Loving Korean Dramas

Lee Dong Wook's A Bittersweet Life

2008-07-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to hear about Lee Dong Wook's new drama, A Bittersweet Life in MBC. The most shocking, (at least for me) is that he is reunited with My Girl co-star, Park Si Yeon! Just when I was blogging about them yesterday!!! I don't know if I'll be happy to know that they are playing a couple again, but then I think its pretty cool that they got to work together again. Although I hope it would be Lee Da Hae.

Biases aside, LDW and PSY look good together too. They look like a perfect couple. Both are drop dead gorgeous!

"In the drama, Oh Yeon Soo and Jung Bo Seok are a married couple whose lives become complicated in mystery and drama with the appearance of the Lee Dong Wook–Park Shi Yeon couple. Lee Dong Wook’s character goes to Japan on a trip and chances to meet Oh Yeon Soo’s housewife character; the two “fall in passionate love.”

While filming in the snowy mountains of Hokkaido in February, he’d experienced temporary paralysis of the limbs and had difficulty breathing. “I saw white lights and thought, ‘I’m going to die like this,’” he added. It was the result of filming for eight hours in subzero temperature — 16 degrees below zero, Celsius — at an elevation of above 3,000 meters, and sent Lee Dong Wook to the hospital."

*source

One of these days, I'll watch this! Hello, this is LDW's drama after two years!

And here's a teaser of A Bittersweet Life

Random post

2008-07-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

*source

Just look at these photos of Han Chae Young and Jae Hee, the chemistry is there. The photos are from the Magic Show with HCY and JH. They really look good together on screen and off-screen! I am always comparing JH-HCY to Jae Hee and Han Ga In, and its really different. I also saw a kind of trailer video of Jae Hee's movie with Park Si Yeon entitled Single sitting on both sides of the Fence, and Si Yeon's beauty is just overpowering for Jae Hee's simple yet cute face.

Park Si Yeon looks better with Lee Dong Wook. Just like here in this video. They are presenting an award to Han Ye Seul. But then, I still love Lee Da Hae with Lee Dong Wook! :)

Check out Lee Da Hae and Lee Dong Wook presenting an award together at the MNET Music Festival last 2006! :)

Thank You Dramabeans!

2008-07-12T04:07:00.000-07:00

My undying gratitude to DramaBeans for blogging about the latest news and Korean dramas!

Its hard to find a decent Korean Entertainment online and Dramabeans is one of them. For Korean drama lovers like me, this site is a haven.

As you can see, most of my entries are from here!

Kamsahmnida!

Lee Da Hae's workout needs

2008-07-12T04:05:00.000-07:00

Lee Da Hae is hitting the gym in preparation for her role in the high-budget drama East of Eden (Song Seung Heon, Yeon Jung Hoon, Lee Yeon Hee, Han Ji Hye). At 170 cm tall (about 5 foot 7), weighing a mere 47 kg (105 pounds) and known for her slim figure, she can’t possibly have any weight to lose, so she’s citing “flexibility” as her goal for embarking on her weight training regimen. (O…kay?)

She’s not focusing on aerobic workouts, but apparently is spending two to three hours a day working on strength training to build up muscle tone (earning her the nickname “ab princess”). A worthy effort, I’m sure, but that’s a bit excessive, isn’t it? Almost to Kim Haneul-esque proportions. Her management explained her need to get fit by saying she’s hasn’t taken proper care in the past; she’s even once gone to the emergency room from overwork.

Her role in East of Eden comes six months following her previous drama, the disappointing melodrama Robbers opposite Jang Hyuk. EOE, which is set to air in August, will show her as a “mature and strong” femme fatale. A bit of a departure for her, but as much as I enjoyed her liveliness in My Girl, I think the girl has an unfortunate tendency to ham it up to excess in comedies, and have always thought she was at her best when dialing it down. This might be an interesting turn for her. (Now, if only I found the drama the least bit appealing…)

*source

Perfectionist: I don't think Lee Da Hae needs to work out. She looks fab. East of Eden is a must see!

Han Chae Young's fashion line: RACHEL HAN'S

2008-07-12T03:59:00.000-07:00

I’ll admit I don’t really care so much about this news, but the pictures sure are pretty — they’re so bright and lively and candy-colored.

Korea’s “Barbie Doll” (so noted for her tall, leggy and well-endowed proportions) Han Chae Young (Delightful Girl Chun Hyang, Fireworks) is joining the celebrity trend and launching her own clothing brand, to be called RACHEL HAN’S (Rachel is, I believe, her American name from her days living in the States). Not the most creative appellation, but I’m sure nobody’s looking at Hancy to critique her word choices. Her line will be produced in conjunction with online retailer G Market.

After getting married last year, Han Chae Young made her theatrical debut in the stage play Awkward People; after acting in Are You With the One You Love? and Lovers, she’s not currently attached to any projects.

*source

Perfectionist: I love Han Chae Young. Yes she's plastic. But a stunning and beautiful one! Whenever people would comment on how plastic her beauty is, well I think they're just jealous because she looks good.

So she launched her own clothing line too? Joining the bandwagon just like co-star, Jae Hee. I hope for its success!

Jae Hee's line: Levlife

2008-07-12T03:51:00.000-07:00

Jae Hee (Delightful Girl Chun Hyang, Three Dads One Mom) and Yoo Ah In (Strongest Chil Woo, Boys of Tomorrow) have just opened up a fashion business together. Ballsy move, considering the various hits and misses they’ve had — or rather, that Jae Hee has had, since I’m not too familiar with Yoo Ah In.

(I mean, I love the guy, but man does he have styling issues. It’s not just in his dramas — although he’s drawn some major duds in his acting roles too — but in his candid shots I’m just glad to see him looking relatively normal and not like he’s doing his best impression of a gender-confused alien idol star. Remember how his character had that inexplicable fondness for flowy pink scarves in Witch Amusement? Or the Front-Butt Pants of Doom? And y’all know how I love me my Jae Hee so it’s not just idle snark kicking in.)

Perhaps that’s why I’m not much surprised to read that their Levlife line offers “not only male fashions, but also women’s items, clothing, and various accessories.” (Stick to what you know?) The two actors will not merely be lending their names to the line, but actively be involved in the buying and designing of various items.

Via Herald Biz

*source

Perfectionist: Its nice that Jae Hee still looks normal in his life but I am not personally fond of him venturing into fashion. I mean that career move is typical for WOMEN! Oh please, don't tell me he's gay, and I pray that he's not gay. Sure, his line offers men's fashion. But gays and girls do the fashion thing of designing. Or am I too discriminative?

Well that is what I have observed so far!!!! Okay, let's just think that this fashion line is another source of income for Jae Hee. Just make more dramas please.

Jae Hee: INJURED!

2008-07-12T03:32:00.000-07:00

Owww.

While at work filming his current KBS series Three Dads, One Mom on May 11, Jae Hee was injured and required nine stitches. Ironically, the scene he was shooting took place in a hospital.

In the scene, Kyung Tae (Shin Sung Rok’s character) is stabbed and Jae Hee’s character rushes him to the emergency room. While waiting for his friend’s surgery results, he becomes overcome with anger and strikes a wall in frustration.

