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My Last Scandal far exceeded my expectations. I love kdramas, but I'm also tired of the lack of original plot lines in many of the stories. Not so here. Please hang in there during the first few episodes...it's worth it! The depth and development of each character is realistic and resonated with me. I loved many moments in this drama, but my favorite scene, by far, is 14 minutes into episode 15. Wow, so powerful and moving. I loved this drama; it's so well done.
You will either love or hate this drama (as you can tell by previous reviews). There are so many words with which to describe Que Sera Sera but, ultimately, you'll never forget it. That's the highest compliment. The actors did their respective roles with such realism, it did not seem forced or dull at any moment. Every character was multi-layered and sympathetic in some way (no crazy vindictive psychos here, thankfully). It's unconventional and risqué, which I found interesting and refreshing. Not perfect by any means, but there is a quality about Que Sera, Sera that just pulled me in and captivated me. This drama has a grown up/complicated feel, which is not the norm in K-dramas. Certainly an acquired taste and definitely worth watching!
Short, sweet & memorable, this film will touch your heart. This couple exude such warmth for each other! This film had such a haunting quality; it just stayed with me for a long time. Highly recommended!
I rarely give 5 stars because no drama is perfect, but Jumong is as good as it gets. Amazing, amazing characterization and highly addicting. Made a fan out of me of Song ll Guk & Hae Jin. Fair warning, if you start watching this drama, you're looking at sleep deprivation and completely ignoring your responsibilities (family, work, school, hygiene) lol...Jumong has the best elements in a K-drama; it grips your heart and doesn't let go. You'll experience a wide range of intense emotions as you follow the characters, which speaks to the actors' skills in emoting and communicating even without words. Although I have enjoyed countless k-dramas, few have stayed with me as this one has. Watch Jumong; it's a treat to your senses! (Update: Another drama, Crime Squad, features some of the Jumong cast: Song ll Guk & Ji Hyo)
This drama is perfection. It's one of the few that I gave 5 full stars to, like Coffee Prince & Jumong. I basically put my life on hold and finished 20 episodes in 2 days lol. We hear the word "chemistry" a lot in describing the dynamic between actors, and I have to say...the attraction between the leads is strong and very real; many of their scenes together are emotionally intense! Another plus--they ended this drama at just the right time, instead of making it drag like other shows. Also, the ending is not tragic--gasp!--a true rarity in K-dramas!
IRIS got such high reviews for too many reasons to list. But for starters, it's a thrilling, tightly paced, addicting drama. First off, this is well cast by a powerhouse of actors/entertainers; Lee Byung Hun, Jung Joon Ho, and T.O.P. (need I say more?) I found myself investing in the characters and growing increasingly interested in the choices they made that culminated in surprising twists and moral ambiguities. Thrilling, action-packed...and inherently romantic; the love story was essential to the storyline. Like many viewers already commented, the ending was plain BAD. No need for spoilers, but it is fair to tell you that the final scene was completely unnecessary and an overkill--pun intended. But don't let one bad scene (literally, the last few minutes of the show) spoil an otherwise excellent, tightly-paced drama. You'll enjoy watching this one--IRIS is highly recommended!
o.O that towel scene in EP5 is going down in Kdrama history. What a fine, FINE looking man!! Poor Eun Bi *sarcasm* how can a girl choose between such a hunky, thoughtful "husband" & his BROTHER cute, vulnerable Cha--who also made Kdrama history with the best on-screen kisses we've seen *fans self* Talk about keeping it in the family! Heh. I'm enjoying every minute lol... Creators of this drama know exactly what we girls like & they're giving it to us en masse! The Ba-Wool/ Hyun-Woo bromance is also adorable and so funny! (Something about this drama reminds me of Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Regardless of time period, eye candy & good storytelling are a dynamic duo)... Every episode of Flower Boy Ramen Shop will have your inner fan girl squealing in glee!
I can't say enough good things about this amazing drama. Top notch acting, compelling characters, consequences to the decisions we make, betrayal, secrets, intense sexual tension, and love so deep between the two leads, it's just--WOW! Some elements are bittersweet, and the ending can definitely be better. Overall , I highly recommend Lovers. It'll get your attention and maintain it throughout.
I was gripped by this drama from the get-go. Once Upon a Time in Saengchori is original, well cast and so entertaining! It combines suspense, romance, humor (so funny!) in such a seamless way. Not perfect but very, very good. I recommend it.
