Start Again and Know Bliss Called Happiness

Things will be fine when you turn 30.

I have difficulty memorizing my passwords all the more to remember my 30s. According to the writer of this drama, when one turns 30 years old, one tends to be melodramatic. I am 42 years old and have reached half of the life expectancy limit. Is it the worst for me then? At this point, the inevitable question we often find ourselves asking is --- What have I accomplished so far?

Being the second Korean drama (the first one was "Search: WWW") I watched that compared life and love to a designer bag, I begin to wonder how so?

What I love most about this drama is the friendship of Jin Joo, Eun Jong, Han Joo, and Jae Hoon. But among the four, I like Eun Jong. Her character intrigued me the most. Jin Joo (Chun Woo Hee) and Beom (Ahn Jae Hong) Soo's relationship is the closest reality as it can be. Their conversations speak not only of the truth but of the elephant in the room in most relationships.

There is a great deal of narration in this drama. I would take this as an exercise of the mind. It got me thinking and made me realize a lot of things in life.

If relationships fail, do you also see yourself as a failure? Or maybe fail to grow in that relationship? It just did not work at all. Every breakup has its share of resentment and remorse. I might be saying this and that. And a lot may react with the words easier said than done. But what you take are lessons and good memories.

Do people change? For every break up, do you feel that somebody or something died that day? Does your old self remain and die? Do you want to forget that old self and never look back? At times, confronted with the question, do you remember yourself in the past? Have you set up a funeral for that old self?

I would like to believe that one can change within the situation. People can be resilient if need be and tend to adapt. In the end, the truest of ourselves remains. As long as we never stop our desire to start again, we may attain the bliss called happiness.

On another note, I can see that this drama is somehow underrated. But amidst the raw kind of vibe of this drama is a depth that somehow only sentimental people can fathom. I might sound bias, but not all people are fond of drama with a lot of talks and less action.

But then again, what I love most about this drama is it pounds you down to your core. I feel like I was reading the book entitled Men are from Mars; Women are from Venus.

To iterate what I meant:
Men: "What matters is my feelings, not the words I say."
Women: "Say the right words. Sweep me off my feet with your words."

Consistency means quality. Sometimes in the middle of airing, TV drama tends to fall short of its substance. It may have a very impressive beginning but maintaining the interest and curbing interest is another story. But not this one. That is why this drama is a must-see!

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When a king fails to protect its people is tragic

Most of the reviews I have read regarding Empress Ki explicitly mentioned the number of episodes that this Korean drama has and how they tend to reconsider watching this show because of that. I must say, this isn’t an easy feat but worth watching nonetheless.

The story takes us on Empress Ki/Wild Dog’s journey from almost being sold as a slave or tribute, passed on to various countries/dynasties, and finally on the throne. Being a foreigner to South Korea, I need to catch up on the history of the dynasties to have a better understanding of the plot. Its history proved to be a compelling read.

King Wang Yoo of Goryeo(Joo Jin Mo) grew to respect Ki Seung Nyang (Ha Ji Won) through the moments that she taught him to wield his bow and arrow. Unknowest to him at first that Seung Nyang is a girl and not a thug boy. Unable to defend his people from General Councillor and because of famine and lack of support, King Wang Yoo was deposed and was brought to a place of no hope and disguised as a beggar. Meanwhile, Seung Nyang crossed paths with the Imperial King of the Yuan Dynasty at a very unexpected circumstance.

One of the highlights of this drama is the journey of Imperial King Ta Hwan (played by Ji Chang Wook) and how instrumental Seung Nyang to his journey as Yuan Emperor.

Kinship, betrayal, revenge, and triumph are the things to expect from their story. I must say, I had so much fun watching Ji Chang Wook portrayed his character here. I am not sure whether to laugh at him, pity him, and be angry towards the character he portrays. He displayed his acting chops on this drama.

Each of the kings and crowned princes have their reasons to protect what is theirs. It boils down to protecting their people.

