This is my first drama before I knew what kdramas was. I binge watched it, mesmerized
I watched this before I knew that kdramas existed... So I was not hooked up yet, but this drama made me a fan of kdramas and that is how I remembered to look for other kdramas when the COVID stay-at-home chaos started.Back then I had no idea kdramas exist, I just found pieces of this kdrama on social media =
and then I watched all episodes, mesmerized.
THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME EVER I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT LONG TO WATCH TV
so yeah you can safely conclude that this drama is interesting and captivating
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I can say that this is a drama that is such an eye-opener for me to the NEWS side of the Media Industry. I totally saw what people with power can do to manipulate everything that we see in the media in order for us to believe something that is false. Starting with the plot, I really admire that it actually roots from something for the leads or the main characters to solve. I also like the character development of the characters in the whole drama. Thinking that they were simple characters with such ambitions, you can see how they realized things that were causing them grief and pain.
Going to the characters, this is one of the Park Shin Hye characters that didn't annoy me at all. I'm glad that her character here as Choi In Ha was natural yet it gave a look at how strong she can be in order to do what's right. I don't have much to say about Lee Jong Suk's character or Dal Po because he portrayed it really well. He was someone funny, but he was also someone that knew how to be caring despite his clashing emotions between love and hate. Lee Jong Suk's acting did not disappoint! I'm glad Dal Po and In Ha were mature enough to solve problems and I like that they didn't drag the romance part of the drama too much.
I also loved Kim Young Kwang as Seo Bum Jo! Literally a different chaebol in your usual dramas. The only thing I didn't like about him was at the beginning of the drama, for some reason, what he did put me off. Lee Yoo Bi as Yoon Yoo is the cutest! My friends told me that they were annoyed at her for me, she isn't at all. She gives off such a light mood for her character that was somehow relatable at some point. Let me also applaud the veteran actors and the supporting casts in this drama. I would like to highlight Yoon Kyun Sang and Shin Jae Ha because seriously, they were both so good. Even with little screen-time, they never failed to capture my attention at how good they act and how they portrayed their characters. I was sympathetic and at the same time, I understand where the hard emotions were coming from.
I had a hunch that Every Singe Day was part of the OST in this drama and when I searched it up, I was right haha. I loved how the songs created by the band fits just right for the drama.
This drama had flaws, and I really think that despite the good character development, it's just hard for me to watch 20 episodes. But that's better than rushing and fitting all the consequences in 16 eps. Overall, I give this drama a 9.5/10.
P.S. More dramas for Shin Jae Ha pls!
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This review may contain spoilers
Don't watch or not watch based on an OPINION. Use it as a small base or guideline. Try out a few ep and see if it clicks. I usually just skim the opinions....I was hesitant to watch it because of the "public opinions". Eh ....she can't kiss...heir. ....she suck....blaah...blaah. I took it as a grain of salt but it linger and sway me a little to put this off.
Reading ppl hate has taught me many things...
A great scene is when an interviewing intern was gossiping and using it as a FACT. She claim that the FL didn't get nor deserve her job or reward. That only got the job because she's pretty.
...they asked...
Did you check the fact? The source? Are you here to report news or tabloid gossip.
I feel reviews can be like that. You need to check/try it for yourself to :check:
Any reviews I write is solely based on how I feel. I mostly have interest to write reviews on dramas that I've enjoyed. If it gives the feels while watching it did it's job.
I barely Ffw scenes. It had me laughing and crying. The family dynamic is awesome. The growth and support of characters. They challenge each other's views.
1 of the best line for me is them questioning which news is more important/ better. News ppl want to hear or need to know.
ML asked.
Do you want the good news or bad news?
-good news
You got concert tickets to Pink
- awesome. What's the bad news?
You got pancreatic cancer
-Whaat? Huh? asshole why didn't you tell me earlier?!
So tell me which news do you want. A news you NEED or want?
He schooled the jaded adults.
The Leads pushed each other to be better. I cried like a baby for the characters. My heart couldn't take it and I ffw so I can get to the point/reveal
Music was ok. Nothing stood out for me to add to my playlist.
Characters were awesome. Even the minor supports. Villian was good. We didn't get soo much that it was overbearing.
Rewatchable
Yes but it's tooo long for me to wait again....lol I'm allergic to 16+ but occasionally make an exception or lots of FFW
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Pinocchio portrays the dark undertones of media coverage through the lens of a reporter. It shows how much politics is involved in media and makes the audience second doubt the legitimacy of the news itself. In particular, it brilliantly shows how obtaining the truth is an impossible and difficult task. The truth-seeking journey provokes so many thoughts and illustrates how there is so much ambiguity in certain circumstances. I found that this message was prevalent in LJS’s “I Hear Your Voice” as well.
