I cannot believe they did not let Sunny show herself mourning for Wangshik though!!!!!!!!!!! There was a scene of her remembering Lee Hyuk, yet they didn't show a scene of her remembering Wangshik, which pisses me off. The writer / producers / directors / whatever really tried to make me believe that Lee Hyuk was the man she actually loved lmao, bish i think the f*ck not.
The Last Empress was a very crazy, but a very original and addicting ride. Once you let your brain adjust to the fact that this is a makjang drama and you won't be able to fully imagine the plot twists because that's how huge they are, I think it becomes very enjoyable and fun to watch.
Not only the unique plot idea of nowadays South Korea being a constitutional monarchy country was what made this so interesting, but also the characters. I remember seeing a comment while watching this drama, which I fully agree with: "The characters are made so well that even though watching villains' stories usually bore me, this drama makes it so that all of them are actually interesting to watch."
The leads were quite phenomenal. Oh Sunny has to be one of the most awesome female leads ever made, and Jang Nara totally nailed her performance, earning true appreciation from me towards her. Lee Hyuk was such a complicated character that it is hard to describe him, but Shin Sungrok totally amazed me with his performance. Sometimes it seemed like he plays 5 different characters at once and yet not once did SSR seem awkward. I think Lee Ellijah and Choi Jinhyuk also proved themselves as actors that should be noticed because there's a lot they can do.
Speaking of CJH though, I have to mention again how bitter I am about his situation. Yes, in the last episodes they tried (managed?) to conclude the story as best as they could without having the actor play his character, and I give them props for that. But I can't just close my eyes on the unfair treatment he received while working on this project. I hope he soon will be able to prove his abilities in an even better, more successful drama as the one and only male lead.
I would 10/10 recommend this drama for everyone that likes makjang dramas, is a fan of any of the leads and / or is open to something new & different. I personally couldn't help but get disappointed with the ending, but that is mainly only because of the Choi Jinhyuk situation, not due to other, more technical things a viewer could ask for! (If you're like me and ship Jang Nara + Choi Jinhyuk though I would recommend to avoid this drama, haha.)
Welcome to the grief, chingu, though it's a very sad place to be. I had the same reason. Now, even though, I still…
I understand. :( I finished the latest episode super sad about how we won't see the main character anymore, I didn't even have it in me to be surprised about the newest plot twists. I'm scared that this whole thing will ruin the whole drama actually. But I've got to say, the directors / producers did Choi Jinhyuk dirty. His character was supposed to be the most important one after Sunny but he didn't even get much screentime, was overshadowed by Lee Hyuk and now it seems like they didn't even talk the whole extension thing through with him (who the main lead ffs!!!!) considering the fact that he won't be able to continue because of other schedules.
Honestly, my first reason to watch this drama was to see Jang Nara + Choi Jinhyuk play a couple, because I got my first ever second lead syndrome in Fated to Love You when CJH's character didn't get JNR. Maybe it sounds very shallow, but in this case I could say I came for them and stayed for the crazy and intense story that this drama is. Yet I'm feeling so upset about the recent news; I wanted that couple to happen. I truly wish they didn't waste time on all those Lee Hyuk x Sunny scenes and had given it to the actual main couple of this drama. But even with all shipper feelings aside, I truly cannot imagine how they're going to suddenly not have CJH -- the lead character!!! -- in this drama and still give it a logical, thoroughly well-explained ending.
This drama was... quite a journey. Of course the praises SKY Castle receives are hard to ignore, so I personally started it half not knowing what to expect and half hoping it will be as amazing as everyone says it is.
If you're an Asian / Korean drama fan who does not know if you should try this drama out... I will say: yes, you should. And not just because its hype is huge and everyone is currently obsessed with it. I would definitely agree with all the comments that describe as something pretty hard (if not impossible) to find elsewhere in the dramaland. It is a drama with a story so rich that will draw you in and make you attached to the characters and invested in them. And may I just say, it seems like the writer had an idea that: once the viewers fully get the characters known, all hell has to break loose. ((You'll see what I mean from episode 14 / 15 onward.))
But I think most of all, this drama makes you think. About life choices, about the characters, about values in life. I think it's impossible to have a joint opinion / view on the SKY Castle story, because there are so many characters and so many ways to look at them and analyze them. Thus, everyone will probably see something a bit different in it, and view everything with their own way of thinking, their own opinions. Not everyone will like it the same, but the experience of watching and surviving through it is worth it. Because of that I think that yes, it is most certainly a MUST-see drama.
