2013 year-end kdrama report

I was pretty busy during the latter half of the year, so I wasn’t able to watch as many kdramas as I would have wanted to. Given the lack of time, I only prioritized the ones that I’m particularly interested in based on the premise and was able to sustain my attention. To read my comments on the first half of the year, read here.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead

Monstar – this series is cute, the type that you shouldn’t take seriously (because hello, the cool kids are the ones playing in the orchestra? So against the grain, but you didn’t convince me, dear writer). The story has a lot of mass appeal, being an underdog story, with the group of misfits banding together because of their varied musical styles. The lead pairing is, again, cute. Our lead heroine (Min Seyi, played by Ha Yeonsoo) is kinda cooky and doesn’t know her own appeal while our lead hero (Yoon Seolchan, played by idol Yong Junhyung from Beast, who I had to admit is tolerable. Sorry, can’t help the judgment, it’s my blog anyway) is your typical stoic and spoiled idol. You also have your smattering of side characters to round up the gang.

I view this series much like how I perceived Glee before (before dropping it altogether) – the story hook was entertaining at first but strangely not enough to bring me deep enough, and by the end of it, I just watch to catch the musical performances. The student issues are your typical coming-of-age problems, and with School 2013 a few months before, I’m up to my quota of high school woes. Hehe, seriously the latter half of this series I caught myself investing in just to see how the Student Body President (Jung Sunwoo, played by Kang Haneul) and the rebel (Nana, played by Dahee of girl group Glam) would hook up – which didn’t happen, by the way. It was all weird and open-ended I want to tear my hair out. No, seriously, Nana should’ve headlined this drama. Or maybe I’m just more drawn to the misunderstood cool chicks.

But I have to say, the performances are memorable in my book. Most especially "Person, Love" by Kang Haneul and Dahee. The original is by Lena Park and Kim Bumsoo.

Verdict: Mostly a ball of fluff, even if it takes on a serious tone once in a while. Still, an entertaining watch.

I Hear Your Voice – yowza, I wasn’t planning to watch IHYV but it’s been getting a lot of raves so I couldn’t resist. This series was HIGHLY gripping, I’m almost at the edge of my seat every time, good thing I don’t have a heart problem. Hell, if you have a hero who can hear the thoughts of people, you have no time to dwell on the mediocre. Even with the extreme situations, I find myself drawn to the characters, especially our lovely, spunky, and highly-flawed heroine who had to navigate her way through her own sense of justice versus what she has to do as a lawyer.

And holy hell, I love you IHYV for giving us an unexpected noona romance! And establishing it almost at the start and sustaining it all throughout! I couldn’t believe it at first that the romantic bent would turn out that way. I was skeptical  because it’s a bit left field given the story, but I was totally on board the moment the series was definite that Lee Boyoung and Lee Jongsuk would be the romantic pair. Honestly, the characters are so well-written and untypical that the underlying suspense (the crazy maniac killer gave me nightmares, I kid you not) just about amps this series all the more.

OST Pick: Jung Yup - Why Did You Come Now?

Verdict: Recommended. Tune in for the fast-paced plot with lots of feels for the main characters.

Master’s Sun – thank you kdrama gods, the Hong Sisters haven’t lost their touch (still annoyed at the hours I spent with Big). This series more or less like your trademark Hong Sisters drama (although MGIAG and Best Love are still high on my list), high on the metaphors, the cliffhangers, and the lovely quirkiness, although a bit darker given the ghost-seeing premise.

I haven’t seen any So Jisub drama (I know, you can crucify me. But seriously, that face has all the traces of a melodrama weeper *shudders*) so who knew that he can be underhandedly funny and endearing acting as the “stoic” chaebol? Props to you So Jisub, and you’re hot. Too bad we don’t have a lot of shirtless scenes (and no, that operating room scene does not count. There’s blood.), yes I’m shallow. Gong Hyojin is endearing as usual, and has a lot of chemistry with anyone she gets paired up with. And since your series largely hinges on the skinship factor (she had to touch him to ward off the ghosts), you got to have a decent amount of chemistry to pull that off.

The ghost appearances vary from the scary to the pitiful types. While the ghost cases were entertaining (oh god, I cried at the ghost army dog the most), I was a bit relieved that the romance took up most of the screen time on the latter half of the drama.

OST Pick: Hyorin - Crazy of You

Verdict: If you’re up for solid romance with a bit of supernatural bent, then this one’s for you.

Heirs – oh, Heirs. Well I guess if I slugged through Faith just because of Lee Min Ho then OBVIOUSLY I will watch you. The triad Lee Min Ho – Kim Woo Bin – Choi Jin Hyuk hotness got me hook-line-and-sinker on board with this series. But ugh, the plot is so cliché and not even entertaining at that. Seriously, until now it’s not clear to me why Lee Min Ho’s character got shipped to the US three years ago. Or maybe I was not paying attention? IDK.

That’s not to say that it wasn’t watchable. You get your classic Cinderella story (but a Cinderella who is so poor she has a Samsung Note 3) with the poor girl and rich boy and all the baggage that comes with it. The cast was solid, they acted pretty well despite the lack of movement that the writing afforded to them (some of the side stories were choppy, especially that bit with hyung and his love affair with the scholar girl, her big eyes kind of freak me out). Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo Bin are intense on screen that you can’t take your eyes off of them, and their interaction with Park Shin Hye is believable (I love PSH but why do I feel she always has this wall that goes in the way of full-on lead chemistry? And I’m just not talking about her on-screen kissing skills). Anyway, the writing is a bit haphazard, 20 episodes is too long I think for such a series that does not even spice up an overused theme.

OST Pick: Changmin - Moment (no fave track in the OST, but I'm picking this one because that "love is the moment" is pure crack)

Verdict: For Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo Bin fans. Still watchable but maybe don’t marathon it for you'll see the glaring holes in the writing.


I dropped Reply 1994 early on because it’s not as addicting as its predecessor and I’m now putting Pretty Man, You from Another Star, and Prime Minister and I in my to-watch list, so I’ll weigh on them come first half of 2014.

And that’s 2013 Korean dramas for you all! There is no clear standout series for me this year, but if I had to pick one it would be Flower Boy Next Door just for the artsy and feel-good vibe. Objectively I would choose I Hear Your Voice, but in terms of making a lasting impression, I would have to pick FBND.

2013 kdrama half time report

And…it’s time for another round-up of kdramas! Sad to say not a lot kdramas have caught my attention for the first half of the year, so there are certainly periods of that I don’t have a kdrama on my plate (the horror!) and resorted to picking randomly whatever’s on air just to say that I’m watching something (which kind of backfired, no awesome surprises unlike Queen In Hyun’s Man). Nonetheless, there are a few enjoyable bunch in the list so on to my reviews!