Apparently Jae Hee was a little too immersed in his work and hit the wall with too much force, “tearing his hand.” Luckily, he didn’t have to travel far to receive emergency treatment, and received nine stitches.

But rather than taking time off for his injury, Jae Hee continued with the shoot. Neither is this the first time he’s displayed his serious work ethic; previously, he’d injured an arm in a bicycle chase scene (lol) and continued filming despite it.

Jae Hee’s always seemed like an actor who takes his job extremely seriously (despite some unfortunate role selections), so I’m not too surprised to hear this, although nine stitches? In one hand? Yeesh. It’s just too bad the two actors immersing themselves into this drama can’t make up for the other two who aren’t.

from dramabeans

Perfectionist: Poor Jae Hee! After reading this article, you have an idea on how professional he is! Aja! I love him. Though he's not yet a SUPERSTAR today, he would be, SOON! He's got the work ethics for it. :)

Jo Hyun Jae, bracing for the public outcry

2008-07-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Hmm. Looks like Jo Hyun Jae is in some hot water.

The actor recently starred in the film GP506 (which the above pic is from; it’s not a real army pic) and currently stars in the new drama Three Dads, One Mom (for which I’m holding off judgment till I see the second episode — I wasn’t wowed by the first, but first episodes are so unpredictable).

He recently began his military service on the 1st, but has now just been released from training after only four days. That in itself is not terribly strange:

“According to military service law, if one is found to be unfit for active duty following a physical examination, due to disease or mental or physical disorder, or requires more than fifteen days’ recovery time for said condition, said person may be dismissed.”

What IS weird, though, is the fact that is just becoming known that Jo Hyun Jae left in the middle of filming a drama to enlist in his military service — and upon his dismissal after four days, immediately returned to filming. Something’s fishy over in Three Dads territory. (I don’t know the specifics of Three Dads, but generally a drama begins filming anywhere from a month to several months in advance. A trendy drama that doesn’t require excessive preparation — unlike, say, an epic or high-budget production like Legend — may typically have about eight episodes completed when the series begins airing. It is definitely weird to have started military service in the middle of a project.)

The situation is starting to stir up lots of suspicion and criticism — if he suffers from a severe enough condition to prevent him from training, how can he be fit enough to film a drama? — which is not helped by the fact that the drama producers have offered “no explanation, and have evaded questions” about the topic. Furthermore, prior to Jo’s enlistment, the producers had been unusually hush-hush about his impending service date.

Some of Jo Hyun Jae’s fans are supporting their star, casting aspersions on the validity of the news reports, but a majority of them agree that things look suspicious.

The mandatory-military-service topic is always a source of major debate, and a definite hot-button issue. Everyone knows that effing around with draft-dodging schemes in Korea is serious, career-damaging (if not career-ending) business. Methinks he’s got some ’splainin’ to do.

from dramabeans

Perfectionist: OMG. What is Jo Hyun Jae up to? This is my first time to read something like this. I think he should explain ASAP, and it should be a pretty good explaining!

Three Dads, One Mom

2008-07-11T20:17:00.001-07:00

Finally caught the first two episodes of the new KBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Three Dads, One Mom, and have a bit of a mixed reaction. On one hand, there’s a very cute quality to the drama, helped in no small part by its appealing cast — and while they’re not quite superstar-famous, all four main cast members are fairly established and known names.

There are some things I like about the series and the setup; there are other things I don’t. Right now, I’m not sure which way the balance tilts. Eugene is adorably gorgeous as the one mom amidst three possible dads, best-friend bachelors played by Jo Hyun Jae, Jae Hee, and Shin Sung Rok. Their interactions, laced with a healthy dose of good-natured male camaraderie, are one of the more appealing aspects of the drama for me. I’ll wait to see how things develop before making a final judgment; for now, I plan to catch a few more episodes.

SONG OF THE DAY

Instant Romantic Floor - “Same Thing (Song For Me)” [ Download ]

THE CHARACTERS

Simple setup: Start with four best friends who’ve grown up together since childhood.

Despite growing into vastly differing personalities, the four have stuck together all these years into adulthood.

SUNG MIN was the first to fall in love, and married his sweetheart NA YOUNG (played by Eugene). He’s perhaps the most emotionally mature of the four, and also the sweet-tempered one. He dotes on his wife, and she returns his affection wholeheartedly. Both have had somewhat tough childhoods, which heightens Na Young’s desire to become a mother and have a loving family of her own.

Sung Min’s best friends are all single and live together in their messy bachelor pad: SU HYUN (Jo Hyun Jae) is the good-looking, money-obsessed financial manager working in stocks and bonds. He’d like to marry and settle down in theory, although he’s never met anyone worth settling down for. Stingy bastard.

KWANG HEE (Jae Hee) is a manhwa artist who doesn’t believe in settling down and is always seeing one woman after another. Smooth (and fast) talker, somewhat irresponsible.

KYUNG TAE is the hotheaded cop, a little dumb on the outside but softhearted on the inside. He goes by two last names, Na Hwang, in a strange (to Korea) practice of observing his mother’s maiden name (Hwang) along with his father’s family name (Na). That should tell you all about him right there. He’s the sloppiest eater and the messiest dresser, but the kindest in heart.

THE STORY

Na Young mostly likes her husband’s three best friends, but they try her patience constantly by making a mess of her home playing poker all night, dragging Sung Min out with them drinking, and generally being well-meaning but insensitive. And vice versa — the guys like her and think she’s a good match for Sung Min, but she’s kinda naggy.

Na Young desperately wants to become a mother, but attempts at conception have failed. Lately her frustration has her fighting with Sung Min because while he’s accepted that they’re probably not going to be able to have children (he’s sterile, having no sperm), she wants to exhaust their possibilities and see doctor after doctor. He’s being realistic, but she interprets it as not taking her seriously.

Sung Min talks over his problem with his friends, who offer suggestions. They could adopt, or go to a sperm bank, but those are deemed out of the question. Sung Min off-handedly mutters that it’s too bad he can’t use his friends’ sperm… which gives him the brilliant idea to use his friends’ sperm. He knows them all personally and can vouch for their character. They won’t tell Na Young, naturally, and the baby will be raised as his. He won’t make demands afterward or dump them with fatherly responsibility. Furthermore, nobody will ever need to know whose sperm of the three was used. No burden. Su Hyun, Kwang Hee, and Kyung Tae — cheerfully drunk — agree. When they sober up, they’re horrified because they don’t really want to go along with it.

Sung Min, feeling desperate (Na Young is growing despondent, and he doesn’t want to lose her), pleads with each in turn go along and donate his sperm. Finally, they’re guilt-tripped into agreeing, and drag their feet to the clinic to make their donations. Sung Min has told Na Young he wants to see the doctor for one more try at insemination, and she happily agrees.

After the friends leave the clinic, they brood — each has the fear that fathering a child now will come back to bite them later, despite Sung Min’s assurances to the contrary. They call Sung Min and tell him they can’t go through with it: Rescind the decision! Sung Min concedes, to their relief — but then grimly progresses with his plan.

Na Young becomes pregnant (I’m assuming in vitro fertilization), blissfully unaware of the baby’s true parentage. Sung Min’s friends are suspicious about the timing and demand to know if he used their sperm; Sung Min insists (nervously) that the baby is his own, which is why they’re calling her/him Ha Sun, “gift from heaven.”

