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The Despicable and Deplorable People of Angok!

If you're looking for something along the lines of "Hometown Cha Cha Cha," you will be sadly disappointed. And if you're looking for a mystery/thriller along the lines of "Stranger" or "Flower of Evil" you will also be disappointed. "Summer Strike" is not a romantic series, despite the presumptions one might get as the series begins, and the story is far darker than one might anticipate. In many ways, the writers seem unsure of the story. In many ways, the writers seem unsure of the story they want to tell. The romantic scenes have little-to-no chemistry between the leads, and we're left with a town of despicable, moody, and angry people who aren't very appealing.

Yeo Reum Lee is a 28-year-old woman who acts like she's 18 at best. She's basically a doormat for anyone to use and abuse. She never speaks or stands up for herself and frequently makes poor choices based on the smallest influences from those around her. She's a pleaser who lacks the ability to stand on her own two feet. She's neither a mature nor a strong woman. She flees Seoul for the small seaside town of Angok, hoping to simply live an easy and frugal life. The big question is: is Yeo Reum running toward something or running away? The more we observe Yeo Reum, we can see that she doesn't change. She leaves one abusive life for another because she refuses to see that SHE is the problem. When you move from one place to another, you take your problems with you. They don't get left behind.

Kim Seol Hyun is the weakest of all the actors in this series. She just can't seem to get a handle on her character while frequently uttering her lines in a soft, breathless manner. When she's being chased by the police officer, she doesn't shout at the taxi driver to keep going, she softly says in a mousy voice, "Please don't stop. Please keep going!" Nobody in that situation would react that way! Especially a woman! Kim Seol Hyun can't even manage to put panic into her voice. She was a poor choice for the female lead of this series.

You can pretty much go down the line of characters that will leave you cringing. Arguably the worst is Ji Young Jo, who works at the library, has feelings for her co-worker and childhood friend, Da Beom An, and treats him like an overbearing mother hen. There is scarcely anything appealing about this woman who snaps and barks at everyone around her. She also does her absolute best to control and manipulate Da Beom into living the life that SHE thinks is best, without taking any consideration for his feelings. I'm not sure I've seen many characters in 45+ years of television who are as deplorable as well as lacking in any positive qualities. I'm not sure how anyone would ever find this woman as being attractive or appealing. She's as horrid as a snake with fangs at both ends!

Don't get me wrong, I liked Granny for her sweetness, even though she's a very weak-willed woman who has zero control over her son or anyone else. She's told-even by her grandkids--what to do. She is a perfect example of how Yeo Reum will likely be when she gets to be the same age. I'm not sure what kind of a grandmother would summarily dismiss an attack on her granddaughter and ask her to lie to the police in order to avoid sending the father (her son) to jail. What kind of a family member--who has ANY love or integrity--would make such a decision? It was heinous and sadistic. You would support a man who is physically abusive as well as being a raging alcoholic who nearly kills his own daughter?!

A big issue with Yeo Reum Lee and Granny is their inability to speak up--especially when they NEED to speak up! If you're not a part of the solution, then you are a part of the problem. And it's people like these two who help keep the cycle of abuse going because they are too afraid to do the right thing--and do right by others--and speak up. Make no mistake, by not saying anything, they are just as responsible for the abuse as those who are doing the abusing, which is another reason why I disliked these characters so much. And people who are too afraid to properly discipline their children, are child abusers themselves.

It seems that Chang Soo's wife can only ever vent her anger on everyone around her, including the physical abuse of a little dog. This woman is hateful, and where we are supposed to be sympathetic, all we see is a vile woman who cannot see beyond her own tragedies and problems.

This is actually true for most of the series; moments when--if we felt any kind of REAL emotional connection-we should feel sympathetic toward many of these characters. Kim Bom and Da Beom are the only two characters in the series for whom I felt some sympathy.

For the most part, this series is very dry, uneven, and disjointed, and it doesn't venture deep enough for us to really gain some perspective on characters like Da Beom and Kim Bom. Frankly, the series would have been better served had these two been the focal points of the story. Yeo Reum is hardly appealing, and by the end of the series, I couldn't have cared less about her situation. She was mostly annoying, and by the end of the series, it's clear that she hasn't learned a thing or shown any kind of growth. She's very much like a woman who's never grown up.

Despite all of these problems, the show works for the most part. I'm glad it didn't go beyond 12 episodes because the series was starting to limp toward the finish line at the end. We get the wrapping up of a mystery that already had a very weak foundation and hints of possible romance between the two leads that had no warmth or chemistry to it. Even when Da Beom is hurt or in pain, Yeo Reum just stands there, offering little-no comfort.

Angok is a dark and dismal town compared to the one from "Hometown Cha Cha Cha" filled with angry, immature people who gripe and complain about everything. There's nothing so sad as one person playing the victim as a whole town doing the same. And that isn't inspiring storytelling at all. It's sad, and not in a good way.

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Who Will Save The Children?

There is a universal disease that runs rampant throughout the world. It really doesn’t matter the country or culture. It’s there. And it’s something that has become indelibly worse over the years. The disease is indifference. And we see first-hand in this series how much indifference has seeped into the children of society. Children are no better than adults when it comes to preying upon those they deem weak and worthless. Physical and cyberbullying are only the symptoms of a much bigger problem. They are symptoms of indifference.

The series could almost be called, “The Tragedy of Judge Shim.” She is a cold but effective judge who confesses that she despises young offenders. The reason for this hatred stems from a past experience that we don’t learn about until the series' last two episodes. It is not accurate to state that she doesn’t care. She does. And she is just as eager to investigate a case and uncover the truth as she pronounces sentences that she feels are the most effective and the most just when dealing with juvenile offenders. Unfortunately, Judge Shim lives in a prison of her own making. She lives in a barren apartment that has no warmth or meaning to it. Her sole purpose is to preside over juvenile offenders. In many ways, she’s allowed those who killed her son to kill her as well. For what kind of a life is that? In the end, the perpetrators may have finally been brought to justice, but she’s allowed them to destroy her too.

Judge Shim is an effective judge even though she can be quite foolish. Chasing a young offender through the streets to try and apprehend her alone wasn’t a smart thing to do. Also, breaking into the hideout of a known, violent offender was beyond foolish. It nearly got her killed in the process. But I suppose that someone who’s essentially already dead inside, probably doesn’t care too much about what happens to them. Indifference isn’t only about how we treat others. It's also about how we treat ourselves.

If the numbers that are put on display at the very beginning of the series are accurate—3,300 judges in Korea with only 20 juvenile judges—we can see why the youth of Korea are in such dire straits and why the juvenile courts certainly need more help and resources.

