Korean Drama : Shopping King Louie

Year Released

2016

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Seo In-guk, Nam Ji-hyun

Storyline

Louis (Seo In-guk) is the last surviving heir of chaebol chairman. Having grown up in a sheltered and pampered environment in France, he turns to retail therapy to curb his loneliness.

One day, Louis loses his memory and meets Ko Bok-shil (Nam Ji-hyun), a pure and energetic woman from the countryside. 

Both Bok-shil and Louis's personality is complete opposite. While the former saves up everything, the latter buys anything that he wants at any price.

My View

An okay plotline, nothing much about this drama.

Rating

2/5 Stars

Korean Drama : She Knows Everything

Year Released

2020

Genre

Mystery, Crime

No. of Episodes 

4 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Kang Sung-yun, Jo Han-sun

Storyline

It all started with a murder case at an apartment complex which is about to go under re-construction. Lee Goong-bok (Kang Sung-yun) where everyone calls her Miss Lee is a real estate agent who is in charge of the apartments there.

In Cheol-ho is a veteran detective in charge of the homicide case.

My View

Quite a few twists in this story and things really not as what it seems to be.

A good watch as well since it is only 4 episodes.

Rating 

4/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : 7 First Kisses

Year Released

2016 - 2017

Genre

Romance

No. of Episodes

8 - running time of 10 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Cho-hee, Choi Ji-woo, Lee Min-ho, Ji Chang-wook, Lee Joon-gi, Park Hae-jin, Kai, Lee Jong-suk, Ok Taec-yeon

Storyline

The story depicts a duty free store employee who has never been in a relationship before. One day, Min Soo-jin (Lee Cho-hee) meets goddess of date (Choi Ji-woo) who grants her an attempt to pick out the perfect partner for her first kiss among seven men.

My View

After I watched this web drama, I have also selected my seven favourite Korean male artists.

They are Kim Soo-hyun, Seo In-guk, Lee Joon-gi, Lee Joon, Joo Won, Ju Ji-hoon and Ji Chang-wook. I still have more but these are my first seven of them.

Since I'm at it, I have also listed down my Korean female artists:

Jun Ji-hyun, Lee Min-jung, Seo Hyun-jin, Shin Hye-sun, Shin Min-a, Moon Chae-won and Oh Yeon-seo. 

I recently have one new female star and I really want to add it in - Jin Se Yeon. 

Rating

3/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Save the Last Dance for Me

Year Released

2004 - 2005

Genre 

Romance

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Ji Sung, Eugene, Lee Bo-young

Storyline

Kang Hyun-woo (Ji Sung) is heir to a large conglomerate. One day, he loses his memory in a car accident. He is discovered by Ji Eun-soo and his father and they take him back to their bed and breakfast lodging home. Eun-soo names him as Baek Chang-ho.

The two fall in love and decide to get engaged. However, Eun-soo's father passes away on her engagement day. There is another attempt to kill Hyun-woo and he regains his memory but forgets about the time he spent with Eun-soo.

Eun-soo, who determines to find Hyun-woo travels to Seoul. Eun-soo happens to meet Hyun-woo at his company and joins them as an employee. Hyun-woo is annoyed by Eun-soo at first but slowly starts having feelings for her.

When the two finally get together, a series of obstacles separate them again. Eun-soo has no choice but to leave Hyun-woo when his so-called fiance Yoon Soo-jin (Lee Bo-young) tries to commit suicide. On the wedding day, Hyun-woo suddenly remembers who Eun-soo is after finding a necklace (which has been kept away by Soo-jin) and he rushes to her side.

My View

I once thought that STLDFM is the best Korean romance drama ever.

Though it is not the best now, but still one of the best.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Rooftop Prince

Year Released

2012

Genre

Historical period, Fantasy, Comedy

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Micky, Han Ji-min

Storyline

One day, Crown Prince Lee Gak (Micky) travels from Joseon Dynasty to modern Seoul and arrives at Park-ha's (Han Ji-min) rooftop house. Park-ha happens to have a resemblance of Lee Gak's dead crown princess.

Meanwhile, Chairman Yeo (Ban Hyo-jung), a wealthy president of a large company, mistakes Lee Gak (who has the exact same appearance) for her lost grandson, Yong Tae-yong. Lee Gak decides to pretend to be Tae-yong to get close to Park-ha, who is Chairman Yeo's personal assistant.