WARNING: Spoilers ahead

Alice in Cheongdamdong – okay, I watched the first few episodes last year so my memory may be faulty. Anyway, I downloaded this because my mom is was a Park Si Hoo fan (given his sex scandal shortly thereafter may have made that to past tense) and Moon Geun Young can always be relied on to deliver empathy to her characters (yes, even in Cinderella's Sister). Hmmm, I’m not sure what to think of it, the premise is interesting especially with the fact that the lead girl did pursue the guy on purpose when she learned that he was rich. That however also clouded the mood of the drama, all I was waiting for is for her to be caught. And somehow given how MGY looks, it’s hard to imagine her being somewhat of the scheming sort. And somehow I can’t see the chemistry between her and PSH (main reason is her baby-face look). This is a pretty straightforward drama, had its heart-tugging moments but not enough to really engage me as a whole.

Verdict: Just okay. Maybe watch it if you’re a fan of any of the actors. 

School 2013 – awww, School 2013…I was ready to love you but you didn’t turn out quite what I was expecting. I’m not sure if the writers did it on purpose but honestly almost everyone in that classroom was just plain annoying. And I was expecting (well, at the start) that there would be some love lines forming but yeah, some hints at the start and then nothing. I was excited about it in the beginning, since it’s a bit raw and we always want a good coming-of-age story. But I don’t know, I think it’s more of the pacing / distribution of the lives of the students throughout the series, and seriously some of the students made me want to tear my hair out. Sometimes you just want to root for them and turn that new leaf, but most of the time I just want them to take the fall ‘cause most of them are really the bratty sort. Obviously I’m not cut out to be a teacher, heh.

This is not to say that there are no stellar moments in this show. I think the whole Go Nam Soon – Park Heung Soo bromance arc was the obvious highlight of the series, although it’s a bit too long, made me think that it’s about those two boys than an ensemble endeavour. It was well-acted though and I have newfound love for Lee Jong Suk after the series. The teachers’ arc was also pretty interesting, and while I was disappointed that we don’t have a definitive Daniel Choi-Jang Nara love line out of it, the growth of these characters left me satisfied. Still, how I wish that all the stories/aspects in the school were more cleverly laid out and the side characters less annoying.

OST Pick: 4Minute - Welcome to the School

Verdict: Could’ve been a better drama but still watchable. 

Flower Boy Next Door – what a cute series, which was what I was expecting in the first place since it’s under the Oh Boy! category (see: Flower Boy Ramyun Shop, Shut Up Flower Boy Band) This is a zippy and fun drama, although the plot somewhat dragged towards the end. Dok Go Mi (Park Shin Hye) was a relatable character (oh, if only I can get away with her style of living and getting paid at the same time), and isn’t it just a wish come true for a girl’s condo unit to be flanked by totally cute boys? Once the whole i-am-a-recluse plot point got resolved I think there isn’t much that made me addicted to it unlike in the first half. The boys are adorable though and acting was convincing all around. Yoon Shi Yoon was dead on for Enrique, and it’s refreshing to see Kim Ji Hoon take on an adorkable character (yes, it’s time to move on from the stoic chaebol roles!). YSY and PSH are crazy cute together, and they rank high in the “expressive eyes” category. Seriously, I was crying every time they cry. That first fight they had was just, ugh, can’t get enough of all the tearing-up of their eyes as the dialogue progressed. It all ends well (as it’s should be) and the last episode was just too sweet I can’t even, with some awesome lines to boot.

What I love about the drama most of all is the style and look of it, which is very cinematic and almost jdorama-ish that’s increasingly becoming the look-and-feel of TVN dramas. The interspersing with the manhwa drawings with the actual characters was a classy touch, I wished they used it more. This is one of those series that you would watch for that feel-good vibe and avante garde feel.

OST Picks:
Park Shin Hye - Pitch Black (acoustic ver.)
Lee Jung - Wish it was You

Verdict: Watch it especially if you need a mood lift.

That Winter, the Wind Blows – Ah *sigh* okay, the Jo In Sung and Kim Bum presence lessened the pain in picking up this drama. The whole premise of pretending to be the brother to the blind girl lead is just so reminiscent of those makjang of yore and should’ve clued me to stay clear of this drama. Alas, maybe I’m a sadist, or maybe because my mom wanted me to continue downloading this series, so I stuck to watching the whole thing. Honestly, what’s with Song Hye Gyo and all her oppa-but-not-actually-THAT­-type-of-oppa roles?

Well at least it’s a beautifully-shot series, although the close-ups are just too much (good think they have awesome skin, or, err, make-up). Sad to say, Jo In Sung’s acting skills are still the same? Hihihi. Anyway, somehow I can’t get into the swing of his emotions of loving the girl because it’s still under the pretense that he is her brother. So yeah, can’t get behind all of that and empathize with all the angst and crying. It’s pretty though. Made me want to go to a random winter-laden hill and experience a good back hug, haha.

OST Pick: Yesung - Gray Paper

Verdict: Melo, but not even the kind that would make you rip your heart out so…no.

Gu Family Book – I normally don’t watch sageuks but hell, it’s Lee Seung Gi, so fine, I’ll watch it. I think it was too long for its own good, although the plot points are interesting (well, tolerable) enough. Actually the daddy-mommy arc at the start and towards the end of the series is more moving than the main arc. Now I’m wishing that this series is about them, hehe. Although I got to say, I’m more tolerant of Suzy here compared to her previous works. I don’t know why they ditched the salt-and-pepper gumiho hair of LSG, I think it looks good along with the green eyes hehehe. I think this would’ve worked well if it was less than 20 episodes, and more stuff about looking for that damn book. That’s the title of the series right?

And c’mon that last episode just about killed the entire thing for me. Fine, let’s kill Yeo Wool, which is just about one of the better characters of this series. Let’s just prove that you can’t escape from your fate *sarcasm*. The villain just about became a dud in the end, I wished there was a more satisfying finale for him, although I do like that Chung Jo gave the last blow. The setup at the start was already grand, with the young generation almost mimicking the struggles experienced by the older generation, all because of this one evil guy. So yeah, I was expecting a higher fall for him, I don’t even know what those Japanese men are good for, stirring the pot then just bailing out in the end. Too squeaky clean and convenient on how the writer put a lid on things. And the time jump at the end was just, ugh, so left field. So Kang Chi meets this supposed reincarnation of Yeo Wool, so he’s going to start looking for the Gu Family Book in 2013? Should he start looking for the reincarnation of the good ol’ monk? *sigh*

So let’s just concentrate on the Wol Ryung – Seo Hwa (daddy-mommy) arc:


Verdict: Hmmm, can we just go back to My Girlfriend is a Gumiho? Although we have some top-baring from LSG (and some hot eye candy with Choi Jin Hyuk) so I guess that’s enough to tide us easy to please fangirls over.

