DreamingKoreanBallad
Minnesota
Kim Hee Sun rocked as a high-schooler believe it or not, I was surprised how good she looked in a high-school uniform. She was great at portraying a mother determined to protect her daughter, although a little naïve in the beginning her character grew throughout the drama. Even though she was a mother she matched so well with one high-schooler I couldn't help but ship them whenever they were together. and watching her fight with people was a plus.
Kim Yoo Jung as Oh Ah Ran was great a playing a teenager scared of the people that threatened her and her moms safety. I loved her moments with Hong Sang Tae played by B1A4's Baro - she melted his heart of ice.
Ji Soo as Go Bok Dong - this guy literally stole the show, not to mention my heart too <3 Every scene he was in was beautiful, dark, emotional, heartbreaking and brilliant! His damaged heart at the start of the drama was beautifully mended throughout the drama, with the warm touch of people who cared for him and those he cared for - his tears were wiped away <3 He was my favorite out of all the characters on this drama and the main reason for my checking in diligently every week! You'll fall in love with him too as you watch this drama.
Ji Hyun Woo as Park No Ah (whenever I say/hear his name I can't help but laugh a little inside "No Ah = Noah - the ark) anyways lol - I honestly can't think of any other actor who would pull off a naïve, sincere, honest, and "greatest fool" (quoting the drama words) "in the world." than he himself. I honestly got annoyed by his naivety in the beginning of the drama but it eventually ended up being his charm "after his eyes were opened". His fight to protect "his kids" was precious. & I enjoyed watching it.
Baro played a character who was caught in the prison of his dad's rules - Kim Yoo Jung tries to pull him out.
All the villains, supporting cast, guest stars were great.
The OST might not be up everyone's alley but it sure was right up mine! Most of the songs have a jazzy feel to them and are in half English/Korean - I loved each and every song! "Angry Mom" by Lee Juhan, "Sunny Side Up" by Ashbun, "Happy Magic" by Lee Hyun Woo, "Crying, Crying, Crying/I Love You, I'm Sorry" by ALi, & "Teleport Me" by Aberdeen Orange.
I would definitely re-watch this sometime in the near future and I highly recommend it^^
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: In order to catch "bad guys" former detective Oh Gu Tak forms a team of "bad guys" to rid the city of the other "bad guys" < This was one of the things that attracted me to this drama ;)
Cast: Lee Jung Moon (Park Hae Jin) *My personal favorite* (and the reason I started this drama), a genius "psychopath" they have labeled him but is that really what he is? His character had a childlikeness to him that I loved - he was vulnerable and honest. Park Woong Cheol (Ma Dong Seok) a gangster with a warm heart - I loved the bromance between him & Jung Moon <3 Jung Tae Soo (Jo Dong Hyeok) a contract killer who turned himself in. Oh Gu Tak (Kim Sang Joon) a former detective who is kicked out after his daughter dies b/c of being overly violent; He brings Jung Moon, Woong Cheol & Tae Soo together & forms the "bad guy" team (but are his intentions pure?) We see these guys build friendships with each other and learn how to care for other people - can bad people become good people?
Music: The intense ost was right on par with every scene.
Re-watch Value: 10/10 - I loved every second of this drama so I will definitely re-watch this <3
A couple of my favorite quotes: "Violence is the law of beasts. Non-violence is the law of people." - Gu Hyeon - "To sin is a human business, but to justify sins is a devilish business." - Jung Moon quoting 'Tolstoy'
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: It's about a man who is sentenced to death for killing his wife and daughter and his desperate attempt to prove himself innocent. When your life takes an turn from a revered prosecutor with a loving family to a death row inmate who murdered his family - you know something big is in store.
Cast/Characters: Ji Sung as Park Jeong Woo - I can't praise his role and acting in this drama enough. He really outdid himself in this and I'm so very proud of him, I can't imagine any other actor in this role - it was simply perfect for him! In my eyes this was his greatest work yet and it showcased his best acting abilities yet! I loved his character and his determination to prove himself innocent. You could see every single emotion flash across his face. Brilliant acting.
