Chinese Drama : Empresses in the Palace 后宫·甄嬛传

Alternative Title

The Legend of Zhen Huan

Year Released

2011

Genre

Historical fiction

No. of Episodes 

76 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Sun Li, Ada Choi, Chen Jianbin, Li Dongxue, Jiang Xin

Storyline

EITP takes place during the Qing Dynasty under Yongzheng Emperor's (Chen Jianbin) reign. 

It tells the story of Zhen Huan (Sun Li) on how she starts from Emperor's favoured concubine to later an Empress Dowager.

She is often being plotted by Consort Hua (Jiang Xin) and Empress (Ada Choi).

Using her wisdom, she eventually conquered her enemies.

My View

EITP is the best Chinese historical fiction drama which I have watched so far. Even Story of Yanxi Palace has to come in second.

All I can say is that every character suffers (except the Emperor). There is always a reason for one turning into a villain. 

My hubby actually called me (I'm on my way home from work), telling me to hurry up as he was following each episode desperately. I had ordered him not to watch the drama without me. Lol!

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Chinese Drama : Douluo Continent 斗罗大陆

Year Released

2021

Genre

Action, Adventure, Fantasy

No. of Episodes 

40 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Xiao Zhan, Wu Xuanyi

Storyline

This drama is about humans who become soul masters with martial souls when they killed soul beasts. Soul masters attain soul rings of different levels and skills depending on the ages of soul beasts.

There are many ranks ranging from soul master of one soul ring to Titled Douluo of nine soul rings. Soul beasts of 100,000 years old could take the form of a human.

Tang San (Xiao Zhan) has dual martial souls inherited by his father, a Titled Douluo and his mother a soul beast turned human. The former skill is Sky Hammer and latter, Lan Yin Grass.

Tang San grows up together with Xiao Wu (Wu Xuanyi), whose martial soul is a rabbit. She is actually a 100,000 years old soul beast who turned into human form.

The two join Shi Lan Ke, a school who trains soul masters. Together with the rest of the students, all of them work as a team. Shi Lan Ke Seven Weirdos (team name) managed to win a soul masters fighting match organised by Martial Soul Hall.

My View

Douluo Continent is based on a novel written by Tang Jia Shan Shao. The animated version is still on-going. Please do not expect the drama to be exactly the same as it is just forty episodes.

I'm kind of sad as good drama like DLC has these few episodes while some other crappy dramas have about 60 episodes. *rolled eyes*

Can't hardly wait for second season to be out!

Rating

5/5 Stars

Chinese Drama : Ashes of Love 香蜜沉沉烬如霜

Alternative Title

Heavy Sweetness, Ash-like Frost

Year Released

2018

Genre

Romance, Fantasy, Xianxia

No. of Episodes 

63 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Deng Lun, Yang Zi, Luo Yunxi, Chen Yuqi, Zou Tingwei

Storyline

Jinmi (Yang Zi), a six-petal frost flower fairy who thinks of herself as a grape spirit, is actually the daughter of Flower Deity and Water Deity. 

Xufeng (Deng Lun), Heavenly Realm's second prince whose true form of a phoenix. He is Fire Deity and God of War. 

Runyu (Luo Yunxi), eldest prince of Heavenly Realm, half-brother to Xufeng. He is Night Deity and true form of a dragon.

Before Flower Deity passes away, she foresees Jinmi to suffer from a love trial. She then plants a magical pellet into Jinmi's heart. This is to ensure Jinmi does not have any feelings about love.

During one of his rebirths in Heaven, Xufeng accidentally crashes into water mirror (a barrier set by Flower Realm). Jinmi nurses him back to health and the grateful Xufeng helps her to enter Heavenly Realm.

Jinmi accidentally sees Runyu's true form when he is doing night duty. Runyu has emotional scar from his childhood and dislikes others seeing his true form. However, he takes interest in Jinmi for her innocent personality.

When Water Deity and Wind Deity were killed by Xufeng, Jinmi vows revenge. She eventually kills Xufeng on the day of her marriage with Runyu. The magical pellet finally breaks and she spits it out before passing out.

Little did she know, it was Suihe (Wang Yifei), princess of the Bird Tribe in disguise of Xufeng who killed Water and Wind Deity. She wants to separate these two lovebirds for good. Runyu is also involved in manipulating evidences making Jinmi believes Xufeng was the murderer.

Heavenly Emperor Taiwei (He Zhonghua) sacrifices his life to save one last pheonix's soul before it is gone. When Jinmi finally comes back to her senses, she knew that her feelings for Xufeng was true. In order to revive Xufeng, Jinmi loses her ability to see colours.