Powerful Scene. When a king bows and kneel to someone of lower stature, that is difficult to muster for the deposed king of Goryeo.

Wang Yoo’s life is one hell of a roller coaster life! I have to say it’s rather tragic and sad life. But when you are a king, there is no greater failure when you can’t protect your people. Hence, he has the characteristic of a noble king.

After going through so much but still having the same ill-fated ending gives me frustrations and mixed feelings for both the characters and plot. But this didn’t stop me from finishing this drama. The secret to getting through all 51 episodes is to enjoy every scene and be in the moment as the story beautifully unfolds. Before you know it, you are watching the last episode.

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We All Lie

This drama reminded me of this Western TV series Wisteria Lane Desperate Housewives and a suburban TV series entitled to that of the neighborhood they live infused as one. It is somehow giving off that vibe. But on a serious note, the plot is a cutthroat reality of the educational system in the country of South Korea. A lot of power play in this drama.

As I carefully examine the lives of the women in these series and their role as queen of their respective houses, I cannot help but place myself in their shoes. I have never believed that a woman could only function as someone who picks the children from school, prepare meals, and see to the comfort situation at home. Not to sound so feminist, I do believe that a woman could also have a career, run a house, and have time for herself. Yes, it could be quite a challenging feat, and a lot of times, only one role emerges supreme. It is to the point that she has to give up one or the other. Although for me, I have always challenged the status quo. Our parents put us to a reputable school and struggled the same to make something of our lives.

Don't get me wrong; I think there is nothing wrong with staying at home and be a full-time mom and wife. It is the noblest and the hardest of jobs/role to be with no salary at that. I am just saying women should also have a choice not to succumb to the norm of society and tradition.

The mystery that engulfed this drama is one great reason why you need to stick this one out through the finish line. All actors gave it their all and gave a superb job in giving its audience the astounding acting experience there is. Intrigue, tears, mystery, innocent love, and passion all rolled into one incredible drama.

I like character Oh Na Ra's character Jin-Jin as she brings out the lightness to the ever seriousness of the other characters. What I find disturbing is the sleeping arrangement of some couples. Do they sleep in separate beds? Is that how a wealthy married couple lives? I was seriously stunned by a sudden culture shock upon seeing that for the first time! Hilariously extreme scenes, to the point where you do not know whether to be angry or laugh, are one of the highlights of the drama.

Thoughts to ponder.
There are always things that we cannot control.
When are you going to be enough? Shall we define everyone by the profession you are in, how much money you have in the bank? If you are living in the most prestigious and posh neighborhood? When are we ever going to be enough? Can we just be a father, husband, mother, wife, son, daughter, and friend?

As a parent myself, there is nothing we cannot do for our children. What kind of happiness and success do parents want for their children? And is this aligned with their's as well?

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Make your PRESENT ( NOW) GOOD ENOUGH

No matter how long or short a relationship was and no matter the reason for the break ups... still.. all break ups hurt. . No one can deny that your past happened. But try to make your present good enough. This drama dwells on both premises.

OUR MAIN LEADS
Both Dr. Kim Hae Kyung (Song Seung Heon) and PD Woo Do Hee (Seo Ji Hye) suffered hurtful breakups. As he tries to move on from an 8 year old relationship, he met Woo Do Hee in a plane to Jeju Island. Who would have thought that one meal shared together could lead to so much more.

No names. No sharing of personal information, they decided to become dinner mates with the following set of rules:
1. Use a messaging app to contact each other
2. Let’s eat meal together when both are available and plan one day in advance
3. Take turns in picking the menu
4. No borrowing or lending of money
5. Unless it’s about the location and time of the place where we are going to eat a meal, do not try to contact otherwise
6. no dating
7. No touching each other
8. No forcing to have meals that both will not enjoy
9. Do not cross the lines as friends

With such meeting arrangement, one is bound to break the rules. Woo Do Hee began to question if things are just happening or is it ultimately destiny. As they say, there are no coincidences, only fate. But things are too complicated with both their lives especially when past loves enter the picture.