Uhm Ki Joon as Cha Min Ho - you can't really get a better actor to play the villain role in a drama, I've seen him play many villain roles and this one is my favorite. A great actor for sure! He and Ji Sung were perfect acting partners - and they had great acting chemistry (heck, the entire cast had great chemistry). I love villains who are pure villain - they make you love to hate them. (if that sounds right - a pure villain with no heart one can only loathe but a villain who does have some heart - makes you hate them but in a way care more about their character - even though you can't wait to see them pay for their crimes). I would love to see these two in another drama together again.
Shin Rin Ah as Ha Yeon (Jeong Woo's daughter) this child is brilliant in her acting - she will make you cry, she's so good. She's a natural.
Kim Min Suk as Seong Kyu one of my favorite supporting characters in this drama, I loved the time we had with him in this.
Jo Jae Yun as Cheol Shik - the best side-kick one could ever wish for! I love this actor in every drama I see him in (however I do much prefer him to be our good guy so I can adore him fully!) He always makes me laugh in the dramas he's in - he's like your comedy relief from all the suspense lol and his bromance with Ji Sung in this is so nice! I sometimes wish he was in every drama I watched lol
All of Jeong Woo's cell mates deserve to be mentioned: Moong Chi (Oh Dae Hwan), Rockfish (Jo Jae Ryong), Bundle (Woo Hyun), & Bang Jang (Yun Yeong Hyun). Attorney Seo Eun Hye was wonderful in her role, as was Seok (Min Ho's henchman) in his role. So many actors and they are all so good! More mentions: Tae Soo (Kang Sung Min), Jun Hyuk (Oh Chang Seok), Prosecutor Go Dong Yoon (Lee Shin Sung), & Prosecutor Choi Tae Hong (Park Ho San) I really liked him - such a good mentor and head prosecutor ^^
Music: "I Love You Baby" will have a whole new meaning to you after watching this drama and you'll always be reminded of Cheol Shik whenever you hear this song ^_^ I love how they incorporated this classic hit song into this drama ^^
Re-watch value: 10/10 - You know I'll re-watch this one and right away too! I can't get enough of it, so I have to see it all over again from start to finish - not missing a single second (there will be Zero skip-watching folks). ;)
I HIGHLY recommend this to EVERYONE! It's the best drama of the year so far! Heck, it's the best drama I've seen in a long time - sure others have been good or even really great to excellent but none of them top this one in terms of enjoyment and brilliant story writing and acting! This is a true GEM - a Masterpiece if I ever saw one!
Was this review helpful to you?
Cast: My favorite character was Dal Bong (Hyung Sik) I think he resembled his father in personality and traits the most - he was the most caring kid this guy had - even in his immaturity he was still pretty mature lol His character brings life to this drama with all his charm, cuteness, emotions, temper, awkwardness & that "fake laughter" of his that was so similar to his dads^^ Seol Woo the country bumpkin as I call her is my second favorite. Kang Shim & Tae Joo were the hilarious couple - man that guy can make lots of weird, crazy, strange ugly funny faces lol - but he was quite charming when he was serious <3 & KS can sure make a person cry :'( The Dad is my next favorite - his only fault - being a little too self-less. Then we have the cousin Young Sul - always looking for trouble might I say lol The rest are all on equal boats for me - I never really liked Kang Jae (the older brother) he was way too emotion-less and distant but there were a couple scenes where he made me cry. He's arrogant and I've never liked arrogant people - they rub me the wrong way... oh and Dal Bong's "friend" Eun Ho was a great part of the cast too, he really riles Dal Bong's feathers up and it was entertaining most of the time, a few times I got mad at him but that quickly dissipated every time :P
Music: On the Road by Choi Baek Ho, I Told You by Yozoh, Father's Youth by ? (I really like this song but I don't know the artist)
Re-watch Value: 9/10 I really enjoyed it and will re-watch it again someday.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cast: Uee & Sung Joon were a very very boring and uninteresting couple with zero chemistry. Everything felt so stale and "fake" between them. Their "love" wasn't believable - even to the last episode. I don't know if it had something to do with the writer, the directing, the actors themselves or the characters they were trying to portray - but it didn't work... On the other hand, Park Hyung Shik & Im Ji Yeon had amazing chemistry and their scenes together were always adorably cute^^ - I stuck with this drama just for them <3 Chang Soo (PHS) was funny, realistic, Hot and very very charismatic ;D I loved his style (hair, clothes & personality) <He had a great role. Ji Yi (IJY) was also funny, down to earth, adorably cute - she's like no other female drama lead I've ever encountered before - It's no wonder our Chang Soo falls for her ;) She makes you wonder how her brain works - she amazed me with her responses to people time and time again. I was speechless at her unconventional ways of relating to people. *Best couple award should go to them*
Music: I personally loved the OST - Train "Just a Memory" (Played once during a bicycle race between Sung Joon & Hyung Shik), Jung Yup "Dazzling Day", Kim Joo Na "I Can't Live Without You", Acoustic Collabo "Don't Do That", Park Hyung Shik "You're My Only Love", Maximilian Hecker "Summer Days In Bloom" - I absolutely loved each and every song ^-^
I won't re-watch this drama entirely - But I would definitely re-watch any and all scenes with Chang Soo & Ji Yi^^ & I will listen to the OST for a long time to come ;)
I think it's good to watch at least once - and if anything - skip-watching may be best :) I'm glad I watched it for Chang Soo & Ji Yi and the OST - so I'm satisfied & I liked the ending ;)
Was this review helpful to you?