Cyrano Dating Agency – more than half of the series already aired so might as well clock in my review. Another instalment of the Oh Boy! umbrella, this trendy TVN drama has the same indie and warm feel just like its predecessors. I do love their matchmaking cases of the week, and the cameos are just plain awesome (hello… Ji Jin Hee! Taemin! Lee Yoon Ji! Gong Yoo! Although Gong Yoo was tooo short! rawr) The cases are just too sweet, and I love how each case also brings out the relationship dynamics among the members of the Dating Agency. I think Lee Jong Hyuk was a tad too old for Sooyoung, but he nonetheless has that appeal (and could work a pair of tight pastel pants). I was expecting to not like Sooyoung, or her character, but I’m actually digging her open, heart-over-mind, and even ditzy responses to situations. Since there are still a lot of ground to cover (six more episodes) I’m expecting that we get more steam from the main romantic arc (based on the end of ep10, things are starting to heat up, so I’m happy). This is another light drama, no high stakes, just that fuzzy feeling you get when you see relationships work out.

Oh, and what a pleasant surprise to see Kim Jung Hwa in this series, brings back all that Nonstop3 obsession I had in college. And Hong Jong Hyun is just ADORABLE being the frozen robot that falls in love with the bubbly girl. And I'm in love with the song below, really brings out the flutters:

OST Pick: Ra.D - Something Flutters

Verdict: Watch it. Lots of cute feels.

That’s it! I hope a lot of good dramas are in store for the second half. I’m currently watching Monstar (another TVN series) which is also a cool series. The only drama I dropped in the first half is Level 7 Civil Servant. Yes, no need to justify that choice. Even Gaksital can’t save that one.

2012, you’re a blast!

I re-read my year-end post in 2011 for some take-off points and apparently I wrote in the end that I can't remember when I was THAT much excited for 2012. And boy did 2012 deliver – I can’t focus on ONE specific moment that can capture the year since there are just too many awesome experiences this year.

First, thank you Lord and I’m still employed lol. This year marks my first year in my current workplace. Which is a milestone in itself since the last time I had an anniversary at work is, uh, four years ago? Still grateful that my work is mentally stimulating and my workmates are great to be with. Hahahha, well let’s not jinx it. Here’s to more “happy times” in the office, and may the stress be worth it!

And because of my still-employed status, thank you Lord that I have money to spend (and save)! Despite my initial plans to rein it in (as if I could), I kind of overindulged a bit on my travels this year. So happy that I have enough funds this year and a LOT of friends who are travel-happy like I am. I love that my domestic trips are bordering on the more active type (Sagada, Oslob, and Pinatubo) although I still have my chill trips (Boracay, Vigan, Laoag, Iloilo). My out-of-the-country trips were at the peak of craziness – from going to Thailand with my cousin as a pseudo excuse to catch L’arc-en-Ciel to capping the year with a five-day trip to Seoul, South Korea (this music video just about captures how much fun we had).

I also considered this year as one of the highlights of my fangirling life – rocking to Laruku alone (hence, you can go crazy with no judgment) last March was amazing. Also going through crazy traffic in November just to attend Lee Min Ho’s fanmeeting at Araneta. I also watched A LOT of kdramas this year, and of course spread the hallyu lovin’ to more friends. This year also marks the end of the Twilight series (holler to my TCP friends!) and of course that epic Rurouni Kenshin movie. And how can I forget that epic Big Bang concert where in two fairy godmothers helped me to even catch the rehearsal, THAT was so surreal I can’t even think of anything that can TOP (pun intended) that…yet.

Lastly, I think this year was a blast due to my enjoyable family and friends. My sister got married this year (yay!) so I’m happy that I now have a new extended family. We also had a grand reunion from the mother’s side of the family so I was ecstatic to see everyone, including the new faces and be back in Negros again. I’m also so glad I got to hang out with my forever-reliable friends more this year. And in the midst of all the happy times, I will always remember Ice even if I can’t see her.

So this rounds up 2012. I can confidently say that this is definitely one of the exciting years I had so far. Can’t wait for what 2013 (my last year in the 20-zone!) will bring! So here’s to all of you and may you have a blessed and crazy year ahead! Cheers!

2012 year-end kdrama report

Well wouldn’t you know it, it’s already the end of the year! This serves as my review of the kdramas I’ve seen for the latter half of the year (read Part 1), wherein I kind of stretched my picks from what the time and space continuum can provide. Just like before, I’m presenting this by broadcast date. Here we go!

WARNING: Spoilers ahead.

A Gentleman’s Dignity – The fact that this is Jang Dong Gun’s TV series after a loooonnnggg time is a guaranteed hit. And it was – throw in three more ajusshis still in what they consider as the height of their lives and you got an enjoyable, almost like a Sex and the City but a guy version and more sanitized (this IS a Korean weekend series after all).

While the drama is pretty to look at, I mostly watched it more in a detached manner than I was expecting. Hmmm, maybe because I didn’t think the conflicts are too big enough, or at least to merit 20 episodes of it. Though the situations were interesting, I don’t find the characters particularly moving enough for me to rally behind their decisions. Oh and there’s something about Yoon Seung Ah that I don’t care for even with her previous projects, so her loveline with Kim Suro is literally a dud for me. While I’m neutral about Kim Ha Neul’s acting, there’s also something about her that stops me from feeling what she does. Oh well, at least she and Jang Dong Gun look beautiful onscreen.

Nonetheless, this is a beautifully-shot series, with plenty of eye candy to last you for months. Oh and it made Kim Min Jong rank high in my ajusshi crush list.

Verdict: Watch it if you’re a big Jang Dong Gun fan (like SOMEONE I know), or maybe if you’re in need of a hot ajusshi fix.

Reply 1997 – wow, TVN is definitely on a roll. Right on the heels of Queen In Hyun's Man, Reply 1997 became an unexpected hit. This series really makes one nostalgic about the good ol’ days, and while I wasn’t a notorious fangirl during my teens (I know, late bloomer, heh), all of the circumstances by the fantastic ensemble cast are so real and relatable.

The writing was superb, and it feels authentic that you immediately know that the writing team has gone through it in the 90’s. The fact that these are former 1N2D writers just about seals the deal for me. The realizations at the end of each episode are on target every time and we revel at the journey of each character as each go through high school and the years after.

While the lead pair (breakout performance by Seo In Guk and Eun Ji) definitely served their purpose well as the driving force behind the relationships intertwined in the drama, I think it’s the fact that Eun Ji Won and the countless meta references to him being the Sechs Kies leader just about got me hooked. And how cute is his character’s (Hak Chan) love line with Yoo Jung. GAH, I blame my 1N2D bias on this but yeah, all of their scenes are just adorable. AND we got a cameo from Writer Daeju (the maknae writer from 1N2D), how awesome is that? The series was chockfull of cameos from Gag Concert and the Happy Sunday lineup, mainly because of the KBS team who worked behind the series. My favourite cameo was definitely Shin Bong Sun as the H.O.T. fanclub – Busan chapter president hehehe.