Nevertheless, at one point or another, we seek that great love. We ultimately want that epic love story we can tell our children and children’s children. We want to believe that the love we have now .. the person we are with now was because of destiny and that you are fated to be with that person. For those people who haven’t found theirs, waiting for fate to come.

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When Sun Hoon ssi Is Your Ultimate Bias

It’s a small world after all. The story revolves around a group of people closely related whether it’s about marriage, first love, love-hate relationship and friendship. Again, just like any Korean drama, this story has proven that South Korea is but one small country that everyone knows everyone and their lives get to intertwined.

Since this drama has 54 episodes and my reason for watching is because of my bias, Sung Hoon, I practically skipped the other character’s storyline and went straight to Kim SangMin(the character played by Sung Hoon). I have watched his recent works and retraced my steps to this 2016 Korean drama of his. I have been watching him in I Live Alone this past few weeks as well. I must say, I like his character here although its a total opposite of his personality in real life. That’s one of the main reason he accepted this project as he admittedly said so in one of his interviews.

His chemistry with his love interest Yeonte/Yeondu (played by Shin Hye Sun) in this drama is shown and the push and pull relationship they have makes this drama all the more interesting. Its cute and hilarious at the same time. It is so fascinating to watch.

WINNING MOMENTS. Since Sung Hoon is my ultimate bias at the moment, I was so flustered watching Episode 24. I couldn’t imagine him confessing like that in front of me and YeonTae’s reaction was just daebak!

This is the cheesiest Korean drama and relationship that I ever watched. I thought Weightlifting Kim Bok Chu or Strong Woman were the cheesiest of the cheesiest but this drama trumps them all. Trust me! I had tons of laughter being a witness to Sangmin’s and Yeonte’s dating tips and know hows!

Note that I didn’t even focus on our main characters in this drama (forgive me readers). But when you watch this drama, you get to understand Korean culture altogether. How people deal with their in-laws and parents. On how they value their parents and in-laws most especially even beyond when the relationship severed by death. One of the main character ,Lee SangTae (played by Ahn Jae Wook) remained to be a good son in-law even after the death of his wife.

THOUGHTS to PONDER: Time ultimately heals all wounds. One just needs to hang in there in any way possible. In a way that you know how. Don’t worry about being judged on how you cope up. Things will get better.

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Even an Introvert Wants Only to be Loved and to be Understood

Unexpectedly delightful. When I started watching this, I am not even familiar with both the female and male lead on this Korean drama but I gave it a try since it was recommended by one of the articles written in Drama list.

I must say I was all giggles and laughter. Although the inner plot of this series is somehow relevant to what is happening in a lot of countries, not only in South Korea, United States but even in third world countries like the Philippines. This is a must watch indeed tackling on issues on depression, suicide, inflicting pain to oneself when stressed or faced with inevitable ordeals. On the lighter note, this series also teaches us about love, acceptance and understanding — with much depth than the mere word itself.

Our Leads. Yeon Woo Jin, who played Eun Hwan Ki , CEO of a big PR company did an outstanding job portraying as an introvert with inferior complex plus overly (in the superlative sense) obsessive-compulsive disorder behaviour. He completes his ensemble with a black hoodie as he doesn’t want to speak to people much more give out speeches and presentations, a much required task considering the nature of his company. In contrast, our female lead Chae Ro Woon played by Park Hye Soo considers these traits as his strengths rather than his weakness. She applied to the company with one goal only — REVENGE and avenge her sister who committed suicide and was wronged by Eun Hwan Ki’s family and company. She didn’t expect to find love along the way and to be loved by someone unexpectedly as well.

POWERFUL SCENE. When Eun Hwan Ki gave a presentation, I had a hard time looking at him ... so pitiful ... and it made me cringe and I was really waiting for him to overcome it .. but I guess it isn’t easy at all considering he haven’t done anything like this before. In all of this he silently suffered. His indifference was misunderstood continuously by people surrounding him including his family. What comforted him is his sister and friend ( co-CEO of the company as well). Although at the beginning , I doubted his friend and his intentions were.