My View

I do remember some of the funny parts spent at rooftop house. 

The truth to crown princess' death has a little twist at the end as well.

Overall, an average fantasy historical drama.

Rating 

2/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Revolutionary Love

Year Released

2017

Genre

Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Choi Si-won, Kang So-ra, Gong Myung

Storyline

Byun Hyuk (Choi Si-won) is a happy-go-lucky person and also son to Chairman Byun Kang-soo (Choi Jae-sung) of Gangsu Group.

Baek Joon (Kang So-ra) is a street-smart girl who has multiple part-time jobs and refuses to settle in a permanent job. When Byun Hyuk accidentally meets Baek Joon in a cleaner uniform, she believes he is just an employee of Gangsu Group. 

My View

I watched this drama due to a trailer of the first episode I think about Kang So-ra scolding a lady off in a hotel. 

Then Si-won is impressed by her attitude and all.

But when I do watch the show, I just find it not interesting at all.

Rating

1/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Remember: War of the Son

Year Released

2015 - 2016

Genre

Legal drama

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Yoo Seung-ho, Park Sung-woong, Namkoong Min, Park Min-young

Storyline

Seo Jin-woo (Yoo Seung-ho) has a special condition called hyperthymesia which allows him to remember almost every day in perfect detail. His father Seo Jae-hyuk (Jun Kwang-ryul) on the other hand, suffers from Alzheimer's disease.

Jin-woo becomes a lawyer to prove innocence of his father who is wrongfully convicted of murder. Lee In-ah (Park Min-young) is Jin-woo's childhood friend and the only one who believes his father is innocent. In-ah becomes a prosecutor in order to help Jin-woo.

My View

The ending is kind of sad as Jin-woo develops Alzheimer in the end like his father.

My first Namkoong Min's drama and he is too good for an insane villian. When he stares at you with no expression, you will just hold your breath. 

Rating 

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Queen: Love and War

Year Released

2019

Genre

Fantasy, Historical period

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Jin Se-yeon, Kim Min-kyu

Storyline

On the wedding parade of King Lee Kyung (Kim Min-kyu) and Queen Kang Eun-gi (Jin Se-yeon), they are being ambushed and killed by assassins. However, due to some unknown reason, the dead king re-surrects. 

Meanwhile, the left state minister, Jo Heung-gyeon (Lee Jae-yong) presents everyone the exiled Prince Lee Jae-hwa (Do Sang-woo) to be the next king. They are both shocked to know that the king is still alive.

Eun-gi's father, Kang Yi-soo (Lee Ki-young) is accused of treason by political rivals and is sentenced to death by hanging. Yi-soo's friend, Baek Ja-yong (Uhm Hyo-sup) notices Kang Eun-bo (Jin Se-yeon) and reveals her true identity as twin sister to Eun-gi.

The Palace is looking for a new queen again. Determined to find out the truth of her sister's death, Eun-bo participates in the selection under the name of Hong Yeon, daughter of Gyeong-gi Governor Hong Ki-ho (Lee Yoon-gun).

Ki-ho, Ja-yong and Jae-hwa plan to overthrow Lee Kyung and Eun-bo is chosen as their pawn.

On the other hand, after his resurrection, Lee Kyung starts to have precognitions about Eun-bo. Whenever Lee Kyung tries to change the future, his health deteriorates.

My View

Quite a nice storyline combining fantasy with historical genre.

I must say Jin Se-yeon looks very beautiful in historical period dramas.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Queen In-hyun's Man

Alternative Title

Queen and I

Year Released 

2012

Genre

Historical period, Romance, Fantasy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 45 minutes per episode

Starring

Ji Hyun-woo, Yoo In-na

Storyline

The story depicts about Kim Bung-do (Ji Hyun-woo) who travels from Joseon Dynasty to modern Korea using a mysterious talisman when his life is in danger.

He runs into actress Choi Hee-jin (Yoo In-na) when she is on set filming a historical drama. Both leads cross paths and fall in love.

My View

I can still remember the part where Hee-jin is sobbing miserably when Bung-do is on the verge of dying.