Each case spans about two episodes, and neither the writer nor the director holds back when it comes to depicting youth crimes. They are raw, violent, and meant to demonstrate the sheer cruelty that is perpetrated upon those who are preyed upon. It shouldn’t matter that these are children and not adults. We quickly find that it doesn’t matter the age or the circumstances. Children are just as capable of any type of violent crime as their adult counterparts.

One of the reasons I love K-dramas so much is that most of them carry a much-needed message. A show like this isn’t just for entertainment purposes but is trying to shed some light on a much-needed issue that must be addressed. Many victims and victims’ parents ask the same question: “How can someone so young do something like this?” We live in a world we think is safe. We live in a world that should be safe, especially for the children. But, sadly, it is not so.

If you don’t address the core problem, then nothing will change. Things will not only stay the same, but they are likely to get even worse. There is a common denominator among many young perpetrators. They come from broken homes. They tend to come from poor families. They tend to be bullied children and outcasts themselves. Some have mental disorders. And ironically, these are also the commonalities found among adult criminals as well.
Punishment is pointless without rehabilitation. Judge Kang is correct in his assessment that harsher punishments don’t work. Rehabilitation is required. And as Judge Shim points out to Judge Cha, it does, indeed, take a village to raise a child. People are like points on a spider web. Remove one point, and the entire web begins to come apart. And it takes teachers, friends, family, shopkeepers…everyone! Raising a child is NOT about telling them what to do and what not to do. It’s about empowering and educating them so that they can make wise decisions. But none of that matters unless indifference is removed from the equation. Compassion is a key component, for if people truly care for each other, they will always look out for one another.

One of the saddest things I saw in this series is the ostracizing of the victims. My God! This is proof of the indifference that I’ve talked about. How can you simply cut off a person for something that happened to them? And blame them? That is truly sickening, and those who do these things are no better than the criminals themselves. Indeed, they are the same.

Performances across the board were astounding and powerful. Kim Hye Soo gives us Judge Shim who is strong on the outside but broken on the inside. I saw Lee Sung Min in Misaeng—a series in which he was nothing short of brilliant—and I was thrilled to see him in this series as a judge who’s lost his way.

This isn’t necessarily an easy series to watch, but it’s a necessary one. If people don’t start to wake up and realize that changes are needed in how we deal with each other, let alone our children, then it really will be impossible to save the children, let alone anyone else.

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Incredibly Powerful and Compelling Work of Art!

This is the type of film that could easily be talked about and discussed in universities. If it isn't, then it's a tragedy. This complex, amazing character study rivals some of the best films and shows that I've ever seen in over 40 years of viewing.

This film is truly a work of art. Each character brings something refreshing, new and compelling to the table (almost literally!).

This powerful character study is about a novelist with a tragic past who is unable to become a successful author. For some strange reason, five women are invited to live with him for a million yen per month. When he's not writing, he cooks and looks after them. Each woman is different in age, occupation, personality, and background. Part of the mystery is in trying to figure out why the invitations were sent, what the purpose of the women being there is, and who sent them.

The author learns to accept his new living situation, and finds that there are rules for his interactions with them.

The story weaves like a fine tapestry of tragic, complex pasts in the lives of all of the characters, and basically what drives people to do things and be who they are. It's riveting story-telling that keeps you hooked, and makes you wince when the number of episodes left to watch dwindles. You want more. You crave more, and you find yourself grateful for finding such a unique and exquisite gem such as this series.

This is a series that can easily be watched over and over again. It's touching and heart-breaking that compels the viewer to dig deep within themselves; about the walls we put up to keep from being hurt; about the fear of loss, and the fear to love.

I can't recommend this series strongly enough. It's a story with characters that stays with you long after you've finished, and that's the mark of something so powerfully artistic in how it captivates its viewer.

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The Coward and the Girl He Loves

Few things in life aren't so tragic as wasted opportunities. Some people might "cloak" a wasted opportunity in believing that they are doing what is best for someone else. That isn't the case here, even though the writer would like you to believe it is.

Den is 30-year-old man working in the IT department of a company. He has no friends. People at his job scarcely even know his name. He hides behiind computers because he doesn't believe he's worthy of anything else. If he did, he'd find a way to make it happen. Instead, he's a recluse.

Nui is a 28-year-old woman in the marketing department of the same company. She's a bit stuck-up, and finds herself in a relationship with one of her bosses, who just happens to be married with a son. Of course, she's naive enough to believe that he's going to leave his wife. This is the woman that Den has a crush on, much like a 14-year-old kid in high school.

The entire company goes on a trip, and this is where things pick up. Nui, upon finding out that her boss's wife is pregnant, decides upon a suicide attempt. The doctor tells Den that her short-term memory is affected for one day. In short, she will have forgotten everything recent for a single day, but when she wakes up the next morning, she will have recovered her memory, but at the expense of that one day.

Den decides to let her know that he's her boyfriend. She has a hard time believing him. However, as the day goes on, she begins to find something endearing in his sad attempts to impress her. In short, they enjoy the day until upon the verge of an intimate moment, Den confesses his scheme, getting himself thrown out of her hotel room in the process. However, upon finding out that she is a mistress of her boss, Nui doesn't want to go back to that life, and realizes that she wants to be with the only person who loves her: Den.

Den, however, lacks the courage and the conviction to follow Nui's instructions to help her remember how much she loves him. Nui even records a video clip to help her remember, asking Den to make sure to tell her about it the next day, when she will have forgotten everything.

Because of his own sense of worthlessness, Den doesn't do what Nui has asked of him, and so he deletes the clip. One can't feel sorry for Den, nor even think that he's being noble and selfless. He is, in fact, a coward. When love is presented to you, you don't turn your back on it. You don't dismiss it. You take the opportunity that love provides. In short, it's a very pathetic act on his part. But then again, someone who doesn't love themselves enough will do exactly what Den did. So, in truth, he's being who he believes himself to be.

There are some plot holes that don't entirely make the film work, not to mention an abrupt and unfulfilling ending. Why didn't Nui simply write a note to herself about the clip? She could have sent herself a message or even a note about her feelings for Den. I found this to be very short-sighted on the writer and director's part.

The characters are certainly interesting enough, even if both are very flawed and lacking in any true love for themselves. The performances are good as well. However, the movie feels like a train that ran out of track by the time the end comes, leaving one to feel, "Is that it?" Unsatisfying, to be sure.

If nothing else, it should warn people about the "Dens" and the "Nuis" of the world. If you see one, be sure to run the other way!

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Predictable, Silly, But Cute Series!

If you're looking for something fun and light, you really can't go wrong with "A Love So Beautiful." Frankly, there have been better shows involving a girl who falls in love with a boy where the girl (for some reason) isn't very bright compared to the object of her affection. "Good Morning Call" and "Mischievous Kiss: Love in Tokyo" are better series.

