This review may contain spoilers
Exploring the concept of cellular memory
8/10 is my rating. This is a 2015 South Korean drama that ran for 16 episodes (~60 minutes/episode). The male lead, Min-Ho (Jung Kyoung-Ho) is a cut-throat businessman who works for a company that forces mergers and buys up assets on failing businesses. His near psychotic practices has earned him the nickname the serial killer. His life goal has been to get revenge on his uncle who cheated his family out of assets when his father died by taking over the company Min-Ho's father created. The female lead, Soon-Jung (played by Kim So-Yeon) is a senior secretary whose father was part of the power structure who enabled Min-Ho's uncle to gain control of the company when Min-Ho's father died. His father ran a large company, but his death led to his uncle taking over the company. Soon-Jung has lived her life caring about other people and the company she has dedicated her life to more than herself. Her please to Min-Ho to save the innocent factory workers fall on deaf ears until Min-Ho literally has a change of heart.Spoiler ? It was interesting to explore the issue of cellular memory and a thought that perhaps memories could be stored in areas other than the brain. There have been a couple of cases that have been hard to dismiss as coincidence in real life although mainstream science does not embrace the concept. This is a heavy show. There is romance, murder mystery and corporate intrigue which makes it interesting and keeps you engaged. I was really worried about how it would end and was convinced that it may not end well. It ended up okay though. I liked the interaction and relationship between a variety of the characters.
Most ratings are in the high 8s out of 10 and I would agree with that. I would add, however, it is not light hearted and those that are easily saddened by events in media might consider timing when they watch this (don't think it will cheer you up - the topics are much heavier than that).
Was this review helpful to you?
Mixed feelings about this
First of all, the poster is so misleading. You might think "Oh, another drama with a love triangle" but that is not all the case. Also, you might think you're about to watch one of the funniest dramas ever. I agree, there are some funny moments, mostly because Jung Kyung-ho is so good in these kind of roles, other than that, is a very serious drama.The most interesting part of this is finding out the truth about the murder. The last 2 episodes had a lot of suspense! I thought the change of personality after a heart transplant is quite over the top but after doing a bit of research, it is true, so interesting.
I'm one of those people who didn't see at all the chemistry between Jung Kyung-ho and Kim So-yeon, at one point I didn't even care if they were going to end up together or not.
The music worked very well.
I'm not saying I regret watching it, I'm glad I gave it a shot, but there were so many moments which could be shortened. 10-12 episodes would've been enough, that's why my rewatch value is 4.
Was this review helpful to you?
Far from reality but cute
I liked it.The story has a good premise, as someone could changed is behaviour and personality due to a transplant of a muscle.
It gave me chills just to imagine the business war in Korea! Lots of corruption, backstabbing, etc ...
The romance between Soon Jun and Min Ho is interesting. Don't understand how couldn't she find out that his actions seemed like someone else ..
The plot I didn't like it. The sabotage, the international enterprise, etc.
PLOT - interesting but that is it.
ACTING - good acting from almost everyone. Didn't know the actors but I like the performance...
OST - I really cannot remember any music
REWATCH - maybe some scenes with Min Ho and Soon Jun.
OVERALL - if you like a romantic story that is mixed in a so and so plot this is good
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I gotta say, I enjoyed it very much! Especially Kang Min Hos character development (Jung Kyung Ho for LIFE). I have got to give credits for Kim Sung Jong though. She literally went through hell: her fiance died, she was lowkey bullied by her boss, then her childhood and best friend outted himself as a complete asshole, then she was loved by her boss, then she found out that all of that affection she has felt for him might have been because he has the heart of her fiance in his body, then she decides to love him nonetheless after he nearly died. Then she found out that the company she worked for her whole life might go bankrupt, then she found out that her friggin ex-bestfriend killed her fiance aka his best friend. And then her boyfriend nearly dies again. Bruv, respect. She has been an amazing female lead. An intelligent, sensitive, responsible women. I love her. Tbh, I did not expect Joon Hee to be this much of an asshole. I mean he isn't even just an ass, he definitely has some psycho in him. When he said that it was BECAUSE he was best friend that he killed him, I was just so speechless. DuDE, he wanted to protect you from getting even more evil you dumbass. Greed indeed took over this guy and I am glad that he got his punishment. Though I wished Golden Partner to go down as well, so I guess Joon Hee words do have some truth in it. But even powerful people will someday get what they deserve.
