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So Many Life Lessons- of Perseverance, of Teamwork and Love

What drew me to watch this is Yoon Kye Sang since I have watched Chocolate a few months ago. I don't usually watch kdrama, as I would still need subtitles. But this one is such a gem.

What do I like about the drama?
I should say this drama is promising, a lot of characters which will make you wonder how they will interact and figure out their challenges. It is full of life lessons - how to overcome failure, to rise above opposition, to stand your ground and live with principles. There are many types of sports featured in this drama. But what makes rugby different in this story, is that it needs a good relationship between the coach and the players as well as player to player. It is a team sports, unlike the other sports featured were more on solo victories.
I like how the characters of the young men evolved and how the coach inspired them. The actors have given life to the character - either you will love them or hate them, depending upon which side they are. Ju Garam is an inspiring coach, though his past was colored. He truly loved rugby and these boys. These men showed how to fight, how to love and play. As Garam said, "We are to unite 7 hearts to play as one." and they did. The turnaround of the Hanyang Rugby team is really a miracle, to get the gold in the Nationals. I love those rugby boys, they acted so natural, and they had great chemistry even with the adult actors.
In every drama, there are antagonists also. If you get so pissed off with the VP and the Head Coach for shooting, it means their acting is very good. However, I don't know if high school is really this political.
In the end, the good come out victorious and the bad gets bad karma.
The best life lesson I got is this - YOUR PAST DOES NOT DEFINE YOU. Anyone can make a turnaround as you put your mind to it. No one is too old to make new life choices or change in their career.
We need more inspiring stories like this - even teaching parents to help their children find their path and not impose their own. Kudos to the whole production team - cast and crew. Can we have a season 2 of this please? So many stories can evolve from this one - the new Hanyang Rugby Team, where does Coach Garam go after this, what happened to those who graduated and perhaps a grand high school reunion?

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Chaotic Mission

I had put off this drama for quite some time but decided to watch it when I learned that Seo Kang Joon and Jin Ki Joo are the leads. I am not into high school stories, but having an investigative story appealed to me.

What I love about this?
1. The Actors - Kang Joon and Ki Joo. Both have already done many dramas and they deliver. At first, I thought there was no romance angle, especially Kang Joon coming in as a high school student. Kang Joon's visuals, action scenes and comedic parts are all on point. Jin Ki Joo is so cute, they truly complement each other. Kang Joon as Hae Seong the agent showed that he is good at his work, though he had a mishap. Jin Ki Joo as Oh Su Ah is passionate, though out of touch of the condition of her students. Their encounter with each other had taught them to trust each other and work together.
2. The supporting actors -
a. The villains - Kim Shin Rok did great in being controlling and later showing insanity over her greed.
b. The NIS agents - I love them, their banters are so funny. I like that Hae Seong finds a 'father figure' in An Seok Ho as he has no father at a very young age.
c. The students - they may be vying for honors, or rich kids, but they are still kids at heart. And I love how they reacted when they learned that Hae Seong and Oh Su Ah are dating. Dong Min found a friend in Hae Seong.
3. The Story - I like that it is fast-paced, giving us a background first of Hae Seong before diving into his new mission. Despite of the NIS head being a bad guy, they tried to uncover the truth. There are other side stories which I am glad had not been dragged throughout the series. But they have been some elements that revealed more of the characters of the other students and the manipulation of the Chairwoman.

I don't know if we need a Season 2 for this, as he has already exposed himself. To have a spin off perhaps - where would Hae Seong and Su Ah when they get married? Would there be new assignments which can complicate their marriage? Let us see if anyone thought of a second season or a spin off.

And congratulations to Seo Kang Joon for winning the Daesang and the Undercover High School Team for taking the Best Picture Award in the recent MBC Drama awards night! You guys rock!

