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Way Back Love is painfully beautiful
The much-anticipated school drama is here. Since the announcement, Way Back Love has been drawing attention from the audience.The story opens on a poignant note. Pachinko Girl Kim Min Ha is lying on the floor, and soon the lens begins in a shabby place. The first episode ends with the heart-rending revelation that Kim Gam Roo is already dead.
This is a six-episode mini-series. Adapted from the web novel “A week before I die”, the story journeys through the secluded life of Hui Wan, who has stopped living her life after the untimely death of Kim Gam Roo. What started as a prank turned out to be a fate-changing game for these high school students. Hui Wan failed to forgive herself till one day, Kim Gam Roo appeared at her doorstep as a grim reaper.
It is difficult to portray a convincing story through the lens of supernatural powers. And here, the male lead is dead even before the story opens its first chapter. No additional melodrama has been used as a catalyst for the tale. The concept of using either lead or dead is old, but the way of portraying the journey is fresh.
Life goes on even when your loved one is dead. You find things to hold on to as you traverse through your challenges. The story teaches the lesson of learning to forgive under every circumstance. And people should start by forgiving themselves.
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Could have been better
The trailer promised a feel-good story -A rich heir asks his struggling actress best friend to marry him so that his grandfather cannot have things in his way. Enters the good-looking, bit childish younger brother who falls head over heels for his to-be sister-in-law.
Enemies to lovers ...check
Good-looking hero, good-looking heroine...check
Girl in rags and a rich hero....check
It is like watching a Lee Min Ho drama served in a new bowl. The plot is the narrative of Korean dramas released this year are losing the plotline with the seventh episode. The narrative is going haywire and the director is forcefully dragging the story. Adapted from the webtoon of the same name, the story had a promising premise, but a loose adaptation format.
It is again fairy tale coincidences, excessive hardship running to a smooth life, and an impossible love enveloped with denial.
After historical fiction, Under the Queen's Umbrella, and the zombie story After School Duty, Moon Sang Min is back with a romantic comedy. His portrayal of Ji Han is careless and would have been better if he had been more focused. Jeon Jong Seo as Na Ah Jeong is an unnecessary flower girl. Her struggle is real as she is entangled in a triangle where the third angle does not exist. Kim Do Wan gave a warm performance in last year's Doona. His Lee Do Han is the only logical in the entire mess. His subtle yet confident delivery put sense into this fiasco. Park Ah In, Kwan Hae Hyo, and Bae Yoon Kyung add the needed motion to this story. The director could have used them better to make the storyline strong and entertaining.
The cameos in every alternate episode are only fun. You can not miss that out.
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A beautiful love tale
IntroductionThings have been hectic as North and South Korea are heading for unification. Airways and waterways have opened up and people are requested to move freely. Soldiers from both north and south have been brought in one point and a peaceful city in DMZ has been established -Pyeonghwa Metropolitan. Posing as a symbol of unification this place is where two Koreas have been cohabiting.
Review
In the process of celebrating such a historic event. A global band FITA has been invited to perform. Llyod, the team star member, gets embroiled in the scandal as he goes out to buy a weapon. He crosses paths with the leader of the unified military team Young Ok. Though love is not on the card every time he sees her, he worries about her.
It is the story of Korea where both north and south are heading for unification. Lloyd gets caught under the compromising condition of buying weapons and Young Ok gets the chance to train him. Young Ok who had been living a happy life found herself in a military unit when her military general and professor's mother got framed in a political conspiracy. Burdened by the wrong past she is working hard to hold her position as her nightmare keeps on coming. Meeting Llyod seems like an external world in her scheduled life.
After the success of Crash Landing On You, stories reflecting the lives of two sides of Korea are bound to set the expectation bar high. Llyod is childish and immature. His popularity and characteristics draw inspiration from a multitude of idol audiences through Korean dramas. Lack of knowledge about the real world makes him a little immature. Young Ok, on the contrary always puts up with a tough face but inside she is more child than Lloyd. The scene where she trusts those people selling fake medicines reveals the child she has been.