Wendy and Tinkerbell, weird comparison, but their relationship was so legit and fun, ugh I just loved them separately so much, but together it is even better. The duo of Woo Shik and Minho is so iconic, make it into a trio with Wendy UNFORGETTABLE.
Was this review helpful to you?
The first half of this show is great. It’s still strong as it goes along. But the big reveal somehow seemed unsatisfying. Of course there are some moments when they hit the nail on the head with the feels but other times I just felt disconnected. It’s mainly Sung Joon’s character. I feel like we don’t get to experience what she’s thinking. Her decision making feels detached. The most impactful moments are when Min Ho doesn’t know whose heart he now possesses. I was glad that the show explored togetherness. I still would’ve liked the drama to explore more how the two would navigate a relationship. But I suppose the general feels is that love conquers all.
Min Ho
Min Ho is a funny character.
“I’m going to send you flowers until I die!”
He plays the sinister as well as he does the comedy. I really love how naturally he talks, the way he mucks around, and he’s so darn quirky.
“What kind of charms do you have exactly? You are only as tall and skinny as me, like anchovies.”
Despite Min Ho’s doubts about his romancing, he does it quite naturally. Min Ho is such an adorable sap when he’s in love.
“But I’m a little sad. I thought this feeling was very special and precious.”
“This special feeling, I wish it was mine.”
“Come hell or high water, I am going to love you.”
I like that from the start Min Ho looks at Sung Joon in a very intense way.
He is rather vulnerable around her when he’s not being a jackass. It’s so strange.
If it wasn’t for Sung Joon’s gentle persistence and belief in him, he would be such a douche. But she rounds him out nicely. Makes him human.
“Either way Director, you’re not a bad person. You’re just hurt on the inside.”
Min Ho has a few great lines.
“It’s not my fault.”
“But I liked you because you’re you, Kim Soon Jung. I just wanted to tell you that.”
“I didn’t have a need to love because I didn’t have a next time for me.”
Joon Hee
Joon Hee is the bad guy. But he is also the kicked puppy.
“Joon Hee and I don’t have any family. If we don’t take care of each other, nobody will do it. We have lived this way for all our lives.”
This would be nice if it were true. But Joon Hee still has a dad who Joon Hee kicks all the time. Also, Sung Joon still had a dad into adulthood.
Dong Wook
“As I’ve always told you, happiness may seem to just pass by, but sadness passes by as well.”
Dong Wook is the honest and straightforward fiancee. I really liked how well he knew Sung Joon.
After he dies, it’s actually really sad to see where his heart leads him and how his heart reacts in his new body.
It actually is really romantic how Dong Wook’s love for Sung Joon is so strong that it’s biological.
At first I thought it was miserable that his romance gets lost in Min Ho’s blooming relationship with Sung Joon. But in a way, Min Ho gets his comeuppance by forever having Dong Wook live through him in the little things.
Sung Joon
Sung Joon is a cool character. I love how unfazed she is by Min Ho’s brusqueness and bullying.
She doesn’t have family but her fiancee’s family loves her.
Sung Joon is stalwart. She is steady and doesn’t let her emotions get the best of her. She’s one of those scary secretaries that know how to keep a straight face.
Anything that happens in life, she’s ok. Fiancee dead? Fine. End of her career? Fine.
Sung Joon is an amazing secretary who really looks out for her company and her bosses’ best interests.
I love her direct politeness. How feisty she is even while being impeccably respectful.
The only thing I didn’t like about her was her moralistic, over righteous behaviour. Sometimes it seemed out of place and forced.
Other than that, I loved how insightful she is.
Most times her feelings towards Min Ho are unclear but I like that she says this, “No matter how serious the situation is, you always make me laugh.” And I could see that was definitely a big part of their relationship.
Dong Wook’s Dad
He’s a great guy and a real lovely Ahjussi. “My son’s death wasn’t completely meaningless.”
He has many beautiful moments in the drama.
“My heart knew then. There’s something about this guy! That’s the relationship between a parent and a child.”
“Maybe you love those two in different ways.”
But he’s also really funny too with the way he interacts with Min Ho.
“This used to be my son’s favourite dish! I guessed it correctly!”