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Love and Law

I heard so much positive feedback about this drama that made me watch it. Each episode is packed with cases that are quite difficult to handle, yet the Litigation team have handled them with much hard work and teamwork. As we see the ending, I anticipate a Season 2 for this - how will the restructed Yullim look like and what will happen for the rest of the corrupt ones.
What made me continue to watch is to see how the story of Seok Hoon and Hyo-min unfold, why they think that way and their interaction with one another.
I see why the title is Beyond the Bar - because it challenged their moral and ethical principles as well as how they view life in general. It shows humanity, mercy and love even in the hardest of cases they faced. There is compassion even when the sentence was pronounced.
The Actors
Lee Jin-Wook's demeanor is just right for the role of no-nonsense mentor. However, we also see a soft side of the character as he listens to the reasonings of his juniors and perhaps really a good reader of people. We see him transitioned for being 'all work' to enjoying his team, not just giving advise but also receiving.
I saw Jung Chae-Yeon in Family by Choice, and she looks so young there when in fact it was just last year. Here, she portrays a much older character, a genius, yet had some issues which only unfolded as the series progressed. Hyo-min is a breath of fresh air for the team and much more for Seok-Yoon who seem to be so stiff - as his teammates say their team is dry.
It is also good to see side stories of the other lawyers, both the good and the bad and how we all desire the good to win.
The 2nd lead lawyers' story added to the dynamics of love and law. In the end, love wins.
Should I rewatch it?
Perhaps after 6 months, when my brain cells can keep up with the terminologies... just kidding.
Overall, I rate this an 8.5, and wish that the Lead's story will continue to Season 2? Please season 2 soon.

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Another Sageuk Soul Swapping

When I said this another Sageuk soul swapping, am referring to many others that has same theme - like Mr. Queen and Moon River. Another common theme is the manipulation of the king by someone he trusted and is greedy for power.
But makes this drama interesting? - perhaps the transformations of several characters in this drama as:
1. The mad king in the end listened and stepped down. It was a long journey. I should say, Ha Seok Jin played it well.
2. Eun Jo - was a petty thief helping out the poor but later on helping the grand prince to bring peace.
3. Yeol - just a prince who tried not to get in the way of the king to save himself. In a way, his transformation came when he met Eun Jo.
4. Jae In -crossing path with Eun Jo made him reflect his own lowlife yet chose to do what is right though going against his father's ways. I think he has the most transformation from being an antagonist to someone who chose to protect a woman whom he knows has her heart set on someone else.

There are very good dialogs in this drama showing how much the people can reflect on with regards to power, responsibility, equity, justice and love.
Good thing there are not much soul swapping happening as in Moon River. And both leads' characters do not have a stark difference yet recognizable when they switch.

I love the allies of the grand prince. They don't blindly follow, and perhaps they were like that because the grand prince isn't using his power to manipulate or control people. I love that Eun Jo has a lot of people sympathetic to her because they had received so much from her.

The near-death experiences kept us hooked to watch the next episode. And I am glad the main leads lived.

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Justice Never Sleeps

I kind of started this drama a bit late, so I binge watched it for a few days. And like any drama, there is always an element of going back and forth from the past to present, revealing little by little the characters.
It is nice to see how they were able to have the old bulky monitors and the old flip phones with antenna. Those are very nostalgic. However, some elements of the set are not really 100% true to the period, but who cares, the story itself is cohesive.

The office politics, the slush funds and even family grip to a corporation can still be present in our times today. However, since the period is in 1998, intel is not yet that fast. I was a bit disappointed that President Kang suddenly died in episode 1 and we only see him in flashbacks in other episodes. We didn't get to see his past beyond presidency, but in a way opened to a key for Miss Hong.

As much as Park Shin Hye delivered well with the character of a lion hidden behind a 20 newbie at work, I love the character played by Ha Yoon Kyung. I love how Bok Hui transformed from the antagonist to a fierce partner in crime for Hong Geum Bo. she may be a thief, but she learned later how to empathize and care for others when she received care from Geum Bo/Jang Mi.

