Films I would Recommend in a Heartbeat (Part II)
I've been absorbed in the wonderful world of Korean Variety Shows for quite some time now and what I would like to point out about it is that it has something for everyone. The one "genre" I will put a light on with this article consists of these shows that are not so conventional, or maybe not so popular, mostly because all the "action" and "high-strung comedy" that we attribute to Korean shows is nowhere to be seen.
I found these small treasures one way or another, and they made me reflect on my life (mostly on how busy and frustrating it can get) and reminded me to appreciate the smaller (and maybe even more important) things that life has to offer.
- Most of these shows are best enjoyed with a cup of tea/coffee or, why not, a glass of wine!
- Everything listed has English subtitles on the internet.
Hyori's Bed and Breakfast: Season 1 & Season 2
There is no other show to start this list with. This became one of my favourite shows ever. Imagine living on an island with your loved one and surrounded by the animals you rescued... well that's basically Hyori's life. The show follows their normal day to day life with the addition of transforming their home in a B&B, thus welcoming regular people in their cozy home. Apart from their home, you will be able to explore the beautiful Jeju Island through the eyes of various people of all ages and genders.
Hyori and Sang Soon are a great example of how a healthy relationship looks like. The atmosphere overall is full of warmth putting emphasis on taking your time to enjoy everything around you: the process of making tea, listening to music, enjoying food with people, yoga, a warm afternoon that makes you want to take a nap.
(This is basically the whole mood of the show). Also, both seasons hire stuff that helps around the B&B. In the 1st season, we have IU. I was never a die-hard fan, to be honest, but let me tell you, now I love her.
You can see that she always tries her best even though she might seem awkward at times, and it's quite the introvert. She is also the queen of dozing off and taking naps (made me feel sleepy sometimes as well).
Season 2 greets us with the addition of Yoona and Park Bo Gum. Most of all, their teamwork was great, and they were both very hardworking, helping everywhere they were needed.
Another strong point would be the conversations that come up between the cast and the guests...makes us see that celebrities aren't that different from us deep down.
Youn's Kitchen 2
Don't I love Spain and its Latin roots! I didn't know I would love the "Korean spiciness" to add so much though. This program is the perfect embodiment of the word "soul-food". Most of the time I quite hate cooking shows, they do nothing for me, but Youn's Kitchen it's a whole different thing. First of all, I don't think they could have found a better-suited cast than this. All of them have great chemistry and add their own twist to the show. What all of them have in common is how hard they work all day.
It's really interesting to see the feeling of community that this little Spanish town has. You will be able to see the beautiful views of the city and hear locals talk about their families, traveling politics and food in a natural and charming way. There is not a second of boredom, and it will make you wish for them to come to your city as well to have a taste of "granny's food".
Next, we have Lee Seo Jin, who gives a new meaning to the word "tsundere". He is the mind of the whole business, always coming up with new recipes and ideas.
Seo Joon is like "the jack of all trades" always coming where he is the most needed and putting in 100% of his effort.
Always positive and the chef's "right hand" is Yoo Mi. As the show progresses, you will see that her chemistry with the chef gets better and better. Also, she seems to never stop, running from the kitchen to the tables' area all the time giving her help where it's needed.
Coffee Friends
Cast: Son Ho Jun, Yoo Yeon Seok, Yang Se Jong, Choi Ji Woo
It's not every day where two actors that are best friends (Ho Jun & Yeon Seok) want to open up a bistro of some sort and it becomes a variety show. I want to point out the menu first of all. Everything looked so delicious, and the recipes were so inventive and most importantly healthy. The bistro is placed in a beautiful tangerine farm from where they pick up the fruits every day and make drinks or desserts out of them.
Again you have an amazing group of people, all with their own traits and jobs that come together and make something beautiful. It's a delight to watch them picking up tangerines or the simple aspect of the sun entering the bistro. Also, there is the "open kitchen" design that allows the guests to interact with the stuff aka our cast. Trust me, you will end up wanting to try some of this food as well!
Here is a photo with my favourite "part-timer" of the show "Mr. Ray of Sunshine" Jo Jae Yoon. He is the first of many celebrities who will come and help our favourite group throughout the series.
Little Forest
Cast: Lee Seung Gi, Lee Seo Jin, Park Na Rae, Jung So Min
I think all of us can agree that children these days if they live in the city, are playing less and less in the outdoors. Little Forest was created with the image of building a childcare facility in a little forest so that children can experience nature and the fun in the good old games.
What makes this show amazing is actually the little kids. All of them have distinct personalities and form bonds with different members of the cast. You can actually see that they look up to their caregivers (our cast), and find in them some kind of role models. I think this show really emphasizes the importance of children learning about nature and how to take care of it and also as a note to parents to let "kids be kids" and discover what the world has to offer.
Pets GO! Doggy Trip
This show is about 3 celebrities traveling to different parts of America with their dogs just for the sake of it. The whole show follows them and captures their love for their pet. It also shows that the meanings of "the pet resembles the owner" and "a dog is a man's best friend" are actually quite true. If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy this show without a doubt and make you give traveling with your pet another chance!
Actress Moon Jung Hee travels with her Golden Retriever Manu (and her husband) to Portland - dog-friendliest city in America. It's really interesting to see how the city was transformed to accommodate all the owners and their pets. There are a lot of activities to do with your furry friends, and also everyone is so friendly and welcoming. Manu is really a big baby that always gets into trouble and has a very strong personality, but at the same time, he is just a big goofball.
Well, it's clear from the start who the big diva is in this relationship...and it's not Kang Ye Won. The Pekingese Romi is the star who doesn't give a damn about anyone. Those two will get you through the big city of New York and all it has to offer.
Robert Holley goes on a family trip with the 2 family's dogs, Sandy and Curly, on the west coast. We are talking about a huge road trip here where you will get to see the ocean together with a bunch of funny people. Also, these 2 dogs might just be the most down-to-earth pets on this show.
Have you watched any of it?
Would you watch any?
Leave your comment below!
Edited by: Yuanwei (1st editor), BrightestStar (2nd editor)