The title is such a misnomer; baseball is merely used as a metaphor in the "game" of love. It's the age old question: Can men and women REALLY be friends? The deep friendship between the two leads was a joy to watch. It was hopeful, confusing, warm, and comfortable in the way familiar things are. I love the "situation" they found themselves in...a man and a woman--best friends, no less!-- moving in together and pretending that they're not attracted to each other...lol...On a more superficial note, can the leading man get any more attractive? O.o wow
I don't know how they did it, but I found myself rooting for Hwan at some point in this drama. He completely redeemed himself; the effort he put into showing his love for Eun Sung and his grandmother completely won me over. Great acting all around...the good guys are really good and the bad guys are despicable. Sung Hee's malice was too much for me to take at times, but it heightened the stakes and added depth to this drama. Like other solid K-dramas, you can expect a lot of great one-liners and insights into the human condition/what motivates people. Although there are truly heartbreaking moments, this is ultimately a feel-good drama, unlike others that ruin an otherwise good plot by a depressing ending. Overall, a 5/5 rating for an unforgettable story. Watch this!!
Personal Taste was MY first taste of Korean Dramas. And the rest, as they say, was history! I didn't know what I was getting into from the first episode, but before I could process what was going on, I was clicking on the next one, and the next one...From the storyline to the cast to the plot twists, things came together and created the perfect blend of addicting, addicting storytelling!
I'm usually enamored by male eye candy in Kdramas (and this one's no exception) but I also have to give props to Go Hyun Jung, who has consistently demanded my attention and respect as an actress. She was superb as Mishil in QSD, and she did not disappoint in this drama; she was just excellent. Enter 2 hot men who are both pursing her at the same time--gotta love Kdramas for that plot device! The main romance is with the younger man, who is her best friend's brother. I liked that the writers didn't approach the age difference with an offhanded "age 'aint nothin' but a number" philosophy. That would have been unrealistic and insulting to the viewers' intelligence. Instead, they managed to incorporate humor, love, necessary sacrifice, family dynamics, and natural consequences to decisions--the blend of these issues worked so well to create a solid drama. Expect controversy, heart-warming scenes, & hilarious situations... This one's highly recommend!
There are reasons why this drama has a cult-like following! Coffee Prince set the standard by which all others dramas are compared. You will probably stay up into the wee hours watching this, but it's worth the sleepless nights. Coffee Prince will stay with you long after the last episode. The chemistry between the leads is intense to the max. They are so into each other, it's as if there is no camera present and we're watching private moments. The leading man, besides being unbelievably attractive, portrays the angst/struggle of his character quite well. Episode 9--Wow, for so many reasons. I literally held my breath in some scenes. Coffee Prince stands out as one of my all-time favorite K-dramas among the many I have enjoyed. Watch it!
This is one of those dramas that shouldn't be judged by first impressions. It's not as shallow or cheesy as it may initially appear (there are some "interesting" sound effects and humor styles). I was so pleasantly SURPRISED by how the characters in this drama pulled me in and won me over. I also appreciated the metaphors used--I'm never looking at potatoes the same way again :) The love story is amazing and will touch your heart for sure!! (And I must say that Cha Seung Won can really kiss--whoa!) Greatest Love is such a heartwarming drama all around--from beginning to end.
That fact alone should make you drop everything and watch this! This drama really packs a punch. It has everything we've come to love in Kdramas. The acting was so realistic and engrossing, it was almost uncomfortable to watch at times. I would be laughing like a maniac in one scene and be tearing up in the next one!! Really emotionally touching and pulls on your heart strings in so many ways. But the icing on the cake is the ending...so, so good and uplifting. Truly a story of redemption and grace.
Whatever your reasons for watching Crime Squad, the character growth and tight-knit relationships will keep you coming back. Even if your sole motivation is more screen time of the uber-manly Song Il Gook, you will soon fall in love with the entire cast. They clearly have chemistry and work so well together (Song Il Gook & Song Ju Hyo worked together in Jumong, an excellent Kdrama). Some police behavior and interrogation techniques are...questionable, to say the least. It reminds me of an older American procedural, NYPD blue, with temperamental but well-intentioned detectives. Crime Squad delivers great storytelling, solid acting, and thought-provoking insights into how one decision can change the course of many human lives. A top pick for sure!