That feel..my god..

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Protect the Boss

Year Released

2011

Genre

Action, Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes

18 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Ji Sung, Choi Kang-hee, Jaejoong

Storyline

Cha Ji-heon (Ji Sung) is an incredibly childish young man who does not contribute to his job as a director at DN Group. His cousin Cha Mu-won (Jaejoong) is a mature, hardworking and perfect executive.  

Spunky and tough Noh Eun-seol (Choi Kang-hee) struggles to find a permanent job because of her juvenile delinquent record and poor academic background. She is surprisingly hired by DN Group even after giving the directors a piece of her mind during her interview.

Mu-won is attracted to Eun-seol's personality and he hires her to be Ji-heon's secretary. The three leads eventually have a love triangle.

My View

If I cannot remember much about a drama, that means it is okay to watch.

If not, they are either very good or too lousy.

All I know is that Jaejoong is so charming.

Rating

2/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Prosecutor Princess

Year Released

2010

Genre

Romance, Legal drama

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Park Si-hoo, Kim So-yeon

Storyline

Ma Hye-ri (Kim So-yeon) is a prosecutor who dislikes hard work and doing overtime. She faces opposition from her colleagues and exasperated superiors. 

With her career going downwards, Hye-ri gets the help of mysterious attorney Seo In-woo (Park Si-hoo). Though In-woo agrees Hye-ri, he actually has a personal reason for it.

My View

My first Park Si-hoo's drama and I love him ever since.

Sometimes, a simple straightforward plotline is quite refreshing unlike those dramas which constantly have conspiracies. 

Nowadays, it is like all the detectives, judges, lawyers, prosecutors, assemblymen and congressmen having all sorts of corruptions.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Pride and Prejudice

Year Released

2014 - 2015

Genre 

Legal drama

No. of Episodes

21 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Choi Jin-hyuk, Baek Jin-hee, Choi Min-soo, Lee Tae-hwan, Son Chang-min

Storyline

Goo Dong-chi (Choi Jin-hyuk) is an experienced prosecutor of more than 10 years. With his brilliant mind, he is able to figure out other people's thoughts.

Han Yeol-moo (Baek Jin-hee) is a prosecutor-in-training who gets assigned under Dong-chi. Yeol-moo has been trying to find out the truth about her younger brother's death. 

Dong-chi is also in search for a piece of his childhood memory where he saved a boy from being murdered.

The leads realise that their cases may have some connections with bigger conspiracy to it.

My View

A typical legal drama whereby everyone work together to fight against those higher powers.

But one point I like about PAP is that though the villian is arrested in the end, the person who takes him down is not spared either.

That is the reality where we seldom see from other crime, legal dramas..

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Playful Kiss

Year Released 

2010

Genre

Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Hyun-joong, Jung So-min

Storyline

Oh Ha-ni (Jung So-min) struggles academically and is at the bottom of her class. She has a crush on the smart and popular Baek Seung-jo (Kim Hyun-joong).

When Ha-ni writes Seung-jo a love letter, he grades it before giving back to her. An embarrassed and heart-broken Ha-ni goes home only to have her house collapse in on her.

Ha-ni and her father Oh Ki-dong (Kang Nam-gil) end up being invited to live with Seung-jo and his family. 

My View

PK is supposed to be a lovely romantic drama. What's more, the leads are Kim Hyun-joong and Jung So-min.

I don't know why, maybe it is me.. but I find PK a little boring in between.

Did not manage to finish the show. I just can't.

Rating

1/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Pinocchio

Year Released

2014

Genre

Slice of life

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 58 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Jong-suk, Park Shin-hye

Storyline

A misleading news report caused by MSC reporter Song Cha-ok (Jin Kyung) has destroyed Ki's family. Ki Ha-myung was saved by an elderly man Choi Gong-pil (Byun Hee-bong) when he jumps off a cliff with his mother.

Gong-pil suffers from memory loss and insists that Ha-myung is his older son, Choi Dal-po when Dal-po had already died 30 years ago. One day, Gong-pil's grandaughter Choi In-ha (Park Shin-hye) moves in to live with him. She was shocked when being told that Dal-po who is a young boy is her uncle.