Xufeng rebirths at Demon Realm and becomes Demon King. One after another misunderstandings come in between Jinmi and Xufeng. Runyu could only stand by Jinmi's side with his unrequited love for her.

A battle breaks out between Heavenly Realm and Demon Realm. Jinmi sacrifices her life to stop it.

My View

My second-ranked xianxia drama after Eternal Love. 

I'm quite touched by Runyu's love for Jinmi like he is such a poor thing.

Plot is well-written and I was quite affected by it especially Lord Doumu's (Li Yixuan) teachings.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : While You Were Sleeping

Year Released

2017

Genre

Romance, Fantasy, Thriller, Legal drama

No. of Episodes 

32 - running time of 30 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Jung Hae-in, Lee Sang-yeob

Storyline

Reporter Nam Hong-joo (Bae Suzy), prosecutor Jung Jae-chan (Lee Jong-suk) and police officer Han Woo-tak (Jung Hae-in) are able to foresee future in their dreams. The truth they hold vary individually.

The trio try to solve cases with hints from their dreams and eventually take down corrupt lawyer Lee Yoo-beom (Lee Sang-yeob). 

Woo-tak's secret is soon to be revealed when he sits for court hearing. He sacrifices himself to help resolve a case.

My View

Park Hye-ryun is one of the great drama scriptwriters out there. 

I was completely blown away when I watched the first episode.

Each of the crime cases are particularly good. I could still remember crying like mad for one of them. 

It still hurts to this day. I'm emo like that probably because I'm a parent now.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : The Heirs

Alternative Title

The Inheritors

Year Released

2013

Genre

Romance, Teen

No. of Episodes 

20 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Min-ho, Kim Woo-bin, Park Shin-hye

Storyline

The Heirs takes place in a school attended by second generation chaebols. They abuse their authority on other students because of their rich families background.

Cha Eun-sang's (Park Shin-hye) mother works as Kim Tan's (Lee Min-ho) family helper. She stays at his house and also attends the same school as him. As no one knows where Eun-sang comes from, the chaebols are curious of her identity. 

Choi Young-do (Kim Woo-bin) takes an interest in Eun-sang and tries to win her heart over from Kim Tan.

My View

It feels weird to see the A-list stars in this drama playing second and third leads. 

Look at Kim Ji-won, Krystal, Kang Ha-Neul and Park Hyung-sik. 

Once in a while, watching their early dramas makes me want to laugh out loud. I quite like the stars combination.

Rating

4/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : The Beauty Inside

Year Released

2018

Genre

Romance, Melodrama, Fantasy

No. of Episodes 

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Seo Hyun-jin, Lee Min-ki, Lee Da-hee, Ahn Jae-hyun

Storyline

Han Se-gye (Seo Hyun-jin) is an actress who changes into someone else every month. Seo Do-jae (Lee Min-ki) is an executive director of an airline company. He suffers from face blindness due to an accident years ago.

Se-gye and Do-jae get close together when Se-gye becomes spokesperson for his airline. From there, Do-jae realises her special face changing illness. He is amused and would like to know more about her.

Se-gye accepts Do-jae's face blindness condition and the pair started on serious relationship. Little did she know that she was the cause of it all.

My View

The story is bizarre and I quite like it since this is fantasy. I have re-watched this drama multiple times and never get tired of it.

Seo Hyun-jin is extremely beautiful that I fell in love with her too.

At the end of the day, what matters most is to accept yourself for who you are.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

Alternative Title

Strong Girl Bong-soon

Year Released

2017

Genre

Romance comedy, Fantasy, Thriller, Action

No. of Episodes 

16 + 1 special - running time of 63-70 minutes per episode

Starring

Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, Ji Soo

Storyline

Do Bong-soon (Park Bo-young) was born with superhuman strength. However, she will lose her superpower if she uses it to take innocent human lives. Bong-soon has a crush on In Guk-doo (Ji Soo), a police officer.

Bong-soon is hired as bodyguard to CEO Ahn Min-hyuk (Park Hyung-sik) at his gaming company. Min-hyuk takes interest in Bong-soon at first sight when he saw her using superhuman strength to fight off gangsters.

Min-hyuk helps Bong-soon to train and control her strength. They captured a serial killer together. The pair then move on from normal friends to a serious relationship.

My View

I'm super impressed by Ajusshi Kim Won-hae in his character Oh Hol-ppyeo. He is terribly versatile in his role. Took my hats off for him. Even the main leads could not focus properly due to laughing too much during BTS.