Seo In Guk and Eun Ji - All for You

The music used was loads of fun, mostly hits of the '90s, and this series made me into a crazed Sechs Kies fangirl for weeks (yeah, can’t remember how many times I watched the YT videos of them in the late 90s, thank God someone recorded them hehe). What about seals the deal (in terms of the music choices) is when they used Deli Spice’s Go Baek (Confessions). Daym, the first time they used this, all images of The Classic (one of my favourite Korean movies) just about flooded my mind. This just about captures the uncertainties of when you’re in your teens – experiencing everything the first time and trying to figure it what it means given your own reality at each point.

Deli Spice - Go Baek

1TYM - Without You

Verdict: WATCH IT. Now. Really. Watch it.

Faith – Sigh. Too bad this series wasn’t what I hoped it would be except for countless scenes of Lee Min Ho and his mane of glory fan service (not complaining on that part). The world revolving the series is implied to be much larger than what is shown on screen, and it’s disappointing that both the directing and the writing fell short starting around four episodes into it. Because, hello, if you have characters with special powers ala Mortal Kombat characters, how in hell didn’t we get to see an epic showdown of all the powers? And how come only some of them do have powers while the others do not? Listening to javabeans’ and girlfriday’s take on the series in their podcast just about made sense as to why all of this happened.

The directing and editing were pretty much choppy that even my untrained eyes took notice. My biggest gripe: must ALL the romantic parts be in slow motion? I just about rolled my eyes every time that happens (it happens with every hand hold or meaningful side glance). And it happens A LOT. It’s like a cue from the director saying, “Hey, this is a romantic moment! It’s your time to feel it.” Well yeah, sorry, I didn’t feel much of it. Not that Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Sun was a bad pairing, I just find it a shame that their story doesn’t hold much ground for me. Yes, even the life or death stakes didn’t move me *sigh*.

I’m not sure what should be done to make the series more interesting. It’s just that the series was obviously set up to be grander than what we actually saw. And there are a lot of fillers and uninteresting scenes (or maybe I’m just not really into sageuk, although I doubt that my sageuk-loving friends would tell me that this is a good member of that genre). And how come Philip Lee’s character didn’t become the proverbial second-lead to spark the lead pair more? Anyway, it’s an odd series, I’ll give it that.

Ali - Carry On

Verdict: Watch for some major Lee Min Ho eye-staring. Other than that, just watch something else.

Ma Boy – what a cute mini-series (just three episodes)! This is mostly fluff, like a Disney tv movie – no high stakes, just minor conflicts enough to get the narrative going. We have a boy pretending to be a girl at this case, which is a refreshing take on the gender-bending series in the past. The characters are mostly out of this world and so fun to watch. I like the kids starring in this – Sun Woong and Kim Soo Hyun – and while we don’t get an actual kissing scene (I guess it would be awkward given the real age gap), the heartwarming moments are on point.

Verdict: Watch it if you need a quick feel-good fix.

Ohlala Couple – oh boy, how I wished this series was an all-out romantic comedy. The latter half was too much of a downer compared to the first half which was helluva funny with the gender swap scenes. Maybe it’s because Shin Hyung Joon really embodied all the female sensibilities during scenes (as opposed to Hyun Bin in Secret Garden where you can see a man acting like a girl vs to a guy who is actually a girl) which made it enjoyable. At first I thought that finally we have a decent romantic comedy for this year.

Unfortunately, the latter half became too serious for my taste and headed into the typical mainstream, almost makjang, category. Maybe because SHJ’s character was painted as a huge asshole at the start that I find it hard to believe that he had his rude awakening and ended up with him still getting the girl. Not to mention, the story line with Kim Jung Eun’s first love was so cute especially at the start (played by Han Jae Suk, who spurred a whole bunch of memories whenever I see him due to All About Eve, and how awesome is it that JDG, another AAE alum also appeared this year) that I still can’t comprehend as to why she didn’t end up with him.

Verdict: Nah, just watch other romcoms in the previous years.

I Miss You – This series is already past half its run so I’m including it in the 2012 line-up. Well what can I say, if you have actors who can cry convincingly and prettily, you almost covered half of the requisite for a melodrama. Most of the time I steer away from this genre but the pull of Yoochun and Yoon Eun Hye headlining it is too strong to resist, not to mention Yoo Seung Ho’s holy-crap-you’re-not-a-kid-anymore transformation.

This is one of those series that you should watch in doses or else it will give you a headache with all the angst and oh god, the tears that you’ll see and might wring out for you. The plot points are trademark melodrama, I think there’s nothing new in terms of what is happening yet (the series will be finished in two weeks, we got some foreshadowing in episode 1 but I’m hoping to be blindsided). But what I guess what I Miss You makes it appealing to most (including me, someone who doesn’t like melos) is its amazing cinematography and acting. All the scenes are wonderful to look at, with good lighting I might add, that I’m strangely addicted to this series than what I was expecting. Not to mention that I cry easily, so yeah, I can’t begin to say how much tears I shed for the 15 hours I spent on this.

The scenes with the young counterparts at the first four episodes were amazing. I swear, Yeo Jin Goo (you're officially my Korean jailbait crush) and Kim Soo Hyun have bright careers ahead of them. They were both so into it that it was heartwrenching as to how the 15y/o arc ended. And how impressive is Yoochun’s acting! We can still get a glimpse of the boy he once was especially in his joking moments and yet see pained man underneath. And seriously, how genius was his scene eating the rice, talking and crying at the same time? I cried too much at that scene!

And of course with every melo you have an equally tear-inducing song, in this case it’s Tears are Falling (yeah, that's right, how literal can you get) by Wax.

Wax - Tears are Falling

Verdict: Watch it if you need to cry (or need a bout of pain) once in a while (that sounds sadistic, heh). Or if you’re a fan of PYC, YEH, or YSH, this is a must-watch for you. If you have a heart problem, best steer away from it.

***

So that’s it for the 2012 kdrama lineup! I think this was a good year for TVN in particular and cable dramas in general, who have been churning out better-produced dramas compared to before. For this year’s best series, I would have to say it’s Queen In Hyun’s Man because of the authentic characters, gripping storyline, and because of all the LOVE that you feel in that series. I’m sure there are better series (on a technical standpoint) this year than QIHM but that series just gave me a lasting impression.

On a side note, here’s a rundown of other dramas for 2012 in my radar:

· The dramas I dropped midway: What’s Up (just because the subs took too long that I didn’t manage to continue it), To the Beautiful You (why, oh god, why! I tolerated the Taiwanese and the Japanese version, but I can’t stomach it), and Nice Guy (I bet it was an interesting watch, but I can’t stand Soong Joong Ki NOT being a nice guy after all, hehe).

· The 2012 dramas I might watch: Arang and the Magistrate (because of the reviews), King of Dramas (because of the premise)

· The dramas I’m currently watching which started late 2012 so it would be in the 2013 post: Alice in Cheongdamdong (cute in a superficial level), School 2013 (which is kind of like Dangerous Minds Korean style, love it)

seoul trip music video

It's highly unlikely that I'll make an extensive post about our trip to Seoul, South Korea last November (given ALL the other topics I have yet to blog about *sigh*). So I'm just showing this music video that I've edited featuring the highlights of our trip! Besides, I think my other friends can blog about the trip on my behalf, hehe.