In Pinocchio, I like how the conflict was central around characters with familial relations which made it even harder to digress right and wrong of each action because the protagonists get to analyze situations from a bird’s eye view (and also bringing about so much emotional turmoil) instead of being stubborn, mixing up the endeavour for justice even more. The characters undergo huge development and maturation while being faced with the realities of truth and realize how much grey there is in their initial worldview of black and white. Despite the never-ending journey for the truth, the truth is subjective and truth can be twisted to cause harm--this was portrayed through the quirky, supernatural element called “Pinocchio syndrome” which I found creative and effective at reinforcing the joys and dangers of handling the truth.
I enjoyed the conflict that Choi Dal Po had between following the ethics of a reporter or following his own moral code. (Although ethics and moral codes both refer to principles in which one follows, one is external that is socially accepted and one is internal such as personal belief) But what I found well done was that the drama portrayed the human condition in a way that was realistic. No one is inherently evil and everyone has their own means of justification. The way this was gradually portrayed was well paced. Naive and emotionally driven Choi Dal Po juxtaposes the collected and rational Cha Sun Ok. Throughout the story, they gradually reveal the emotional side of Cha Sun Ok as Choi Dal Po learns to approach situations through a more reason-based and objective lens. The reason/emotion conflict between the protagonist and the antagonist reinforced that the path to truth is contingent on both reason and emotion to keep each other in check. The side characters weren’t just side characters: they all had a purpose in portraying the message (save for like two which were there for some added cuteness) and everyone had a backstory that kept up the intrigue or contributed to the emotional and mental development of the protagonists in some way. I feel like I went on such a journey as I reflect on who the characters were in the beginning to the end, and how much happened in between. The plot was action-packed and properly placed in a way that kept tension but revealed enough to satisfy our demands.
As much as I enjoyed the plot, I felt like the most lacking part of the drama was the romance. I suppose for Choi Dal Po to love Choi In Ha would be a step in forgiving and letting go of the grudge he had on her mother. But it felt so unnecessary and insignificant in the midst of the action. In this regard, the romance was just too conventional to be considered unforgettable. It is there because there has to be a romance, but the focus of this drama was more on the message behind new reporting and character development. I couldn’t feel the chemistry between the leads, especially because I was not a particular fan of Park Shin Hye in the first place, and I felt as though LJS, Yoon Gyun Sang, and Jin Kyung were who made it great. Simply, there was no emotional connection for me between the couple, there were no heart-wrenching scenes between them, and it felt like it was more about having a romance in the drama and looking like a couple. The level of romance appealed more to teenagers because of its predictability and lack of tension.
Overall, the main plot is what is worth watching in the show and it definitely got me hooked. For the most part, I disregarded the romance aspect of it, but Pinocchio has everything--some amazing characters, an intellectually stimulating plot and a sprinkle of romance. It’s something that I’m glad I checked out and invested my time in. I recommend this if you’re a first-time LJS watcher, if you’re an old LJS fan, if you like a great plot, and if you want a good watch!
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As for park shin hye - i did not really find her beauty appealing and rather bland and typical - but she actually is gorgeous in this drama and acts well.
Lee jung suk (oh i have seen secret garden prior this but i skipped all of his scenese there so technically this is my first of him) on the other hand can easily catch attention bec of his looks and and smile - he is good at crying - cold hearted - playful and romantic scenes too - just lacking on eyes expression in showing sarcasm/mysterious in our language “angas” (ie- lee seung gi in hwayugi - when he looks scary in a good way)
Although ki Ha myeong family story is really a tragic - it didn’t make me cry - what made me shed tears is whenever Cho dal po adoptive family can’t hide how they care for him and how they adore him. The warmth in their house and the chemistry amongst them is soothing. (I love the younger gi ha myeong too - such a handsome boy)
The arguements were satisying til the end. The only thing off for me is weight between media and police/detectives - it is at times off - but i can say acceptable - so id let that slide.
Overall a good drama which reminds us the difference between lie and truth and that there is nothing in between.
I might not re watch this but I definetely recommend it!
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This review may contain spoilers
To quickly summaries the way I feel about this drama all I can say is.... I have rewatched this an unhealthy amount of times. I specifically remeber getting into Asian dramas and seeing “Pinnochio” as a new series. It first caught my eye due to the otherworldly sort of cover because I thought it was a fantasy drama, which I hadn’t watched any of at the time. So I decided to give it a try and forgot everything I thought about it beforehand within the first few minutes.
From the first episode until the last you never know what’s going to be thrown at you and no matter what it is you’ll keep watching. The frustrating parts will fuel you to finish the series, and the warmhearted parts will hold you in place, reminding you of the good things within all the choas.