This is a story that has been done a number of times, although the twist toward the end finally gives it some brand of uniqueness despite knowing how it's going to end. Not all shows that are predictable are necessarily bad.

Shin Sol-Yi is a young, passionate girl, who's quite naive and also very immature for her age. Unfortunately, this doesn't really change as she gets older. She starts out as a 17-year-old girl, acting like she's 10. She ends as a twenty-something woman acting like a 12-year-old. She whines and pouts, and too often this becomes a little annoying.

I've lived and worked in China, Korea, and Taiwan. And I've told people: take the girl's age and subtract ten years to get her true maturity. It rarely fails.

Cha-Heon is the object of Sol-Yi's affection. He's the top student, but he's a bit cold and aloof when it comes to Sol-Yil and her more than obvious interest in him.

The performances are pretty good. Yo-Han Kim (Cha-Heon) is a bit wooden in his role. So Ju-Yeon (Shin Sol-Yi) has the cutest dimples in the world and a million-dollar smile to boot. I only wished that she'd been able to bring more depth and dimension to her character as well as giving her character a bit more maturityj to make her more appealing and less annoying.

The kissing scenes in this show are some of the worst I've ever seen. Wooden, tight-lipped with absolutely no feeling or authenticity at all. It was quite obvious that the actors and actresses did NOT like doing them.

Still, this is a fun series to watch. It's nothing too special, but it's a solid feel-good story that will likely put a smile on your face.

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The Science of Love and Marriage

How many plays, books, songs, TV shows, and films have been made about love over the centuries? Too many to count, I'd wager. Some have given us exceptional and even beautiful depictions. Others have been incredibly superficial. Love is like the wind. You know it's there, but you can't really grasp it. There is a reason for this. Love is never about holding on. It's always about letting go. And true love is completely unconditional.

I personally believe Shakespeare described love the best when Juliet states, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea. The more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite."

It is highly likely that, as a viewer, you will be able to relate with one or more of the characters of this drama. Most everyone has been in similar positions: getting together out of convenience, loving someone whose ambitions are greater and perhaps even different than your own, or loving someone who doesn't share the same feelings that you do. We also have characters who are too afraid to love for fear of being hurt.

This K-Drama works well because it doesn't get bogged down in needless melodrama, and it presents six characters that--on some level--nearly everyone can relate to. It is also fairly light without any big emotional twists that, too often, are typical of these kinds of shows. Instead, the writing is crisp because it stays true to the natural course of events rather than forcing them.

Along the way, the narrator, often Ji-ho and sometimes Se-hee ponder what love and marriage are, what their purpose is, and how to best make it work. Is it enough to marry only for love? Is it foolish to marry without any compatibility or shared interests? Sometimes, they resort to quotes from famous authors, and other times, they speculate on their own.

Too many people, due to the pressures of parents, society, and religion (sometimes all three!) believe that marriage is the only way to be happy. Marriage is not for everyone, and too often, couples treat it as the Finish Line rather than the Starting Gate. Yes, marriage is the beginning, not the end. And, yes, it IS work!

People also marry for the wrong reasons: to prevent having to be alone, to feel a sense of completion and well-being by being with someone. Happiness in marriage can never be found in your partner. It can only be found if you already have that happiness, and you are ready to share that with someone else. You cannot give what you do not have, and too often, we unfairly and unrealistically make our partner responsible for our happiness. Any relationship that takes on this idea is already doomed to fail.

These are topics, themes, and even questions that are addressed throughout the run of this series. Perhaps that is why it is a series that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, as well as people in/out of relationships as they address questions regarding love and marriage...topics that have been talked about since the beginning of time.

There are many cute, funny, and even ponderous moments. And in my book, that makes this a true treasure of a series to watch and enjoy...perhaps even with your partner!

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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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The World Needs More Heroes!

I’ve watched so many action-hero movies over the years, and most of them are about as far from being realistic as you can imagine. A single guy dominating fights or single-handedly taking on twenty guys without getting so much as a scratch.

Officer Black Belt does something that most previous action films fail to do. They take on the human element, and in so doing, give us a true hero. Lee Jeong Do is a 3rd Dan in at least three forms of martial arts. He’s a young man who enjoys spending time with his friends playing video games. However, one evening, he comes across a probation officer who is struggling to apprehend a convict. Lee Jeong Do intervenes and takes the convict out.

He learns that the probation office is severely undermanned, with too many criminals to keep track of, all via ankle bracelets. Supervisor Kim Sun Min approaches Lee Jeong Do to ask him to fill in as a martial arts officer, who is paired with a probationary officer. Lee Jeong Do is taught how to track the convicts, how to call and monitor them when the power of the ankle bracelet drops below 30%.

Already impressed with Lee Jeong Do’s fighting abilities, Kim Sun Min is able to help track and capture some of the worst criminal elements, from murderers to sex criminals.

However, Lee Jeong Do isn’t just a mindless thug who runs the streets and deals out physical justice. He cares. He can’t stand to see that people’s lives are put in danger, and there are times when he’s forced to hold back his anger.

Korea has one of the worst track records when it comes to the sentencing of sexual assault criminals. One of the most heinous rapes of a young girl in recent memory saw the assailant get only six years because he was under the influence of alcohol. They even made a movie about it, called “Hope.” It’s not an easy watch at all! Frankly, I can’t think of crimes more despicable than those perpetrated on children. The movie attempts to bring more awareness to this huge problem!

After accepting the job full-time, Lee Jeong Do and Kim Sun Min are given the horrible task of monitoring Kang Gi Jeong, a notorious child rapist, with an untold number of victims, who’s suddenly been released. And Kang Gi Jeong is a huge man, which already invites trepidation and caution.

Lee Jeong Do insists that they track him, both via the monitor, and physically. Kang Gi Jeong meets up with a sadistic gang that creates and posts child exploitation videos on the dark web, and they’re willing to pay Kang Gi Jeong to do what he craves.

After ten-year-old Min Ju Lee is abducted, Lee Jeong Do tracks down Kang Gi Jeong just as he’s about to attack the little girl. Nearly dying in the attempt from a severe stab wound, Lee Jeong Do manages to save Min Ju Lee, although Kang Gi Jeong escapes.

Knowing that this sadistic monster is out there, likely finding other child victims, Lee Jeong Do is more determined than ever to find Kang Gi Jeong, especially upon learning that the little girl is too scared to even leave her home.