So here you go, another music video (the first one was from our family's trip to Siem Reap) that caused me two weeks of barely enough sleep. The reactions when I debuted this to my friends were priceless though, so it was worth it ^^

2012 kdrama half-time report

Since I’m in the middle of waiting for another round (or season?) of kdramas (broadcast delays in Korea because of Olympics pushed premieres), I thought this is a good time as any to finally write what I think about the kdramas I’ve watched for the first half of the year. So here are the kdramas I watched which started from January to June by order in which I watched them. Here we go!

(WARNING: Spoilers ahead)

Shut Up Flower Boy Band – this series has a unique appeal especially to the young demographic as it depicts the joys and pains of brotherhood (cue awesome bromance) among band members at the cusp of making it big in the industry. The characters are well-developed, even the fringe band members, and of course, the eye candy does not hurt. Tightly-written and well-paced, SUFBB had me downloading the songs and dreaming about an “alternative” lifestyle when it’s just you and your music (lol). The resolution at the end is very satisfying and speaks volumes on how to achieve your dreams, value your relationships with others, and finding your true self.

Sung Joon - Jaywalking

The cast is composed of up-and-comers and I was very impressed. Suffice to say, it had me google-ing stuff about INFINITE for a while (probably a week?) which I wouldn’t have imagined myself doing when I was confronted by these new crop of way too young for me boybands, hehe. The cinematography and locations were also well-chosen and had a real feel to it. The raw-ness of how everything was executed was a perfect fit to the essence of the drama.

Plus, it has a cameo by Lee Min Ki and Kim C, ‘nuff said. I almost got teary-eyed when Kim C suddenly appeared on the screen, since there was no news that he is in it (1n2d hangups, indulge me)

Verdict: Highly recommended, especially if you’re into coming-of-age stuff. Or into young rock bands, hehe

The Moon that Embraces the Sun – I don’t watch sageuks but I was peer-pressured by my officemates to watch this one. I relented since: 1.) it’s only 20 episodes, and 2.) you have Kim Soo Hyun AND Jung Il Woo. The plot is simpler than what I know of typical dramas of that genre. I think the appeal of the series lies more on the emotive and classy execution by the actors and how colourful the world itself is. Be prepared to cry buckets whenever the actors cry and you have Lyn’s awesome song in the background. While I liked it, I didn’t love it…don’t know, must be because of Han Ga In or her character, haha.

I think the largest (only?) gripe I have with the show is how they killed off Yang Myung. While I expect someone to die in a sageuk, this is one of the most senseless deaths I’ve seen. Why kill him off after the battle and by some wounded random archer that magically appeared at the door? What’s more annoying is that Yang Myung looks like he welcomed death at that point. Ugh. Might as well get killed during battle by one of those ministers or just ride off into the sunset since you can’t stay in a place where the love of your life is with your brother. *sigh*

Lyn - Back in Time

Verdict: Recommended. Make sure you have tissues near you.

Rooftop Prince – I wasn’t initially planning to pick this up since this is a time-travelling series (and I veer away from such themes since the endings are most of the time botched-up). But too much time on my hands during Holy Week gave me the opportunity to give the series a shot. So…hmmm…the first half of the series shows a lot of promise, too bad the latter half went nuts. Additional storylines which I seriously don’t care about were introduced and some of the things that I liked about it in the first place (i.e. the motley crew) faded. The mystery of the time travel only got resolved in the last episode (and the BuYong storyline was so sweet, such a waste to just show it at the end) and the love line resolution was half-baked for me (so, in the end, the guy was a reincarnation?).

Maybe if it the series was shorter (say, 16 episodes) and some of the storylines were dropped (I seriously don’t care about the additional mother and the siblings part, to makjang for my taste, and I got confused on what the truths and the lies are) it would be a better series. I like the lead pair though so that made me hang on until the end. This series definitely showed an improvement in Yoochun’s acting skills. It also has the trademark Baek Ji Young OST song, which is always a good thing in my book.

Baek Ji Young - After a Long Time

Verdict: Watch it if you have time and you like Yoochun. And if you want to revel on the uncanny resemblance between Han Ji Min and Kim Jung Eun.

King 2 Hearts – this is one of my highly-anticipated series (hello…Lee Seung Gi! Ha Ji Won!) and I prioritized this at first but delayed watching it when I started to pick up Rooftop Prince. This is probably one of the best cases to why I shouldn’t set my expectations too high since it might ruin my whole viewing experience. I was detached from this whole series since the tone and plot were more serious and layered than I thought. I guess I should’ve paid attention when they were marketing it as a melodrama (the Lee Seungi and Ha Ji Won character stereotypes were clouding my brain). When I also read that Won Bin was also offered the role, I was plain nuts thinking if this series will be more appealing to me IF Won Bin was cast (I can really see him in the role. But then again, it might make me MORE disappointed since there is not enough romance in the series to suit me).

Anyway, expectations aside, this was a solid drama and consistent. If you’re looking for a romantic fix (which was what I was hoping for), this is not the drama for you since the focus is more on the power struggle and the king’s journey to maturity. Watch this if you’re in for layered plots and some political intrigue.

Verdict: Watch if you’re looking for some serious, but not too serious, fare.

Queen In Hyun’s Man – WOW. Dare I say it? One of the best kdramas I’ve ever seen. To think that I wasn’t planning to watch this in the first place since it’s another time-travelling plot (got burned by Rooftop) and it’s in cable (which is hard to look for in cyberspace based on my experience with FBRS and SUFBB). I finally downloaded it when I saw the good initial reviews. Now, if you’re looking for a romantic fix, this is THE series to watch. Seriously, if the romance between the lead pair does not make you weak in the knees (or sweep you off your feet), you might have to swore off romance kdramas as a genre because this is one of the best dynamics I’ve seen from a lead pair. And to drive home the fact that the chemistry is so natural, the leads started dating afterwards. You can just imagine how neurotic I was that day when I got the news.

Watching this is a breeze and good for marathon sessions. The time-travelling element was expertly used and really drove the plot and not just a mere device that keeps the lead pair apart. This series got me hanging on the edge every single time – it will make you sublimely happy one moment, then make you fear for what will happen to them, then back again. It’s a whirlwind of emotions for the entire 16 episodes and you won’t be regretting it. Hell, even the sageuk parts were interesting, and in sufficient doses that a non-sageuk viewer like I can still appreciate. While some may have reservations in the last episode, I think the way it ended was still in keeping with how the series is.

Yoo In Na managed to make her potentially annoying character extremely loveable while Ji Hyun Woo shows how you can look hot even if your bloody and on the brink of death. And that song by Deok Hwan…*sigh*…one of the best OST songs ever used in a series. You’ll understand why when you watch it.

Deok Hwan - I'm Coming to See You

Verdict: if you only have room for one drama this year, this is it. If you just got out of a bad break-up, don’t watch this, it might make you go suicidal. I might be hyping this drama way too much, but, yeah, it’s awesome.

