I am rewatching this drama for the second time! And while my initial love was solely towards watching more of SakaKen, as I rewatched my admiration for Seino Nana grew.
I mean I loved her the first time as well (she was a strong female lead - the way I prefer, instead of being a damsel in distress) but next times were more wonderful.
Any changes from the original? Like romance or something?
None, and that's okay it is not the focus of the drama. But you can count two cases as exceptions: - the unrequited feelings of Sakurai and Oyama (still hoping for a reunion) - in the movie, there's an opening for Saegusa to have a romantic interest in someone, but it is short lived/open ended.
A lead role for Kang Ki Young!! YAY But yes, Lee Ji Ah has been type casted as revenge/vengeful heroine - casting directors need to change that. Given her delivery am sure she will be wonderful in other roles!
I am just on episode 4 now while writing this and need some motivation to go ahead.
Picked up this drama, cause of on a SakaKen binge marathon (while wait for his latest Dr Chocolate and Code to be subbed). While he is definitely a motivation, his role is limited compared to his other work.
The other reason was personally am closing to the age of the main lead women characters and reading the premise, I thought it would focus on how it is not the end of the world as society dictates for 30-year-old women if they are not married and have children.
But I see as the series progress the shift/focus is on finding the one true love cause only that can give true happiness. Thought it would be more focused on independent women making their way in the world and showing a different side of what happiness and accomplishment could mean :/
For those who have completed this - should I continue this, will I get the gratification of seeing that? (Mild Spoilers are okay!)
I have a questions regarding the ending. Please see the first comment below, if you have finished watching the…
Sakurai gets to know in present time (2021) from Itagaki that Oyama senpai was killed by Yamazaki back in 1 April 2010. This was when they were all in the banquet hall and under the terrorist attack.
Then how in the end, when Saegusa warns Oyama about his fate, we see him remembering that Aoki had received his message. So and so forth...
Then it is cut to the shot, where we see Oyama again gathering those pictures to be sent to news agency. Then as he walks and we know he will be shot, Sakurai is able to stop the snapper.
Now Questions:
1) So is this like how in previous time, when Iwata was going to kill him in 2000, he had asked for back-up and Sakurai and others saved him?
Is this how escaped in 2010 as well - cause he had the warning, he asked Sakurai of that time to help him (this Sakurai therefore has no knowledge of Itagaki telling her that info)?
If above is the case, how did Oyama contact her given he was in a different precinct and had shared it is best that way and to keep his distance from Sakurai, lest the higher authorities mark her too and she could be danger as well?
2) If whatever be the reason, we know that in 2010, Oyama survives his death date - and even goes to see Saegusa for his graduation ceremony. Then why did they not stay in touch?
Why does Sakurai and Saegusa have to find out that he is now in a different precinct, which is a confirmed information btw - but the ending shows him disappearing?
Like what was that - is Oyama alive or not? How and why did he go up in thin air?
3) Also if he survived in 2010 - and is alive in 2021, then what about the series ending. That particular hospital scene. Do we disregard it cause that was in 2020 and time/past has changed again?
Someone - please do let me know. I might sound like a crazy woman, but who will give us these answers? T_T
I have a questions regarding the ending. Please see the first comment below, if you have finished watching the series and this movie. (Spoilers Ahead - hence keeping it hidden).
I am on a Kentaro Sakaguchi overdose and binging all his work. Seeing this in 2023 after the Korean version (saw that in 2017), I must say this is very fine adaptation as per me.
Of course whoever sees whichever version first will like that the most, cause it would be the first time watching the plot/characters etc - and therefore remain special.
But this really is a very good remake - that I can say for anyone who has not watched either, can begin with anyone and you will like both. Just in my humble opinion of course.
Both - Sakaguchi Kentaro and Lee Je Hoon are my ultimate favorites. Very husband material/hard core crushes - but that aside why I liked them in the first place is because they are both incredible actors and have such diverse roles in their career, yet are able to leave an impression that is their own and unique.
Beautiful adaptation/remake - 10/10 will recommend to anyone who has not seen any of the Signal series, or those who are undecided which one to watch or those who want to know if they should watch it after the Korean version = 100% go ahead!
P.S: Signal (2016) is my Top 5 Drama of all time (I have been watching dramas since 2006). And this has remained in Top 5 since 2017. The Japanese version is equally good and hence definitely a Top 5 spot!
Omg you're right!!! The inherited powers from their parents and being in high school part of it adds up, lol.…
You are right, I hope so too! Given the strong cast and premise. Yes, hoping for a 10/10 - cause usually with such highly expectation driven dramas, they start out very well, plateau in the middle and eventually dip down.
Really hoping thats not the case, and that this drama is also INCREADIBLE and the ratings reach SKY HIGH ;) ;)
True, poster is like copy paste 😂Well plot wise kind of. Both series have horror elements and some parts of…
Thanks Ackery - I haven't seen either but I could still the similarities! Thanks for sharing in so much details, I knew someone else would have noticed as well :)
Omg you're right!!! The inherited powers from their parents and being in high school part of it adds up, lol.…
Yeah, as kids we really used to love movies like that. Also animated movie, The Incredibles has something similar (like hiding their powers) to this show.