What makes the movie work so well, especially from an action standpoint, is that it has some realism. While Lee Jeong Do may be an expert fighter, he’s still only one man, and when confronted by multiple assailants, even he is unable to avoid getting hurt, especially when he’s fighting Kang Gi Jeong in a confined space, where his martial arts skills are limited. Kang Gi Jeong is also a convict, which means he doesn’t fight based on any rules, which makes him even more intimidating and unpredictable. In a real fight, there are no rules. You do whatever you have to do.

As with so many Korean productions, this one is not absent of touching and heartwarming scenes. Min Ju Lee’s mother thanking Lee Jeong Do at the hospital where he’s recovering is sweet, as she gives him a letter of thanks from Min Ju Lee. However, they saved the best for last, when Min Ju Lee shows up at Lee Jeong Do’s award ceremony, finally venturing outside and telling him, “You’re my hero.”

Perhaps more than ever before, the world is in desperate need of heroes. You don’t have to wear a badge or have superpowers to be one. Sometimes, it’s just the ordinary person who simply cares enough to get involved, regardless of the risks, to help someone in need. The biggest cowards are those who choose not to get involved, even when they know something is happening. Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, “A hero is no braver than the ordinary man, but he’s brave five minutes longer.”

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Love is About Precious Moments!

True love is about absolute vulnerability, and frankly, there really isn’t a time when this is more apparent than a first love. The film perfectly captures the social awkwardness of first love, which is a big reason why this movie works so well.

Park Se Ri is a young high school student who is enormously infatuated with the most popular boy is school, along with half the female persuasion! She has one problem, or at least, she thinks she does: her hair, which seems to be an eternal defiance as it’s so curly that she can’t stand it. Of course, she firmly believes that her hair is the reason why Kim Hyeon won’t take an interest. One of the biggest mistakes that people make is the assumption that they have to change in order to please someone else. This is never more apparent than when you’re a teenager, because everything revolves around vain attempts to win over someone of the opposite sex.

Park Se Ri is a giddy and vivacious girl, who isn’t depressed by her hair, but simply views it as an obstacle. She is warm and friendly and has a great circle of friends. Living in Busan, her favorite pastime is swimming in the ocean at her “secret spot,” a spot only shared by Kim Hyeon.

As Park Se Ri is swimming, Han Yeon Seok happens upon her clothes, which are neatly folded on the jetty. He picks up Park Se Ri’s name tag as he watches her swim. The wind sends her shirt into the water with Han Yeon Seok falling in after it! The problem is, he can’t swim, and Park Se Ri ends up saving his life and pulling him to shore, despite a broken leg, which he likely smashed into the rocks.

Han Yeon Seok is a quiet boy, whose mother owns a hair salon, which advertises that she uses a “magical formula” to straighten hair. However, the cost is expensive, and Park Se Ri decides to befriend and help Han Yeon Seok, in order to get a discount on having her hair done. Things are difficult for Han Yeon Seok, trying to handle his crutch, his backpack, and even his umbrella when it rains.

Things are somewhat predictable, which isn’t always a bad thing, as we know that Han Yeon Seok likes Park Se Ri. However, he knows that he’s not the object of Park Se Ri’s affections. Nevertheless, he does what any true friend would do, despite his feelings: he helps Park Se Ri, even securing a spot in Study Hall so that Park Se Ri can maybe sit with Kim Hyeon. I don’t know many teenagers who are this selfless. Han Yeon Seok is a true, selfless romantic!

It soon becomes apparent that Han Yeon Seok will simply do whatever it takes to make Park Se Ri happy. While he obviously likes her, he has no ulterior motives in his actions. In other words, he’s not doing these things to win her over, but simply to make her happy. People should take note that this is what love really is. No expectations. Simply small acts of kindness that let the person know that you’re thinking of them.

Just as Park Se Ri is ready to tell Kim Hyeon how she feels, she realizes that the person who has truly captured her heart is Han Yeon Seok. He’s always been there for her, helped her, and gone out of his way to make sure her needs are taken care of.

Just as they begin dating, we find that Han Yeon Seok has been living a pretty tough life, with an abusive and demanding father that his mother has tried to keep him from. In fact, when Han Yeon Seok walked out to the jetty that day, he was ready to commit suicide, which he confesses to a shocked Park Se Ri.

Park Se Ri enlists the help of her friends to write, “Se Ri loves Han Yeon Seok” on the beach, but he’s quickly called away to Seoul upon finding out that his mother is badly hurt, and he learn that his father savagely beat her, and even demands that Han Yeon Seok return to Seoul. Han Yeon Seok’s mother knows that their only option is to move to America to live with his aunt, otherwise, they will never be free.

Park Se Ri hurries to Seoul to find out what’s happened, after she hasn’t heard from Han Yeon Seok, and listens outside of his mother’s hospital room to find out that they’re moving.

It’s hard to judge Park Se Ri too harshly as she leaves a voicemail message, breaking up with Han Yeon Seok. We know she‘s trying to be noble and to let him go, but unfortunately, her act is done out of fear, rather than love. Otherwise, she would have told him the truth.

What makes her act harder for her to swallow, that she finds an album he’s made for her, filled with pictures and sharing his feelings for her. It’s such a sweet and powerful gift that reminds Park Se Ri that Han Yeon Seok has only ever loved her unconditionally.

The movie does such a great job of teaching us that love is about precious moments. It’s about the little things we do to let that person know how we feel. Whether it’s making crane eggs with messages, making an album, getting that person the one gift they crave (in this case, the snow globe), or perhaps the greatest gift of all: letting that person know that they are already perfect, and that they don’t have to change anything! I loved how Han Yeon Seok “botched” Park Se Ri’s hair as he’s washing it. It was his feeble way of letting her know that she doesn’t have to change anything.

This film can be a great way for young people to learn how to treat the ones they love, but it can also serve as a reminder to those who have been in a relationship for years that it doesn’t take much effort to let the other person know how much you love them. It takes a little bit of effort and a lot of imagination!

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Well Intended Series Sets Up a Very Dangerous Precedent!

Perhaps one of the most delusional ideas that people have about themselves is that there is something that needs to be fixed. There are many things in this world that can cause suffering, such as guilt, shame, and the belief that reparations are necessary for happiness to exist.

It’s sad that 1 in 3 women in South Korea will undergo some form of plastic surgery to “fix” what they believe is broken; “fix” something that isn’t quite good enough. This series endeavors to demonstrate that true beauty exists within, which is correct. However, in its attempt to showcase this, the series sets up a dangerous precedent: that there is something wrong with you that needs to be fixed.