Big – I think this is one of the biggest disappointments in my kdrama watching history. Yep, this coming from someone who still stuck with Cinderella’s Sister until the end. K2H was a disappointment for me because of my expectations but is still arbitrarily a good drama. This on the other hand is a disappointment not only because of my expectations but because the plot itself for the most part makes me want to punch someone out of frustration. I don’t know what the Hong Sisters were drinking when they wrote this (can’t believe that this came in the wake of My GF is a Gumiho and Best Love). And I’m sad that this is Gong Yoo’s comeback drama from the army. Oh well, I don’t doubt that they’ll rebound with a better project next time.

The time-jumps were insane, especially at the end when you finally realize that you just wasted 16 hours of your life when you could’ve just watched 5-minute fanvids of Gong Yoo topless in youtube and get more gratification from it. How can the resolution of the conflict that’s the foundation of your entire plot happen off-screen?

Verdict: Avoid like the plague. Might as well watch other Gong Yoo and Hong Sisters projects

I do, I do – you can almost go no wrong with a Kim Sun Ah drama – at the very least, you would expect amazing acting chops from the whole experience. True enough, you got cute chemistry with this odd noona-dongsaeng relationship, with Lee Jang Woo holding his own in the series.

I haven't finished the series yet (I stopped halfway but I already downloaded the entire drama), but I already want to weigh in on what I thought  since I doubt it will change. The pace is a bit slow for my taste, especially for a premise that you pretty much know from the first episodes on how it will pan out. The steady and uneventful pace does not fuel much excitement out of me, hence the draggy  pace in which I also watch it. The only interesting portions are the ones with the lead pair, the rest are just ho-hum to me.

Verdict: Watch if you're a Kim Sun Ah and/or a Lee Jang Woo fan...and if you have a lot of time.

queen in hyun's man spazzpost

UPDATE: CONFIRMED! It's TRUE!!! Kyaaaaa~~~~~!!!! Also a subbed version of the fancam here I was planning to make my next post about the Korean dramas I've watched for the first half of the year after Queen In Hyun's Man finished airing. But darn, I just saw this headline in my Google Reader this morning:

Actor Ji Hyun Woo confesses, "I sincerely like Yoo In Na"
HOLY @$_)#%*@)(*%)!!! I FREAKING KNEW IT! No couple can make those kisses feel real like they did throughout the freaking series! Suffice to stay, I'm at spazz mode the whole day. I remembered starting QIHM telling myself that this couple should seriously date for real because of that undeniable chemistry (and they look hot together).

Anyway, sadly I can't understand Korean so the fancam footage really didn't help me to deduce if it was for real or just fanservice (but he DID say saranghaeyo right? So it's love not like?). But seriously, why do that for fanservice if the drama already ended? *sigh* Maybe I'm just being delusional (or not, based on the reports so far that point otherwise).

Ack! I know Ji Hyun Woo's going to the army real soon so I don't know how this will pan out. But darn, c'mon at least date! AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

My favorite song from the Queen In Hyun's Man OST...*goosebumps*

dal ja's spring...four years after

I blame this on my recent bizarre dream with the ever adorable Lee Min Ki on it (he wasn't adorable in my dream, but still, hihi), but I find myself digging up videos and reading recaps of Dal Ja's Spring over the net. Blame it on my uber long house arrest due to sore eyes.

Four years after this series originally aired, it is still one of the best kdramas in the list. Well-acted, highly relatable (cmon, it's a 33yr old successful office girl with a hyperactive imagination), realistically (sort of, thematically it is) romantic, and has one of the most well-written kdrama leads in my opinion. Imagine my annoyance when I dug through my kdrama stash and can't find my copy. Oh well, hopefully there's still one available out there.

Sharing one of the good videos I found out there, so happy that there are still those who are making tribute mvs to them until today.



And one of the best discoveries because of this lazy afternoon session:

spare tire - the one who steps in when a hole punctures her life

Can't I Love You? (Dream High OST)

Just finished watching Dream High, technically the first drama I've started and finished in 2011 (since I started Secret Garden last year). Can't believe I managed to finish this series first than My Princess, heehee.

This is my favorite song from the OST...hmmm can't say I can relate but in my alternate universe, I'll just say I can LOL. This first video is the acapella version sung by Sam Dong (Kim Soo Hyun, gawd I love him!) and Pil Sook (IU), which I think is better than the original (how I wish they also made a studio version with them!) Jason's (Wooyoung) reactions are HILARIOUS.



This is the studio version with 2AM's Changmin and Jinwoon, with a lot of cute scenes of the main love triangle.

2010 is done!

2010 is the extension of my year of limbo that was 2009, but thankfully I got stabilized and just "let things flow and pray a lot" early in the year. Note to self: Do not resign in a job unless you have another one on the way, even if you are already itching to get out. Nevertheless, the past 12 months of relative freedom from corporate bondage allowed me more time to explore my various interests and got to know more about myself (and others!) and have a clearer perspective of my future.

HALLYU-much?
I'm a big Korean culture fan since high school but it definitely kicked into high gear (at least in the kpop sense) due to SOMEONE's obsession taking new heights. After much prodding, I went with my friends to the Super Junior concert (seriously, I only have two eyes, how can I devote them equally among 12 guys?). Also enrolled in Kpop dance classes which is the only physical outlet I have despite the amount of free time that I have.
AND we finally booked a trip to Korea in 2011 which I can't wait to plan for. Got heavily involved with MELONA, and converted everyone regarding this heaven-on-a-stick. I also managed to build up my kdrama inventory, which is relatively more interesting compared to previous years. Became thoroughly obsessed with KBS World, particularly 1N2D.

Plane-hopping
More free time means more trips! Went to Bacolod three times this year to visit my brother and relatives. My Bali trip also pushed through, after agonizing periods of number crunching to check if I can pay my travel debts within the year. I'm so glad I didn't miss this trip (had to yet make a formal entry about it *sheepish*). We went to three countries in nine days, with me sporting just one North Face backpack. Bonded a lot with my friends...good times.

Letters
What I did 60% of the time is to just be a freelance writer. I'm blessed that I still have gained an income source while I trudge through the murky waters of job hunting. I managed to meet new people and at the same time, bring me back to my "love" *cough* of research writing. Finally I was able to close the year with another job that I can potentially love.

The rest of the time was devoted to catching up on my reading my stack of books, hehe. I even managed to surprise my friend with a gift while treasure hunting in NBS' old stockpile. Finally got to read Mockingjay and also started on the Libba Bray series (please, i hope I get to finish the third one).

Plans
 Despite my profession, I've never really got to seriously planning about the future (read: the stuff that I can control). This year allowed me to do so, to be more conscious of my money and the investments that I make. Though things may change from what I plan, I'm at a much directed place now compared to before.
And so I conclude my 2010 year-end post by thanking all the important people in my life, and for supporting me during in what seemed to be my lull months. I'm forever grateful for the support, the tolerance(!), the patience, and for being my sounding boards whenever I need one.