It never dragged or got boring, each episode had it's own excitement - the story progressed very nicely. There was one character I hated but he never got on my last nerve like some characters in dramas do (a.k.a My Daughter the Flower killer girl) - even though he was a hateful character - you just somehow knew he couldn't win...This drama is filled with optimism and looking at a persons best along with the worst - to see the human - it's truly beautiful <3 I loved every other character on this drama (well...maybe a few episodes in the beginning I wasn't that fond of Do Hui's step-mom but I warmed up to her later; & Ju Yeong's mom was a bit irritating until the last 10-15 episodes where I started to like her too -) I didn't much care for Jin Ju & Chul Su - she annoyed me a LOT in the earlier episodes & he to be honest wasn't much of a 'man' he was too wimpy. I loved Na Ri - she was adorable throughout the entire drama <3 I loved 4 characters the most: Jun Su, Do Hui, Hyeon Suk & Ju Yeong - I didn't know much about HS or JY early on so I was really fond of JS and DH but somewhere into the drama I started to like HS and JY a little more than the other 2 characters lol and oh boy does Hyeon Suk ever look really handsome when he smiles (it lights up his whole face) <3 oh and I Loved the 'teacher' In Joo (?) she always looked like a fashion statement lol - she was pretty funny too ;)
Music: Really good - I can remember about 4-5 songs :D
Re-watch Value: 8.5 - I would love to re-watch it again - but it is a bit long - I may skip around if I do ;)
Was this review helpful to you?
All the cast did great jobs - especially Jung Kyung Ho as Kang Min Ho & Kim So Yeon as Kim Soon Jung - Their interactions were always funny & cute. The actor (won't give out the name) who played the villain did a great job at making himself a believable villain. This was also the best role Ahn Suk Hwan has ever played! A kind-hearted dad for once who didn't have a stupid laugh between every word. PLEASE play more character roles like this one!!!
The OST fit the drama but was nothing too impactful - the song I remember the most vividly is Dong Wook & Min Ho's Ringtone song: "Each Time You Do That"/"?????" by Toy/?? - If I had a cellphone I'd make this my ringtone^^
Yes, I would re-watch this - even if it was just to watch Jung Kyung Ho's adorableness some more ^-^
I recommend it for anyone who loves cute romantic dramas with a splash of detective/business...
"People forget love with the excuse of work." - Kang Min Ho
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: A whole group of people pulled into a game where there is huge money at stake, surrounded with lies and manipulation - can the truth speak out? It really makes you think - and that's what I liked about it. When you are on a game where lying is key - should you be even more honest? or should you do your best to manipulate others? I myself am a very very bad liar - as soon as I even try and lie - I'll start laughing and end up giving myself away... I am however very suspicious of people and their intentions - I don't trust easily..."Trust is built up over time but it can break in a split second."