A “quick” note on the actors. Of course five years later I am now familiar with nearly every actor and actress in this drama however when I first watched Pinnochio that was not the case at all. Now I’ve watched so many other shows with each actor/actress I can say, each and everyone of them are just amazing. Lee Jong suk is great at every role he plays, it’s like he has a sixth sense for great roles. His character Dal Pol is very complex and gets pulled and pushed around in every conflict but he still powers through it. Every emotion is perfectly reflected in his eyes, body language and facial expression. The love for his “dad” and restrained love for his “niece” as well as his heartbreak when he finally connects with his brother are all so well done. I could list a hundred scenes that just blew me away but that’ll take a while. Each actor/actress bounced off of each other perfectly, creating great conflicts, humorous pairs and great family dynamics. Each character is unique and are driven by different things which the actors/actresses do very good to make clear.
In all honestly I can’t remember the OST at all but that’s because it’s been a while since my last rewatch and most of the time the music falls on deaf ears haha! Beside goblin and School 2015: Who Are You I cant remember any songs from anything I’ve watched so my opinion on the music will stay neutral :)
Overwall, this is an absolute classic and a must watch. I dont think it’s suitable for new kdrama fans as it’ll probably become boring to some however it is definitely crazy to not give it a go at some point!
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This review may contain spoilers
What is the Price of Integrity?
There is perhaps no medium more powerful than the media, and there is also perhaps no other medium that is continually abused more. The media is a tool, that when used correctly, can bring down companies, institutions, and even presidents, especially when truth is brought out of the darkness and into the light.“All The President’s Men” is still the definitive film that shows us just how powerful the media can be when two reporters uncovered Watergate and the conspiracy to undermine a political party, which ultimately brought down President Nixon’s administration.
“Spotlight” is a film that used the power of the media to show how the Catholic Church used bribery and manipulation to silence the families and children who had been molested by Catholic priests. Little did they realize that they had uncovered a global conspiracy.
“Pinocchio” tells the compelling story of how a young man is determined to prove his father’s innocence after the media, and specifically one greedy reporter who was obsessed with impact and sensationalism, crucified his father in the court of public opinion. Choi Dal Po (his real name being Ki Ha Myeong) was there when reporter Song Cha Ok publicly accused his father, a firefighter, of killing his squad while attempting to put out a fire at a waste disposal plant. His mother, too grief-stricken, committed suicide, and attempted to take Choi Dal Po with her, but he survived and was taken in by an old man who lost his son 40 years ago. Little does Choi Dal Po realize, at first, that his “niece” is actually Choi In Ha, the daughter of Song Cha Ok.
Despite the realization of who Choi In Ha is, Choi Dal Po is smitten with her, and the feeling is also mutual. It’s clear that these two love each other, despite the rocky start to their relationship. Of course, for years, Choi In Ha has no idea that her mother was responsible for the destruction of Choi Dal Po family and his life.
The two grow up, determined to become reporters. Choi Dal Po is driven by exposing Song Cha Ok for what she’s done, and Choi In Ha wishes to follow in the footsteps of her mother. However, as soon as the truth comes out about Song Cha Ok’s reports, Choi In Ha is decimated, and she feels sorry and partially responsible for Choi Dal Po’s situation. What is unique is that Choi In Ha has “Pinocchio Syndrome,” a condition that makes her hiccup whenever she attempts to tell a lie. Thus, most of the reporting world, including her own mother, believes it’s impossible for someone with this condition to become a reporter, since they firmly believe that lying and using deception are sometimes necessary.
Of course, behind every minion is a power behind the throne. Park Ro-Sa is the wealthy owner of a chain of department stores, and she is also in the pocket of a powerful Assemblyman. We also learn that Song Cha Ok was bribed and manipulated by Park Ro-Sa to slander Dal Po’s father. Thus, the abusive manipulation of the press was used to destroy an entire family and bury the truth.
The irony about Truth is that it can neither be proven nor disproven. It simply is. However, evidence can be acquired in an attempt to piece together events and find out what really happened.
At first, Dal Po is sickened by reporters and how much they abuse their power. However, upon deciding to pursue the profession, he makes an oath never to abuse it by lying in order to make a story more impactful or even to use it to manipulate the system toward uncovering the truth. What makes the story compelling is that Choi In Ha is 100% on Dal Po’s side, despite knowing that the person he’s going after is her own mother. In fact, Choi In Ha is ashamed and sickened by what her mother has done. She even goes so far as to tell Dal Po that he should do whatever it takes to bring the truth to light and let nothing and no one stand in his way. That’s the power of true love and friendship!
For the most part, the series works. When Song Cha Ok realizes how her greed is hurting all those around her, she begins to shift her stance. I felt this was done a little too fast and a little too easily. It’s obvious from the start that, despite how she’s being manipulated by Park Ro-Sa, she’s powered by deception and her goal of simply sensationalizing a story as much as she can to get approval and ratings. Most people don’t change that easily, and I felt it would have been better if Song Cha Ok realized she had no other choice rather than simply switching sides upon realizing that the walls were closing in.
