Something about 1 Percent (2016)

Trully enjoyable

I found this drama when i was in the mood to watch about from enemy to lover drama. I googled and i read the reviews on MDL , as i always do before i watch any drama. Decided to watch it and ended up bingeing for 2 days! It was so enjoyable, funny, romantic, the story line does not make you wan to skip fwd as well...in fact every episodes i went to reply few scenes, on each episodes.

The chemistry is amazing, and the male lead is seriously the best kisser i've seen on Kdrama. There were many of kissess scenes and they fit the scene perfectly.

I will watch this again surely! And boy i am so glad i found it. Really recommend!!!

Read More

the series that got hooked me for KDramas and CDramas (litle spoilers ahead - read with caution)

Story: The story, even though it is a relationship contract, was presented uniquely. I mean, the ML was arrogant and mean but from the very start of their contract, I think he already liked the FL, well he really likes to kiss her... hahaha..and he is also open to her being jealous or when he does not like the FL acting cute towards other guy. He doesn't shy from it. rather, he asks (kisses) for it and directly tells the FL about his displeasure, unlike other series with the same trope where the ML will deny every obvious thing that is already transparent on his face or actions, which for me, is sometimes cute but sometimes annoying -- like why? I also like to mention how the FL has a strong mentality, especially on her rival! I mean, I know that once the rival turns her back, the FL will feel down and (little) insecure, but during the "fight" or the confrontation, the FL does not back down! the scene that stands out the most where the FL was a WOW was when she and her rival encounter each other after the engagement announcement between the ML and the rival. the FL, instead of backing down, told the rival that if the ML chose the rival right there in front of them, then she would leave the ML and give him to her! She also told the rival that if she is frustrated with the ML, the rival should take it to the ML and not with her! The first time I watched that scene, I was like, go girl!!! it was not snarky but it shows her confidence in herself and her trust in the ML. Another scene with a superb line was when the rival told the FL that she loved the ML for so many years and the FL simply told the rival that confessions must be done with the person you are confessing it to, not to her, who does not care about that! so yeah, I like FL's attitude. She can be a tiger when she needs to be.

Acting: this is the first (and only) series where I watched Ha Seok Jin and Jeon So Min, and based on this drama, they deliver their character well, especially the sweet and kiss scenes. Especially the kiss scenes, which made me think, are they a real couple? because for me, what makes a great kiss scene is not just the lips touching or moving but also the body expression and movement. because there are kiss scenes that have little movement on their lips, but the body expressions of both actors will make you believe that they like kissing each other, and most real-life couples do like kissing each other. some of their kiss and sweet scenes felt like, how do I say this "impromptu"? like it felt that it was not part of the script. maybe because I can see in them most couples, I see around me. like holding hands, kissing on the cheek/forehead/head. Also, ML likes to tease the FL with his naughtiness which, again, most males in a real-life couple do.

Music: Although I will not be downloading their OST anytime soon, I can also say it is not forgettable and fits the scenes perfectly. Especially the sweet scenes, because again, the sweet and kiss scenes will have less impact if the background music does not fit the scene. so kudos to that (whoever is in charge)

Rewatch value: I have to admit, after the first time I watched this drama (the year 2020 - I am not sure of the month but around 3rd quarter), I have already watched this drama more than ten times. And yes, since I already discovered that I can do reviews here, I decided to watch it again just to do this review..hehe.

Overall: maybe if you are reading this may ask, if you like the drama that you have watched more than 10 times (but I watched forever and ever more than 15 times now), why is the rate only 9, not 10? the reason for that is even though I love this drama and I am extremely jealous of their love (kiss scenes --hehe) there are also things that I do not like and annoy me every time I watch this. One that stands out is why the ML suits are weird and do not fit him? when I say do not fit him, I mean: do not fit his body and also do not fit him being CEO or Director of a big company. Sometimes the FL, too, has the same problem, but at least for her, a few outfits look good on her and fit her "work". the ML clothes throw me a not-so-good vibe, especially on episodes 4 and 15. aside from the clothes not fitting him, the color coordination is a little off too, again for a Director of a big company like a light blue polo with a dark blue/black striped tie and vest, a checkered maroon dark blue suit jacket, an dark blue/black pants. another thing, can they not lend the ML, the CEO, a phone? I know the purpose of the diamond stickers at the top of the phone, but can they lend him a phone that fits his status as an arrogant CEO? if it was the original design, it did not fit the MLs character at all, so they should have lend him a phone.