I watched this series with much delight and laughter but not with a heavy heart in spite of the plot and storyline. I highly recommend you watching this as well.

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I watched this drama after a recommendation of a fellow contributor here in Drama List. Thank you for the recommendation. I read the synopsis and I was intrigued since I love fantasy genres especially with powerful beings like the Great Sage and Devil King. ( I love Lucifer, a western tv series as well).

First Episode. I know that first impressions last. At first I find the effects not that impressive but I just continue watching with an open mind and an understanding. I prioritize the plot rather than the effects.
I am just beginning to notice our male lead, although I have delayed watching King 2 hearts. This is the first show/series of Lee Seung Gi that I have watched, so I didn’t know what to expect.

First two to three episodes, kind of slow for me and I am not impressed with the female lead as well. It seems to me, she seemed to be stoic. But I kept an opened mind because I love the plot and the irony of things here especially when it comes to the love story.

This is why I mentioned on my header that this series can grow on you. I didn’t give up and continue to watch. Eventually, I can see that the plot thickens and with the unfolding of the predicament of their love story, I can see that our female lead blossom into something. And I have appreciated her then.

The devil king and the other characters. I love that they have their own back stories to tell. And I love the relationship between the Devil King and the Great Sage.

Ending. And yet again, with an open ending although it is bound to happen, I am kind hoping for a happy and close ending. Nevertheless, I recommend this show, worthy to binge.

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Hoping for Reincarnation to Be Real

"If life gets a bit tough, just think and hold on to a happy memory. Life must move on. "

This drama might as well be an arrow to the heart for someone who badly needs someone to be reincarnated right now. The drama's premise is quite a homerun and a heartbreaker at that.

I have high hopes for this drama and was hesitant to watch it as its title implies, see you in my 19th life. I have recently lost my husband of 22 years and I am in a disposition that I desperately wish that everything that was happening to Seo Ha will happen to me too. It was funny for me for the first few episodes as I keep on seeing Shin Hye Sun's character in Mr. Queen. It's like the first few episodes have this Mr. Queen vibe.

Towards the last episodes, I just felt that the drama lacks something....like I thought the story is going to reach its highest heights with an impressive and striking impact. I watched Episode 12 without experiencing that.

Nevertheless, some of the lines in the drama left a great memory for me, and Ahn Bo Yun's smile and mesmerizing eyes are the reasons why I keep on and enjoyed the drama till the end.

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Wickedly Hilarious

I completely passed on this title on Netflix because I thought oh, who's the ML and FL? But then I saw them as guests on a variety show Amazing Saturday and I was taken over by the ML. I am so glad that I get to watch the drama.
Very hilarious and awesome chemistry between the leads. I watched this because of Kim Ji Hoon at first but I was taken by Yoo Teo's charm and his face and aura fit a Noir film for sure.

This drama was easy watch and I was laughing all the time. Very light and fun to watch drama. The romance isn't bad at all either! Very realistic!

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Even if this life seems like a failure, still always try your best

Just like the computer, with the presence of a virus, sometimes there is nothing left to do but reformat and reboot.

This drama scores a home run right in the core of my being. I have given up long ago on the notion that men can read minds. The idea that the person whom we consider or have the potential to be our lifelong partners should know how we women operate. Women often thought that men know what is on our minds all the time and how they should react to any given situation.

Well, I have given up on that fact. The truth? Men are NOT mind-readers. They would rather have us tell them what exactly we want. They would prefer us to include details after details. Frustrating as it seems, we merely could not accept that for some reason.

Women want to be swept-off on their feet. We triumph on every small victory when our significant others give us things even before we tell them and when they say the right things at the right moment. For some, these thoughts would only remain a fantasy, an after-thought at best.

