#ko ha eun

[offbeatcappuccino]

nothing is more serious in life than female friendships ~ soulmate movie analysis (not spoiler free)

The first scene of Soulmate opens up with an early thirties something Ahn Mi So (Kim Da Mi) carefully observing a hyperrealistic portrait of her. She is informed by the curator of the art gallery that the piece was submitted by an artist named "Ha-Eun" for a contest but they have been unable to track her. Despite the evidence that is provided to suggest that Mi So and the artist are close friends, she denies this claim and states that she can be of no help.

We are then transported to Mi So's childhood and her first day at an elementary school in Jeju. Mi So has a dysfunctional relationship with her mother and is tired of having to constantly move from one place to another due to her mother's financial woes. It is on this day that the young Mi So meets Ko Ha Eun ( Jeon So-Nee) for the first time. After an eventful day of rescuing a kitten from the pouring rain and having dinner with Ha Eun's family, both girls embark on a lifelong friendship.

The two girls grow up together and bond over their mutual dream of painting and traveling the world. However, Mi So and Ha Eun are poles apart from each other. Ha-Eun is reserved and proper and grows up in a stable loving two parent childhood. She aspires to attend college and her father wishes her to become a painter. On the other hand, Mi So is extroverted and wild. She's a free spirit with an estranged mother. She dislikes school and unlike her peers, she attends a trade school by day and works an assortment of part time jobs to support herself. The idyllic friendship and inseparable bond of both girls is disrupted when Ham Jin Woo (played by the ever so handsome Byeon Woo Soek) enters their lives.

As teenagers, Ha Eun develops romantic feelings for Jin Woo. During a soirée, she and Jin Woo confess their attraction for each other during a game of "Go Stop" and they both end up dating. The dynamics between the three individuals is complex and a significant turning point in their relationship is when the three go on a forest hike to a wishing well. Ha Eun bruises her feet during the hike and stays behind as Jin Woo and Mi So continue their journey. At the well, the two unexpectedly share a brief kiss and Jin Woo ends up giving Mi So the necklace he was wearing, which is really an amulet to protect the wearer against misfortune.

Shortly after this trip, Mi So abruptly leaves Jeju for Seoul, leaving Ha Eun heartbroken. As the two girls wave their final farewells, Ha Eun is stunned to find her best friend wearing her boyfriend's necklace. Her grief of Mi So's sudden departure is overcome by a strong sense of betrayal. The rest of the film is a non-linear and sometimes alternate timeline depiction of the two friends as they navigate their relationship with each other and adulthood.

At its core, the relationship between Mi So, Ha Eun, and Jin Woo is essentially a love triangle, but its far more complicated than the two girls both being in love with same guy. I believe that both girls are physically attracted to Jin Woo, but they are actually truly in love with each other. What drives the conflict in their relationship is not only how far they drift from each other when their realities do not align with their ideals, but also the mutual possessiveness for each other. One scene that strongly propels this narrative is when the two reunite in their mid-late twenties. During a coincidental run-in with Jin Woo, Mi So discovers that her boyfriend/boss unalived himself and wasted all of their money before his death. Heartbroken and bankrupt, Mi So ends up living with Jin Woo and the two rekindle their "attraction" for each other. When Ha-Eun catches them living together, she angrily locks Jin Woo out of his apartment and confronts a drunken Mi Soo in the bathroom. Initially, it seems like Ha Eun is upset that her best friend and lover are having an affair. But, we realize that its so much more than that when Ha Eun emotionally confesses that before any men came into their lives, she was the one who loved Ha Eun. Ha Eun loves Mi So so much that it was absolutely devastating for her that she was kept in the dark and replaced by Jin Woo during a critical period of Mi So's life.

Though Soulmate has a fairly simple premise and short runtime , analyzing and discussing the film can be an arduous task because of its unconventional approach to storytelling and the many layers that are interspersed within it. However, if there was something that captivated my attention, it was the role of art in the film and the larger role it plays in shaping the protagonists' behavior. Both women are artists, but their styles are vastly different. Ha Eun relishes in hyperrealism and looks at it as a form of emotional truth seeking. We see this first during her first date with Jin Woo when she tells him that she has to draw him in order to confirm her feelings. Additionally, when she discovers that Jin Woo does not view her artistic passions as more than a hobby, she realizes that marrying him will also result in her being detached from reality, particularly her true identity. It was perhaps the first wake up call of many that ultimately led her to leaving him at the altar later in the movie.

On the other hand, like Mi So, her artistic style is eccentric and fantastical. Her work is more abstract and likened to that of Picasso with her often opting to offer more distorted versions of her subjects instead of making them appear as real as possible. Mi So adopts a similar approach to life as we see her often resorting to fabricating her life rather than telling those around her what her true circumstances her. As a young adult, Mi So sends optimistic and exciting life updates to Ha Eun in the form of letters but fails to include the mundanity and difficulty of her working an assortment of part time jobs or that the boyfriend she left to Seoul with ended up cheating on her. For me, it was even questionable if she truly traveled to Europe and that the gifts she brought were from there ( but I could have truly misunderstood this). Mi So's fabrications take a life of their own after she adopts Ha-Eun and Jin Woo's daughter after Ha-Eun's death from childbirth. This is seen in not only how the screenplay shifts from alternate timelines- one that is fake and one that is real, but also in how Mi Soo hides Ha Eun's death from the rest of the world not only by hiding the fact that she died but also by completing Ha-Eun's half finished portrait and submitting the very work she was questioned about in the first scene under her friend's name.

I don't think its far to brand Mi So as a liar and a con-artist, but I think her actions reflect her desperately clinging to and nurturing the existence of Ha-Eun even if she may no longer be physically present. It made me really think about who a soulmate really is and how the souls are always interconnected even when their bodies may not- much like the reference made in the film to how a shadow is always present when the sun is around.

Soulmate is one of those films that feels like art that needs to be treasured in a museum. It's meant to move its viewers rather than entertain them.