Read More

I want to be wooed and kissed by Lee Jae In!

As a fan of contract marriage and fake relationship tropes, I was curious to watch Something about 1% after reading its synopsis. OMG, I didn't expect to love this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. Female lead characterisation - I am in love with Kim Da Hyun. She is a school teacher but never underestimate her. She is smart - I love how she negotiated with Jae In before agreeing to a dating contract. She knows her worth - I love that she was never intimidated by Jae In's [empty] threats and Han Jo Hee's taunts. She genuinely cared about others - I love that she was concerned about Jae In even in situations that would affect her image. This is my first time watching Jeon So Min acting and wow, I was impressed by her facial expressions.
2. The romance - Palpable chemistry between Ha Seok Jin and Jeon So Mi. I love how both of them were sincere and always expressed their thoughts and feelings with each other. It's also wonderful to see their courtship and banter. When they kissed, Ha Seokjin (the main actor) kissed with fervour and my toes curled. I love when couples smiled when they kissed. Their breakup was really tough to watch. I felt their genuine feelings and respect they had for each other.
3. Male lead characterisation - Lee Jae In started off as a brash, no-nonsense businessman that was feared by his colleagues, best friend and family even his grandfather. However he was never condensceding. I love that he liked Da Hyun just as the way she was. I also like that he liked kids and did good deeds without expecting any rewards/compliments. Ha Seok Jin was boyishly handsome and had a great smile and some cheekiness in this role.
4. The writing - At first, I thought they were going into a fake relationship or contract marriage for show only like any other dramas (fake affection in public [pull] then antagonistic behaviour in private [push]). I was wrong and that's great - I love that they both agreed to real dating within stipulated time and made effort on their dates. This drama has great lines - I love the advice about good and bad qualities given by Hyeon Jin.
5. Supporting characters - Grandpa/Chairman Lee, thank you for playing the matchmaker. Hyeon Jin is a great best friend! Hyeon Joon (lawyer/Jae In's best friend), Tae Ha (Jae In's rival/cousin), Seun Woo (Hyeon Jin's brother) and Ji Soo - omo, all of them were handsome!

What I disliked:
1. Han Jo Hee - Her possessiveness made me want to strangle her. Jae In should seek a restraining order.
2. Supporting characters - I felt Seun Woo, Ji Soo and Jae In's stepsister were underutilised and perhaps didn't deserve the credit in the intro montage.
3, Parents' disapporval - I disliked Jae In's mum and Da Hyun's parents for disapproving Jae In and Da Hyun's relationship. How could they not see how unhappy their children were when they were broken up?!!

Favourite scene
Da Hyun doing a surprise birthday party for Jae In. Humour, cheekiness, seduction, passion are the words I used to describe this scene.

Read More

This really gave me the feelings of 2016 dramas. It had the vibe, the nostalgia, the story, and the acting, it was really heart-warming. I binge-watched it too fast, and now I'm a little sad. The acting was great too, there was no awkward tension at all. The leads' chemistry is so good and don't even get me started with the kiss scenes... holy wow, they were real real. As someone who is also watching King The Land at the same time I watched this, you can compare the two as the same level. It felt so real and emotional. The story is great as well, extremely funny and sweet especially toward the end ;) wink wink hehe. This drama is definitely one of the most satisfying dramas out there. Props to the actors for the great performance and the whole team.

Read More

This is a GREAT romantic comedy based on a contractual relationship with some heart tugging moments, consistent character development, well rounded characters, and a fantastic romance. The lead couple has strong chemistry and a well balanced progression of their characters. The romance develops realistically and the romantic scenes are very nicely done. The only character that did not deliver a good performance was the “villainess”, leaving the impression that the drama could’ve been just as great without her. This drama gives the audience a story where the main leads are always aware of their feelings and realities, are able to communicate their feelings without leaving misunderstandings, and are willing to work together to overcome obstacles. Although the leading man came as arrogant and too forceful at the beginning, that also is part of his strength in business and steadfastness in love. This is a truly entertaining drama. Enjoy it!

Read More

cute but needs work

there were so many issues in this series for me i’m not sure how i managed not to drop this.