But about six months into the pregnancy, Sung Min is killed in a car accident, leaving behind a bereaved wife and three devastated friends.

For once, the guys think of Na Young’s welfare before themselves — she’s alone, pregnant, and completely overwhelmed. She has a hard time keeping herself together, much less taking care of closing bank accounts and official death-related administrative tasks. The guys promise to handle everything for her, and find among Sung Min’s things a DVD. It’s labeled for his unborn baby, and the friends watch Sung Min’s self-videoed clip. Onscreen, the three friends interrupt the video; after they’ve left, Sung Min resumes taping, now a little tipsy.

Sung Min tells the video that the baby’s three “uncles” are his best friends, people whom the baby should consider with the same regard as a father. He alludes to the uncles’ “priceless gift” without which the baby never could have been born — and they realize with dread that Sung Min must have used their sperm.

from dramabeans

OMG. I am so excited to see this!

Failed dramas still result in high star price tags

2008-07-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Bad Love, Rivals

Perhaps as a corollary to this discussion of why ratings are important, for better or for worse (usually for worse), here’s an article that discusses one such ramification: actors who come attached with high price tags that the drama then is unable to recoup when a drama flops in the ratings.

(One thing to note: Despite the high numbers listed, Korean actors find most of their paychecks going to management companies, as actress Choi Jin-shil recently gained attention for mentioning. In the U.S., agents are only allowed to take 10% — though more fees get siphoned off to managers, publicists, lawyers, and the like — but that percentage is much higher for Korean celebs.)

Even if a drama flops, stars’ asking prices continue to soar. It’s not as though market theory applies, and those prices keep rising, defying logic. Even when a drama meets with crushing failure, hurting the production company behind it, a star’s fee still climbs.

This year saw many dramas that failed to draw in good results or produce high ratings, such as the dramas Single Papa in Love, Bad Love, Rivals, Three Dads, One Mom, Who Are You?, Spotlight, I Love You, Robbers, and many others. …

Three Dads, One Mom; Single Papa in Love

However, fees for actors cast in lead roles still skyrocket. These days, star actors are earning close to hundreds of millions of won per episode. A drama role that earned a star 2 million won [approx. $2,000] per episode in 1997 now brings in anywhere from 20 million to 100 million won [$20,000 to $100,000]. At an increase of ten to fifty times its former price in the last ten years, this is an astronomical pay hike.

For a star with a moderately recognizable name, a per-episode fee can be from 30 to 50 million won [$30,000 to $50,000]. For top stars, that number now is in the 100 million [$100,000] range.

Recently, Park Shin-yang attracted much attention for his asking price. He’d demanded his fee for War of Money up front from production company Lee Kim Productions for the drama’s four-episode extension, a total of 620 million won [$620,000]. This amount converts to a per-episode price of 155,000 million won [$155,000]. That may be the fee for bonus episodes, but the fee for each episode [in the rest of the series] is still more than 100 million won [$100,000].

Thus stars’ fees continue to climb without regard to how well a drama performs. Of the dramas this year, there have been far more flops than successes.

Robbers, Who Are You?

These days, the production environment for dramas is sliding into extreme decline. Although the star fees rise, there is a rapid decrease in those willing to invest or enter into product placement agreements.

Furthermore, production costs are shooting up, and aside from a few exceptions, there are numerous dramas that pull in ratings still in the single digits. For that reason, there are some outside production houses that produce one or two dramas, then die out. Here are symptoms of Hallyu beginning to wane, and our drama structure is heading toward deterioration.

In such a serious situation, our film and then drama markets may fall into decline, giving rise to the argument that the drama market is headed for crisis point.

Kim Seung-soo, secretary-general of the Production Company and Drama Producers Association, said, “We can no longer handle these soaring actors’ fees. If we let this problem continue, the drama industry will collapse. We’re even discussing among our membership if we can figure out a way to bind the fees for actors to 20 million won [$20,000] per episode.”

It seems that the general consensus is that star fees are too high. Recently, a poll on a portal site posed that question, and among the 1,621 respondents, 95.3% felt that the prices were too high, 2.7% felt it was reasonable, and only 1.4% felt they were low.
from dramabeans
Perfectionist: Awww. Does that mean that there would be less Korean dramas produced??? Andwe!!!

Korean drama formula?

2008-07-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

I read this on a forum while looking for Song Hye Kyo's photos. Just click on the link.

Fanzine Reveals Inner Workings of Korean Soaps (2007/05/09)

The Korean Wave is ebbing, and the backlash is under way. Viewers in the Asian countries that could not get enough of Korean soaps at one stage are now complaining about their monotonous plots and off-the-rack characterization. Critics say the formula is becoming an obstacle to the further development of the Korean pop culture wave. Now, even a Japanese magazine for fans of the Korean Wave has laid out elements of the formula for its readers. "We can predict what will happen in any scene of Korean drama, like fortunetellers", it said. "Perhaps Korean drama has a mysterious power that enables us to make predictions". Here are its seven iron rules of Korean soaps.

1. Ordinary girl falls in love with business big shot

This is the standard storyline in Korean dramas. Hero owns conglomerate, heroine is a common office worker or an ordinary woman. How about this: Heroine is trying on clothes in a luxury boutique. Hero watches her, sitting on a chair with his hand on his chin. He smiles at her and slightly shakes his index finger, to indicate "no" for an item she's trying on

2. Angry guy

When a male character is angry, his face is always seen in a mirror or window. Without exception, he then proceeds to break the mirror or window.

3. Very young executive

In both Korea and Japan, most executives are over 50. But in Korean soaps, many business executives are young and hunky. Even staffers' girlfriends fall in love with them.

4. All doctors are surgeons

In Korean medical dramas, there are no doctors except surgeons. Internists and ear, nose and throat specialists may not like it, but it is so. If the lead is a doctor, he or she always becomes terminally ill but keeps quiet about it. And you thought early diagnosis and treatment were basic principles of medical service.

5. Fortuitous cabs

The heroes in Korean soaps have an uncanny ability to catch a cab in a timely manner. In any emergency, a cab just happens to pass. Or maybe it's the cab drivers who have the power of foresight?

6. Weather forecasts are always wrong

Heroine is soaked in unexpected shower due to wrong weather forecasts. Hero appears in front of her carrying -- an umbrella!

7. Mobile phones

No matter how poor they are, the protagonists have an expensive mobile phone. Most cost some W700,000 (US$1=W923).

*source

Hahaha. Well this is entertaining. Some are true, namely 1, 3, 5 and 7. But for the no. 1 formula, Witch Yoo Hee was a change, because she was the rich one among the leads.

And yes, the cabs are always there for them, Haha! I didn't notice that!

I guess these formulas are what makes us love Korean dramas when we first get a hold of them. But the more you watch Korean dramas, you get a hold of reality, and realize that they are just that, KOREAN DRAMAS.

Ordinary circumstances in our lives which are bloated with dramas, to attract more viewers. The drama added to these dramas deviate us from what is real. I'm sure girls out there would want to have a Korean drama type of love story, but the sad case is that there is none. Its just drama, with the purpose of entertaining. These dramas become an outlet of the directors/scriptwriters' imagination and creativity, with the Korean touch of lifestyle and decision making.