I obviously cannot say too much about how I see the actual story because I don't want to mention spoilers, but I will comment on one thing that caused a big debate: episode 20. In my opinion, episode 19 could have been a good enough of an ending to the drama. Thinking logically, there are things in ep20 that don't make too much sense if compared to the previous events in the drama, but. After being through everything that happened, episode 20 was like a ray of sunshine after a thunderstorm. My advice: watch it with a light mind, and you'll be able to happily finish this drama and let the characters go. :)
It's not a rare thing in Korean dramas to combine several completely different genres, but it's hard to make them all equally interesting. This drama however, did it super well. Never once was I bored, and the drama actually seemed to pass by super quickly. To be honest, I think I could watch even 20 episodes more of this. :D
I also think the characters were well-made. Yes, there were a lot of complaints about Son Soojeong, but... stupid things can happen & lead to terrible results in real life, too. I actually loved her, she was strong but had her imperfections, which made her seem very real. Kang Boksoo was probably the real highlight of this drama though; I loved Yoo Seungho's performance. And props to Kwak Dongyeon, too! But I've got to say, all actors nailed their roles and I loved watching the characters.
And I also want to mention the OTP. Jo Boah and Yoo Seungho fit super well together, so I really enjoyed their chemistry and scenes. <3
Even though the plot of My Strange Hero sounds super simple and maybe uneventful, I think this drama is a little gem of its own, and very underrated at that. 10/10 would recommend! :')
So I waited for it to complete and I'm still in ep7. It's quite boring with only few interesting scenes and A…
to be honest... it gets worse. i have the last 2 episodes left, and it has become super draggy. i'm only going to endure the last 2 eps for the sake of adding another drama to my completed list lol.
Such an awesome article! Love all the little details, pictures and gifs you included. :)
I am not much of a drama rewatcher, but some light, feel-good ones that I can name: * 20th Century Boy and Girl: super light and easy to watch; I could even call it calming, yet it's not boring at all. Best to watch in spring or fall; * Attention Love: one of those cute dramas with lots of cute moments & fanservice between the leads. Perfect to watch during lazy summer days; * Go Ho's Starry Night: my favorite web-drama, super fun to watch and perfect for sunny spring or summer days; * I Need Romance 3: easy and fun to watch, great romance (no need to watch seasons 1 & 2 because the stories aren't connected); a great drama to spend the cold and snowy winter days with; + Splash Splash Love + What's Wrong With Secretary Kim + Clean With Passion for Now
Actually, I'm not surprised. People usually root for the bad guys and want the female lead to "save" their tortured…
Yes, I agree! Sunny + Wangshik's relationship is pure and beautiful (and I'm happy that the writers are letting it develop quite naturally instead of rushing it), and much better than anything that could ever grow between her Lee Hyuk. As we saw in the latest episode, Sunny's super uncomfortable next to LH even if she tries not to show it, and I sometimes feel scared for her even though I know she can stand up for herself because she's that awesome of a character.
I am actually surprised that so many people want Sunny and the Emperor's relationship to progress romantically. He's done so much wrong and, even though I do pity him because it was his mother that made him like that, I don't think he deserves as bright of a soul as Sunny is. I see too many people say that these two have much better chemistry than Sunny + Wangshik, because the latter two seem better as friends... I actually think the opposite. :D I can't imagine a real and healthy relationship between Sunny and Lee Hyuk, they just don't fit together, whereas Sunny and Wangshik are absolutely adorable, what they have is so precious, and I can't wait for them to confess their feelings to each other.
if i were to be completely honest, the first two episodes failed to impress me and it took me a couple of weeks to gain enough motivation to continue. but i think the drama gets really good starting from episode 3. i'm on episode 5 and i can't wait to catch up on the episodes i have missed.
i shipped choi jinhyuk x jang nara in fated to love you so much, but that pairing never happened.. so now i am like SUPER excited for all their interactions in this drama and i get happy just seeing them stand next to each other... am i the only one? TT
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Not only the unique plot idea of nowadays South Korea being a constitutional monarchy country was what made this so interesting, but also the characters. I remember seeing a comment while watching this drama, which I fully agree with: "The characters are made so well that even though watching villains' stories usually bore me, this drama makes it so that all of them are actually interesting to watch."
The leads were quite phenomenal. Oh Sunny has to be one of the most awesome female leads ever made, and Jang Nara totally nailed her performance, earning true appreciation from me towards her. Lee Hyuk was such a complicated character that it is hard to describe him, but Shin Sungrok totally amazed me with his performance. Sometimes it seemed like he plays 5 different characters at once and yet not once did SSR seem awkward. I think Lee Ellijah and Choi Jinhyuk also proved themselves as actors that should be noticed because there's a lot they can do.
Speaking of CJH though, I have to mention again how bitter I am about his situation. Yes, in the last episodes they tried (managed?) to conclude the story as best as they could without having the actor play his character, and I give them props for that. But I can't just close my eyes on the unfair treatment he received while working on this project. I hope he soon will be able to prove his abilities in an even better, more successful drama as the one and only male lead.
I would 10/10 recommend this drama for everyone that likes makjang dramas, is a fan of any of the leads and / or is open to something new & different. I personally couldn't help but get disappointed with the ending, but that is mainly only because of the Choi Jinhyuk situation, not due to other, more technical things a viewer could ask for! (If you're like me and ship Jang Nara + Choi Jinhyuk though I would recommend to avoid this drama, haha.)