[shittatite]

okayyyy so I finished watching love in the big city and nobody should talk to me ever again because I am done. I haven't stopped thinking about ko yeongs journey and the journey we went through with him, I can't stop crying for gyu ha and ko yeong, i literally can't stop my tears and I am sobbing and wailing because god knows what that show has done to me. It has changed me, I will never ever get over it. I will always remember it at the weirdest times because I am not the same person anymore. It was not just another random ass show that you sometimes watch and then forget about, naah. Its a drama which will have a place in your heart at all times, which shows up and makes you feel things you thought you couldn't anymore. I really have no words and it's been a day since I have watched it but I am still a mess. I will do anything to watch it for the first time again because I am not getting over ko yeong and gyu ho anytime soon. There was nothing that I would change like literally. I loved the friendship, arghhh i can't, I don't know what to say, just somebody stop me from feeling so miserable. I want to believe that ku yeong and gyu ho found each other in some universe where things were easier for them or heck even in this universe where they again got the chance from being strangers to maybe something more.

I am sorry I am loss for this masterpiece. I am so glad I got to experience this because oh man

[anemoiawithatouchofobsession]

i'm officially going crazy so here's a few pictures that I just scroled pinterest for 2 hours for a night before my exam

1 : Go Doo Shim, "Dancing Gayageum", MBC

2: Han Seok Gyu, Chae Shi Ra, Choi Min Shik, "Moon Of Seoul", MBC

3: Shim Eun Ha and a guy, "Born To Kill", movie

4: Go Hyun Jung and Go So Young, "Mother's Sea", MBC

5: Shim Eun Ha and another guy, idek

6; Do Ji Won and Choi Soo Jong, idk what but she looks like she coul've given birth to Hwasa of Mamamoo and that is so fucking crazy cus she doesn't look like this anymore and looked so damn diffrent in Ladies Of The Palace too lmaoo

You might see these pics on my blog a bit more esp the 2 Go siblings

[stuff-diary]

Dream

Movies watched in 2023

Dream (2023, South Korea)

Director & Writer: Lee Byeong Heon

Mini-review:

I'm gonna be very honest: I hate football/soccer and, initially, I only wanted to watch this because I adore IU. So, color me surprised, cause I enjoyed it a lot. I should have seen it coming tbh, cause I've always liked this type of inspirational-underdog storylines. Anyway, the characters were engaging, the script was really funny and witty, and the whole cast was great. IU does steal the show, proving that she has a natural knack for fast-paced comedy and one-liners (I swear I'm not being biased here). But all the other actors do an amazing job too! My only real complain is that the movie felt a tad too long, and the final act dragged a bit. But, besides that, I had a lot of fun watching it and I would definitely recommend it!

[k-star-holic]

Lee Joon-ho - Im Yoon-ah, Swimming Pool - Kissing the Roof - Thanks for coming to me

[urlittlebeyond]

"Nobody loves you like I do"

[passionforfiction]

Today's Webtoon

For someone that likes to read webtoons, this series was so nice to watch. It gives us a window to how webtoon creation and publication works. I like the characters: artists and the PDs. Their stories ranged from sweet to sad, but it was great to see the all reached their own happiness. Even though this series is not a romantic drama, it did have its romantic touches that made it sweeter. It leaves this subplot in the opening as they accomplish their dream as a team and move on to the next collective dream. I wonder what will happen with Oh Ma Eum's relationship with Seok Ji Hyung and Jun Yeong. But even though it leaves that question open, it doesn't leave me disappointed or wanting to know what happens. I think that it just reminds us that life continues even after one chapter of our lives ends and things will happen at their own sweet time, there is no need to force things.

Work drama that will keep you smiling and cheering for the characters. Really loved it.

Poster from SBS Contents Hub - https://programs.sbs.co.kr/special/sbscontentshub/about/74579

[srjlvr]

𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐘𝐏𝐄𝐍

⸝⸝ Your relationship with Enhypen members as a famous K-drama couple !! ⸝⸝ ✿

. . ҂ Genre: fluff !! OT7!Enhypen X gn!Reader . . ҂

✎ ᝰ . notes: hello beautiful souls! it’s been a while! i’ve had some spare time to write and i thought like, why not do this? the relationships are going to be all boy x girl couples but it’s important for me to say that the reference is to whoever is reading it. therefore its a gn!Reader. pls be nice!!

© srjlvr , pls don’t copy/translate any of my works without permission ! | reblogs and comments are very appreciated !

— HEESEUNG ;

Moon Kang-Tae & Ko Moon-Young — It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.

Everyone loves this couple!! Heeseung is the more calm and reserved one. He’s responsible and always makes sure you’re doing well.

Although being introvert, Heeseung makes sure he always stays with you, even if his social battery has ended. He loves staying around you no matter where and when.

Shows you his love to you in many different ways, but mostly it’ll be with lots and lots of kisses and cuddles that will make you two comfortable. He’ll also make sure you know how much he loves you.

“I love you” He said. You decided to tease him a bit today and just started walking with your back facing him while smiling. “I said I love you!” He raised his tone a bit, waiting for your response. At this point you started giggling quietly and waited for his next move. He didn’t care about the people around anymore and started walking towards you. “Won’t you say you love me back?” He pout. “I really veryyy veryyyy much love you!” He just kept walking after you until you gave up.

— JAY ;

Vincenzo & Cha-Young — Vincenzo.

Your relationship is *chefs kiss*. Jay is that kind of extrovert-hyper boyfriend who will not be ashamed of showing off by saying that you’re his.

Cares about you a little too much. Cooks you food whenever you want and makes sure you have everything you want. He’ll basically spoil you.

PDA is a MUST!! Although you do get shy sometimes, you’re just moving on and joking around. You’re basically just best friends who are being in a relationship, and you couldn’t be more thankful.

“It’s cold, give me a kiss” He begged. “My baby wants a kiss?” You were babying him and joking around. You cupped his cheeks and kissed him. After the kiss you were about to continue walking but he stopped you and kissed you again and again. You kicked him and giggled, “People are watching” You said. “They can keep watching I don’t care” He laughed and held your hand.

— JAKE ;

An Min-Hyuk & Do Bong-Soon — Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.

This boy is WHIPPED for you. Everything just has to be about you, thinks about you 24/7 and texts you 24/7. He loves you so much and never stops talking about you.

He likes to make you laugh and will probably make some jokes only to see you smile. He’ll also probably put you as his wallpaper and will surely fan-boy over every single thing you do, simply because he’s just so in love with you.

Will give you kisses, A LOT of kisses actually. He wouldn’t get shy since he’s with you so he doesn’t care about the others. He loves to hug you a lot as well and he’s basically just really deep in love.