We have two very unique characters. Seo Do Jae is a director with a major airline company. He’s a bit cold, aloof, and seemingly uninterested in people. We quickly discover that he suffers from prosopagnosia, aka face blindness, in which he is unable to recognize people. This is a real condition, and it’s so pervasive that he’s also unable to even recognize himself. Therefore, he has to train himself to recognize characteristics, both physical as well as personality, dress, and other things that are familiar. Only his mother and personal assistant are aware of his condition, which was caused by being struck by a car ten years ago.

Next, we have Han Se Gye, a famous actress and model who has a bad reputation for constantly running away unexpectedly from film sets, award ceremonies, and other situations because once a month, she literally changes into someone else for about a week. Her changes are not limited, as she can become either gender, any age, and even any race. No one knows why she suddenly undergoes these changes, and only her agent and friend, Yoo Woo Mi, and her other close friend, Ryu Eun Ho are aware of it. Her two friends do their best to cover for her, but unfortunately, each change seems to bring about more questions and suspicions.

Han Se Gye is hired to be a model for Seo Do Jae’s company. Of course, they don’t hit it off very well as she finds him rude and annoying, which, despite his condition, is actually true. Seo Do Jae seems to lack any social skills, often blurting out inappropriate statements and requests, which would make anyone cringe. However, he has one distinctive ability: to recognize Han Se Gye no matter what current guise she’s in.

After a bumpy and rough beginning, the two strike up an unlikely friendship, and it doesn’t take Han Se Gye long to realize Seo Do Jae’s condition. Before long, the friendship turns into romance, which appears a bit one-sided at first. Han Se Gye is thrilled that there is someone who accepts her for who she is. However, just as she feels that Seo Do Jae isn’t romantically interested in her, he confesses that ever since he was diagnosed with his condition, he’s never had a moment’s peace, nor has he ever loved himself. It was only by seeing that someone else loves him that he’s finally able to accept who he is. What you have are two very unhappy people who choose to define themselves by their conditions, rather than find a way to look beyond them. The series would have worked beautifully if they had found a way to do this, but they never do. Instead, they firmly believe that they need to be fixed in order to be loved, which is a tragic and destructive way of thinking.

Of course, as with so many series, just when things are running smoothly, an unexpected curveball is thrown at the couple. After asking Seo Do Jae how long he’s had his condition, and what caused it, Seo Do Jae tells Han Se Gye that he saved an elderly woman from being hit by a car. Han Se Gye is devastated upon realizing that she was the elderly woman! Overwhelmed by guilt, and believing that everything bad that has happened to Seo Do Jae, including her rude comments toward him when she first met him, causes her to break up with him and run. The irony about people who run away is that they don’t stop. This was easy to see coming. As soon as Seo Do Jae shared the details, I said, “Now, she’s going to break up with him and run away. It’s what she does.”

Now, I was a bit frustrated with Seo Do Jae, at first. Instead of trying to appease her, he takes several days to try and deal with what he’s just heard. My whole premise was that if he loved her, then that wouldn’t change anything, and if the situation occurred again, he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same thing again. The most frustrating trait of Seo Do Jae is that he’s really bad at speaking up. By the time he does tell Han Se Gye, it’s too late. She’s been given far too much time to blame herself, and by the time Seo Do Jae comes around, her mind is made up to leave him, feeling that his being around her will be a constant reminder of how much he’s suffered over the last ten years. Forget the fact that Seo Do Jae doesn’t see it that way, nor does he blame her for anything.

Rather than talking things out, and perhaps Han Se Gye coming to terms with the fact that Seo Do Jae is fine with how things are, they end up apart for a year with Seo Do Jae deciding to undertake an extremely risky surgical procedure to cure him of his condition. This is all done without Han Se Gye’s knowledge, and the doctor warns Seo Do Jae that there’s a strong possibility that he might die. What’s disturbing is that Seo Do Jae isn’t undergoing the procedure to help himself as much as he’s doing it for Han Se Gye. In other words, he firmly believes that he has to fix himself in order to salvage the relationship. Instead of Han Se Gye coming to terms with the past, and realizing that it was all in the past, that there isn’t anything to be guilty about, and that she should simply accept Seo Do Jae as he is, we get the unlikely and reckless notion that Seo Do Jae should put his life on the line to fix himself. Never mind that, somehow, and somewhat miraculously, he’s cured as if someone waved a magic wand, thus taking away any chance that these two people can somehow look deeper and beyond their conditions to demonstrate that true love transcends such things!

When they reunited, there’s not even a deep, meaningful discussion regarding what had created the rift in the first place. Everything is quickly and magically healed! Oh, if only life worked out so easily, eh? Instead, the only realization we get is that these two really haven’t learned anything. Certainly not about true love that lies within and surpasses all things physical

Performances are very good throughout the series. In fact, I found the relationship between Rye Eun Ho and Kang Sa Ra much more intriguing than our superficial, star-crossed lovers! For once, we get the rich woman, although lonely and unhappy, finding love in a very pleasant but poor young man who works multiple part-time jobs. He has real charm, and it’s sad when he’s berated by Han Se Gye and Yoo Woo Mi for “smiling too much,” thus proving that the women in this series are superficial and insecure.

It's sad that the writer chose the easy, superficial route, rather than sticking to their guns about how true beauty really is on the inside! Now, that would have made a compelling and uplifting story, which fell well short here!

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A Missed Opportunity

To be fair, there will likely never be another “Train to Busan,” which is still the best “zombie” movie ever made. Survival movies are always fascinating, as long as they’re done right. “All Of Us Are Dead” provides an interesting premise: what if a high school were the “ground zero” for a zombie outbreak? Koreans seem almost obsessed with zombie stories. God knows, there have been more than enough of them.

Nothing new in the origin is different than any other zombie project I’ve seen. Some idiot scientist messes around and somehow creates a zombie virus. Just how many times can a writer come up with the exact, same plot device? You have to wonder. It’s like Hallmark constantly coming up with the exact same love stories over and over again.

A high school science professor tries to come with an idea to help his son, who is a victim of bullying. Of course, teachers and even police officers look the other way when it comes to bullying. Even one teacher asks what the boy did to cause it. In this day and age, it’s almost unbelievable that such people exist, but then again, bullying has only gotten worse, so it’s more than feasible. The son, of course, has the zombie virus, which another fellow student contracts, and before you know it, students all over the school are in a bitter battle to survive.

Like so many disaster movies, we struggle to figure out who is going to live and who is going to die. At the focal point, we have Nam Oh Jo, who only has eyes for Lee Su Hyeok, who only has eyes for quiet class president, Choi Nam Ra. We also have Lee Cheong San, who is Nam Oh Jo’s childhood friend. She doesn’t realize that he likes her. Well, as with any teenage-centered characters, you’re going to get the whole “Dawson’s Creek” experience. You just have to go with it, no matter how cringeworthy the writers tend to make it. It tends to be worse with Asian shows because the 16-17-year-old kids act like 13-year-olds. The show almost would have been better without it, but then again, that’s life in high school.