Song Hye Kyo in Paris!

2008-07-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

OMG. I love Song Hye Kyo, and she went to Paris!!!!! One of my dream destinations and one of my favorite Korean actresses, all in one!

She looks so cute and amazing!

As usual, she's pretty without too much makeup. I think she's one of the Korean actresses who have not gone under the knife.

Let's hope she'll be contented with her stunning beauty.

*source

Hello Miss

2008-06-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

Lee Ji Hoon as Hwang Dong Gyu
Lee Da Hae as Lee Soo Ha
Ha Suk Jin as Hwang Chan Min
Yoon Mi Joo as Suh Hwa Ran

I watched Hello Miss here.
Lee Soo Ha, 38th granddaughter of the Jae Ahn Lee clan and owner of the clan manor Hwa Ahn Dang, is trying to save the place from going bankrupt. Hwang Dong Gyu, oldest grandson of the president of TOP Group, is trying to buy Hwa Ahn Dang because his grandfather, who was once a servant at the manor, cannot rest in peace unless he spends his last days in Hwa Ahn Dang's master suite. Hwang Chan Min, Dong Gyu's playboy cousin, is his rival in business and love. Enter Seo Hwa Ran, a model who has a secret history with and a secret plan for Hwa Ahn Dang (and Chan Min), and Lee Joon Yong, Soo Ha's brother and Chan Min's friend who can't forget a girl from Hwa Ahn Dang he knew when he was a kid...

This drama is adapted from the novel, "Kimchi Mandu
photos source

I was interested to watch this drama because I'm a fan of Lee Da Hae. I've read a couple of reviews about this, and they said it was funny. But a friend of mine said that the story is not really that amazing. That didn't stop me from watching this drama. I am also very interested on how Lee Ji Hoon and Lee Da Hae would work up on their chemistry. Expect me to compare their chemistry with Lee Dong Wook and LDH's chemistry on My Girl.

For me, LDH's beauty was really shining in this Korean drama! But I didn't see it immediately. Because in the first few episodes, she always wore the HANBOK. I have nothing against the traditional Korean dress, but she didn't really have any appeal while wearing those. When Chan Min dressed her up (the photo above), everyone was taken by Aegisshi.

As usual, LDH's acting is superb. Her character, Lee Su Ha is the complete opposite of My Girl's Joo Yoo Rin. Lee Su Ha is taught never to lie to others. Her life is focused on Hwa Ahn Dang. She is kind of stupid or should I say ignorant when she went to Seoul. A certified country bumpkin. She first believed that every person is kind, then she met her younger sister, Lee Jun Ha. Then, when she realized that people would take advantage of your weaknesses, she accused Hwang Dong Gyu of fraud. How unfair. But then, because of destroying Dong Gyu's phone, and after it was fixed, she browsed on his phone, and right on to her face, she knew how much Dong Gyu likes her.

I love how at the start of the story, they got into the business immediately. Starting on how Lee Su Ha and Hwang Dong gyu met, not bad. I love Hwang Dong Gyu! A very funny guy. He's charming in an unconventional way. I love the fact that the lead guy was the first one to fall in love, and he didn't deny his feelings. A true man. An unconventional Korean drama again. We're so used to having the lead girl fall for the guy first. So this was definitely a change. Dong Gyu was doing all the chasing to Aegisshi. I love it.

Suh Hwa Ran/ Kkot Bun is the typical antagonist, with bitterness clouding her system. Fine, it was always Aegisshi, respected at Hwa Ahn Dang, but she didn't have to be a biyatch. I really hate her, and the fact that she hates her mom, I hated her more! Her mom loves her so much even though Hwa Ran did all of the bad things. She has a plastic beauty, which I think represents how Korea is in favor of plastic surgeries, and how their standards of beauty are defined with surgeries! Just my opinion.

There's Hwang Chan Min, the typical playboy. I actually hated his guts that he uses Aegisshi for his own good, then when the bad things happened, he puts all the blame to Dong Gyu. But still, in this drama, it is evident that the good guys always win, no matter what. In fairness, he really fell for Aegisshi. But I don't like that he knows Aegisshi likes Dong Gyu, yet he remained silent. Just because of a girl you would forsake your brother? He's cute in an awkward and very weird way. But his good looks is not enough to sweep Aegisshi off her feet.

Lee Jun Yeong, Su Ha's brother, is so cute!!! I kind of wished that he is one of LDH's leading men in this drama. Weird, but they had some chemistry. Not as siblings, but lovers!! And that is why I can't help but express my feelings for him! He's a sweet guy, the typical guy you would want to bring home to your mommy, and the guy you would want for a boyfriend. Suh Hwa Ran was really lucky that despite her insecurities, this guy makes her feel really secure. Awww.

Overall, I like this drama. There's a lot of chemistry between Dong Gyu and Su Ha but I would have to say that it is underdeveloped. Haha. I wish they would've made more romantic scenes. They're a cute couple and all that, but their chemistry wasn't maximized to its full potential. Haha. I wish they would pair up again in the future, and more intimate scenes please!

I love Dong Gyu and his loyal assistant, Representative Jang, and how Dong Gyu would hit his head. Funny, funny, funny! Their relationship also symbolizes extreme loyalty, which I believe is a good thing.

I didn't like the ending that much because it looked like it was rushed. Like "Hey, we have to do this because it is the last episode already!" Bad. I also think this drama should be entitled "Hwa Ahn Dang". Haha. Because the story revolves so much around the clan state.

This drama also heavily promotes Korean culture, from the Aegisshi lifestyle, to the wedding! Very Traditional Korean stuffs. Nothing against it, its just that maybe they could have given the lead characters more sweet scenes then I wouldn't have to despise the too much Korean flavor of the drama. This drama gives a good laugh, so its still interesting to watch.

Final words: Its a good drama, but there's something lacking in it. And you can't figure out what is it even though you have finished watching the epilogue.

Upcoming: Hello Miss

2008-06-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

I am currently watching Hello Miss, and I read some reviews that its not really that that great. But I am loving it. :)

Witch Yoo Hee

2008-06-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

*source

Han Ga In as Ma Yoo Hee
Jae Hee as Chae Moo Ryong
Jun Hye Bin as Nam Seung Mi
Kim Jeong Hoon as Yoo Joon Ha
Dennis Oh as Johnny Kruger

Ma Yoo Hee (Han Ga In) is the executive of an advertising company. She would never be caught dead wearing make-up and only dresses in black. Her hairstyle and glasses are very business like looks, her only enjoyment in life appears to be the times when she's criticising everything and anyone. All of her employees and co-workers fear her and she is constantly talked about when she's not around. Her stern and harsh nature has earned her the nickname 'witch' When it comes to romance she is hopeless. No matter how many blind dates she has, not one has ever led to a
second. The reason for this is her negativity and her inability to loosen up and express herself. She is, however, completely oblivious of her faults and cannot comprehend why she is so bad when it comes to love.