The love between Park Bo-young and Park Hyung-sik is beautiful. Makes you feel like those puppy love in high school. Just so adorable.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Reply 1988

Year Released 

2015 - 2016 

Genre 

Comedy, Romance, Family, Slice of life

No. of Episodes 

20 - running time of 90-110 minutes per episode 

Starring 

Park Bo-gum, Lee Hye-ri, Go Kyung-pyo, Ryu Jun-yeol, Lee Dong-hwi 

Storyline 

A family drama involving five families living together in the same neighbourhood.

Lots of fun, laughter and warmth holding everyone closely for years. 

My View 

Each family has their fair share on good and bad in life. I like it how everyone is being connected somehow.

Do not miss even a second of the drama because it is that good. 

Rating 

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Queen Seondeok

Year Released

2009

Genre

Historical period, Action, Romance

No. of Episodes 

62 - running time of about 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Yo-won, Uhm Tae-woong, Kim Nam-gil, Park Ye-jin, Go Hyun-jung

Storyline

Princess Deokman, later Queen Seondeok (Lee Yo-won) and Princess Cheonmyeong (Park Ye-jin) are twin sisters separated at birth due to a prophecy. It is said that should there be twins born as Kingdom's heirs, the rest of the descendants would die in an early age.

Royal concubine Lady Mishil (Go Hyun-jung) gains control of the royals. King Jinpyeong (Jo Min-ki) and Queen Maya (Yoon Yoo-sun) are rather afraid of her since she has the prime minister Sejong (Dokgo Young-jae) and minister of defence Seolwon (Jeon No-min) supporting her.

Kim Yushin (Uhm Tae-woong) is a warrior with vision in unifying three kingdoms (mainly Baekje, Goryeo and Silla) under Silla's rule. His father (Jung Sung-mo) is of Gaya descent and mother is Lady Manmyeong (Im Ye-jin) who is King Jinpyeong's elder sister.

Bidam (Kim Nam-gil) as Lady Mishil's son who pursues her mother's path to take over the country.

My View

This is the best historical drama I have watched so far. The plot is well written that I'm taken aback at times while following each episode. Especially when Deokman and Lady Mishil fighting against each other with their wits.

The show revolves around Go Hyun-jung but towards the end Kim Nam-gil plays quite an important part too.

Can't believe that Yoo Seung-ho, Kim Yoo-jung, Nam Ji-hyun are soso young back then.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Prison Playbook

Alternative Title

Wise Prison Life

Year Released

2017 - 2018

Genre

Black comedy

No. of Episodes 

16 - running time of 90 minutes per episode

Starring

Park Hae-soo, Jung Kyung-ho, Jung Woong-in, Choi Moo-sung, Lee Kyu-hyung, Jung Hae-in, Park Ho-san, Jung Min-sung, Ahn Chang-hwan, Kang Seung-yoon

Storyline

It all started with Kim Je-hyuk (Park Hae-soo), a professional baseball player, who was sent to jail when he injured a sexual attacker from harming his younger sister.

From Seobu Detention Center to Seobu Penitentiary, he came across all sorts of convicts. There are scammers, murderers, drug addicts, thieves etc. Each one has a story to tell.

My View

As per the genre which is self-explanatory, this drama is filled with too many lame jokes. I enjoyed every single bit of it. From convicts to prison wardens all played by veteran actors. If you watched enough K-dramas, you could spot some cameos who are main or second leads in other dramas.

Jung Woong-in is one of my favourite actors. Though most of his roles are villian types, he truly excels in what he does.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Come Back Mister

Year Released

2016

Genre

Romance, Comedy, Melodrama, Family

No. of Episodes 

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Rain, Oh Yeon-seo, Ki In-kwon, Kim Soo-ro, Lee Min-jung, Honey Lee, Choi Won-young

Storyline

Kim Young-soo (Kim In-kwon) works in the department store and accidentally falls off the roof and died. Han Gi-tak (Kim Soo-ro) was killed in a car accident at the same time as Young-soo. They both met while on the way in the afterlife and decided to return to mortal world.

They were assigned to come back in new bodies. Young-soo as Lee Hae-joon (Rain) and Gi-tak as Han Hong-nan (Oh Yeon-seo). 

Shin Da-hye (Lee Min-jung) is Young-soo's wife. Song Yi-yeon (Honey Lee) is Gi-tak's love interest. Cha Jae-gook (Choi Won-young) as Yi-yeon's ex-husband.

There is a special reason that it must be Young-soo and Gi-tak to be sent back to life.   

My View

You may find the first two episodes to be slow and boring. But, please bear with it and do not fast forward any scenes. Everything is connected and once you understand it, it all makes sense.