Up to the end, we are at the edge of our seats as we wait for Nora to make her decision who is the swing vote. I am glad that the Yuiedo Pirates won and that those who had stolen and killed due to their greed were punished. I am glad that Mr. Bang finally came forward that help seal the case.

I should say each actor/actress gave their best performance. Those who are evil, you would want them caught and punished, while the underdogs, you want them to succeed. Even little Bom is really a spring to all of them. And Ms. Hong's parents are not to be underestimated. Though we are not acting, it seems we are in the story itself, trying to figure out Miss Hong's next step. We only see a glimpse of past love, but as the undercover work is the center, we don't see them getting back. Nine years apart without trying to understand each other would need some time to heal. I like what Miss Hong's boss told Mr. Shin, that perhaps he still sees her as the girl he knew 9 years ago. It is an eye opener for Mr. Shin to not judge Miss Hong of her present actions based on their past.

The end of this drama may hint a second season. And who knows if Geum Bo and Jeong U still meet perhaps after 2 years?

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How Far would You Believe the Truth?

This drama dove deeper into the lives of celebrities that may be a reality check also for fans. Many celebrities in Korea do face much pressure with just a small rumor. And this drama showed an extreme situation - La Ik being caught in a murder case.
And how far you will go as a fan? - Would you turn away from him no matter what? Would you not seek the truth? Would you only love him because he looks good and sings well?

And it is good that La Ik has one fan who does not believe in the lie. She went out of her way to defend him without revealing herself as a fan. She believed in his innocence and tried everything in her power to find the truth. It isn't what the majority she believed, she just believed in him.

The story went well, though there are parts which I think could have been presented earlier - like the checking of the cloud message of Woo Seong's phone. From the start they knew they cannot find the phone, and of all people, La Ik knew that he records everything and sync in the cloud. Was he too shocked or sorrowful that can't even think what he needs to do to get himself out of that trouble? Was it deliberately placed at Episode 11 so that the drama be longer?

I find this missing - their manager and producer failed to help him. Do they just use them for their own success? Is this reality now? I remember watching Sh**ting Stars where a public relations team help build and protect the image of their clients. Somewhat the drama has loopholes when it comes to protecting their stars. This goes to show the need for a strong trust between the managers and their stars.

This drama has redeeming factors:
1. Atty Kwak learned to stand on the truth and not just go with the flow with his father. In the end, he was able to find the real criminal.
2. La Ik learned to trust Se Na
3. And with the help of Chung Jae, Se Na's friend, they were able to gather evidence. I like this character, that though he knows Se Na loves La Ik, he did not stop supporting her. He is very grateful to her, for helping him out from his own troubles in the past.
4. Se Na finally pursuing the retrial of her father's case. Though it may look late, this character has been consistent in finding the truth.

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RISING ABOVE LIFE'S CHALLENGES with those who believe in you.

This is a story of not just Mok-ha but also of Ki-ho's survival and how they rose above their difficult situation.
Though Mok-ha's survival is miraculous and much more the way she was discovered by the very people she once knew, it gives us hope that anyone can rise above life's challenges.

The Story:
The story may have started with heartaches as the two leads tried to survive abuses. It gave us a picture already of their background from the start unlike other dramas that start in the present and go back and forth with their past. I think many Korean dramas run this way, highlighting only a little of the past to connect with the present.
It is amazing how Mok-ha was able to get to the island alive without knowing how to swim. That is something, we can say as a miracle in order for her to reach her dream.
I like the development of the story; it was not slow nor too fast. It walked us through the story of each of the character and given us the answers little by little without making us itch to get it to the bottom of it. However, the time span was not that clear to me from the time that Mok-ha was found till she became a superstar. We can only infer that eventually, as they became tenacious and strong in the middle of intrigues and threats, each of the Lee family and Mok-ha achieved their goals with much love, peace and joy. For me, the story is full of love which is expressed in different ways.

