Can't help but clap and tip my hat off to his superb, convincing performance here. Jung So-min did pretty good as well, plus the sweet chemistry between the two was undeniable.
It was a drama about different facets of personal relationships, it's value, what one is willing to give in the name of love and friendships. The closeness of peers Park Sung-woong and Young-nam Jang was a proof that two people can still develop a deep relationship without malice.
I still can't get over this highly-recommended drama. Well done!!!
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Serious melodrama
This review is based upon my reaction ONLY to the show. I'm a romance/happy ending kind of girl, and this was WAAAYYY on the other end of the spectrum. This is a serious melodrama.If you want to see some awesome acting by Seo In Guk, watch this. He was amazing. Here he plays completely opposite to anything we've seen him in to date. I had a hard time seeing him as anything other than the hero of a show, but he was chillingly believable.
I felt that the female lead's character was severely lacking in self esteem and came across as needy. This was a woman that should not be let to make her own choices, because she chooses wrong every time.
The music was perfect and carried the mood well.
I have to say that I was depressed after watching this show. Too much angst, too much deception, too much melodrama.
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This review may contain spoilers
I watched this in 2018, but it seems like a pity not leaving a review.
I've been wanting to do a rewatch for a couple of yrs now, but haven't got the chance.I will not compare this remake to the original Japanese one.
Seo In Guk has been one of my favourite Korean actors since the beginning of his career, and I think he showed many different characters in his show.
In this one, he seems even younger than he was at the time (his undereye mole always get me) and in some scenes he seemed also vulnerable, if possible, nonetheless he managed to scare me and gave me chills from the very first episode.
I didn't like the female protagonist at first, but then I fell in love with the chemistry between her (Jin Kang) and Moo Young.
I clearly remember Yellow from Coldplay being in one of the episodes, and this already gave the OST a good vote from me :)
The story was not as linear (especially if I think about Jin Gook's choices and the police actions), but it was a good one.
I especially enjoyed the mistery around the main couple and the sad truth(s) revealed during the series.
Regarding the ending, I loved how the production decided to dress Jin Kang in white, pure from the beginning to the end, and Moo Young in black, almost indicating their "side" but also their bond, like the Yin & Yang.
Also, when Jin Kang comforts Moo Young at the end, it seems like she's giving him forgiveness and peace.
Highly recommend, I hope I can do a rewatch soon!
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama can be described in only one word: unbelievable. Protectiveness is surprisingly the fatal flaw in this series that leads to the characters demise. Seo In Guk and Jung So Min had a satisfying amount of chemistry but nothing too spectacular. Seo In Guk outdid himself with this drama, being able to display a cold, calculating, and mysterious character who you just are drawn towards and want to figure out. Jung So Min's acting was good, but her expressions were too stoic in this drama. I found it hard to believe the FL had the type of unconditional love for a manipulator. She literally went to bed with the ML right after the ML indirectly murdered his girlfriend/her best friend. Secrets were kept far too long right until the very end, but by then, it was too late. Tragic love with unexpected twists and reveals. Everything could have been done better but still worthwhile watch. Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Poignant and Haunting!!!
I've re-watched this drama so many times that i've lost count, seriously. If i can find the kind of love that the two leads found with each other - despite the tragic ending - i can live/die a happy person! The plot is gripping and I was thoroughly drawn to the romantic development and progression of the main leads when they met each other as adults, but didn't have a clue that they were connected to each other from way back in the past. Another drama that comes closest to this in terms of the melo-romance and nature vs. nurture theme is The Flower of Evil (2020), which is another must must watch!!!Was this review helpful to you?
It was mind blowing
Thanks to the story and the acting especially seo In-guk act, after a long time I watched something unique and different, Different good.The character of Kim mu yoong was so remarkable and beyond my expectation. He has a dark character a boy who has some issues which is a good thing since I get tired of watching cute and funny main character in dramas. Although I see this drama as a first rate one but of course it has some problem some of its episode get boring and it was like the story lost its direction. Any way literally I love it and I'm going to watch it again
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Story
What I enjoyed about the writing was that it felt real and raw. I could believe the dialogue between the characters as actual conversations versus lines on a page. What I usually hate about the writing in dramas is that the characters are too one-dimensional, inconsistent, or simply don't change. Not here as you will find complex and authentic characters, no doubt helped by the excellent cast. The only thing I disliked was how Jin Kang was perhaps a little too forgiving of the people around her for acts that were quite heinous, which felt unrealistic but perhaps that's just her character trait.
Acting
I say with confidence, every single actor here was amazing. I've watched Jung So Min before in "The Sound of Your Heart" where she was quite funny, but this role transformed how I see her from now on. She has a special mix of charm, strength, heart, and humour. This is the first time I've seen Seo In Guk in anything, and I was speechless. He completely transformed into an enigmatic, tender, and dangerous Moo Young. Overall extremely impressed by the entire cast.
Music
The orchestral and instrumental pieces really elevated the scenes they accompanied. Definitely far better than average background music. I actually want to buy the OST.