“Hey! I love you” He yelled. You giggled and pecked his cheeks. Jake happily jumped and smiled, “That was just adorable, how did i get so lucky?” He cupped your cheeks and pecked your lips. “I love you” He pecked your lips again, “I love you” And again, “I love you” And again, without caring about the jealous people around.

— SUNGHOON ;

Ha-Ru & Eun Dan-Oh — Extraordinary You.

Sunghoon is probably that kind of boyfriend who observes you from afar. Although he doesn’t show it much, he adores everything you do. Looking at you smiling makes him smile as well, watching you from afar is definitely one of his favorite things.

He’s really quiet and introvert whenever you both are outside, and he’ll probably get shy whenever you do something clingy in public. But whenever you two are alone he’ll definitely wash you with kisses and hugs.

He’ll take care of you well, watch every step you do and will probably remember all the kind of things you like just to buy them for you later. He’ll think about every step in your relationship carefully and will basically just always be there for you.

“Sunghoon! Look at these beautiful flowers!!” You pointed at a path with loads and loads of beautiful flowers. “Those are my favorites kind of flowers” You smiled. Sunghoon, who was standing besides you, smiled happily while looking at you observing the view. The next day you got a deliver of those same kind of flowers to your house, with a letter ‘Whenever you look at them, think of me — Sunghoon <3’

— SUNOO ;

Jung Joon-Hyung & Kim Bok-Joo — Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo.

Loves you a little too much, and honestly? Won’t even care if he’s showing off to everyone that you’re his partner. He’s super hyper which makes you smile whenever you’re around him.

Talks about you with literally anyone 24/7, won’t be scared to show affection in public as he’s being too proud to be with you. He’ll also probably always hold your hands whenever you’re walking outside.

Makes a lot of jokes and he’s a true sucker for your smile and happiness. Makes a list of things he’d want to do with you and will definitely do them whenever he has the opportunity.

“I have some bowling planned for today and right after that we’re going to watch a movie!” He held your hand and used it as a swing, going up and down together in a sync. You hummed in response, trying to hide your overly excitement. He then stared at you and quickly gave you a peck on your cheek. You immediately looked at him and smiled, giving him a peck on his cheeks too. He looked at you back and you started giggling together. “I love you” He gave you a quick peck on your lips this time, and kept walking while holding your hand.

— JUNGWON ;

Kang Tae-Moo & Shin Ha-Ri — Business Proposal.

Jungwon is that responsible partner. Whenever you’re being too hyper he’ll just smile it off and try to calm you down. But let’s admit that we all know he’s probably gonna join your hyper hours time.

It’s those little things about him that always makes your heart warm up, he remembers every little detail about you and knows a little too much about you. He always wants to show you new sides of him so it’ll be weird for you that he can be so calm but one minute later he’s dancing with you.

You’re mostly the one who gives the kisses first, but don’t get me wrong, he loves your kisses more than anything else. He’s not the type to share what he wants with other people, but he’s a completely different person around you, and he loves it.

You were going off to your work while he was sitting on the sofa, doing your usual routine, you went to him and cupped his cheeks and kissed him as a goodbye kiss. “I’ll see you later” You smiled, he smiled at you back warmly and as you were about to free him from your cupping hands, he quickly pecked your lips. “I love you, don’t forget to eat your meals in time” He smiled widely this time.

— NIKI ;

Choi Ung & Kook Yeon-Soo — Our Beloved Summer.

He’ll probably be very shy to show his love to you at first, but quickly enough will snuggle into you like 24/7. Loves you a lot and won’t be scared to show it off.

Will get jealous very easily. If he ever finds someone flirting with you he’ll quickly take you somewhere else away from that person and then will act like a baby since he’s that jealous.

Will take a lot of pictures of you just for him to look at them a few days after. Will also text you whenever he’s missing you and whenever he’s at your place or you’re at his, you’ll be sure to play some playstation and order some chicken.

“Oh come on! Let’s do another round!!” Niki was sulking, he obviously lost the game when you were his rival. You’re always winning him but he still has that hope that one day he’ll manage to bring you down. “No way! I’m always winning, it became boring!” You sulked. “Please baby!” He begged and you shook your head as a no. “I’ll order some chicken” He smirked. “You’re paying!” You smiled and pecked his cheek. “Oh come on” He pouted and looked at you. You rolled your eyes playfully and pecked his lips. “I love you” “I love you too Riki”

[kpopscatterbrain]

Kdramas/Movies with strong female characters

Dramas

Eve (2022): Lee La-El (Seo Yea-Ji) When Lee La-El was little, her father died unexpectedly. Powerful people were responsible for his death. After her family was destroyed, Lee La-El prepared for the next 13 years to take revenge. Starting by targeting Kang Yoon-gyeom, one of the main culprits who orchestrated the death of her father. Along the way she becomes torn between her desire for revenge and her feelings for Yoon-gyeom.

It's Okay To Not Be Okay (2020): Ko Moon-Young (Seo Yea-Ji) Ko Moon-Young is a popular children's book author with antisocial personality disorder. She had a troubled childhood and a turbulent relationship with her parents. She develops romantic feelings for a psychiatric caregiver after a coincidental encounter and often goes to extreme lengths to get his attention.

Hotel Del Luna (2019): Jang Man-Wol (IU) Jang Man-Wol is the moody owner of Hotel del Luna. The hotel catering to the dead has been bound to her soul in order to atone for the sins she committed 1,300 years ago. Through the new manager Gu Chan-sung, the mysteries and the secrets behind the hotel and its owner are revealed

My Name (2021): Yoon Ji-Woo (Han So-Hee) Yoon Ji-Woo’s father gets murdered suddenly. She wants to desperately take revenge on whoever is responsible for her father's death. She starts working for a drug crime ring that her father was a part of. Ji-Woo joins the police department as a mole for the drug ring.

Vagabond (2019): Go Hae-Ri (Bae Suzy) Go Hae-Ri is an NIS agent and is currently working undercover at the Korean embassy in Morocco. She is tasked to help the bereaved families of a fatal flight. She helps Cha Dal-Geon whose nephew was on the flight uncover a darker and more sinister conspiracy than they expected.