The Actors and their characters:
1. Park Eun Bin - Many say that she is overacting in this drama. Perhaps we need to analyze why she acted that way. First off, she left her town when she was just 16 and grew up only with her abusive dad. Then lived for 15 years in an island alone. So, perhaps she did not grow up with any guidance how to be a lady but merely trying to survive. She didn't know how to interact with people her age and with the changing society.
2. Jong Hyeon as Bo Geol /Ki-Ho - I like the calmness of the adult Ki-ho, just like the younger version, despite of the abuses he received from his dad. At first, He isn't cold, he is just trying to protect himself and his family.
3. Hak Hyeon as Woo Hak - I wondered at first why he is trying to figure out if he is Ki-ho. The character is compassionate and one who doesn't want to break the law.
4. Ki-ho's dad - I did fear for Ki-ho's life and his family by the way this character behaved. and I think we live in a world that there are still people like this who treat their family like possessions.

The Music
I think this is the first time I would comment on a Korean drama OST. I love the songs and was surprised how beautiful Eun Bin's voice is. The songs are beautifully written, and the music is great. And each song tells a life story- of hope and love.

Will I rewatch it? I might perhaps after a year but will skip the violence.
My overall rating it an 8.

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Loving yourself

Each time I watch a movie or a drama series, I try to look into some kind of value.
To some it is just light and cutie, and of course, it is a teen story. It is about first love. It is about all the insecurities that goes with growing up as a teen.
The FL is cute even with her Freezy hair, and just what Yun-Seok said, he likes her the way she is. I believe that there are plenty of adults who are still insecure in the way they look - hair, height, weight, complexion and many other things. The girl who tries to catch someone else's attention by changing herself eventually fall for someone else.
I only watched this to take a break from the other series that require much energy to process. Sometimes we need this kind of a break. And it is good that it ended in a happy note.

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Joy and Love in Chocolates

It is an interesting story revolving around chocolate and its power over people's lives. I like that the episodes are named according to a certain chocolate product.

I like how the transformation of the two leads, how they learned to get over their individual struggles and found love in the end. I am a sucker for love stories and so much also with chocolates.

I think the 8 episodes are enough and won't need a 2nd season.
All the actors did very good. I can feel the anxiety of the two leads as they are faced to do what is not common to them. I can feel the love and the joy as Hana makes her chocolate. I can feel the love of the Le Saveur team and had not discriminated Hana. I also like that both Sosuke and Hana went personally to different partners and because they had done it, they had their support. This goes to show that even in business, the care for partners is essential. It is not always about money, but the value we give to the people we work with and the people we offer our products to, is far more significant and impactful. I hope others see this value in this drama.

The sceneries are lovely. I was hoping that they made the running Leads from the wedding the ending. It seems anti-climactic to end the Anonymous Circle with a special guest.

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Unscripted and Raw Emotions

I was expecting to have the same cast for Season 2. However, I think mixing new members bring in different dynamics into the show. I am not really familiar with Ji Yeon as I haven't seen her dramas. I like her positivity and energy, not afraid to handle any sea creatures, though the first challenge had left her seasick.
I am pleasantly surprised with Jae Wook. This young man can survive in the wild, he does what he needs to do, being the only man in the team. Though Ji Yeon been teasing him, he remains respectful and kind.
The ever-dependable older sisters Jung-Ah and Jun-Myung did what they are good at and guided the younger siblings well.

Am a bit emotional at the end, seeing how they celebrated Jae Wook's birthday on their last day. They had 2 birthdays this season and as they had given messages to the birthday celebrants -Jun-Myung and Jae Wook, it was heartfelt.

I love this variety show as it shows their true self, unscripted, with raw emotions captured. I love to see their personalities and how they worked together well, how they supported one another.

I am looking forward to Season 3 and hoping the next mix of members will be just as good as this.

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Conflicting yet Desiring

Period dramas always bring various conflicts that heightens to an uprising or a war. My Dearest may be such a tender title for it gives us the story of two people who had pushed and pulled their feelings for one another, not admitting that they are attracted to each other.