Cast: Ha Woo Jin (Lee Sang Yoon) He was one of the biggest reasons I started this drama. & He became my absolute favorite character. His character is insanely attractive and mysterious, and he holds that quality that you know you can trust him no matter what. As soon as he is released from jail he meets Nam Da Jung (Kim So Eun) who asks him to help her on 'Liar Game'. This is my first time seeing her but I absolutely loved her, she's a great actress & I'll be looking forward to more projects by her. She totally fit the part of a naïve honest person. Kang Do Young (Shin Sung Rok) The mastermind of Liar Game - I swear he is evil to his core... Jo Dal Goo (Jo Jae Yun) I loved his character lol - this actor can always make me laugh :P Jamie (Lee El) She was hateful at first but as the show progressed I started to like her (weird) lol
Music: It was intense but I can't say I remember any songs...
Re-watch Value: 9.5 - very high, I will definitely re-watch this someday.
Was this review helpful to you?
Cast: my favorite character was Jiseok (Kwon Yool) - he looked best to me when his bangs stayed ON his forehead lol - all I wanted throughout this drama was for him to be happy. Seonyu (Yoon So Yi) annoyed me sometimes with the way her brain worked and the way she'd reason things out - but I liked her most of the time - she too looked best with her hair down. Jihui was a good person who deceived herself basically and I didn't like her for a short while but she redeemed herself in the end for me...I loved the grandma and Hyeonsu ;) Aran was pretty spiteful throughout most of the drama, as for Seonyu's aunt and uncle - her aunt was fine most of the time, her uncle though - those faces he would make - all I can say is "oh boy stop" - I loved her cousin Gijin - super handsome and cool ;)
Music: I don't remember anything except for the intro/outro ....
Re-watch: not likely - good for a one time watch though.
Was this review helpful to you?
Characters: My favorites were Han Chaewon, Seo Jinu & Han Minhyeok, I loved everything about them! <3 I'd fall in love with Jinu so easily^^ and Minhyeok is a definite candidate too with his intelligent, strong and smart good looks ^^ Jinu has lots of emotional wounds ground into him from his father, he's a doctor and a really loyal son, who is sweet, compassionate, loving and smiles a lot :D Chaewon is "the happy virus" lol as her friend calls her^^ She's strong, independent and very loving, when she sets her mind to something she doesn't let it go (stubborn if you will) :P Her character never got weak or worn down, she had strong beliefs and made sure people understood that. She stands her ground well. I loved her the most! Minhyeok is Chaewon's brother and he too grows up with lots of emotional wounds but that doesn't change who he is or how he acts - I loved that no matter how someone in his family treated him, he would still be loyal to them and love them, he isn't greedy and is very well-mannered (a gentleman one might say), He doesn't trust people easily (which is actually a good thing in his profession). I felt for each of these characters, I'd cry with them and smile with them! I laughed quite a lot too - especially when it came to Jinu & Chaewon ;P
There is also Cha Kyeongju, her character feels like a victim and since she has this "victim mentality" she does things that she thinks she has a right to b/c "the world owed her", I liked her and didn't like her at the same time, I felt for her at times and wanted to kick her butt other times lol I could never fully hate her (honestly she never did anything that ticked me off that much - sure she did bad things and things you can't brush off or ignore, things she never should have done - but she did know when to back off on certain things. I even cried with her a little at the end.
The supporting characters were good and enjoyable to watch as well (I didn't skip anyone ever or any scene) I got slightly annoyed with Jingu's childish acts and his wifes constant complaining but they were amusing at time too. I never warmed up to their daughter Jina (such a crybaby >_<) I'm glad she wasn't shown too often. Jinhui was really adorable, a bit of a troublemaker, but she'd laugh all the time and her voice when she sings is So BEAUTIFUL!!! I loved her song "To My Dad" that she sings later in the series^^ The grandmas is hilarious and adorable^^ The Dad made me mad so many times with how he treats his kids -_- I wanted to speak up for his kids whenever the dad would say or do mean things to them and when he wouldn't listen to them I wanted to yell at him to shut up and LISTEN!!! His kids, even if they get hurt by him, are really filial towards him, which I found impressive!
Music: The intro song by C-Real is really cutesie (and i love cutesie intro songs to my daily dramas lol) I loved one song the most though : "Have You Listened" by Yu Seung Chan and Jangeunsuk "Reason to Live" (it was only played one time but I liked it and it really brought the emotions of the moment). There was another song that was only played a few times by RH? and it was really pretty too (but i can't find it) and Jinhui's "To My Dad" song was really beautiful^^
I will more than likely re-watch this drama at some point lol <3 and I definitely recommend it to people who love these kinds of long dramas^^
Was this review helpful to you?