In-ha suffers from "Pinocchio syndrome" which causes her to hiccup whenever she tells a lie. She idolises her mother Song Cha-ok very much. However, Cha-ok has long abandons her family for her career.

When In-ha goes to interview at MSC to be a reporter, Cha-ok fails her due to her "Pinocchio syndrome". Seeing how hurt In-ha is at her mother's rejection, Dal-po determines to help her achieve her dream. He announces that he wants to become a reporter as well. 

In-ha and Dal-po apply at YGN's "blind" audition for broadcast news reporters, but only Dal-po gets hired. Meanwhile, with MSC's credibility rating at an all-time low, Cha-ok hires In-ha, using her "Pinocchio syndrome" as a publicity stunt.

Thus, Dal-po and In-ha become rookies at rival networks. In-ha later discovers Dal-po's real identity and is disgusted by what her mother did to his family. 

My View

Not everything we see on the news is true. Sometimes, there may be more to it probably to cover some conspiracies behind the scenes.

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Personal Taste

Alternative Title

Personal Preference

Year Released

2010

Genre

Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Lee Min-ho, Son Ye-jin

Storyline

Park Kae-in (Son Ye-jin) is an independent furniture designer who struggles to produce successful products. Her father is a famous architecture professor Park Chul-han (Kang Shin-il). Professor Park designs a Sanggojae for Kae-in to live in.

Architect Jeon Jin-ho (Lee Min-ho) is desperately trying to win a project bid for Dam Art Center. In order to do that, he needs to find out more about the tentative theme of project: Sanggojae, which has never been opened to the public.

Jin-ho decides to rent a part of Sanggojae (Kae-in's house) to get access into the house while Kae-in rents her place to him believing that he is homosexual due to some misunderstandings.

After living together for some time, the two start develop feelings for each other.

My View

Love is usually about unspoken truths which lead to tons of misunderstandings.

Lee Min-ho and Son Ye-jin's chemistry is not too bad.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Partners for Justice 1 & 2

Year Released

2018 (season 1), 2019 (season 2)

Genre

Crime, Medical drama

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode (season 1), 32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode (season 2)

Starring

Jung Jae-young, Jeong Yu-mi

Storyline

Season One

Baek Beom (Jung Jae-young) is an extremely detailed forensic doctor who has work with NFS for 10 years. His peculiar character often drives the people around him insane. Baek Beom is a former surgeon at a hospital and had been accused of killing his fiancee.

Eun Sol (Jeong Yu-mi), a rookie prosecutor with photographic memory. Though she comes from a wealthy family, she is bright and warm-hearted but sometimes a little clumsy.

Together, they partner up to solve various cases except for one which involved Oh Man-sang (Kim Do-hyun).

Season Two

Baek Beom continues searching for clues on Oh Man-sang. On one case about drug addicts, Dr. K (No Min-woo) appears to be connected to Oh Man-sang. 

Dr. K is a split personality of Jang Chul, a doctor working in hospital. He is being abused by his mother since young. Chief Prosecutor Kal Dae-chul (Lee Do-guk) sees Chul's weakness and makes use of him.

My View

If you think HK TVB Forensic Heroes series are really good, then you certainly must watch PFJ as the latter focuses more on finding evidences through dead bodies.

At one point, the autopsy was so real when Baek Beom cracked open someone's rib cage. I cannot imagine if I died and having to do an autopsy one day.

My hubz loves these series so much he even googles about season 3. Too bad, PFJ's Director has resigned so it is put on hold for now. Sigh pie.

Rating

5/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Oh My Ghostess

Year Released

2015

Genre

Thriller, Romance

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring  

Jo Jung-suk, Park Bo-young, Lim Ju-hwan, Kim Seul-gi

Storyline

Na Bong-sun (Park Bo-young) is an introvert with low self-esteem. She is often being scolded by her arrogant boss star chef Kang Sun-woo (Jo Jung-suk). Thanks to Bong-sun's shaman grandmother, she sees ghosts at times.

One day, Bong-sun gets possessed by a lustful virgin ghost Shin Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi). Soon-ae believes that only by losing her virginity will she be able to "resolve her grudge" and move on to the afterlife. Therefore, she is determined to seduce many men as possible.

