I like Jirisan's use of different timelines as a storytelling tool. It surprisingly works well. It's like giving the viewer a premonition of what's to come. It makes me relate to Hyun Jo even more than I already do. How lonely it must've been for him, having these visions when he was awake, and now in his coma aimlessly wandering the mountain, yet not knowing he's invisible. On a separate note, I love Oh Jung Se, as Jung Goo Young. He brings such a fun dynamic to the drama. With that said, there are two things I struggle with as I watch K-dramas, irresponsibly taking responsibility for someone else's actions, regardless of the reason, and the second is this culture of blatant blame of others for one's choices. I understood why he did and why it was allowed to happen. But culture shouldn't be used as a pacifier to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, because it does nothing but enable wrongdoers to continue their destructive behavior, while the innocent suffer in silence.
Another excellent episode. There is so much history on Jirisan, and not all of it is good. The opening monologue was on point in that just asthe mountain can be one person's hope, it's another's death trap. Everyone that visits comes searching for answers but not all come back with it if they come back at all. This episode felt serious, if not totally eerie, like something evil lurks in the mountain, and it is not a stranger. I appreciate the background on Hyun Jo and his premonition, as it added to the mystery that is the mountain and the secrets it keeps. I didn't expect the storyline to be what it is, but I must say I am intrigued, as I am sad for whatever happened to put Yi Kang in a wheelchair and Hyun Jo in a coma. Jirisan had me curious about how many park rangers lose their lives every year trying to protect protected areas and the people that visit them. I was shocked to find that approximately 150 rangers die each year protecting parks and wildlife, and that there is a World Ranger Day celebrated on July 31 to honor these rangers and those serving on the frontline of conservation. Hats off to them!
A heartbreak, fallen promises are always hard to overcome, but taking advantage of society's ideology to garner sympathy and ruin someone's career, I blame society for enabling such behaviors -- that either had to resort to the measures they did is unbelievably tragic. What is the point of becoming a celebrity when all you are is a prisoner of your own society? I cannot trivialize what the ex-girlfriend went through. I know how painful a heartbreak can be, having been through a few myself, but to purposely seek out to ruin the person you once loved belies the love itself, especially knowing full well the culture they both live in. If KSH wasn't a celebrity, this wouldn't even be news -- nor would she have aired their dirty laundry for everyone to see so to speak. Her intention was clear as day, even if she did in a moment of weakness. I don't know, but what she did defined her more than it did him. Not that I absolve him of any wrongdoing . It is so true -- life is a matter of choices and every choice you make makes you or breaks you for that matter. The one thing I am glad KSH didn't do in his letter, which made him sound sincere was that he didn't write he was taking time off to reflect on himself -- it always felt made up and insincere whenever I saw those lines in apology letters. Like they were made to write it.
I have to say that was so unexpected, the ending of episode 12 -- I was like what just happened, there was a totally new use of the truck of doom. I was half expecting the car to explode with her in it. This brings new meaning to the saying you reap what you sow, not that anyone deserve that.
Tbh, Maggie Chen just steal the showI've realized that An Ji Yong was also a cast in Mr. Sunshine as Colonel Takashi…
He played a badass character in Sweet Home, one of my favorites. It's a shame he wouldn't be able to reprise the role in the second season; and the best guest role in You Are My Spring
Lost makes me feel like I find myself a little at a time with each episode, and I am not sure if that was the intention of the storytelling. If it is, it works, and if not, it still worked. Boo Jung and Kang Jae's intimate moment was everything I hoped for, but then all the moments in this episode and the series as a whole are not merely touching, but powering in many ways. It's the first time I felt like I couldn't, nor did I want to judge any of them for their choices. I simply wanted them to leave their sadness behind and go for their happiness. It's like they say, life is about finding the ones that make you happy, and freeing yourself from those who don't. Always easier said than done though, because as life gives, it also takes -- I hope it gives a lot more than it takes this time around.
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https://zapzee.net/2021/10/29/filming-director-of-hometown-cha-cha-cha-releases-a-video-refuting-others-claims-regarding-kim-seon-hos-bad-attitude/?utm_source=hancinema+&utm_medium=news&utm_campaign=referral+partnership
https://dai.ly/x68w1pr