Chae Mu-Ryong (Jae Hee) is an aspiring chef with a passion for French cuisine. He has an innate ability when it comes to taste and perfection. Every piece of food and every plate he prepares must be perfect. However this tends to get him into a lot of trouble because when working in a kitchen every moment counts and there is not possibly enough time to take so much care in preparation and decoration of meals. His criticism of a head chef's cooking causes him to lose his job. His parents have never really approved of his aspirations and dreams to be a famous chef and insist he return to medical school. He decides to enroll back into medical school but changes his mind at the last minute and decides not to.

Mu-Ryong discusses everything with his best friend and ends up going on a blind date to pretend to be someone else who backed out at the last minute. He declines at first since he already has a girlfriend, but his friend offers him money, and warns him however that the woman he will be meeting is rather different.

The woman he meets is Yoo Hee, and while under normal circumstances she would be rude, brash and boring, she tries to be nice and happy in an attempt to succeed on the date. However, her pretending is not very convincing and Mu-Ryong figures that it would be a matter of time before she loses it. The date ends when Mu-Ryong falls asleep for a moment, resulting in Yoo Hee throwing a glass of water at his face and calling him rude. He retorts back to her also, telling her to take care of her appearance the next time she goes on a blind date. The two then leave on bad terms.

While delivering food from his father's Chinese restaurant, Mu-Ryong becomes involved in a car accident, coincidentally with Yoo Hee. They exchange insurance information and Yoo Hee learns that he lied to her on their date, realizing that he is 1 year younger than her, and that he met her only as a favor to a friend.

Yoo Hee demands the money for the damage to her car to be paid within a week. However, Mu-Ryong doesn't have any money, and yet Yoo Hee is unwilling to compromise with him. He decides to use his school tuition, which was given to him by his parents, to pay for her car. However, he loses the money after being mugged on the way to pay her.

Mu-Ryong tells Yoo Hee he doesn't have the money but is willing to work it off, no matter how long it takes or what he must do for her to pay her back. Yoo Hee decides that Mu-Ryong could repay her by working as her house keeper, since she continuously looses her previous keepers.

Meanwhile, Mu-Ryongs girlfriend Seung Mi, who works at her father's restaurant, is expecting a new head chef: Johnny Kruger, a world renowned chef, who also happens to be Mu-Ryong's idol and an acquaintance of Yoo Hee as well.
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I really wanted to watch this drama because I miss Jae Hee. Its been 2 years since I last saw him on TV. Since this drama is director by the same director of My Girl and Sassy Girl Chunhyang, I have high expectations. Yes, it got me hooked on the first episodes, but as the story gets serious, I don't think I really want to know how they would end up with each other.

As usual, Jae Hee is one hell of an actor. He's not a Korean star, he's a Korean actor. We know how hard it is to make people laugh, and he made me laugh so much, enough to keep watching this series. His character, Chae Moo Ryong is way different from Lee Mong Ryong. I can't help comparing Witch Yoo Hee with Sassy Girl Chunhyang and My Girl.

Chae Moo Ryong is an unfortunate lad who always gets fired. He doesn't have the striking good looks, all he has is a loving character and the maturity in falling in love. At first, he sees that Yoo Hee is a pretty girl, desired to be loved, but hiding in a witch or should I say, bitch character. But what he didn't expect is that he would fall in love with this witch.

He's a good guy, but I couldn't say that he's a good boyfriend to Seung-Mi. Knowing that he has a girlfriend, he should always put his girlfriend first, above anything else. But he kept on making excuses to go to Yoo Hee, and that is bad. Infidelity. But I guess, the story just shows that if you found true love, you should go get it, even though you are taken. I was just irritated on how he would leave his girlfriend alone.

Jae Hee is enough to handle this series on his own. He brought justice to Chae Moo Ryong's character, and his eyes are just so expressive. Impressive too! I just don't like the idea that he's like Yoo Hee's stylist, which makes him look GAY. Not gay --happy, but gay--homosexual. Bad. Bad. Bad. And I hate his hair too! Curly??? How come in Sassy Girl Chunhyang, he has straight hair???

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This is my first time to watch Han Ga In ever. Even though her character Yoo Hee is a witch, I could see that she is really pretty. But she is a pretty bitch. I guess it just implies that no matter how beautiful you are, if your personality sucks, then it is put into waste. I feel bad for her that she just want to experience love, but the guys that she dated were assholes and blind enough to see her weakness.

I love her clothes when she transformed into a better Yoo Hee.

But when Han Ga In cries, I don't feel anything. Yes I could see tears falling from her big eyes, but that's it. She looks like she is crying, because that is her job.

She had her moments in this drama, and I think this drama is breakout role. That is my own opinion okay? I really haven't heard any drama that did well, with Han Ga In in it. And this drama is really her own. She will always be known as Witch Yoo Hee.

Yoo Hee is only the rich female lead I have ever seen so far.

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Yoo Joon Ha is one hell of a bastard. What's so ironic is that he is played by angel-faced Kim Jeong Hoon. Its actually good because of his face you don't expect him to be a money-grabbing guy looking for a super rich girl to marry him. I really hated his guts every time he would take advantage of Yoo Hee's affections for him.

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I actually felt bad for him when he got into the car accident and broke his arm. But then, after knowing that he's just using that to force Yoo Hee to marry him, now that is evil! And I can't believe Yoo Hee's dad actually approves of it. No dad would want to fool his daughter.

But he regained his composure when he dropped Yoo Hee at the airport, to catch Moo Ryong.

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Now, there's Seung Mi, the faithful girlfriend. I admired how she believes Moo Ryong even though she is looking stupid already. She could see with her own eyes that there is something going on with Yoo Hee and Moo Ryong, yet she decided to remain blind.

But when it was time for Seung Mi to let go of Moo Ryong, she was desperate to force Moo Ryong to marry her. I also like the fact that she didn't resort to Joon Ha's level of separating Moo Ryong and Yoo Hee. Even though she wants Moo Ryong to be with her, she wouldn't do unacceptable things just to get him.

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OH JOHNNY! I love Johnny Kruger. Period. Even though girls are flocking to him, he still knows how to like quality girls like Yoo Hee. He has the good looks to make any woman fall for him but he doesn't have the confidence to go after Yoo Hee. He became Moo Ryong's good friend, but at the start of the series, he's a conceited jerk. Kind of.

Dennis Oh is oh so hot!

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Jae Hee and Han Ga In's chemistry is not that hot for me. They look more like siblings. Or maybe I am just biased. But I think that's true. Just watch it. :)

If you want a good laugh, this drama is for you. Chae Moo Ryong would keep you entertained and Yoo Joon Ha would want you to turn off the tv. Overall, this drama is okay but I really hated the ending. Come on. I watched 16 episodes and all I get is a kiss at the airport. They could do something better than that!!

Han Chae Young photo shoot in Only You

2008-06-25T19:17:00.001-07:00

Sassy Girl Chunhyang NG: Kissing Scene

2008-06-17T00:12:00.000-07:00

so cute! :)

Only You NG

2008-06-15T20:19:00.001-07:00

Only You NG

2008-06-15T20:18:00.001-07:00

Only You: Behind the scenes

2008-06-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

Only You OST: Only You by Park Chae Won

2008-06-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

Only You: Behind the scenes

2008-06-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Only You OST: Pyun Saeng To Rok

2008-06-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Only You OST: Sarang Hal Gge

2008-06-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

My Girl: Opening

2008-06-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

These are the opening of My Girl. The original in Korea and the other one is what was shown in the Philippines. They are pretty much the same except for the song. I love Sam Milby's version better.