There were almost too many heartfelt scenes in which actors were constantly shedding tears. I don’t mind the sentiment, but when it’s overused, it tends to lessen the impact. There were some scenes that could have been just as impactful, but save the tears for a more impactful scene.
It’s typical with K-Dramas that even people in their late 20s are still under the shadow and influences of their elder family members. Watching Dal Po and In-Ha scurrying around in shame and guilt, such as when In Ha is nearly caught at Dal Po’s apartment, was silly. Writers tend to overthink such scenes. All she had to do was tell her father and grandfather that Dal Po was tending to her wounds. Also, in the last episode, where Dal Po tells In Ha that they won’t be able to get married without their grandfather’s opinion, was also another overreach. If you’re living your life for someone else, then you have no one to blame but yourself. If others can’t handle how you live your life, then that’s their problem.
Overall, the show is successful at demonstrating why the media is so powerful and must be used in the right way. After all, what is the price of integrity? For some, it’s the most valuable part of yourself. For others, it means absolutely nothing, and it’s those people you have to watch out for.
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15/03/2023
Am so glad this wasn't 70% romance, 20% fillers and 10% story.
Won't go into any details except to say that it is true that one unjustified word or one malicious act from someone can cause irreparable damage to a single person or an entire family - for life.
I enjoyed this K DRAMA for about 10 to 17 episodes although at times the crying scenes were a bit too much and I felt the main female actor over acted her role quite a bit. Also, the same dyed hair colour for all leads by the end seemed unnatural and superficial.
For me, 16 episodes would have been enough with less emotional drama and angst - especially the last few episodes.
This series would have been excellent if the focus had remained on the main story line of two young brothers seeking revenge, separately, for the injustice done to their family by a ruthless female reporter. No romance or 10% would have sufficed.
Overall, it is a fantastic story, it has a great cast, perfect music and there are moments that are truly heartfelt and tissue worthy.
I actually came to write about something quite trivial, but it was what I noticed over time and just had to say something about it...
The Piggy Banks.
The piggy banks in Dai Po's room (family apartment) went from a group of piggy banks to about two over some episodes after his "dad" kept raiding them for the money inside.
Hilarious! To me that seemed quite funny.
Not sure why that stood out above everything else with it not really being a funny drama 90% of the time, but maybe for me through the seriousness of it all that provided some comic relief or a bit of needed diversion.
A KDrama worth watching despite the angst or if you can tolerate it!
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Good acting
I really like Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk. The whole Pinocchio thing seemed to have been put on the back burner for the last half of the series -it was so front-and-center at the beginning, and then suddenly, they moved on. I think Lee Jong Suk cries better than any other Korean actor, and he did a lot of it in this series. I really liked the second male lead and how he wanted her happiness over everything. So many times the people are only interested in themselves which makes them very selfish and not someone you'd want to love anyway. Good storyline, happy ending.Was this review helpful to you?
Great but not my personal favorite
I put off watching this one for far too long but ultimately had to because it's been recommended by so many friends and for the cast.Overall, great drama but not my favorite genre, so less stars from me for personal bias. It seemed a bit too long. Great cast, complex characters that aren't just straight up black and white, and an intricate plot that challenges ethical questions. The love story was sweet but not overly compelling to me. She could have ended up with the 2nd ML, and I might have felt just the same.
I didn't like how dumbed down the FL's character was compared to the ML. Yes, naturally, we all have strengths and weaknesses, but she seemed to exist solely to make the ML improve and move thr story on his own. I know I'm being a bit dramatic here, but for some reason, she really bothers me.
It's also sad that they wrote such deep characters but made the main behind the scenes villain so one sided. Yes, she had a little depth to her, but the transition from one side to another was jarring and weird.
Maybe the biggest thing that put me off, (and again, this is my personal bias) is that even as adults, the leads still seemed like teenagers. It was almost like watching them solve a Scooby Doo mystery. It was hard to take them seriously in their adult roles and careers.
While, like I said before, it's not my favorite genre, I did appreciate a story that was driven by a plot where romance was less centralized and incorporated so intricately.
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20 eps?
I’m slowly adding the shows I watched over my life and this is the next one. I watched this maybe like 3-4 years ago. I have them rated on my phone from when I barely watched it, I’m just now adding them here. I’d say that I had completely forgotten that there was 20 eps. when I looked, I was FLOORED. I think that’s why I rated it lower, it could have probably been done in way less, but they ways prioritize money over making a masterpiece. whatever. I think the acting was fine, maybe just slightly uncomfortable. The ml face is almost not real lol. super proud of park shin hye and where she is now with judge from m hell and her acting has improved it seems. Over all, better than mid.Was this review helpful to you?