Bong-sun's sudden change of personality impresses Sun-woo and he falls for her confidence. Soon, Soon-ae finds out that her death was connected to Choi Sung-jae (Lim Ju-hwan). Sung-jae used to be Soon-ae's crush when she is still a human.

My View

I'm not quite used to Park Bo-young being a shy girl.

Jo Jung-suk just don't impress me or perhaps I need to watch more of his dramas.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : My Strange Hero

Year Released

2018 - 2019

Genre

School, Romance

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 35 minutes per episode

Starring

Yoo Seung-ho, Jo Bo-ah, Kwak Dong-yeon

Storyline

Kang Bok-soo (Yoo Seung-ho), Son Soo-jung (Jo Bo-ah) and Oh Se-ho (Kwak Don-yeon) are students of a prestigious private school, Seolsong High.

Seolsong High is well known for discriminating and segregating students based on their grades and social status. The school is managed by Se-ho's abusive mother Lim Se-gyeong (Kim Yeo-jin).

Bok-soo is a troublemaker who scores poorly in tests. He dates the smartest girl Soo-jung and is best friend with Se-ho. Soo-jung has been hiding about her poor background but her secret is suddenly revealed a day after she shares it with Bok-soo.

When Soo-jung heads to the rooftop to calm herself down, she hears an argument between Bok-soo and Se-ho. The latter ends up falling. Both Se-ho and Soo-jung testify against Bok-soo.

Fast forward to nine years later where Bok-soo is working at Your Request, a general service company. Soo-jung is struggling to receive a permanent role as a teacher at Seolsong. She resorts to paying a lump sum to secure a position.

When Soo-jung is counseling a troubled student Oh Young-min (Yeon Joon-seok), she falls together with him into Han River. Bok-soo who happens to be nearby, saves her. His heroic action forced the current Seolsong's board chairman Se-ho, to re-admit Bok-soo into the school to appease public opinion.

Bok-soo plans revenge against Se-ho as he was being expelled due to the lies Se-ho caused. Bok-soo rekindles his relationship with Soo-jung when they learn that their grudge was driven by a series of misunderstandings.

Together, the pair slowly investigate and work to expose those hidden dark secrets of Seolsong. Sick of his mother's abusiveness, Se-ho turns his back against her and join forces with Bok-soo and Soo-jung.

Se-gyeong is finally arrested and Seolsong becomes a public school. Se-ho moves to the States to recover from his trauma.

My View

An exciting drama on school corruption and how the truth are being unravelled.

Rating

3/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : My Secret Hotel

Year Released

2014

Genre

Romance, Mystery

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of about 63 minutes per episode

Starring

Jin Yi-han, Namkoong Min, Yoo In-na

Storyline

Nam Sang-hyo (Yoo In-na) is the head of the wedding planning division of The Secret Hotel. One day, she faces a biggest challenge of her job when her client turns out to be her ex-husband, Gu Hae-young (Jin Yi-han).

The couple were once madly in love but their marriage was short-lived. They were unaware that their misunderstanding was caused by Hae-young's stalker, Joo Jung-eun (Hwang So-hee).

On the day of Hae-young's wedding, hotel employee Hwang Dong-bae (Kim Byung-choon) falls to his death from the ceiling in the wedding hall. While Hae-young and Sang-hyo come together to investigate the murder, they realise they still have feelings for each other.

At the same time, Sang-hyo is being pursued by her new boss Jo Sung-gyeom (Namkoong Min). Hae-young competes with Sung-gyeom to win back Sang-hyo's heart.

My View

Not bad a watch this drama.

A romance genre with some mystery twist to it.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : My Sassy Girl

Year Released

2017

Genre

Historical period, Romance

No. of Episodes

32 - running time of 30 minutes per episode

Starring

Joo Won, Oh Yeon-seo

Storyline

Gyeon Woo (Joo Won) is a scholar who is given the title of "Joseon's national treasure" during his childhood. One day, he runs into princess Hye-myung (Oh Yeon-seo) while she is in search of her mother, the dethroned queen.

After spending much time together, Gyeon-woo starts to have feelings for princess Hye-myung. However, Gyeon-woo is unaware that he is the root cause for dethroning of the queen.

My View

Joo Won and Oh Yeon-seo suit each other quite well.