Medical report: my kdrama heart as of 2010

I feel somewhat compelled to rush in a couple of quick reviews of all the Korean dramas that I’ve watched for this year because this year was mostly AWESOME for my kdrama heart. The last time I felt so fulfilled in the kdrama scene sense was in 2007 (the year of Dal Ja Spring and Coffee Prince) and since some of you know that I relatively had more free time this year compared to the past, I’ve been downloading and watching away any kdrama that catches my fancy. So here’s a mini-review of the kdramas that I’ve watched this year (by date of airing):

Still, Marry Me
Viewing experience: Kim Bum in a rom-com as a noona killer? Count me in! My bias to this guy and the pseudo-Sex and the City vibe of this series made me eagerly reach out for the next episode at once. 
Pros: If you’re a Kim Bum fan (which I am), especially an old Kim Bum fan (hear hear!), this show is for you. The lead pairing is as adorable and as real (despite the crazy situational setups) in terms of emotions as you can get. The friendship among the three girl leads is top notch, and you won’t be surprised that my favorite out of the three is Bu-Ki. This drama made me more appreciative of my girlfriends (as if I don’t appreciate them enough already!). One of the best and underrated rom-com for this year. 
Cons: Kind of weirded out with the additional love line of Sang Woo and Sang Mi, and I don’t particularly care for their love story at all. Although this love line definitely lends its own take into the big “age issue” that this series treats very well. Anyway, I just think that having your ex-boyfriend currently going out with your current boyfriend’s mom is a bizarre setup.
Verdict: Great series to just watch while curled up in your bed surrounded with comfort food (preferably a goguma among them).

Cinderella’s Sister 
Viewing experience: Wasn’t planning to watch this series, but my kdrama-loving friend told me to give it a try. I knew this series is tending on the angst territory but I was totally enthralled with the first four episodes. But then it went downhill when they all grew up and people just don’t speak what they REALLY feel. Thankfully (or not), I had enough time to finish the rest of the 16 episodes after that.
Pros: Superb acting by Moon Geun Young, Kim Gab Soo, and Lee Mi Sook (OMG she was AMAZING as the mother! I’m not worthy!!!). And I FINALLY get to see why my friend adores Chun Jung Myung (kind of slow on that one, dang, his smile KILLS me…too bad he frowns like 80% of the time). Oh, and a great OST song by Yesung of Super Junior. 
Cons: After episode 7-ish there really is no major progression in terms of the plot. I mean this is the series that got me interested in tasting my first ever cup of makgeolli, but the business aspect dynamics could’ve been more intense (although the rival boss dude was HOT). And man, Chun Jung Myung’s character just STARES like 70% of the time! I preferred the time when he was less jaded (first few episodes) and that the viewer can understand why he’s the only one who can bring out that ice-encased heart of Eun Jo. Too much angst going in circles. Such a waste of what could have been. 
Verdict: Watch the first five episodes just for the awesome acting skills and story potential. I can tell you what happens in the rest in less than five minutes.

Personal Taste
Viewing experience: Highly anticipated series for me because of Lee Min Ho and Sohn Ye Jin. I was not as manic about it as I expected. But it could’ve been worse, hehe. 
Pros: The lead pair chemistry is just lovely. Sohn Ye Jin is absolutely endearing to the core, too bad her character was kind of bland towards the end (I blame the makeover, there’s something about permed hair, hehe). Lee Min Ho was great eye candy and his fashion sense is very trendy. Also love the side characters, even the crazy ones. Oh, and the skinship was great, haha. That “game over” scene totally got me floored. Ryu Seung Ryong (Doo Bin) was also the shining light in this series, playing the closet gay gallery directory with such sensitivity and empathy. 
Cons: The editing was the worst, I wanted to hurl my laptop at that last scene in Episode 8 (seriously, no amount of logic can justify that part). The sound editing was also distracting. And the ending was a bit half-baked, with a lot of the loose ends tied up to hastily with no adequate justification. If I didn’t love the main pair I might’ve ditched this series. Oh, and I was expecting Lee Min Ho to act gay in order to pretend one, which sadly didn’t happen. 
Verdict: Watch it if you’re a Lee Min Ho and/or a Sohn Ye Jin fan. Or if you like pretend-gay setups. Or pretty traditional Korean houses.

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho 
Viewing experience: At the edge of my seat and giddy with excitement at the end of every episode. So happy that the subbing group is fast in doing this one.
Pros: I have this HUGE bias on Lee Seung Gi so I’m sold with this series from the start. The bumbling beta-male is a great fit with him. And he definitely made me cry towards the end of the drama (drat these guys who look splendid when their eyes are brimming with tears!) But the jewel in this series is definitely Shi Min Ah with her sweet portrayal of the gumiho. The main couple grabbed my attention in every scene that they are in, that I don’t care how weird some of the decisions may be or how stock characters the 2nd leads are. I really can’t get enough of the hoi-hoi couple, and I always get hungry when Mi Ho is hungry LOL. The OST too is pretty whimsical and fits the drama well. Another Hong sisters hit in my book. *finger guns* 
Cons: Some tolerance may be needed when it comes to the side characters. The love line between the action school director and Dae Woong’s aunt was funny and cute at first but I grew tired of them midway. 
Verdict: Must watch for anyone who wants a cute romcom tinged with fantasy elements

Playful Kiss
Viewing experience: Struggled through this one. I liked It Started with a Kiss but didn’t watch every episode with bated breath as this coincided with a couple of good dramas. Only got to finish this one at the end of the year.
Pros: Uh, Kim Hyun Joong has improved? Hehehe, well the girl lead is more endearing and easier to empathize with compared to the Taiwanese version (Ariel Lin’s portrayal drove me nuts). Cute visuals. 
Cons: As a Goong fan, I don’t get why the same PD had to replicate the bear scenes again with this one. Even the color scheme of this series is similar to Goong’s. Anyway, I just can’t shake off the similarities. The pace is kind of slow for me, as we’re as usual boggled with why stone-faced Seung Jo won’t admit to his feelings already. 
Verdict: Hmmm, I guess watch this if you have nothing to watch anymore and don’t want to think about anything.

Sungkyunkwan Scandal 
Viewing experience: This is my pleasant surprise series for this year, as I was not initially planning to pick this one up because of the sageuk treatment. But due to the favorable reviews and that I don’t have anything to watch (not to keen on continuing Playful Kiss during that time), I succumbed. And I’m glad I did. 
Pros: The Jalgeum Quartet is the best thing that’s going on for this series. Every member of the group was amazing in his own right. Micky was surprisingly good for an idol-turned-actor. Park Min Young held her ground. Yoo Ah In was drop dead hot and brooding and has cute hiccups. Soong Joong Ki just about killed me with his twirls. The Guhro-Yeorim bromance is up there with the Frodo-Sam pairing, hehe. The setups were carefully laid and I can definitely feel the tension between the lead pairing (before it was revealed that Daemul was a girl). The stare-fest from the lead pairing was awesome. 
Cons: Slightly unsatisfying ending. All the fun was actually before the “OMG he’s a she” moment in my opinion. The last few episodes were unsatisfying in terms of resolution both for the situation conflicts and the characters themselves.
Verdict: Watch this to have an unhealthy bout of fangirling for all the characters. This makes me wish for a Guhro-Yeorim bromance spinoff series. Or at least have one CF starring both characters, hehe.

