Kim-Park-Lee

Hi! Your review is helpful, but I wanted to ask you: when you say incest, do you mean the romance is between an actual brother and sister? Or is it something more like half-brother / half-sister, or perhaps step-brother / step-sister! I don't mind spoilers -- it's just that that aspect makes me hesitate

The leads had charisma, but I found it sooooo corny :/

Not very original I guess, but I do love sushi ;^)

yes, it does feel like they could have balanced the romance with the investigation a little more. The investigation could've started earlier and been more drawn out, because so far it feels like all these revelations are falling on Sun Woo and he barely has any time to accept them. However I can't deny all the focus on the romance before wasn't very enjoyable anyhow ;^)

I watched the show and really liked it, though I didn't adore it (but I can easily understand why so many people went crazy over this drama). Also it's been a while since I watched it. Therefore I don't think my vision of YWCFTS is blinded by passion ;^)

What I believe is good about this show:
- a wonderfully acted female lead, that one can truly have empathy for (Jeon Ji Hyeon is a famous movie star with a very solid acting career, and this was her drama comeback after years)
- kim soo hyun plays his stiff alien character that discovers emotions very well too
- great comedy, as well as very, very touching moments because of the great leads
- although it has its romantisized elements, the hallyu world is depicted with a touch of realism and harshness that gives the drama consistency (it isn't just a meaningless piece of fluff)
- interesting secondary characters, and even a handful of more minor characters manage to stand out as well
- a memorable villain: even if he may be a little cliché on paper, Shin Sung Rok plays his character with gusto
- a compelling intrigue, although I would say the romance is more developed
- it's very nicely shot, and looks as glamorous and glossy as the milieu it takes place in
- daring and striking fashion from Jeon Ji Hyeon, she even started a new lipstick trend when the drama aired!

Of course some may find it boring, but I believe it has enough interesting elements for it to have more potential as a hit for most people, than a miss. I do think this show is good -- whether or not it has an extra spark that makes it great depends on the person!

She's so, so lovely, natural and touching in Under The Hawthorn Tree...

Episode 11 was a really eventful episode and I'm excited as to where the drama is heading. However there still seems to be so much ground left to cover that I'm worried it won't fit into 5 episodes (time for Bong Sun to develop more as a character, a satisfying amount of romance between her and Sun Woo, perhaps more of a relationship between her and Soon Ae, Soon Ae trying to figure out the mystery of her death...) I'm wondering if an extension may not be welcome, for once :/

+ 1 I Hear Your Voice: a drama full of suspense until the last moment, and a very sweet romance

+1 You Who Came From The Stars: very well written lead characters and wonderful acting!

+1 Secret Garden: a very catchy and fun drama

Shut Up Flower Boy Band: an unusual and intense drama with moments of sadness, touching friendships, love, teenage angst, hope...

+1 Sungkyunkwan Scandal: very good characters with endearing relationships and an interesting setting in a university in the Joseon era

The Master's Sun: like in this drama, the female lead sees ghost and falls in love with an arrogant man -- still, it's very different

City Hunter: a plot full of suspense with a very touching story

Hope you find something you like :) Try the recommendation forum next time, more people will be able to help you: http://mydramalist.com/discussions/recommendation-forum

It's been several months since I've watched this drama, and it really has a special place in my heart. It was so raw, full of hope and sadness and friendship and a lot of realism. I hope many more people watch this drama!

haha yes I agree! I like that they made her endearing instead of an evil witch, despite her being lacking as a mother to Sun Woo in his earlier years. No matter her silly methods and beliefs, her concern for her son is sweet. I also like that she's finding a friend in the shaman :)

thanks so much! I was surprised I took so much pleasure in writing it, and now it's so encouraging to read kind comments like yours, and to find an echo of my feelings about this drama out here in the vast world wide web ;)

Just watched ep 9 and Sun Woo is swoon-worthy! It's so endearing how very in love he his. However I prefer him with Bong Sun, with whom he's more giddy and gentle and sweet... And I think I prefer Bong Sun to Soon Ae now, who continues to be inconsiderate in a new way: she may have permission to use her body, but she monopolises Bong Sun's time with Sun Woo way too much!

It seems Soon Ae is indeed falling for Sun Woo though, which really does complicate things... Perhaps her character's arc will be to willingly surrender and leave Sun Woo to Bong Sun, a true act of consideration, as well of acceptance that she is no longer part of this world and shouldn't interfere with it...? It would be really sad, but it would also be the mark of a kind of maturity and serenity she doesn't yet possess.To me it seems like Bong Sun, who was once like a zombie, needs to learn how to live, while Soon Ae, who was so full of life, needs to learn how to die... :^(

Happy Birthday -- can't wait to see what she will do in the upcoming years :)

me too! even more so this week since the last episode was quite an eventful one, and I can't wait to see what comes out of it ;)

thanks!

yeah it really is -- and it's cool that it's getting so popular!

I agree, that's something I forgot to put in the article: I actually find myself enjoying the cooking scenes -- for example the tips he gives her for chopping the vegetables are cool!

me neither! especially since it seems the romance is really going to kick off this week ;)

yay, I'm glad!

thanks a lot! it is a great thing that this drama manages to make two female leads likeable, even if it is confusing hehe. I do like that Bong Sun and Soon Ae are becoming friends though!