They all really looked like families - since some of their stories didn't seem very interesting to me - I skipped quite a lot (but not enough to not know what was going on).
I loved the relationship between Muyeong & Jisu - you can tell they grew up as friends from a young age - they are VERY playful (it's really cute/adorable to watch) - when they are together it's the best. There was about 10-15 episodes that were frustrating between them - but it eventually ends and then comes the best scenes between them <3
Eunha was a bit annoying to me in the beginning through the middle - until the late 80+episodes when I warmed up to her & she was no longer a threat. I really like her with Jimin however ;)
Music: I only remember the theme song and a ballad song that I really want to find.
Re-watch value: I'd only re-watch the scenes of Muyeong & Jisu if I were to re-watch it.
I believe the title "High as Sky Wide as Earth" stands for: "I love you as high as the sky & as wide as the earth" - that's my belief anyway :P
Park Hae Jin & Han Hyo Joo are the STARS of this drama I believe - they really captivate me and made it worth watching <3
Was this review helpful to you?
Helpful Hint: I found the first episode rather boring, the second episode ok, the third episode full of misunderstandings and then it gets good by episode 4 and you'll be completely hooked by episode 5!
"the heartbreaking, pure love by a man, who drives himself to the extreme situation in order to find his only love, his bride." <Pretty much describes the base of the drama - and it was presented in such a powerful and touching way! Thank you OCN!
Cast: Kim Do Hyung (Kim Mu Yeol) a man with a painful upbringing falls in love with a girl from his high school - they get separated and meet again, are about to get married and then she vanishes - he looks for her like any man would, finds himself messed up with the police and loan-sharks and something even more sinister behind the loan-sharks. I have never seen someone love as sincerely and as deeply as Kim Do Hyung does on this drama - it's powerful! It's a new definition of self-less love! He'd sacrifice and risk anything just to protect his "Beautiful Bride" - and man was this guy good at keeping a secret a secret! He was also in the UDT in the Marines for his military service - and I sure hope I get to see some more dramas with guys from that unit! B/c they know how to FIGHT! This guy wowed me several times with some of the things he'd do - I was stunned at things I saw - He was that good! And I loved how all the bad guys referred to him as "the bank guy" - I'd laugh whenever they'd say "the bank guy did that?" :P Yoon Joo Young/Joo Hee (Go Sung Hee) - not my favorite actress (she still needs practice) but she did pretty good in the beginning of the drama - towards the latter part I found her a bit annoying and she seemed to keep making stupid decisions (but that didn't ruin the drama for me). Cha Yoon Mi (Lee Shi Young) a great detective, who was a great partner in helping Do Hyung catch the bad guys and find Joo Young.
All other actors did well in their roles - especially Ryu Seung Soo as Seo Jin Ki - I knew he could play the bad guy role exceptionally well already - since he was the bad guy in drama special 'Sirius'.
Music: 'Stay' by Steelheart < My absolute favorite track off the entire drama!!! I love listening to it and singing it on repeat! <3 Awesome song! ^_^
I would definitely re-watch this drama if only to see those awesome action packed fight scenes again! ;) and the flashback romance stories were so romantic^^ <3
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: The Prince and his two guards/friends form the Three Musketeers. They, along with Park Dal Hyang go around causing havoc by trying to bring peace - it's a very enjoyable ride.
Cast: Park Dal Hyang (Jung Yong Hwa) a country boy who practiced hard enough to become a guard in Hanyang where he soon meets the Three Musketeers and their journey begins. He is a very sincere yet naïve person who I believe matured during the duration of the drama. Prince So Hyeon (Lee Jin Wook) my personal favorite character, he's always joking and laughing but he does have a scar that has prevented his relationship with the Crown Princess Yoon Seo - through the princes friends Heo Seung Po & Ahn Min Seo as well as newcomer Dal Hyang his heart begins to open to his wife <3 Their scenes together were some of my personal favorite scenes to watch^^ These characters are constantly going through ups and downs during this drama (and it's only season 1)! Mi Ryeong/Hyang Sun is basically the antagonist - she's evil any way you look at her. And I swear the King is the stupidest person on this show.