Sisyphus: The Myth (2021): Gang Seo-Hae (Park Shin-Hye) Gang Seo-Hae is an elite warrior. She can take down the biggest men with just her bare hands. She is a sharpshooter and a bombmaker. She learned these skills to survive in a world that is dominated by gangsters and military cliques. One day she time travels to save a genius engineer.

Mr. Sunshine (2018): Go Ae-Shin (Kim Tae-Ri) Go Ae-Shin is an orphaned noblewoman and a member of the Righteous Army. Her parents were independence fighters who died in Japan due to their colleague's betrayal. She trains as a sniper. An american soldier Eugene meets and falls in love with Go Ae-shin. 

The Glory (2022): Moon Dong-Eun (Song Hye-Kyo) Moon Dong-Eun was a victim of high school violence. She waited for the bully ring leader get married and have a child. Now she is the homeroom teacher of her tormentor's child. Her cruel revenge plot begins.

Tomorrow (2022): Koo Ryeon (Kim Hee-Seon) Grim reaper Koo Ryeon is the leader of a crisis management team. The teams objective is to save suicidal people. Choi Jun-Woong (Ro Woon) is a young job seeker who is unable to secure a job. One night, he accidentally becomes a new member of the crisis management team.

Remarriage & Desires (2022): Seo Hye-Seung (Kim Hee-Seon) Seo Hye-seung who lost everything in an instant after her husbands affair and su*cide. She signs up to a matchmaking company Rex for the upper class, and participates in the race of her desires for her revenge.

Under The Queen's Umbrella (2022): Queen Hwaryeong (Kim Hye-Soo) Queen Hwaryeong is supposed to act with grace and dignity, but she has troublemaker sons. The queen decides to abandon strict protocols to transform her sons into deserving princes through education and personal growth, all while navigating the complexities of motherhood and royal life.

Juvenile Justice (2022): Sim Eun-Seok (Kim Hye-Soo) Sim Eun-Seok is an elite judge with a personality that seems unfriendly to others. She hates juvenile criminals and gets assigned to a local juvenile court. There, she breaks custom and administers her own ways of punishing the offenders.

K-Movies

Kill Boksoon (2023): Gil Bok-Soon (Jeon Do-Yeon) Gil Bok-Soon is a single mother and a contract killer working for M. K. Ent. Highly regarded by her peers, she has a 100% success rate and is one of a few killers rated "A" by her company. Right before Gil Bok-Soon is set to renew her contract, she gets involved in a kill or be killed confrontation.

Ballerina (2023): Jang Ok-Ju (Jun Jong-Seo) Ok-Ju used to work as a bodyguard. Ok-Ju is friends with Min-Hee, who is a ballerina. Min-Hee asks Ok-Ju for a favor. She wants Ok-Ju to take revenge.

The Witch: Subversion (2018): Ja-Yoon (Kim Da-Mi) A young girl escapes from a mysterious laboratory where she was trained to become a murder weapon. 10 years later, the girl, named Ja-yoon, is living a normal life, apparently without any memory of her past, she becomes involved in a crime.

Special Delivery (2022): Eun-Ha (Park So-Dam) Eun-Ha is a special driver for deliveries. She delivers anything or anyone for the right price. Her success rate is 100%, but she gets involved in an unexpected delivery accident.

Brave Citizen (2023): So Shi-Min (Shin Hae-Sun) So Shi-Min used to be a boxer in her student days. She now works as a contract teacher at a high school. She confronts a school bully, who frequently torments other students.

[prbni]

Chemistry between actors was amazing, but the storyline tho... in KDrama

Kang Sora as Oh Hara and Jung Seungjo as Goo Eun Beom in Strangers Again: the story ruined everything

Lee Jaewook as Baek Kyung and Kim Hye Yoon as Eun Dan Oh in Extraordinary You:only if Baek Kyung wasn't written as a red flag by the manhwa writer

Jeon Doyeon as Gil Bok Soon and Koo Kyo hwan as Han Hee Seong in Kill Bok Soon: the storyline was good for a crime thriller but unfortunate for them

Moon Sangmin as Lee Jihan and Jeon Jong Seo as Na Ah Jung in Wedding Impossible :they get happy ending but the storyline was messy imo

Lee Jaewook as Han Tae Oh and Choi Hee Jin as Kang Hee Joo in The Impossible Heir : yall know why. Everything in this drama was messed up except the chemistry between these two actors

Ki Do Hoon as Yangcha and Kim Ji Won as Tanya in Arthdal Chronicles: basically Kim Ji Won has chemistry with everyone she acts alongside

Lee Jae In as Lee Yoon Seo and Cha Woo Min as Ko Kyung Jun in Night Has Come: honestly I didn't even consider them before I saw all those edits on YT

Go Youn Jung as Jung Jisoo and Seo In Guk as Kim Seong Hyeop in Death's Game: even the smallest moments between them was enough to establish how beautiful chemistry they had

Lee Dohyun as Go Chang Myung and IU as Jang Man Wol in Hotel Del Luna: one of the best pairings in a KDrama to exist

[starcrossed591]

KDrama Year in Review 2023

While I watched more KDramas this year than CDramas, none of them consumed my heart and soul quite like this year's crop of CDramas did (CDrama review post here). And I dropped KDramas more readily than I have in years past, in part because there were so many more things to watch than I had time for (also I had to finish my dissertation and graduate, etc etc). Still, there were definitely some that I really, really enjoyed, so here's this year's KDrama round up:

16. My Lovely Liar: Started strong, got boring real quick. Dropped for homophobic murder plot. Still, glad to see that Hwang Min Hyn can actually act (although full disclosure, I did still enjoy him in Alchemy of Souls, wooden as that performance may be). Hoping Kim So Hyun can catch a break and get a role in a drama more worthy of her in the near future.

15. Crash Course in Romance: Excellent performances and chemistry by the ML and FL. Romance between two middle aged people instead of youths is also a treat. Dropped around ep 12 because of the unnecessary, homophobic murder plot. Pass.

14. A Good Day to Be a Dog: Surprisingly stronger than the goofy premise suggests, largely on the basis of Park Gyu-Young's performance as the FL who turns into a dog upon being kissed. Pacing problems in the third act around the origins of the whole dog curse thing. Can't say I recommend unless you're really in the mood for some shenanigans, but largely inoffensive if a little silly. (Also it turns out Cha Eun Woo *really* leveled up his kiss game for this one!)