- sound production n mixing was awful. everything was picked up and they didn’t bother to edit it out, and the songs were too loud that you could barely hear the actors at times

- nothing great about the acting especially side characters. most of the characters were hallow bc they weren’t given much. new characters introduced loosely later in the series and we didn’t really care bc they didn’t make us care yet expected us to have strong reactions to their actions

overall, it was cute but it could’ve been improved so much. i did like cute moments between the two but that’s about it

Read More

Predictable arranged situation but still good

8.5 out of 10 is my rating. This is a 2016 South Korean TV Series with 16, 45 minute, episodes. It is also known as "One Percent of Anything". The male lead, Lee Jae-in (Ha Seok-jin) has to get married in order to inherit his family fortune. Kim Da-hyun (Jeon So-min) is an elementary school teacher who agrees to a six month, pretend marriage, with Jae-in to help him secure his inheretance. Will they forget they are pretending?
Spoiler ? I really liked this it was just a very solid if a bit predictable romance. I like the male lead a lot and think he’s a very talented actor. I had seen him in another drama called “House Helper” and I was very impressed with his acting ability. I have not seen the female lead in anything that I know of but I thought she played the role very well. I like the way both characters evolved and how you could see them being a good couple. There was not a lot of surprise to this nor very much side story which is the only thing that has me rating it down a bit. But I would still highly recommend it and will be looking for other dramas with either of these two in them.

Read More

Simple feel good drama. I liked how the story is not that complicated. It's simple yet endearing.

One good smooth Kdrama with no overly dramatic scenes. It won't stress you out and it will make you jealous of their love story. Good for binge watching. Felt bad that I only watched it now. It's been on my list for a long time now.

I enjoyed it from the first episode until the last. If you want a break from those overly dramatic dramas, you need to watch this.

The plot is not extraordinary but it is entertaining. The ML and FL started their story from hating each other to gradually falling in love. Both did not expect to fall for each other yet can't help but fall for each other's charm. I also like that it just focuses on their love story. Although of course there are some scenes about business and other supporting roles but it's not dragging. You won't get bored watching.

Characters are so loveable too.
The FL and ML are Angel and Devil. Hehe. FL is so sweet and nice. At first I thought the ML's grandpa is just using her and I felt bad for her. But I was wrong. The Grandpa is so cute. He really likes the FL since their first encounter. The ML seems to have a bad attitude but he really is sweet and nice. A 'tsundere' as what they called in Anime. ML's adoptive Mom is not the typical chaebol Mom. I think she just really wants her son to be happy and successful. At least she didn't throw money to the FL. I also like FL's best friend, she's so protective of her. Love their friendship.

Try watching it. Although it's not the best drama out there. But it is one of those dramas that will nake you feel loved. And it will make you smile.

Read More

Great Drama!

Wow, this drama really surprised me. Not going to lie - I would have just watched this as something to fill in-between watching other dramas.... I'm going to admit - I now watched this one fully three times.

The actors were superb, the story had surprising twists, and the kissing... well - it was nice. This drama had just the perfect amount of everything in it. The main actress was just so calm and mature in her role so, so well done. Thank you! None of that screaming when they see a man in bed. Her mature shyness was so well done, the main lead - was such a cool, composed man - who played his role well as a third generation rich kid - but not over the top either. He showed such growth in the drama - again, not over the top. (A lot of drama have the characters do a 360 in their personalities - in real life this simply does not happen) Love how she would give him a stamp for his good behaviour - and how he would miss that stamp at some point during the drama.

The second leads had interesting stories as well - they didn't pull from the main story - but was there to support the main characters and their story line - which I find in some dramas' the second leads stories pull away and become at times more interesting then the main story.

The story is simple - woman saves rich old man - and rich old man wants to repay her kindness and teach his grandson how to be compassionate. I loved how the main actress was a simple school teacher - with no ulterior motives - she just wants to find a kind/good man to marry. The main actor was a hardworking, self disciplined, a bit spoiled rich kid.

16 episodes was just perfect, the pace was nice - a must watch. I don't know why this drama is not higher rated

(If there is only one thing that really irritates me (as a western viewer) is why do they always wear their clothes to bed - I know there is a lot of censorship in these dramas - but you can wear pajamas's. )

Read More