Would like to see them pair up in more dramas.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : My Princess

Year Released

2011

Genre

Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Song Seung-heon, Kim Tae-hee

Storyline

Lee Seol (Kim Tae-hee) is the great-granddaugther of Joseon Dynasty's last Emperor, Emperor Sunjong (Ahn Nae-sang).

The grandson of Daehan Group, Park Hae-young (Song Seung-heon) is in charge of educating Seol on proper etiquette in order for her to fulfill her role.

My View

A sweet romantic drama with two attractive leads that keeps me engrossed with each episode.

MP has a great ending as well. 

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : My Girlfriend is a Gumiho

Year Released

2010

Genre

Romance, Fantasy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 70 minutes per episode

Starring

Shin Min-a, Lee Seung-gi

Storyline

Cha Dae-woong (Lee Seung-gi) accidentally releases gumiho (Shin Min-a), a legendary nine-tailed fox who was sealed inside a painting. Fleeing the scene, Dae-woong suffers a life-threatening fall only to be saved by gumiho.

Dae-woong awakes to a mysteriously beautiful girl who he initially thought she is mentally ill. Once gumiho shows him her true form, Dae-woong is almost scared to death. According to myth, gumihos feed on men's livers. 

Gumiho sees this as an advantage and sticks by Dae-woong's side. Dae-woong names gumiho as "Mi-ho" and keeps her happy by buying her beef.

Dae-woong has a chance to become action stuntman. Mi-ho lends him her mystical fox bead that will increase his speed and strength. They strike a deal that Dae-woong must help Mi-ho to be a human.

When Park Dong-joo (No Min-woo), a half-human, half-supernatural being sees Mi-ho, he decides to capture her. However, he stops upon realising Mi-ho's resemblance with his loved one Gil-Dal. He lost Gil-Dal, a goblin, centuries ago when she was being betrayed by her human lover.

Dong-joo befriends Mi-ho and guides her how to turn into a real human. Firstly, by drinking Dong-joo's blood and then place her fox bead inside his body for 100 days. Her gumiho energy will start to fade away while her bead slowly absorbs human energy.

Once she gets back her fox bead, Mi-ho will become human. However, that would also mean Dong-joo will die.

My View

I have always like Seung-gi's dramatic reactions because he is just so hilarious.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : My Lovely Sam Soon

Alternative Title

My Name is Kim Sam Soon

Year Released

2005

Genre

Romance, Comedy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 60 minutes per episode

Starring

Hyun Bin, Kim Sun-a, Jung Ryeo-won

Storyline

Kim Sam-soon (Kim Sun-a) is dumped by her cheating boyfriend Min Hyun-woo (Lee Kyu-han) and loses her job. Sam-soon accidentally goes into men's restroom and see Hyun Jin-heon (Hyun Bin).

The two happens to meet again when Sam-soon goes around looking for a new job. Jin-heon notices Sam-soon's excellent baking skills and hires her to work at his restaurant Bon Appetit.

When Jin-heon's mother Na Hyun-sook (Na Moon-hee), a hotelier keeps setting him up on matchmaking dates, he cuts a deal with Sam-soon to be his girlfriend. Their only condition is to never fall in love for real.

After some time, the couple start having feelings for each other. However, Jin-heon's ex-girlfriend Yoo Hee-jin (Jung Ryeo-won) suddenly returns from the States after disappearing years ago. That was right after Jin-heon got into an accident causing the death of his brother, sister-in-law and another motorcyclist.

Little did Jin-heon know that Hee-jin is actually diagnosed with stomach cancer and do not wish to add on to his burden. Now Jin-heon is stuck between Hee-jin and Sam-soon.

My View

A pretty well-written romance story.

Jung Ryeo-won looks too young back then that I cannot even remember this is her.

Nowadays she is more onto legal dramas.

Rating

3/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Because It's the First Time

Alternative Title

My First Time

Genre

Romance, Coming of Age, Slice of life

No. of Episodes

8 - running time of 55 minutes per episode

Starring

Park So-dam, Kim Min-jae, Choi Minho, Jung Yoo-jin, Lee Yi-kyung, Choi Hye-jung

Storyline

The story revolves around five friends who have known each other for years. When Han Song-yi (Park So-dam) has nowhere to stay, she camps outside of Yoon Tae-oh's (Choi Minho) rooftop house. 