13. Love to Hate You: Perfectly serviceable rom com. Nothing too special, but a nice weekend binge if you're in the mood for that. Also a good way to see Kim Ji-Hoon's v handsome face and that *hair* without having to deal with everything involved with his rather murderous run in Flower of Evil.

12. Joseon Attorney: A Morality: Perfectly serviceable law procedural/Joseon historical. If you don't like either of those genres your mileage may vary, but I had missed having Bona on my screen, so it worked well enough for me.

11. Welcome to Samdal-ri: I seem to like this one more than literally everyone else I know, and I fully admit that my enjoyment of this drama is more vibes-based than plot-based. I guess I have a soft spot for Shin Hye Sun yelling at people at Ji Chang Wook going a bit unhinged over a woman who ran away from him (see also: Lovestruck in the City).

10. My Demon: Very much enjoying Song Kang as a cranky demon falling in love with a human. Very tropey in the best way, and feels like a return to form for the supernatural romance genre. Remains to be seen if they'll land the ending as of this writing, but enjoying as it goes.

9. Doctor Cha: A contribution to the slate of divorce comedies I watched this year (see also: Strangers Again (KDrama) and Let's Get Divorced (JDrama)), a surprisingly touching story about growing older when you've devoted your life to someone who has not done the same for you.

8. Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow (Part 2): While Ko Joon-Yung never quite managed to replace Jung So-Min as the FL for me, I definitely still enjoyed the closer to this fun fantasy series. Special shout out to Shin Seung-Ho as Prince Go Won and his pet turtle

7. Strangers Again: I didn't see a ton about this one on tumblr as it was airing, but I found this rom com? melodrama? divorce procedural? makjang? story about relationships and why they end unexpectedly profound. I tuned in expecting mindless makjang hot mess, and instead got a thoughtful meditation on divorce. Left me feeling unexpectedly melancholy at the end, but glad I watched it.

6. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse: Very fun sageuk! Probably won't knock your socks off, but it does what it does very well. Bonus points for a B couple as compelling as the A couple. I've also been a big Kang Hoon fan since Little Women, and there are a couple of other actors in here that I'm always glad to see working.

5. Perfect Marriage Revenge: Tour de force makjang. Came out of nowhere and blew me away. Hits all the right beats, and unexpectedly fun (and was a nice break from the heaviness of My Dearest for me). This was a good year for jaded and slightly unhinged transmigrated FL's back for their #revenge (see also: Story of Kunning Palace in CDrama land), and I was here for it. Also features one of the spiciest make-out scenes of the year, 10/10 recommend

4. See You in My 19th Life: Absolutely loved this haunting, melancholy, and sometimes unexpectedly goofy reincarnation drama. I loved the webtoon and had high expectations, and this drama largely met them! The continuing relationship between sisters Ji-Eum (Shin Hye Sun) and Cho-Won (Ha Yoon Kyung) was a special highlight for me, and while Shin Hye Sun is already a never-miss for me, I'm especially looking forward to whatever Ha Yoon Kyung does next. I prefer the ending of the Webtoon to the KDrama, but I'm still delighted this drama exists and am glad I watched it.

3. The Interest of Love: Look, I loved this drama. Even though it seemed on the surface like nothing but *mess* in the interpersonal lives of these characters working at a bank on the border between a rich and poor neighborhood in Seoul, it nonetheless had some of the most searing class commentary of the year for me. I also love an FL who will (spoiler) pack up her things and disappear at the drop of a hat, even if no one else will understand her decision to do so, because she just cannot deal anymore (see also: the FL in Lovestruck in the City, whom I also love but everyone else hated). This drama kept me gleefully coming back every week in a year where not a lot of others did.

2. Call It Love: A revenge slice of life melodrama that I found unexpectedly touching in its deep melancholy. Loved not only the main couple, but the relationship between the siblings and their pharmacist bestie. A lovely character study. (Also I somehow ended up watching this at the same time as Till the End of the Moon and Li Susu as Ye Xiwu's hidden identity/revenge plot, which was unexpectedly stressful! Had a very "it's the same picture" moment despite two dramas in two genres that could not be further apart.) If you missed this one (and since it aired on Disney+, you might have--Disney+'s effects on the KDrama streaming ecosystem will be the death of me), it's worth seeking out!

1. My Dearest (Parts 1 and 2): Kind of feels like everyone has said everything there is to say about sageuk of truly epic proportions, but it blew me away as well. Epic romance? Check. Twisty political machinations? Check. Heartwarming friendships between women? Check. Strong ensemble cast? And my top FL of the year, Lady Gil-Chae, played to perfection by Ahn Eun-Jin. I've adored her since Hospital Playlist, and am delighted that she's getting the attention and the roles she deserves. Namkoong Min also a top contender for ML of the year as Lee Jang-Hyun. Part 2 dragged for me a bit in places after a nearly perfect Part 1, but such a great drama overall.

Favorite Drama of the Year: My Dearest. See above.

Favorite Female Character: I mean, it's gotta be Gil Chae from My Dearest, right? She starts out as such a spiteful, spoiled noblewoman, and then turns out to have a core of pure steel. Turns out all her conniving and strategizing, which went towards causing mischief in the village, really just needed a proper outlet. While I would never want to be in the circumstances in which she found herself, if I did, she's exactly who I would want on my side.

Favorite Male Character: Everything's coming up My Dearest this year, because this one is Lee Jang-Hyun in My Dearest as well. Checks the box for my competence kink, and has a knack for showing up just when Gil-Chae needs him, even at great personal cost. Also a smart-ass, which I probably like a bit too much in a man.

Favorite Secondary Female Character: Cho-Won from See You in My 19th Life. Her relationship with her reincarnated older sister was almost more compelling to me than the main romance sometimes, and really helped develop how the ties that bind us are not just romantic ones. Also she was just super cute

Favorite Secondary Male Character: Could have picked anyone from Team Himbo in Alchemy of Souls, but gonna have to give this one to Go Won, himbo prince of my heart

Favorite Ship: Again, it's gotta be Gil-Chae and Lee Jang-Hyun in My Dearest. Sometimes, there are drama couples that nearly cause me pain when they are apart, and these two quickly became one of them. Though their relationships is hardly functional for much of it, through all that push and pull, they ultimately learn how to show up for each other. Also, their *chemistry* is insane!