Kim Min Seok in the shoes of idol Lloyd is smooth like silk. He summons an inner child who struggles to adjust to the real world as they lack social skills. Nam Gyu Ri as Young Ok is warm and strong at the same time. She does not hesitate in the face of bullets and always puts her team first. So Ra is an appropriate choice. She channels an inner strength that is necessary for a soldier. The chemistry between leads is the essence of the story.
Conclusion
The journey of Koreans coming from two different parts of Korea always piques interest. Love amid war is something the audience enjoys. And here the leads encapsulate a tale that crosses fire and has been healing their hearts in the process. It is not just a war or love story but more than that.
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A beautiful watch
IntroductionYon Buk is the only heir to the traditional village in Seoul. Even in the 2024, the village is focused on retaining the culture and essense of their lives. Master Kim is a thirty year old designer who taught Yon Buk briefly in his adolescent days.
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After all these time travel fantasies, this new story gives a fresh concept. Yon Buk lives in modern Seoul but his upbringing is traditional. He wears traditional clothes and hats and is not very comfortable around people. He is shy and reserved. He is only free and happy when he is around his Master Kim.
Penning such an unique concept amid all supernatural series deserves applaud. Yon Buk is traditional but not orthodox. This clarity within his character makes him warm and special. His past trauma is what makes him reserved. He does not walk in shadow of his master but he never hesitate from saving her dignity. The bond between Hon Hak and Yun Buk is the new bromance of the town. The pupil teacher moment between this brother duo is quite adorable and hilarious. The story goes through the lanes where saving our ethics and traditions collides with our free life. Despite Yon Buk trying to save his culture, his heart seeks freedom, but at what cost it will come?
Its been a while we get to witness L in such a romantic story. He fits in the skin so smoothly. The hesitation, the happiness - he embodies every layer of Yoon Buk which makes the story more alive. Lee Yoo Young as Hong Doo is girl next door seeking love. She is vivacious, culture bound and yet modernly upright. The character is so well balanced that it helps in maintaining the essence of the story in right tone. The supporting cast did a brilliant job. Park Eun Sook did a brilliant job after his terrific delivery of Logan Lee in penthouse. He is the main key of this tale.
Conclusion
Love is really the biggest challenge of the universe. It comes unplanned and happens in the odd hour. As Yoon Buk and his Master Kim traverses through this emotion, the story revolves around multiple angles of influence which can change the course of love. A brilliant story and a warm performance makes it a classic watch.
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Impossible to watch
The premise of the story was simple-A poor-born boy learns about his real bloodline and decides to take what is rightfully his. He seeks the help of his childhood friend Han Tae Ho to seize their spot in this blood-lusting world.
An exciting confrontation was promised between two worlds whose people never unite. But the interaction is the worst scenario possible.
The opening was quite intriguing. Tae Ho finds himself in a murder scene while holding the weapon. Soon, it shifts backward with In Ha crossing the path with Tae Ho. And the narrative starts losing strength. The known conflict between leads and a bunch of unexplained narratives. The director fails to keep hold of the multiple tracks thus making it difficult for the audience to understand whom to follow. The narrative shifts from school to University fails to maintain a smooth transition. The story seemed like a bother as it progressed.
Lee Jae Wook who has previously impressed the audience with his performance in Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary You seemed too confused and lost throughout. It appears the actor also does not know what he is doing just like the audience is unaware of the situation. Lee Jun Young who was recently seen in Mask Girl as Kang In-ha has delivered a disappointing performance as the main antagonist. His revenge holds no ground and his tools are indecisive throughout. Choi Hee Jin and Hon Suju are side cast despite being leads of this thriller piece. Poor storytelling style and lack of knitting in the story makes the journey more cliche. The impossible heir seems impossible to watch.
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2023 has been a year of short yet sweet dramas and the latest Casteaway Diva gives a sweet tale while dealing with serious issue of domestic violence.