If you can't tell, I really loved this drama. It balances the mystery, drama, crime, and romance very well. Production value is high here, and you'll be able to tell as soon as you start to watch. Just a warning, don't watch if you can't handle serious and tragic themes which can affect rewatch value.
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10/10 idk about what other people think but i loved this kinda of mystery plot.....it makes me feel so curious throughout the whole drama therefore making it addictive and keeping me excited about wed and thurs each week! This would probably be my first thrilling and romantic drama THIS YEAR. the thing i don't like is how they rushed their romance a bit so they seemed to have more time dating than MAKING chemistry BUUUUT they are still so cute and i love themmmmm I SHIP SO BADLY they rlly do suit each other
Acting/Cast:
10/1000 Not surprised by BOTH Seo in guk and Jung so min ;) They make such beautiful and cute chemistry i actually wished they could actually date in real life ~ I love how SIG can makes diff eye expressions (from evil to innocent to worries >.<) at the same time (and he's like a pupppy tooooo cuteee) and JSM is so pretty here. They are both long term and experienced actors/actresses so no surprise they would be that good ~
Music:
7.5/10
Not that great but not bad either....they seemed to change songs at sudden times but eh it did suit the atmosphere you could say?
Rewatch Value:
9/10 I'd def go watch it again! Bc some characters only stayed for a short amount of time this is my chance to see them again by rewatching it haha but since i already know the story i think i would skip some parts. There is also a few annoying and frustrating scenes but that's one of the reasons why the drama is so addicting and highly rated.
Overall:
9.5/10 I didn't go for a perfect 10/10 bc nothing is perfect ~ ;) but I STILL HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TO YOU it made me have similar feelings towards DOTS but the genre id kinda diff?...i haven't seen the japanese ver but this is so worth your time!!! WARNING: PREPARE A PACK OF TISSUES I HAVEN'T CRIED THIS HARD IN A KDRAMA FOR SO LONG :"""")))
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Holy lord this story does not disappoint. I didn't watch the original Japanese version but boy was this version a ride. It kept you on your toes every step of the story between the mysterious plot of mysterious murder, Moo Young's past, the blooming relationship between Moo Young and Jin Kang and even the brotherly protection that Jin Gook has over his little sister. Not to mention how the whole plot just made you want to watch more (I finished this drama roughly within a day...). The connection between Moo Young and Jin Kang is more than what meets the eye and the layers underneath it all really make you go crazy on how you missed it. The little details that reveal themselves through multiple characters are nicely fit into each piece of the story. There's also the dark undertone of the story as the murder case is opened wide and everyone is in the crosshairs of Jin Gook's side investigation, Moo Young included. You also see this brotherly and sisterly love that Jin Kang and Jin Gook share and how their relationship has been over the years. The appearance of Moo Young is truly what changes their lives, whether it be by chance or not. It's a crazy thriller that non-stop makes you wonder what will happen next. The drama does have it sweet small filler moments but barely anything that a whole episode worth, the main story is always the focus as it should be. I don't think it's even possible to go into depth with the story without spoiling it, so I won't. (You'll understand if you watch it)
I was so hyped to see Seo In Guk acting again. I had always loved his characters as he just fits into the acting world to me. I mean, he perfected the role of Moo Young so well that I almost forgot it was a drama (plus his voice is so nice, check out his music). Not to mention how well he got the dark side of Moo Young's character, which I respect him for even more. I had never seen a drama with Jung So Min, but I was also quite impressed with her performance of her character as Jin Kang and I will surely be keeping my eye out for her now that I've seen how well she can act. I tried keeping my expectations low for the drama since I didn't want to get too invested but I couldn't help it with the cast. I mean Park Sung Woong as the brother was phenomenal. His character was intense yet overprotective, but he showed it flawlessly, even in some scenes where he didn't even talk.
Now music wise I was thoroughly enjoying it throughout the drama. The songs that I liked the most were Star by Seo In Guk and Jung So Min themselves & Lost by An Ji Yeon. It really hit the heart feels right at the crucial moments and you can't help but feel more emotion in the scenes where the music does play. They're definitely on my playlist now but I suggest that you listen to it yourself to see how you like it.
Overall, I would watch this drama over and over again just to remind myself of the crazy ride it was. It's a drama that I honestly don't want to forget the main details of, which is a short list of dramas for me (with the others being Scarlet Heart Ryeo, A Korean Odyssey, and Strong Woman Do Bong Soon).
This has been "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes".
(I did like the title, Hundred Million Stars From The Sky a little bit more but it seems most people know it as the one mentioned above.)
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Although I am kind of disappointed at how the story turned out, this is still one of the best productuions I've watched. I can say that this is mainly thanks to Seo In Guk's insanely interesting character Kim Moo Young, whose personality is complicated and unpredicatble and probably one of the best charaters I've had the pleasure to watch in a korean drama. His development as a person is also very heartwarming while he goes from an merciless psychopath to a man willing to change for the sake of his love.
I think the story between the police oficer and the male lead was more exciting than the love story itself. They had a kind of cute bromance and yet they were each other's greatest enemy. Yoo Jin Gook is kind of the typical moralistic policeman every thriller drama neads. His relationship to his sister is also very heartwarming to watch.