Like any Korean period drama, it depicts the women to be more desirable if one has various talents while the men being scholars or of high-ranking official. There is a caste system which causes the singles to choose only those within their societal levels. But Gil Chae isn't your typical leading lading. In fact, she is not the 'artistic' type and is somewhat mischievous and manipulative. She knows she is beautiful and can attract any man, except the one her eyes delight in. Jang Hyeon, rightfully described in the synopsis is mysterious. No one knows his roots, or his abilities. What people think is that he is a playboy, enjoys the company of women without being married to. Both Gil Chae and Jang Hyeon have already pre-conceived ideas of each other. They may be drawn to each other, but what they say is not what is in their hearts. The circumstances surrounding them, the Qing invasion, the war, the survival, the escape all contributed to the push and pull of their relationship.

My heartaches when Ryang Eum had not been truthful to Gil Chae. Does he not really want her to be with Jang Hyeon? Does he not want to part from him? Is it bias or selfishness? There are unspoken reasons for the actions of Ryang Eum. The timing of their meeting was really bad. And I can feel Jang Hyeon's pain as he heard and saw who the bride is. Gil Chae chose to marry someone else - was it for survival of her family? or was it out of gratitude to save them? or was it to save face as everyone knew already of this engagement? Will there be even a reason for Jang Hyeon to fight the Qing? Will there be any reason for him to hope in reuniting with Gil Chae?

What I love about Gil Chae is her courage that shone when she tried to save her friend. She is ingenuous, and a creative person which made her good in business. She learned that from Jang Hyeon. She does not know how much Jang Hyeon had to go through in order to survive, even to be an instrument to save the king, despite not his aim. She does not know how skillful he is in combat and all along, she thought someone else saved her.

Namkoong Min is right in saying that he does not consider Ahn Eun Jin as a junior but an equal (when he accepted his best actor award). We have seen that Ahn Eun Jin embraced her character and is an equal of Namkoong Min 's character. Their characters unfolded and little by little developed as they continue to find each other.

About the production, this is immense. Locations, costumes, the Korean army and the Qing army may not be the main thing but surely completed the feel of a period drama. The music, especially Ryang Eum's singing is haunting. I wonder if Kim Yoon Woo really sings.

This drama also shows that those who go to war also fear - fear to die and they depicted this especially for the scholars who were never trained in battle. So, we should be reminded to honor those who defended our countrymen in the past for their sacrifices.

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Love conquers all

What draws me to this drama?

First, are the two leads - Kang Tae Oh and Kim Se Jeong. I have seen them acted in several modern-day drama and have consistently delivered. Both have been successful as singers and actors, navigated the entertainment world separately. To partner them was genius. It seems their individual personalities matched the original characters they played. But what made them more attractive is to act the other's character. Both have shown a range of emotions not just by their words, but also with their facial expressions. I believe that both of these actors will go a long way in this industry and find more challenging and fulfilling roles in the future. Both of them look so good in their hanboks.

Second is the story. Body swaps may not be an original idea, but the way it happens at several times and discovering how it happens contributed to how they navigated the political, social and personal struggles they were in. This drama gave us love, joy, anger, anxiety, revenge and finally victory. Each character contributed to how the story unfold. Each episode has a cliffhanger which makes you wait for the next to see how things will go.

Third, the supporting characters which I like. The villain itself is a crucial role who had manipulated and dominated the king. His weakness was his love for a woman he could never have. His greed for power, for control, brought him to a road of no return. Because of him, many have suffered and died. His death was somewhat too dramatic for me.

The story and some of the characters have flaws at some point, but in the end, I should say this drama will be remembered for a long time. I love the setting and the costumes.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Moon River!

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Find My Own "Line"

As an artist, the story spoke to my heart, though my artwork isn't sume-i.
This story speaks of art not just as a pretty picture but of the heart of the artist. It conveys a story of the artist's life which the viewer may not see.
The story of Sosuke from being directionless to finding his 'line' does not only apply to artists. It speaks of becoming - the thought of a progressive transformation of finding one's calling.