Check it out!

My Girl OST: Never Say Goodbye

2008-06-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Upcoming: Witch Yoo Hee

2008-06-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

I just bought a DVD copy of Witch Yoo Hee! I have seen up to Episode 10 before through Crunchyroll, and because of school works and lack of a broadband connection, I didn't get to finish it. But wait no more. Coz after a week, I guess I'll be able to blog about it!

Exhibition of Fireworks

2008-05-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

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Shin Na Ra, a woman who is almost thirty welcomes her boyfriend of ten years back from his business trip. During their dinner, he tells her that he not only had an affair but fell in love with another woman. Thus their relationship is no more. To make herself feel better, Na Ra drinks a large amount of alcohol and unknowingly dropped the ring her ex-boyfriend gave her into a random stranger’s cup. The stranger, In-Jae, drinks the shot without seeing the ring and both of them end up in the hospital.

To support herself, Na Ra pretends to be her 20 years old sister in order to work as a cosmetic clerk at Mi-Rae (the woman her ex-boyfriend fell in love with)’s shop but fate has brought In-Jae to the shop to. Thus began their surprising journey of love, where In-Jae is in love with Mi-Rae too.

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This drama isn't included in "My favorites", but I guess it is worth blogging. I was interested to watch this because of Han Chae Young. She looks pretty decent here,and cute. Haha! But I guess that was all it was. For me, the synopsis was lame and shallow. I was really disappointed.

Han Chae Young's character, Shin Na Ra, is the most liberated character I have ever seen her play. How I wished she was that liberated in Sassy Girl Chun Hyang and Only You. I feel pity for Na Ra because it seems that no one wants to love her, and there was insecurity of course. Her ex-boyfriend was really a jerk.On this drama though, HCY gets to show off her well-endowed assets. Was that a way to boost ratings?

For Kang Ji Hwan, he didn't really get me that interesting. He's just tall. That's all. With a nice body, I would have to say. I find his character to be a jerk too. He just realized at the last episode that he loves Shin Na Ra???? I mean for the sake of ending up with each other? Now that's crap.

Park Eun Hye's character is a biyatch. That's all.

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At the middle part of the story, there was some chemistry going on with HCY and KJH, but when KJH preferred PEH, it was just gone. I wasn't really impressed. The story was just a disaster, they could have done something about it.

Marrying a Millionaire

2008-05-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Want to marry a millionaire? Add one 'Average Joe', be one of eight women selected, and money from the television network station and you can.

Han Eun-young works as a clerk at a bank, trying to pay off the debts her step-mother and sister have piled on her. Kim Young-hoon is your regular, 'Average Joe', worker. He provides for his father, his older brother and his wife, as well as his younger brother.

One day, PD Yoo Jin-ha is asked to take over the project, "Marry a Millionaire". Reluctantly, he agrees to handle the project. His search begins for the perfect man to play the 'millionaire'. His goal is to use a man who is an average worker, but can pull off the facade of a millionaire. Kim Young-hoon is that man. Although he works hard for a living, there are many who can easily mistake him for a rich guy.By chance, Eun-young is selected to be a particpant in the TV show. Although the women are not supposed to know that this millionaire of their's is just a regular worker, Eun-young knows his true identity.How?Simple. Young-hoon was her first love. After many years, they meet up again at a party. Although she didn't recognize him at first, she realized it was the young boy she had fallen in love with back in middle school. Although she says she made a mistake in liking him, being in the show with him is bringing up warm feelings once again.

Marrying a Millionaire is based on the US reality television show, Joe Millionaire.

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I watched this drama out of boredom. I saw a DVD of this, here in our house, and since I don't have anything to do, okay let's try watching it. What I liked about this drama is that it shows how a television show works behind the scenes. How the production is working hard for every detail of the show. The concept, the main character, the supporting cast and the flow of the show. The scandals are made for the sake of publicity and ratings.

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Han Eun Young is a smart girl who fell in love with a mentally challenged boy. At first, she was annoying because she pretended that she didn't like Young hoon but eventually, she gave in. I didn't like it when she got the bad publicity when in the first place, all she had were good intentions. See how people could easily judge others without knowing the facts first?

Kim Hyun Joo couldn't cry well. But I found myself crying with her during some parts of the story. Now that's something.

I read from somewhere that this drama is Go Soo's last drama before entering the military. He's cute! I love his character, Kim Young Hoon because despite his immediate stardom, he remained down to earth. I also love the idea that he was overwhelmed by all the good things that happened to him after the show. He felt that he didn't deserve those. And when he lost his star, he strived really hard to get back on the scene. He took lousy commercials and bit parts. So when he got succesful again, he definitely deserved the success and the glory.

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Son Tae Young plays the actress Jung Soo Min. She's very pretty and she carried the role pretty well. I hated her though when she was being selfish to Young hoon. For Yoo Jin Ha, he tried to woo Eun Young too much, but I guess the more he strived for her, the more she flies to Young hoon.

I like this drama but I would have to say the phasing was really slooowww. Too much time are spent on the characters staring into space and thinking. There were some scenes that aren't really that necessary.

Waiting for: Three Dads, One Mom

2008-05-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

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Can't wait to watch this!!! :)

The first video is a photo shoot for the poster of Three Dads, One Mom. And the second video is a clip from their press conference. Oh God! Jo Hyun Jae is mighty hot and cute!!!

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My Girl

2008-05-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

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Joo Yoo Rin is an imposter, proficient in English, Chinese, and Japanese, while Seol Gong Chan is the second generation heir of a big corporation. Because of his grandfather's illness, he is forced to ask Yoo Rin to act as his long-lost cousin so that his grandfather's last wish can be fulfilled. So therefore, they are both bound in a lie that no-one in the family knows the truth.

Gong Chan's charming and intelligent ex-girlfriend, Kim Sae Hyun, grew up in a rich family and dreams to become a world-famous tennis star with the nickname "Sharapova of Korea". Upon returning to Korea after winning the title, she works hard at getting back with Gong Chan, thus causing both she and Yoo Rin to compete for Gong Chan's affection.

To make matters more complicated, womanizer Seo Jeong Woo, who is Gong Chan's best friend, falls for Yoo Rin and finally learns to love that special someone despite being an "accomplished" playboy.

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One of the best Korean dramas I have ever seen. :)

I am hands-down to Lee Da Hae's acting here. She's perfect for the role of Ju Yoo Rin. I think its hard to make people cry but its definitely harder to make people laugh!!! And with Yoo Rin's character, you will DEFINITELY laugh! This is my first time to watch Lee Da Hae on Kdramas, and I wasn't disappointed. I am familiar with her other drama, Green Rose, but I wasn't too keen to watch it because it has too much crying!!

Anyway, I have nothing but high praises for Lee Da Hae. She's one hell of an actress. She carried the show on her own. Her comedic timings were right, and I wouldn't consider her facial expressions to be over reacting. Just right. I couldn't imagine any other actress playing Ju Yoo Rin!