This drama is highly entertaining and I especially love Rain and Yeon-seo together. I'm laughing this very second, and the next moment, I'm sobbing so much like the world has collapsed.

Do not miss out at the end of each episodes about Hae-joon. It is really funny actually.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : My Secret Romance

Year Released

2017

Genre

Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes 

13 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Sung Hoon, Song Ji-eun

Storyline

Cha Jin-wook (Sung Hoon) is a chaebol (meaning a large family-owned business conglomerate) and director of a company. Lee Yoo-mi (Song Ji-eun) works as a Nutritionist at Jin-wook's company cafeteria. She is an insecure lady due to her mother's job nature in the entertainment industry.

Both leads met three years ago at a resort and spent the night together. Yoo-mi left without a word after that. Jin-wook could not forget Yoo-mi and became a workaholic. When Yoo-mi started working at his company, he vowed revenge but in fact was looking to rekindle their love.

Jin-wook mistook Yoo-mi's three years old half-brother as her son. Though the misunderstanding was cleared later, this issue estranged their relationship badly. So much so that Yoo-mi decided to leave Jin-wook for good.

By overcaming multiple obstacles, the couple finally ended up together.

My View

Sung Hoon is too handsome. He doesn't need to do anything, just smirk and all girls will melt. Ji-eun is a sweet girl too and the chemistry between both leads is pretty amazing.

I remembered a quote from one of the episodes. "One plus one equals to two, but when two minus one, it does not equals to one anymore". That feel is still in my mind sometimes.

I'm surprised to see a romance drama distributed by OCN channel. As OCN targets mostly on thrillers and crimes.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Legend of the Blue Sea

Year Released

2016 - 2017

Genre

Romance, Comedy, Fantasy 

No. of Episodes 

20 + 1 special - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Min-ho

Storyline

Lee Min-ho plays two characters, Kim Dam-ryeong (from Joseon era) and Heo Joon-jae (from modern era). 

Jun Ji-hyun acts as Se-hwa (a mermaid during Joseon era) and Shim Cheong (a mermaid in the modern era).

Dam-ryeong and Se-hwa have an ill-fated love whereby the former was killed by greedy noblemen (going after mermaid's tears), and the latter decided to die together with Dam-ryeong.

Fast forward to modern era, Joon-jae, a con-artist who met up with Shim Cheong while he was in Spain for vacation. Joon-jae slowly built up his feelings for Shim Cheong though he knew about her mermaid's identity.

Joon-jae unexpectedly discovered Dam-ryeong's belongings in an exhibition. Dam-ryeong left a message (for Joon-jae) about his dreams. Dam-ryeong mentioned that history would repeat itself with Joon-jae and Shim Cheong both ended up in tragedy.

My View

I could still remember the time when Joon-jae (who was able to listen to Shim Cheong's mind) went crazy listening to Shim Cheong all the time.

There was this cute part where a fellow merman (Jo Jung-suk) taught Shim Cheong how to earn monies by crying. Their tears literally turned into pearls.

Shim Cheong's character is pretty adorable having all sorts of childish actions while staying at Joon-jae's home.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : A Korean Odyssey

Year Released

2017 - 2018

Genre

Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Horror

No. of Episodes 

20 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Seung-gi, Cha Seung-won, Oh Yeon-seo, Lee Hong-gi, Jang Gwang

Storyline

Son Oh-gong (Lee Seung-gi) aka the Monkey King was imprisoned in a magical house by Heaven for his crimes. Woo Ma-wang (Cha Seung-won) has a love-hate relationship with Oh-gong. The duo often bickers like little boys but, deep down inside, they cared for each other a lot.

Jeo Pal-gye (Lee Hong-gi), a pig demon disguising as an idol under Ma-wang's entertainment company. Sa Oh-jeong (Jang Gwang) is a CEO of mobile phone manufacturing company. Oh-jeong treats Oh-gong like his elder brother and respects him very much.

Jin Seon-mi (Oh Yeon-seo) aka Sam-jang owns a real estate company. She deals with haunted buildings at a lower price as she is able to see ghosts since young. Sam-jang once released Oh-gong from being trapped in magical house.

My View

I must admit the horror dramas, especially those written by Hong sisters, are usually extremely frightening. The trailer showing young Jin Seon-mi encountering a ghost in her school freaked me out big time. My heart skipped a beat and I could not move for several seconds.

Most of the ghosts or demons featured in AKO are absolutely scary. I don't even dare to find out what's next.

Cha Seung-won's acting skill is truly superb. I was laughing hysterically whenever he acted up.