From the opening of the movie, I had been curious as to why Sosuke was so teary-eyed just by looking at one painting. I asked myself, what moved him? Little do we know that the picture is connected to his family whom he lost in a tragedy.

I do not know Japanese actors. The characters were not the loud ones, but in their faces, you can see their emotions.
1. Sosuke - a young man drifting, not even sure if his course is the right one. His chance meeting with Master Kozan had given him a new lease in life. Only in the end do we see a happy Sosuke when he finally found his line.
2. Kozan - he sees something in Sosuke to take him in as apprentice. It was not his skill; it was his heart.
3. Chiaki - she has been working hard with her art; however, it was mechanical. Her encounter with Sosuke challenged her to find her own line as well.

It isn't just about art, but also about life, about moving forward despite of a tragedy.
It isn't just about being a student, but about finding your purpose in life.
A master can teach the basics, but still each one should find his own line. The skill to compose, to draw or create is not the essence of art. The artist's heart brings life to his art which moves us to appreciate life.

Now it inspires me to look beyond what I see and create my own line which speaks to the heart of man.

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Quite Subjective

I finished this series for the sake of finishing it. Until the end, I was trying to figure out what is the practical guide to love. It is quite subjective since we see only a few characters who navigated their relationship. So, this review is more on the characters portrayed:
1. Ui Yeong (played by Han Ji Min) - at her age, she seemed to be clueless as to what she really wants in a relationship. She was surprised to hear Tae Seop telling her to date with marriage in mind. Is dating for her just a pastime? Was her concept of marriage tarnished because of her parents' relationship?
2. Tae Seop (played by Park Sung Hoon) - we may say that he is a level-headed person, matured and understanding. However, some may say that his character is flat or boring. We only see his anger when he found Ui Yeong with an aggressive and forward client. He may be boring, but how he navigated his relationship with Ui Yeong is with much patience and kindness.
3. Ji Su (played by Lee Ki Taek) - young and passionate, yet directionless when it comes to his career path. perhaps affected by his father's mistress. for him, he will pursue who he likes but soon learned to give in when Ui Yeong chose Tae Seop.
4. Ui Yeong's friends who got intimate before even having a date. This one is relatable to some who are not really serious with their relationship, testing the field so to speak. Still, we see in them the desire to be faithful to one.
This drama may be forgettable after a few months. I think the title of the drama isn't appropriate - perhaps something about navigating love since no one can really truly say there is a guide to love.

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How Far would you Go to Get to the Truth?

This is a drama not for the faint of heart and so I watched this drama in phases.
After watching this, you may think - how much of this can be true to a nation's military group?

Like any drama, it goes back and forth to present and past wherein we get to piece together the stories behind the tragedies the lead characters had experienced. At first Doh Bae Man was only after getting rich, so he will use his power to twist the truth in favor of his 'benefactor.' He did benefit so much, yet he is crooked. Little did he know that there is a much larger gangrene in the military involving the highest officials.

Power when mixed with greed is dangerous. That is where abuse, power-tripping and cruelty stem. For Gen. Noh, she uses people to further her cause, to protect herself and get away with the crime. How would you be able to fight this kind of monster.

Good thing the story had its redeeming factors"
1. When Doh Bae Man regained his memory of the true murderers of his parents.
2. When Doh Bae Man decided to join forces with Cha Woo In.
3. When other servicepeople felt used or guilty that they turn to say the truth.
4. The real criminals were punished giving hope for a better military
5. Cha Woo In regained her father's company.

But we cannot just set aside that there had been so many murders in this drama. Though it took a long time for the truth to be revealed, justice was served.

This drama may also be a message to those in power - whether be a government office, a head of a company or even a general - to live well, not be greedy rather serve with integrity with care for humanity.

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