Music: I remember only 1 song and that's the song where the lyrics say one for all all for one lol - I love that song.
Re-watch Value: 10/10 I would LOVE to re-watch this at some point - but not until all 3 seasons are complete^^
Overall this drama is very enjoyable to watch, you will be laughing, crying, going WTH?! lol - all sorts of emotions and they make the show amazing!
Was this review helpful to you?
Most of the family was pretty stupid in the way they thought about money, they'd blow it in one day and be on the streets the next, either b/c they were addicted to shopping, or were easily conned into believing in get rich quick schemes. and we have the adopted son of the grandma who is around the same age as her grandson that I love ^-^ He would try everything to "steal" away the inheritance - why? b/c he had such a huge debt on his shoulders from doing things he shouldn't & he has a sick mom to try & take care of. All of these reasons made me ask his one and only blood-related sister to trick the family into believing she was a lawyer (with the help of the internet, books & a couple 'real' lawyers) so she could keep track of where the money was flowing and how they could get their hands on it, as time goes by she keeps feeling more and more guilty for doing what her brother asked of her & tries to convince herself to run away more than once. She gets conflicted between helping her brother & caring for the family that treats her so kind, not to mention the grandson she finds herself drawn to <3
The grandma has gone down in my books as the best grandma in dramaland ever to exist - I loved her character! and her clothing style and hairstyle were awesome for a grandma ;) I mean how many grandmas would have pink in their hair? ;D She also has a heartbreaking reason why she left her family for America for 50yrs - if I were her I would never forgive her husband -_- He was horrible and did things to her that are disgraceful for anyone to do no matter what they thought to someone they love.
Dong Sook (the grandson) was so adorably cute on this drama, I wanted to wrap him in my arms so many times, and peck him on the cheek for being so gosh darn cute ^^ I loved his character, he was faithful, loyal and trustworthy - the way he talked with his caring sweet soft voice was like heaven to my ears. The way he cared for his grandma was like no one else in that family, he truly sincerely loved her. They were almost like 2 peas in a pod. A pair that couldn't be beat ^-^ They were the perfect team. He also slowly finds himself drawn to this mysterious lawyer who came to his home, and starts to find himself falling in love <3 When things get revealed little by little can his love for her stand the rough waters that are breaking a bit of his trust in her?
The music was perfect for this drama, my favorite song was 'Cry' by Bae Ki Sung (no it's not a sad ballad - it was the entertaining song of the show) I still sing to it & love it.
I will definitely re-watch this someday - I loved every episode and especially the grandma, Dong Sook & Joon Hee (the 'fake' lawyer) - as well as that mischievous little devil Joon Ha (the adopted son).
I personally highly recommend this drama :D
Was this review helpful to you?
Story: About a man called Frost who due to an accident when young lost most of his emotions and had his hair turned white. He and his team of "buddies" solve cases dealing with psychology. Every episode deals with a different case - but there is one underlying case involving Frost that starts showing itself mid-way.
Cast: Dr.Frost (Song Chang Eui) This is the first drama I am recognizing him in and I think he did a great job, he's attractive even with the 'white' hair ;) His very rational and thought processing mind was very believable. I liked how I could see the puzzle pieces come together in his eyes. I wouldn't mind working for him myself^^. Yoon Seung Ah (Jung Eun Chae) First time I've seen this actress too, I liked her as the novice apprentice who has a totally different character than Frost - they worked well together. Cheon Sang Won (Choi Jung Woo) was great as the head professor. (I always enjoy seeing this actor in dramas). Song Sun (Lee Yoon Ji) at first I didn't like her b/c of her animosity towards Frost but about half-way in the drama, she stopped acting rude and was then pleasant to watch ;) Nam Tae Bong (Sung Ji Ru) I loved him as the Detective - always bringing new cases for Frost to help solve, he made the drama even better by being there. All the supporting and guest characters did a good job.
Music: It was good and suspenseful at times but I don't remember any actual songs.
Re-watch Value: 5.5 - If I get hungry for some psychological stuff again I may re-watch a couple episodes here and there.
Was this review helpful to you?