Favorite Secondary Ship: I loved Hye-Seong and Sung Joon, the B couple in Call it Love. Seeing the SFL grow more comfortable with herself after a truly shitty ending to her previous relationship was a nice respite from the hidden identity stress of the A couple in this one. I'm also a sucker for a good romance where you start to see someone you've long taken for granted differently. (Close Runner Up: Cho Won and Do-Yun in See You in My 19th Life)

Favorite Platonic Relationship: Gil-Chae, Eun-Ae, and their maids, Jong Jong and Bong Doo, in My Dearest. I loved loved loved the relationship between these women in this drama, and part of the reason the second half of the drama suffered a bit for me is because of how far it moved away from this core relationship. They were ride or die for each other more than the majority of the men in their lives, and I loved that for them.

Trope that Needs to Die: While I find murder plots in rom coms tedious at the best of times, homophobic murder plots are really not it. Quit it, y'all. It's not cute.

Dramas I Missed: Moon in the Day, The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, and Tell Me That You Love Me (grrr Disney+ on this one) are on the list for next year. I'm probably missing others.

Non-2023 Drama Spotlight: Finally went back and watched Do You Like Brahms? for a hit of Park Eun-Bin. A lovely, if also melancholy, slice of life romance that's just as much about what to do when a (career related) dream that you've worked really, really hard for just isn't going to come through as it is about the main romance. Also made me fall in love with Kim Min-Jae and his lovely deep voice, enough so that I also then went back and finally watched Dali and the Cocky Prince, which was also a treat. Recommend both.

Most Looking Forward To: I continue to yearn for a Yumi's Cells 3, and who's to say if that one will ever come through, but I'm putting it out into the universe anyway. More realistically, I'm looking forward to the surprisingly stacked line-up of sageuks coming up, including Captivating the King and Love Song for Illusion.

[fake-married-my-dead-fiance]

Categorizing Parent-related Trauma for male and female leads in Kdramas:

Orphans: Lee Hong-jo (Destined With You) Moon Gang-tae (It's Okay to Not be Okay) Moon Sang-tae (It's Okay to Not be Okay) Ha-ru (Extraordinary You) Naksu/Cho Yeong (Alchemy of Souls) Tak Dong-kyung (Doom at Your Service) Nam Ji-ah* (Tale of the Nine Tailed) Cheon Sa-Rang (King the Land) Jang Man-wol (Hotel del Luna) Yoon Yi-seo (100 Days My Price) Kang Young-hwa (Moon in the Day) Kim Do-ha (Moon in the Day) So Mun (The Uncanny Counter) Do Ha-na (The Uncanny Counter) Kang Tae-moo (Business Proposal) Kang Tae-ha (The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, present version) Lee Heon (The Forbidden Marriage) Do Do-hee (My Demon) Ji Eun-tak (Guardian: The Great and Lonely God) Na Bong-seon (Oh My Ghost) Kang Cheol (W: Two Worlds) Do Da-hae (The Atypical Family) Yeom Hae-sang (Revenant) Jeong Ji-an (A Shop for Killers) Shin Jae-rim (Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale) Kim Ji-uk**** (No Gain No Love)

Half Orphans with loving remaining parent: Eun Dan-oh (Extraordinary You) Koo Chan-sung (Hotel del Luna) Ye So-ran (The Forbidden Marriage) Nam Ha-neul (Doctor Slump) Yu Ji-hyck (Marry My Husband) Kang Hee-soo (Captivating the King) Choi Yi-jae (Death's Game) Im Sol (Lovely Runner) Ryu Sun-jae (Lovely Runner) Lee Chang (Kingdom) Lee Geum, Prince Yeoning (Haechi) Gu San-yeong (Revenant) Son Hae-yeong (No Gain No Love)

Half Orphan + Remaining Parent is THE WORST: Jang Uk (Alchemy of Souls) Kim Do-ha (My Lovely Liar) Lee Yul (100 Days My Price) Ahn Min-hyuk (Strong Woman Bong-Soon) Seo Mok-ha (Castaway Diva) Gong Tae-seong (Sh**ting Stars) Kang Tae-ha (The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, past version) Yi In (Captivating the King) Kang Ji-won (Marry My Husband) Kang Sun-woo (Oh My Ghost)

Parents (at least one) are THE WORST but Both Are Still Alive: Jang Shin-yu (Destined With You) Han Yi-joo (Perfect Marriage Revenge) Ko Mun-young** (It's Okay to Not be Okay) Mok Sol-hee (My Lovely Liar) Gu Won (King the Land) Crown Prince Lee Hwi/Dam-yi/Yeon-seon (The King's Affection) Do Bong-soon (Strong Woman Bong-Soon) Woo Young-woo (Extraordinary Attorney Woo)*** Jung Ji-woon (The King's Affection) Kang Bo-geol/Lee Ki-ho (Castaway Diva) Yeo Jeong-woo (Doctor Slump) Hong Hae-in (Queen of Tears) On Eun-yoo (Twinkling Watermelon) Oh Yeon-joo (W: Two Worlds) Yoon Ji-ho (Because This Is My First Life) Nam Se-hee (Because This Is My First Life) Bok Gwi-ju (The Atypical Family) Moon Cha-min (Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale)

Immortal Being that Still Somehow has Parent Issues: Myul Mang/Doom (Doom at your Service) Lee Yeon & Lee Rang (Tale of the Nine Tailed) Jeong Gu-won (My Demon)

Added trauma flavour: Parent was murdered in front of them (**Still counts if they survived the murder Parent tried to murder them Dying from seemingly incurable disease which makes their parents/guardian sad (If your parents are alive, you must pay for it by dying yourself) Adoptive parent/stepparent is THE WORST

Somehow has normal, alive parents: Lee Jun-ho (Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Has no backstory at all. We only meet his older sister and hear nothing about his childhood.) Shin Ha-ri (Business Proposal, her family is refreshingly normal, right down to her brother being sent out to find her when she's drunk) Oh Han-byeol (Sh**ting Stars, Again, we know almost nothing about her family, only that she has twin sisters. But she doesn't appear to have childhood trauma.) Park Yeon-woo (The Story of Park's Marriage Contract, her mom being annoyed at her for something that is a crime doesn't count as bad parenting) Lee Young-joon/Sung-hyun (What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, his trauma comes from a kidnapper, his parents faced a pretty impossible situation and did their best. They clearly love their kids) Baek Hyun-woo (Queen of Tears, nothing wrong with them out of the ordinary and they are in the drama a significant amount.) Ha Eun-gyeol (Twinkling Watermelon, very loving parents and the deafness and their reliance on him is not anyone's fault)

*Counting her as an orphan even though she gets her parents back after 20 years, she spent her childhood orphaned. ***This character is tricky because I understand why her mother wanted nothing to do with her, but her trying to manipulate the dad and also saying he didn't raise her properly made me so angry. ****This character is tricky because he was explicitly raised as an orphan by his grandma, his father didn't sign his birth certificate (Korean equivalent of this), and he's registered as the child of his grandmother, not his actual mom. His grandma is dead by the beginning of the series and he is living alone without family, so I think he counts as an orphan.