The first episode opens with Mok Ha dreaming to become singer and share the stage with her idol Ran Joo. She seeks help from her fellow classmate Ki Ho who even takes charge for sharing his bike with others. Life in Chunsam Island does not seem like a dream as violence erupts in the life of these kids anytime.
Mok Ha gets lost in ocean while trying to run away from her abusive father. She lands up in a deserted island and her wait to meet her dreams starts.Pen behind the lovely story has gifted us beautiful tales like Pinnochio, While You Were Sleeping and the recent Start Up. Park Hye Run always makes a strong girl but holds her back with an unprecedented weakness. Mok Ha is no exception. She sings like a diva. Her talent earns her a spot with Ran Joo when she was sixteen, but destiny betrayed her mercilessly.
The biggest twist is the confusion of Woo Hak and Bo Gyeol. Audience were waiting eagerly to meet Ki Ho, but the twist with the entry of Woo Hak in the frame who has forgotten his childhood memories puts us in dilemmas too. As we try to read eyes of Bo Gyeol, our heart gets drawn to innocent Woo Hak who tries to bring in his memory. The sweet revelation at the end will tear your heart.
Love, a small yet such an important emotion which rules our life. Why has been divorce increasing this days, is it because life has become tough or we are changing into worse? The answer is varying from one to other. But definition of violence has always been the same. People who hurts their own person does not deserve a second chance in life. They are responsible for causing emotional damage and nothing can explain that.
Director Oh Choong wan, who previously helmed tales like Big Mouth or While You are Sleeping always reflects on a major social trouble while sketching a heart warming love behind. Casteaway Diva, glammer through the light of stars that shines across stage. But he did not limit himself in the light. The lens brought alive the darkness that fades the singer as they cross the age bracket. People do not stop living because failure but the darkness eats them through and makes them feel hopeless.
The Director brings in a musical satire with the viciousness of entertainment industry that tends to forget talent over age. But is age everything and even dominates over talent. What if you are a great singer and you find your stage at the age of thirty? Why it is said that audience will not resonate with you because you are old now.
We are living in 2023, isn't it time to tell the world to put the bracket away and give warm embrace to the talent or the abilities?
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Could have been beautiful but plot missed
Spin off to the popular story "Bossam: Steal the Fate", the story is another political historical fiction cooking through palace dramas.The opening of any drama plays a significant role in drawing the attention of the audience. In this story, the drama opens at a slow pace. The introduction of important characters was not surprising but cliche. The scene opens through a night, with robed people carefully walking through the palace gate. The director tried to use darkness to intensify the schemes being plotted behind those thick walls. It took a while to shape the story and establish the main aspect. The Queen mother, her immediate hands, and constant plots - all-star players of this drama remained powerless throughout.
There are many historical fiction which have been stealing the hearts of audiences even after many years of release. Call it Scarlett Heart Ryeo or Empress KI- these dramas intrigued audiences through the well-laid plot. This is where The Missing Crown Prince lacked. It failed to generate interest among viewers.
Suho in the titular role tries his best to deliver a vivacious prince who is cheerful and trying his best to survive through the thick and thins of a gruesome palace. His chemistry with leading lady Hong Ye Ji lacks the spice due to the narrowness of the plot. The huge holes in the beginning made the story bland.
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A lovely story
Joo Eun Ho finds herself falling apart at the sudden breakup with her boyfriend Hyun Oh. She starts taking shelter in her alter ego Hye ri who is vocal about her feelings and quite positive which is the opposite of her characteristics. The situation takes a salty turn as Hye Ri falls for the very neat Joo Yeon.It's been a while since Korean dramas work on a mental disorder at such a crucial level. Unlike the journey of Kill Me Heal Me, the journey of Hye Ri is more complicated than it is supposed to be. With each passing episode, the conflict between Eun Ho and Hye Ri makes life and emotions difficult for Hyun Oh and Joo Yeon. Unaware of the existence of the alter ego, Joo Yeon falls hard for Hye Ri. This arc within the story is the biggest twist which never leaves the car park at its proper place.