It is one of the reasons why I love Lee Min Ki's character, Nam Se Hee, so much! He based everything, including his decision making on data. According to him, data does not lie. But the way you use data and interpret them and use them, that is the crucial part. I have to hand this to the writer. I think she and I think alike. To save relationships, we soberly have to compromise. It may be arduous to fathom, its REALITY. As the famous book quotes: "Men are from Mars and women are from Venus."

THOUGHTS to PONDER
In relationships, whenever asked your ultimate goal for your significant others, more often than not, this is the answer:

I like to see you smile.
I want to make you happy.
I cannot live without you.

Contrary to the purpose of the question, none of the subjects of the sentences talks about the other person. Instead, all sentences started with the word "I" when suppose to be the center of attention, is YOU.

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There Is No Greater Enemy Than Yourself - A Cheese in the Trap Review

As this story unfolds and Yoo Jeong (Park Hae Jin) finally comes into terms of how his life was ..starting from a longing affection and acceptance from his dad and family, people whom he thinks are his friends and will be with him no matter what his personality is, to being misunderstood as a growing teenager.

First two episodes, I grew angry at Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun) for not taking care of herself and allow herself to be this vulnerable . I think I have this woman complex that woman can be strong and can survive in a very harsh environment. I am glad that eventually, she’d learn to say “no”, stand up for herself and learn to say things that she usually kept bottled inside. I can definitely relate to her about talking to the many version of yourself to the point of arguing and talking to herself (very true and happening, believe me)

CHARACTERS
Our female lead depicted her character effectively so that I can relate to her somehow. About doing things yourself if you want things done but then again the assignment/ project calls for team effort. I see myself in Hong Seol sometimes that I began to realize how pathetic i can be sometimes .

Our male lead was true to his character as well ... there is no greater enemy that yourself. I think a lot of people can relate to Yoo Jeong and what his world’s like. In my opinion, judging people upfront is what divides us sometimes. A little understanding goes a long way just as Hong Seol is to Yoo Jeong. There are a lot of powerful episodes in this Kdrama and I recommend people watch this and have an open mind and heart while watching this and your experience watching this will really take you to a much higher heights…beyond their love story.

Baek In Ho ( Seo Kang Joon). There is no greater sadness than an unreciprocated love. Being rejected is another powerful emotion that not a lot of people can survive. I hope viewers can draw inspiration from the character In ho Baek that starting from his family, he was rejected too but someone showed him something that he can be good at like playing the piano and draws strength from that. I like that he was able to survive it all and find his own happiness and luckily finds someone that will love him back as well.

Episode 4 made me smile all the way up to my tears. The first experience of attraction by a guy is something that a girl wants to experience over and over. For someone who had gone far through life already, the thought of going back to that moment where life is simple as deciding whether you like a certain guy or not or whether to agree to go out with that guy is something of far memory now . Ahhh the taste of youthful love and crush. This is how this tv show is trying to get us to.. to that experience ... to that first moment ... to that sweet confession and ... to the sweetest question a guy can ask a girl...

Two people not able to communicate their feelings either towards each other or towards how they feel about their situation. They just kept it in their thoughts and bottled up. They talk to themselves and not to each other.

How can this relationship (whatever this is) survive when it didn’t start off with honesty.

The punk or the nerd ??? hahahaha

Episode 12 about honesty. A much powerful episode if one tries to dissect every word that Hong Seol said to Jeong. For people who isn’t keen on admitting some hard truths and letting their significant others know that is something more than mustering your feelings. As the character of Yoo Jeong portrays its is really difficult to admit things where you are most vulnerable . It takes more than a confession of feelings to admit that and make you come into terms of everything that is bottled up inside.

The only flaw I see in Cheese in a Trap is why they have a different ending compared to the webtoon version. I really want to know what the scriptwriter was thinking. As much as the ending frustrates me, I just want to imagine that there is hope for Yoo Jeong and Hong Sol as they deserve to be happy and that their love can survive in our sometimes harsh reality. I just hope that viewers can see beyond what is in mere surface of this K drama

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