For Lee Dong Wook, he's just so good looking and hot! He's one of the motivations, on why I want to watch the drama. But sad to say, his acting is not that fabulous yet. He is still a baby when it comes to acting. There were some scenes when he cries too much, and I just wanna shout at him "What a face!", but still he's cute. His character, Seol Gong Chan is such a goody-two shoes. Always taking orders from his grandfather. But come to think of it, if he didn't follow his grandfather's order to look for his cousin, he wouldn't meet Yoo Rin. :)

For Lee Joon Ki, at first, I wasn't impressed that he is playing a "player" role. He's just not that appealing to me. But I would have to say that he did some justice to the role. I begin to find myself saying "Ah, he could do it." Okay, Seo Jeong Woo was a playboy, but when he met Yoo Rin, he became a one-woman man. Too bad it didn't work out, coz hello! He's just a supporting character.

Park Si Yeon is one of the most beautiful Korean actresses. Her beauty is just exotic, and she's also perfect for playing the role of Kim Se Hyun. Kim Se Hyun is perfect from head to toe, she has everything she could ever want but she couldn't the one thing she truly desires. And that is Seol Gong Chan. She should just have faced the reality that she chose her dream, and that is why Gong Chan's love for her was transferred to Ju Yoo Rin.

I love how at the end of each episode, the last scene would be freezed and it just captured the emotions of the characters. Like this one from Se Hyun and Jeong Woo, a classic! I love it!

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And of course, I have always waited for the final episode of My Girl because of Jae Hee and Han Chae Young! Aaah. Their Mong Ryong and Chun Hyang chemistry is still there, after about a year or so?! Seeing them together again is truly a blessing for the fans!! Hope to see them in more cameo roles!

Only You

2008-05-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Eun Jae (Han Chae Young) was a stubborn and head-strong girl who had a passion for cooking. She did not have any interest in going to college and with the help of her high school friend, Jung Hyun Sung (Lee Chun Hee)ran away to Italy to enroll in a cooking school. Jung Hyun Sung who loved her dearly went along with her. Han Yi-Joon (Jo Hyun Jae) came from a wealthy family. He travelled to Italy looking for his mother and there he ran into Eun Jae, who had also been seeking the same person to learn the secrets to making great pasta. She comforted Yi-Joon, who was distraught over his mother's remarrying, and they ended up making love. Yi Joon left Eun Jae the next morning over some misunderstanding. Eun Jae became pregnant and had no choice but to give up her dream and to return to Korea.

6 years later, Eun Jae was working in low paying restaurant jobs, Yi-Joon started to take over the operations of his family's business, and Hyun Sung was working as a chef for one of the restaurants owned by Yi-Joon and managed by Ji Soo Yeon (Hong Soo Hyun). Hyun Sung was good with Eun Jae's son and he was helping out Eun Jae's whole family financially as they had fallen on hard times. Yi-Joon found out that he still had feelings for Eun Jae as they ran into each other when he was looking for a new chef for his restaurant. The dramatic tension unfolds as the four main characters worked out their feelings for each other.

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I love watching this drama because it kept me glued to the screen all time. I can't wait what will happen next. It's not your typical funny Korean drama, but its entertaining on its own. I love how the characters show their passions for the ONLY ONE that they love. Really staying true to the title, Only You. For me, this drama implies that one-night stands could be your true love. I'm not encouraging one night stands here, its just that, Eun Jae and Yi-Joon's attraction for each other was so strong that even after 6 years of being apart, they can't forget each other.

I'm a fan of Han Chae Young, and she was the reason that got me interested in watching this. I wanna see how she would act this time with another guy. For me, she looks a whole lot better here than in Sassy Girl Chunhyang (maybe because of the boobs?! Kidding!). Seriously, she looks prettier here, without that ridiculous hairstyle from SGCH. But during the first part of the story, I wonder why she always wear a bonnet. She has gorgeous hair meant to be shown-off, but hidden under those knitted caps. The "after 6 years" part, her hair was always in a bun, or should I say a disheveled bun? She looks dirty. If it weren't for her pretty face, she looks like a maid. Or maybe they really needed to tie her hair that way because she's a chef? Nah. It doesn't make sense.

She seems to cry better on this drama, compared to SGCH. Maybe she practiced enough? But she always plays the "hard to get" girl. So there were parts in this drama that I want to scream to her "Can't you just be true to yourself?!"

As for Jo Hyun Jae, he's so cute. I love scenes like these wherein he peeks at the kitchen door just to get a glimpse of Eun Jae. His character, Yi-Joon, is a paranoid one. He can't seem to stop thinking about Eun Jae. Aww. He only thinks of himself and his feelings, but imagine if a guy would tell you he's getting crazy because of you, isn't that sweet? Wouldn't those words melt your heart? He's cheesy. Yi-Joon finds it hard to open up to other people, but Eun Jae was able to capture his heart in Italy. And because of that he can't forget her.

I love how he gets jealous of Hyun Sung, thinking he was Eun Jae's boyfriend. Aargh! So cute!! One thing I don't like about him is his inconsistency. One day, he'll be so happy to be with Eun Jae and then the next day, he hates her. He was a such a jerk when he learned that Eun Jae has a child. He fired her!!! I mean,what does having a child have to do with your job? Well, I guess he was just disappointed.

Their son, Jin Sol is so cute, and he really resembles Yi-Joon. So I guess the casting people really placed an effort on looking for the perfect child! Haha!

In fairness, Jo Hyun Jae and Han Chae Young have some chemistry going on. They look good together, I kind of wished that they were dating in real life. So much for that.

Overall, I really really love this drama. When it was on-air, everyone at our house was waiting for this every night. The story and the characters were deep. Not just an ordinary love story. One thing I find irritating is how the family keeps on getting in way with Eun Jae and Yi-Joon's love, and why it is such a big deal if Eun Jae has a child.
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Han Chae Young Getting Married in May

2007-03-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

Actress Han Chae Young will be married to a businessman who is four years older than her, in May.

On the 13th, Chae Young's entertainment group, Star Jay, announced that she will be getting married to Choi Dong Jun. Though the date and venue are yet to be set, they have the full approval from each family side.Chae Young's fiancee came from America to Korea to work in a business in 1976.

Now, Han Chae Yong is filming `I Live With The Person I Love' with co-stars Park Yong Woo, Um Jung Hwa and Lee Dong Gun.

From asianfanatics. com

perfectionist: i was actually shocked to hear this news. i am a big fan of han chae young and jae hee from sassy girl chunhyang, and was one one of those fans wishing that they would end up as a couple. And with this news, it is just impossible! I guess all i could do right now is hope that Jae hee and han chae young will work together again in a new project...so sad!

come to think of it, of all the information about HCY's fiance, he looks like ajushi's character in chunhyang! lol just an observation!

Princess Hours

2007-03-05T02:41:00.000-08:00

Yoon Eun Hye as Shin Chae-kyeong

Joon Ji Hoon as Lee Shin

Kim Jeong Hoon as Lee Yool

Song Ji Hyo as Min Hyo Rin

Princess Hours (Korean: 궁, Hanja: 宮, romanized as Goong, and also known as Goong - Love in Palace or Palace, its literal translation and the alternate official title) is a Korean romantic comedy/drama, which had its first season run from January 11 to March 30, 2006. It was distributed by MBC.