The “survival” component is the driving force of the story, as the writers fall short in the relationship dynamics. There were plenty of opportunities for the writers to make this series even more provocative than even “Train to Busan,” but alas, the writers lacked the courage to go there. Where there were scenes and opportunities for touching moments, we end up with pretty much nothing.

For example, I understand that these kids are literally rushing and facing a battle at nearly every turn, but you can’t just “turn off” the human component. Even the best disaster films, such as “The Poseidon Adventure” and “The Towering Inferno” as well as “Titanic” gave us moments; human moments where characters would be overwhelmed with grief and emotion after the loss of a loved one. After all, most people aren’t robots.

The most disappointing is Nam Oh Jo’s last interaction with Cheong San, as he’s been bitten, and decides to save the group in a daring and brave act of love and sacrifice. He professes his feelings to her, and she scarcely has anything to say or do back. She doesn’t even really grieve for him either. Part of this is the writer’s fault, but part of it also has to do with Park Ji Hu’s lackluster and almost robotic performance. She’s easily the weakest of all of the female actresses. I would have switched her out with someone else who could have handled the emotional depth and complexity, which this actress clearly lacks. She also had no chemistry at all with Yoon Chan Young (Cheong San). The more interesting relationship dynamic was between Lee Su Hyeok and Choi Nam Ra, which I was the most interested in, especially given that she was bitten but not turned into a full zombie. She struggles and fights against the desire to bite the others while doing all she can to help save them. I had truly wished that Choi Nam Ra had been the focal point of the story rather than Nam Oh Jo.

Another component that quickly grew tiresome was bully Yun Gwi Nam’s obsession with getting revenge on Cheong San. Never mind that this guy, even before he’s finally bitten, seems to constantly evade waves of zombies, but his pursuit just became silly. It was easily the most uninteresting part of the story, and Yoon In Soo’s performance is relegated to playing a thug, which is rarely ever compelling.

Of course, as with any disaster film, we get the morons in the upper echelons of the government and the military as they try to figure out how to resolve the situation. For a reason that’s never fully explained, the high school is left relatively ignored, and when they finally decide to go after a laptop computer in the science teacher’s classroom that might have clues to a cure, they abandon the kids on the rooftop because they no longer can be sure that they aren’t infected. So, there’s not even an attempt? They couldn’t have covered their mouths and bound them for safety reasons? They couldn’t have made supply drops to ensure that they had food and water? Instead, we get the idiot general who makes decisions on his own to bomb the city without any contact from the Blue House? How is this even possible? I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a single scene involving the Blue House regarding the situation. Instead, we get a gutless coward for a general who kills himself out of guilt, proving just how much of a coward he truly was! This was another component of the story that just didn’t quite work.

The series should have been extended to the usual 16 episodes to allow for more political aspects to take place, as well as for the opportunity to explore more of the human elements that were ignored.

Of course, we get some incredible scenes of students sacrificing themselves for others, and again, it’s the survival aspect of the story that keeps it going as well as keeps the viewer invested in finding out how they’re going to escape.

I’ve heard that they’re doing a second season, but with Park Ji Hu spearheading it, I’ll definitely pass. This isn’t a bad series at all, but by the time it’s ended, you feel like it was another missed opportunity.

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A Hilarious Thriller or a Thrilling Comedy?

Only Koreans could find a way to mix a thriller with comedy, and somehow pull it off so that you’re laughing your head off one minute, and then intrigued with suspense in the next. You really can’t think of two more polar-opposite genres than these two. It would be like trying to combine the elements of The Pink Panther movies with Silence of the Lambs.

You may be hard-pressed to find a more lovable and mostly capable bunch of misfits out solving crimes than this bunch. A criminal profiler mimicking a shaman and the worst police division in Seoul, out to catch a serial killer and the corrupt businessmen behind him.

Nam Han Jun was set up as a fall guy for his best friend’s murder, and now that he’s out of prison, he is trying to solve the crime and find out who’s behind it. His other best friend, Kong Su Cheol, another former police officer, is the brainless muscle of the team. He’s fiercely loyal and dedicated to Nam Han Jun, but he’s also not very bright. Next, you have his sister, Nam Hye Jun, who is a master computer hacker, and it’s her skills that provide the elements for Nam Han Jun to help his troubled clientele as a shaman. Locked in her computer room for days on end, nobody can stand the smell of her!

On the other side of the fence, we’ve got Lieutenant Han Jae Hui, who’s the new head of the worst police division in Seoul. She’s a bit dense and not too bright when it comes to the men in her life, but she thrives on the attention she gets. She’s also a fierce hand-to-hand fighter. She’s also the younger sister of Nam Han Jun’s best friend who was killed, and Nam Han Jun doesn’t realize this until later in the series because she’s working under a different name, and they haven’t seen each other in years. At first, she blames Nam Han Jun for her brother’s death until the layers are slowly peeled back to reveal the identity of the true killer and what really happened. She also has a couple of bumbling detectives on her staff who can never do anything right.

Han Jae Hui’s initial disdain for Nam Hun Jun often comes with hilarious interactions in which she almost always punches him, kicks him, slaps him, and even tasers him! All of these are done with great comedic effect, thanks mostly to the brilliant acting of Seo In Guk, who’s got enough comedic chops to do Jim Carrey proud. Nam Han Jun is loud, verbose, and a bit arrogant, but he’s also really gifted when it comes to criminal profiling and seeing details that most people miss.

The story is mostly a good one, even though I knew early on that there was something off about Prosecutor Cha Do Won, who is the true serial killer and psychopath. My only complaint is that he doesn’t act like a true psychopath, with a number of elements missing. Psychopaths are incapable of love or empathy, and Cha Do Won’s love for Han Jae Hui is a contradiction. However, his skills of lying and manipulation are spot on. I would have preferred an actor with a more dynamic personality who could showcase these elements better, but that’s a very minor complaint.

This series will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. It’s easily one of the funniest series I’ve watched in a while. All of the actors did a great job showing off their comedic abilities. And the series will also have you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out who’s pulling the strings.

My only other issue is that there is a glaring age discrepancy between Aunt Im, Cha Do Won. and Koo Tae Su. She’s supposed to have found them when she was a grown woman, and they were just small children, when the actress is easily 12-15 years younger than either of them in their adult years. I don’t know why it was so hard to find an older actress to play the part of Aunt Im.

But, if you’re looking for a fun series, you can hardly go wrong with Café Mindamnang!

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Flawed But Very Fun Series!