Tae-oh is unaware that he has feelings for Song-yi. Song-yi gets together with Seo Ji-an (Kim Min-jae) in the end.

My View

A sweet short drama about youths growing up to experience adult life.

I was certainly touched when Ga-rin suffers from her father's death, but the other four friends did not try to hurry her. 

They just waited for her patiently until she recovers.

Rating

4/5 Stars

Korean Drama : Moon Embracing the Sun

Year Released

2012

Genre

Fantasy, Romance, Historical period

No. of Episodes

20 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Kim Soo-hyun, Han Ga-in

Storyline

A young Heo Yeon-woo (Kim Yoo-jung) enters the palace to attend her brother, Heo Yeom's (Yim Si-wan) examination congratulatory ceremony. Crown Prince Lee Won (Yeo Jin-goo) happens to run into Yeon-woo and falls in love with her.

After Yeon-woo is announced to be the Crown Princess, Queen Dowager secretly orders her death. She intends to let Yoon Bo-kyung (Kim So-hyun) from her own family clan to be the Crown Princess.

Head shaman Jang Nok-young (Jeon Mi-seon) is forced to cast a spell on Yeon-woo with unknown sickness. After dying, Yeon-woo is resurrected from her grave but loses her memories. Crown Prince Lee Won unwillingly marries Bo-kyung.  

Eight years later, Lee Won (Kim Soo-hyun) is now the King. Yeon-woo (Han Ga-in) is now Shaman Wol (which means "moon"). Unaware of Wol's identity, Queen Dowager calls her to the palace to cure King's "illness". In fact, Lee Won's heart is still with the late Yeon-woo.

The King is struck by Wol's resemblance to Yeon-woo, and he quietly launches an investigation into Yeon-woo's death. Meanwhile, Wol struggles to understand the strange memories of her life as Yeon-woo, which she interprets as shamanic visions. 

My View

Loved this drama very much even the young Yoo-jung and Jin-goo acted so well!

Rating

5/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Melting Me Softly

Year Released

2019

Genre

Science fiction, Romance

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of 65 minutes per episode

Starring

Ji Chang-wook, Won Jin-ah

Storyline

A successful PD Ma Dong-chan (Ji Chang-wook) who is known in the entertainment industry starts a new program to freeze humans for 24 hours in an experiment.

In order to make his program a hit, Dong-chan willingly takes part in the experiment together with another lady Ko Mi-ran (Won Jin-ah).  

However, the experiment goes wrong and they wake up 20 years later with the same young look. The two must maintain body temperature of 31.5 degrees and keep their heart rate normal or they will die.

The only scientist behind the experiment has lost his memory after an accident. 

My View

Even if it is Ji Chang-wook also cannot save this drama. I seriously detest science fiction genre.

The only saviour is Dong-chan's family as they just crack me up so much.

I love Ajusshi Kim Won-hae!

There is this conversation when Dong-chan asks his niece to read up fairy tale stories.

Niece: The clock strikes 12 and Cinderella rushes off. Her glass slippers fall and shatter. She hurts her feet and the blood gushes out. It is so bad! Then KCSI comes to the scene and catches Cinderella and puts her behind bars.

Dong-chan's sister: No.. they find out that Cinderella is actually the prince's sister after checking on the blood.

Dong-chan's brother: OMG that means Cinderella's mother had an affair??

Dong-chan rolled his eyes.. speechless.. ROFL

Rating

2/5 Stars

 

Korean Drama : Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter

Alternative Title

Tale of Fairy

Year Released

2018

Genre

Romance, Fantasy

No. of Episodes

16 - running time of about 63 minutes per episode

Starring

Moon Chae-won, Yoon Hyun-min, Seo Ji-hoon

Storyline

After fairy Sun Ok-nam (Moon Chae-won) loses her clothing while bathing, a woodcutter saves her. They get married, but her husband died shortly. 

A 699-year-old Ok-nam is still waiting for her husband to be re-incarnated. She now works as a barista and appears as an old woman. However, only certain people is able to see her true young-self.

My View

A lovely fantasy story and the leads' relationships go all the way back to a few hundred years ago.

Rating

3/5 Stars