And yes, with such similarities, lets see how this drama turns out!
Ahn bo hyun is soo painfully miscast in this. And fact he is also an average actor with no chemistry with fl.
No I am with you - I was not a fan few episodes into Yumi Cell, not a fan in this drama either. And looks like am not the only one :P
But still thought would try what others have suggested and in general, Itaewon Class is a good show, so if not him, the others would definitely make up for it!
2 
10 
1 
1 
1 
1 
Mikilove is also dubbing Dr Chocolate right? Same subber-san?
I mean I loved her the first time as well (she was a strong female lead - the way I prefer, instead of being a damsel in distress) but next times were more wonderful.
And as I read her biography, I realized that she was or could be actually pregnant at the time of shooting. (See this: https://www.tokyohive.com/article/2021/10/ikuta-toma-seino-nana-are-expecting-their-1st-baby)
Just more and more points and respect towards all the amazing characters and actors in this show - and their dedication to their craft 💖💗
But you can count two cases as exceptions:
- the unrequited feelings of Sakurai and Oyama (still hoping for a reunion)
- in the movie, there's an opening for Saegusa to have a romantic interest in someone, but it is short lived/open ended.
But yes, Lee Ji Ah has been type casted as revenge/vengeful heroine - casting directors need to change that. Given her delivery am sure she will be wonderful in other roles!
Picked up this drama, cause of on a SakaKen binge marathon (while wait for his latest Dr Chocolate and Code to be subbed). While he is definitely a motivation, his role is limited compared to his other work.
The other reason was personally am closing to the age of the main lead women characters and reading the premise, I thought it would focus on how it is not the end of the world as society dictates for 30-year-old women if they are not married and have children.
But I see as the series progress the shift/focus is on finding the one true love cause only that can give true happiness. Thought it would be more focused on independent women making their way in the world and showing a different side of what happiness and accomplishment could mean :/
For those who have completed this - should I continue this, will I get the gratification of seeing that?
(Mild Spoilers are okay!)
Then how in the end, when Saegusa warns Oyama about his fate, we see him remembering that Aoki had received his message. So and so forth...
Then it is cut to the shot, where we see Oyama again gathering those pictures to be sent to news agency. Then as he walks and we know he will be shot, Sakurai is able to stop the snapper.
Now Questions:
1) So is this like how in previous time, when Iwata was going to kill him in 2000, he had asked for back-up and Sakurai and others saved him?
Is this how escaped in 2010 as well - cause he had the warning, he asked Sakurai of that time to help him (this Sakurai therefore has no knowledge of Itagaki telling her that info)?
If above is the case, how did Oyama contact her given he was in a different precinct and had shared it is best that way and to keep his distance from Sakurai, lest the higher authorities mark her too and she could be danger as well?
2) If whatever be the reason, we know that in 2010, Oyama survives his death date - and even goes to see Saegusa for his graduation ceremony. Then why did they not stay in touch?
Why does Sakurai and Saegusa have to find out that he is now in a different precinct, which is a confirmed information btw - but the ending shows him disappearing?
Like what was that - is Oyama alive or not? How and why did he go up in thin air?
3) Also if he survived in 2010 - and is alive in 2021, then what about the series ending. That particular hospital scene. Do we disregard it cause that was in 2020 and time/past has changed again?
Someone - please do let me know. I might sound like a crazy woman, but who will give us these answers? T_T
We need more seasons!
Any theories/answers would be helpful. Arigato!
Of course whoever sees whichever version first will like that the most, cause it would be the first time watching the plot/characters etc - and therefore remain special.
But this really is a very good remake - that I can say for anyone who has not watched either, can begin with anyone and you will like both. Just in my humble opinion of course.
Both - Sakaguchi Kentaro and Lee Je Hoon are my ultimate favorites. Very husband material/hard core crushes - but that aside why I liked them in the first place is because they are both incredible actors and have such diverse roles in their career, yet are able to leave an impression that is their own and unique.
Beautiful adaptation/remake - 10/10 will recommend to anyone who has not seen any of the Signal series, or those who are undecided which one to watch or those who want to know if they should watch it after the Korean version = 100% go ahead!
P.S: Signal (2016) is my Top 5 Drama of all time (I have been watching dramas since 2006). And this has remained in Top 5 since 2017. The Japanese version is equally good and hence definitely a Top 5 spot!
Yes, hoping for a 10/10 - cause usually with such highly expectation driven dramas, they start out very well, plateau in the middle and eventually dip down.
Really hoping thats not the case, and that this drama is also INCREADIBLE and the ratings reach SKY HIGH ;) ;)
Thanks for sharing in so much details, I knew someone else would have noticed as well :)
And yes, with such similarities, lets see how this drama turns out!
But still thought would try what others have suggested and in general, Itaewon Class is a good show, so if not him, the others would definitely make up for it!
Any one else see some similarities ?