“Behind Your Touch” is a fairly flawed but extremely fun series that uniquely balances comedy with a thriller plot. It’s not very often you find this combination, and a combination that works, for the most part. Then again, Koreans are masters of mixing genres and making them all work seamlessly.

Dr. Bong Ye Bun is a veterinarian working in a small town after growing up with her aunt and estranged grandfather who never speaks to her. She’s a quirky sort of woman who suddenly finds herself with a gift, thanks to a hapless encounter with a cow and a meteor. Yes, you heard me right! While treating a milk cow and touching the cow’s hindquarters, the meteor gives her the ability to “read” the past events of animals or people but touching their backsides. Clearly, this leads to some hilarious moments when Dr. Bong finds herself the unwitting participant of having to touch someone in order to gain insight.

Enter, Detective Moon Jang Yeol, a determined police officer who initially nicknames Dr. Bong, “perv” as he watches her constantly trying to touch people. This leads to some outrageous moments, such as whenever Detective Moon catches her, he flips her…literally!

However, not all is as it seems in the seemingly quiet, hospitable town when it becomes clear that there is a serial killer at work. Detective Moon will stop at nothing to catch the killer, and once he discovers Dr. Bong’s ability, he enlists her help in tracking down and finding the killer.

Believe it or not, for the most part, the story works and works well. We get some laugh out loud moments mixed with some real tension as the writers are determined to keep the viewer guessing as to who the real killer is. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back and forth between multiple suspects.

There is also a bit of light, romantic tension as Kim Sun Woo comes to town and Dr. Bong is immediately infatuated with him. However, Kim Sun Woo behaves a bit suspiciously, and Detective Moon is determined that he’s the serial killer, thus putting himself and Dr. Bong in precarious situations. When you’ve watched shows like this long enough, it’s not hard to realize that the most obvious suspect is rarely ever the true killer. Also, there are two pivotal moments about midway through the series that gives big clues as to who the killer is. They are brief but if you remember them, you can likely figure it out.

The series has great characters and a lot of fun, enjoyable moments. However, the series weakens in the last two episodes, but not to the point where it ruins the series itself. It was almost as if the writer had backed themselves into a corner and weren’t entirely sure about how to get out of it.

First, Kim Sun Woo figures out who the killer is. He knows Dr. Bong is in danger of being a target. Why did he not confide in her or Detective Moon regarding his suspicions? And why would he continue to hang around the killer, knowing that he was also putting himself at risk? That didn’t make sense at all to me. As smart as Kim Sun Woo is, it just didn’t seem like something he would do.

Second, the sunglasses are a big stretch. Even in the dark, if there is light, you can still see to some extent. That doesn’t completely negate Dr. Bong’s ability to see what happened.

Finally, bringing out Detective Moon’s adversary and having him taking out all fifteen guys in the end was also pushing it. We understand that he’s a tough cop, but I don’t know many people who’d be able to subdue that many people alone. We don’t see that Detective Moon has any unique or special fighting skills.

The last twenty minutes of the final episode with Dr. Bong being asked to infiltrate a women’s prison was ludicrous and simply didn’t fit at all with the rest of the series. In short, they should have quit while they were ahead.

Still, despite these things, this is a very fun series to watch, and I would still recommend it. All in all, it’s a great story with great performances.

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All Storms Eventually Pass

There is a blessing in hitting “rock bottom.” There is only one direction to go: up. There is also a blessing in knowing that whatever problems or troubles you are having, they will pass.

Life is all about perspective. How you perceive something determines how you choose to experience it. If you don’t like the experience you’re having, then change your perspective. There is no one in existence who hasn’t endured hardships. Even masters have gone through everything you are going through and have gone through. So, what’s the difference? They simply changed their perception as well as used wisdom to ask the right questions. Life isn’t about having all of the answers but about asking the right questions. Why am I going through this? What is it that I’m trying to teach myself in this moment? The late and great Kobe Bryant never referred to his hardships as “problems.” He called them “challenges.” See how changing one word can change how you perceive something?

“Doctor Slump” is about two competitive doctors who suddenly find their lives turned upside down by circumstances. Remember the immortal words of Rocky Balboa, “Life isn’t about how hard you can hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” And these two loveable characters get knocked down to their knees, but ultimately, they find a way to get back on their feet. This is also why, as a viewer, I found myself cheering for them both.

Dr. Yeo Jeong Woo is a brilliant plastic surgeon with a heart of gold. It’s hard to imagine this guy hurting anyone. He finds himself set up during a botched surgery that destroys his reputation and finds himself in dire, financial straits as well as facing criminal charges. And yet, he does his best to take care of his friends. Dr. Yeo Jeong Woo has a boyish charm and a wonderful sense of humor, thanks to actor Park Hyung Sik whom I’ve seen in several series. He has a gift for charm and comedy as well as being able to effortlessly harness the pain and despair he goes through.

Dr. Nam Ha Neul is an up-and-coming anesthesiologist who finds the dissertation she’s worked on being stolen and altered for a greedy, corrupt supervisor. Her own reputation is destroyed when she confronts him, even knocking him to the ground, which was far better than he deserved. Dr. Nam Ha Neul may perceive herself as weak, but she’s far stronger than she gives herself credit. Her pain and despair comes from guilt; guilt of not being there for her father as well as allowing a previous supervisor to take advantage of her. Park Shin Hye is equally captivating in her role. She has a sweetness that is undeniable and a light and glimmer in her eyes and smile. And yet, when either of these actors has moments of despair, we feel it.

The premise of this series is that no one should be afraid to seek help when needed. An even more important premise is that you are your top priority. You must take care of yourself first. It’s a losing battle to try and take care of others without, first, taking care of yourself. Putting others first is a road lined with resentment, guilt, and anger. And perhaps the third premise is learning how to be there for someone and letting them be there for you. Most people fail to realize that quite often, the best way to help someone is to just simply be there for them. It may not seem like a lot, but ultimately, it’s one of the greatest gifts you can give them. The beauty of a rock is that it’s just there. It doesn’t have to move or do anything. And everyone can be a rock for someone in their lives.

What makes this series so enjoyable is that there aren’t any needless melodramatic twists or turns. No silly love triangles or mountainous conflicts that we know are just there to add some conflict. The series is light despite the fact that it never makes light of the trials and tribulations of others or the pain that they are going through.

The greatest obstacle to pain is suppression. It’s been stated that the quickest way out of something is through it. To avoid it or try to find a way around it is to simply bring about needless suffering. Pain in life is inevitable. Suffering, however, is always optional.

Park Hyung Sik and Park Shin Hye have undeniable chemistry in this series which is why it works so well. I think they may be my favorite couple after “Our Beloved Summer.” I love the goofiness that Park Hyung Sik brings and the sweetness of Park Shin Hye as well as the fact that, while both characters are going through pain, they’re both fighters and are determined to come out on top. They are inspirational as well as captivating.