I can't think of any other actor apart from Lee Seung-gi for Son Oh-gong's role. He is certainly suitable for it with his "attitude problem" look.  

I'm very satisfied with AKO's ending.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Kingdom

Year Released

Season 1 (2019), Season 2 (2020)

Genre

Political drama, Horror, Historical period, Thriller

No. of Episodes 

Season 1 (6), Season 2 (6) + 1 special - running time of about 36 to 56 minutes per episode

Starring

Ju Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na, Kim Sang-ho

Storyline

Season One

Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) is a Joseon Dynasty Crown Prince. He and his bodyguard Mu-yeong (Kim Sang-ho) came across a plaque at Southern province of Gyeongsang. In a clinic, patients who were fed the meat of a deceased (bitten by the late King), turned into zombies at night. Physician assisant, Seo-bi (Bae Doo-na) is looking for the cause and cure of zombies' bewildered behaviour.

Chief State Councillor Lord Cho Hak-ju (Ryu Seung-ryong) is involved in creating zombies and manipulating the Royals. 

Season Two

Zombies are able to appear during daytime unlike in the past.

Seo-bi found the cause and cure for zombies. She was unaware that there were more to it apart from her findings.

Queen Consort Cho stole Mu-yeong's son and that young boy was made the next Crown Prince.

My View

I'm not sure why but maybe because Kingdom is a Netflix's production, so the cinematography is quite different from usual K-drama. 

I'm a fan of fantasy dramas where everything doesn't make sense. But, Kingdom's plot is quite logical when the show revealed its cause for zombies' creation.

At the end of Season One, when those zombies were able to move under the sun, I was literally shocked.

Can't wait for sidequel - Kingdom: Anshin of the North - played by my favourite Korean actress, Jun Ji-hyun.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

Alternative Title

The Lonely Shining God - Goblin

Year Released

2016 - 2017

Genre

Romance, Fantasy, Comedy

No. of Episodes 

16 + 3 specials - running time of about 60 to 90 minutes per episode

Starring

Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, Yook Sung-jae

Storyline

Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) is a general from Goryeo Dynasty who was killed after being framed as a traitor. He was then cursed with immortality and only his Goblin bride could lift the curse by pulling out the sword stuck in his chest.

Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) lives a tragic life. She could see ghosts and found out that her dead mother's soul had accompanied her all along. After which, Eun-tak was put under her gold-digging Aunt's family care who were just eyeing for her mother's insurance payout.

Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook) has been trying to collect Eun-tak's soul as she was supposed to be dead at birth. But, Eun-tak's (who is destined to be Goblin's bride) death was being put on hold time and again.

Sunny (Yoo In-na) opens a fried chicken restaurant and is Eun-tak's boss. She is also Kim Shin's past life's sister. Yoo Deok-hwa (Yook Sung-jae) aka the Goblin's nephew in disguise. His ancestors had been taking care of Kim Shin since Goryeo Dynasty.

My View

This drama makes me wonder what happens in the afterlife. Lots of regrets and worries for my loved ones when I leave some day.

Most of the hilarious moments are when Kim Shin, Grim Reaper and Eun-tak staying under one roof. The filming scenes in Canada makes me want to travel there one day. I definitely will stay in Hotel Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. 

There is this Goryeo Dynasty minister's ghost living in the modern world. The part where he showed up and tried to kill Kim Shin was rather scary. I had goosebumps watching that episode.

Another one is when Eun-tak realised that her ghost friend during middle school was her mother's best friend. I have forgotten about it until I played a trailer in public. The scene is that good and I cried on the spot.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Descendants of the Sun

Year Released

2016

Genre

Romance, Melodrama, Action

No. of Episodes 

16 + 3 special - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring 

Song Hye-kyo, Song Joong-ki, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won

Storyline

Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki) and Seo Dae-young (Jin Goo) are with the South Korean Special Forces unit. Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo) is a doctor while Yoon Myung-joo (Kim Ji-won) is an army surgeon.

Both Si-jin and Mo-yeon were attracted to each other at first sight. However, due to Captain Yoo's job nature, the couple could not have proper dates which hindered their relationship. Dae-young and Myung-joo faced difficulties as well since Myung-joo's father opposed them being together.

All four leads met up by chance in Uruk months later. After being through thick and thin during an earthquake and viral epidemic, they were finally able to overcome obstacles among themselves.    

My View

This drama has a fair share of funny and sad scenes. Those hilarious ones happens around Mo-yeon's colleagues and the four leads' jealousy.

As for the sad part would be rescuing earthquake's victims in Uruk. A lot of quick decisions had to be made in order to minimise further impact.

Rating

5/5 Stars