Mary Stayed Out All Night
Viewing experience: Actual product didn’t meet up to how excited I was when I first heard about this series. Trudging along the series (not done yet) and in no rush to watch the remaining episodes. 
Pros: Total eye candy from Jang Geun Suk, despite making him look like a she. The cuteness of Jang Geun Suk and Moon Geun Young knows no bounds. 
Cons: Unfocused writing and weird characterizations and motivations from the side characters. Sorely underutilized talents from the main leads. So much potential wasted *sigh* and I hear that there will be bizarre situations to come. 
Verdict: Maybe just watch this if you’re a fan of either of the main leads. But then again, just watch their better works.

Secret Garden
Viewing experience: I can’t get enough of this series (so far!) I wasn’t particularly excited about it during the pre-prod days, but dang, I’m addicted. This series is still ongoing so I’m holding out my final verdict.
Pros: AMAZING AMAZING chemistry from Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin. I can dedicate a whole series just about their chemistry. Interesting characterizations about the main leads which keeps you on your toes and glued to the screen on what they’re going to do next. Heartfelt OST that tugs at the heart. Stunning cinematography with a fast-paced, witty dialogue. And it’s chockfull of sizzling bickering which is my kind of dynamic. 
Cons: One might get disturbed on how thin Hyun Bin looks here. Also, the not-so-veiled hints of a “sickness” or something is still keeping me wary from giving my whole heart into this series. And this is the same writer who gave us Lovers in Paris. So yeah, consider us warned. 
Verdict: As long as the writer doesn’t go berserk and gives us a surprise disease from someone and he/she dies as a result, this will be a highly recommended kdrama for me.

That’s it for my kdrama rundown. I was planning to include Coffee House, Baker King Kim Tak Gu, I am Legend, and Runaway but they are all either not watched religiously on my end (just caught some episodes in KBS World) and some I abandoned after watching a few episodes. Whew! I hope 2011 may as well give us great kdramas, it will be the time of musical kdramas during the first part. Particularly excited for What’s Up. My pick for drama of the year will be My Girlfriend is a Gumiho with a possibility of giving way to Secret Garden if the latter keeps up its awesomeness for its last six episodes.

my kdrama heart is congested...

Just when I was bemoaning the fact that I didn't have enough time to withdraw from My GF is a Gumiho, here I am again, bemoaning the fact that I won't be able to have a decent withdrawal period from Sungkyunkwan Scandal. I blame all of this to Secret Garden.

This drama already piqued my interest with the Hyun Bin - Ha Ji Won pairing. I LOVE Hyun Bin in My Name is Kim Sam Soon and I LOVE Ha Ji Won in everything. I wasn't so keen with the body-swap premise of the series but thank you scriptwriter for not rushing us to that and let us get to know the characters. And what characters they are! And the TENSION just about kills me everytime! Love it!

And, oh my, who the heck owns the property that Hyun Bin is living in? Does he own the whole mountain?!?!

Don't you want this as your backyard?

And have a freaking DOCK over a lush pond at the back of your house (with matching lily ponds and willows?!?!)

Where you can sit down, gaze at the stars, and do whatever you want?

my kind of scandal!

I'm kind of apologetic towards My Girlfriend is Gumiho since I haven't withdrawn enough for the series when another epic one totally pulled the rug from under me. This happened after watching the former drama and trying to pick out the next one (since Playful Kiss subs are taking a while)...I decided to go with Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and boy, am I glad I watched this one!

I don't watch sageuk dramas for the main reason that they're pretty long and too serious for my taste. But hey, they said it's a fusion sageuk, a gender-bending one (though not original, I would like one that's nicely pulled off), has Song Joong Ki (whom my friend ADORES) as one of the cast members, and only 20 episodes. And here I am, two months later, totally in love with the Jalgeum Quartet and wishing for more.

Regarding the cast, I just KNEW that there's something about Micky Yoochun eversince their first MV (haha college pa ko nun!)...six years later, I'm glad that he succeeded in this project (one of the better idol/actor transitions). Park Min Young was amazing especially with her low voice and the long dialogue! Yoo Ah In requires my deepest bow of apology since I was mad at him for being Kim So Eun's partner in The Man Who Can't Marry (because she only belongs to Kim Bum! I'm petty like that). Man, this guy OWNED his character! And that hair! How I wish that was his hair in real life! And finally, Song Joong Ki showed his natural ability to make women (and men?) of all ages fall in love with him (coz he's the boss of all of them!)

The locations were absolutely stunning, and VERY picturesque. Seriously, who wouldn't want to get hugged by the man of your dreams in this setting?

Or talk to your servant with beautiful rays of the sun filtering just outside your dorm room?

The chemistry of the cast is great and it shows in the series. I wished that they extended to one more episode because a lot of the subplots are really hastily finished. Nevertheless, I love this series and it's definitely one of the good ones for this year. The abundance of bromance in this drama is enough to get me glued.

Here's one of my favorite fanvids of Moon Jae Shin (Yoo Ah In) and one of my favorite songs in the OST (Too Love - Junsu), too bad he didn't get the girl (never even had the chance to proclaim his feelings! tsk tsk), but I guess Yong Ha will always be there to lessen the pain, hehe.

my boyfriend is Lee Seung Gi --- i wish!

I've been a negligent kdrama addict for the past years by not updating my Top 5 Korean Dramas list. It's just that everytime I decide to update the list, I see another potential list-maker in the works and so held it off.

As I mentioned, the roster of dramas for this year is GREAT. And despite the awesomeness that is Kim Bum and Lee Min Ho in their respective series, I have to give my award for this year (so far, I'm still thinking that Jang Geun Seok will make me eat my words with Mary Stayed Out All Night) to Lee Seung Gi in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho features Cha Dae Woong (Lee Seung Gi) who is a college student and at the same time enters a drama school to fulfill his dreams of being an action star. He accidentally releases a gumiho (a nine-tailed fox, played by Shin Min Ah) who ends up following him.

This series totally blew me with the cuteness. The chemistry is great (props to Shin Min Ah, totally awesome performance) and I love the writing (Hong Sisters, you did it again!). Lee Seung Gi's character was so loveable (classic case when beta-male leads work!) especially when the plot points demand him to basically grow up. Also I think Lee Seung Gi has one of the greatest trying-hard-not-to-cry faces out there, hehe.

Definitely this series will be in my top 5, must start updating my list (geez, Coffee Prince wasn't even included then!).