As the story progresses and the scenes start resolving a new unplanned situation appears. This keeps the aura alive.
What say....are you looking for a parking spot? Hye Ri is there to help you.
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A brutal watch
The Korean drama industry always makes sure to deliver two to three stories yearly on school violence. All of Us Are Dead or the Glory has been wowing international fans with their killing game.Song Su Ji transfers to Baekyeon Girls’ High School in Seoul. Students of this cynical game indulge in a deadly game of ranking to determine who will be the punching bag of the month and who is going to be the top dog of the place. Oblivious to this cruel scene, she finds herself in the den of wolves soon. And soon everyone starts walking all over her.
Appears Beak Ha Rin who is the mind of this torture play. As the story progresses battle between Ha Rin and Su Ji intensifies as none of them wants to let go of the leash.
Bona as Su Ji delivers a strong graph throughout the season. She establishes herself as a maestro in drawing the attention of the audience on an emotional note. Compared to her performance in Twenty-five Twenty-one, she comes out as a stronger player in the ring. As her character suffers she starts replying more cruelly. Jang Da a as Ha Rin delivers a cream performance. Her effortless enactment of the vicious character has made the audience forget all the cruel queens from the past.
Korean Dramas are sharpening their hands in making thrillers. Each and every character are arch nemesis of each other and variances in character layers never make the story monotonous. The pain dripping from the face of Su Ji to the remarks of Ha Rin- the audience lived on edge throughout the ten episodes. It is important to eradicate this type of cruelty from educational institutions once and for all.
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A ghostly watch with a beautiful love unfolding
Have you watched So Ji Sub drama before. Great than, because he will make you fall in love not instantly but slowly.It's a ghost story and as promised there's scary ghost as well as funny ghost.
What's the difference from other ghost stories, it will show you through the heroine a different phase after death. Some time, the on-off relationship between hero and heroine will tire you. But the crackling chemistry will be there making you wander what the maker wants to do.
Music is not much memorable. There's a second lead in the story. But Seo In Guk as Kang Woo doesn't bring much change in the story. You can rather consider him as a treat to eyes. Popular singer L from Boy band "Infinite" has played a pivotal role. Look forward to it. Gong Hyo Jin, well my first drama with her in the centre and she is such an intriguing performer. She alone can pull the story on her shoulder. That is her charisma.
What are you thinking? Delve into this ghostly journey if haven't yet,!!
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A perfect story
As Justitia gets punished by Bael and is forced to live on earth in the body of Kang Bit things start getting haywire at the court. And the close observance of Detective Da On is only making it worse. Kang Bit na is a beautiful judge who speaks cutthroat in court and releases criminals with a meager punishment. But people around her are unaware that she is a demon who has been secretly killing sinners she is identifying in court to fulfill her job given by Bael.The unique and fresh concept of the story successfully draws the audience to the first episode. Park Shin Hye in a completely different avatar and her chemistry with Kim Jae Young is only making the ride smooth.
So.....go to gehnna....
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Different tale
Unlike other Goreyo story or Joseon drama, this story does not revolve around royal families.The opening episode starts with a boom where the lady crosses the wall and does somersault to reach home before her mother in law sneaks in. It gives a fresh vibes. Unlike other period pieces, this story does not rely on lives of royals even but solely revolves around two commoners in search of their own identity. Despite living an unfateful life, Yeo Hwa is a positive person. She has her motto and does not rely on others for her life, Soo Hoo has been digging around to bring a twist in his career graph. He bumps into Yeo Hwa every time he looks out for a crime scene and her sneaky life piques his interest. But unaware of her real identity, he is being drawn to a widow who is waiting for her brother to come and take her.
As the story progresses, Yeo Hwa finds herself engrossed in affairs that has been shaking the nation. Her fierce moves which have been meant to help people needs to use it for a bigger cause that can turn the nation upside down.
Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama is unfolding the definition of love in a time where the emotion has been limited and not allowed. But does love really follow time and management?