Princess Hours became one of MBC's most popular dramas of 2006, second only to Jumong . Overall, the show was the tenth most popular drama of 2006, according to TNS media. Due to the success of the first season, a second season has been produced, a rare occasion in the Korean television industry.

*credits to wikipedia*

When i learned that Princess Hours will be shown here in the Philippines, i am so excited! My first impression for this drama is that it would give me a whole lot of laughter just like the korean drama Sassy Girl Chunhyang since the main characters are binded also by forced marriage. Overall, I would give this korean drama a 7 out of 10 score.

I love Yoon Eun Hye's acting here, she's cute, bubbly and funny. Not to mention that she's also one of the prettiest Korean actresses I have ever seen. She could make me laugh with her "stupidity" and she could also cry during dramatic scenes. With her character, i could understand why Shin and Yool fell in love with her. What i hate about her role is that, everytime she is angry with Shin, she forgets that she's angry the moment Shin hugs her. I think that's very stupid. It is like she's just a kid asking for Shin's attention. She's a child crying, asking for an ice cream from an adult. The moment that adult gives her the ice cream, she will immediately forget why she was mad at the first place. Its just so grrr!

Next is Joo Ji Hoon, I hate him.Wahahaha! was that mean? I think that he's dense (another mean comment?), i know that he's mean, but he's really dense. By the way, he's also mean to Chae-kyeong, and i don't know why she fell inlove with him. He doesn't even care about Chae Kyeong during the first part of the story. Well i think that's how their love story unfolds. duh! Anyway, i will think of his good sides..He's cute (sometimes) and i love him when he's hiding his jealousy from Chae Kyeong because of Yool. I think that makes him cute.

Kim Jeong Hoon! Saranghe! I love Yool. that's final. I wish he was the main character, but i guess that could not happen because i think Joo ji hoon is more popular than him. Anyway, for me, Yool looks like an adolescent, a young boy. His cute baby face just makes me melt everytime i watch this series. He has some "villain" character here, but i don't believe that his character is that mean. Everytime that Chae kyeong ignores her, i could not help but "awwww.....". I feel pity for his character because he was the first one to love Chae Kyeong, yet she ended up with the loser, Shin.

Min Hyo rin, i hate everything about her. I think Song Ji hyo looks old to play the character of Hyo rin. She looks old enough to play Shin's mother! No kidding! She's an effective villain because i am hating her so much right now. I guess if she irritates me, she's a good actress. Her character is "the social climber" type. Trying to achieve things that are not within your reach.

For the drama, I have a lot of qualms about it. I hate Shin's grandmother. She talks a lot in the whole series. Not only she talks a lot, but she also talks slowly.Very slowly. How was that? The pacing of the story is too slow. Maybe, they did that on purpose so that it would be up to 24 episodes. They are shooting even the most irrelevant things like the pouring of tea in the cup, giving food to the queen. I mean, time is running! Give us some entertainment!

This drama gives emphasis to the Korean culture. I think that is a plus point for Koreans. In case this drama is exported (like here in the Philippines), the audience would have an idea about the values, traditions, and customs of Koreans.

Sassy/Delightful Girl Chunhyang

2007-02-07T01:32:00.000-08:00

Han Chae Young as Sung Chun Hyang

Jae Hee as Lee Mong Ryong

Eom Tae Woong as Byun Hak Do

Park Shi Eun as Hong Chae Rin

"Sassy Girl, Chun-hyang" is the 2005 interpretation of the "Legend of Chun-hyang". The story begins when Lee Mong-ryong is transferred from Seoul to a high school in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. Chun-hyang does her best to help Mong-ryong, her first love and the son of the Namwon Police Station chief, to enter a prestigious university. However, after meeting with Mong-ryong's first love, Chae-rin, Mong-ryong's love toward Chun-hyang is shattered, although Chun-hyang's love remains unwavering.

One day, Byeon Hak-do, CEO of a famous entertainment company, appears in her life. He exudes confidence that he can make any woman fall for him. But as Chun-hyang shows no interest in him, his self-esteem is damaged profoundly. Byeon Hak-do is determined to make her love him.

The production team of this drama says they wanted to present a whole new image of Chun-hyang in line with modern times as she is an attractive female character who showed courage in choosing her love in the Chosun period, when Confucianism was a dominant value.

This fusion-style drama makes various new attempts in terms of genre, such as mixing rap with Pansori music.

This is my favorite korean drama. Well, i have a lot of favorite kdramas but this is the ultimate favorite of mine! When you will read the synopsis, you may think or judge that this is just another teen drama because the main characters play high school roles but I'd have to say that this drama is more than that. It has a depth! Imagine within 17 episodes, you will see two people mature physically, emotionally and mentally. You could find here everything. Suspense, drama and of course, comedy!

Since this is my first blog entry for this blog, I should give this prestigious award to my fave kdrama!

Chunhyang (Han Chae Young) is a smart girl and ever since Lee Mong Ryong (Jae Hee) appeared in her life, her life was a mess! at first, i wasn't interested in watching this drama because of Chunhyang's weird hairstyle. Maybe the producers of this show think it looks funky and all that..but i would have to say it sucks. But then this "Chunhyang hairstyle" helped Chunhyang's character. Nowadays, if you will see people tying their hair like that, Chunhyang's face will flash in your mind. Anyway, aside from the hairstyle, I think Han Chae Young was able to portray Chunhyang's role well. I could not imagine anybody playing Chunhyang aside from her. She does not have the ordinary features of a Korean girl, but she's pretty. Her facial expressions were great especially when she's checking out Lee Mong Ryong. Whenever i watched Han Chae Young on interviews and fan meets, i could see in her body language that she is a very shy girl. But since Chunhyang's character is a very dominant one, i am hands down to her ability to portray Chunhyang's strong personality.

Then there's Jae Hee who played Lee Mong Ryong. How do i start my feelings for this guy?Well, during the start of the show, his gorgeous face will attract you to watch the series, but his acting skills will force you to keep watching till the last episode and leave you asking for more! That's how powerful Jae Hee is. You will just love him. He could make you laugh, and he could amazingly make you cry. You would see how Mongryong realized his undying love for Chunhyang. He's just great.

There's is something about Han Chae Young and Jae Hee that you can't figure out. in the whole series, there were some scenes wherein you would think that HCY and JH are not acting anymore. I haven't seen that kind of thing on other kdramas. Its like the director would just tell them, "ok just have fun with each other", and they will do the rest. I love that. I could not get over that! hehe their chemistry is so strong, i guess so strong that they were asked to have a guest appearance for another kdrama, My Girl. They complement each other. You could feel the love of the characters even though they always argue about eveything. Another thing that i find it very amazing with HCY and JH is that they were able to portray the high school roles even though they were 24 or 25 years old already at that time. Its good to look young.

i am just irritated with Hong Chae Rin and Byun Hakdo. i guess that means how effective Eom Tae Woong and Park Shi Eun were. I hate how they tried to separate the young lovers who were just realizing their feelings. well i guess that's how the story should unfold.

Overall, i have nothing but high praises for this korean drama. The whole story makes sense (except the disappearance of Chunhyang's mother at the latter episodes). If you crave for something to make you laugh yet doesn't fail to make you cry, then grab a copy of SASSY GIRL CHUNHYANG!