Yoo Jin Kang's character was a rather boring one and it seemed like she was overshadowed by the others although she wasn't the typical weak female lead we've seen in many other kdramas.
Lastly I can say the drama had everything to suit everyone's taste. A melodramatic thriller with a misterious vibe and even some humour. I stronlgy recommend it but if you're looking for a happy story and a beautiful ending, better choose something else!
Hope my review was helpful and I apologise for the mistakes ??
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Plot: Was amazing. The 1st 12 episodes were amazing. Actually, it was good till the end but personally, I feel like they should have brought the story in a different direction. I mean when I think about again, I do get it but I'm a sucker for romance; forbidden, angst-filled kinda romance so I was frustrated and disappointed till it was running in my mind for a couple of days. No matter how perfect they were for each and other, they were toxic as well to other people so killing them off was the only choice because separating them at the end is out of topic.
Acting: All the actors did such a good job justifying their characters. There wasn't a moment where I thought "this person is annoying me". except for the b**** of a sister who started the whole mess. hahaha. I've never cried along with the main characters in any other dramas but when Kim Moo Young and Yoo Jin Kang were crying, tears dripping down my chin automatically. You can feel the pain both going through like it hits your core. Especially when KMY cried, you can feel that he's crying because his world just ended and that he has no other choice but to take such decisions and if he could, he would simply end his life on his own because the pain was too much to bear. This is the 2nd drama I watched of Seo In Guk and I have to say he did a good job improving. and I'm planning to watch his other dramas to see him in different genres. Christ, his eyes. His passive eyes. Like he couldn't give a damn about anything but they spoke so many emotions words cannot describe. ARGH...
Music: Perfect. Nothing else I can say more to prove my point. It was perfect. Slow mellow like music gets to your heart and stays in your mind for a long time. My main Korean music playlist consists of songs from drama OSTs, so trust me when I say I don't regret listening to the OST at least 3 times a week.
Rewatch Value: I highly recommend rewatching the drama but I'm gonna wait till this throbbing pain in my heart to settle down a bit before I could ever think about rewatching the drama. His pain throughout the drama spoke a lot and it kills me every time I think about it. So maybe a year or so maybe, who knows hahaha
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Story 8.5/10
The story develops pretty seamlessly and the pacing is pretty perfect, but that doesn't mean the drama doesn't have its problems. The drama carries through two distinct phases separated pretty much first half and second half so I'll frame my thoughts based on these two parts.
The first half involves the crime the synopsis depicts, and it's damn near perfect. What really steals the show the first half is the relationship between Jin Kang and Kim Moo Young. Just like Jin Kang, we have no clue what's going on in Moo Young's head but we slowly fall in love with him anyways! They have your typical "I hate you" turned "I love you" k-drama formula, but the way the drama does it feels more raw and less cheesy because Moo Young isn't your typical male lead. He's mischievous and you never know what he's thinking. I like watching a drama that has subtlety in what it's doing, it knows that it doesn't need to show in giant black ink what's going on for you to catch on but at the same time, keeps you just confused enough to stay curious and keep watching.
But once the crime mystery ends we enter into the second half of the story and that's where all the problems become more apparent. I can't really describe these without spoiling the story too much but just be expecting these things. First, the relationship gets kinda toxic because the situation is messed up. The side characters that were involved in the first half lose their purpose entirely in the grand scheme of things, so I can't help but wonder why they're even there (Seung Ah, Yoo Ri, Jin Gook's lady friend, Cho Rong, the brother's mean boss... need I continue?). Moo Young is probably the only character that goes through any development. Unfortunately, Jin Kang and Jin Gook don't go through any development, things just get revealed about them so you can be shocked about their past. Which is a shame, because the development with Moo Young is really, REALLY good. By the end of the drama, you REALLY feel for this man.
Also, you probably already know this going in but this drama is the definition of melodrama. Your emotions WILL get screwed with! :(
Acting/Cast 10/10
The acting is SO good, and it makes me so happy! It's a melodrama, but the main cast acts doesn't go overboard and they act their scenes out so that it really feels like how people would react if these things were to really happen to them. Once again, I think a strong point of this drama is its subtleties. In particular, Seo In Guk doesn't blatantly say what he wants or is thinking, he emotes it subtlety. This is not to say that during the dramatic parts of the drama he doesn't give a BANGER, because he absolutely does. During the final episodes, the acting is some of the best.
Also, can we talk about Seo In Guk and Jung So Min's chemistry? It's REALLY good. I was literally out here shipping them the moment they met.
Music 10/10
I'm not picky with my music, the music they chose was solid and did what it needed to. Especially OST #2 with Seo In Guk and Jung So Min, so freaking good! They're definitely songs I'd listen to outside of the drama (although I'm gonna have to wait a couple of weeks to calm down and power through my withdraw symptoms from this drama before I listen to it because I'll just cry if I do).
Rewatch Value 5/10
Wouldn't watch this again, but I wouldn't watch any melodrama again because I can't put myself through all the pain again. I'd for sure watch clips again to see the performances from the actors or any cute bits.
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