Sungkyunkwan Scandal should be in the queue of every Kdrama addict-seriously! Its 5/5 rating and loyal fan following are well deserved. This drama is uplifting and feel-good all around. Everything worked: Plot twists, sizzling romance between the leads, unforgettable scenes (the roommate situation always did me in) and the cast. I really fell in love with the characters! The infamous-and HOT- "crazy horse", the nerdy Conficus-quoting student, Sun Joo's hilarious male servant w/ his social commentary, and one of my favorites--Yong Ha! I couldn't help but smile (or laugh out loud) whenever Yong Ha appeared on the screen in all his fashionable, flirtatious, splendid glory...not to mention the epic Bromance between Yong Ha & Jae Shin that drove women crazy. What a duo! Those of us who watched know exactly what I am referring to--swoon! This drama was SO GOOD, I didn't want it to end. Even after enjoying other dramas, you'll come back to watch this again and again--yeah, it's that good!
Dear viewer: You're about to enter a world of angst and passive aggressive love triangles. If this is your cup of tea, go for it! As a melodrama, this show was emotionally exhausting at times, with such unreasonable characters that honestly deserve to be institutionalized or arrested. Now, let's talk about the main lead. Rain (Bi) is hot-- absolutely no doubt about it. The other leading man is also easy on the eyes. So your hormones will appreciate the abundance of eye candy. However--the writers overdid the "jerk" phase of Rain's character. His behavior was inexcusable during the first 9 episodes; eye candy or no, I couldn't quite get over his actions. He does reform and realize the error of his ways, but the change is harder to swallow because not as much time is given to the sweeter aspect of his character. Another K-drama, Shinning Inheritance, did this right and successfully pulled off a dramatic character change. Overall, this is a decent and entertaining drama, but I did not love it.
Wow, what a ride! I appreciated the tight pacing of this drama. Always interesting, with no lags or unnecessary scenes/ episodes. The unfolding mysteries within the storyline held my attention throughout and I enjoyed the romantic relationship between the leads--their attraction was both realistic and compelling. Kudos for weaving in the fascinating aspects of ancient artifacts and cultural art pieces....and, of course, 3 cheers for Kim Sun Ah-- that woman can act!! All in all, a great drama-- I loved it!
If you're entertained by subtle (and not so subtle) court intrigue, romance, power struggles and a peek into palace life, then look no further than Queen Seon Duk. Even if historicals are not your cup of tea, your preferences will permanently change after watching this. It is rare to experience a drama where I did not only root for the underdog, but also gained some compassion and understanding for the "bad guys". Lady Mishil is a most memorable villain! Her acting/character development was just amazing. It was easy to hate her evil schemes, but I also felt a grudging admiration for her--what a scene stealer! Like other excellent historical Korean dramas, this one completely hijacked my emotions! The characters were multi-layered and the twists of the story were entirely addictive (so get ready to lose some sleep). Queen Seon Duk is among my top picks; right up there with Jumong, Yi San, and Sungkyunkwan Scandal!
Sink your teeth into this drama (lame pun intended) --it's so good! Vampire Prosecutor is inherently an investigative procedural with a supernatural twist. Our leading man uses his Vampiric prowess to solve violent crimes. The truth is in the blood--a taste of a victim's blood shows him glimpses of the last moments before death. Thrilling, sympathetic and so fresh--this show is a pleasure to watch. The biggest mystery surrounds Prosecutor Min Tae Yoon, tragic past in tow, who was turned into a Vampire under murky circumstances by his mysterious sire. We're given juicy tidbits of clues along the way, and episodes get more interesting as characters continue to develop and the story gains depth. Top ratings for this innovative new drama, one of the best I've seen. Prosecutor Min Tae Yoon is such a boss in the season finale--twists & plot developments kept coming up until the very end! Season 2, hurry up...we want more, please!
I invested 77 hours of my life and many sleepless nights on this drama. The acting is superb (loved the child actors!) and I got caught up in the fascinating historical setting and relationships. A lot of insight here about human nature and the love story between the leads is among my top picks in Kdramas. Ladies, get ready to swoon every time Lee Seo Jin smiles--those dimples! He's so attractive. I didn't give Yi San a full 5 stars because some parts were too tragic (not bittersweet; just bitter). Heart-wrenching scenes are a standard in historical Korean dramas, but I was so invested in this...I found myself completely choked up during several scenes. The angst! My overall recommendation: This drama is worthwhile. It will entertain you, but more importantly this drama will move you on an emotional level.