Uncatagorized due to lack of clarity on parents: Soundtrack #1, Hospital Playlist, Happiness

[90sloverwithinsomnia]

Switch Rivals - Chapter 17/21

This is one of many archived fanfics featuring 1st and 2nd generation K-pop acts that I've come across recently. It's all in good fun, and maybe a bit cringeworthy! Just to clarify, I don't post fanfics, so I hope to the people that post and read K-pop fanfics makes sense. Credits go out to the original creator 90s_love.

*Note: Nothing in their post will change (unless necessary), other than being posted here, and the (Link) will be provided to the page that i found it on.

Characters:

Kim Jaeduck, An Seungho (Tony), Moon Heejoon, Jang Woohyuk, Ahn Chilhyun (Kangta), Lee Jaewon (H.O.T.), Eun Jiwon, Lee Jaijin, Kang Sunghoon, Ko Jiyong, Jang Suwon

Summary:

Tony hit his limit and plans something to get the remaining 4 Sechskies members in trouble.

Chapter 17: Suffering

On Sechskies' side, the rest of them never noticed anything strange about "Jaeduck" and Suwon. They thought that they were just hanging out without them. The following week, the CEO decided that they should do a charity concert.

"Why a concert so suddenly?" (Jiwon)

"It's a way to get more attraction than H.O.T. You want that, right?" (CEO)

"Well, yes." (Sunghoon)

Tony gulped. That didn't sound good. Not with the charity part but with the surpassing H.O.T part. That's going to be difficult. Then he has a plan. He and Suwon went to SM secretly to tell H.O.T about his plan.

"So, you want Jaeduck to go on stage?" (Heejun)

"Yes. On the last song, which will be 'Couple', they will see that they've been treating him badly." (Tony)

"Are you sure, Hyung?" (Jaeduck)

"I'm sure. It's going to be worth it." (Tony)

It was the day of the charity concert. Sechskies were performing and H.O.T were in disguise in the back of the audience seats. It was time for the plan. They went backstage and switched Tony and Jaeduck's clothes.

"Now it's time for the closing performance. Here is 'Couple'." (Jiwon)

Everyone cheered. It sounded like this is their favourite song. Jaeduck didn't hold onto a microphone because he didn't have any singing parts. As they were half way through performing, he broke down into tears and collapsed.

"Hyung!" Suwon went to him.

The others didn't notice anything and they went backstage to H.O.T. 

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it." (Jaeduck)

"It's okay. It's all part of the plan." (Tony)

The song ended. Sechskies were expecting cheers but got backlash instead.

"Didn't you see Jaeduck oppa was suffering?!"

"What kind of people are you?!"

"Are you even friends?!"

There were all kinds of bad stuff said to them. Then they realized that "Jaeduck" and Suwon aren't here.

"When did they..." (Jiyong)

"I don't know." (Jaijin)

"So, getting them backlash was the plan?" (Woohyuk)

"Kind of but not exactly." (Tony)

They left the arena and went back to the house.

The merchant was working on the reverse potion and was ready.

"Are you two ready for this?" (Merchant)

"Yes."

"Now, it only lasts a few days so I don't know when you will switch again." (Merchant)

"It's alright. We get to be ourselves again." (Tony)

"Yeah..." (Jaeduck)

"You okay?" (Tony)

"Oh... Sure..." (Jaeduck)

"Okay then. Here goes nothing." (Merchant)

He throws the vial and a cloud of smoke appeared. After the smoke cleared, Tony and Jaeduck were back to their normal selves.

"It worked." (Tony)

"It did." (Jaeduck)

"Now things can be normal for a while." (Kangta)

"That's great, isn't it?" (Jaewon)

"Oh... Yeah... Sure." Jaeduck's voice was kind of shaky. Tony was worried that the plan might backfire on him.

The next day, the news of Jaeduck breaking down at the concert made headlines. "Sechskies' Kim Jaeduck collapsed at a concert. Only member Jang Suwon helped him up. Why didn't they others do so as well? Currently, Sechskies and the company are receiving tons of backlash for allegations of mistreatment."

"This was not part of the plan." (Tony)

"What was the plan?" (Heejun)

"The plan was to let them see that they're mistreating him. I didn't expect allegations would get involved." (Tony)

He didn't expect anything except Sechskies realizing their mistake. What's going to happen now?

[daebakreviews]

Miss Night and Day

After becoming a potential witness to a murder, a girl who changes to an old woman during the day must catch the murderer while also keeping her secret.

Lee Min-Jin has spent most of her 20s studying to become a public servant. After a night of drinking, she discovers that she turns into an old woman during the day and back into her younger self after the sun sets. During the day she works as an office assistant to  Gye Ji-Ung, a prosecutor who is determined to find out what happened to his mother.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like Miss Night and Day. A first it seemed like a strange concept and I wasn't sure how well they would do keeping it straight. But after just a few episodes I was hooked. I was waiting, rather impatiently, for the next episodes.

I loved the chemistry between Lee Min-JIn, played by Jung Eun-Ji, and Choi Jin-Hyuk as Gye Ji-Ung. I just kept waiting for them to finally say something to each other and when they did, it was perfect.

Lee Jung-Eun as Lim Sun, or Lee MIn-Jin's older self was also amazing. She did a fantastic job playing a young girl trapped in an older woman's body. She was funny and really stole the show.