The only aspect of the series that didn’t quite work for me was the second romance between Bin Dae Young and Lee Hong Ran. It just didn’t feel needed, and it was as though the writers were trying to fill some empty space with a romance that just didn’t feel organic enough. Not to mention that the only romance that I cared about was between Yeo Jeong Woo and Nam Ha Neul.

So, the next time you get “knocked down” let this series serve as a reminder that every storm always passes. Don’t be afraid to experience pain. It’s still the quickest way out. Never give up. Keep fighting and keep moving forward. Don’t forget to make yourself the number one priority, and lastly, once you get yourself firmly anchored, be a rock for someone and just be there for them and let them be there for you.

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Plays Like a Bad American Horror Movie!

If this series had been a comedy, I probably would have laughed more and also in more of the right places. Unfortunately, it’s not a comedy. It plays like a bad American horror movie where the sheer level of stupidity that dominates the characters is the primary source for the laughter; the absolutely clueless and absurdity is not to be underestimated. If you've ever seen an American horror movie, you know how often characters make really dumb decisions, and when they're killed off, you just shake your head because their own stupidity did them in.

A disease has broken out the causes the infected to attack and bite the victim in order to satiate their unquenching thirst. However, once bitten, the victim becomes infected. It’s like a cross between a vampire and a zombie. However, unlike Train to Busan, this series as virtually no suspense whatsoever.

Yoon Sae Bom is a member of an elite anti-terrorist unit. She’s sassy, capable, and has dreams and aspirations of moving into a nice new apartment complex; a complex that requires the applicant to have enough “points” to qualify (recommendations, marriage, etc.). She marries her childhood friend, Jung Yi Hyun, a detective who had aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player. They marry for the convenience of being co-owners of the apartment. However, we already know that Jung Yi Hyun has loved Yoon Sae Bom since they were in high school together. Yeah, we already know where this is going.

Yoon Sae Bom quickly finds out just how shady the residents are in the apartment complex. There is really nobody good. And this is what she dreamed of, eh? We have a doctor who’s killed his wife. A seemingly affluent woman who wants to be the resident business leader of the complex. Power and money become the sole driving force of nearly every resident. This doesn’t even change when the complex comes under quarantine due to the disease. Soon, residents are fighting over food, water, or any means of trying to get ahead. Oh, and we also have a serial killer among the residents, as if everything else wasn’t quite enough. How so many “bad eggs” can all be in one place at the same time is like rolling “snake eyes” in Vegas twelve times in a row.

The lockdown aspect was intriguing until we find out that the infected only reach a “ravenous state” for about fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, a military colonel is trying to find a cure without letting the higher-ups know about it, as he’s afraid that they will use their perpetual greed to control the cure, and the colonel’s wife is one of the infected.

Yoon Sae Bom and Jung Yi Hyun try their best (well, not really!) to control the crazies and the situation. Ironically enough, for two people in law enforcement, they consistently make horrible decisions.
First, we have Dr. Oh Joo Hyeong who’s being arrested for the murder of his wife just as the lockdown takes place. However, instead of taking him into custody and at least locking him in a room, he’s given free reign to move around. Of course, knowing that he’s likely facing a prison sentence, he does everything in his power to subvert and plot against Yoon Sae Bom and Jung Yi Hyun. And each time they stop him, he’s STILL given a license to move about freely. Talk about stupid! This was one of the comedic elements that wasn’t really funny. I was simply laughing at how inept and pathetic our two main characters were.

Next, we have “Andrew” the serial killer. It’s funny that neither of our two leads suspect him for anything, given that he never shows his face which is constantly hidden behind a mask, and that the face on the ID card is scraped up so that you can see the photo. Now, it’s understandable that this story takes place on the cusp of COVID. It’s already been scientifically proven that masks do not have very much of an effect in preventing you from catching a disease. It’s more of a suggestion which is why so many people still believe that they do. However, given that Andrew goes to great lengths to hide his face, especially when eating or drinking, you would think that this might be a “red flag” to our two veteran members of law enforcement (three if you count Jung Yi Hyun’s cowardly, inept partner, Kim Jeong Gook who can only whine, cry, and complain at every turn).

We also have Oh Yeon Ok, the woman attempting to become the elected representative who is more worried about losing her position than anything else. She frequently goes into frantic rages when it becomes clear that she’s willing to do anything (even commit murder) to be elected. Bae Hae Seon plays her a bit over-the-top, and our two resident cops allow her to walk all over them rather than take charge of the situation. Instead, they try to be political rather than act like officers, which makes everything even worse.

The first six or seven episodes are quite good when the viewer is trying to figure out everything that is going on, but when the infected all but disappear, and the focus shifts to the residents and their power plays, the whole script falls apart, and we no longer really care what happens to most of them.


The last episode attempts to drag things out with an absolutely pathetic ending; all done for effect, of course. Jung Yi Hyun has been shot and taken captive by Andrew after Jung Yi Hyun somehow fails to disarm him (who knew a kid without any fighting skills could out-fight a cop who’s shown his hand-to-hand prowess up until now?). Jung Yi Hyun is on the ground being held up by Andrew but only covering his lower half. Yoon Sae Bom has a clear shot at Andrew. Instead, she shoots herself in the arm in order to get the infected Andrew to transform. Talk about making a really dumb choice! He staggers toward her, allowing Jung Yi Hyun (who has reclaimed the gun) to shoot Andrew in the head. Never mind that he’s already weak and also ignoring the fact the Yoon Sae Bom still has her own gun but shoots anyway, even though she’s in the direct line of fire. Talk about being lucky!

Yoon Sae Bom and Jung Yi Hyun are about as believable as cops as Donald Trump is of being president. Yes, that’s how bad these two were. It's sad that this is a wasted effort because both characters are likable and I like that Yoon Sae Bom is a strong woman who is no wallflower by any stretch of the imagination.

I was glad that this series only went 12 episodes. It should have been cut down to half that. The writer should be drummed out of the business for breaking one of the most basic and cardinal rules: never change a character for the sake of moving the plot. In other words, never make a character do something they would never do just to make the plot work. Yoon Sae Bom and Jung Yi Hyun make so many bad decisions, it’s a wonder they live to tell the tale. Well, when you have a writer who can make it happen, then that’s the blessing of it!


What’s sad is that most of the performances were pretty good, despite having some of the most depraved and sick people occupying one apartment complex (and no, I’m obviously not talking about the infected). These people should have been quarantined long before any disease entered the picture. Frankly, this series should be quarantined to the basement shelves too.

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