Lee Han Hee as the widow daughter in law of a prestigious family living a double life makes the story a fun watch. Her enactment as the obedient daughter in law and the masked woman helping people in need adds multiple layer through the storyline. Actions scene portrayed in a subtle note , quirky dialogues of Yeo Hwa makes it look like you are driving a racing car and there is no signal. The scene quickly shifts, thus making audience heart flutter. You never feel like leaving. Lee Jong Won as royal inspector Park Soo Hoo is the new love of the town. He fits in the shoe of child whose identity is a challenge for himself but tries to help Yeon Hwa in helping people in need. He is confident in his skin, which makes the untold romance more soft.
It is the storyline which keeps the audience hooked at first level. The unexpected twists offered by the tale, the subtle chemistry and the background music.....its been a while Korean drama offered such an enigmatic yet poised tale.
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Snob yet awesome
Snob, arrogant, obnoxiousThis Demon holds no respect for our endearing Goblin, charming Grim Reaper and nor to evergreen Vampires (He dismisses them as mosquitoes). But his perfect arrogance hits a roadblock named Do Doo Hee in whose hand his cross sign goes away. What follows are a constant rift between a rising business woman and a non nonsense demon who gets entangled in marital bliss even! But is there anything more to that...
Well, the ragged woman whose tethered smile ignites spark about entwined fate, but how they are connected!!!!
The last two episode reflected on a whole new segment. From unfurling connection between D do hee and demon to emotional change of Doo hee witnessing the hell by her own eyes raised many question.
Demon ends up as Do Doo Hee's personal hell, but isn't that true for every human...the personal we love most is the one we loathe most!!!!
The series has been a fun ride. The cute banter between Do Do Hee a nd Demon in the beginning gave the much needed base audience expect in their favorite couple. Song Kang and Yoo Jung is a fresh couple whose both on screen rapport made the show more delightful. Kim Hae Sook as Ms. Ju and Jin Ga Young as Star Jin add the glamour quotient in the fantasy tale. Star Jin's elegant exit outlined a new graph for female second lead. Kang Seong Ho as eccentric Noh Do Gyeong successfully piques interest. Lee Sang -yi is becoming delicious second lead more and more. After playing hard boy in Bloodhound, he is again returning to his soft boy era.
The storyline is not a surprise but the overall presentation made it a fun watch.
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A Savage Tale
First I would like to say that this is an awesome piece.Instead of roaming through the lives of royals, this story is centred around a commoner who has been framed by her in laws and faces death. Saved by a kind hearted girl, she decides to go for revenge.
Highs of the drama
1. The plot as it offers uniqueness through its fresh concept. The story goes through the life of a common girl instead of delving into a princess's life. The twists and turns which follows keeps the story intriguing.
2. Performance
Leads have effortlessly slipped into their role. Jin Yan and Xin Yue did a terrific job in their first drama together. Their chemistry is swoonworthy.
The drama is highly recommended for its powerful storyline.
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It is the story of a wealthy family shifting to Bianjing and starting life afresh. It is the journey of a mother determined to get all her daughters married to a rich and affluent family. But things are not as easy as they seem to be.It is the story of a wealthy family shifting to Bianjing and starting life afresh. It is the journey of a mother determined to get all her daughters married to a rich and affluent family. But things are not as easy as they seem to be.
A different attempt on a period piece where ML and FL are not involved with the royal family. They are commoners and facing troubles in normal life. This approach makes it unique and fresh. Family disputes and troubles are often presumable, but not boring. And twists are often stirring earbuds.
After Double, this is Xin Yue’s second attempt in becoming a loving and caring husband. Though he is very gorgeous in his roles, he needs to change his style given the same pattern he is doing.
First lady, Second lady, Third Lady, Fourth Lady, Fifth lady are doing brilliant jobs in pulling the story. They are the main factors to keep the waves and tide flow within the tale.
The tale has been knitted neatly. Graphics and visual added the intrigue elevating the interest of audience at right pace.
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