I've seen a lot of shows recently where the show is so amazing until the last episode and the ending falls short. This is not one of those shows. I loved the ending and it was the perfect way to end all of their stories.

Aside from the romance, the story of the disappearances and the murder was also great. It kept you on your toes and when you finally piece it all together it's exciting. I do wish more was done with the character of Ko Won, played by Baek Seo-Hoo. He deserved more.

Miss Night and Day is on @netflix and I highly recommend watching it.

[iuteamstarcandy]

[TRANS] IU ‘Flower Bookmark 2’ Album Introduction and Song Introductions

ALBUM INTRODUCTION

A pristine and beautiful trail of memories that do not fade over time

IU’s second remake album [Flower Bookmark 2]

A book that I took and dusted off from an old library. As I turn the pages one by one, there are times when I find old four-leaf clovers or flower petals that are inserted like bookmarks. It’s a pristine and beautiful trace of a gift that contains someone's sincerity long ago. Along with it comes the memorable pieces of writing that are underlined on each page. This 'Flower Bookmark' may be one of the symbols of youth culture that show the romance and sentiments of the past analog generation which are slowly being forgotten these days.

IU's second remake album, [Flower Bookmark 2], is an extension of the remake album [Flower Bookmark] which was released in 2014 and received excellent reviews from the public and critics. This is a special mini album which reflects both the analog emotions contained in the original songs and the unique lyricism of ‘IU’. Like the previous [Flower Bookmark] album, IU herself selected music from previous generations which are like “flower bookmarks” that she had always cherished and collaborated with musicians of a wide range of generations and genres, including Jeong Jae-il, Ko Tae-young, Hong So-jin, Kang Yi-chae, Jukjae, Lim Hyun-je (Hyukoh), Kim Sung-mo and Jung Sung-ha, to make more detailed efforts than ever to add IU's color on top of the original songs’ unique sentiments.

[Flower Bookmark 2] uses IU’s pure tone to reinterpret songs of the past that transcend generations, in the hopes to revive pristine and beautiful moments that do not fade over time, connecting generations after generations, providing deep empathy and resonance in them and becoming a gift of memories as a ‘flower bookmark’.

SONG INTRODUCTIONS

01. 가을 아침 (Autumn morning)

Lyrics by Lee Byung-woo

Composed by Lee Byung-woo

Arranged by Jung Sung-ha

Originally sung by Yang Hee-eun

“This song is included in [Yang Hee-eun 1991], an album commemorating the 20th anniversary of ‘Morning Dew’. Yang Hee-eun sunbaenim shared with me that it was an album that she finished recording 9 songs in a day together with Director Lee Byung-woo, who was studying in Vienna at the time, while she was in New York. I listened to this album a lot because I respect them musically and could sense the refreshing vibes of the two of them when they were young, so this is my favorite song from that album. Even though the song is simple in its structure, the guitar performance, voice and lyrics are perfectly combined, making it as beautiful as the title, autumn morning.”

02. 비밀의 화원 (Secret Garden)

Lyrics by Lee Sang-eun

Composed by Lee Sang-eun

Arranged by Echae Kang

Originally sung by Lee Sang-eun

“These are my favorite lyrics from [Flower Bookmark 2]. I like Lee Sang-eun sunbaenim’s simple sentences that are filled with warmth. In particular, I think the lyrics that switch freely between the perspectives of ‘just me’, then as an ‘adult’ and as a ‘person who falls in love’ are really cool.

I could relate to the lyrics which go, ‘Forget what happened yesterday / Everyone makes slight mistakes’ and they gave me comfort.”

03. 잠 못 드는 밤 비는 내리고 (Sleepless rainy night)

Lyrics by Kim Chang-hwan, Park Gwang-hyun / Composed by Kim Chang-hwan, Park Gwang-hyun / Arranged by Hong So-jin, Jukjae / Originally sung by Kim Gun-mo

“This is a song that I really wanted to remake someday. I was in a hurry to do it first before anyone else did, so I even considered putting just this one song as a remake on my 4th full-length album [Palette] which was released last spring, that’s how ambitious the song made me. I heard about Kim Gun-mo sunbaenim’s vocal range and was prepared to some extent, but I was surprised several times throughout the recording, saying, ‘Oh, I can’t believe this’. I'm cautiously predicting that it will be the song that has the most fanatics (Note: people going crazy over) in [Flower Bookmark 2] ☆”

04. 어젯밤 이야기 (Last night story)

Lyrics by Park Gun-ho

Composed by Lee Ho-jun

Arranged by Im Hyun-je (Hyukoh) , Kim Sung-mo

Originally sung by Sobangcha (Fire Truck)

“This was a song that was so famous and well-loved that I felt a lot of pressure to remake, but I courageously did so because it was also such an attractive song to that extent.

From the chord progression to the story in the lyrics and to the main riff (Note: a short repeated sequence of notes or chords to make a song catchy), it is a song that I’m in awe whenever I listen to it because it is perfectly balanced and solid and this is the song I worked on the most happily in this album.”

05. 개여울 (By the stream)

Lyrics by Kim So-wol

Composed by Lee Hee-mok

Arranged by Jung Jae-il

Originally sung by Jung Mi-jo

“This is a song that so many seniors have done remakes of. Among the various versions of ‘By the Stream’, I took reference from the version of this song in Jeong Mi-jo sunbaenim's 2016 album [37 Years] the most. In no other song is there a person that is as hateful and irresponsible as the one who leaves in the lyrics. As it's a song about yearning for such a person, the ‘deep sorrow’ and ‘desperate resentment’ enter your heart as they are, without any defense or embellishments.

The ‘By the stream’ that (Kim Jeong-hee) sunbaenim first sang and the recent ‘By the stream’ sung decades later come across as distinctly different from the emotions to the stories in their voices. If given the chance, I want to sing this song again after a long time.”

06. 매일 그대와 (Everyday with you)

Lyrics by Choi Sung-won

Composed by Choi Sung-won

Arranged by Go Tae-young

Originally sung by A Wild Chamomile

“I think there’s no need for a long explanation for this song. Everyday with you is the best!”

Translated by IUteamstarcandy

Source: Melon

[k-star-holic]

Jung Eun-pyo, Jung Ji-ung, D-100 Advice for the College Scholastic Ability Test .. Do not think too hard.

Source: k-star-holic.blogspot.com