunately, the satellite phone he would’ve used to call his Chinese mobster bosses has been confiscated. Now Jung-Seok needs to save his brother, get the phone, get the money and leave with the help of the family who rescued him… but things are on the verge of getting dicey. See, Jung-Seok’s met Min-Jung before. She asked him for help four years ago when the zombie plague began. He refused and left her behind. Oops.

As a zombie movie, Peninsula disappoints. They don’t really play a big part in the film except at the beginning and then at the end. Mostly, this is an apocalyptic film. People scrambling for food, cobbling together equipment, setting up dodgy institutions where might makes right, that kind of thing. And of course, there’s the driving. If you’re going to check out Peninsula, it should be for the movie’s best scene, a spectacular race in the city featuring dozens of vehicles with our heroes in the lead and everyone trying to turn them into roadkill. Whereas the rest of the film barely uses zombies, this part of Peninsula brings the two genres together. The dead are obstacles to be dodged, they’re also weapons to use against those pursuing you. It’s fast-paced, expertly coordinated and loads of fun.

Plenty is going on in the film, which makes the nearly two-hour running time go by plenty fast… except at the end. During the conclusion, Peninsula tries to do too much. It pours on the drama as people have to make heroic sacrifices, there are double-crosses that make escape impossible, hope is renewed, then dashed, then renewed again, and so on. Some of this should’ve been cut, not only so we could end on the high we got from the driving scenes but also so the cheese could be kept at a minimum. Still, it works more than it doesn’t.

Peninsula is not a memorable zombie film and when we examine Seoul Station (the prequel to Train to Busan) we see that the terrific 2016 picture that spawned this franchise was more of an anomaly than a revival of the genre. You can still enjoy this follow-up if you love zombies and you want a bit of something new but anything more than the price of a rental is too much. (Original Korean with English Subtitles, May 21, 2021)

[blmpff]

19.09.23

[stuff-diary]

Moving

TV Shows/Dramas watched in 2023

Moving (2023, South Korea)

Directors: Park In Je & Park Younseo

Writer: Kang Full

Mini-review:

I enjoyed this so much. I must admit I struggled a bit with the first few episodes, but once the show gets its setup process out of the way, it becomes a very engrossing drama. It's both a superhero story with a big heart and a espionage thriller, and I just love how Moving manages to mix those two genres. The whole cast is great, both the veteran actors and the newcomers, and the production values are fantastic (although the CGI has some iffy moments here and there). The ending felt a bit rushed, but it was also very satisfying. There are also a few scenes that point to a possible second season or spin-off, and I really hope we get some sort of follow-up. After spending seven weeks with these characters, I know I'm gonna miss them.