“Why are you looking for vicarious satisfaction from someone else’s son? How perverted.”
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Queen of the bow
I was initially intrigued with how graceful and beautiful her bow was. There is just something about it that is a step above all the rest. I don't know if it was be design for hers to stand out or if hers was just so naturally superior.The storyline was a decent villain to hero. What I have never seen or read before was a hero to villain storyline. I thought it was just going to be a 3 way love battle between the deceased fiance, the loyal friend, and the scumbag gone good to get the girl.
I also liked that the FL stayed true to her character throughout and would redraw rather than fight. Finally, my personality type being represented. Except for the slap. I would have got PAID. You hear me, PAID!! ???
Was this review helpful to you?
wow just wow
Not sure where to even start with this review, I came across this show as a “filler” drama inbetween waiting for new episodes to drop of a new one, and this show sucked me in fast.I fell for Min Ho’s hair in an instant and missed it in the latter half of the series. ?
In all seriousness, this drama has all the classic feels and a few typical predictable plot points you know and love from Korean shows, but the acting from the ML’s in on top form. Deepest darkest evil and complete character arc growth for another, who discovers his tender hearted side, while never quite leaving behind his “go getter never give up” drive he displays from the beginning.
There’s so many comedic funny moments too amongst the cast, that is needed when you consider so much of this show has serious, and tragic parts. It strikes the perfect balance.
I loved the Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook & Tinkerbell vibe and it added a fun uniqueness to the whole drama.
Definitely be back for a rewatch any time I need a pick-me-up or a smile on my face.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Rewatch value 1
This is the first time I see the leading actors, and I'm now a fan. Very good acting from all the boys and the leading lady Kim Son Yen, who portrayed a very loyal and fearless secretary in her professional life, but a less fearless woman in her personal life, with bottled-up emotions but still very loyal. Among the three leads, her characters is the one who looks more like real people.
I must say that I almost dropped this drama at the end of episode 14. The plot is tiring and I personally dislike a plot full of twist and turns that benefit the villain until the very last 5 minutes of the drama, when finally you have an happy ending. Or the villain's sidekick who turns good but has to taunt the villain and let him know what he has done, what he is going to do, what will happen etc, so that the villain can take one more action to prevent his failure.
I'll probably rewatch this drama one more time, because Jung Kyung Ho who plays Min ho, was just to cute in falling in love. I really laughed a lot, there were jokes and situations that were priceless.
The elders in this drama shared beautiful words full of compassion and warm.
Some of the quotations, especially from Jin Goo's characters will stay for me for a while.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
i really adore this drama it'll make ur heart warm but in some points i hated it SPOILER
why should the kD takes it's place to make us sad
why suddenly his body refused the Heart
although its happy ending but i hated open endings so
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Surprisingly So Good!!
I wasn’t expecting this drama to be so good!! I actually hated the first episode, it was so boring to me and I didn’t really understand. I was so tempted to just not finish anymore episodes because I grew attached to Dong Wook and I knew what was gonna happen to him. I decided to just wait it out so I continued to watch and boy am I happy I did!! This has definitely been a roller coaster but I’ve never seen a more perfect actor for the role of Kang Min Ho!! He was PERFECT! He played the mean role so amazingly that it convinced me to believe he was really evil, but he also played the opposite even better than the evil role!! I’m genuinely impressed and I really wish I watched this sooner!! There are some loose ends though. WHAT HAPPENED TO NOH YOUNG BAE!? He got arrested, but they never showed that his wife died or if Kang Min Ho ended up paying for his kids future like he asked! He just simply disappeared from the story all together and that felt super sudden!! I also think it was a waste for the police to never actually find the dash cam footage especially since it was so important. They did all that just for Joon Hee to be arrested over a watch?? The ending just felt super rushed, they could have added just one more full episode and it would have been perfect! Anyway I’m still glad I watched this!! I ended up watching this whole thing very quickly! I didn’t have anything else to do or watch since I had Covid while watching this lol! (I’m better now!) Long story short if you’re anything like me and don’t under business dramas I still highly recommend giving this drama a try! It was amazing!! I have never given a full star rating before, but I genuinely couldn’t find anything wrong with this drama! 10/10 FOR THIS DRAMA!! ???Was this review helpful to you?