I loved this film. There's something about the camera work that made me feel like I was right there in the moment. So realistic in every way, from the locations to the amazing delivery of the characters in their roles; they did not seem like they were "acting" at all. The child actress was phenomenal and will touch your heart. Please watch this film--you won't regret it!
I'm surprised, in the best way, by how DIFFERENT this drama is from the norm; it's in a class by itself! I love Kdramas, but as part of the package I've learned to endure repetitive story lines, childish/weak heroines, and unrealistically psychotic characters. But, at last, no crazies that need to be institutionalized; each character is sympathetic and relateable on a human level. The main actress actually has a backbone, will power, and true character. Our two leads have a passionate, grown up, and complicated relationship. No awkward love scenes where actors don't even know how to kiss--these two know their stuff. Another surprise was Ji Hyung's mother--her portrayal of motherhood blew me away! In classic Kdrama style, there is such nuance and emotional depth in this story...it's painful to watch sometimes--that's how real it seems. If this type of drama appeals to you (complicated, adult, realistic, emotionally-charged, somewhat risque), then you may also enjoy Soulmate, 9 End 2 Outs, and Que Sera Sera.
This show only got better as it progressed. I just about died of laughter at the end of episode 6--hilarious!! This was the first drama that I reviewed before I finished it because I just couldn't help myself. Having enjoyed it to the very end, I still feel the same way. Although the comedic element is strong here, the female characters were also very sympathetic. At the age of 30, they were already labeled "old maids" by their society and they struggled with the double-edged sword of being highly educated women in the world of dating. Viewers will resonate with the characters' somewhat conflicting emotions and desires--striving for independence and success, saving face, feeling simultaneously envious/happy for friends, and balancing personal wants/sacrifice for the sake of lasting love. A great mix of romance, comedy, and strong friendships.
Watch this! I'm not usually into this type of show, but the set-up allows for hilarious moments, the element of surprise, and exes trying to act cool when they're actually jealous (which is always entertaining lol). I initially started watching this in between shows because I needed to lighten my mood after heavy K-dramas, but ended up LOVING IT. It's so funny and entertaining--I promise you'll like it =)
The title of this drama is somewhat of a misnomer; this is not a sequel to the original Iljimae, but a stand-alone story of Iljimae's adventures. The filming and natural beauty of the scenery was literally breathtaking! But I have to say, the pacing isn't well done; some parts are too slow and just drag. The narrator guides the viewer from the present to historical times in a seamless, witty style. Wacky characters also add a lot of humor to this drama. How did the writers come up with the horizontal-walking meowing guy? Too funny!
I wanted to like this drama because I like the cohab-situation in which the actors are placed, but it didn't quite do it for me. Although this drama had it's funny, sweet, intense and romantic moments, it didn't stand out like other Kdramas of the same genre. Other dramas that did this romance/living situation plot better: Personal Taste, 9 End 2 Outs, Shining Inheritance, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and Smile, You.
Because this drama is SO MUCH BETTER than it appears! Here's what you can expect: A blend of comedy (hilarious grandparents), drama, romance, and a few characters you just want to bit** slap during some episodes...but it all works so well together! The family dynamics are true to life and the chemistry between the leads is very real! Another thing I appreciated: The ending was feel-good and sweet (not unnecessarily depressing like other dramas). Watch this--it's really, really good.
People, this is a lighthearted show not a deep K-drama about the human condition. I think if you approach this show with that mindset, it's fun and entertaining. I get my fix of rich character development from other K-dramas that are geared toward a more serious plot. Manny is just not that type of show. So just enjoy it for what it is because it has many great moments. By the way, my favorite character is the "SURPRIIIISEEE" lady...lol...she's down-to-earth and I never know what's going to come out of her mouth next!
Hits every emotion...so, so satisfying!
Yes, it's a long drama, but hang in there, people! It's worth it.There is something special about this drama that just taps into universal feelings we can all identify with. Wow...when I laughed, I laughed hard and from my heart in this drama. When characters were unreasonable, I was so outraged! Some scenes were particularly emotional, romantic, and SO SWEET... just moves the heart! There are too many memorable scenes to mention; it's that good. Smile, You is a gem!