Big Thing (2010)

If you are very, very into politics than you'll like Dae Mul. If you are not, you may not like it. But I liked it a lot and felt it was a pretty good drama. It had a well thought out story with a solid trajectory that shows the progression of a woman who goes from wanna-be reporter/housewife to the President of The Republic of Korea. I found it had enough drama and included enough comic relief to keep me interested and entertained. The politics are mostly believable. There is a healthy dose of political intrigue and sometimes fascinating machinations of politicians both corrupt and hmmm...only slightly corrupt. Along with the politics, there is a background friendship and long standing love that is lovely and sweet.

I wasn't sure how I felt about Kwon Sang Woo before this but I enjoyed his character a lot. He plays an honorable son, prosecutor and a loyal, steadfast friend. He's hot headed, prone to fight and often very funny. Go Hyun Jung is wonderful, as always. I like her so much. She has such range; from What's Up Fox to Queen Seon Duk (Evil Misil!) to Dae Mul, she is an undeniably great actress.

This is one drama that uses its side characters well. They all orbit around the leads in believable ways. They are necessary to the story and not distractions, which if you have ever read any of my reviews, you'll know this kicks up a drama's rating for me.

At 24 episodes, I felt the pacing was just fine. It took me a long time to finish this but I blame the springtime glut of obsessive fare like Greatest Love and others for stalling me on this and not a lagging storyline. This drama is worth your time if you are into politics and more adult storylines. It's written well, directed well and most of all, acted well. There is some strange editing at the end/beginning of some episodes but they always clean up the story during the hour.

I'm giving it an 8 over-all. My Re-watch value is low. Not because I didn't like it but because I'm more apt to watch light romantic fare over and over rather than a long political drama.

Again, this drama is worth it if you like political stories or if you are a fan of the leads. They do a great job in this drama.

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