But I've got to say, the directors / producers did Choi Jinhyuk dirty. His character was supposed to be the most important one after Sunny but he didn't even get much screentime, was overshadowed by Lee Hyuk and now it seems like they didn't even talk the whole extension thing through with him (who the main lead ffs!!!!) considering the fact that he won't be able to continue because of other schedules.
But even with all shipper feelings aside, I truly cannot imagine how they're going to suddenly not have CJH -- the lead character!!! -- in this drama and still give it a logical, thoroughly well-explained ending.
If you're an Asian / Korean drama fan who does not know if you should try this drama out... I will say: yes, you should. And not just because its hype is huge and everyone is currently obsessed with it. I would definitely agree with all the comments that describe as something pretty hard (if not impossible) to find elsewhere in the dramaland. It is a drama with a story so rich that will draw you in and make you attached to the characters and invested in them. And may I just say, it seems like the writer had an idea that: once the viewers fully get the characters known, all hell has to break loose. ((You'll see what I mean from episode 14 / 15 onward.))
But I think most of all, this drama makes you think. About life choices, about the characters, about values in life. I think it's impossible to have a joint opinion / view on the SKY Castle story, because there are so many characters and so many ways to look at them and analyze them. Thus, everyone will probably see something a bit different in it, and view everything with their own way of thinking, their own opinions. Not everyone will like it the same, but the experience of watching and surviving through it is worth it. Because of that I think that yes, it is most certainly a MUST-see drama.
I obviously cannot say too much about how I see the actual story because I don't want to mention spoilers, but I will comment on one thing that caused a big debate: episode 20. In my opinion, episode 19 could have been a good enough of an ending to the drama. Thinking logically, there are things in ep20 that don't make too much sense if compared to the previous events in the drama, but. After being through everything that happened, episode 20 was like a ray of sunshine after a thunderstorm. My advice: watch it with a light mind, and you'll be able to happily finish this drama and let the characters go. :)
I also think the characters were well-made. Yes, there were a lot of complaints about Son Soojeong, but... stupid things can happen & lead to terrible results in real life, too. I actually loved her, she was strong but had her imperfections, which made her seem very real. Kang Boksoo was probably the real highlight of this drama though; I loved Yoo Seungho's performance. And props to Kwak Dongyeon, too! But I've got to say, all actors nailed their roles and I loved watching the characters.
And I also want to mention the OTP. Jo Boah and Yoo Seungho fit super well together, so I really enjoyed their chemistry and scenes. <3
Even though the plot of My Strange Hero sounds super simple and maybe uneventful, I think this drama is a little gem of its own, and very underrated at that. 10/10 would recommend! :')
I am not much of a drama rewatcher, but some light, feel-good ones that I can name:
* 20th Century Boy and Girl: super light and easy to watch; I could even call it calming, yet it's not boring at all. Best to watch in spring or fall;
* Attention Love: one of those cute dramas with lots of cute moments & fanservice between the leads. Perfect to watch during lazy summer days;
* Go Ho's Starry Night: my favorite web-drama, super fun to watch and perfect for sunny spring or summer days;
* I Need Romance 3: easy and fun to watch, great romance (no need to watch seasons 1 & 2 because the stories aren't connected); a great drama to spend the cold and snowy winter days with;
+ Splash Splash Love
+ What's Wrong With Secretary Kim
+ Clean With Passion for Now
Best Korean Movie of 2018: On Your Wedding Day
Best Romance Drama: Something in the Rain
Best Romantic/Comedy Drama: What's Wrong With Secretary Kim
Best Historical/Sageuk Drama: 100 Days My Prince
Best Action/Thriller/Suspense Drama: Mistress
Best Melodrama: Come and Hug Me
Best Actor: Jung Hae In (Something in the Rain), Seo Kang Joon (Are You Human Too), Park Seo Joon (What's Wrong With Secretary Kim)
Best Actress: Park Min Young (What's Wrong With Secretary Kim), Im Soo Hyang (My ID Is Gangnam Beauty), Park Eun Bin (The Ghost Detective)
Best Supporting Actor: Kim Kyung Nam (Come and Hug Me)
Best Supporting Actress: Seo Jung Yeon (Come and Hug Me)
Best Up and Coming Actor of 2018: Kim Sun Ho (100 Days My Prince), Woo Do Hwan (The Great Seducer)
Best Up and Coming Actress of 2018: Lee Joo Young (Something in the Rain + The Ghost Detective), Im Se Mi (About Time + Terius Behind Me)
Best Villain: Jo Sung Ha (100 Days My Prince), Heo Joon Ho (Come and Hug Me), Oh Jung Se (Mistress)
Best Idol Actor(or Actress): Do Kyung Soo (100 Days My Prince)
Best Couple: Jung Hae In + Son Ye Jin (Something in the Rain)
Best Bromance: Park Seo Joon + Park Ki Young (What's Wrong with Secretary Kim)
Best OST: Chen - Cherry Blossom Love Song (100 Days My Prince OST)